Inuit Population Of Greenland Research Articles

Food Reward after a Traditional Inuit or a Westernised Diet in an Inuit Population in Greenland.

The food availability and dietary behaviours in Greenland have changed with increasing Westernisation. Food reward is an important driver of food choice and intake, which has not previously been explored in the Arctic population. The aim of this study was to explore differences in food reward after a four-week intervention period with a traditional Inuit diet (TID) or Westernised diet (WD) in Inuit populations in Northern and Western Greenland. This cross-sectional analysis included 44 adults (n = 20 after TID and n = 24 after WD). We assessed the food reward components, explicit liking and implicit wanting, using the Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire under standardised conditions 60 min after drinking a glucose drink as part of an oral glucose tolerance test after four weeks following a TID or WD. The food intake was assessed using food frequency questionnaires. The intervention groups differed only in implicit wanting for high-fat sweet foods, with higher implicit wanting among the participants following TID compared to WD. Both groups had lower explicit liking and implicit wanting for sweet relative to savoury foods and for high-fat relative to low-fat foods. This exploratory study can guide future studies in Inuit populations to include measures of food reward to better understand food intake in the Arctic.

Food Preferences in a Greenlandic Population

Abstract Objectives The overall aim was to describe food reward in an Inuit population in Greenland. More specifically, the objective was to first test the differences in food reward for sweet relative to savory food (taste bias) after four weeks on a traditionally Inuit diet (TID) vs a Westernized diet (WD). If no differences in taste bias were found between diet groups, we aimed to describe food reward in a pooled sample (median [IQR]). We hypothesized that participants would have higher preferences for sweet compared to savory foods. Methods After a dietary intervention in Greenland (20% of foods provided), we measured behavioral components of food reward using the Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire. The reward components, explicit liking and implicit wanting, were measured in response to images of Western foods varying in fat content and taste after four weeks on either TID or WD. A positive bias score reflected preference for sweet over savory, and oppositely a negative bias score reflected preference for savory over sweet foods. Results Participant characteristics were similar in the two diet groups (age (mean (SD): TID = 58.1 (11.5) vs. WD = 55.4 (9.5) years); sex: TID = 50% vs. WD = 54% women; body mass index (mean (SD): TID = 26.6 (5.5) vs. WD = 27.9 (4.7) kg/m2). In these preliminary, unadjusted analyses, we found no differences in explicit liking (P = 0.77) or implicit wanting (P = 0.70) bias score for sweet over savory foods after four weeks following either TID (n = 26) or WID (n = 24). Altogether, participants in the two diet groups had a greater explicit liking (−11.5 [−19.9; −2.8]) and implicit wanting (−21.6 [−44.2; −5.2]) for savory compared to sweet foods. Conclusions This is the first study to examine explicit and implicit aspects of food reward in an Inuit population. Contrary to our hypothesis, this population did not prefer sweet over savory Western foods. Funding Sources The study was supported by unrestricted grants from The Novo Nordisk Foundation. Royal Greenland and the supermarket chains Kalaallit Nunaanni Brugseni & Pilersuisoq supported the study with foods and food logistics.

Serum selenium levels and asthma among seafood processing workers in Greenland

ABSTRACT Selenium levels in the Inuit population of Greenland have been declining during the last decades. The association between Selenium and asthma has been investigated previously, but with conflicting results. The objective was to measure human serum Se (s-Se) in Greenlandic seafood processing workers, to compare with levels recorded in previous decades and to establish if s-Se is associated with asthma or lung function. Data, including questionnaire answers, spirometry, skin-prick test and s-Se from 324 seafood processing workers in Greenland were collected during 2016–2017. Mean s-Se values were compared by t-test and one-way ANOVA. Associations between s-Se and asthma, symptoms from the lower airways at work and lung function were assessed using linear regression. The mean s-Se was 96.2 µg/L. S-Se was higher among non-smokers and workers living in settlements. Workers with asthma did not have s-Se levels significantly different from those of non-asthmatics. We found a positive association between s-Se levels and FEV1 values. Selenium levels appear to continue declining in Greenland, presumably because of a more Westernised lifestyle. The health effects of declining Selenium levels remain unclear. We did not establish an association between s-Se and asthma, but we did record a positive association between s-Se and FEV1.

Peopling of the North Circumpolar Region--insights from Y chromosome STR and SNP typing of Greenlanders.

The human population in Greenland is characterized by migration events of Paleo- and Neo-Eskimos, as well as admixture with Europeans. In this study, the Y-chromosomal variation in male Greenlanders was investigated in detail by typing 73 Y-chromosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (Y-SNPs) and 17 Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (Y-STRs). Approximately 40% of the analyzed Greenlandic Y chromosomes were of European origin (I-M170, R1a-M513 and R1b-M343). Y chromosomes of European origin were mainly found in individuals from the west and south coasts of Greenland, which is in agreement with the historic records of the geographic placements of European settlements in Greenland. Two Inuit Y-chromosomal lineages, Q-M3 (xM19, M194, L663, SA01 and L766) and Q-NWT01 (xM265) were found in 23% and 31% of the male Greenlanders, respectively. The time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) of the Q-M3 lineage of the Greenlanders was estimated to be between 4,400 and 10,900 years ago (y. a.) using two different methods. This is in agreement with the theory that the North Circumpolar Region was populated via a second expansion of humans in the North American continent. The TMRCA of the Q-NWT01 (xM265) lineage in Greenland was estimated to be between 7,000 and 14,300 y. a. using two different methods, which is older than the previously reported TMRCA of this lineage in other Inuit populations. Our results indicate that Inuit individuals carrying the Q-NWT01 (xM265) lineage may have their origin in the northeastern parts of North America and could be descendants of the Dorset culture. This in turn points to the possibility that the current Inuit population in Greenland is comprised of individuals of both Thule and Dorset descent.

Birth Weight and Risk of Adiposity among Adult Inuit in Greenland

ObjectiveThe Inuit population in Greenland has undergone rapid socioeconomic and nutritional changes simultaneously with an increasing prevalence of obesity. Therefore, the objective was to examine fetal programming as part of the aetiology of obesity among Inuit in Greenland by investigating the association between birth weight and measures of body composition and fat distribution in adulthood.MethodsThe study was based on cross-sectional data from a total of 1,473 adults aged 18–61 years in two population-based surveys conducted in Greenland between 1999–2001 and 2005–2010. Information on birth weight was collected from birth records. Adiposity was assessed by anthropometry, fat mass index (FMI), fat-free mass index (FFMI), and visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) estimated by ultrasound. The associations to birth weight were analyzed using linear regression models and quadratic splines. Analyses were stratified by sex, and adjusted for age, birthplace, ancestry and family history of obesity.ResultsSpline analyses showed linear relations between birth weight and adult adiposity. In multiple regression analyses, birth weight was positively associated with BMI, waist circumference, FMI, FFMI and SAT with generally weaker associations among women compared to men. Birth weight was only associated with VAT after additional adjustment for waist circumference and appeared to be specific and inverse for men only.ConclusionsHigher birth weight among Inuit was associated with adiposity in adulthood. More studies are needed to explore a potential inverse association between birth size and VAT.

Diabetes is a risk factor for tuberculosis in the Inuit population of Greenland

To the Editors: Diabetes is a known risk factor for tuberculosis (TB), and studies across populations and geographic regions suggest substantial increased risks of developing TB ranging from 1.16 to 7.83 with co-existing diabetes [1]. It is suggested that the risk is due to latent TB infections being activated by the hyperglycemia associated with diabetes. The evolving epidemiology of concurrent diabetes and TB in settings where both diseases are frequent is therefore looked upon with special concern. The prevalence of diabetes among the Greenland Inuit is high (10%) and increasing [2]. Meanwhile, the TB incidence remains high with an estimated 180 cases per 100,000 suggesting ongoing TB transmission [3]. The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of diabetes on TB development among the Greenland Inuit. We conducted a retrospective cohort study. Study participants comprised ethnic Inuit who participated in two previously conducted cross-sectional studies where diabetes status were assessed; Inuit Health in Transition Study (IHIT) [4] and the Greenland Population Study (B99) [2]. All study participants in IHIT and B99 were randomly selected from the Civil Registration System (CRS) in order to represent the entire Greenlandic population. The CRS provides all citizens of Greenland with a unique identification number at birth, facilitating tracing of persons through all public registries. The CRS identifier enabled follow-up of study participants in the National TB register. The study was approved by the Ethics Review of Greenland. Participants not previously diagnosed with diabetes (98%) underwent a standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Participants were categorised with diabetes if previously diagnosed with diabetes or if fasting and 2-h blood glucose levels were ≥7 mmol·L−1 and ≥11.1 mmol·L−1, respectively. …

A Spectrum of Basaloid Morphology in a Subset of EBV-Associated “Lymphoepithelial Carcinomas” of Major Salivary Glands

Nasopharyngeal carcinomas of the undifferentiated or lymphoepithelial type are most commonly seen in South East Asians. Identical tumors have also been described at a variety of other sites including lung, skin and salivary gland and have been referred to by a number of names including lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC). LECs of major salivary gland are extremely rare. They are particularly common amongst the Inuit populations of the arctic region including Greenland (Denmark), Canada and Alaska, as well as South East Asians. Within the Inuit group, this tumor represents the majority of all salivary gland carcinomas. Amongst primary LEC of major salivary gland, most cases reported in the literature have represented typical nasopharynx-like tumors. Variants of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) associated LEC have not been described previously, to the best of our knowledge. In this report, we describe 4 EBV-associated major salivary gland LECs with prominent basaloid morphology, which represent 22% of a cohort of 18 salivary LECs from an Inuit population in Greenland. The features described in these cases raise a differential diagnosis of other basaloid tumors, particularly in light of the salivary gland location. A basaloid variant of LEC in major salivary gland should be recognized, especially in highly prone populations, to avoid misdiagnosis of other more common salivary tumors.

Perfluorinated compounds are related to breast cancer risk in greenlandic inuit: A case control study

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer for women in the western world. From very few cases an extraordinary increase in BC was observed in the Inuit population of Greenland and Canada although still lower than in western populations. Previous data suggest that exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) might contribute to the risk of BC. Rat studies showed that perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) cause significantly increase in mammary fibroadenomas. This study aimed at evaluating the association between serum levels of POPs/PFCs in Greenlandic Inuit BC cases and their controls, and whether the combined POP related effect on nuclear hormone receptors affect BC risk.MethodsThirty-one BC cases and 115 controls were sampled during 2000-2003 from various Greenlandic districts. The serum levels of POPs, PFCs, some metals and the combined serum POP related effect on estrogen- (ER), androgen- (AR) and Ah-receptor (AhR) transactivity were determined. Independent student t-test was used to compare the differences and the odds ratios were estimated by unconditional logistic regression models.ResultsWe observed for the very first time a significant association between serum PFC levels and the risk of BC. The BC cases also showed a significantly higher concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls at the highest quartile. Also for the combined serum POP induced agonistic AR transactivity significant association to BC risk was found, and cases elicited a higher frequency of samples with significant POP related hormone-like agonistic ER transactivity. The AhR toxic equivalent was lowest in cases.ConclusionsThe level of serum POPs, particularly PFCs, might be risk factors in the development of BC in Inuit. Hormone disruption by the combined serum POP related xenoestrogenic and xenoandrogenic activities may contribute to the risk of developing breast cancer in Inuit. Further investigations are needed to document these study conclusions.

Survival of head and neck cancer in Greenland

Objectives. Head and neck cancer is frequent in the Inuit population of Greenland and is characterized by a very high incidence of Epstein-Barr virus associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, information on the treatment and survival of Inuit head and neck cancer patients is practically non-existent. The aim of this study, therefore, was to analyse the epidemiological pattern, time course and survival of head and neck cancer patients in Greenland.Study design. Retrospective register-based study.Methods. The Danish Civil Registration System, the Danish Cancer Registry and hospital-based registries were used to identify all patients resident in Greenland diagnosed with head and neck cancer during the period 1994–2003. Data were analysed with regard to clinical characteristics, treatment delay and survival.Results. A total of 125 patients were identified. The age-standardized incidence rate for all head and neck cancer cases was 28/100,000 for males and 19/100,000 for females. High incidence rates were found for NPC and oral cancers. Of all cancers, 47% were stage IV at the time of diagnosis, while 61% of all NPC’s were stage IV. The median delay from date of first symptom to treatment was 248 days for all cancers. The overall crude 5-year survival rate for all sites together was 35% and for NPC 20%.Conclusion. Survival of head and neck cancer in Greenland is very low. Delays in treatment and inadequate follow-up on treatment complications are probable causes. The improvements in treatment for NPC and other head and neck cancer cases over the last decades are yet to be seen in this Inuit population.

A cross-sectional study of the association between persistent organic pollutants and glucose intolerance among Greenland Inuit

Some evidence supports the hypothesis that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. The Inuit population in Greenland, which is highly exposed to POPs due to a high intake of marine mammals, has experienced a rapid increase in diabetes prevalence over the last 30 years. Thus the aim was to study the association between POPs and glucose intolerance and markers of insulin resistance and insulin secretion using a population-based design. From 1999 to 2002 the Greenland population study was carried out among adult Inuit living in Greenland. The examination included a 75 g OGTT, anthropometric measurements, a structured interview, and blood tests. Plasma glucose and serum insulin were analysed, and three defined subclasses of POPs were analysed in a subgroup. Associations were adjusted for age, sex, waist circumference, Inuit heritage, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and educational level. Data on POPs were available on 692 individuals, 305 men (mean age 50 years) and 387 women (mean age 49 years). The prevalence of diabetes was 10.3%, and 10.5% had impaired glucose tolerance. The concentrations of several POPs were exceptionally high. While no associations were found between POPs and stages of glucose intolerance or markers of insulin resistance, POPs were significantly inversely associated with stimulated insulin concentrations and homeostasis model assessment of beta cell function. The study indicates that POPs may affect insulin secretion rather than being involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. No association was seen between POPs and glucose intolerance or markers of insulin resistance.

The Inuit cancer pattern—The influence of migration

The Inuit cancer pattern is characterized by high frequencies of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-associated carcinomas of the nasopharynx and salivary glands. The reasons are unknown, but genetic and environmental factors are believed to be involved. Using data from the well-defined Inuit population in Greenland we investigated whether migration to Denmark influenced their risk of cancer. Greenland is part of the Danish Kingdom, and population-based registries cover both countries. Using rates for Denmark as reference, sex-specific standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were calculated for Inuit who never lived in Denmark and for those who at least once were registered with a Danish address. During 1973-2003, we observed 3,567 cancers in a cohort of 77,888 persons. Of these, 862 among 26,214 Inuit ever living in Denmark, and 2,705 among 51,674 nonmigrating Inuit. High SIRs for cancers of the nasopharynx [31.7 (CI 22.0-45.5)] and salivary glands [3.1 (CI 1.4-6.9)] observed among Inuit migrating to Denmark were comparable to those observed among Inuit never living in Denmark. Significant higher risk of cancer of the bladder, breast, prostate gland, skin, brain and stomach was observed among Inuit following migration to Denmark. The SIR was not generally influenced by duration of stay. The high risk of carcinoma of the nasopharynx and salivary glands observed in Inuit populations is maintained after migration to a low incidence area. This indicates that genetic factors or environmental factors acting early in life are etiologically important for these cancers.

Impact of PCB and p , p ′-DDE Contaminants on Human Sperm Y:X Chromosome Ratio: Studies in Three European Populations and the Inuit Population in Greenland

ObjectiveRecent studies indicate that persistent organohalogen pollutants (POPs) may contribute to sex ratio changes in offspring of exposed populations. Our aim in the present study was to investigate whether exposure to 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB-153) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene (p,p′-DDE) affects sperm Y:X chromosome distribution.Subjects and methodsWe obtained semen and blood for analysis of PCB-153 and p,p′-DDE levels from 547 men from Sweden, Greenland, Poland (Warsaw), and Ukraine (Kharkiv), with regionally different levels of POP exposure. The proportion of Y- and X-chromosome–bearing sperm in the semen samples was determined by two-color fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis.ResultsSwedish and Greenlandic men had on average significantly higher proportions of Y sperm (in both cohorts, 51.2%) and correspondingly higher lipid-adjusted concentrations of PCB-153 (260 ng/g and 350 ng/g, respectively) compared with men from Warsaw (50.3% and 22 ng/g) and Kharkiv (50.7% and 54 ng/g). In the Swedish cohort, log-transformed PCB-153 and log-transformed p,p′-DDE variables were significantly positively associated with Y-chromosome fractions (p-values 0.04 and < 0.001, respectively). On the contrary, in the Polish cohort PCB-153 correlated negatively with the proportion of Y-bearing fraction of spermatozoa (p = 0.008).ConclusionsThe present study indicates that POP exposure might be involved in changing the proportion of ejaculated Y-bearing spermatozoa in human populations. Intercountry differences, with different exposure situations and doses, may contribute to varying Y:X chromosome ratios.

Aspects of the epidemiology of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Epstein-Barr virus infection in Greenland

Objectives. The Inuit traditionally exhibit a distinctive cancer pattern characterised by high frequencies of nasopharyngeal (NPC) and salivary gland carcinomas, and low frequencies of tumours common in Western populations. Both NPC and salivary gland carcinomas are closely associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a nearly ubiquitous infection in all populations, and infection among Inuit is characterised by a particular pattern with early primary infection and high antibody titres. NPC is believed to be the result of environmental factors, especially EBV, acting on genetically susceptible individuals. However, knowledge is sparse on the extent and importance of the individual susceptibility and the interaction with EBV. During the second half of the twentieth century considerable changes in living conditions and lifestyle have occurred in the Inuit population of Greenland, and the effects on the patterns of malignant disease and EBV acquisition are unknown.The present thesis explores different aspects of the EBV-associated carcinomas among Inuit, with emphasis on the individual susceptibility of NPC and the epidemiology of EBV infection.

Age-related macular degeneration in Inuit in Greenland

Objectives. To investigate the clinical appearance and prevalence of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) among the Inuit in Greenland, to investigate risk factors and to initiate the search for possible genetic markers. Study design. A cross-sectional population study including all individuals older than 60 years of age, born in Greenland and living in the communities of Nuuk and Sisimiut, was performed in 2000 and 2001. Methods. All participants underwent an ophthalmologic examination, which was complemented by fundus photography and a questionnaire. Results. 689 individuals, or more than 70%, participated in the study. Data are currently being processed. The preliminary data suggest that AMD among the Inuit is characterised by a rather uniform morphology and poor visual outcome. The detection of more cases of AMD in the early and late stages in relation to intermediate stages furthermore indicates a rapid development of AMD among the Inuit. Conclusion. The relative homogeneity of the Inuit population of Greenland may represent an opportunity for identifying the aetiological factors responsible for the development of AMD. The future results of this research project will hopefully also contribute towards an increased focus on the growing number of individuals with visual impairment due to AMD among the Inuit.

Selenium status in Greenland Inuit

In Greenland, the human intake of selenium has always been relatively high and is closely connected to intake of the traditional food of marine origin. Analyses of historic and present day human and animal hair samples have indicated that the selenium level in the marine environment has been constant over time, while the levels in humans have declined corresponding to a decrease in intake of traditional food. The Inuit population in Greenland is in dietary transition where western-style food will increasingly dominate. As a consequence, the ample supply of selenium may not be sustained in the future. We report here the selenium status in three Greenlandic population groups, Ittoqqortoormiit and Tasiilaq on the east coast and Uummannaq on the west coast. Mean whole blood concentrations ranged from 178 μg/l in Tasiilaq men to 488 μg/l in Uummannaq men. Plasma concentrations ranged from 79 μg/l in Tasiilaq women to 113 μg/l in Uummannaq men. With increasing Se concentrations in whole blood, the plasma concentrations increased but tended to stabilise a level approximately 140 μg/l. Selenium blood levels were highly significantly correlated with long chain marine fatty acids. Dietary survey and food composition data from the west coast showed that whale skin, muktuk, is the main source of Se followed by birds, seal meat and organs, and fish. Terrestrial animals contributed only insignificantly to the selenium intake. In West Greenland, daily Se intake (235 μg/day) was estimated by dietary survey; it corresponded well with a calculated intake (220 μg/day) based on the mean blood concentration.

Cancer in Greenlandic Inuit 1973-1997: a cohort study.

The increasing westernization of the Arctic countries may influence the very particular cancer profile of these populations. Our objective was to investigate the development in cancer incidence from 1973 to 1997 in a large and well-defined Inuit population in Greenland. Greenland is part of the Danish Kingdom, and population statistics covering both countries are available from the same registry resource. Data from the Danish Civil Registration System and from the Danish Cancer Registry were used to calculate age-standardized cancer incidence rates for the periods 1973-1987 and 1988-1997 for persons born in Greenland. Using rates for Denmark, sex-specific standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for 1988-1997 were calculated. Furthermore, age- and sex-specific incidence rates in the 2 periods were calculated for selected cancers. Total cancer incidence increased from 248.5 to 277.9 per 100,000 person-years in men and from 269.4 to 302.2 per 100,000 person-years in women. The incidence of lung, stomach, breast and colon cancer increased, whereas the incidence of cervical cancer decreased. Compared to the Caucasian population in Denmark, high SIRs were found for cancers of the nasopharynx, salivary gland, esophagus, stomach and cervix and low SIRs for testis, bladder, prostate, breast and hematologic cancers. Overall cancer incidence among Greenlandic Inuit is increasing as a result of increases in several cancers that are common in Western populations. A significant increase in the incidence of stomach cancer in both sexes, which contrasts global trends for this cancer, warrants further investigation.

Ethnic, geographic and dietary influences upon vasoactive hormones and blood pressure among Greenland Inuit and Danes

Aim: To study levels of vasoactive hormones and urinary excretion of sodium and potassium between groups of Greenland Inuit and Danes, and to analyse the relationship between these hormones and 24‐h blood pressure, including nightly blood pressure dips and pulse pressure. Methods: 145 Greenlandic participants were categorized in three groups according to degree of westernization, based on dietary habits and current place of residence; 41 Danes were included as controls. Twenty‐four‐hour blood pressure was measured. Venous plasma concentrations of vasoactive hormones were measured. Urine was collected for 24 hours for analysis of excretion of sodium and potassium. Results: The Inuit population of Greenland had a lower diastolic blood pressure, a higher pulse pressure and lower nocturnal blood pressure dip than Danes had. Angiotensin II in plasma and urine excretion of potassium were higher among Greenlanders compared with Danes, irrespective of diet and place of residence. Aldosterone and urine excretion of sodium were significantly higher among participants in Denmark compared with participants in Greenland. Brain natriuretic peptide and atrial natriuretic peptide were independently and negatively associated with diastolic blood pressure, and vasopressin was positively associated with systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure. Ethnic differences in the effect of vasoactive hormones or urinary sodium and potassium excretion could not explain the difference in blood pressure. Conclusion: It is suggested that a high dietary intake of potassium and low sodium intake among Greenlanders may affect blood pressure. Further attention should be drawn to the occurrence of high pulse pressure and high activity in the renin–angiotensin system in Inuit populations.

Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance among the inuit population of Greenland.

To assess the prevalence of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) among the Inuit population of Greenland and to determine risk factors for developing glucose intolerance. This cross-sectional study included 917 randomly selected adult Inuit subjects living in three areas of Greenland. Diabetes and IGT were diagnosed using the oral glucose tolerance test. BMI and waist-to-hip ratio were measured and blood samples were taken from each subject. Sociodemographic characteristics were investigated using a questionnaire. The age-standardized prevalences of diabetes and IGT were 10.8 and 9.4% among men and 8.8 and 14.1% among women, respectively. Of those with diabetes, 70% had not been previously diagnosed. Significant risk factors for diabetes were family history of diabetes, age, BMI, and high alcohol consumption, whereas frequent intake of fresh fruit and seal meat were inversely associated with diabetic status. Age, BMI, family history of diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, and place of residence were significant predictors of IGT. The prevalence of diabetes is high among the Inuit of Greenland. Heredity was a major factor, while obesity and diet were important environmental factors. The high proportion of unknown cases suggests a need for increased diabetes awareness in Greenland.

Violence, sexual abuse and health in Greenland

The purposes of the study were to analyse the lifetime prevalence of violence and sexual abuse among the Inuit in Greenland and to study the associations between health and having been the victim of violence or sexual abuse. Associations were studied with specific attention to possible differences between women and men. Further, response rates were analysed specifically in order to understand consequences of including questions on violence and sexual abuse in the questionnaire survey. The analyses were based on material from a cross-sectional health interview survey conducted during 1993–94 with participation from a random sample of the Inuit population in Greenland (N = 1393). The prevalence of ever having been a victim of violence was 47% among women and 48% among men. Women had more often than men been sexually abused (25% and 6%) (p < 0,001) and had more often been sexually abused in childhood (8% and 3%) (p = 0.001). Having been the victim of violence or sexual abuse was significantly associated with a number of health problems: chronic disease, recent illness, poor self-rated health, and mental health problems. The associations between having been the victim of violence or sexual abuse and health was stronger for women than for men. It is possible to secure a reasonably high response rate in a general health survey that includes questions on violence and sexual abuse.

Concentration of organochlorines in human brain, liver, and adipose tissue autopsy samples from Greenland.

Organochlorines are persistent lipophilic compounds that accumulate in Inuit people living in circumpolar countries. Organochlorines accumulate as a result of the Inuits' large consumption of sea mammal fat; however, available data are limited to blood lipids, milk fat, and adipose tissue. We report results of organochlorine determination in liver, brain, omental fat, and subcutaneous abdominal fat samples collected from deceased Greenlanders between 1992 and 1994. Eleven chlorinated pesticides and 14 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners were measured in tissue lipid extracts by high-resolution gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Mean concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls, 2, 2'-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene, ss-hexachlorocyclohexane, hexachlorobenzene, mirex, trans-nonachlor, and oxychlordane in adipose tissue samples from Greenlanders were 3-34-fold higher than those measured using the same analytical method in samples from Canadians in Quebec City, Quebec. Brain lipids contained lower concentrations of all organochlorines than lipids extracted from other tissues. Organochlorine residue levels in lipid extracts from liver, omental fat, and subcutaneous abdominal fat samples were similar, with the exception of ss-hexachlorocyclohexane, which reached a greater concentration in liver lipids than in lipids from both adipose tissues (4-fold; p < 0. 05). Comparisons with available international data on adipose tissue levels reveal that the organochlorine body burden in the Inuit population of Greenland is presently among the highest resulting from environmental exposure.