Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) are commonly used liver function markers. We performed a dose–response meta-analysis to investigate the association between liver enzymes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in prospective cohort studies. We conducted a systematic search up to April 2018 in Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Embase databases. Combined hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a random-effects model as described by DerSimonian and Laird. Dose–response analysis was also carried out. Twenty-three studies with 1 067 922 participants reported association between GGT and CVD mortality and were included in our analysis. Pooled results showed a significant association between GGT and risk of CVD mortality (HR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.47–1.78, P=0.001, P-heterogeneity=0.001) and it was HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.73–1.07; P=0.221, P-heterogeneity=0.028, for ALT. There was a direct association between baseline levels of ALP and AST/ALT ratio with CVD mortality (HR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.11–1.89; P=0.005, P-heterogeneity=0.026, and HR: 2.20; 95% CI: 1.60–3.04; P=0.001, P-heterogeneity=0.540, respectively). Pooled results did not show any significant association between AST and the risk of CVD mortality (HR: 1.20; 95% CI: 0.83–1.73; P=0.313, P-heterogeneity=0.024). Moreover, there was a significant nonlinear association between GGT and ALP levels and the risk of CVD mortality (P=0.008 and 0.016, respectively). Our dose–response meta-analysis revealed a direct relationship between GGT and ALP levels and the risk of CVD mortality. High levels of GGT, ALP and AST/ALT were associated with an increased CVD mortality rate.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

There is a lack of knowledge regarding the effect of polymorphisms of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) gene on the age of obesity onset. Hence, 3 polymorphisms of the PGC-1α gene (PGC-1α rs17574213, rs8192678, and rs3755863) were examined in association with obesity onset age. Also, obesity onset age-related metabolic status and body composition were evaluated. This cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 321 obese participants. Anthropometric and biochemical information, body composition, and PGC-1α gene sequences were analyzed. The rs17574213 polymorphism was associated with obesity onset in children aged <1 years and 10-18 years. The rs8192678 polymorphism was associated with obesity onset in adulthood. Body mass index, body fat percent, and trunk fat were higher in groups whose obesity began at age <1 year or 10-18 years than in other groups. Serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol were lowest in the group with obesity onset between the ages of 10 and 18 years. Visceral fat and fasting blood glucose were highest in those whose obesity began in adulthood. In conclusion, 2 polymorphisms of the PGC-1α gene were associated with obesity onset age.