Dietary and demographic correlates of serum ß-glucuronidase activity.

[beta]-glucuronidase, an acid hydrolase that deconjugates glucuronides, may increase cancer risk; however, little is known about factors associated with human [beta] -glucuronidase. Our objective was to examine whether dietary and demographic factors were associated with serum [beta] -glucuronidase activity. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 279 healthy men and women aged 20 to 40 yr. Diet, categorized by botanical families and nutrient intakes, was assessed from 3-day food records and a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Demographic factors were directly measured or self-reported. Adjusted mean [beta] -glucuronidase activity across categories of exposure variables were calculated by multiple linear regression. Higher [beta] -glucuronidase activity was significantly associated with being male, older age (>= 30 yr), non-Caucasian, overweight (>= 25 kg/m2), and higher intakes of gamma-tocopherol. Conversely, lower [beta] -glucuronidase activity was significantly associated with higher intakes of calcium, iron, and magnesium. A suggestive decrease in [beta] -glucuronidase activity was observed for the botanical families Cruciferae, Rutaceae, Compositae, Roseaceae, and Umbelliferae, but tests for trend were not statistically significant. In conclusion, several dietary and nondietary factors were associated with [beta] -glucuronidase activity; however, confirmation of these associations are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]