Sugary drink consumption and the subsequent risk of gastric cancer: The Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study

Identification of key genes controlling anthocyanin biosynthesis in the fruits of a bud variety of Tarocco blood-orange

Tarocco is a prevalent blood-orange variety in China, has a bud variant identified in Wenzhou City. To characterize the quality traits and molecular mechanisms underlying inhibition of anthocyanin synthesis in this variety, we collected fruits of Tarocco (WT) and the bud variant Ouya (MT) at nine developmental stages. Their anthocyanin, soluble sugar, and organic acid profiles were examined, and transcriptomes and metabolites were analyzed at three developmental stages. The results revealed that MT is a new blood orange variety with weak anthocyanins and a better sugar-acid ratio than the WT. The content of anthocyanin in MT fruits were significantly lower than those in WT fruits, especially cyanidin-like anthocyanins, while the flavone contents exhibited no remarkable variation. A total of 64 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including five transcription factors (TFs), five methylation-related genes, and one flavonoid biosynthesis gene, were identified between WT and MT at three fruit developmental stages. The potential regulatory networks of these TFs were further constructed using weighted gene co-expression network analysis.Furthermore, in MT fruit treated with the 5-azacytidine, we observed hypomethylation of anthocyanins accumulated in the pulp and the promoters and genebodies of some anthocyanin synthesis-related genes. These results provide new insights into the influence of DNA methylation on anthocyanin accumulation in MT and also provide support for the promotion of MT as a new variety.

Dietary factors and the risk of gastric and colorectal cancers: A Mendelian randomization study

Dietary factors can significantly affect the development of gastric and colorectal cancers; however, observational findings on the impact of micronutrients and macronutrients on the risk of gastric and colorectal cancers are inconsistent. It is crucial to clarify these relationships to create nutritional recommendations for cancer prevention. A two-sample Mendelian randomization investigation was performed to examine the impact of circulating levels of 15 micronutrients (such as vitamin A, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, β-carotene, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc), along with adjusted relative macronutrient intake (including protein, carbohydrate, sugar, and fat), on the risk of gastric and colorectal cancers. Genetically predicted relative protein intake is significantly associated with the risk of colorectal cancer (odds ratio [OR] 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.41 [0.24, 0.69]; P = .0007). Evidence suggests that genetically predicted macronutrients, such as carbohydrate (OR 95% CI = 1.88 [1.13, 3.14]; P = .0154), and micronutrients, such as vitamin C (OR 95% CI = 0.81 [0.69-0.94]; P = .008) and vitamin B12 (OR 95% CI = 1.16 [1.04, 1.28]; P = .006), may also influence the risk of colorectal cancer. Evidence suggests that intake of sugar (OR 95% CI = 0.47 [0.24, 0.90]; P = .02), and vitamin C (OR 95% CI = 0.78 [0.62, 0.99]; P = .04) may influence the risk of gastric cancer. However, no significant associations were observed between other nutrients and gastrointestinal malignancy. Taken together, these findings suggest that the intake of protein, carbohydrate, sugar, vitamin C, and vitamin B12 may influence the risk of gastric and colorectal cancers. However, further in-depth studies are needed to confirm this.

The impact of diet, exercise, and sleep on Helicobacter pylori infection with different occupations: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Associations between Helicobacter pylori infection and lifestyle factors vary greatly by geographic location. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in the Hunan cohort of central China and analyze the associations between Helicobacter pylori infection and lifestyle factors in different occupations.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study. Participants who received an annual physical examination were invited. Helicobacter pylori infection was detected by the 13 C-urea breath test. Self-reported physical examination questionnaires were used to analyze participants' demographic information, diet, exercise status, and sleep situations.

RESULTS

23254 participants finished this study. The Helicobacter pylori infection rate in the Hunan area was 25.8%, with the lowest prevalence in students (8.5%) and the highest prevalence in business managers (29.9%). The risk factors for Helicobacter pylori infection were marital status (divorced or married) (OR:1.16, 95%CI:1.090-1.234), overeating (OR:1.105, 95%CI: 1.001-1.220), and consumption of eggs (OR:1.047, 95%CI:1.004-1.092), animal viscera (OR: 1.077, 95%CI:1.014-1.144) and coffee (OR:1.074, 95%CI:1.019-1.132). Participants' education level (OR:0.911, 95%CI:0.881-0942), consumption of midnight snack (OR:0.926, 95%CI:0.877-0.977), and vegetable (OR:0.927, 95%CI: 0.884-0.972) were protective factors against Helicobacter pylori infection. Whether participants exercised regularly or had sleep problems had no significant effect on Helicobacter pylori infection. Different professionals showed significant differences in the rates of overeating, eating three meals on time, midnight snack, and consuming coffee, eggs, animal viscera, and vegetables > 3 times/week (P values < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Helicobacter pylori infection showed a significant relationship with dietary factors, but not significantly with sleep and exercise factors. Different occupations showed different dietary tendencies related to Helicobacter pylori infection. The design of an occupation-based Helicobacter pylori screening and prevention program is supported.

Mental Health Conditions, Including Depression and Stress, Are Associated with Increased Odds of Gastric Cancer-Insights into the Role of Diet: A Case-Control Study

Several risk factors, including nutritional/lifestyle ones, play a role in gastric cancer etiology. Further interactions with mental health have also been emphasized. We hypothesized that individuals with mental disorders would exhibit compromised nutrient intake, increasing their risk of gastric cancer. The state of mental health was evaluated in 82 patients with gastric cancer and 95 healthy controls using the 21-item Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale. The participants' dietary intakes were evaluated by a 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Based on fully adjusted logistic regressions, there was a significant association between depression (OR = 1.938, CI 95%: 1.009-3.723) and stress (OR = 2.630, CI 95%: 1.014-6.819) with increased odds of gastric cancer. According to fully adjusted multinomial regressions, vitamins A and B6, beta-carotene, and black tea decreased the odds of depression, based on comparing the control group with cases of depression, while sugar and salt increased its odds. The highest significant association was found for salt intake and anxiety in cases with present anxiety (OR = 4.899, 95% CI: 2.218-10.819), and the highest significant protective effect was found for vitamin B6 and depression in cases with present depression (OR = 0.132, 95% CI: 0.055-0.320). However, considering causal relationships and clarifying the underlying mechanisms is imperative and requires further investigation. Advising healthy dietary patterns, e.g., a Mediterranean diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals such as vitamin A, B6, beta-carotene, and fiber, is expected to reduce the odds of gastric cancer, possibly related to lower levels of anxiety and depression.