1. Cultural and life style practices associated with low inflammatory physiology in Japanese adults.
- Author
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Coe CL, Miyamoto Y, Love GD, Karasawa M, Kawakami N, Kitayama S, and Ryff CD
- Subjects
- Adult, Asia, Eastern, Humans, Japan, Life Style, Obesity, C-Reactive Protein analysis, Interleukin-6
- Abstract
Japan is an exceptionally healthy East Asian country with extended longevity. In addition, the typical levels of several proinflammatory proteins, including both C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), are often reported to be low when compared to American and European populations. This analysis determined if blood levels of CRP and IL-6 were associated with 4 cultural practices reflective of Japanese behavior and customs -- drinking tea, eating seafood, consuming vegetables, and partaking in relaxing baths regularly - among 382 adults living in Tokyo. Regression models controlled for demographic factors, adiposity (BMI), physical exercise, smoking, alcohol use, and chronic illness (e.g., diabetes). Consuming a Japanese diet was associated with significantly lower CRP and IL-6 levels. More frequent bathing was associated with lower IL-6, but not specifically predictive of low CRP. This study has confirmed prior evidence for low inflammatory activity in Japanese adults and its association with several behavioral practices common in Japan., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2020
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