Cancer incidence in urban, rural, and densely populated districts close to core cities in Bavaria, Germany

Association between air pollution and skin cutaneous melanoma: A Mendelian randomization study

There has been a consistent and notable increase in the global prevalence of skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM). Although genetic factors are closely associated with the occurrence and development of melanoma, the potential influence of environmental factors cannot be overlooked. The existing literature lacks a definitive consensus on the correlation between air pollution and the incidence rate of SKCM. This study seeks to investigate the causal relationship between air pollution, specifically focusing on particulate matter (PM) 2.5, PM2.5-10, PM10, and nitrogen oxides, and the risk of SKCM. A 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method was applied, utilizing extensive publicly accessible genome-wide association studies summary datasets within European populations. The primary analytical method employed was the inverse variance weighted method. Supplementary methods, including the weighted median model, MR-Egger, simple model, and weighted model, were chosen to ensure robust analysis. Heterogeneity assessment was conducted using Cochran's Q test. To identify potential pleiotropy, both MR-Egger regression and the MR-PRESSO global test were employed. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was performed using the leave-one-out method. The analysis revealed no statistically significant association between air pollution and SKCM risk, with specific findings as follows: PM2.5 (P = .485), PM2.5-10 (P = .535), PM10 (P = .136), and nitrogen oxides (P = .745). While some results exhibited heterogeneity, all findings demonstrated an absence of pleiotropy. This study did not find substantive evidence supporting a causal relationship between air pollution and the risk of SKCM within European populations. The comprehensive MR analysis, encompassing various pollutants, suggests that environmental factors such as air pollution may not be significant contributors to the development of SKCM.

The local environment and germline genetic variation predict cancer risk in the UK Biobank prospective cohort

BACKGROUND

There is a growing body of evidence on the effect of the local environment exposure on cancer susceptibility. Nonetheless, several of the associations remain controversial. Moreover, our understanding of the possible interaction between the local environment and the genetic variability is still very limited.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to clarify the role of the local environment and its possible interplay with genetics on common cancers development.

METHODS

Using the UK Biobank (UKBB) prospective cohort, we selected 12 local environment exposures: nitrogen oxides, nitrogen dioxides, particulate matter (10 and 2.5 μm), noise pollution, urban traffic, living distance from the coast, percentage of greenspace, natural environment, water, and domestic garden within 1000 m from the residential coordinates of each participant. All these exposures were tested for association with 17 different types of cancer for a total of 53,270 cases and 302,645 controls. Additionally, a polygenic score (PGS) was computed for each cancer, to test possible gene-environment interactions. Finally, mediation analyses were carried out.

RESULTS

Thirty-six statistically significant associations considering multiple testing (p < 2.19 × 10-4) were observed. Among the novel associations we observed that individuals living farther from the coast had a higher risk of developing prostate cancer (OR = 1.13, CI95% = 1.06-1.20, P = 1.98 × 10-4). This association was partially mediated by physical activity (indirect effect (IE) = -8.48 × 10-7) and the time spent outdoor (IE = 9.07 × 10-6). All PGSs showed statistically significant associations. Finally, genome-environment interaction analysis showed that local environment and genetic variability affect cancer risk independently.

DISCUSSION

Living close to the coast and air pollution were associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer and skin melanoma, respectively. These findings from the UKBB support the role of the local environment on cancer development, which is independent from genetics and may be mediated by several lifestyle factors.

Microfluidic-based skin-on-chip systems for safety assessment of nanomaterials

The skin is the body's largest organ, continuously exposed to and affected by natural and anthropogenic nanomaterials (materials with external and internal dimensions in the nanoscale range). This broad spectrum of insults gives rise to irreversible health effects (from skin corrosion to cancer). Organ-on-chip systems can recapitulate skin physiology with high fidelity and potentially revolutionize the safety assessment of nanomaterials. Here, we review current advances in skin-on-chip models and their potential to elucidate biological mechanisms. Further, strategies are discussed to recapitulate skin physiology on-chip, improving control over nanomaterials exposure and transport across cells. Finally, we highlight future opportunities and challenges from design and fabrication to acceptance by regulatory bodies and industry.

Socioeconomic disparities between oral cavity cancer patients in Germany

Objective

In many countries the access to high quality medical service depends on socioeconomic factors. Therefore, these factors are associated with the treatment and prognosis of many diseases. In Germany health care is claimed to be independent from such factors due to obligatory health insurance and a well-developed medical infrastructure. Thus, socioeconomically caused health disparities should be absent. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between socioeconomic factors and the survival of oral cavity cancer in Germany.

Patients and methods

In this descriptive cohort study socioeconomic status related factors as well as demographic, tumor-specific, and comorbidity factors of 500 patients treated for oral cavity cancer were obtained in the university hospital of Dresden. Pearson correlation was used to describe associations between continuous variables. Associations between categorical variables were assessed using the chi-square test. Overall and recurrence-free survival were studied using the Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank test was carried out to test between-group differences. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the risk of death and the risk of recurrence.

Results

Significant differences in overall survival were found between the different educational levels and sex. Seventy-nine percent of the patients did not have a university degree or master craftsman/craftswoman. Less discrepancy was observed according to the marital status (49.4% married/engaged vs. 47.8% single, divorced, or widowed). In the multivariable analysis only sex, age at diagnosis, the Charlson score, the number of positive lymph nodes, and the nodal status were identified as independent predictors for overall survival whereas sex and the age at diagnosis were identified as independent predictors for recurrence-free survival.

Conclusion

Despite the equitable health system in Germany, significant associations between overall survival of oral cavity cancer and different socioeconomic factors could be found. For elimination of these disparities, health education programs should be established in socially deprived areas. Furthermore, clinicians should keep these factors in mind when determining recall periods for dental check-ups.

Cohort studies of long-term exposure to outdoor particulate matter and risks of cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Robust evidence is needed for the hazardous effects of outdoor particulate matter (PM) on mortality and morbidity from all types of cancers. To summarize and meta-analyze the association between PM and cancer, published articles reporting associations between outdoor PM exposure and any type of cancer with individual outcome assessment that provided a risk estimate in cohort studies were identified via systematic searches. Of 3,256 records, 47 studies covering 13 cancer sites (30 for lung cancer, 12 for breast cancer, 11 for other cancers) were included in the quantitative evaluation. The pooled relative risks (RRs) for lung cancer incidence or mortality associated with every 10-μg/m³ PM_2.5 or PM₁₀ were 1.16 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–1.23; I² = 81%) or 1.22 (95% CI, 1.02–1.45; I² = 96%), respectively. Increased but non-significant risks were found for breast cancer. Other cancers were shown to be associated with PM exposure in some studies but not consistently and thus warrant further investigation.

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Updated evidence for the association between PM and lung cancer risk has been provided

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Associations between PM and cancer risks from 13 sites were summarized

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Further studies should be conducted to fill the research gaps

Natural compounds protect the skin from airborne particulate matter by attenuating oxidative stress

Particulate matter (PM) is a common indirect indicator of air pollution and threatens public health upon prolonged exposure, leading to oxidative stress, increasing the risk of develop respiratory and cardiovascular, as well as several autoimmune diseases and cancer. Nowadays, as a first line defense against PM, skin health attracted much attention. Our review summarized the skin damage mechanism induced by PM, including damage skin barrier directly, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, autophagy, and two canonical signaling pathways. Furthermore, ROS and oxidative stress have been considered pathogenesis centers, with essential skin damage roles. Extracts from plants and natural compounds which present high antioxidant capacity could be used to treat or protect against air pollution-related skin damage. We conclude the extracts reported in recent studies with protective effects on PM-mediated skin damage. Besides, the mechanism of extracts' positive effects has been revealed partially.

Air pollution exposure and bladder, kidney and urinary tract cancer risk: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Exposure to outdoor air pollution has been linked to lung cancer, and suspicion arose regarding bladder, kidney, and urinary tract cancer (urological cancers). However, most of evidence comes from occupational studies; therefore, little is known about the effect of exposure to air pollution on the risk of urological cancers in the general population.

METHOD

We systematically searched Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles investigating the associations between long-term exposure to air pollution and the risk of urological cancer (incidence or mortality). We included articles using a specific air pollutant (PM₁₀, PM_2.5, …) or proxies (traffic, proximity index …). We assessed each study's quality with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and rated the quality of the body of evidence for each pollutant-outcome with the GRADE approach. The different study methodologies regarding exposure or outcome prevented us to perform a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

twenty articles (four case-control, nine cohort, and seven ecologic) met our inclusion criteria and were included in this review: eighteen reported bladder, six kidney, and two urinary tract. Modeling air pollutants was the most common exposure assessment method. Most of the included studies reported positive associations between air pollution and urological cancer risk. However, only a few reached statistical significance (e.g. for bladder cancer mortality, adjusted odds-ratio of 1.13 (1.03-1.23) for an increase of 4.4 μg.m-3 of PM_2.5). Most studies inadequately addressed confounding, and cohort studies had an insufficient follow-up.

DISCUSSION

Overall, studies suggested positive (even though mostly non-significant) associations between air pollution exposure and bladder cancer mortality and kidney cancer incidence. We need more studies with better confounding control and longer follow-ups.

Impact of airborne particulate matter on skin: a systematic review from epidemiology to in vitro studies

BACKGROUND

Air pollution is killing close to 5 million people a year, and harming billions more. Air pollution levels remain extremely high in many parts of the world, and air pollution-associated premature deaths have been reported for urbanized areas, particularly linked to the presence of airborne nano-sized and ultrafine particles.

MAIN TEXT

To date, most of the research studies did focus on the adverse effects of air pollution on the human cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Although the skin is in direct contact with air pollutants, their damaging effects on the skin are still under investigation. Epidemiological data suggested a correlation between exposure to air pollutants and aggravation of symptoms of chronic immunological skin diseases. In this study, a systematic literature review was conducted to understand the current knowledge on the effects of airborne particulate matter on human skin. It aims at providing a deeper understanding of the interactions between air pollutants and skin to further assess their potential risks for human health.

CONCLUSION

Particulate matter was shown to induce a skin barrier dysfunction and provoke the formation of reactive oxygen species through direct and indirect mechanisms, leading to oxidative stress and induced activation of the inflammatory cascade in human skin. Moreover, a positive correlation was reported between extrinsic aging and atopic eczema relative risk with increasing particulate matter exposure.

[Primary and secondary prevention of skin cancer in rural areas : A cross-sectional study in the Bavarian Forest]

BACKGROUND

Skin cancer is the most common malignancy of the fair-skinned population worldwide. To reduce skin cancer's burden primary and secondary prevention are critical. However, various studies indicate an inadequate prevention behavior among rural populations.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the risk and prevention behavior with respect to skin cancer and to identify subgroups in rural areas with specific need for prevention efforts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a cross-sectional study carried out in the first quarter of 2017, patients and their accompanying persons (≥18 years) were interviewed on the subject of primary and secondary prevention in waiting rooms of nondermatological medical practices in the Bavarian Forest, Germany. Data were collected using paper-based questionnaires. Associations were calculated using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

In all, 880 persons (57.7% women, mean age = 49.5 years) were included in the analysis, of whom 53.6% had undergone a skin cancer screening at least once before. Sunscreen was the most frequently used sun protection measure. Male sex and being 18-34 years of age were significantly associated with not using prevention measures (depending on the measure: odds ratio [OR]: 1.4-2.4 and 1.8-3.7, respectively). In addition, not using skin cancer screening was associated with UV exposure more than 6 h daily in summer (OR: 1.8, 95%-CI [confidence interval]: 1.14-2.97).

CONCLUSION

Future prevention strategies should increasingly focus on young adults, on men and people with high solar UV exposition particularly, to reduce the burden of skin cancer in rural areas.

Assessing and Explaining Geographic Variations in Mammography Screening Participation and Breast Cancer Incidence

Investigating geographic variations in mammography screening participation and breast cancer incidence help improve prevention strategies to reduce the burden of breast cancer. This study examined the suitability of health insurance claims data for assessing and explaining geographic variations in mammography screening participation and breast cancer incidence at the district level. Based on screening unit data (1,181,212 mammography screening events), cancer registry data (13,241 incident breast cancer cases) and claims data (147,325 mammography screening events; 1,778 incident breast cancer cases), screening unit and claims-based standardized participation ratios (SPR) of mammography screening as well as cancer registry and claims-based standardized incidence ratios (SIR) of breast cancer between 2011 and 2014 were estimated for the 46 districts of the German federal state of Lower Saxony. Bland-Altman analyses were performed to benchmark claims-based SPR and SIR against screening unit and cancer registry data. Determinants of district-level variations were investigated at the individual and contextual level using claims-based multilevel logistic regression analysis. In claims and benchmark data, SPR showed considerable variations and SIR hardly any. Claims-based estimates were between 0.13 below and 0.14 above (SPR), and between 0.36 below and 0.36 above (SIR) the benchmark. Given the limited suitability of health insurance claims data for assessing geographic variations in breast cancer incidence, only mammography screening participation was investigated in the multilevel analysis. At the individual level, 10 of 31 Elixhauser comorbidities were negatively and 11 positively associated with mammography screening participation. Age and comorbidities did not contribute to the explanation of geographic variations. At the contextual level, unemployment rate was negatively and the proportion of employees with an academic degree positively associated with mammography screening participation. Unemployment, income, education, foreign population and type of district explained 58.5% of geographic variations. Future studies should combine health insurance claims data with individual data on socioeconomic characteristics, lifestyle factors, psychological factors, quality of life and health literacy as well as contextual data on socioeconomic characteristics and accessibility of mammography screening. This would allow a comprehensive investigation of geographic variations in mammography screening participation and help to further improve prevention strategies for reducing the burden of breast cancer.