Do tobacco and alcohol modify protective effects of diet on oral carcinogenesis?

Recent systematic reviews concluded that the frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables is inversely associated with the risk of oral cancer. We assessed this association, specifically comparing results obtained to nonsmokers and smokers, as well to nondrinkers and drinkers. We conducted a case-control study involving 296 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (cases) attended in 3 major hospitals of São Paulo, Brazil, paired with 296 controls, recruited from outpatient units of the same hospitals. Multivariate models assessed the effect of fruits and salads according to smoking and drinking. The intake of fruit was associated with the prevention of the disease in the specific assessment among light [odds ratio (OR) = 0.46; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.27-0.78) and heavy (OR = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.14-0.65) smokers. The same was observed for vegetables consumption. For nonsmokers, no fruit (OR = 50; 95% CI = 0.22-1.12) or vegetable (for tomato, OR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.31-0.93) was associated with reduced risk of oral and oropharyngeal cancer. Similar results were found in the stratified analysis according to drinking status with OR = 0.51 (95% CI = 0.30-0.87) and 0.18 for fruits (95% CI = 0.07-0.45), respectively, for light and heavy drinkers. This observation suggests that the protective effect of fruit and salad intake may modulate the deleterious effects from tobacco and alcohol.

[Consumption of animal-derived foods and mouth and oropharyngeal cancer]. / Consumo de alimentos de origem animal e câncer de boca e orofaringe.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the relationship between animal-derived foods and mouth and oropharyngeal cancer. METHODS: Hospital-based case-control study matched by sex and age (± 5 years) with data collected between July of 2006 and June of 2008. The sample contained 296 patients with mouth and oropharyngeal cancer and 296 patients without a cancer history who were treated in four hospitals in the City of São Paulo, State of São Paulo, Brazil. A semistructured questionnaire was administered to collect data regarding socioeconomic condition and harmful habits (tobacco and alcoholic beverage consumption). To assess eating habits, a qualitative questionnaire that asked about the frequency of food consumption was used. The analysis was rendered by means of multivariate logistic regression models that considered the existing hierarchy among the characteristics studied. RESULTS: Among foods of animal origin, frequent consumption of beef (OR = 2.73; CI95% = 1.27-5.87; P < 0.001), bacon (OR = 2.48; CI95% = 1.30-4.74; P < 0.001) and eggs (OR = 3.04; CI95% = 1.51-6.15; P < 0.001) was linked to an increased risk of mouth and oropharyngeal cancer, in both the univariate and multivariate analyses. Among dairy products, milk showed a protective effect against the disease (OR = 0.41; CI95% = 0.21-0.82; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study affirms the hypothesis that animal-derived foods can be etiologically linked to mouth and oropharyngeal cancer. This information can guide policies to prevent these diseases, generating public health benefits.

Cumulative coffee consumption and reduced risk of oral and oropharyngeal cancer.

We examined the association between coffee consumption and oral cancer in a hospital-based case-control study comprising 143 patients with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma attended at 3 major hospitals in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and 240 controls without cancer, recruited from outpatient units of the same hospitals and matched with cases by sex and age. Associations were assessed by multivariate logistic regression conditioned on sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. Tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, and higher intake of bacon and deep-fried foods were directly related to disease; the inverse was observed to family income and salad intake. Coffee consumption and tobacco smoking were partially correlated (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.14 among cases, 0.31 among controls). When adjusted for all covariates, a cumulative coffee consumption higher than 18.0 daily liters × year during lifetime was indicated to be protective against disease (adjusted odds ratio 0.39, 95% confidence interval 0.16-0.94, P = 0.037). This observation may have pharmacological implications for clinical medication of these cancers and is relevant to programs aimed at reducing the burden of disease.

Resting energy expenditure of children and adolescents undergoing hemodialysis.

OBJECTIVE: We compared the resting energy expenditure (REE) of clinically stable children and adolescents on hemodialysis with that of healthy individuals, to investigate whether the current energy recommendations from the National Kidney Foundation/Kidney Disease Outcomes Initiative (NKF/DOQI) are adequate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 25 children and adolescents (15 male, SD 12.3 +/- 3.1 years old) undergoing hemodialysis (study group) under stable clinical conditions. Patients were pair-matched by sex and age with 25 healthy individuals (control group). The REE was measured by indirect calorimetry. Nutritional status was evaluated by body mass index Z-score, and growth deficit was evaluated by height-for-age Z-score. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The total energy expenditure (TEE) was estimated by multiplying the REE by the physical activity factor. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for daily energy intake was compared with the estimated TEE in the study group, considering children's age-specific height. RESULTS: All anthropometric parameters were significantly lower in the study group. Malnutrition and stunting were found in up to 56% and 60%, respectively, of the children in the study group. The absolute REE was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (1,067 +/- 191 kcal/day vs 1,372 +/- 290 kcal/day, respectively, P < .01). However, when the REE was adjusted for its main determinant, ie, lean body mass, no significant difference was observed between groups (P = .12). In the study group, the RDA for energy was above the TEE in all age groups, and the mean percentage of RDA/TEE was 124.2% +/- 14.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents on hemodialysis had an important deficit of energy and protein stores. The similar adjusted REE found between hemodialysis patients and their matched healthy pairs suggests that under stable clinical conditions, the REE of these subjects is normal. Moreover, the energy recommendation set by he NKF/DOQI is appropriate for this population.

Food restrictions of patients who are undergoing treatment for oral and oropharyngeal cancer.

PURPOSE: Oral squamous cell carcinoma and its treatment are associated with facial disfigurement and functional inabilities that may lead to malnutrition or under nourishment. This study assessed the incidence of food restrictions in patients undergoing treatment for oral and oropharyngeal cancer. METHOD: We interviewed 120 patients in two hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil, using a structured food frequency questionnaire comprising the most commonly consumed foods in Brazil. This questionnaire was applied twice; the first time to inform dietary patterns prior to the diagnosis of cancer and the second time to assess recent modifications of diet that were associated with the disease and its treatment. Hospital files provided information on clinical status. Multivariate Poisson regression models assessed covariates with prognostic value. RESULTS: One third of patients suffered major food restrictions (i.e., they reduced substantially the intake of more than 50% of the most commonly consumed food items before the diagnosis); 39% suffered a less severe condition (they could not eat less than 50% of the most commonly consumed food items before the diagnosis, and they needed changes in food preparation). Larger tumour size (adjusted incidence ratio IR = 1.45), posterior location (IR = 1.33), radiotherapy (IR = 1.84), loss of tongue mobility (IR = 1.36) and loss of teeth (IR = 1.25) in the surgery were associated significantly with the study outcome. CONCLUSION: This study identified clinical predictors of food restrictions in patients undergoing treatment for oral and oropharyngeal cancer. This knowledge may contribute to improve patient care and management, and to develop interventions aimed at preventing nutritional depletion of these patients.

Metabolic syndrome: comparison of diagnosis criteria.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a new criterion for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MS) in adolescents and to check its consistency with those proposed by Jolliffe and Janssen and by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study of 80 obese adolescents aged 14 to 19 years. Anthropometric (weight, height, and waist circumference) and laboratory (fasting triglycerides, HDLc, glucose, and insulin) parameters, as well as blood pressure were evaluated. The HOMA-IR index was used to characterize insulin resistance, and the presence of steatosis was assessed by hepatic ultrasound. Agreement analyses across the three criteria were made using the kappa coefficient. RESULTS: The prevalence of MS was 13.5, 15, and 25% for IDF and Jolliffe and Janssen's criteria and the proposed method, respectively. A nearly perfect agreement between Jolliffe and Janssen's and IDF (kappa = 0.94) criteria and a moderate agreement between the new criteria and the previous two (kappa = 0.46 and 0.41, respectively) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The highest prevalence of MS was observed with the criterion proposed in this study, which included steatosis and insulin resistance as parameters, thus being able to diagnose a larger number of adolescents at metabolic risk.

Consumo de alimentos de origem animal e câncer de boca e orofaringe / Consumption of animal Consumption of animalderived oropharyngeal cancer

Objetivo. Avaliar a relação entre alimentos de origem animal e câncer de boca e orofaringe.Métodos. Estudo caso-controle, de base hospitalar, pareado por sexo e idade (± 5 anos) coma coleta de dados realizada entre julho de 2006 e junho de 2008. A amostra foi composta por296 pacientes com câncer de boca e orofaringe e 296 pacientes sem histórico de câncer atendidosem quatro hospitais da cidade de São Paulo (SP), Brasil. Foi aplicado um questionário semiestruturado,para a coleta de dados relativos à condição socioeconômica e aos hábitos deletérios(tabaco e bebidas alcoólicas). Para avaliação do consumo alimentar, utilizou-se um questionáriode frequência alimentar qualitativo. A análise se deu por meio de modelos de regressão logísticamultivariada, que consideraram a hierarquia existente entre as características estudadas.Resultados. Entre os alimentos de origem animal, o consumo frequente de carne bovina(OR = 2,73; IC95% = 1,27–5,87; P < 0,001), bacon (OR = 2,48; IC95% = 1,30–4,74;P < 0,001) e ovos (OR = 3,04; IC95% = 1,51–6,15; P < 0,001) estava relacionado ao aumentono risco de câncer de boca e orofaringe, tanto na análise univariada quanto na multivariada.Entre os laticínios, o leite apresentou efeito protetor contra a doença (OR = 0,41; IC95% =0,21–0,82; P < 0,001).Conclusões. O presente estudo sustenta a hipótese de que alimentos de origem animalpodem estar relacionados à etiologia do câncer de boca e orofaringe. Essa informação podeorientar políticas preventivas contra a doença, gerando benefícios para a saúde pública.

Objective. Evaluate the relationship between animal-derived foods and mouth andoropharyngeal cancer.Methods. Hospital-based case-control study matched by sex and age (± 5 years) withdata collected between July of 2006 and June of 2008. The sample contained 296 patientswith mouth and oropharyngeal cancer and 296 patients without a cancer history who weretreated in four hospitals in the City of São Paulo, State of São Paulo, Brazil. A semistructuredquestionnaire was administered to collect data regarding socioeconomic condition andharmful habits (tobacco and alcoholic beverage consumption). To assess eating habits,a qualitative questionnaire that asked about the frequency of food consumption wasused. The analysis was rendered by means of multivariate logistic regression models thatconsidered the existing hierarchy among the characteristics studied.Results. Among foods of animal origin, frequent consumption of beef (OR = 2.73;CI95% = 1.27–5.87; P < 0.001), bacon (OR = 2.48; CI95% = 1.30–4.74; P < 0.001) andeggs (OR = 3.04; CI95% = 1.51–6.15; P < 0.001) was linked to an increased risk ofmouth and oropharyngeal cancer, in both the univariate and multivariate analyses.Among dairy products, milk showed a protective effect against the disease (OR =0.41; CI95% = 0.21–0.82; P < 0.001).Conclusions. This study affirms the hypothesis that animal-derived foods can beetiologically linked to mouth and oropharyngeal cancer. This information can guidepolicies to prevent these diseases, generating public health benefits.

Síndrome metabólica: comparação de critérios diagnósticos / Metabolic syndrome: comparison of diagnosis criteria

OBJETIVO: Propor um critério para o diagnóstico da síndrome metabólica em adolescentes e verificar a sua concordância com os propostos por Jolliffe e Janssen e pela International Diabetes Federation (IDF). MÉTODO: Estudo transversal com 80 adolescentes obesos de 14 a 19 anos. Foram realizadas avaliações antropométricas (peso, estatura e circunferência da cintura), laboratoriais [triglicérides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), glicemia e insulinemia de jejum] e da pressão arterial. O índice HOMA-IR foi utilizado para caracterizar a resistência insulínica, e a presença de esteatose foi verificada pela ultrassonografia hepática. Análise de concordância entre os três critérios foi feita pela estatística de kappa. RESULTADOS: Foram encontradas prevalências para síndrome metabólica de 13,75, 15 e 25 por cento, utilizando os critérios da International Diabetes Federation, de Jolliffe e Janssen e da nova proposta, respectivamente. Verificou-se concordância quase perfeita entre Jolliffe e Janssen e a IDF (kappa = 0,94) e moderada entre a nova proposta e as duas anteriores (kappa = 0,46 e 0,41, respectivamente). CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência mais alta da síndrome metabólica foi verificada pelo critério proposto neste estudo, que incluiu a esteatose hepática e a resistência insulínica entre os seus componentes, diagnosticando, desta forma, maior número de adolescentes com risco metabólico.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a new criterion for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MS) in adolescents and to check its consistency with those proposed by Jolliffe and Janssen and by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study of 80 obese adolescents aged 14 to 19 years. Anthropometric (weight, height, and waist circumference) and laboratory (fasting triglycerides, HDLc, glucose, and insulin) parameters, as well as blood pressure were evaluated. The HOMA-IR index was used to characterize insulin resistance, and the presence of steatosis was assessed by hepatic ultrasound. Agreement analyses across the three criteria were made using the kappa coefficient. RESULTS: The prevalence of MS was 13.5, 15, and 25 percent for IDF and Jolliffe and Janssen's criteria and the proposed method, respectively. A nearly perfect agreement between Jolliffe and Janssen's and IDF (kappa = 0.94) criteria and a moderate agreement between the new criteria and the previous two (kappa = 0.46 and 0.41, respectively) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The highest prevalence of MS was observed with the criterion proposed in this study, which included steatosis and insulin resistance as parameters, thus being able to diagnose a larger number of adolescents at metabolic risk.