Relationship between metabolic syndrome and cigarette smoking in the Japanese population

Objective We investigated the link between metabolic syndrome and cigarette smoking in the Japanese population. Methods A total of 3,177 Japanese subjects aged 20-79 years were recruited in a cross-sectional clinical investigation study. Habits of cigarette smoking were obtained at interviews by well-trained staff. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was based on the new criterion in Japan. Results Four hundred and forty men (35.3%) and 142 women (7.4%) were current smokers. Three hundred thirty four men (26.8%) and 69 women (3.6%) were diagnosed as metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of current smoker in subjects with metabolic syndrome was significantly higher than in subjects with non-metabolic syndrome in men with and without adjustment for age. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in men with Brinkman index >= 600 was significantly higher than that in men with Brinkman index<600. Conclusion The present study indicated that cigarette smoking may be an important modifiable factor in Japanese men with metabolic syndrome.