Each individual MetS component or 3. (175 out of 1384) participants fulfilled MetS criteria. The ORs for MetS development among adults initially having one or two MetS components were 2.8 and 7.3, respectively (both p < 0.01), versus the TGR-1202 adults having zero MetS component count at screening. Central obesity carried an OR of 7.5 (p < 0.01), which far exceeded other risk factors (all ORs < 2.7). Synergistic effects on MetS development existed between coupling MetS components: 1. High blood pressure plus low-HDL demonstrated an OR of 11.7 (p < 0.01) for MetS development and an SI of 4.7 (95% CI, 2.1-10.9). 2. High blood pressure plus hyperglycemia had an OR of 7.9 (p < 0.01), and an SI of 2.7 (95% CI, 1.2-6.4). == Conclusion == MetS component count and combination can be used in predicting MetS development for participants potentially at risk. Worksite MetS screening programs simultaneously allow for finding out cases and for assessing risk of MetS development. == Background == Metabolic syndrome (MetS) management programs conventionally focused on the adults having MetS [1-3]; while risk assessment for MetS development is also important for many middle-aged adults TGR-1202 potentially at risk but do not yet TGR-1202 fulfill MetS criteria at screening. Risk assessments for MetS development by utilizing data from lifestyle investigations [4,5] or MetS components, such as elevated blood pressure, dyslipidemia and obesity, have been studied in general population surveys [6,7]. In terms of multi-functional applications and budget effectiveness for health Rabbit Polyclonal to STA13 managements, it is worth to investigate whether the records, such as MetS component measurements, from a MetS screening program can be further applied on the risk assessment for MetS development. For the large middle-aged working population, however, there is a lack of comprehensive follow-up survey examining whether 1. The MetS component count, 2. Each individual MetS component or 3. The combinations of individual MetS components are associated with MetS development. Since periodic routine health examinations are compulsory for workers at many worksites in Taiwan, we have the opportunity to observe the development of MetS among middle-aged employees. Therefore, we conducted this workplace-based retrospective follow-up study to evaluate whether the readymade database from the MetS screening program is helpful in risk assessment for MetS development in middle-aged Taiwanese adults. == Methods == == Study populations == In accordance with theLabor Health Protection Regulation, 1648 employees from an electricity manufacturing company underwent compulsory health checkups in 2002 and 2007. The final analysis of this follow-up study included only the adults who did not fulfill the TGR-1202 MetS criteria in 2002. Among the 1648 workers undergoing health examinations in both 2002 and 2007, 256 employees’ records were excluded from the present study because of having MetS in 2002. A total of 1384 adults (338 female and 996 male) constituted a cohort; and their records were used for endpoint analysis. This health examination was open to all registered employees during every working day, for one-month duration. The examinees were suggested to avoid strenuous physical exercise during the three-day span prior to undergoing the health examination. Subjects’ identities were anonymous and unlinked to the data. This analytical study followed the ethical criteria for human research; the study protocol (TYGH09702108) was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Tao-Yuan General Hospital, Taiwan. Written informed consent was obtained from each participant. == Demographics, lifestyle data, biological measurements and sonogram examinations == In 2002, a questionnaire about baseline personal history, including physical exercise, smoking, drinking and dietary habits, was completed by the examinees. Physical examinations and blood tests were performed on all participants in both 2002 and 2007. The participants arrived at the health care unit of the factory in the morning between 07:30 and 09:30 AM, after an overnight 8 h fast. The physical examination records included measurements of waist circumference, weight, height, and blood pressure. Waist circumferences were measured midway between the lowest rib.