[Epidemiological investigation of chewing fresh or dried betel nut and oral mucosal disease]

Effect of chewing betel nut on the gut microbiota of Hainanese

Betel nut chewing (BNC) is prevalent in South Asia and Southeast Asia. BNC can affect host health by modulating the gut microbiota. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of BNC on the gut microbiota of the host. Feces samples were obtained from 34 BNC individuals from Ledong and Lingshui, Hainan, China. The microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. BNC decreased the microbial α-diversity. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria were the predominant phyla, accounting for 99.35% of the BNC group. The Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio was significantly increased in the BNC group compared to a control group. The abundances of the families Aerococcaceae, Neisseriaceae, Moraxellaceae, Porphyromonadaceae, and Planococcaceae were decreased in the BNC/BNC_Male/BNC_Female groups compared to the control group, whereas the abundances of Coriobacteriaceae, Streptococcaceae, Micrococcaceae, Xanthomonadaceae, Coxiellaceae, Nocardioidaceae, Rhodobacteraceae, and Succinivibrionaceae were increased. In general, the gut microbiome profiles suggest that BNC may have positive effects, such as an increase in the abundance of beneficial microbes and a reduction in the abundance of disease-related microbes. However, BNC may also produce an increase in the abundance of disease-related microbes. Therefore, extraction of prebiotic components could increase the beneficial value of betel nut.

Research Achievements of Oral Submucous Fibrosis: Progress and Prospect

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a kind of chronic, insidious disease, and it is categorized into potentially malignant disorders (PMD), which poses a global and regional problem to public health. It is considered to be a multifactorial disease, such as due to areca nut chewing, trace element disorders, and genetic susceptibility. However, there is still no unanimous conclusion on its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Hence, this article provides a comprehensive review and prospect of OSMF research, providing scholars and clinicians with a better perspective and new ideas for the research and treatment of OSMF.

A Discourse Analysis on Betel Nut Chewing in Hunan Province, China

Betel nut chewing has become prevalent in Hunan Province, China. There are different voices over its health risks. In spite of this, the local government has not taken any effective measures to control its expansion. It is necessary to reveal the concern of interests and public health behind such voices. This study used qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate the dispute over the health risks of betel nut chewing. The different voices over the risks demonstrate the tension of power, interests and public health among the government, institution, business, media and medical elites. Discursive practices of these institutions and individuals are associated with the exercise of power and expression of interests. With the deep concern about its cancerogenicity, majority of the public hold a negative attitude, and agree that the related industry should be controlled. Faced with conflicting perspectives, the government has the responsibility to clarify the issue and express an official stance. Measures should be taken to protect public health.