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Background: Human prostate tissues are vulnerable to oxidative DNA damage. The risk of prostate cancer is lower in men reporting higher consumption of tomato products, which contain high levels of the antioxidant lycopene. We examined the effects of consumption of tomato sauce-based pasta dishes on lycopene uptake, oxidative DNA damage, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in patients already diagnosed with prostate cancer. Methods: Thirty-two patients with localized prostate adeno-carcinoma consumed tomato sauce-based pasta dishes for the 3 weeks (30 mg of lycopene per day) preceding their scheduled radical prostatectomy. Serum and prostate lycopene concentrations, serum PSA levels, and leukocyte DNA oxidative damage (ratio of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG] to 2'-deoxyguanosine [dG]) were assessed before and after the dietary intervention. DNA oxidative damage was assessed in resected prostate tissue from study participants and from seven randomly selected prostate cancer patients. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: After the dietary intervention, serum and prostate lycopene concentrations were statistically significantly increased, from 638 nM (95% confidence interval [CI] = 512 to 764 nM) to 1258 nM (95% CI = 1061 to 1455 nM) (P

The ability of a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet to improve the risk-factor profiles of moderately hypercholesterolemic, premenopausal women was evaluated. Nineteen women were fed a typical American diet for 1 mo, after which a low-fat diet consisting of 2 1 % of total energy (en%) as fat, 59 en% carbohydrates, 19 en% protein, and 96 mg cholesterol/d (P:S 1.8) was given. After 5 months, total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was decreased by 7% and 11%, respectively, and total triglycerides increased by [nearly equal to]30%. High-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was decreased by 12% at month 2 and 5% at month 5 (P < 0.05). Although HD[L.sub.2] cholesterol decreased progressively throughout the diet period to -35% by month 5, HD[L.sub.3] cholesterol, which decreased to 5% at month 1, increased to +7% by month 5. Of the plasma apolipoproteins only apo A-II was altered (+ 15%) by the diet. Body mass index correlated to baseline values and affected response to diet; only the leanest women had significant decreases in total, LDL, and HD[L.sub.2] cholesterol in response to the low-fat diet.

Low-fat diets are known to lower blood levels of fats and cholesterol-containing lipoproteins, with presumably beneficial effects on the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between dietary fat intake and body weight and composition in women has not been well studied. The association between energy (calorie) intake and body weight has been studied extensively, but recent attention has been focused on the effects of different dietary proportions of carbohydrate, fat, and protein. Studies suggest that less weight is gained when more energy is provided as carbohydrate rather than fat. However, the effects of fat replacement by carbohydrate during weight maintenance have not been reported. Eighteen premenopausal women completed a 24-week course consisting of a standard diet containing 37 percent fat (high-fat, HF) for the first four weeks, followed by a 20-week course of a 20 percent fat (low-fat, LF) diet. Twelve subjects were nonobese and six subjects were obese. A nearly constant weight was maintained for each individual by adjusting caloric intake where needed. However, average body weight in both obese and nonobese subjects declined an average of 3 percent during the LF period and it dropped earlier in the obese women. Energy intake increased by 19 percent in the whole group by the end of the LF period. Total body fat and fat as a percentage of body weight declined significantly in all groups of subjects. Total lean weight increased in obese women, while the percent of lean weight increased in both groups. The study indicates that a low-fat high-carbohydrate diet, consumed for 20 weeks, causes a significant reduction in body weight and fat content in spite of increased calorie intake, independent of body type. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Background: It is not known whether the protective effects of antioxidants on cataract observed in experimental animals are relevant to age-related opacities in humans. Objective: The relations of serum carotenoids and tocopherols to the incidence of age-related nuclear cataract were investigated in a random sample of 400 adults, 50-86 y of age, in the Beaver Dam Eye Study. Design: Nuclear opacity was assessed by using lens photographs taken at baseline (in 1988-1990) and follow-up (in 1993-1995). Nonfasting concentrations of individual carotenoids and or- and [Gamma]-tocopherol, were determined from serum obtained at baseline. A total of 252 persons were eligible for incident cataract, of whom 57 developed nuclear cataract in at least one eye. Results were adjusted for age, smoking, serum cholesterol, heavy drinking, adiposity, and, in the tocopherol models, dietary linoleic acid intake. Results: Only serum tocopherol (the sum of or- and [Gamma]-tocopherol, in [micro]mol/mmol cholesterol) was associated with cataract. For total serum tocopherol, persons in tertile 3 had a lower risk of cataract than persons in tertile 1 [odds ratio (OR): 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2, 0.9; P = 0.03 for linear trend]. Although serum carotenoids were not significantly associated with nuclear cataract, marginal inverse associations with lutein (OR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1, 1.2; P = 0.13 for linear trend) and cryptoxanthin (OR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1, 1.3; P = 0.11 for linear trend) were suggested in people [is greater than or equal to] 65 y of age. Conclusions: Findings were compatible with the possibility that nuclear cataract may be linked inversely to vitamin E status, but neither strongly supported nor negated the hypothesized inverse association of nuclear cataract with serum carotenoids. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69:272-7. KEY WORDS Serum carotenoids, serum tocopherols, humans, aging, nuclear cataract, vitamin E status, Beaver Dam Eye Study

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have investigated risk factors for Alzheimer disease (AD). However, at a recent National Institutes of Health State-of-the-Science Conference, an independent panel found insufficient evidence to support the association of any modifiable factor with risk of cognitive decline or AD. OBJECTIVE: To present key findings for selected factors and AD risk that led the panel to their conclusion. DATA SOURCES: An evidence report was commissioned by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. It included English-language publications in MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from 1984 through October 27, 2009. Expert presentations and public discussions were considered. STUDY SELECTION: Study inclusion criteria for the evidence report were participants aged 50 years and older from general populations in developed countries; minimum sample sizes of 300 for cohort studies and 50 for randomized controlled trials; at least 2 years between exposure and outcome assessment; and use of well-accepted diagnostic criteria for AD. DATA EXTRACTION: Included studies were evaluated for eligibility and data were abstracted. Quality of overall evidence for each factor was summarized as low, moderate, or high. DATA SYNTHESIS: Diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia in midlife, and current tobacco use were associated with increased risk of AD, and Mediterranean-type diet, folic acid intake, low or moderate alcohol intake, cognitive activities, and physical activity were associated with decreased risk. The quality of evidence was low for all of these associations. CONCLUSION: Currently, insufficient evidence exists to draw firm conclusions on the association of any modifiable factors with risk of AD.

Lycopene is one of the major carotenoids and is found almost exclusively in tomatoes and tomato products. Since tomato consumption is associated with decreased risk of prostate cancer, characterizing the effects of lycopene on cell growth or survival, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis in LCNaP human prostate cancer cells might elucidate the mechanisms of actions of lycopene. To discover the possible anti-cancer mechanism of lycopene, water-soluble lycopene was used, and cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were measured. Placebo formulation at each lycopene dose at 0.1, 1, and 5 µM was used as a control. After 6, 24, and 48 hours of incubation, cells were harvested and measured for cell viability. Lycopene at 1 µM inhibited cell growth by 31%, compared with its placebo formulation after a 48-hour incubation. Lycopene at 5 µM increased the number of cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle from 13% to 28% and decreased S-phase cells from 45% to 29%, while no shifts in cell cycle were detected in placebo-treated groups. Apoptosis was observed at the 5 µM lycopene formulation at the late stages during the 24- and 48-hour treatments. Lycopene, therefore, deserves further study as a potential chemopreventive/chemotherapeutic agent.

A physiological pharmacokinetic model was developed to describe the disposition of lycopene, delivered as a tomato beverage formulation in five graded doses (10, 30, 60, 90, or 120 mg), for a phase I study in healthy male subjects (five per dose). Blood was collected before dose administration (0 h) and at scheduled intervals until 672 h. Serum concentrations of carotenoids and vitamins were measured by high performance liquid chromatography analysis. The model was comprised of seven compartments: gastrointestinal tract, enterocytes, chylomicrons, plasma lipoproteins, fast-turnover liver, slow-turnover tissues, and a delay compartment before the enterocytes. As predicted, the percent absorption at the 10 mg dose (33.9 +/- 8.1%) was significantly greater than at the higher doses; however, the amount of lycopene absorbed (mg) was not statistically different (mean: 4.69 +/- 0.55 mg) between doses, suggesting a possible saturation of absorptive mechanisms. The slow-turnover tissue compartment served as a slow-depleting reservoir for lycopene, and the liver represented the fast-turnover pool. Independent of dose, 80% of the subjects absorbed less than 6 mg of lycopene. This may have important implications for planning clinical trials with pharmacological doses of lycopene in cancer control and prevention if absorption saturation occurs at levels that are already being consumed in the population.

The purpose of this work was to measure important nutritional status parameters for a group of free-ranging Mexican mantled howler monkeys (A. palliata mexicana) and compare those data to published data for primates. The nutritional status of six free-ranging Mexican mantled howler monkeys was examined using biochemical analysis. Blood samples were analyzed for serum chemistry; lipids; vitamins D, A, and E; carotenoids; and minerals. Serum chemistries were somewhat different from published values, but did not indicate clear abnormalities. Circulating lipids were not different from those in captive primates. Circulating vitamin D metabolites (83±16.3 for 25(OH)D ng/mL; 563±53.8 for 1,25(OH)2D pg/mL) were similar to those in wild-caught tamarins (Saguinus oedipus), lower than some published data for captive Cebidae and Callitrichidae, and higher than for Old World primates. Serum concentrations of retinol (16.5±1.64 μg/dl) were similar to those in captive spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi). Retinyl palmitate and retinyl stearate was present in howler samples and may have reflected recent dietary intake. Circulating α-tocopherol (997±97.6 μg/dl) was similar to published values for other primates. Carotenoid levels in howlers were within the ranges reported for many primates. A significant finding was the presence of cadmium in samples that should be further studied. The number of individuals sampled was limited, and further investigation into the effects of seasonality is needed. However, this information provides new data for howler monkeys and for free-ranging primates in general. Zoo Biol 22:239–251, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The purpose of this work was to measure important nutritional status parameters for a group of free‐ranging Mexican mantled howler monkeys (A. palliata mexicana) and compare those data to published data for primates. The nutritional status of six free‐ranging Mexican mantled howler monkeys was examined using biochemical analysis. Blood samples were analyzed for serum chemistry; lipids; vitamins D, A, and E; carotenoids; and minerals. Serum chemistries were somewhat different from published values, but did not indicate clear abnormalities. Circulating lipids were not different from those in captive primates. Circulating vitamin D metabolites (83±16.3 for 25(OH)D ng/mL; 563±53.8 for 1,25(OH)2D pg/mL) were similar to those in wild‐caught tamarins (Saguinus oedipus), lower than some published data for captive Cebidae and Callitrichidae, and higher than for Old World primates. Serum concentrations of retinol (16.5±1.64 μg/dl) were similar to those in captive spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi). Retinyl palmitate and retinyl stearate was present in howler samples and may have reflected recent dietary intake. Circulating α‐tocopherol (997±97.6 μg/dl) was similar to published values for other primates. Carotenoid levels in howlers were within the ranges reported for many primates. A significant finding was the presence of cadmium in samples that should be further studied. The number of individuals sampled was limited, and further investigation into the effects of seasonality is needed. However, this information provides new data for howler monkeys and for free‐ranging primates in general. Zoo Biol 22:239–251, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Lycopene, a natural antioxidant found predominantly in to mato products, is attracting attention as a cancer prevention agent. Serum and dietary lycopene levels have been found to be inversely related to the incidence of several types of cancer, including prostate cancer. Although the antioxidant properties of lycopene are thought to be primarily responsible for its apparent beneficial effects, other mechanisms may also be involved. We outline the possible mechanisms of action of lycopene and review the current findings ofin vitroandin vivostudies in cancer prevention and to some extent treatment. We examine the epidemiologic evidence regarding consumption of tomato and tomato products with the risk of cancer at various sites. Data suggest lycopene may account for or contribute to chemoprevention, but this hypothesis requires further study. Numerous other potentially beneficial compounds are present in tomatoes and complex interactions among multiple components may contribute to the anticancer properties of tomatoes.

The purpose of this work was to measure important nutritional status parameters for captive primates, compare those with published data, and look for a link with diet. The nutritional status of nine captive primate species was examined using biochemical analysis. The species were spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi), colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza), sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus torquatus), Schmidt's monkeys (Cercopithecus ascanius), mandrills (Papio sphinx), baboons (Papio cynocephalus), chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus), and gorillas (Gorilla gorilla). Diet information was collected by survey and the estimated nutritional composition of the diet for each species at each institution was compared with non‐human primate nutrient requirements. On the average, the captive primates received diets that met or exceeded recommended dietary guidelines for vitamins A, D, and E for non‐human primates. Blood samples were collected from 94 primates held at Brookfield Zoo, Fort Worth Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoological Gardens, and North Carolina Zoological Park and analyzed for lipids, vitamins A and E, D metabolites, and carotenoids. Several species showed differences among zoos for some nutrients, but values from any one zoo were not consistently lower. When monkeys were compared with great apes, monkeys had lower serum total cholesterol, triacylglyceride, and measured LDL cholesterol levels, but significantly higher vitamin D metabolite levels. Species differences were found for serum A, E, and carotenoid levels (with the exception of lycopene). Some differences were seen in serum retinol, retinyl palmitate and γ‐tocopherol. The relatively large number of animals contributing to this database and the fact that the data were collected from four zoos provide a substantial base for comparing nutritional status. Comparisons of these serum levels with previously published values for selected primates and humans revealed some differences. Zoo Biol 18:551–564, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Healthy adults completed smoking and alcohol consumption questionnaires before colonoscopies, which were performed because of occult blood in the stool or prior barium enema suggesting polyps. Subjects with adenomas at colonoscopy (n = 102) were compared with colonoscopy-negative controls (n = 89). In univariate analyses, age (p < 0.05), male sex (p < 0.005), cumulative smoking (p < 0.0001), and cumulative beer consumption (p < 0.005) were associated with adenomas. The association of smoking with adenomas was stronger in younger subjects. The association of beer with adenomas was stronger in older subjects. Logistic regression confirmed statistically significant associations of smoking (odds ratio for >40 pack-years = 3.31; confidence intervals 1.41, 7.81) and beer consumption (odds ratio for >40 beer-years = 2.64; confidence intervals 1.10, 6.32) with adenomas. These results suggest that smoking and beer consumption are independent risk factors for colonic adenomas.

BACKGROUND: Selenium deficiency has been associated with cancer risk in several organs. This association was investigated in neoplasia of the colorectum. DESIGN: A case-control study is reported with two patient series, colorectal cancer and colorectal adenomatous polyps, and a control group found to be free of colorectal neoplasia. Diagnosis was determined by colonoscopy and histologic review of suspected neoplasms. Serum drawn at the time of colonoscopy was subsequently assayed for selenium content, and quartiles based on selenium were defined. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95 percent confidence intervals for adenoma related to selenium were calculated, controlling for known or suspected risk factors including gender, age, race, body mass index, family history, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, serum beta carotene, serum alpha tocopherol, and serum ferritin. RESULTS: There were 138 controls who had no neoplastic disease, 139 adenoma patients, and 25 cancer patients. Foradenoma,comparing higher quartiles of selenium to the first (lowest selenium), the adjusted odds ratio for the second quartile was 1.7 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.8–3.7), the third quartile was 1.4 (0.7–3.2), and the fourth (highest selenium) quartile was 1.8 (0.9–4). The odds ratios forcancerpatients were 0.8 for the second quartile, 1 for the third quartile, and 1.7 for the fourth quartile. CONCLUSION: No trend could be detected toward a protective effect of higher levels of serum selenium for colonic benign or malignant tumors.