Legume intake and the risk of cancer: a multisite case–control study in Uruguay

Background

Previous studies have suggested that a high intake of legumes may decrease the risk of stomach and prostate cancer and some other cancers. However, the evidence is still limited. To further explore the association between legume intake and cancer risk we conducted a case–control study of 11 cancer sites in Uruguay between 1996 and 2004, including 3,539 cancer cases and 2,032 hospital controls.

Results

The highest versus the lowest tertile of legume intake was associated with a significant decrease in the risk of cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.34–0.68), esophagus (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.38–0.77), larynx (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.40–0.77), upper aerodigestive tract (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.40–0.63), stomach (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.49–0.97), colorectum (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.32–0.59), kidney (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.24–0.71), and all sites combined (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.59–0.78). No significant association was observed between legume intake and cancers of the lung (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.83–1.27), breast (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.65–1.20), prostate (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.64–1.18) or bladder (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.57–1.17). Similar results were found for both beans and lentils.

Conclusion

Higher intake of legumes was associated with a decreased risk of several cancers including those of the upper aerodigestive tract, stomach, colorectum, and kidney, but not lung, breast, prostate or bladder. Further investigations of these associations in prospective cohort studies are warranted.     

Pretreatment levels of circulating Th1 and Th2 cytokines, and their ratios, are associated with ER-negative and triple negative breast cancers

Immune signatures in breast tumors differ by estrogen receptor (ER) status. The purpose of this study was to assess associations between ER phenotypes and circulating levels of cytokines that co-ordinate cell-mediated [T-helper type 1 (Th1)] and humoral [T-helper type 2 (Th2)] immunity. We conducted a case–case comparison of 523 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer to evaluate associations between 27 circulating cytokines, measured using Luminex XMap technology, and breast cancer phenotypes [ER^? vs. ER⁺; triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) vs. luminal A (LumA)]. Ratios of Th1 to Th2 cytokines were also evaluated. Levels of interleukin (IL)-5, a Th-2 cytokine, were higher in ER^? than in ER⁺ tumors. The highest tertile of IL-5 was more strongly associated with ER^? (OR = 2.33, 95 % CI 1.40–3.90) and TNBCs (OR = 2.78, 95 % CI 1.53–5.06) compared to ER⁺ and LumA cancers, respectively, particularly among premenopausal women (OR = 4.17, 95 % CI 1.86–9.34, ER^? vs. ER⁺; OR = 5.60, 95 % CI 2.09–15.01, TNBC vs. LumA). Elevated Th1 cytokines were also detected in women with ER^? and TNBCs, with women in the highest tertile of interferon α2 (OR = 2.39, 95 % CI 1.31–4.35) or tumor necrosis factor-α (OR = 2.27, 95 % CI 1.21–4.26) being twice as likely to have TNBC versus LumA cancer. When cytokine ratios were examined, women with the highest ratios of Th1 cytokines to IL-5 levels were least likely to have ER^? or TNBCs compared to ER⁺ or LumA cancers, respectively. The strongest associations were in premenopausal women, who were up to 80 % less likely to have TNBC than LumA cancers (IL-12p40/IL-5, OR = 0.19, 95 % CI 0.07–0.56). These findings indicate that immune function is associated with ER^? and TNBC and may be most relevant among younger women, who are likely to be diagnosed with these aggressive phenotypes.     

Racial disparities in red meat and poultry intake and breast cancer risk

Purpose

Research on the role of red meat and poultry consumption in breast carcinogenesis is inconclusive, but the evidence in African-American (AA) women is lacking. The association between consuming meat and breast cancer risk was examined in the Women’s Circle of Health Study involving 803 AA cases, 889 AA controls, 755 Caucasian cases, and 701 Caucasian controls.

Methods

Dietary information was collected using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were obtained from logistic regression models adjusting for potential covariates.

Results

Comparing the fourth versus the first quartiles, among Caucasian women, processed meat (OR = 1.48; 95 % CI 1.07–2.04), unprocessed red meat (OR = 1.40; 95 % CI 1.01–1.94), and poultry intakes (OR = 1.42; 95 % CI 1.01–1.99) increased breast cancer risk. Risk associated with poultry intake was more dominant in premenopausal women (OR = 2.33; 95 % CI 1.44–3.77) and for women with ER? tumors (OR = 2.55; 95 % CI 1.29–5.03) in the Caucasian group. Associations in AA women were mostly null except for a significant increased risk trend with processed meat consumption for ER+ tumors (OR = 1.36; 95 % CI 0.94–1.97, p trend = 0.04).

Conclusions

Overall, associations between breast cancer risk and consumption of red meat and poultry were of different magnitude in AA and Caucasian women, with further differences noted by menopausal and hormone receptor status in Caucasian women. This is the first study to examine racial differences in meat and breast cancer risk and represents some of the first evidence in AA women.     

Adequacy of risk-reducing gynaecologic surgery in BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers and other women at high risk of pelvic serous cancer

The aim of this study was to describe the type of risk-reducing gynaecologic surgery (RRGS) and the extent of pathological evaluation being undertaken for Australasian women at high familial risk of pelvic serous cancer. Surgical and pathology reports were reviewed for women with BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations, or a family history of breast and ovarian cancer, who underwent RRGS between 1998 and 2008. “Adequate” surgery was defined as complete removal of all ovarian and extra-uterine fallopian tube tissue. “Adequate” pathology was defined as paraffin embedding of all removed ovarian and tubal tissue. Predictors of adequacy were assessed using logistic regression. There were 201 women, including 173 mutation carriers, who underwent RRGS. Of these, 91% had adequate surgery and 23% had adequate pathology. Independent predictors of adequate surgery were surgeon type (OR = 20; 95% CI 2–167; P = 0.005 for gynaecologic oncologists versus general gynaecologists), more recent surgery (OR = 1.33/year; 95% CI 1.07–1.67; P = 0.012) and younger patient age (OR = 0.93/year of age; 95% CI 0.87–0.99; P = 0.028). Independent predictors of adequate pathology were more recent surgery (OR = 1.26/year; 95% CI 1.06–1.49; P = 0.008) and surgeon type (OR = 3.1; 95% CI 1.4–6.7; P = 0.004 for gynaecologic oncologists versus general gynaecologists). Four serous ovarian cancers and one endometrioid endometrial cancer were detected during surgery or pathological examination. In conclusion Australasian women attending a specialist gynaecologic oncologist for RRGS are most likely to have adequate surgery and pathological examination. Additional education of clinicians and consumers is needed to ensure optimal surgery and pathology in these women.     

Impact of familial risk and mammography screening on prognostic indicators of breast disease among women from the Ontario site of the Breast Cancer Family Registry

Although several studies have found screen-detected cancers in women with familial breast cancer risk have favorable prognostic features compared with symptomatic cancers, the impact of level of familial risk is unknown. A cohort of 899 first-degree female relatives of cases of breast cancer from the Ontario site of the Breast Cancer Family Registry was followed for 2 years. Logistic regression analyses compared diagnoses of breast cancer or benign breast disease (BBD) between women at high (n = 258, 28.7 %) versus low/moderate (n = 641, 71.3 %) familial risk. Similar analyses compared prognostic features of invasive cancers and BBD by level of familial risk and mammography screening status. Among 899 women, 44 (4.9 %) were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and/or ductal carcinoma in situ, and 56 (6.2 %) with BBD. Women with high familial risk were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer [odds ratio (OR) = 2.84, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.50–5.38] than low/moderate risk women, particularly if diagnosed at age ≥50 (OR = 2.99, 95 % CI 1.37–6.56) or screened with mammography (OR = 3.33, 95 % CI 1.54–7.18). High risk women were more likely to be diagnosed with BBD (OR = 1.94, 95 % CI 1.03–3.66). Level of familial risk was not associated with prognostic features. Cancers among unscreened women were larger (OR = 9.72, 95 % CI 1.01–93.61) and diagnosed at stage II or above (OR = 7.80, 95 % CI 1.18–51.50) compared with screen-detected cancers. Screening mammography may be effective for women with a first-degree family history of breast cancer, irrespective of level of familial risk.     

Coffee and risk of prostate cancer incidence and mortality in the Cancer of the Prostate in Sweden Study

Purpose

Coffee intake has recently been associated with significantly lower risk of lethal and advanced prostate cancer in a US population.

Methods

We studied the association between coffee and prostate cancer risk in the population-based case–control study Cancer of the Prostate in Sweden. Dietary data were available for 1,499 cases and 1,112 controls. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) for the risk of prostate cancer in high versus low categories of coffee intake using logistic regression. We studied overall prostate cancer risk as well as risk of fatal, advanced, localized, high-grade, grade 7, and low-grade disease.

Results

Mean coffee intake was 3.1 cups per day among both cases and controls. Coffee intake was not associated with overall prostate cancer risk. Risk of fatal prostate cancer was inversely, but not statistically significantly, associated with coffee intake, with an odds ratio of 0.64 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.34–1.19, p value for linear trend = 0.81] for men consuming greater than 5 cups per day compared to men drinking less than 1 cup per day. The highest intake of coffee was associated non-significantly with lower risk of advanced disease (OR = 0.73, 95 % CI 0.41–1.30, p trend = 0.98) and associated significantly with lower risk of high-grade cancer (Gleason 8–10; OR = 0.50, 95 % CI 0.26–0.98, p trend = 0.13). Risk of localized, grade 7, and low-grade cancers was not associated with coffee intake.

Conclusions

This study provides some support of an inverse association between coffee and lethal and high-grade prostate cancer.     

Dietary consumption and diet diversity and risk of developing bladder cancer: results from the South and East China case–control study

Background

The epidemiologic evidence on the role of dietary consumption on the risk of bladder cancer in the Chinese population is limited. We investigated the role of dietary consumption and diet diversity on the risk of developing bladder cancer within a Chinese population.

Methods

A case–control study of 487 cases and 469 controls was conducted in four hospitals in China. A food frequency questionnaire was used to gather information on the consumption of 35 food items. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to derive odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) for the relationship between dietary factors, dietary diversity scores, and bladder cancer.

Results

The ORs of bladder cancer for red meat (OR = 1.8, 95 % CI:1.1–3.0;p _trend = 0.01), organ meat (OR = 1.6, 95 % CI:0.9–2.9;p _trend = 0.04), leafy vegetables (OR = 2.9, 95 % CI:1.6–5.4;p _trend = 0.003), bulb vegetables (OR = 2.3, 95 % CI:1.3–4.0;p _trend = 0.003), and preserved vegetables (OR = 2.3, 95 % CI:1.2–4.2;p _trend = 0.02) were significantly increased when comparing the highest to lowest level of consumption. The ORs for white fresh fish (OR = 0.5, 95 % CI:0.3–0.9;p _trend = 0.004), citrus fruits (OR = 0.4, 95 % CI:0.3–0.8;p _trend = 0.007), stone fruits (OR = 0.4, 95 % CI:0.2–0.6;p _trend < 0.001), vine fruits (OR = 0.5, 95 % CI:0.2–1.0;p _trend = 0.02), flower vegetables (OR = 0.3, 95 % CI:0.2–0.6;p _trend < 0.001), potatoes (OR = 0.4, 95 % CI:0.2–0.9;p _trend = 0.005), or dairy products (OR = 0.4, 95 % CI:0.3–0.7;p _trend < 0.001) were significantly decreased when comparing the highest to lowest level of consumption. Subjects with the highest total diet diversity (OR = 0.4, 95 % CI:0.2–1.1;p _trend = 0.02) and fruit diversity (OR = 0.1, 95 % CI:0.0–0.3;p _trend < 0.001) had reduced ORs of and compared to subjects with the lowest diversity.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that a diet with higher total diet diversity and in particular fruit diversity may reduce the risk of bladder cancer.     

Soy and isoflavone consumption in relation to prostate cancer risk in China.

This case-control study in China evaluated the effect of soy food consumption and isoflavones (genistein and daidzein) on the risk of prostate cancer. One hundred and thirty-three cases and 265 age- and residential community-matched controls between the ages of 50 and 89 years were interviewed in person between 1989 and 1992. Usual consumption of soy foods and isoflavones was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire developed in China and a nutrient database developed and validated in Asian-American populations. The age- and total calorie-adjusted odds ratio (OR) of prostate cancer risk comparing the highest tertile of tofu intake to the lowest tertile was 0.58 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.35-0.96]. There were also statistically significant associations comparing the highest quartile of intake of soy foods (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.28-0.95) and genistein (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.29-0.97) with the lowest quartiles. There was also an indication of a reduced risk associated with intake of daidzein (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.31-1.04 for the highest versus lowest quartile). Our results indicate a reduced risk of prostate cancer associated with consumption of soy foods and isoflavones. These findings should be confirmed in longitudinal follow-up studies in populations with varying risk of prostate cancer.     

Cadmium exposure and the risk of breast cancer in Japanese women

Non-occupational exposure to cadmium has been suspected to be a risk factor for breast cancer. The present study examined the association between urinary cadmium level and the risk of breast cancer in a case–control study among Japanese women. Cases were 153 women newly diagnosed and histologically confirmed with breast cancer at a general hospital in Gifu, Japan. A total of 431 controls individually matched to cases by age, menopausal status, and the period of urine sampling were selected from those who attended a breast cancer mass screening at this hospital. Urinary cadmium levels were measured using spot urine samples. Spot urine samples were collected from cases after surgery but before any cancer therapy. For controls, spot urine samples were obtained at the date of the screening visit. Information on known or suggested breast cancer risk factors was obtained by a self-administered questionnaire. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) of breast cancer according to the tertile of the creatinine-adjusted cadmium level were calculated using conditional logistic regression models. Women in the highest tertile of the creatinine-adjusted cadmium level (>2.620 μg/g) had significantly elevated OR of breast cancer relative to those in the lowest tertile (<1.674 μg/g) after controlling for covariates [OR = 6.05, (95 % CI 2.90, 12.62)]. The trend of increase in risk with increasing cadmium level was also statistically significant [OR = 1.67, (95 % CI 1.39, 2.01) for every 1.0 μg/g increase in urinary cadmium level, P-trend <0.01]. These data suggested that exposure to cadmium was associated with a risk of breast cancer in Japanese women.     

Vegetable protein and vegetable fat intakes in pre-adolescent and adolescent girls, and risk for benign breast disease in young women

Previous investigations, of adolescent diet recalled in adulthood, found lower risk for benign breast disease (BBD) with higher intakes of vegetable fat and nuts during high school. We investigate whether vegetable protein and fat, derived from diets reported during pre-adolescence and adolescence, are associated with subsequent risk for BBD in young women. The Growing Up Today Study includes 9,039 females, 9–15 years in 1996, who completed questionnaires annually through 2001, and then in 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2010. Food frequency questionnaires (1996–2001) obtained intake data on a variety of foods. Beginning in 2005, women (18–30 years) reported whether they had ever been diagnosed with BBD that was confirmed by breast biopsy (n = 112 cases). Logistic regression estimated associations between intakes of vegetable protein and fat and biopsy-confirmed BBD. Those individual foods that were the largest contributors of protein and fat in this cohort were also investigated. In analyses of intakes from 1996 through 1998, when our cohort was youngest, vegetable fat (OR = 0.72/(10 gm/day), 95 % CI 0.53–0.98; p = 0.04) was inversely associated with BBD risk. The greatest sources of vegetable fat and protein in these girls were peanut butter, peanuts, nuts, beans (beans, lentils, and soybeans), and corn. A daily serving of any one of these was associated with lower risk (OR = 0.32/(serv/day), 95 % CI 0.13–0.79; p = 0.01). Peanut butter (and nuts) at age 11 years was inversely associated with risk (p = 0.01). In analyses of intakes at age 14 years, vegetable protein was associated with lower BBD risk (OR = 0.64/(10 gm/day), 95 % CI 0.43–0.95; p = 0.03). A daily serving at 14 years of any one of the foods was associated with lower risk (OR = 0.34, 95 % CI 0.16–0.75; p = 0.01), as was peanut butter (and nuts) (p = 0.02). Girls with a family history of breast cancer had significantly lower risk if they consumed these foods or vegetable fat. In conclusion, consumption of vegetable protein, fat, peanut butter, or nuts by older girls may help reduce their risk of BBD as young women.     

Association between cadmium and breast cancer risk according to estrogen receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2: epidemiological evidence

The study aimed to examine the association between cadmium (Cd) and the risk of breast cancer according to estrogen receptor (ER) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). A hospital-based case–control study was carried out in 585 cases and 1,170 controls. Information on possible risk factors was collected via a structured questionnaire. Urinary Cd was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The ER and HER2 levels in tumor tissue were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for breast cancer by creatinine-adjusted urinary Cd. Women with greater creatinine-adjusted urine Cd (3rd quartile: 0.241–0.399 μg/g and 4th quartile: ≥0.4 μg/g) experienced 1.6 times higher risk of breast cancer compared with those having Cd concentration lower than 0.147 μg/g (1st quartile) [OR = 1.6, (95 % CI 1.19, 2.17) and OR = 1.62 (95 % CI 1.19, 2.21), respectively, P trend = 0.001] after adjustment for age and other confounders. Both ER+ and HER2? cases from the highest quartile of urine Cd exhibited approximately twice the breast cancer risk of those in the lowest quartile [OR = 1.9, (95 % CI 1.31, 2.74) and OR = 1.87, (95 % CI 1.33, 2.62), respectively, P trend <0.001) after adjustment for confounders. The data support cadmium as a risk factor for breast cancer, especially for both ER+ and HER2? cancer patients.     

Three novel functional polymorphisms in the promoter of FGFR2 gene and breast cancer risk: a HuGE review and meta-analysis

Published data on the association between three novel functional polymorphisms (rs11200014, rs2981579, and rs2981578) in the promoter of FGFR2 gene and breast cancer risk are inconclusive. The aim of this human genome epidemiology review and meta-analysis was to derive a more precise estimation of the relationship. A literature search of Pubmed, Embase, Web of science, and CBM databases from inception through July 2012 was conducted. Seventeen studies were included with a total of 21,742 breast cancer cases and 31,125 healthy controls. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of association in allele model, dominant model, recessive model, homozygous model, and heterozygous model. When all the eligible studies were pooled into the meta-analysis, remarkable associations between the rs11200014 (A>G) polymorphism and breast cancer risk were detected in Caucasians (G vs. A: OR = 1.28, 95 % CI: 1.21–1.35; GG/AG vs. AA: OR = 1.32, 95 % CI: 1.18–1.48), but not in Asians and Africans. In addition, there were statistically significant associations between the rs2981579 (G>A) polymorphism and increased risk of breast cancer risk in all ethnicities (A vs. G: OR = 1.20, 95 % CI: 1.11–1.29; AA/GA vs. GG: OR = 1.32, 95 % CI: 1.18–1.48; AA vs. GG: OR = 1.67, 95 % CI: 1.55–1.81), including Caucasians, Asians, and Africans. However, the TT genotype of rs2981578 (C>T) polymorphism might decrease breast cancer risk (TT vs. CC/CT: OR = 0.55, 95 % CI: 0.38–0.79; TT vs. CC: OR = 0.51, 95 % CI: 0.35–0.76; TT vs. CT: OR = 0.58, 95 % CI: 0.40–0.85), especially among Asians. Results from the current meta-analysis indicates that three novel functional polymorphisms (rs11200014, rs2981579, and rs2981578) in the promoter of FGFR2 gene are associated with breast cancer susceptibility and might be a potential biomarkers for breast cancer risk.     

Inverse associations between serum concentrations of zeaxanthin and other carotenoids and colorectal neoplasm in Japanese

Background

To investigate the associations between serum concentrations of carotenoids and the presence of colorectal polyps and cancers in Japanese using a cross-sectional study.

Methods

893 subjects who underwent colorectal endoscopy between 2001 and 2002 provided serum samples and information on lifestyle factors. Serum concentrations of six carotenoids were compared among patients with polyps, cancers, and controls.

Results

In males, high serum zeaxanthin was associated with decreased rates of polyps [odds ratio (OR) = 0.48, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.27–0.87] and cancer (OR = 0.35, 95 % CI 0.12–1.06), adjusting for age, body mass index, serum cholesterol, smoking status, and alcohol intake. In females, zeaxanthin (OR = 0.25, 95 % CI 0.07–0.82), lutein (OR = 0.30, 95 % CI 0.10–0.94), alpha-carotene (OR = 0.30, 95 % CI 0.10–0.90), and beta-carotene (OR = 0.27, 95 % CI 0.09–0.85) showed significant inverse associations with cancer development. These associations were consistent with findings of inverse associations between the ingestion of green–yellow vegetables (OR = 0.44, 95 % CI 0.23–0.84), carrots and pumpkins (OR = 0.46, 95 % CI 0.25–0.86), and fruits (OR = 0.53, 95 % CI 0.30–0.94) and polyp in males, and between carrots and pumpkins (OR = 0.30, 95 % CI 0.09–0.99), legumes (OR = 0.14, 95 % CI 0.04–0.44), and seaweed (OR = 0.23, 95 % CI 0.07–0.75) and cancer development in females.

Conclusions

These results provide further support for the protective effects of carotenoids contained in green–yellow vegetables and fruits against colorectal neoplasm in Japanese.

     

Consumption of fruit, vegetables, and other food groups and the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Purpose

The role of dietary habits in the etiology of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has been extensively investigated in high-incidence areas, but evidence is scanty in low-incidence populations. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between NPC risk and a wide range of food groups in the Italian population.

Methods

We conducted a hospital-based case–control study in Italy on 198, histologically confirmed, NPC cases of Caucasian ethnicity, aged 18–76 years. Controls were 594 Caucasian cancer-free patients admitted to general hospitals for acute conditions. Odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated through logistic regression, adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics, tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, and energy intake.

Results

Elevated vegetable consumption was inversely related to NPC risk (OR for highest vs. lower quartile = 0.51; 95 % CI 0.29–0.90). The association was particularly strong for yellow- or red-pigmented vegetables (OR = 0.31; 95 % CI 0.18–0.54), and this effect was stronger among never smokers (OR = 0.18; 95 % CI 0.06–0.55) than among ever smokers (OR = 0.37; 95 % CI 0.19–0.71). Increased NPC risk emerged for elevated eggs consumption (OR = 2.50; 95 % CI 1.44–4.32; p-trend <0.01). No significant associations emerged between NPC risk and consumption of cereals, meat, fish, dairy products, and sweets.

Conclusions

The study findings show that, also in low-risk populations, vegetable consumption is a protective factor against NPC. The stronger effect for yellow- or red-pigmented vegetables is in agreement with the inverse association reported for carotenoids intake.     

Glutathione S-transferase M1 polymorphism and breast cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis involving 46,281 subjects

Published data on the association between present/null polymorphism of glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and breast cancer risk are inconclusive. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis was performed. Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched. Crude ORs with 95% CIs were used to assess the strength of association between the GSTM1 present/null polymorphism and breast cancer risk. The pooled ORs were performed for null versus present genotype. A total of 59 studies including 20,993 cases and 25,288 controls were involved in this meta-analysis. Overall, significantly elevated breast cancer risk was associated with null genotype when all studies were pooled into the meta-analysis (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.04–1.16). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significantly increased risks were found for Caucasians (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.00–1.10) and Asians (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.08–1.35). When stratified by population-based studies or hospital-based studies, statistically significantly elevated risks were found among population-based studies (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.03–1.20). In the subgroup analysis by menopausal status, statistically significantly increased risks were found among postmenopausal women (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.04–1.28). In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that the GSTM1 null genotype is a low-penetrant risk factor for developing breast cancer.     

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in DNA bypass polymerase genes and association with breast cancer and breast cancer subtypes among African Americans and Whites

DNA damage recognition and repair is a complex system of genes focused on maintaining genomic stability. Recently, there has been a focus on how breast cancer susceptibility relates to genetic variation in the DNA bypass polymerases pathway. Race-stratified and subtype-specific logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between 22 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in seven bypass polymerase genes and breast cancer risk in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study, a population-based, case–control study (1,972 cases and 1,776 controls). We used SNP-set kernel association test (SKAT) to evaluate the multi-gene, multi-locus (combined) SNP effects within bypass polymerase genes. We found similar ORs for breast cancer with three POLQ SNPs (rs487848 AG/AA vs. GG; OR = 1.31, 95 % CI 1.03–1.68 for Whites and OR = 1.22, 95 % CI 1.00–1.49 for African Americans), (rs532411 CT/TT vs. CC; OR = 1.31, 95 % CI 1.02–1.66 for Whites and OR = 1.22, 95 % CI 1.00–1.48 for African Americans), and (rs3218634 CG/CC vs. GG; OR = 1.29, 95 % CI 1.02–1.65 for Whites). These three SNPs are in high linkage disequilibrium in both races. Tumor subtype analysis showed the same SNPs to be associated with increased risk of Luminal breast cancer. SKAT analysis showed no significant combined SNP effects. These results suggest that variants in the POLQ gene may be associated with the risk of Luminal breast cancer.     

Dietary patterns and breast cancer risk among Chinese women

Objective

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between dietary patterns and breast cancer risk among Chinese women.

Methods

Four hundred and thirty-eight cases with histologically confirmed primary breast cancer and 438 controls were consecutively recruited. Cases were frequency matched to controls on 5-year age group and rural?Curban residence. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake by face-to-face interviews. Dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. Multivariate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression adjusted for various potential confounders.

Results

Two diet patterns were identified: vegetable?Cfruit?Csoy?Cmilk?Cpoultry?Cfish pattern and refined grain?Cmeat?Cpickle pattern. After adjustment for confounders, a 74% decreased risk was observed among women in the highest quartile of the vegetable?Cfruit?Csoy?Cmilk?Cpoultry?Cfish dietary pattern relative to the lowest quartile (OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.17?C0.42). The refined grain?Cmeat?Cpickle pattern was positively associated with breast cancer risk (OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.53, 4.34). Women with a high intake of the vegetable?Cfruit?Csoy?Cmilk?Cpoultry?Cfish pattern and a low intake of the refined grain?Cmeat?Cpickle pattern showed a decreased risk of breast cancer (adjusted OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.17?C0.41).

Conclusions

These results indicated that a diet characterized by a high consumption of vegetable/fruit/soy/milk/poultry/fish and a low consumption of refined grain/red meat/pickle is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer in Chinese women.     

Proanthocyanidins and the risk of prostate cancer in Italy

Proanthocyanidins are polymers of monomeric unit flavan-3-ols with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging activities. We investigated the association between proanthocyanidin intake and prostate cancer risk through data that were collected between 1991 and 2002 in an Italian case–control study, including a total of 1,294 incident, histologically confirmed cases of prostate cancer and 1,451 controls admitted to hospital for acute, non-neoplastic, and non-hormone-related diseases. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using multiple logistic regression models, and computed energy-adjusted proanthocyanidin intakes using the residual method. The ORs for the highest versus the lowest tertile were 0.80 (95% CI 0.83–1.00) for energy-adjusted monomers and dimers combined, 0.72 (95% CI 0.59–0.87) for polymers with ≥?3 mers, and 0.72 (95% CI 0.59–0.88) for total proanthocyanidins. The inverse relation was stronger among cases with a Gleason score?≥?7, with the ORs of 0.56 (95% CI 0.40–0.78) for monomers and dimers, 0.62 (95% CI 0.40–0.78) for polymers with ≥?3 mers, and 0.57 (95% CI 0.42–0.77) for total proanthocyanidins. These risk estimates were consistent across strata of age, education, body mass index, and family history of prostate cancer. Our data indicate an inverse association between proanthocyanidins and prostate cancer risk.     

The association between polymorphisms in the leptin receptor gene and risk of breast cancer: a systematic review and pooled analysis

Many epidemiological studies have found that leptin correlates to body fat extent and breast cancer. Leptin exerts its physiological action through the leptin receptor (LEPR). However, published data on the association between LEPR alleles and breast cancer occurrence have led to in contradictory results. A total of 10 studies were identified to the meta-analysis, including 4,644 cases and 5,485 controls for LEPR rs1137101 polymorphism, 5 studies with 2,759 cases and 4,464 controls for rs1137100 polymorphism, and 2 studies for rs8051542, rs8051542, and rs8051542 polymorphisms. The pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for breast cancer risk associated with LEPR genotypes were estimated. Elevated breast cancer risk was associated with LEPR rs1137101 polymorphism when all studies were pooled in the meta-analysis (allele contrast model: OR = 0.71, 95 % CI = 0.551–0.997). In the stratified analysis by ethnicity, significantly increased risks were also found among Asians for allele contrast model (OR 0.414, 95 % CI 0.312–0.550) and dominant model (OR 0.537, 95 % CI 0.370–0.781); for Africans, significantly increased risks were also found for allele contrast model (OR 0.716, 95 % CI 0.595–0.861), homozygote codominant (OR 0.537, 95 % CI 0.370–0.781) and dominant model (OR 1.595, 95 % CI 1.207–2.108). And significantly elevated breast cancer risk was associated with LEPR rs1137100 polymorphism for allele contrast (OR = 0.666, 95 % CI = 0.603–0.720) and homozygote codominant models (OR = 0.344, 95 % CI = 0.282–0.421). For LEPR rs8179183, rs4655537, and rs3762274 polymorphisms, no significant associations were detected in all comparison models. This pooled analysis suggested that rs1137101 and rs1137100 polymorphisms were significantly correlated with breast cancer risk and the A allele of LEPR rs1137101 variant and the G allele of LEPR rs1137100 variant were low-penetrant risk factors for developing breast cancer. Further, no significant associations existed between LEPR rs8179183, rs4655537, and rs3762274 polymorphisms and risk of breast cancer.     

Dietary vitamin D and cancers of the oral cavity and esophagus

BackgroundData on the association between vitamin D and upper digestive tract neoplasms are limited.MethodsIn two case–control studies in Italy, we examined the relation between dietary vitamin D intake and squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (SCCE; 304 cases) and oral/pharyngeal cancer (804 cases). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by multiple logistic regression.ResultsAdjusted ORs for SCCE and oral/pharyngeal cancer were 0.58 (95% CI 0.39–0.86) and 0.76 (95% CI 0.60–0.94), respectively, for the highest tertile of vitamin D intake. Using a reference group of those in the highest tertile of vitamin D who were never/former smokers, ORs were 8.7 (95% CI 4.1–18.7) for SCCE and 10.4 (95% CI 6.9–15.5) for oral/pharyngeal cancer among heavy smokers in the lowest vitamin D tertile; similarly, compared with those in the highest tertile of vitamin D who drank <3 alcoholic drinks/day, corresponding ORs were 41.9 (95% CI 13.7–128.6) for SCCE and 8.5 (95% CI 5.7–12.5) for oral/pharyngeal cancer, among heavy alcohol drinkers in the lowest vitamin D tertile.ConclusionWe observed inverse associations between dietary vitamin D intake and risk of SCCE and, perhaps, oral/pharyngeal cancer, which were most pronounced among heavy current smokers and heavy consumers of alcohol.