Age-associated effect of kestose on Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and symptoms in the atopic dermatitis infants.

BACKGROUND: Although Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is a major bacterium in the intestine of adults, which is known to have anti-inflammatory effects, the development in infants or the response to prebiotics remains unclear. METHODS: The counts of F. prausnitzii in the feces were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Fecal samples were obtained from 65 atopic dermatitis (AD) infants who participated in a randomized controlled clinical trial to investigate the therapeutic effect of kestose, the smallest fructooligosaccharide. RESULTS: Although the F. prausnitzii count was undetectable level in most 0- to 1-y-old infants, the count reached a level comparable to that in adults in 2- to 5-y-old infants. The bacterial number increased about 10-fold by oral administration of kestose every day for 12 wk in the younger infants, but not so much in the older infants. This bacterial increase was significantly correlated with an improvement in the AD symptoms in the older infants. CONCLUSION: The F. prausnitzii population in the intestine reaches a level comparable to that in adult at approximately 2 y of age. Kestose efficiently stimulates the growth of this bacterium in the intestine, which might lead to an improvement in AD symptoms in infants.

Microsomal epoxide hydrolase polymorphisms, cigarette smoking, and risk of colorectal cancer: the Fukuoka Colorectal Cancer Study.

Microsomal epoxide hydrolase (EPHX1) plays an important role in the activation and detoxification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carcinogens found in cigarette smoke. Polymorphisms in exon 3 (Y113H) and exon 4 (H139R) of the EPHX1 have been associated with enzyme activity. We investigated the risk of colorectal cancer in relation to the EPHX1 Y113H and H139R polymorphisms and assessed effect modifications of cigarette smoking and the other covariates. The interaction between the EPHX1 polymorphisms and selected genetic polymorphisms was also examined. We used data from Fukuoka Colorectal Cancer Study, a community-based case-control study, including 685 cases and 778 controls. In-person interviews were conducted to assess lifestyle factors. The EPHX1 Y113H and H139R polymorphisms were determined by the TaqMan assay and the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, respectively. Neither of the two polymorphisms nor the imputed EPHX1 phenotype was associated with colorectal cancer risk. Cigarette smoking and alcohol intake showed no effect modification on the association with the EPHX1 polymorphisms or the imputed EPHX1 phenotype. Increased risks of colorectal cancer associated with the 113Y allele and imputed EPHX1 phenotype were observed among individuals with high body mass index (BMI; ≥25.0 kg/m(2)), but not among those with low BMI (<25.0 kg/m(2)). The risk decreased with an increasing number of the 139R allele in the null genotypes of GSTM1/GSTT1. It is unlikely that the EPHX1 polymorphisms play an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis. The observed interactions of the EPHX1 polymorphisms with BMI and the GSTM1/GSTT1 genotypes warrant further investigation.

Neuroticism and extraversion personality traits, health behaviours, and subjective well-being: the Fukuoka Study (Japan).

PURPOSE: We evaluated personality dimensions captured by an abbreviated 8-item questionnaire and examined associations of the personality traits with health behaviours and subjective well-being (SWB) measures. METHODS: The subjects were 11,554 participants in the Kyushu University Fukuoka Cohort Study who completed a self-administered questionnaire inquiring health behaviours, morbidity, personality, and SWB. Personality was assessed by using a questionnaire appeared to capture neuroticism and extraversion traits, and SWB-related variables were assessed with 3 single-item questions. RESULTS: Neuroticism was negatively and extraversion was positively associated with BMI. Extraversion, but not neuroticism, was positively associated with smoking and alcohol drinking. After multivariate adjustment, neuroticism was strongly associated with each of 3 SWB measures. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratios for the highest versus lowest quintile of neuroticism were 6.09 (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.05-7.33) for perceived stress; 0.21 (95% CI, 0.18-0.25) for good health condition; and 0.26 (95% CI, 0.22-0.31) for life satisfaction. Extraversion showed no clear association with the SWB measures. CONCLUSIONS: The neuroticism and extraversion scales were associated with health behaviours and BMI differently. The neuroticism scale, but not the extraversion scale, was strongly associated with higher perception of stress, poorer perceived health, and lower satisfaction with life in a Japanese population.

The effect of probiotics on gastric mucosal permeability in humans administered with aspirin.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether a probiotic strain, Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2716 (LG21), can protect the gastric mucosal integrity from aspirin using urinary sucrose excretion (USE) test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the study using high-dose aspirin, the USE tests were carried out in 29 volunteers before and after LG21 treatment for 4 weeks. In the study using patients undergoing low-dose aspirin therapy, USE tests were performed in 37 subjects who took LG21 for 16 weeks. Stool occult blood was examined by the guaiac method. RESULTS: In the former study, the elevation in the USE value after aspirin loading significantly decreased after LG21 treatment (Median ± SD; 0.244 ± 0.237 vs. 0.208 ± 0.112%, p = 0.018). In the latter study, the USE value significantly decreased in the period with LG21 treatment (p = 0.033), while no significant difference was found in the period without LG21 (p = 0.113). The number of positive occult blood tests decreased during LG21 treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The regular ingestion of LG21 may protect the integrity of the gastric mucosal permeability against aspirin.

Do interventions to prevent lifestyle-related diseases reduce healthcare expenditures? A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: In 2008, the Japanese government implemented a program of health lifestyle interventions to reduce health care expenditure. This study evaluated whether these interventions decreased health care expenditures. METHODS: The study enrolled 99 participants insured by Japanese National Health Insurance, who, in our previous study conducted in 2004, were allocated by random sampling into an intervention group (50 participants) and a control group (49 participants). In the intervention group, we used a health support method that facilitated the attainment of goals established by each participant. The control group received instruction in exercise, as well as health support using publically available media. Although 3 participants in the intervention group and 9 participants in the control group did not participate in a follow-up health examination 1 year after the intervention, the health care expenditures of all initial participants were assessed. Expenditures before and after the intervention were compared within and between groups. Data on health care expenditures were obtained from inpatient, outpatient, pharmacy, and dental health insurance claims. RESULTS: After the intervention, the pharmacy and dental expenditures were significantly higher in the intervention group, while the pharmacy expenditure was significantly higher in the control group. However, there was no significant difference in any medical expenditure item between the intervention and control groups before or after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were observed in short-term medical expenses for any medical expenditure item after a lifestyle intervention.

Neurodevelopmental Disorder Traits in Taijin-Kyofu-sho and Social Anxiety Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study among University Students.

Taijin-Kyofu-sho is an East Asian culture-bound anxiety disorder with similarities to social anxiety disorder. However, few studies have examined these two disorders from the perspective of neurodevelopmental disorders. This study is aimed at examining the association of Taijin-Kyofu-sho and social anxiety disorder with the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) trait and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) trait. The Liebowitz Social Anxiety, Taijin-Kyofu-sho, and Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report scales and the 16-item Autism-Spectrum Quotient were administered to 818 university students. Participants were divided into four groups: control (neither Taijin-Kyofu-sho nor social anxiety disorder), pure Taijin-Kyofu-sho (Taijin-Kyofu-sho alone), pure social anxiety disorder (social anxiety disorder alone), and mixed Taijin-Kyofu-sho-social anxiety disorder (both Taijin-Kyofu-sho and social anxiety disorder). We used logistic regression analysis to examine whether the ADHD trait and ASD trait were associated with Taijin-Kyofu-sho and social anxiety disorder. ASD trait was significantly associated with pure Taijin-Kyofu-sho (p = 0.006, odds ratio: 3.99). Female sex and ADHD trait were significantly associated with pure social anxiety disorder (sex: p = 0.013, odds ratio: 2.61; ADHD trait: p = 0.012, odds ratio: 2.46). Female sex, ADHD trait, and ASD trait were significantly associated with mixed Taijin-Kyofu-sho-social anxiety disorder (sex: p = 0.043, odds ratio: 2.16; ADHD trait: p = 0.003, odds ratio: 2.75; ASD trait: p < 0.001, odds ratio: 16.93). Neurodevelopmental disorder traits differed between individuals with Taijin-Kyofu-sho and those with social anxiety disorder. Overall, our study reveals that Japanese individuals with the ADHD or ASD traits are at a heightened risk of developing Taijin-Kyofu-sho or social anxiety disorder.

Cigarette smoking, genetic polymorphisms and colorectal cancer risk: the Fukuoka Colorectal Cancer Study.

BACKGROUND: It is uncertain whether smoking is related to colorectal cancer risk. Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) are important enzymes in the metabolism of tobacco carcinogens, and functional genetic polymorphisms are known for these enzymes. We investigated the relation of cigarette smoking and related genetic polymorphisms to colorectal cancer risk, with special reference to the interaction between smoking and genetic polymorphism. METHODS: We used data from the Fukuoka Colorectal Cancer Study, a population-based case-control study, including 685 cases and 778 controls who gave informed consent to genetic analysis. Interview was conducted to assess lifestyle factors, and DNA was extracted from buffy coat. RESULTS: In comparison with lifelong nonsmokers, the odds ratios (OR) of colorectal cancer for <400, 400-799 and > or = 800 cigarette-years were 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-0.89), 1.16 (0.83-1.62) and 1.14 (0.73-1.77), respectively. A decreased risk associated with light smoking was observed only for colon cancer, and rectal cancer showed an increased risk among those with > or = 400 cigarette-years (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.04-2.45). None of the polymorphisms under study was singly associated with colorectal cancer risk. Of the gene-gene interactions studied, the composite genotype of CYP1A1*2A or CYP1A1*2C and GSTT1 polymorphisms was associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer, showing a nearly statistically significant (Pinteraction = 0.06) or significant interaction (Pinteraction = 0.02). The composite genotypes of these two polymorphisms, however, showed no measurable interaction with cigarette smoking in relation to colorectal cancer risk. CONCLUSIONS: Cigarette smoking may be associated with increased risk of rectal cancer, but not of colon cancer. The observed interactions between CYP1A1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms warrant further confirmation.

Dietary fiber, source foods and colorectal cancer risk: the Fukuoka Colorectal Cancer Study.

OBJECTIVE: Despite much evidence from laboratory work, epidemiological evidence remains elusive regarding the role of dietary fiber in colorectal carcinogenesis. We investigated associations of dietary fiber and source foods with colorectal cancer risk in the Fukuoka Colorectal Cancer Study, a community-based case-control study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study subjects were 816 incident cases of colorectal cancer and 815 community controls. Nutrient and food intakes were estimated on the basis of a computer-assisted interview regarding 148 dietary items. Odds ratios of colorectal cancer according to quintile categories of energy-adjusted intakes of dietary fiber and food groups were obtained with adjustment for non-dietary factors and dietary intakes of calcium and n-3 fatty acids. RESULTS: Total, soluble and insoluble dietary fibers were not measurably associated with overall risk or subsite-specific risk of colorectal cancer. By contrast, rice consumption was associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer (trend p = 0.03), particularly of distal colon and rectal cancer (trend p = 0.02), and high intake of non-rice cereals tended to be related to an increased risk of colon cancer (trend p = 0.07). There was no association between vegetable consumption and colorectal cancer, whereas individuals with the lowest intake of fruits tended to have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The present study did not corroborate a protective association between dietary fiber and colorectal cancer, but suggested a decreased risk of distal colorectal cancer associated with rice consumption.

Maternal prenatal stress and infantile wheeze and asthma: The Osaka Maternal and Child Health Study.

OBJECTIVE: Some recent studies suggest that maternal prenatal stress (MPS) increases allergic diseases in the children. However, knowledge on this issue in Asian children are lacking. We investigated the association between MPS and the risks of wheeze and asthma in Japanese infants aged 16-24 months. METHODS: The present subjects were 763 Japanese mother-child pairs. The first, second, and third surveys based on self-administered questionnaires were performed during pregnancy, between 2 and 9 months postpartum, and from 16 to 24 months postpartum, respectively. Data on MPS was obtained in the first survey, using the Stress Inventory (SI), which constructs 12 specific behavioral patterns as response styles to stressors. Data on wheeze and asthma was obtained in the third survey, where wheeze was based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood criteria and asthma was based on doctors' diagnosis. RESULTS: There were 169 infants with wheeze (22.1%) and 33 infants with asthma (4.3%), at the time of the third survey. Multiple logistic regression analyses found that a maternal behavioral pattern characterized by chronic irritation and anger was associated with the risk of childhood asthma (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11 to 2.22), but not wheeze (adjusted OR = 1.02, 95%CI: 0.88 to 1.19), while there was no appreciable association between the other SI scales and the risk of childhood wheeze or asthma. CONCLUSIONS: The results partly supported the hypothesis that MPS might increase the risk of asthma in their infants in Japanese.

Contributions of Anthropometrics and Lifestyle to Blood Pressure in Japanese University Students†:†Investigation by Annual Health Screening.

Background : High blood pressure (BP) is a healthcare problem in young persons. There are racial differences in anthropometrics, dietary habit and lifestyle relating to BP. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between anthropometrics, lifestyle and BP obtained in the Japanese university students. Materials and Methods : Participants were recruited in annual health screening including questionnaire, measurements of BP and anthropometrics calculating body mass index (BMI). Totally, 14,280 students (10,273 males and 4,007 females) were eligible. Multiple regression analyses were applied to predict contributors to high BP. Results : BMI was the most powerful contributor to high BP in many subgroups divided by gender and graduation (p < 0.001). In lifestyle, contribution of lack of exercise to high BPs was observed in the undergraduates. Smoking, drinking and breakfast skipping had no significant impact on high BP. However, smoking and drinking permeated and exercise habit declined after graduation. Prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg / m2) and hypertension ( ≥ 140 / 90 mmHg) increased in subgroups with advanced age (p < 0.001). Conclusion: BMI was found to be the most powerful contributor to high BPs. Health literacy to modify lifestyle is important to prevent hypertension for university students who are exposed to social trends of unhealthy lifestyle. J. Med. Invest. 67 : 174-181, February, 2020.

Genetic polymorphisms of CYP2E1 and risk of colorectal cancer: the Fukuoka Colorectal Cancer Study.

Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) is involved in the metabolic activation of a wide variety of potential carcinogens, and functional polymorphisms in the CYP2E1 gene have been investigated in relation to colorectal cancer. We examined the relation of the CYP2E1 RsaI and 96-bp insertion polymorphisms to colorectal cancer risk and the interaction between these polymorphisms and some lifestyle risk factors. Subjects were 685 incident cases of colorectal cancer and 778 community controls. Statistical adjustment was made for alcohol use, body mass index, physical activity, and other factors. The RsaI c2 allele was associated with a decreased risk of rectal cancer [adjusted odds ratio for at least one c2 allele, 0.71; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.53-0.95], and an increased risk of rectal cancer was observed among individuals having one or two 96-bp insertion alleles (adjusted odds ratio, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.06-1.85). Individuals with two 96-bp insertion alleles showed a 2.28-fold increase in colon cancer risk (95% CI, 1.29-4.01). The two polymorphisms were in almost complete linkage disequilibrium (D' = 0.94). A positive association between alcohol intake and colorectal cancer was observed only in individuals without RsaI c2 allele (P(trend) = 0.03) or in those without 96-bp insertion allele (P(trend) = 0.009). Colon cancer risk was increased in relation to red meat intake only in individuals having one or two 96-bp insertion alleles (P(interaction) = 0.03). The present study suggests that variation in activity and inducibility of CYP2E1, in relation to alcohol or red meat intake, contributes to the development of colorectal cancer.

Two thirds of forest walkers with Japanese cedar pollinosis visit forests even during the pollen season.

BACKGROUND: The most common type of pollinosis in Japan is Japanese cedar pollinosis (JCP). While forest walking is a common form of recreation for Japanese people, it has been unclear whether forest walkers with JCP still choose to visit forested areas during the pollen season or whether they avoid those areas, and as such, the aim of this study was to investigate this question. METHODS: The study participants were all healthy men and women volunteers aged 20 years or over who visited the Tokyo University Forest in Chiba during 4 different days. The survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaires. RESULTS: The number of available responses was 498. Of these, 112 participants who experienced JCP were included in the analysis. Seventy-three participants (65.2%) responded that they visit forests even during the pollen season. The association between forest walking choices during the pollen season and self-rated levels of pollinosis symptoms was not statistically significant (Cramer's V = 0.13, p = 0.47). As many as 60% of the participants who reported serious symptom levels responded that they visit forested areas even during the pollen season. CONCLUSIONS: These results revealed that two thirds of forest walkers who had experienced JCP visited forests even during the pollen season. This indicates the further need for public service announcements informing people with JCP that the risk of pollen exposure and subsequent JCP reaction is increased by visiting forested areas during the pollen season.

Relevance of hoarding behavior and the traits of developmental disorders among university students: a self-reported assessment study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that hoarding behavior usually starts at a subclinical level in early adolescence and gradually worsens; however, a limited number of studies have examined the prevalence of hoarding behavior and its association with developmental disorders in young adults. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of hoarding behavior and to identify correlations between hoarding behavior and developmental disorder traits in university students. METHODS: The study participants included 801 university students (616 men, 185 women) who completed questionnaires (ASRS: Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale version 1.1, AQ16: Autism-Spectrum Quotient with 16 items, and CIR: Clutter Image Rating). RESULTS: Among 801 participants, 27 (3.4%) exceeded the CIR cut-off score. Moreover, the participants with hoarding behavior had a significantly higher percentage of ADHD traits compared to participants without hoarding behavior (HB(+) vs HB(-), 40.7% vs 21.7%). In addition, 7.4% of HB(+) participants had autism spectrum disorder (ASD) traits, compared to 4.1% of HB(-) participants. A correlation analysis revealed that the CIR composite score had a stronger correlation with the ASRS inattentive score than with the hyperactivity/impulsivity score (CIR composite vs ASRS IA, r = 0.283; CIR composite vs ASRS H/I, r = 0.147). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed a high prevalence of ADHD traits in the university students with hoarding behavior. Moreover, we found that the hoarding behavior was more strongly correlated with inattentive symptoms rather than with hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms. Our results support the concept of a common pathophysiology behind hoarding behavior and ADHD in young adults.

Medical Radiation Exposure among Atomic Bomb Survivors: Understanding its Impact on Risk Estimates of Atomic Bomb Radiation.

There have been some concerns about the influence of medical X rays in dose-response analysis of atomic bomb radiation on health outcomes. Among atomic bomb survivors in the Life Span Study, the association between atomic bomb radiation dose and exposures to medical X rays was investigated using questionnaire data collected by a mail survey conducted between 2007-2011, soliciting information on the history of computed tomography (CT) scans, gastrointestinal fluoroscopy, angiography and radiotherapy. Among 12,670 participants, 76% received at least one CT scan; 77%, a fluoroscopic examination; 23%, an angiographic examination; and 8%, radiotherapy. Descriptive and multivariable-adjusted analyses showed that medical X rays were administered in greater frequencies among those who were exposed to an atomic bomb radiation dose of 1.0 Gy or higher, compared to those exposed to lower doses. This is possibly explained by a greater frequency in major chronic diseases such as cancer in the ≥1.0 Gy group. The frequency of medical X rays in the groups exposed to 0.005-0.1 Gy or 0.1-1.0 Gy did not differ significantly from those exposed to <0.005 Gy. An analysis of finer dose groups under 1 Gy likewise showed no differences in frequencies of medical X rays. Thus, no evidence of material confounding of atomic bomb effects was found. Among those exposed to atomic bomb doses <1 Gy, doses were not associated with medical radiation exposures. The significant association of doses ≥1 Gy with medical radiation exposures likely produces no substantive bias in radiation effect estimates because diagnostic medical X-ray doses are much lower than the atomic bomb doses. Further information on actual medical X-ray doses and on the validity of self-reports of X-ray procedures would strengthen this conclusion.

Calcium, dairy foods, vitamin D, and colorectal cancer risk: the Fukuoka Colorectal Cancer Study.

Epidemiologic evidence supporting a protective role of calcium and vitamin D in colorectal carcinogenesis has been accumulating in Western populations, but it is limited in Asian populations, whose intake of calcium is relatively low. We investigated the association of intakes of these nutrients with colorectal cancer risk in Japanese. Study subjects were participants of a large-scale case-control study in Fukuoka, Japan. Diet was assessed through interview regarding 148 dietary items by showing typical foods or dishes on the display of a personal computer. In a multivariate analysis adjusting for potential confounding variables, calcium intake was significantly, inversely associated with colorectal cancer risk (P for trend=0.01); the odds ratio for the highest versus lowest quintile of calcium intake was 0.64 (95% confidence interval, 0.45-0.93). Higher levels of dietary vitamin D were significantly associated with decreased risk of colorectal cancer among those who had fewer chances of sunlight exposure at work or in leisure (P for trend=0.02). A decreased risk of colorectal cancer associated with high calcium intake was observed among those who had higher levels of vitamin D intake or among those who had a greater chance of daily sunlight exposure, but not among those with medium or lower intake of vitamin D or among those with potentially decreased sunlight exposure. These results add to support for a joint action of calcium and vitamin D in the prevention of colorectal carcinogenesis.

Personality and colorectal cancer: the Fukuoka colorectal cancer study.

OBJECTIVE: Although personality factors, especially emotional suppression and loss-hopelessness, have been linked to the occurrence and progression of cancer, little is reported specifically on colorectal cancer. It has also been claimed that a 'hysterical' personality characterized by exaggerated emotional expressions, egocentricity and ambivalent connection may be protective from cancer. This community-based case-control study examined whether personality factors relevant to emotional suppression or loss-hopelessness are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, and whether factors related to the hysterical personality are associated with a decreased risk. METHODS: The stress inventory (SI), a self-administered questionnaire to assess the possible disease-prone and other relevant personalities in Japanese, was completed by 497 patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer and 809 controls randomly selected in the Fukuoka area of Japan. RESULTS: After controlling for age, sex and residence using a logistic regression model, none of the SI scales relevant to emotional suppression ('unfulfilled needs for acceptance', 'altruism', 'rationalizing conflicts/frustrations') or loss-hopelessness ('low sense of control', 'object-dependence/loss', 'object-dependence/happiness') was related to colorectal cancer. On the other hand, two scales representing elements of the hysterical personality, 'object-dependence/ambivalence' and 'egoism' were protectively associated with risk. Additional adjustment for body-mass index and lifestyle factors did not materially change these associations. CONCLUSIONS: Although personalities relevant to the emotional suppression or loss-hopelessness may not be a risk factor for colorectal cancer in the Japanese population, ambivalent connection and egocentricity may be protective.

A peptide inhibitor of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity against EGFR/folate receptor-α double positive cells.

Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) is caused by natural killer (NK) cells upon recognition of antigen-bound IgG via FcγRIIIa. This mechanism is crucial for cytolysis of pathogen-infected cells and monoclonal antibody (mAb)-mediated elimination of cancer cells. However, there is concern that mAb-based cancer therapy induces ADCC against non-target cells expressing antigens. To date, no strategy has been reported to enhance the selectivity of ADCC to protect non-target cells expressing antigens. Here, we introduce a model inhibitor which specifically blocks ADCC of anti-EGFR mAbs towards EGFR/folate receptor α (FRα) double positive cells. This inhibitor recruits mAbs on the FRα of the cell surface independent of Fab antigen recognition. The resulting ternary and/or quaternary complexes formed on the cell surface suppress signal transduction of FcγRIIIa in NK cells, consequently leading to more specific ADCC.

Colorectal polypectomy and risk of colorectal cancer by subsite: the Fukuoka Colorectal Cancer study.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal adenomas are well-established precursor lesions for colorectal cancer and removal of polyps is deemed to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. However, benefit of colorectal polypectomy in routine practice is still uncertain. We therefore investigated subsite-specific risks of colorectal cancer in relation to history of colorectal polypectomy in a case-control study. METHODS: Both case patients and control subjects were residents aged 20-74 years in Fukuoka City and three adjacent areas. The case group comprised 840 patients undergoing surgery for a first diagnosis of colorectal cancer, while the control subjects were 833 residents who were selected in the community by two-stage random sampling. Past history of selected diseases, surgery and lifestyle factors were ascertained by in-person interview. Statistical adjustment was made for sex, 5-year age class, residence, smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity, body mass index and parental history of colorectal cancer. RESULTS: Overall, 74 case patients (9%) and 85 control subjects (10%) reported a prior history of colorectal polyps, and 50 cases (6%) and 64 controls (8%) had a history of colorectal polypectomy. The adjusted odds ratio associated with colorectal polypectomy was 0.71 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48-1.06) for the overall risk of colorectal cancer. The corresponding values for cancer of the proximal colon, distal colon, and rectum were 1.68 (95% CI 0.98-2.88), 0.71 (95% CI 0.41-1.26) and 0.24 (95% CI 0.11-0.52), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that colorectal polypectomy in current practice confers a decreased risk of rectal cancer and possibly of distal colon cancer.

Genetic polymorphism in cytochrome P450 7A1 and risk of colorectal cancer: the Fukuoka Colorectal Cancer Study.

Bile acids have long been implicated in the etiology of colorectal cancer, but epidemiologic evidence remains elusive. Cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of bile acids from cholesterol in the liver, and thus may be an important determinant of bile acid production. We examined the association between the CYP7A1 A-203C polymorphism and colorectal cancer. The CYP7A1 A-203C polymorphism was determined by the PCR-RFLP method in 685 incident cases of colorectal cancer and 778 controls randomly selected from a community in the Fukuoka area, Japan. The CC genotype was slightly less frequent in the case group, and the adjusted odds ratio for the CC versus AA genotype was 0.88 (95% confidence interval, 0.65-1.20). In the analysis by subsite of the colorectum, a decreased risk associated with the CYP7A1 CC genotype was observed for proximal colon cancer, but not for either distal colon or rectal cancer. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of proximal colon cancer for the CC genotype were 0.63 (0.36-1.10) compared with the AA genotype, and 0.59 (0.37-0.96) compared with the AA and AC genotypes combined. A decreased risk of proximal colon cancer in relation to the CC genotype of CYP7A1 A-203C, which probably renders less activity of the enzyme converting cholesterol to bile acids, is new evidence for the role of bile acids in colorectal carcinogenesis.

Inhibition of emotional needs and emotional wellbeing predict disease progression of chronic hepatitis C patients: an 8-year prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The role of psycosocial factors in the disease progression of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the prognostic value of behavioral patterns and the quality of life (QOL) of patients with CHC. METHODS: Two hundred and forty Japanese CHC patients (mean age 62.4 years) were assessed for behavioral patterns (Stress Inventory), QOL (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual), and known prognostic factors at baseline then followed for a maximum of 8 years for disease progression, defined as either the first diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or hepatitis-related death. RESULTS: Forty-nine events occurred during the study period (46 newly diagnosed HCC cases, three hepatitis-related deaths). In a Cox proportional hazard model including known prognostic factors and treatment-related factors as time-dependent variables, behavioral patterns associated with inhibition of emotional needs (hazard ratio (HR): 1.35; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.77; p = 0.036) and QOL, representing emotional wellbeing (HR 0.60; 95 % CI 0.37-0.98; p = 0.041), were each associated with the risk of disease progression. CONCLUSION: Psychosocial factors such as behavioral patterns relevant to the inhibition of emotional needs and emotional wellbeing independently affect the clinical course of patients with CHC.