Dietary and Demographic Correlates of Serum β-Glucuronidase Activity

Abstract

β-glucuronidase, an acid hydrolase that deconjugates glucuronides, may increase cancer risk; however, little is known about factors associated with human β -glucuronidase. Our objective was to examine whether dietary and demographic factors were associated with serum β -glucuronidase activity. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 279 healthy men and women aged 20 to 40 yr. Diet, categorized by botanical families and nutrient intakes, was assessed from 3-day food records and a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Demographic factors were directly measured or self-reported. Adjusted mean β -glucuronidase activity across categories of exposure variables were calculated by multiple linear regression. Higher β -glucuronidase activity was significantly associated with being male, older age (≥ 30 yr), non-Caucasian, overweight (≥ 25 kg/m2), and higher intakes of gamma-tocopherol. Conversely, lower β -glucuronidase activity was significantly associated with higher intakes of calcium, iron, and magnesium. A suggestive decrease in β -glucuronidase activity was observed for the botanical families Cruciferae , Rutaceae , Compositae , Roseaceae , and Umbelliferae , but tests for trend were not statistically significant. In conclusion, several dietary and nondietary factors were associated with β -glucuronidase activity; however, confirmation of these associations are needed.