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Perry JS. Resilience in Black Women: Lifeline or Double-Edged Sword? J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024:10.1007/s40615-024-02119-5. [PMID: 39102173 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-024-02119-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Black women face many health disparities, many of which are tied to the stress of being a marginalized group member. Resilience, defined as the ability to bounce back from adversity and continue with life, has been introduced as a method to buffer the stress that Black women experience and improve their outcomes. However, there is not a universally agreed-upon definition of resilience in the literature. Thus, it is unclear how resilience works broadly, particularly for Black women. It is important to explore whether resilience is as positive as many scholars have perceived it to be. The current review analyzes 28 empirical articles that looked at stress, resilience, and health outcomes in Black women. The review revealed that there are many inconsistencies in how both stress and resilience are measured. Further, the positive effects of resilience seem to be largely context-dependent and vary depending on the demographic and health outcomes explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine S Perry
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
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Syrnioti G, Eden CM, Johnson JA, Alston C, Syrnioti A, Newman LA. Social Determinants of Cancer Disparities. Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:8094-8104. [PMID: 37723358 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14200-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a major public health issue that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality across the globe. At its root, cancer represents a genetic aberration, but socioeconomic, environmental, and geographic factors contribute to different cancer outcomes for selected population subsets. The disparities in the delivery of healthcare affect all aspects of cancer management from early prevention to end-of-life care. In an effort to address the inequality in the delivery of healthcare among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, the World Health Organization defined social determinants of health (SDOH) as conditions in which people are born, live, work, and age. These factors play a significant role in the disproportionate cancer burden among different population groups. SDOH are associated with disparities in risk factor burden, screening modalities, diagnostic testing, treatment options, and quality of life of patients with cancer. The purpose of this article is to describe a more holistic and integrated approach to patients with cancer and address the disparities that are derived from their socioeconomic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Syrnioti
- Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Surgery, One Brooklyn Health-Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
| | - Claire M Eden
- Department of Surgery New York Presbyterian Queens, Weill Cornell Medicine, Flushing, NY, USA
| | - Josh A Johnson
- Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chase Alston
- Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Antonia Syrnioti
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Lisa A Newman
- Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Nowak AL, Anderson CM, Ford JL, Mackos A, Ohm J, Saadat N, Tan A, Zhao Y, Misra DP, Giurgescu C. DNA Methylation Patterns of Glucocorticoid Pathway Genes in Preterm Birth Among Black Women. Biol Res Nurs 2022; 24:493-502. [PMID: 35512640 PMCID: PMC9630727 DOI: 10.1177/10998004221099253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB; <37 weeks gestation) rates have increased for 5 of the last 6 consecutive years in the United States. These rates are particularly alarming for U.S. non-Hispanic Black women who give birth prematurely at 1.5 times the rate of non-Hispanic White women. Previous research suggests that psychological stress is associated with PTB in Black women. However, the biological pathways by which stress alters birth timing are not clear. We examined DNA methylation (DNAm) in peripheral blood leukocytes in 6 glucocorticoid, stress-related genes in 44 (22 PTB; 22 term birth) pregnant Black women. Four cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites were identified as differentially methylated (p < 0.05) between women with PTB and women with term births. The ability to identify stress-related biological markers that are associated with PTB among Black women would provide a critical step toward decreasing the PTB disparity among these women. Future studies should include larger sample sizes and gene expression analyses of the stress-related biological pathways to PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jodi L. Ford
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State
University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Amy Mackos
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State
University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Joyce Ohm
- Department of Genetics and
Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer
Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Nadia Saadat
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alai Tan
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State
University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yihong Zhao
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dawn P. Misra
- Department of Epidemiology and
Biostatistics, Michigan State
University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Carmen Giurgescu
- College of Nursing, University of Central
Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
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Svoboda LK, Perera BPU, Morgan RK, Polemi KM, Pan J, Dolinoy DC. Toxicoepigenetics and Environmental Health: Challenges and Opportunities. Chem Res Toxicol 2022; 35:1293-1311. [PMID: 35876266 PMCID: PMC9812000 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The rapidly growing field of toxicoepigenetics seeks to understand how toxicant exposures interact with the epigenome to influence disease risk. Toxicoepigenetics is a promising field of environmental health research, as integrating epigenetics into the field of toxicology will enable a more thorough evaluation of toxicant-induced disease mechanisms as well as the elucidation of the role of the epigenome as a biomarker of exposure and disease and possible mediator of exposure effects. Likewise, toxicoepigenetics will enhance our knowledge of how environmental exposures, lifestyle factors, and diet interact to influence health. Ultimately, an understanding of how the environment impacts the epigenome to cause disease may inform risk assessment, permit noninvasive biomonitoring, and provide potential opportunities for therapeutic intervention. However, the translation of research from this exciting field into benefits for human and animal health presents several challenges and opportunities. Here, we describe four significant areas in which we see opportunity to transform the field and improve human health by reducing the disease burden caused by environmental exposures. These include (1) research into the mechanistic role for epigenetic change in environment-induced disease, (2) understanding key factors influencing vulnerability to the adverse effects of environmental exposures, (3) identifying appropriate biomarkers of environmental exposures and their associated diseases, and (4) determining whether the adverse effects of environment on the epigenome and human health are reversible through pharmacologic, dietary, or behavioral interventions. We then highlight several initiatives currently underway to address these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie K Svoboda
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Bambarendage P U Perera
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Rachel K Morgan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Katelyn M Polemi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Junru Pan
- Department Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Dana C Dolinoy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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Relationship between parental history of dementia, motor-cognitive and executive function performance in African American women. J Neurol Sci 2022; 439:120305. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Abstract
Black women in the United States have experienced substantial improvements in health during the last century, yet health disparities persist. These health disparities are in large part a reflection of the inequalities experienced by Black women on a host of social and economic measures. In this paper, we examine the structural contributors to social and economic conditions that create the landscape for persistent health inequities among Black women. Demographic measures related to the health status and health (in)equity of Black women are reviewed. Current rates of specific physical and mental health outcomes are examined in more depth, including maternal mortality and chronic conditions associated with maternal morbidity. We conclude by highlighting the necessity of social and economic equity among Black women for health equity to be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanita J. Chinn
- Population Dynamics Branch, Division of Extramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Iman K. Martin
- Blood Epidemiology and Clinical Therapeutics Branch, Division of Blood Diseases and Resources, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicole Redmond
- Clinical Applications and Prevention Branch, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Xing CY, Doose M, Qin B, Lin Y, Plascak JJ, Omene C, He C, Demissie K, Hong CC, Bandera EV, Llanos AAM. Prediagnostic Allostatic Load as a Predictor of Poorly Differentiated and Larger Sized Breast Cancers among Black Women in the Women's Circle of Health Follow-Up Study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2019; 29:216-224. [PMID: 31719063 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-19-0712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have empirically tested the association of allostatic load (AL) with breast cancer clinicopathology. The aim of this study was to examine the association of AL, measured using relevant biomarkers recorded in medical records before breast cancer diagnosis, with unfavorable tumor clinicopathologic features among Black women. METHODS In a sample of 409 Black women with nonmetastatic breast cancer who are enrolled in the Women's Circle of Health Follow-Up Study, we estimated prediagnostic AL using two measures: AL measure 1 [lipid profile-based-assessed by systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels; waist circumference; and use of diabetes, hypertension, or hypercholesterolemia medication] and AL measure 2 (inflammatory index-based-assessed by SBP, DBP, glucose, and albumin levels; estimated glomerular filtration rate; body mass index; waist circumference; and use of medications previously described). We used Cohen's statistic to assess agreement between the two AL measures and multivariable logistic models to assess the associations of interest. RESULTS AL measures 1 and 2 moderately agreed (κ = 0.504). Higher prediagnostic AL predicted higher grade (poorly differentiated vs. well/moderately differentiated) using AL measure 1 [OR = 2.16; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.18-3.94] and AL measure 2 (OR = 1.60; 95% CI, 1.02-2.51), and larger tumor size (≥2 cm vs. <2 cm; OR = 1.58; 95% CI, 1.01-2.46) using AL measure 2 only. CONCLUSIONS Elevated prediagnostic AL might contribute to more unfavorable breast cancer clinicopathology. IMPACT Addressing elevated prediagnostic levels of AL has potentially important clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathleen Y Xing
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Michelle Doose
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey.,Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Bo Qin
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey.,Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Yong Lin
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey.,Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Jesse J Plascak
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey.,Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Coral Omene
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey.,Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Chunyan He
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky.,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Kitaw Demissie
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University School of Public Health, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Chi-Chen Hong
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Elisa V Bandera
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey.,Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey.,Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Adana A M Llanos
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey. .,Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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