Generalized headache among Chinese climacteric women: findings from a prospective cohort

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to prospectively identify the prevalence of generalized headache and associated risk factors in Chinese midlife women.

METHODS

We identified 411 qualified women from a Chinese urban community, contributing a total of 2544 surveys. The presence of generalized headache was measured. Climacteric symptoms and other risk factors were evaluated by generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

The prevalence of headache complaints is associated with menopausal stages. Perimenopausal women have relatively high prevalence of headache symptoms, especially stage +1a women (59.0%) compared to late postmenopausal women (37.8%), although menopause stages were not statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. Women who had headache at baseline and depression were much more likely to have headache during menopause. According to the univariate and multivariate analyses in women without headache at baseline, starting menopausal status, insomnia, sweats, and depression were independently associated with newly developed headache.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptoms of generalized headache were less prevalent in late postmenopausal women. Our findings highlight the association between headache and climacteric changes.

Practical consensus recommendations on ovarian suppression in early breast cancer (adjuvant)

Substantial survival benefits exist for patients with early-stage breast cancer who undergo treatment with single-modality ovarian suppression, but its value is uncertain. Expert oncologist discussed to determine whether additional benefits exist with ovarian suppression plus multiple adjuvant therapy which provides a new treatment option that reduces the risk of recurrence in early breast cancer. This expert group used data from published literature, practical experience and opinion of a large group of academic oncologists to arrive at this practical consensus recommendations for the benefit of community oncologists.

Fine-mapping of a novel premenopausal breast cancer susceptibility locus at Chr4q31.22 in Caucasian women and validation in African and Chinese women

We previously identified a novel breast cancer susceptibility variant on chromosome 4q31.22 locus (rs1429142) conferring risk among women of European ancestry. Here, we report replication of findings, validation of the variant in diverse populations and fine-mapping of the associated locus in Caucasian population. The SNP rs1429142 (C/T, minor allele frequency 18%) showed association for the overall breast cancer risk in Stages 1-4 (n = 4,331 cases/4271 controls; p = 4.35 × 10^-8 ; odds ratio, OR_C-allele ,1.25), and an elevated risk among premenopausal women (n = 1,503 cases/4271 controls; p = 5.81 × 10^-10 ; OR_C-allele 1.40) in European populations. SNP rs1429142 was associated with premenopausal breast cancer risk in women of African (T/C; p-value 1.45 × 10^-02 ; OR_C-allele 1.2) but not from Chinese ancestry. Fine-mapping of the locus revealed several potential causal variants which are present within a single association signal, revealed from the conditional regression analysis. Functional annotation of the potential causal variants revealed three putative SNPs rs1366691, rs1429139 and rs7667633 with active enhancer functions inferred based on histone marks, DNase hypersensitive sites in breast cell line data. These putative variants were bound by transcription factors (C-FOS, STAT1/3 and POL2/3) with known roles in inflammatory pathways. Furthermore, Hi-C data revealed several short-range interactions in the fine-mapped locus harboring the putative variants. The fine mapped locus was predicted to be within a single topologically associated domain, potentially facilitating enhancer-promoter interactions possibly leading to the regulation of nearby genes.

Breast Cancer Survival Defined by Biological Receptor and Menopausal Status in Vietnamese Women

Little is known about breast cancer in Vietnamese women. Previous studies have reported the frequencies of prognostic factors of breast cancer in this population. The aim of this study was to examine the prognostic factors associated with the survival rates of patients with breast cancer treated at the National Cancer Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam. We recruited 248 women with operable breast cancer treated with surgery and adjuvant therapy. Tumor tissue samples were stained by many immunohistochemical approaches and analyzed for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 gene amplification status. A Cox model was used to determine the relationship between survival and the prognostic factors. The disease-free survival rate, overall survival rate, and cancer-specific survival rate were 75.8%, 80.6%, and 86.4%, respectively, at 5 years and 62.3%, 68.1%, and 78.9%, respectively, at 10 years. The lung was the most common metastatic site. Women with factors associated with a poor prognosis (eg, advanced clinical stage, high tumor grade, progesterone receptor [PR] negativity, HER2 amplification) had significantly lower survival rates. Patients with PR-negative breast cancer had significantly worse survival rates compared to those who were PR positive, according to multivariate analysis (hazard ratio = 1.77, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-3.11, P = .045); however, there was only a statistically significant difference in postmenopausal patients. The PR was a prognostic factor in postmenopausal women with breast cancer, but not in premenopausal women.

Bone mineral density in old age: the influence of age at menarche, menopause status and habitual past and present physical activity

INTRODUCTION

In this study, the hypothesis that bone mineral density (BMD) of peri-, pre- and postmenopausal women is associated with the current level of habitual physical activity, as well as past physical activity, at the age of building peak bone mass, was tested.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study involved 500 Polish women aged 40 to 70. For the assessment of BMD and bone mineral content (BMC) the densitometry method (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, DXA) of the forearm bone was used. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess the present level of physical activity. The assessment of past physical activity was related to adolescence.

RESULTS

There was a significant, strong influence on the norm BMD in the distal forearm sections values in the distal forearm sections of such variables as: older age of the first menstruation (OR = 1.37; p = 0.002), sufficient present physical activity (OR = 1.57; p = 0.001), and particularly high past physical activity (OR = 6.77; p = 0.003). Significantly lower chances for the norm BMD dis were found in women with the oldest hormonal status (OR = 0.09; p < 0.001). In the proximal segment, the analogous conditions of the norm BMD, and in addition the chances for good mineralization, were increased by higher body mass index (OR = 1.11; p < 0.001). Sufficient present activity increased the chances of good forearm mineralization in the proximal part more than four times (OR = 4.2; p < 0.001), and a high level of past physical activity increased these chances several dozen times (OR = 69.9; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Physical activity proved to be one of the most important factors determining the statistically significant correct mineralization of bone tissue of women.

Differences in the Association Among the Vitamin D Concentration, Dietary Macronutrient Consumption, and Metabolic Syndrome Depending on Pre- and Postmenopausal Status in Korean Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To assess whether the consumption of dietary macronutrient could change metabolic syndrome (MetS) related to vitamin D deficiency according to menopausal status.

METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN

In a cross-sectional study of 8326 Korean women from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V (2010-2012), we investigated the combined interaction effect of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration and menopausal status on MetS-related variables.

RESULTS

The prevalence rates of 25(OH)D deficiency (vitamin D <50 nmol/L) among premenopausal and postmenopausal women were 84.5% and 67.9%, respectively. Significant differences in MetS-related variables such as body mass index (P<0.001), waist circumference (P=0.005), fast glucose (P=0.048), triglycerides (P=0.001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=0.027) based on 25(OH)D concentration were observed among postmenopausal women but not among premenopausal women. Among the postmenopausal women with high consumption of dietary carbohydrate, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) [95% confidence intervals (95% CIs)] of MetS among participants with 25(OH)D deficiency increased 1.380-fold (95% CI = 1.086-1.753) using the 25(OH)D-sufficient group as a reference. In contrast, the participants with 25(OH)D deficiency showed an increased risk of MetS [OR (95% CI) = 1.313 (1.041-1.655)] with low-fat consumption. However, the aforementioned findings did not differ among premenopausal women.

CONCLUSION

Thus, MetS due to 25(OH)D deficiency among postmenopausal women may be modified by the consumption of dietary macronutrient.

Breast-Associated Adipocytes Secretome Induce Fatty Acid Uptake and Invasiveness in Breast Cancer Cells via CD36 Independently of Body Mass Index, Menopausal Status and Mammary Density

Breast adiposity is correlated with body mass index, menopausal status and mammary density. We here wish to establish how these factors influence the cross-talk between breast adipocytes and normal or malignant breast cells. Adipocyte-derived stem cells (ASCs) were obtained from healthy women and classified into six distinct groups based on body mass index, menopausal status and mammary density. The ASCs were induced to differentiate, and the influence of their conditioned media (ACM) was determined. Unexpectedly, there were no detectable differences in adipogenic differentiation and secretion between the six ASC groups, while their corresponding ACMs had no detectable influence on normal breast cells. In clear contrast, all ACMs profoundly influenced the proliferation, migration and invasiveness of malignant breast cells and increased the number of lipid droplets in their cytoplasm via increased expression of the fatty acid receptor CD36, thereby increasing fatty acid uptake. Importantly, inhibition of CD36 reduced lipid droplet accumulation and attenuated the migration and invasion of the breast cancer cells. These findings suggest that breast-associated adipocytes potentiate the invasiveness of breast cancer cells which, at least in part, is mediated by metabolic reprogramming via CD36-mediated fatty acid uptake.

Associations of reproductive factors with breast cancer prognosis and the modifying effects of menopausal status

Reproductive factors associated with breast cancer risk may also affect the prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of multiple reproductive factors with breast cancer prognosis and the modifying effects of menopausal status. We obtained data from 3805 breast cancer patients recruited between October 2008 and June 2016 in Guangzhou. The subjects were followed up until 30 June 2018. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using multivariate Cox models to estimate the associations. It was found that there were U‐shaped patterns for the associations of age at first birth and durations from first/last birth to diagnosis with breast cancer prognosis. The adverse effects of old age at first birth [>30 years vs 23‐30 years, HR (95% CI): 1.59 (1.01‐2.50)] and long intervals from first [≥20 years vs 10‐19 years, HR (95% CI): 1.55 (1.07‐2.27)] or last [≥20 years vs 10‐19 years, HR (95% CI): 1.63 (1.08‐2.46)] birth to diagnosis on progression‐free survival (PFS) were significantly more pronounced among premenopausal women. Additionally, long interval (>5 years) between first and second birth was associated with a better PFS [HR (95% CI): 0.64 (0.42‐0.97)]. These results suggested that age at first birth, durations from first/last birth to diagnosis, and intervals between first and second birth should be taken into account when following the patients and assessing the prognosis of breast cancer, particularly for premenopausal patients. These findings would also have implications for further insight into the mechanisms of breast cancer development.

[Association of metabolic syndrome with chronic kidney disease in premenopausal and postmenopausal women]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MS) and the risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 1346 community-based women from June to October 2012 and collected the data of personal history, lifestyle, physical measures and laboratory indicators. The diagnosis of CKD was established for an eGFR of less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m² or albuminuria. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was based on the International Diabetes Federation Guide. According to an epidemiological survey in Guangdong province, women older than 48.9 years were classified as having a postmenopausal status. The prevalence of MS and CKD was determined in both the premenopausal and postmenopausal women, and the association between MS and CKD was analyzed using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

MS was significantly correlated with CKD in premenopausal women in both unadjusted analyses (OR=3.10, 95% CI: 1.32-7.28, P=0.009) and in analysis after adjustment for potential confounders (OR=4.09, 95% CI: 1.63- 10.32, P=0.003). When adjusted for diabetes, hypertension, and hyperuricemia, no correlation was found between MS and CKD in premenopausal women (OR=1.56, 95% CI: 0.31-7.63, P= 0.592); in the unadjusted analyses, MS was significantly correlated with CKD in postmenopausal women (P &lt; 0.001). After further adjustment for age, education status, current smoking, physical inactivity, and current drinking, MS was still significantly correlated with CKD (OR=2.60, 95% CI: 1.69-3.99, P &lt; 0.001). When adjusted for diabetes, hypertension, and hyperuricemia, the correlation between MS and CKD was still significant (OR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.09-2.37, P=0.018). In the unadjusted model, a high blood pressure (OR=2.77, 95%CI: 1.57-4.89, P &lt; 0.001), an elevated serum triglyceride level (OR=1.84, 95%CI: 1.16-2.90, P=0.009) and a high fast glucose level (OR=2.07, 95%CI: 1.30-3.28, P=0.002) were all significantly correlated with CKD in postmenopausal women. After adjusting for age, current smoking, current alcohol use, education status and physical inactivity, a high blood pressure (OR=2.28, 95%CI: 1.22-4.26, P=0.01), a high serum triglyceride level (OR=1.71, 95%CI: 1.03-2.86, P=0.039) and a high fast glucose (OR=2.25, 95%CI: 1.36-3.73, P=0.002) were still significantly correlated with CKD in postmenopausal women. Blood pressure, serum triglyceride level, fast glucose, serum HDL cholesterol level and central obesity were not correlated with CKD in either the unadjusted model or adjusted model in premenopausal women (P &gt; 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MS is correlated with CKD in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women, and the association is dependent on diabetes, hypertension, and hyperuricemia in premenopausal women but not in postmenopausal women.

Molecular Subtypes and Prognostic Factors among Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Thai Women with Invasive Breast Cancer: 15 Years Follow-up Data

Background and Purpose: This study focused on molecular subtypes and prognostic factors for survival of preand post-menopausal breast cancer patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed on 523 patients with invasive carcinoma of the breast treated at Ubon Ratchathani Cancer Hospital,Thailand from 2002 to 2016. Patient characteristics were collected based on a systematic chart audit from medical records. Prognostic factors were performed by observe survival analysis. A Cox regression model was used to calculate hazard ratios of death, taking into account the age and menopause status, molecular subtype, stage of disease, histological grade, lymphatic and vascular invasion, resection margin, hormone receptor expression, and treatment modality. Results: The median time from the diagnosis of invasive breast cancer to the last follow-up or death was 10.2 [95% CI = 9.28-11.95] years in premenopausal women, and 7.4 [95% CI = 6.48-8.44] years in postmenopausal cases. The overall survival estimates at 5 and 10 years for younger woman of 71.2% and 51.8% respectively, appeared slightly better than the 68.3% and 40.9% for postmenopausal women [HRadj = 1.27, 95% CI =0.99-1.63]. In the multivariate analysis, 3 prognostic indicators significantly predicted a worse overall survival in premenopausal patients, triple negative subtype [HRadj = 6.03, 95% CI = 1.94-18.74], HER2-enriched status [HRadj = 4.11, 95% CI = 1.59-10.65] and stage III [HRadj = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.10-6.79]. Statistically significant increased risk of death in postmenopausal patients was noted for only chemotherapy after mastectomy [HRadj = 8.76, 95% CI = 2.88-26.61], and for a Luminal B status [HRadj = 3.55, 95% CI = 1.47-8.53]. Conclusion: Postmenopausal women with invasive breast cancer experience a significantly shorter survival than do their premenopausal counterparts. The predictors of worse overall survival were molecular subtype, stage of disease and type of treatment administered.

Could Anthropometric and Lipid Parameters Reflect Susceptibility to Breast Cancer? Comparison of Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer and Apparently Healthy Women

Objectives:

To determine and compare the serum lipid profiles and anthropometric parameters of newly diagnosed BC patients and healthy women.

Methods:

Serum total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), triglyceride (TG) and TC: HDL-C were measured in consent obtained newly diagnosed BC patients (n=155) and age matched apparently healthy females (n=75). Weight (W), height (H), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC) and mid upper arm circumference (MUC) of each women were recorded. Cut off values for each parameter was found by receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curves and risk associated with was calculated using SPSS version 16.

Results:

Majority (67%) of BC women were postmenopausal. The mean TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C, TC: HDL-C, TG concentrations of BC patients who were not on cholesterol lowering drugs (n= 126) were 234 mg/dL (±51), 43 mg/dL (±10), 164 mg/dL (±44), 27 mg/dL (±14), 5.7(±1.7) and 135 mg/dL (±69) respectively. TC, LDL-C and TC: HDL-C of BC patients were significantly elevated when compared with healthy females. Significant difference in serum lipid profile parameters was not observed (p> 0.05) according to the menopausal status of BC and healthy women. One third (30.3%) of BC patients were overweight and 45% were obese. Majority had elevated WC (72%), W: H ratios (89%) and MUC (89%). BMI, W: H and MUC of BC women were significantly higher (p<0.05) when compared with healthy females.

Conclusions:

The lipid parameters TC, LDL-C and TC: HDL-C above 203 mg/dL, 139 mg/dL and 3.9 respectively were risk factors. Among anthropometric measures, BMI>25 kg/m² showed the highest risk while elevated W:H and MUC were also significant risk factors among the study group.

Impact of menopausal status and HER-2/neu protein on efficacy of EGFR-TKI in EGFR mutant patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Clinical studies have confirmed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) used in lung cancer patients with EGFR mutations can obtain a better result, but still part of the patients with poor efficacy. EGFR mutation is highly related to female, nonsmoking and adenocarcinoma. Thus, we hypothesize that estrogen and circulating HER-2/neu protein might influence the efficacy of EGFR-TKIs in EGFR mutant patients with non-small cell lung cancer. HER-2/neu expression level of 357 eligible patients in its peripheral serum was determined using ELISA. The median progression-free survival (PFS) in five groups (premenopausal group, perimenopause group, peri to postmenopausal group, postmenopausal group and control group) was statistically difference (P = 0.025). Premenopausal group could predict the efficacy of EGFR-TKI (HR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.42-4.23, P = 0.001). No statistical significance was found in median overall survival (OS) among five groups. Optimal diagnostic cut off value of HER-2/neu was set at 47.5 ng/ml, with P = 0.0607. As the cutoff value to 47.5 ng/ml division, concentrations and menopausal status was of no significant difference (P = 0.874). PFS of the group below 47.5 ng/ml was significantly longer than that of the group over 47.5 ng/ml (P = 0.000). HER-2/neu concentration was positively correlated with optimal efficacy (P = 0.042). HER-2/neu concentration over than 47.5 ng/ml was a risk factor of EGFR-TKI prognosis. Premenopausal status is an independent predictor of EGFR-TKI curative effect and circulating HER-2/neu protein is an independent prognostic factor in patients with advanced NSCLC.

Female reproductive history and risk of type 2 diabetes: A prospective analysis of 126 721 women

AIM

To examine the prospective associations between aspects of a woman's reproductive history and incident diabetes.

METHODS

We pooled individual data from 126 721 middle-aged women from eight cohort studies contributing to the International Collaboration for a Life Course Approach to Reproductive Health and Chronic Disease Events (InterLACE). Associations between age at menarche, age at first birth, parity and menopausal status with incident diabetes were examined using generalized linear mixed models, with binomial distribution and robust variance. We stratified by body mass index (BMI) when there was evidence of a statistical interaction with BMI.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 9 years, 4073 cases of diabetes were reported. Non-linear associations with diabetes were observed for age at menarche, parity and age at first birth. Compared with menarche at age 13 years, menarche at ≤10 years was associated with an 18% increased risk of diabetes (relative risk [RR] 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.37) after adjusting for BMI. After stratifying by BMI, the increased risk was only observed in women with a BMI ≥25 kg/m² . A U-shaped relationship was observed between parity and risk of diabetes. Compared with pre-/peri-menopausal women, women with a hysterectomy/oophorectomy had an increased risk of diabetes (RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07-1.29).

CONCLUSIONS

Several markers of a woman's reproductive history appear to be modestly associated with future risk of diabetes. Maintaining a normal weight in adult life may ameliorate any increase in risk conferred by early onset of menarche.

Alcohol Consumption and Breast Cancer Risk According to Hormone Receptor Status in Japanese Women: A Case-Control Study

Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for breast cancer in Western countries, but few studies have evaluated the risk for Japanese women, who have a relatively low alcohol intake. This case-control study investigated the association of alcohol consumption with breast cancer risk according to estrogen-receptor and progesterone-receptor (ER/PgR) status in Japanese women. From female patients aged 30 years and over admitted to a single hospital in Japan between 1997 and 2011, 1,256 breast cancer cases (669 ER+/PgR+, 162 ER+/PgR-, 21 ER-/PgR+, 305 ER-/PgR-, and 99 missing) and 2,933 controls were selected. Alcohol-related measures were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was performed. Alcohol-related measures were not associated with breast cancer risk among the women overall. Moreover, no association was observed between ever drinking and the risk of a concordant receptor subtype (ER+/PgR+ or ER-/PgR-). Conversely, ever drinking was inversely associated with the risk of discordant subtype (ER+/PgR-, odds ratio (OR) = 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.41-0.95; ER-/PgR+, OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.14-1.42). For ER+/PgR-, an inverse association with the amount of alcohol consumed per day was observed (P for trend = 0.04), and this inverse association was limited to premenopausal women. Alcohol consumption may have differential effects on concordant and discordant receptor subtypes of breast cancer. In view of the low frequency of discordant subtype in Japanese women and their relatively low alcohol intake, our findings may provide a clue for elucidating the etiology of breast cancer rather than for preventing discordant subtype.

Epidemiological Evidences on Dietary Flavonoids and Breast Cancer Risk: A Narrative Review

Epidemiological studies on associations between intake of flavonoids and breast cancer risk are highly needed to assess the actual effects of flavonoids in humans. Experimental investigations in vitro conditions cannot detect and model the real action of these phytochemicals due to the limitations to consider absorption and metabolic biotransformation as well as several complex interactions. Therefore, the data about association findings between intake of flavonoids and breast cancer risk are compiled and analyzed in the current review by evaluating both the results obtained using food composition databases as well as different biomarkers. Although several case-control studies demonstrate some reduction in breast cancer risk related to high consumption of flavones and flavonols, large-scale prospective cohort studies with follow-up times of many years do not confirm these findings. Intake of isoflavones can be associated with a decrease in breast tumorigenesis only in Asian countries where the consumption of soy foods is high but not among Western women with significantly lower ingestion amounts, suggesting the presence of so-called threshold level of effect. Besides doses, the timing of exposure to isoflavones seems also to be a significant factor as childhood and prepubertal age can be critical periods. Although women may need to consume high amounts of isoflavones typical to Asian diets to gain beneficial effects and protection against mammary carcinogenesis, it is still too early to give any specific recommendations to prevent breast tumors by diet rich in certain flavonoids.

Correlation of mammographic density and serum calcium levels in patients with primary breast cancer

Percentage mammographic breast density (PMD) is one of the most important risk factors for breast cancer (BC). Calcium, vitamin D, bisphosphonates, and denosumab have been considered and partly confirmed as factors potentially influencing the risk of BC. This retrospective observational study investigated the association between serum calcium level and PMD. A total of 982 BC patients identified in the research database at the University Breast Center for Franconia with unilateral BC, calcium and albumin values, and mammogram at the time of first diagnosis were included. PMD was assessed, using a semiautomated method by two readers. Linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate the impact on PMD of the parameters of serum calcium level adjusted for albumin level, and well‐known clinical predictors such as age, body mass index (BMI), menopausal status and confounder for serum calcium like season in which the BC was diagnosed. Increased calcium levels were associated with reduced PMD (P = 0.024). Furthermore, PMD was inversely associated with BMI (P < 0.001) and age (P < 0.001). There was also an association between PMD and menopausal status (P < 0.001). The goodness‐of‐fit of the regression model was moderate. This is the first study assessing the association between serum calcium level and PMD. An inverse association with adjusted serum calcium levels was observed. These findings add to previously published data relating to vitamin D, bisphosphonates, denosumab, and the RANK/RANKL signaling pathway in breast cancer risk and prevention.

Mammographic Density and Vitamin D Levels - A Cross-sectional Study

Background Some studies have already proposed an inverse association between vitamin D levels and breast density. As breast density is already considered an established risk factor for breast cancer, such a connection could offer a new starting point for the prevention of breast cancer. Material and Methods To investigate this suggested connection, a total of 412 pre- and 572 post-menopausal women for whom mammography was indicated were recruited into this cross-sectional study. In addition to a questionnaire-based interview on the patient's general and gynecological medical history, her eating habits and lifestyle, serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], calcium, phosphate and creatinine were determined. Breast density was determined by mammography and categorized as 1 to 4 according to the ACR classification. In addition to performing descriptive analysis to get a better overview of the data, a number of multivariate regression models were developed to determine the impact of confounders and the connection between vitamin D and mammographic density. Results More than half of all participants had low levels of 25(OH)D (< 20 ng/ml) and only a small minority of women (5.7 %) had what are currently considered to be optimal serum levels of 25(OH)D of at least 30 ng/ml. The significant majority of the cohort had a medium mammographic density (n = 463 had ACR 2; n = 343 had ACR 3). Logistic regression analysis showed that lower 25(OH)D serum levels were associated significantly more often with high rather than medium breast density. This association remained, even after adjusting for other factors which influence breast density such as age, BMI and menopausal status (p = 0.032 for ACR 4 vs. ACR 2; p = 0.028 for ACR 4 vs. ACR 3). When the same analysis was done separately for pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women, BMI in both groups was found to be inversely correlated with breast density and this inverse correlation was highly significant. In post-menopausal women, age was found to be similarly correlated while 25(OH)D did not appear to be associated with ACR. In pre-menopausal women the opposite was the case: although there was no correlation between age and breast density, higher vitamin D levels tended to be associated with lower breast density (p = 0.06 for ACR 2 vs. ACR 4) in this smaller sample (n = 412). When vitamin D-rich food and food supplements were also taken into account, regular intake of vitamin D preparations was associated with lower breast density; this association achieved borderline statistical significance (p = 0.05 for ACR 3 vs. ACR 4). When the analysis also took menopausal status into account, the breast density of pre-menopausal women was lower following regular vitamin D intake and this lower breast density of pre-menopausal women was statistically highly significant (p < 0.001 for ACR 1 and ACR 2 vs. ACR 4, respectively). This effect was not found in post-menopausal women. Frequent intake of vitamin D-containing nutrition had no significant impact on ACR in either of the groups. Conclusion These results reinforce the assumption previously proposed by several authors that higher levels of 25(OH)D pre-menopause and vitamin D substitution are associated with lower breast density and could reduce the risk of breast cancer. The findings did not confirm any post-menopausal association between vitamin D and mammographic breast density.

Ratios of soluble and insoluble dietary fibers on satiety and energy intake in overweight pre- and postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND: Fibers’ properties impact different mechanisms involved in satiety and energy intake regulation and metabolic outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of fiber types and menopausal status on satiety and metabolic responses in overweight women.

METHODS: In a randomized within-subjects design, 19 overweight/obese women [9 premenopausal and 10 postmenopausal] consumed 3 preloads that varied by fiber content and source: 1) 3:1 ratio of soluble:insoluble fiber (SF), 2) 1:3 ratio of soluble:insoluble fiber (IF), 3) no fiber control (NFC). Subjective satiety, cholecystokinin (CCK), glucose, insulin, and triglyceride (TG) were measured for 3 h post-preload followed by in-lab ad libitum test meal and 32 hour food intake monitoring.

RESULTS: Significant preload, time and preload by menopausal status interaction was apparent for hunger and fullness (p < 0.05 for both) with SF preload predominantly more satiating in postmenopausal women. CCK and insulin were significantly lower after SF preload (p < 0.0001 for both). Post-preload glucose responses differed by menopausal status: postmenopausal women distinguished between fiber types unlike premenopausal women (p = 0.02). TG was significantly elevated after the IF preload compared to NFC and SF (p = 0.007 and p = 0.008, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:Customized/personalized dietary recommendations for women during their premenopausal and postmenopausal years can help maximize metabolic and appetite control.

The Risk of Being Obese According to Short Sleep Duration Is Modulated after Menopause in Korean Women

We previously reported that women with short sleep duration consumed more dietary carbohydrate and showed an increased risk for obesity compared to those who slept adequately, but not for men. Using a cross-sectional study of 17,841 Korean women, we investigated the influence of sleep duration on obesity-related variables and consumption of dietary carbohydrate-rich foods in relation to menopausal status. Premenopausal women with short sleep duration had significantly greater body weight (p = 0.007), body mass index (p = 0.003), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (p = 0.028 and p = 0.024, respectively), prevalence of obesity (p < 0.016), and consumption of more carbohydrate-rich foods such as staple foods (p = 0.026) and simple sugar-rich foods (p = 0.044) than those with adequate sleep duration after adjustment for covariates. Premenopausal women with short sleep duration were more obese by 1.171 times compared to subjects adequate sleep duration (95% confidence interval = 1.030–1.330). However, obesity-related variables, dietary consumption, and odds of being obese did not differ according to sleep duration for postmenopausal women. The findings suggest that the increased risk for obesity and consumption of dietary carbohydrate-rich foods with short sleep duration appeared to disappear after menopause in Korean women.

Lung Cancer in Women with a Family History of Cancer: The Spanish Female-specific Database WORLD07

BACKGROUND

The WORLD07 project is a female-specific database to prospectively analyze the characteristics of Spanish women with lung cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed and compared lung cancer features in women with and without a family history of cancer/lung cancer.

RESULTS

Two thousand and sixty women were included: 876 had a family history of cancer (lung cancer, 34%) and 886 did not, with no significant differences between groups, except for smoking status (p=0.036). We found statistically significant correlations between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation and smoking status in patients with a family history of cancer (r=-0.211; p<0.001) and lung cancer (r=-0.176; p<0.001). Longer median overall survival was observed in women with a family history of cancer and lung cancer.

CONCLUSION

Among Spanish women with lung cancer, a greater proportion were current smokers in those with a family history of cancer/lung cancer. There was a significant correlation between the presence of EGFR mutation and smoking.

The association of soy food consumption with the risk of subtype of breast cancers defined by hormone receptor and HER2 status

Soy food intake has previously been associated with reduced breast cancer risk. Epidemiological evidence for subgroups of breast cancer, particularly by menopausal and hormone receptor status, is less consistent. To evaluate the role of hormone receptor and menopausal status on the association between soy food intake and breast cancer risk, we measured usual soy food intake in adolescence and adulthood via food frequency questionnaire in 70,578 Chinese women, aged 40-70 years, recruited to the Shanghai Women's Health Study (1996-2000). After a median follow-up of 13.2 years (range: 0.01-15.0), 1,034 incident breast cancer cases were identified. Using Cox models, we found that adult soy intake was inversely associated with breast cancer risk [hazard ratio (HR) for fifth versus first quintile soy protein intake = 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI):0.63-0.97]. The association was predominantly seen in premenopausal women (HR = 0.46; 95% CI:0.29-0.74). Analyses further stratified by hormone receptor status showed that adult soy intake was associated with significantly decreased risk of estrogen receptor (ER)+/progesterone receptor (PR)+ breast cancer in postmenopausal women (HR = 0.72; 95% CI:0.53-0.96) and decreased risk of ER-/PR- breast cancer in premenopausal women (HR = 0.46; 95% CI:0.22-0.97). The soy association did not vary by human epidermal growth factor-2 (HER2) status. Furthermore, we found that high soy intake during adulthood and adolescence was associated with reduced premenopausal breast cancer risk (HR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.32-0.88; comparing third vs. first tertile) while high adulthood soy intake was associated with postmenopausal breast cancer only when adolescent intake was low (HR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.43-0.91). Our study suggests that hormonal status, menopausal status and time window of exposure are important factors influencing the soy-breast cancer association.

Homocysteine Levels Show Significant Differences among Mediterranean Dietary Quality Index Variables Compared to Folate and Vitamin B(12) Status in Women

Results of epidemiologic studies and clinical trials have shown that subjects following the Mediterranean diet had lower inflammatory markers such as homocysteine (Hcy). Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess female diet quality with the Mediterranean diet quality index (MDQI) and to determine the correlation between MDQI, homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 levels in the blood. The study participants were 237 apparently healthy women (96 of reproductive age and 141 postmenopausal) between 25 and 93 years. For each participant, 24-hour dietary recalls for 3 days were collected, MDQI was calculated, and plasma Hcy, serum and erythrocyte folate and vitamin B12 levels were analysed. Total MDQI ranged from 8 to 10 points, which represented a medium-poor diet for the subjects. The strength of correlation using biomarkers, regardless of group type, age, gender and other measured parameters, was ranked from best (0.11) to worst (0.52) for olive oil, fish, fruits and vegetables, grains, and meat, in this order. Hcy levels showed the best response among all markers across all groups and food types. Our study shows significant differences between variables of the MDQI and Hcy levels compared to levels of folate and vitamin B12 in participants with medium-poor diet quality, as evaluated according to MDQI scores.

Body mass index and survival after diagnosis of invasive breast cancer: a study based on the Japanese National Clinical Database-Breast Cancer Registry

Few studies have reported the association between body mass index (BMI) and outcome among Asian breast cancer patients. We analyzed data for 20,090 female invasive breast cancer patients who had been followed‐up for a median period of 6.7 years entered in the National Clinical Database–Breast Cancer Registry between 2004 and 2006. We used mainly the WHO criteria for BMI (kg/m²) categories; <18.5 (underweight), ≥18.5–<21.8 (reference), ≥21.8–<25, ≥25–<30 (overweight), and ≥30 (obese). We divided normal weight patients into two subgroups because this category includes many patients compared to others. The timing of BMI measurement was not specified. The Cox proportional hazards model and cubic spline regression were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Smoking, alcohol, and physical activity were not controlled. A total of 1418 all‐cause, 937 breast cancer–specific deaths, and 2433 recurrences were observed. Obesity was associated with an increased risk of all‐cause (HR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.16–1.83) and breast cancer–specific death (HR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.11–1.93) for all patients, and with all‐cause (HR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.13–1.92) and breast cancer–specific death (HR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.13–2.20) for postmenopausal patients. Being underweight was associated with an increased risk of all‐cause death for all (HR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.16–1.71) and for postmenopausal patients (HR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.15–1.84). With regard to subtype and menopausal status, obesity was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer–specific death for all cases of luminal B tumor (HR: 2.59; 95% CI: 1.51–4.43; P_{heterogeneity} of Luminal B vs. Triple negative = 0.016) and for postmenopausal patients with luminal B tumor (HR: 3.24; 95% CI: 1.71–6.17). Being obese or underweight is associated with a higher risk of death among female breast cancer patients in Japan.

Effects of selected factors on the osseointegration of dental implants

Introduction

Osseointegration of dental implants with the maxillary and/or mandibular bone is the basis for implant prosthetic treatment. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of the patients’ gender, age, and in the case of women, their menopausal status (before menopause/after menopause/during hormone replacement therapy) on the osseointegration of dental implants.

Material and methods

The study evaluated the bone loss after implant loading and the success rate of the procedure in 71 women and 30 men. In the postmenopausal group, 20 (28.1%) women were receiving hormone replacement therapy. The implants used in the treatment of the studied patients were the two-phase dental implants. The extent of bone loss was estimated by comparing the post-implantation radiographs and the post-loading ones.

Results

The implantation procedure was entirely successful in 81 patients (80.2%). The patients’ age, gender and menopausal status did not significantly affect the implantation procedure success rate or bone loss (p > 0.05). A correlation between bone loss and hormone replacement therapy (p = 0.002) was found.

Conclusions

The hormone replacement therapy contributes to a greater peri-implant bone loss. The patients receiving hormone replacement therapy who consider replacement of missing teeth with implants should be informed about a greater risk of osseointegration failure, which may affect the success of implant therapy.

What has changed in the clinical presentation of breast carcinoma in 15 years?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate if there was a change in time in terms of age at diagnosis, menopausal status, pathologic tumor size, lymphatic metastasis and pathologic stage in patients with surgical treatment for breast carcinoma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The clinical and pathological characteristics of 1223 patients with breast carcinoma who underwent surgical treatment between January 1994 and December 1998, and of 1346 patients who underwent surgical treatment with the same diagnosis between January 2004 and December 2008 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

The median age at diagnosis was 48 (20-78) years during the first period, and 50 (20-91) years during the second period. While 27% of patients were 40 years of age or younger in the first period, this ratio decreased to 20% during the second period (p=0.0001). The rate of premenopausal patients was 54% in the first period and 46% in the second period (p=0.0001). The median tumor size at diagnosis was 3 cm at the first period, and 2.5 cm at the second period. The number of patients with tumor size ≤2 cm increased in time from 391 (32%) to 531 (39%) (p=0.0001). Among young patients (aged ≤40 years), the number of patients with tumor size 2 cm or smaller were 81 (24.5%) and 92 (33.8%) at the first and second periods, respectively (p=0.001). Lymphatic metastases rate of patients aged ≤40 years was higher than patients aged >40 years, in both study periods (p=0.0001). The number of patients staged as pN1 at the first period increased from 356 (50.8%) to 441 (56.3%) at the second interval, while those staged as pN3 decreased from 251 (35.8%) to 175 (22.3%) (p=0.0001).

CONCLUSION

It may be concluded that recently, breast cancer is diagnosed at older ages, the rate of young and premenopausal patients and size on diagnosis has decreased, and breast-conserving surgery is used more often.