Observational and clinical evidence that plant-based nutrition reduces dietary acid load.

Contemporary diets in Western countries are largely acid-inducing and deficient in potassium alkali salts, resulting in low-grade metabolic acidosis. The chronic consumption of acidogenic diets abundant in animal-based foods (meats, dairy, cheese and eggs) poses a substantial challenge to the human body's buffering capacities and chronic retention of acid wherein the progressive loss of bicarbonate stores can cause cellular and tissue damage. An elevated dietary acid load (DAL) has been associated with systemic inflammation and other adverse metabolic conditions. In this narrative review, we examine DAL quantification methods and index observational and clinical evidence on the role of plant-based diets, chiefly vegetarian and vegan, in reducing DAL. Quantitation of protein and amino acid composition and of intake of alkalising organic potassium salts and magnesium show that plant-based diets are most effective at reducing DAL. Results from clinical studies and recommendations in the form of expert committee opinions suggest that for a number of common illnesses, wherein metabolic acidosis is a contributing factor, the regular inclusion of plant-based foods offers measurable benefits for disease prevention and management. Based on available evidence, dietary shifts toward plant-based nutrition effectively reduces dietary-induced, low-grade metabolic acidosis.

Dietary acid load and lung cancer risk: A case-control study in men.

BACKGROUND: Dysregulation of the endogenous acid-base balance can contribute to inflammation and cancer development if metabolic acidosis is sustained. The epidemiologic evidence on the association between diet-dependent acid load and cancer risk is scarce and inconsistent. We aim to explore the possible role of dietary acid load in lung cancer (LC) risk. METHODS: A case-control study was performed on 843 LC cases and 1466 controls by using a multi-topic questionnaire, including a food frequency questionnaire. Controls were matched to cases by age-frequency, urban/rural residence, and region. Food-derived nutrients were calculated from available databases. The dietary acid load was calculated using validated measures as potential renal acid load (PRAL) score and net endogenous acid production (NEAP) score. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated by logistic regression. RESULTS: We found direct associations between dietary acid load and LC risk. The highest quartile of the NEAP score was significantly associated (OR=2.22, ptrend<0.001). The PRAL score displayed similar associations in simpler regression models, but there was no association when a more complex one was used (OR=0.99, ptrend =0.94). The NEAP score was associated with a significant risk increase in all cell types, except for small cell cancers, but the PRAL score did not show any association. CONCLUSIONS: The NEAP scores, directly associated with meat intake and inversely associated with plant-based foods intake, suggest that a high acid load dietary style may increase LC risk. Studies focused on food groups, and nutritional patterns are in line with our findings. Although the data shown here represent the first one to be published on this issue, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Tumor neuroendocrino y terapia con lutecio / Neuroendocrine tumor and lutetium therapy / Tumor neuroendócrino e terapia com lutecio

Resumen: Introducción: los tumores neuroendocrinos gastroenteropancreáticos (GEP-NET) son un grupo diversos de tumores de origen en las células neuroendocrinas, la mayoría son esporádicos. Se clasifican según origen, secreción hormonal y diferenciación celular. El tratamiento con péptidos radiomarcados o Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) con lutecio 177-DOTATATE fue aprobado por la FDA en el 2018, ya que ha mostrado buenos resultados en tumores avanzados comparado con otras terapias. Presentamos un caso de una paciente con tumor neuroendocrino pancreático con secundarismo hepático tratada con este fármaco. Caso clínico: paciente de sexo femenino de 65 años, portadora de un tumor neuroendocrino pancreático con secundarismo hepático diagnosticado por biopsia y con expresión de receptores de somatostatina. Por su extensión lesional se indica tratamiento médico con análogos de somatostatina que son mal tolerados, tras lo cual se plantea quimioterapia (QT), con progresión tumoral bajo tratamiento. Dada la mala evolución se inicia tratamiento con PRRT como es lutecio 177-DOTATATE. Se observó que los ciclos con lutecio 177-DOTATATE lograron una disminución mínima del tamaño y de la captación tumoral a nivel pancreático, las metástasis hepáticas no presentaron cambios, y la paciente persistió clínicamente estable. Conclusión: El tratamiento con lutecio 177-DOTATATE en una paciente con un tumor neuroendocrino no funcionante con metástasis, irresecable quirúrgicamente, produjo una respuesta aceptable para un tratamiento paliativo, ya que no se produjo progresión tumoral. La paciente persiste clínicamente estable, asintomática, con un seguimiento a 8 años. El tratamiento con lutecio 177-DOTATATE es una opción efectiva con efectos adversos limitados en tumores GEP-NET irresecables o con metástasis.

Summary: Introduction: gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NET) are a group of several tumors originated in neuroendocrine cells, most of which are sporadic. These tumors are classified according to hormone secretion and cell differentiation. Treatment with radiomarked peptides or Peptide Receptor Radio- nuclide Therapy (PRRT) with lutetium 177-DOTATATE was approved by the FDA in 2018, since it has evidenced good results in advanced tumors compared to other therapies. The study presents the case of a patient with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with secondary hepa tic disease who was treated with this drug. Clinical case: 65-year-old female patient carrier of a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with secondary hepatic disease who was diagnosed with a biopsy and presented somatostatin receptor (SSTR) expression. Given the extension of the lesion, medical treatment is indicated with somatostatin analogues that are poorly tolerated. Consequently, chemotherapy is indicated, with low performance tumor progression. Given the poor outcome, PRRT treatment as lutetium 177-DOTATATE is initiated. Cycles with lutetium 177-DOTATATE were observed to cause a minimum reduction in size and tumor uptake in the liver. Liver metastases evidenced no change and the patient remained clinically stable. Conclusion: lutetium 177-DOTATATE therapy in a patient with a metastatic nonfunctioning neuroendocrine tumor, that could not be surgically resected produced an acceptable response for palliative treatment, since the tumor failed to progress. The patient continues to be clinically stable, asymptomatic, after 8 years of follow-up. Lutetium 177-DOTATATE therapy constitutes an effective option with limited side effects in unresectable GEP-NET tumors, or in the presence of metas tases.

Resumo: Introdução: os tumores neuroendócrinos gastroenteropancreáticos (GEP-NET) são um grupo diverso de tumores de origem em células neuroendócrinas, a maioria das quais esporádicos. São classificados de acordo com a origem, secreção hormonal e diferenciação celular. O tratamento com peptídeos radiomarcados ou terapia com radionuclídeos com receptor de peptídeos (PRRT) com 177 Lutecio-Dotatate foi aprovado pela FDA em 2018, pois mostrou bons resultados em tumores avançados em comparação com outras terapias. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente com tumor neuroendócrino pancreático com secundarismo hepático tratado com esse medicamento. Caso clínico: paciente do sexo feminino, 65 anos, portadora de tumor neuroendócrino pancreático com doença hepática secundária diagnosticada por biópsia e com expressão de receptores de somatostatina. Devido à extensão da lesão, o tratamento clínico é indicado com análogos da somatostatina que são pouco tolerados, após o que se considera a quimioterapia (TC), com progressão do tumor em tratamento. Dada a má evolução, foi iniciado tratamento com PRRT, como o 177 Lutecio-Dotatate. Observou-se que os ciclos com 177 Lutecio-Dotatate obtiveram diminuição mínima no tamanho e captação do tumor em nível pancreático, as metástases hepáticas não apresentaram alterações e o paciente manteve-se clinicamente estável. Conclusão: o tratamento com 177Lutecio-Dotatate em um paciente com tumor neuroendócrino não funcionante com metástases, não ressecável cirurgicamente, produziu uma resposta aceitável para o tratamento paliativo, uma vez que não ocorreu progressão do tumor. O paciente permanece clinicamente estável, assintomático, com seguimento de 8 anos. O tratamento com 177Lu-Dotatate é uma opção eficaz com efeitos adversos limitados em tumores GEP-NET não ressecáveis ou metastáticos.

'Mate' Intake, Hormone-Based Risk Factors and Breast Cancer: a Case-Control Study

Previous reports on the inverse association between 'mate' intake (infusion of Ilex Paraguariensis herb) and breast cancer (BC) risk led us to consider two main roles for the infusion: as a substantial antioxidant contributor and as a hormone regulator, particularly through anti-aromatase capacities. Since menstrual-reproductive risk factors for BC reflect women's estrogenic exposure during the reproductive lifespan, and considering that 'mate' intake exerts putative stronger protection among high antioxidant contributors, we attempted to analyze interactions among the infusion, hormon-linked reproductive factors and BC risk, which have hitherto remained unexplored. We analyzed a database of 572 BC incident cases and 889 controls. Women were interviewed with a specific questionnaire featuring socio-demographic, lifestyle and reproductive variables (age at menarche, 1st live birth and menopause; number of live births; breastfeeding months), and a food frequency questionnaire, focusing on 'mate' intake (consumer status, daily intake, age at start, age at quit, duration of habit). Odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence Intervals were calculated through unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for relevant potential confounders. 'Mate' intake showed strong inverse associations with some high-risk hormone-related factors: early menarche, nulliparity, low breastfeeding, long reproductive years and high number of ovulatory cycles. Moreover, all subsets of high dietary energy demonstrated even stronger associations. In conclusion, regarding exposure to known hormone risk factors, we found strong inverse associations between high 'mate' intake and BC, which were greater among those consuming higher calorific diets. Our analyses support possible combined antioxidant and antiestrogenic effects for 'mate' infusions.

Patrones dietarios y riesgo de cáncer de mama: un análisis factorial de alimentos y nutrientes / Dietary patterns and risk of breast cancer: a factor analysis of food and nutrient intakes

Objetivo: explorar los factores de riesgo dietarios en cáncer de mama (CM) mediante análisis factorial simultáneamente en alimentos y nutrientes. Introducción: la dieta es considerada un factor determinante en la carcinogénesis mamaria. Comparado con un análisis epidemiológico tradicional de alimentos y nutrientes aislados, el análisis factorial genera patrones de elementos asociados, útiles también para las comparaciones internacionales. Material y método: realizamos un estudio caso-control en donde 442 casos de CM y 442 controles fueron pareados por edad, residencia y estatus urbano/rural. Todas las pacientes presentaban un estatus socioeconómico bajo (bajo promedio de años de educación e ingresos). Los controles no presentaban afecciones relacionadas con tabaquismo o alcoholismo, ni habían modificado recientemente su dieta. Un análisis factorial (componentes principales) fue realizado entre controles para alimentos y nutrientes individuales sobre datos de un cuestionario alimentario de 64 ítems, ya utilizado en numerosos estudios caso-control previos. Resultados: el análisis factorial hecho con alimentos retuvo los factores occidental, tradicional, frutas totales, prudente y carnes procesadas. Este análisis usando nutrientes retuvo los factores base animal, almidón/lácteos, base frutal y carotenoides. Mientras que el patrón occidental mostró un riesgo significativo aumentado de CM (OR = 2,15), el patrón prudente se asoció inversa y significativamente (OR = 0,67). En patrones de nutrientes el factor base animal se asoció directamente con CM, mientras que el factor carotenoides se asoció inversamente. Hubo diferencias de asociación según estatus menopáusico. Conclusiones: el análisis factorial mostró el rol potencial de elementos dietarios a partir de alimentos y nutrientes, tanto de riesgo como protectores, en la etiología de CM.

Abstract Objective: to explore the dietary risk factors of breast cancer by means of a simultaneous factor analysis in food and nutrient intakes. Introduction: diet is considered a determining factor in breast carcinogenesis. If compared to a traditional epidemiological analysis of isolated food and nutrient intakes, the factor analysis creates patterns of associated elements, what is also useful for international comparisons. Method: we conducted a case control study where 442 cases of breast cancer and 442 controls were matched by age, residence and urban/rural status. All patients belonged to the lower socioeconomic status (low average of education and income). Controls did not evidence conditions associated to smoking or the consumption of alcohol, and they had not modified their diets either. A factor analysis (main components) was conducted among controls for individual food and nutrients on the basis of a food questionnaire of 64 items, which had already been used in several previous control case studies. Results: the factor analysis made with food kept the following factors: western, traditional, total fruits, cautious and processed meats. This analysis using nutrients kept the animal base, starch/dairy products, fruit base and carotenoids. While the western pattern showed an increased significant risk of breast cancer (OR= 2.15), the prudent pattern was inversely and significantly associated (OR= 0.67). In nutrient patterns the animal base factor was directly associated to breast cancer, whereas the carotenoid factor was inversely associated to it. There were association differences depending on the menopausal status. Conclusions: factor analysis showed the potential role of dietary elements in foods and nutrients, both as risk and protective factors, in the etiology of breast cancer.

Resumo Objetivo: explorar os fatores de risco dietético no câncer de mama (CM) utilizando análise fatorial simultânea em alimentos e nutrientes. Introdução: a dieta é considerada um fator determinante na carcinogénese mamaria. Comparada com uma análise epidemiológica tradicional de alimentos e nutrientes isolados, a análise fatorial gera padrões de elementos associados, úteis também para as comparações internacionais. Material e método: realizamos um estudo caso-controle com 442 casos deCMe 442 controles pareados por idade, residência e local de residência urbano/rural. Todas as pacientes apresentavam condições socioeconômicas baixas (baixas escolarização e renda). Os controles não apresentavam afecções relacionadas com tabaquismo ou alcoolismo, nem haviam modificado recentemente sua dieta. Uma análise fatorial (componentes principais) foi realizada entre controles para alimentos e nutrientes individuais utilizando os dados de um questionário alimentar de 64 itens, utilizado em vários estudos caso-controle anteriores. Resultados: a análise fatorial realizada com alimentos indicou os fatores ocidental, tradicional, frutas totais, prudente e carnes processadas. Esta análise usando nutrientes indicou os fatores base animal, amido/lácteos, frutas e carotenoides. O padrão ocidental mostrou um risco significativo aumentado de CM (OR = 2,15), enquanto o padrão prudente estava associado inversa e significativamente(OR = 0,67). Nos padrões de nutrientes o fator base animal estava associado diretamente com CM, enquanto o fator carotenoides estava inversamente associado. Foram observadas diferenças nas associações segundo condições menopausáticas. Conclusões: a análise fatorial mostrou o potencial de elementos dietéticos a partir de alimentos e nutrientes, tanto de risco como protetores, na etiologia do CM.

Mate and Tea Intake, Dietary Antioxidants and Risk of Breast Cancer: a Case-Control Study.

Recently, we reported an inverse association between high 'mate' intake (infusion of Ilex paraguariensis herb, a staple beverage in temperate South America) and breast cancer (BC) risk. Stronger inverse associations were found in high strata of tea, vegetable, fruit and energy intakes, and in overweight/obese women, suggesting possible roles for 'mate' mainly from its antioxidant contribution. The present study attempted to thoroughly explore possible associations among 'mate' and tea intake, dietary antioxidants and BC risk. Combining two databases of previous studies, 572 BC incident cases and 889 controls were interviewed with a specific questionnaire featuring socio-demographic, reproductive and lifestyle variables, and a food frequency questionnaire (64 items), focusing on 'mate' intake (consumer status, daily intake, age at start, age at quit, duration of habit). Food-derived nutrients were calculated from available databases. Odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated through unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for relevant potential confounders. The highest 'mate' intake was significantly inversely associated with BC risk for both low and high carotenoids (OR=0.40 vs. 0.41), vitamin C (OR=0.33 vs. 0.50), vitamin E (OR=0.37 vs. 0.45), flavonols (OR=0.38 vs. 0.48) and reduced glutathione (OR=0.48 vs. 0.46) strata. High tea intake showed significant inverse risk associations only with high carotenoids (OR=0.41), vitamin E (OR=0.48) and reduced glutathione (OR=0.43) strata. In conclusion, a strong and inverse association for 'mate' intake and BC was found, independent of dietary antioxidant levels. Also strong inverse associations with tea intake were more evident only at high levels of certain dietary antioxidants.

Estacionalidad de la vitamina D plasmática: su importancia en la clínica y en la salud / Seasonal variation of vitamin D in plasma levels: its importance in clinical practice and health

Un nivel adecuado de vitamina D (VD) es importante no solo para el hueso y el metabolismo fosfocálcico, sino también para la inmunomodulación, la regulación genética, la producción hormonal y la salud a lo largo del ciclo vital. Numerosos estudios observacionales han demostrado una variación estacional en los niveles plasmáticos de la VD, habitualmente con un máximo en torno al verano y un mínimo en torno al invierno. La latitud geográfica juega un papel considerable en la influencia de los rayos ultravioleta del espectro solar. Estudios hechos en Uruguay en la década del 2000 confirmaron la estacionalidad de la VD plasmática y se enfocaron en los vínculos con el metabolismo fosfocálcico y la osteoporosis, generando un marco terapéutico e inclusive preventivo para esta patología. Además de los efectos sobre la calcemia y fosfatemia, el déficit de esta vitamina está involucrado en el origen o desarrollo de patologías crónicas de actual relevancia, tales como algunos tipos de cáncer, enfermedades autoinmunes, cardiovasculares y degenerativas, así como también en la mortalidad global. Desde una perspectiva clínica y de salud pública, es importante comprender la influencia de la estacionalidad en el nivel plasmático de VD a fin de evaluar e interpretar adecuadamente las mediciones individuales y la suplementación destinada a combatir la deficiencia de la vitamina, todo lo cual hace necesaria una actualización del conocimiento.

Abstract An appropriate level of Vitamin D is important for bones and phosphocalcic metabolism regulation, as well as for immunomodulation, genetic regulation, hormone production and health along the vital cycle. Several observational studies have demonstrated a seasonal variation of vitamin D in plasma levels, usually the maximum being in summer and the minimum in winter. Geographical latitude plays an important role in the influence of solar ultraviolet radiation. Studies conducted in Uruguay in the 2000s confirmed the seasonal variation of plasma and focused on the phosphocalcic metabolism and osteoporosis, creating a therapeutic and preventive framework for this disease. Apart from the effects of calcemia and phosphatemia, vitamin D deficiency is involved in the origin or development of chronic diseases that are currently relevant, such as certain types of cancer, autoimmune, cardiovascular or degenerative diseases, as well as in the global mortality. From a clinical and public health perspective, it is important to understand the influence of seasons in vitamin D plasma levels in order to adequately evaluate and interpret individual measurements and supplements to combat the vitamin D deficiency, all of what requires knowledge updates.

Resumo Um nível adequado de vitamina D (VD) é importante para os ossos e para o metabolismo fosfocálcico, mas também para a imunomodulação, a regulação genética, a produção de hormônios e a saúde durante toda a vida. Numerosos estudos observacionais mostraram uma variação sazonal dos níveis plasmáticos de VD, habitualmente com um pico máximo ao redor do verão e um mínimo ao redor do inverno. A latitude geográfica tem um papel considerável na influencia dos raios ultravioleta do espectro solar. Estudos realizados no Uruguai na década de 2000 confirmaram a estacionalidade da VD plasmática e estavam focados nos vínculos com o metabolismo fosfocálcico e a osteoporose, gerando um referencia terapêutica e inclusive preventiva para esta patologia. Além dos efeitos sobre a calcemia e a fosfatemia, o déficit desta vitamina está relacionado com a origem ou desenvolvimento de patologias crônicas de relevância atualmente como, por exemplo, alguns tipos de câncer, doenças autoimunes, cardiovasculares e degenerativas, como também na mortalidade global. Do ponto de vista clínico e de saúde pública, é importante compreender a influencia da estacionalidade sobre o nível plasmático de VD para avaliar e interpretar adequadamente as medidas individuais e a suplementação destinada a combater a deficiência da vitamina; para isso é necessário realizar atualização do conhecimento.

Mate Intake and Risk of Breast Cancer in Uruguay: a Case- Control Study.

Regarding 'mate' intake (infusion of Ilex paraguariensis herb, a staple beverage in temperate South American regions), most epidemiologic studies showed positive associations with risk of some cancers, (e.g. upper aerodigestive tract), but evidence on breast cancer (BC) risk is limited to a previous multi-site study, which reported a non significant odds ratio [OR]=0.85, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.67-1.09, p for trend=0.31) for the highest quartile of intake. The present study was conducted in order to further assess associations of 'mate' intake with BC risk. We combined two databases of women belonging to public and private healthcare hospitals. The sample included 572 BC incident cases and 889 controls interviewed with a specific questionnaire featured by socio-demographic, reproductive and lifestyle variables, and a food frequency questionnaire of 64 items, also analyzing 'mate' intake (consumer status, daily intake, age at start, age at quit, duration of habit, intensity of intake). ORs and their 95%CI were calculated through unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for relevant potential confounders. The highest quartile of 'mate' intake was inversely associated with BC risk (OR=0.40, 95%CI 0.26-0.57, p for trend <0.001). Stratified analyses also displayed strong significant inverse associations for 'mate' in frequent tea drinkers (OR=0.22), high energy intake (OR=0.23), high body mass index (OR=0.29) and in postmenopausal women (OR=0.36), among other results. As conclusions, we found evidence of a significant inverse association for 'mate' intake and BC risk.

Meat consumption and risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung: a case-control study in Uruguayan men.

In the period 1995-2004, a hospital-based case-control study on meat consumption and squamous cell carcinoma of the lung in men was conducted in Montevideo, Uruguay. The study included 300 cases and 600 controls, frequency matched on age and residence. The results showed that total meat [odds ratio (OR) = 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-2.81, P value for trend = 0.03], red meat (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.13-2.91, P value for trend = 0.01), beef consumption (OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.42-3.45, P value for trend = 0.0004), bacon (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.00-2.24, P value for trend = 0.03), saucisson (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.07-2.67, P value for trend = 0.01), and salted meat intake (OR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.63-4.46, P value for trend = 0.0001) were positively associated with squamous cell lung cancer. These results are discussed and we suggest that meat consumption could be considered as a strong risk factor for squamous cell lung cancer.

Diet patterns and risk of squamous cell oesophageal carcinoma: a case-control study in Uruguay.

BACKGROUND: Oesophageal cancer presents high incidence rates in the so-called Brazilian-Uruguayan belt. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study included 1,170 participants (234 cases and 936 controls) which were analyzed by unconditional multiple logistic regression in order to examine risk of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OESCC) associated with several food groups. RESULTS: Boiled red meat (OR 2.59, 95%CI 1.69-3.97), lamb meat (OR 1.64, 95%CI 1.07-2.51), processed meat (OR 1.49, 95%CI 1.01-2.21), whole milk (OR 1.78, 1.19-1.68), fresh vegetables and fruits (OR 0.42, 95%CI 0.27-0.63), mate consumption (OR 2.04, 95%CI 1.32- 3.16), and black tea (OR 0.10, 95%CI 0.04-0.28) were significantly associated with risk of OESCC. CONCLUSIONS: Hot beverages (mate) and hot foods (boiled meat) appear to be important determinants in the risk of OESCC, allowing the penetration of carcinogens in tobacco and alcohol into the oesophageal mucosa.

Maté drinking and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in South America: pooled results from two large multicenter case-control studies.

BACKGROUND: Maté tea is a nonalcoholic infusion widely consumed in southern South America, and may increase risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and other cancers due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and/or thermal injury. METHODS: We pooled two case-control studies: a 1988 to 2005 Uruguay study and a 1986 to 1992 multinational study in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, including 1,400 cases and 3,229 controls. We computed ORs and fitted a linear excess OR (EOR) model for cumulative maté consumption in liters/day-year (LPDY). RESULTS: The adjusted OR for ESCC with 95% confidence interval (CI) by ever compared with never use of maté was 1.60 (1.2-2.2). ORs increased linearly with LPDY (test of nonlinearity; P = 0.69). The estimate of slope (EOR/LPDY) was 0.009 (0.005-0.014) and did not vary with daily intake, indicating maté intensity did not influence the strength of association. EOR/LPDY estimates for consumption at warm, hot, and very hot beverage temperatures were 0.004 (-0.002-0.013), 0.007 (0.003-0.013), and 0.016 (0.009-0.027), respectively, and differed significantly (P < 0.01). EOR/LPDY estimates were increased in younger (<65) individuals and never alcohol drinkers, but these evaluations were post hoc, and were homogeneous by sex. CONCLUSIONS: ORs for ESCC increased linearly with cumulative maté consumption and were unrelated to intensity, so greater daily consumption for shorter duration or lesser daily consumption for longer duration resulted in comparable ORs. The strength of association increased with higher maté temperatures. IMPACT: Increased understanding of cancer risks with maté consumption enhances the understanding of the public health consequences given its purported health benefits.

Meat, milk and risk of lymphoid malignancies: a case-control study in Uruguay.

In the time period 1996-2004, 697 cases with lymphoid neoplasms and 3606 controls with nonneoplastic conditions were included in a case-control study conducted in the Cancer Institute of Uruguay. They were administered a routine questionnaire that included 8 sections and a food frequency questionnaire focused on intakes of total meat, red meat, salted meat, barbecued meat, processed meat, milk, total vegetables and total fruits, and alcoholic beverages. Lymphoid cancers were analyzed by multiple polytomous regression. Red meat, salted meat, and milk were positively associated with risk of lymphoid cancers [odds ratios (OR) for the highest tertile vs. the lowest one of red meat = 1.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37-2.08, OR for whole milk = 2.92, 95% CI 2.63-3.63). On the other hand, plant foods, particularly total fruits, and alcoholic beverages (mainly red wine) were protective. We could conclude that these foods could play a significant role in the etiology of lymphoid malignancies.

Dietary patterns and risk of cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract: a factor analysis in Uruguay.

In the time period 1996-2004, we conducted a case-control study in Montevideo, Uruguay with the objective of exploring the role of foods and alcoholic beverages in the etiology of cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT). In brief, 563 male cases and 1099 male controls were frequency matched on age and residence using random sampling. All the participants were drawn from the 4 major public hospitals in Montevideo. We used exploratory factor analysis among controls. Through Scree plot test, the model retained 4 factors, which were labeled as prudent, starchy plants, Western, and drinker. These dietary patterns explained 34.8% of the total variance. Whereas the prudent pattern was inversely associated with UADT cancer [odds ratios (OR) for the upper tertile vs. the lowest one 0.52, 95% confidence intervals 0.32-0.76, P value for trend = 0.0005), the remaining patterns were significantly and positively associated with UADT cancers. We conclude that these patterns were similar among the oral and laryngeal cancers, both in the direction of the ORs and in the magnitude of the associations, suggesting that these cancer sites share the effect of dietary patterns in the etiology of cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract.

Nutrient-based dietary patterns of head and neck squamous cell cancer: a factor analysis in Uruguay.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between nutrient-based dietary patterns and squamous cell cancers of the head and neck. METHODS: We used a case-control study which included 548 cases and 548 controls. From these participants, we derived 23 nutrients and they were then submitted to a factorability analysis in order to conduct a principal component factor analysis. RESULTS: We were able to identify four nutrient-derived patterns. The first pattern (meat-based pattern) was positively associated with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (OR 2.85, 95 % CI 1.81-4.15), whereas the third pattern (fruit-based) was strongly protective (OR 0.43, 95 % CI 0.27-0.63). The other nutrient patterns were also significantly associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with minor ORs. CONCLUSION: Both patterns suggest that red meat and fruits are major factors in the etiology of head and neck squamous cell cancer, replicating previous studies in the field.

Maté consumption and risk of oral cancer: Case-control study in Uruguay.

BACKGROUND: In the period 1990 to 2001, a case-control study on oral cancer and maté consumption was conducted at the Cancer Institute of Uruguay. METHODS: The study included 696 newly diagnosed cases with squamous cell carcinoma and 696 controls afflicted with nonneoplastic conditions not related to tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking. The participants were matched on age and residence and the study was restricted to men. RESULTS: In order to control confounding for tobacco and alcohol, we fitted 2 models. According to model 1, the odds ratio (OR) for maté consumption was 1.15 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76-1.73), whereas the results for model 2 showed an OR of 3.47 (95% CI, 1.60-7.52). CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of a term for the interaction between maté and smoking (or drinking) was rewarding and the ORs were even higher than those observed with the crude estimates.

Risk factors for premenopausal breast cancer: a case-control study in Uruguay.

In order to thoroughly analyze risk factors of breast cancer (BC) in premenopausal Uruguayan women, a case-control study was carried out at the Pereira Rossell Women's Hospital, Montevideo, where 253 incident BC cases and 497 frequency-matched healthy controls were interviewed on menstrual and reproductive story, were administered a short food frequency questionnaire and undertook a series of body measurements necessary to calculate body composition and somatotype. Odds ratio (OR) coefficients were taken as estimates of relative risk derived from unconditional logistic regression. Among the classical risk factors, only the family history of BC in first degree relatives was significantly associated with risk of premenopausal BC (OR=2.20, 95% CI 1.33-3.62). Interestingly, this risk factor was found to be stronger in women of ages >40 (OR=4.05, 95% CI 2.10-7.81), late menarche (OR= 2.39, 95% CI 1.18-4.85), early age for their first delivery (OR=3.02, 95% CI 1.26-7.22), short time between menarche and first delivery (OR=3.22, 95% CI 1.29-8.07), and with high parity (OR=4.10, 95% CI 1.79-9.36), although heterogeneity was detected only for age and parity. High consumption of red meat was positively associated with the disease risk (OR=2.20, 95% CI 1.35-3.60), in the same way as fried foods (OR=1.79, 95% CI 1.12-2.84). Conversely, a high intake of plant foods displayed a protective effect (OR=0.41, 95% CI 0.26-0.65). Except for hypertension (OR=1.55, 95% CI 1.03-2.35), none of the analyzed components of metabolic syndrome were associated to BC risk. Particular increases of risk for premenopausal BC were found for family history in first degree relatives in certain subsets derived from the menstrual-reproductive history. Preventive strategies could broaden their scope if new studies confirm the present results, in view of the limited prevention measures that premenopausal BC currently has.

Food groups and risk of prostate cancer: a case-control study in Uruguay.

OBJECTIVE: The role of foods and beverages has been studied in detail in order to establish probable risk factors for prostate cancer. METHODS: Data were derived from 326 cases with incident and microscopically confirmed adenocarcinomas of the prostate and 652 controls. Odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals of prostate cancer were estimated by unconditional multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: We identified the following food items as risk factors: lamb meat, salted meat, whole milk, total eggs, and maté consumption. The highest OR was associated with total eggs (OR, 2.43; 95 % CI, 1.70-3.48), followed by salted meat (OR, 2.65; 95 % CI, 1.36-3.76), maté consumption (OR, 1.96; 95 % CI, 1.17-3.31), and whole milk (OR, 2.01; 95 % CI, 1.26-2.51). CONCLUSIONS: The final model, fitted by stepwise forward method, included total eggs, salted meat, whole milk, and maté consumption, whereas fruits were protective.

Diabetes, overweight and risk of postmenopausal breast cancer: a case-control study in Uruguay.

Obese postmenopausal women increase their risk of developing breast cancer (BC), in particular if they display an android-type pattern of adiposity, which is also associated to increased risks of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. In order to explore the associations among anthropometry (body mass index, body composition, somatotype), some specific items of medical history (diabetes, hypertension, dislypidemias, hyperuricemia) and the risk of BC in Uruguayan women, a case-control study was carried out between 2004-2009 at our Oncology Unit. 912 women of ages between 23-69 years (367 new BC cases and 545 non hospitalized, age-matched controls with a normal mammography) were interviewed. Twenty body measurements were taken in order to calculate body composition and somatotype. Patients were queried on socio-demographics, reproductive history, family history of cancer, a brief food frequency questionnaire and on personal history of diabetes, dislypidemias, hyperuricemia, hypertension and gallbladder stones. Uni- and multivariate analyses were done, generating odds ratios (ORs) as an expression of relative risks. A personal history of diabetes was positively associated to BC risk (OR=1.64, 95% CI 1.00-2.69), being higher among postmenopausal women (OR=1.92, 95% CI 1.04-3.52). The risks of BC for diabetes in postmenopausal women with overweight combined with dislypidemia (OR=9.33, 95% CI 2.10-41.5) and high fat/muscle ratio (OR=7.81, 95% CI 2.01-30.3) were significantly high. As a conclusion, a personal history of diabetes and overweight was strongly associated to BC. The studied sample had a subset of high-risk of BC featured by postmenopausal overweight and diabetic women, who also had a personal history of hypertension and/or dyslipidemia. The present results could contribute to define new high risk groups and individuals for primary as well as for secondary prevention, since this pattern linked to the metabolic syndrome is usually not considered for BC prevention.

Nutrient-derived dietary patterns and risk of colorectal cancer: a factor analysis in Uruguay.

In order to explore the role of nutrients and bioactive related substances in colorectal cancer, we conducted a case-control in Uruguay, which is the country with the highest production of beef in the world. Six hundred and eleven (611) cases afflicted with colorectal cancer and 1,362 controls drawn from the same hospitals in the same time period were analyzed through unconditional multiple logistic regression. This base population was submitted to a principal components factor analysis and three factors were retained. They were labeled as the meat-based, plant-based, and carbohydrates patterns. They were rotated using orthogonal varimax method. The highest risk was positively associated with the meat-based pattern (OR for the highest quartile versus the lowest one 1.63, 95 % CI 1.22-2.18, P value for trend = 0.001), whereas the plant-based pattern was strongly protective (OR 0.60, 95 % CI 0.45-0.81, P value for trend <0.0001. The carbohydrates pattern was only positively associated with colon cancer risk (OR 1.46, 95 % CI 1.02-2.09). The meat-based pattern was rich in saturated fat, animal protein, cholesterol, and phosphorus, nutrients originated in red meat. Since herocyclic amines are formed in the well-done red meat through the action of amino acids and creatine, it is suggestive that this pattern could be an important etiologic agent for colorectal cancer.