Burden of smoking in Asia-Pacific countries.

INTRODUCTION: Smoking is a modifiable risk factor for many diseases. The public should recognize the impact of smoking on their health and their wealth. The current study aimed to evaluate the cost burden of smoking to target Asia-Pacific countries. METHODS: The current study estimated the annual spending and lifetime spending of smokers in the target Asia-Pacific countries (Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, and Australia) on purchasing cigarettes, as well as predicted the revenue that could be generated if smokers spent the money on investment instead of buying cigarettes. Smokers' spending on cigarettes and the potential revenue generated from investment were estimated based on the selling prices of cigarettes, Standards & Poor's 500 Index, and life expectancies of smokers. Data were extracted from reports released by the World Health Organization or government authorities. RESULTS: The annual expenses (in US$) on purchasing one pack of cigarettes, in decreasing order, were: Australia ($5628.30), Singapore ($3777.75), Hong Kong ($2799.55), Malaysia ($1529.35), South Korea ($1467.30), and Thailand ($657.00). The lifetime spending on purchasing one pack of cigarettes each day were: Australia ($308993.67), Singapore ($207398.48), Hong Kong ($151735.61 for male and $166853.18 for female), South Korea ($80261.31), Malaysia ($72338.26), and Thailand ($31207.50). CONCLUSIONS: The cost burden of smoking is high from a smoker's perspective. Smokers should recognize the high economic burden and quit smoking to enjoy better health and wealth.

Pharmacologic Evidence of Green Tea in Targeting Tyrosine Kinases.

BACKGROUND: Green tea has been extensively studied for its potential health benefits against diseases, such as cancers, cognitive degenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. METHODS: The authors undertook a structured search of peer-reviewed research articles from three databases including PubMed, Embase, and Ovid MEDLINE. Recent and up-to-date studies relevant to the topic were included. RESULTS: Green tea extract exerts its functions by interacting with multiple signalling pathways in human cells. Protein tyrosine kinase is one of the examples. Abnormal activation of tyrosine kinase is observed in some tumour cells. Green tea extract inhibits phosphorylation, reduces expression, or attenuates downstream signalling of epidermal growth factor receptor, insulin-like growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, and non-receptor tyrosine kinase. Combination of green tea extract with tyrosine kinase inhibitors may provide synergistic effects by overcoming acquired resistance. CONCLUSION: Green tea extract can affect multiple receptor targets. In the current review, we discuss the pharmacological mechanisms of green tea on tyrosine kinases and their implications on common diseases.