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Abstract Background Oxidative stress has been implicated in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Bilirubin is a potent endogenous antioxidant, and coffee is a major source of exogenous antioxidants. Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), a marker of oxidative stress, is a strong predictor of the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study evaluated the effect modification of bilirubin and coffee consumption on the association of serum GGT with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and the combined effect of bilirubin and coffee on HbA1c concentrations. Methods The subjects were 4492 men and 6242 women aged 49–76 years who participated in the baseline survey of an on-going cohort study on lifestyle-related diseases in Fukuoka, Japan. Geometric means of HbA1c were examined according to quartile categories of GGT, with stratification by serum total bilirubin (≥ 0.6 mg/dL versus less in men and ≥ 0.5 mg/dL versus less in women) and coffee consumption (< 1, 1–3 and ≥ 4 cups of per day). Statistical adjustment was made for age, smoking, alcohol use and body mass index by using analysis of covariance. Results HbA1 concentrations increased progressively with increasing levels of GGT in both men and women. The increasing trend of HbA1c concentrations associated with GGT did not differ by either bilirubin status or coffee consumption. Both men and women with high bilirubin had consistently lower concentrations of HbA1c across the GGT quartiles. Higher coffee consumption was associated with lower concentrations of HbA1c in women with low bilirubin (trend P = 0.04), but not with high bilirubin (trend P = 0.37). There was no such association between coffee and HbA1c in men with either low or high bilirubin levels. Conclusions Bilirubin is possibly protective against deterioration of glucose metabolism. Further studies are needed regarding the combined effect of bilirubin and coffee on glucose metabolism.

Abstract 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 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.

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the associations between the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and polymorphisms in the genes encoding matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs). MMPs degrade extracellular matrix proteins in the glomerulus, and play important roles in kidney disease progression. Methods: DNA samples from 3,309 subjects aged 35-69 years were genotyped for 10 potentially functional polymorphisms in MMP and TIMP genes. The prevalence of CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2) was compared among the genotypes. Results: The prevalence of CKD decreased significantly with the number of minor alleles in MMP9 C-1562T (odds ratios (ORs) 0.77 for CT and 0.65 for TT compared with CC; p for trend = 0.023) and MMP9 R668Q (ORs, 0.79 for RQ and 0.64 for QQ compared with RR; p for trend = 0.024). The haplotype MMP9 -1562T/279R/668Q showed a reduced risk for CKD compared with the most common -1562C/279R/668R (OR 0.77, p = 0.008), and the genotype combination -1562TT/ 279RR/668QQ showed a halved risk for CKD compared with major allele homozygous -1562CC/279RR/668RR (OR 0.53, p = 0.091). Conclusion: The potentially functional polymorphisms of MMP9 were associated with the prevalence of CKD in a large Japanese population. These genotypes have been reported to increase MMP9 expression, supporting the hypothesis that MMP-9 has a protective role in the progression of kidney diseases. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. It has been suggested that soy food and isoflavone intake may be protective against the risk of colorectal cancer. However, epidemiologic evidence remains sparse and inconsistent. We addressed this issue in the Fukuoka Colorectal Cancer Study. Material and methods. The study subjects were the 816 incident cases of histologically confirmed colorectal cancer and 815 community controls. Intakes of soy foods and isoflavones were assessed by in-person interview using a computer-assisted dietary method. Logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of colorectal cancer with adjustment for dietary intakes of calcium and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as for body mass index, physical activity, alcohol use, and other lifestyle factors. Results. Energy-adjusted intakes of soy foods (dry weight) and isoflavones were inversely associated with colorectal cancer risk in men and postmenopausal women, but not in premenopausal women. The multivariate-adjusted OR for the highest versus lowest quintile was 0.65 (95% CI 0.41--1.03, p for trend == 0.03) for soy foods and 0.68 (95% CI 0.42--1.10, p for trend == 0.051) for isoflavones in men. The corresponding values for postmenopausal women were 0.60 (95% CI 0.29--1.25, p for trend == 0.053) and 0.68 (95% CI 0.33--1.40, p for trend == 0.049). The site-specific analysis showed inverse associations of soy foods ( p for trend == 0.007) and isoflavones ( p for trend == 0.02) with rectal cancer in men. Conclusion. The findings add to epidemiologic evidence for protective effects of soy foods and isoflavones in colorectal carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Few studies have suggested an inverse relation between coffee intake and serum concentrations of uric acid (UA), but none has addressed the relation in men and women separately. We examined the relation between coffee intake and serum UA levels in free-living middle-aged and elderly men and women in Fukuoka, Japan. Methods. Study subjects were derived from the baseline survey of a cohort study on lifestyle-related diseases, and included 11.662 men and women aged 49-76 years; excluded were those with medication for gout and hyperuricemia, use of diuretic drugs, and medical care for cancer or chronic kidney disease. Statistical adjustment was made for bodymass index, alcohol use, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and other factors. Results. There were inverse associations of coffee consumption with serum UA concentrations and hyperuricemia in men regardless of adjustment for covariates. Women showed a statistically significant, but weaker, inverse association between coffee and serum UA levels after allowance for the confounding factors. Conclusion. The findings add to evidence for a protective association between coffee intake and hyperuricemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 ≥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 ≥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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the associations between dietary intake of polyphenols and colorectal cancer., Methods: The study subjects were derived from the Fukuoka colorectal cancer study, a community-based case-control study. The study subjects were 816 cases of colorectal cancer and 815 community-based controls. The consumption of 148 food items was assessed by a computer-assisted interview. We used the consumption of 97 food items to estimate dietary intakes of total, tea and coffee polyphenols. The Phenol-Explorer database was used for 92 food items. Of the 5 foods which were not listed in the Phenol-Explorer Database, polyphenol contents of 3 foods (sweet potatoes, satoimo and daikon) were based on a Japanese study and 2 foods (soybeans and fried potatoes) were estimated by ORAC-based polyphenol contents in the United States Department of Agriculture Database. Odds ratios (OR) and 95%CI of colorectal cancer risk according to quintile categories of intake were obtained by using logistic regression models with adjustment for age, sex, residential area, parental history of colorectal cancer, smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index 10 years before, type of job, leisure-time physical activity and dietary intakes of calcium and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids., Results: There was no measurable difference in total or tea polyphenol intake between cases and controls, but intake of coffee polyphenols was lower in cases than in controls. The multivariate-adjusted OR of colorectal cancer according to quintile categories of coffee polyphenols (from the first to top quintile) were 1.00 (referent), 0.81 (95%CI: 0.60-1.10), 0.65 (95%CI: 0.47-0.89), 0.65 (95%CI: 0.46-0.89) and 0.82 (95%CI: 0.60-1.10), respectively (P trend = 0.07). Similar, but less pronounced, decreases in the OR were also noted for the third and fourth quintiles of total polyphenol intake. Tea polyphenols and non-coffee polyphenols showed no association with colorectal cancer risk. The site-specific analysis, based on 463 colon cancer cases and 340 rectal cancer cases, showed an inverse association between coffee polyphenols and colon cancer. The multivariate-adjusted OR of colon cancer for the first to top quintiles of coffee polyphenols were 1.00 (referent), 0.92 (95%CI: 0.64-1.31), 0.75 (95%CI: 0.52-1.08), 0.69 (95%CI: 0.47-1.01), and 0.68 (95%CI: 0.46-1.00), respectively (P trend = 0.02). Distal colon cancer showed a more evident inverse association with coffee polyphenols than proximal colon cancer. The association between coffee polyphenols and rectal cancer risk was U-shaped, with significant decreases in the OR at the second to fourth quintile categories. There was also a tendency that the OR of colon and rectal cancer decreased in the intermediate categories of total polyphenols. The decrease in the OR in the intermediate categories of total polyphenols was most pronounced for distal colon cancer. Intake of tea polyphenols was not associated with either colon or rectal cancer. The associations of coffee consumption with colorectal, colon and rectal cancers were almost the same as observed for coffee polyphenols. The trend of the association between coffee consumption and colorectal cancer was statistically significant., Conclusion: The present findings suggest a decreased risk of colorectal cancer associated with coffee consumption.

Constipation has been suspected to be linked to colorectal cancer risk, but epidemiological evidence is inconclusive. We described the prevalence of constipation and related lifestyle factors in a community and examined the relation of constipation and other bowel habits to colorectal cancer risk. The prevalence study was based on 833 community controls in the Fukuoka Colorectal Cancer Study, and 212 cases of Dukes' stage A were used in a study on bowel habits and colorectal cancer risk. Bowel habits were assessed by in-person interview. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of colorectal cancer were estimated with adjustment for dietary and nondietary factors. Constipation was reported by 10.3% of men and 27.7% of women. Individuals with less frequent bowel movements had a lower intake of total energy and were physically less active. The multivariate-adjusted OR (95% CI) of colorectal cancer were 1.51 (1.02-2.25) for self-reported constipation, 1.60 (1.05-2.44) for functional constipation, and 1.24 (0.81-1.90) for infrequent bowel movements (<1 stool/day). Self-reported constipation was fairly common in Japanese adults. Constipation was associated with a moderately increased risk of colorectal cancer.

A case-control study was designed to elucidate roles of dietary and other behavioral influences, in combination with genetic susceptibility factors (genetic polymorphisms), in colorectal carcinogenesis. Both cases and controls were residents in Fukuoka City and three adjacent areas. Cases were patients undergoing surgery for a first diagnosis of colorectal cancer at 8 hospitals in the study area, and controls were randomly selected in the community by frequency-matching with respect to the expected distribution by sex, age (10-year class), and residence. Dietary and other lifestyle factors were ascertained by in-person interview, and venous blood was obtained for genotyping and possible biochemical measurements. The cases were interviewed at each hospital during the period from 2000 to 2003, and controls were surveyed during the period from 2001 to 2002. A total of 840 cases of colorectal cancer and 833 controls were interviewed with participation rates of 80% for the cases and 60% for the controls. Informed consent to genotyping was obtained from 685 cases and 778 controls. Further details of the design and conduct are described with respect to methodological aspects.

Incidence rates of colorectal cancer are relatively low in Asian populations, in which soy foods are commonly consumed. Soybeans and soy foods are an almost exclusive source of isoflavone intake. In in vitro studies, isoflavones have been shown to have various anticarcinogenic properties such as inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphorylation, induction of apoptosis, antiangiogenesis, and inhibition of DNA topoisomerase. Thus the protective role of soy foods and isoflavones in the etiology of colorectal cancer is a matter of interest. We therefore reviewed animal and epidemiological studies of colorectal cancer in relation to soybeans, soy foods, and isoflavones. Animal studies fairly consistently showed that soyfoods or isoflavones inhibited the formation of aberrant crypt foci, but did not clearly demonstrate an inhibitory effect of soy foods and isoflavones on the development of chemically-induced colorectal cancer. Several case-control studies have suggested that soy food consumption may confer a reduced risk of colorectal cancer although the findings are rather inconsistent. Most of the previous studies, especially in Japan, ascertained only the frequency of consuming selected soy foods, and thus were defective as regards the measurement of the total consumption of soy foods. Further epidemiological studies are needed to clarify the role for soy foods in colorectal carcinogenesis.