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Bone metabolism is a complicated process, which involves bone modeling and remodeling. If this process is unbalanced, bone loss and resultant osteoporosis might occur. Recently, nutrition supplementations such as n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are considered to be used on improving the bone metabolism and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. To more precisely assess the effects of n‐3 PUFA supplementation on bone mass and clarify its potential mechanism, we have conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Based on the strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 articles were included in this meta‐analysis. The results in articles show that n‐3 PUFAs could slightly enhance the level of bone mineral density (BMD) (0.005 g/cm2; 95% CI, 0.000–0.010) (n = 7), which was the primary outcome for the research in comparison with the control group. In addition, the results also illustrate that the increasing effect on BMD (0.024 g/cm2; 95% CI, 0.020–0.028) became more significant for postmenopausal women. N‐3 PUFAs had no significance on the level of bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) (−0.24 µg/L; 95% CI, −0.86 to 0.39) and osteocalcin (−0.63 μg/L; 95% CI, −1.84 to 0.57) (n = 5), which are the specific markers of bone formation. When compared with the eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid supplementation, the supplementation form of α‐linolenic acid significantly increased the content of BALP (0.396 µg/L; 95% CI, 0.069–0.724). The effects of n‐3 PUFAs on bone resorption biomarkers containing type I collagen cross‐linked C‐terminal peptide (CTX) and type I collagen cross‐linked N‐terminal peptide (NTX) are considered and used in our study. Results indicated that participants who received n‐3 PUFAs significantly decreased the level of CTX in the human body (−0.367 μg/L; 95% CI, −0.726 to −0.007) (n = 4). However, there was no significant difference in NTX levels in humans after supplementation with n‐3 PUFA (−1.744 µg/L; 95% CI, −3.970–0.481) (n = 3). For postmenopausal women, it presented a significant decreasing level of CTX (−0.393 µg/L; 95% CI, −0.651 to −0.135) and NTX (−2.082 µg/L; 95% CI, −2.970 to −1.195) within their bodies. In conclusion, these findings suggested that n‐3 PUFAs might have a beneficial effect on bone health, especially for α‐linolenic acid supplementation form or for postmenopausal women., N‐3 PUFAs may play a beneficial role on bone health by inhibiting bone resorption, as well as promoting bone formation and enhancing BMD, especially for ALA intervention form or for postmenopausal women. In addition, n‐3 PUFAs supplementations might have short‐term effects for bone turnover markers and long‐term effects for BMD.

Infants with congenital deficiency have high risk of glucose metabolism disorder, and often experience rapid growth in early childhood. However, the role of rapid growth on glucose metabolism is controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the association of rapid growth with fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). We searched EMBASE and Medline for English articles, and CNKI and WANFANG database for Chinese articles. Studies measuring the associations between rapid growth and insulin or HOMA-IR were included. Relevant information was extracted independently by two reviewers. Random effects model was adopted for combined and stratified analyses. At last, twenty-two relevant studies for insulin and 20 for HOMA-IR were identified. Rapid growth was associated with high insulin (weighted mean differences [WMD] 5.544, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.436, 9.653], P = 0.008) and high HOMA-IR (WMD 0.194, 95% CI [0.098, 0.290], P 0.001). This elevated association was statistically significant in rapid growth subjects that were6 years old, full-term, and from developed countries. However, rapid growth among low birth weight subjects did not lead to high insulin and HOMA-IR, but decreased HOMA-IR among preterm children (WMD -0.305, 95% CI [-0.607, -0.004], P = 0.047). Follow-up age was positively correlated with HOMA-IR (r = 0.095, P 0.001). This meta-analysis suggested that rapid growth would result in high insulin and HOMA-IR, especially for full-term infants. However, rapid growth is relatively harmless for subjects who are6 years old, low birth weight or SGA, and is even protective for preterm subjects.

Summary Background & aims To establish the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and risks of mortality and disability among the Elderly. Methods A systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis was performed. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar were searched systematically until December 2017 for relative studies reporting the hazard ratio (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of all-cause mortality or disability across different BMI categories. Results 44 studies (37 studies on all-cause mortality and 9 studies on disability) were included in the meta-analysis. The restricted cubic spline model presents a U-shape trend, which suggests a relationship between BMI and all-cause mortality. As BMI increased, the all-cause mortality decreased from 1.49 (95% CI: 1.31, 1.71) to 0.96 (95% CI: 0.93, 0.98) in the 14.0–27.9 range and increased from 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94, 0.99) to 1.95 (95% CI: 1.37, 2.77) in the 28.0–47.9 range. In comparison with the reference BMI (23.0–23.9), the 24.0–29.0 BMI presented a significant protective effect, whereas 33.0 BMI presented a significant risk effect on all-cause mortality. For disability, the restricted cubic spline model shows a nonlinear relationship. Individuals with >28.0 BMI and 33.0 BMI were 19% (95% CI: 1.01, 1.40) and 43% (95% CI: 1.13, 1.82) more prone to disability risks compared with those in the reference group, respectively. Conclusions The lower-end recommended BMI range, underweight, and obesity among the elderly is associated with significantly increased risks of mortality and disability. The 23.0–28.0 BMI range may be the healthy weight range for the elderly group.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the effect of folic acid supplements on infant and child allergic diseases through systematic review and meta-analysis.Design: PubMed, The Cochrane Library and references of related articles published before January 1, 2020 were searched.Setting: Meta-analysis was used to explore the influence of folic acid on skin allergies (eczema, and atopic dermatitis) and respiratory allergies (asthma, wheezing, and allergic rhinitis).Participants: Data were collected from 15 studies with 244,018 individual participants from five different countries for meta-analysis.Results: Folic acid was confirmed as a risk factor for allergic diseases in infant and child. The risk of allergic diseases dramatically increased when maternal folic acid intake Conclusions: This study suggested that folic acid intake can be a risk factor for allergic diseases, especially respiratory tract allergies among infants and young children. Furthermore, pregnant women should pay attention to supplementation of folic acid from both folic acid supplements and fortified foods with folic acid during pregnancy.

To clarify the relationship between different breastfeeding duration and postpartum weight retention through meta-analysis.In this study, all relevant studies that described the effect of breastfeeding duration on postpartum weight retention were identified from Pubmed, Cochrane, and WANGFANG databases and so on (1960-2016). This meta-analysis had been registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42016038409).Fourteen cohort studies involving 66 comparisons were included. Compared with bottle-feeding mothers, breastfeeding mothers had significantly lower postpartum weight retention of -0.38 kg (95% confidence interval: -0.64, -0.11 kg). Subgroup analysis showed that, mothers who were primipara, less than 30 years old or normal pre-pregnancy body mass index had lower postpartum weight retention. When breastfeeding duration were stratified into12 weeks, 12 weeks-24 weeks, 24 weeks-48 weeks, and ≥48 weeks, postpartum weight retention in breastfeeding women presented a U-shaped trend: a decline during early breastfeeding duration (year 1) (from 0.23 kg at 12 weeks to -1.58 kg at 24-48 weeks) and then an increase in the follow-up duration (from -1.58 kg at 24-48 weeks to -0.97 kg at more than 48 weeks).Our results indicated that breastfeeding including exclusive breastfeeding and mixed breastfeeding were inversely related to postpartum weight retention. The decreasing influence of breastfeeding was more significant when the lactating mothers were less than 30 years old, primipara, normal pre-pregnant body mass index, or breastfeeding duration for 6-12 months.

Background Noncommunicable disease (NCD) has become the leading cause of mortality and disease burden worldwide. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out to investigate the prevalence of NCDs and risk factor control on dietary behaviors and dietary intake in China, Japan, and Korea. Results There were significant differences among the three countries on the prevalence of hypertension (24.5% in China, 17.6% in Korea, and 15.2% in Japan), diabetes (8.9% in China, 5.7% in Korea, and 4.8% in Japan), hyperlipidemia (13.1% in China, 9.2% in Korea, and 6.9% in Japan), and angina pectoris (3.6% in China, 1.7% in Korea, and 1.5% in Japan). The prevalence rate of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and angina pectoris was highest in China and lowest in Japan. However, 82.2%, 48.4%, and 64.4% of Chinese, Koreans, and Japanese presented good dietary behavior, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis found that sex, age, and marital status were predictors of good dietary behavior. In addition, in comparison with subjects without hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia, subjects with hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia significantly improved their dietary behaviors and controlled their intake of salt, sugar, and oil. Conclusions The prevalence of NCDs and trends in major modifiable risk factor control in China, Korea, and Japan remain troubling. Public efforts to introduce healthy lifestyle changes and systematic NCDs prevention programs are necessary to reduce the epidemic of NCDs in these three Asian countries., Highlights • The prevalences of hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia were highest in China. • The prevalences of hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia were lowest in Japan. • Some dietary behaviors improved hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. • These dietary behaviors differed by sex, age, and marital status.

Background Previous studies have suggested that children that are picky eaters may have a different and less varied diet than non-picky children, but the literature on picky eating in Chinese children is limited. Objectives To assess the prevalence of picky eating in 6–35 month-old Chinese children, and to explore how parents' perceptions of picky eating relate to children's intake and body composition. Methods 1414 6-35 month-old infants and toddlers from 8 Chinese cities were included in this study. Questionnaires were used to collect information on family demographic factors, child picky eating behaviors, food group rejection, and parents' perception of child weight status. Dietary intake data was collected via 24-h recall. Children's length/height and weight were measured. Results The reported prevalence of picky eating was higher in 24–35 month-olds (36% of children) compared to 6-11 month-olds (12%). There were no consistent significant differences in dietary intakes of nutrients between picky and non-picky eaters. Picky eating children whose parents indicated that they avoided eggs or fruit had lower intakes of these food groups compared to non-picky eaters, whereas those reported to avoid meat had higher meat intakes. Weight status was underestimated by parents of both picky and non-picky children. Conclusions Picky eating seems to occur at similar prevalence rates in China as has been reported in other countries. Parents' perceptions of food refusal do not reflect actual intakes, nor do nutrient intakes of picky eaters show additional gaps compared to non-picky eating children. In healthy children with typical growth patterns, picky eating seems to be a normal phase of development experienced by some children, without substantial consequences on their nutrient or food group intakes.

Summary Background & aims This study aims to assess the relationship among prepregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, and postpartum weight retention, and to clarify the predictors of the amount of weight retained by Chinese women after pregnancy. Methods The multistage stratified random sampling was used in the cross-sectional study. Results The subjects included 1643 women. Mean gestational weight gain was 15.9 kg and mean postpartum weight retention was 5.1 kg. 43.2% of women gained excessive gestational weight gain and 53.3% of women gained 5 kg or more postpartum weight retention. In addition, the proportions of underweight women with inadequate weight gain and overweight women with excessive weight gain were 24.2% and 52.3%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that the adjusted OR of excessive gestational weight gain was 1.74 (95% CI: 1.09–2.79) in overweight women compared with normal weight women. The postpartum weight retention and the proportion of women with postpartum weight retention of 5 kg or more were significantly higher in the excessive gestational weight gain women than in the adequate gestational weight gain women in all three body mass index groups. The adjusted OR of a weight increase of 5 kg or more was at least 1.90 for underweight, normal weight, and overweight women with a gestational weight gain above the recommended amount compared with those with a gestational weight gain within the recommended amount. Conclusions Gestational weight gain above the recommended amount increases the risk of postpartum weight retention in all body mass index groups.

ObjectiveTo determine the association of gestational weight gain (GWG) or pre-pregnancy BMI with postpartum weight retention (PPWR).DesignMeta-analysis.SettingPubMed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, Current Contents Connects and Biosis Previews were used to search articles.SubjectsPublications that described the influence of pre-pregnancy BMI or GWG on PPWR.ResultsSeventeen studies that satisfied the eligibility criteria were included in the analyses. Women with inadequate and excessive GWG had significantly lower mean PPWR of −2·14 kg (95 % CI –2·43, –1·85 kg) and higher PPWR of 3·21 kg (95 % CI 2·79, 3·62 kg), respectively, than women with adequate GWG. When postpartum time spans were stratified into 1–3 months, 3–6 months, 6–12 months, 12–36 months and ≥15 years, the association between inadequate GWG and PPWR faded over time and became insignificant (−1·42 kg; 95 % CI −3·08, 0·24 kg) after ≥15 years. However, PPWR in women with excess GWG exhibited a U-shaped trend; that is, a decline during the early postpartum time span (year 1) and then an increase in the following period. Meta-analysis of qualitative studies showed a significant relationship between excessive GWG and higher PPWR risk (OR=2·08; 95 % CI 1·60, 2·70). Moreover, meta-analysis of pre-pregnancy BMI on PPWR indicated that mean PPWR decreased with increasing BMI group.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that GWG, rather than pre-pregnancy BMI, determines the shorter- or longer-term PPWR.

Studies have yet to determine whether or not equol can explain the chemopreventive effect of soy. In the present study, a single oral dose of 5 mg 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) was administered to 120 rats. After ovariectomy, these rats were divided into eight different treatment groups: control group (CG); high isoflavone (HI); middle isoflavone (MI); low isoflavone (Li); high equol (HE); middle equol (ME); low equol (LE); and oestrogen group (EG). At week 24 after DMBA was administered, tumour incidences were 60% (9/15) in CG, 13.3% (2/15) in the MI group, 13.3% (2/15) in the Li group, 6.7% (1/15) in the LE group, and 73.3% (11/15) in EG. Isoflavone/equol groups exhibited significantly lower incidences of tumour and longer mean latent period compared with CG and EG. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly decreased in the plasma of the rats in HI and MI groups as well as in equol treatment groups compared with CG. Moreover, RT-PCR and western blotting show that the mRNA and protein expression levels of ERα and ERβ were significantly higher in isoflavone/equol treatment groups than in CG. In conclusion, isoflavone/equol intake can significantly inhibit the development of post-menopausal mammary tumours by antioxidant activities and oestrogenic activities.

To determine the associations between isoflavone (49.72% genistin, 5.32% daidzin, 34.54% glycitin) and breast cancer risk, 150 rats were given 5 mg 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene and half of them were ovariectomized. Then normal rats and ovariectomized rats were divided into 5 groups: control group, isoflavone high (HI), middle (MI), or low (LI) dose group consuming 100, 500, or 1000 mg isoflavones/kg diet, estrogen group (2.5 mg stilboestrol/kg diet). After 24 weeks, tumor incidences were 73% in control group, 7% in HI, 7% in MI, 27% in LI, and 80% in estrogen group for normal rats; 60% in control group, 13% in HI, 7% in MI, 13% in LI, and 73% in estrogen group for ovariectomized rats. Isoflavone treatment decreased tumor incidence and mean tumor number per rat and increased mean latent period compared with those in control group and estrogen group group significantly (p

ObjectiveSeparate meta-analyses based on case–control and cohort studies have reported different results on the relationship between coffee consumption and colorectal cancer risk. To clarify the effect of coffee intake on colorectal cancer risk, we performed a meta-analysis based on both case–control and cohort studies.DesignReview study.SettingWe identified case–control and cohort studies related to coffee consumption and colorectal cancer risk listed on MEDLINE, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, EMBASE, Science Citation Index and PubMed (until May 2011).SubjectsResearch literature on the relationship between coffee consumption and colorectal cancer risk.ResultsTwenty-five case–control (15 522 cases) and sixteen cohort studies (10 443 cases) were included in the meta-analysis. Comparing the highest v. the lowest/non category of coffee consumption, the combined results from case–control studies showed a significant relationship with colorectal cancer (OR = 0·85, 95 % CI 0·75, 0·97) and colon cancer (OR = 0·79, 95 % CI 0·67, 0·95), but not rectal cancer (OR = 0·95, 95 % CI 0·79, 1·15). For cohort studies, there was a slight suggestion of an inverse association with colorectal cancer (relative ratio = 0·94; 95 % CI 0·88, 1·01) and colon cancer (OR = 0·93, 95 % CI 0·86, 1·01), rather than rectal cancer (OR = 0·98, 95 % CI 0·88, 1·09). In subgroup analyses using case–control studies, significant inverse associations were found in females for colorectal cancer and in Europe for colorectal and colon cancer, while the subgroup analyses of cohort studies found that coffee drinks substantially decreased risk of colon cancer only in Asian women.ConclusionsResults from case–control studies suggest coffee consumption can significantly decrease the risks of colorectal cancer and colon cancer, especially in Europe and for females.

Exposure to soy isoflavones has been associated with low mortality of prostate cancer. In this study, we examined the effects of (±)equol and two representative isoflavones, daidzein and genistein, on migration and invasion in human prostate cancer DU145 cells. First of all, the three regents did not show significant growth inhibitive effect in DU145 cells until the treatments last for 72 h. Treatment with 5 µM, 10 µM, 50 µM (±)equol, 0.5 µM, 1 µM, 5 µM daidzein and genistein for 24 h decreased cell migration and invasion significantly. (±)equol activated phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten at protein level but not mRNA level, which activated antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2. A reduction of malondialdehyde concentration, the product of lipid per-oxidation, was observed as well. Moreover, matrix metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator, the crucial members in metastasis, were down-regulated. Overall, our data indicate that (±)equol, daidzein and genistein may have significant anti-invasion effect in DU145 cells (in vitro). The effects induced by (±)equol may relate to its anti-oxidant effect mediated by phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten.

In recent years, the possibility that coffee consumption is associated with an increased incidence of coronary heart disease has gained renewed interest. Although epidemiological studies have failed to show consistently that coffee drinking is a factor in the development of coronary heart disease, reports suggest that coffee consumption may alter blood lipoprotein patterns and contribute to coronary heart disease by this mechanism. However, epidemiological studies and experimental studies investigating the associations of coffee consumption and serum lipids have yielded conflicting results. In addition, previous studies have showed that the effect of coffee consumption on serum lipids may be influenced by different brewing method, different coffee oil and caffeine content. This review will discuss the effect of coffee consumption and serum lipids and explore the possible influence factors and can act as a comprehensive treatise regarding the benefits and risks of coffee consumption on serum lipids.

Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of eating behaviour regarding dietary variety and nutrient intake of children. However, the association between picky eating and growth of children is still a topic of debate. This study sought to estimate the prevalence of picky eating and to identify possible associations with the growth of school-age children in China. In this survey, 793 healthy children aged 7–12 years were recruited from nine cities and rural areas in China using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Data collected included socio-demographic information and parents' perceptions of picky eating using a structured questionnaire, nutrient intake using 24-hour dietary recall, weight and height using body measurements, and intelligence using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. Blood samples were collected and analysed for minerals. The prevalence of picky eating reported by parents was 59.3% in children. Compared with non-picky eaters, picky eaters had a lower dietary intake of energy, protein, carbohydrates, most vitamins and minerals, and lower levels of magnesium, iron, and copper in the blood (p

OBJECTIVE Global clinical trials are important because they facilitate rapid delivery of new and effective drugs to patients Assessment of the current situation of clinical trials conducted in Asia is critical for improving performance of global clinical trials. However, review reports from China or other Asian countries are not yet available. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to investigate the current quality of clinical trials conducted in Shanghai, as well as Beijing. METHODS Questionnaires were distributed to medical doctors attending institutes in Beijing and Shanghai in which clinical trials have been conducted. These questionnaires were delivered and collected from both areas by the Peking University research team of Beijing and the Fudan University research team of Shanghai respectively. Analysis and evaluation were conducted by research teams from both China and Japan. RESULTS Subjects were randomly selected by the respective research team. A total of 145 questionnaires in Beijing and 162 in Shanghai were administered: all 307 questionnaires were completed. In total, 57.2% and 74.5% of respondents from Beijing and Shanghai, respectively, reported participation in audits and inspections on an annual basis conducted by their own institute. A total of 49.2% and 56.0% of respondents from Beijing and Shanghai, respectively, reported that they received reports after the audits and inspections by an institute. 23.5% and 37.7% of respondents from Beijing and Shanghai, respectively, reported participation in audits conducted annually by external authorities. A total of 18.9% and 29.5% of respondents from Beijing and Shanghai, respectively, reported that they received reports after the audits and inspections by an external authority. CONCLUSIONS Our research suggests that clinical trials in Shanghai, as well as in Beijing, are conducted vigorously and appropriately monitored by audits and inspections conducted by concerned institutes and/or by an external authority.

To evaluate the effect of treatment with β-conglycinin, a major soyabean protein, on blood lipids in menopausal women, we recruited 100 hyperlipidaemic women aged 40–60 years old. Participants were randomly allocated to three groups: placebo group (n 34, four casein tablets/d); low dose group (n 33, four tablets containing 2·3 g β-conglycinin/d); high-dose group (n 33, eight tablets containing 4·6 g β-conglycinin/d). The mean serum TAG concentration was significantly reduced after 6 and 12 weeks of β-conglycinin intervention by 0·44 (sd 0·20) and 0·78 (sd 1·03) mmol/l in the low-dose group, and by 0·46 (sd 0·17) and 1·25 (sd 1·06) mmol/l in the high-dose group, respectively. One-way ANOVA revealed that serum TAG concentrations in the low-dose and high-dose groups were significantly lowered compared with the placebo group at weeks 6 and 12 (Psd 0·72) and 0·52 (sd 0·97) mmol/l at week 12, respectively (PP

Purpose This study investigated the current quality of clinical trials conducted in China. Methods Questionnaires were administered to medical doctors belonging to institutes affiliated to Peking University in Beijing, China. The delivery and collection of questionnaires were conducted by a research team from China. Analysis and evaluation were conducted by research teams from both China and Japan. Results A total of 145 questionnaires were administered and 117 respondents included the name of the medical institution to which they belonged. A total of 56.3% of the respondents participated in audit and inspection by institutes and 50.5% of the respondents reported receipt of the audit findings. A further 23.6% participated in audits and inspections performed by an external authority and 20.2% reported the receipt of the audit findings. Conclusion Our research suggests that clinical trials in Beijing are well conducted and are monitored by both institutions and external authorities.