Lower Incidence Of Colon Cancer Research Articles

Incidence of Colon Cancer Among Medicaid Beneficiaries With or Without Human Immunodeficiency Virus Under Comparable Colorectal Cancer Screening Patterns.

People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; PWH) in the United States have a lower incidence of colon cancer than the general population. The lower incidence may be explained by differences in receipt of screening. Thus, we sought to estimate colon cancer incidence under scenarios in which Medicaid beneficiaries, with or without HIV, followed the same screening protocols. We used data from 1.5 million Medicaid beneficiaries who were enrolled in 14 US states in 2001-2015 and aged 50-64 years; 72 747 beneficiaries had HIV. We estimated risks of colon cancer and death by age, censoring beneficiaries when they deviated from 3 screening protocols, which were based on Medicaid's coverage policy for endoscopies during the time period, with endoscopy once every 2, 4, or 10 years. We used inverse probability weights to control for baseline and time-varying confounding and informative loss to follow-up. Analyses were performed overall, by sex, and by race/ethnicity. PWH had a lower incidence of colon cancer than beneficiaries without HIV. Compared with beneficiaries without HIV, the risk difference at age 65 years was -1.6% lower (95% confidence interval, -2.3% to -.7%) among PWH with the 2-year protocol and -0.8% lower (-1.3% to -.3%) with the 10-year protocol. Results were consistent across subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Our findings suggest that the lower risk of colon cancer that has been observed among PWH aged 50-64 years compared with those without HIV is not due to differences in receipt of lower endoscopy. Keywords: colon cancer, colorectal cancer screening, endoscopy, Medicaid, human immunodeficiency virus.

Serum vitamin D concentration, vitamin D-related polymorphisms, and colorectal cancer risk.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) has been demonstrated to be associated with risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, it remains unclear whether this association was modified by vitamin D-related polymorphisms. We evaluated association of serum 25(OH)D concentration with CRC risk among 403 170 participants from UK Biobank Project. Two variants of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), rs4588 and rs7041, were included to estimate the binding affinity of 25(OH)D to VDBP, and three variants of vitamin D receptor (VDR), rs11568820, rs2228570 and rs1544410, which may influence VDR activity, were also investigated. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During 4 957 677 person-years of follow-up, 5053 incident CRC cases were documented. Higher serum 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly associated with lower CRC incidence in a dose-response manner, with HR (95% CIs) being 0.94 (0.91-0.97) per 1 SD increment of serum 25(OH)D level (Ptrend < .001). When separated by anatomic site, we observed a significant association between higher 25(OH)D and lower incidence of colon cancer (Ptrend < .001), but not rectal cancer (Ptrend = .880). The inverse associations between 25(OH)D level and CRC risk were demonstrated in almost all individuals carrying different GC or VDR genotypes, except for those with rs1544410 TT or rs4588 TT genotypes. There was no significant interaction between any single variant, or haplotypes of GC or VDR, and 25(OH)D level. Our findings suggest the potential benefits of maintaining adequate vitamin D for CRC prevention, particularly for tumors from colon.

Dry Beans Inhibit Azoxymethane-Induced Colon Carcinogenesis in F344 Rats

Epidemiological studies show a low incidence of colon cancer in many Latin American countries where the consumption of dry beans (e.g., pinto) is high. The purpose of this study was to use rats as an animal model to obtain experimental data on the inhibition of colon carcinogenesis by dry beans. Fifty-three 5-wk-old weanling male F344 rats were randomly assigned by weight to the following groups: control (11 rats), casein diet (21 rats), and bean diet (21 rats). Animals fed the casein and bean diets were treated with the carcinogen azoxymethane (AOM) once weekly for 2 wk. Rats in the control group also consumed the casein diet but were not exposed to AOM. All diets were isocaloric. The protein concentration of the diets was adjusted to 18 g/100 g with casein, and the fat concentration was adjusted to 5 g/100 g with corn oil. Rats fed the bean diet had significantly fewer colon adenocarcinomas (P< 0.05) than rats fed the casein diet (5 vs. 22 tumors), and significantly fewer rats fed the bean diet (P< 0.05) had colonic tumors than did casein-fed rats (24 vs. 50%). Tumor multiplicity was also significantly lower for the bean-fed rats, and significantly fewer (P< 0.05) tumors per tumor-bearing rat were observed in bean-fed rats than in casein-fed rats (1.0 ± 0.0 vs. 2.5 ± 0.6). This study demonstrates that dry beans contain anticarcinogenic compounds capable of inhibiting AOM-induced colon cancer in rats. However, the specific anticarcinogenic components within dry beans have not been identified, and it is unclear whether dietary fiber, phytochemicals or other components within dry beans are primarily responsible for the anticarcinogenic properties of beans.

Značajnost tjelesne aktivnosti u sprječavanju raka debelog crijeva

Colorectal cancer is the second most common malignant neoplasm and the second cause of death from malignancies in both sexes. In 2017, 3689 people were diagnosed in the Republic of Croatia. Two thousand ninety-five people died of colorectal cancer in 2019. Colorectal cancer is preventable, and it appears that smoking and obesity are factors that affect its onset. Physical inactivity is closely related to obesity, and the question is whether it can be an independent predictor of colon cancer. We searched the literature on Pubmed for the past five years, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the association between physical activity and colon cancer incidence. Studies are methodologically diverse and involve different approaches. In most observational studies, greater physical activity is associated with a lower incidence of colon cancer, while in the interventional studies, results were more diverse. In general, smoking tobacco products has a much greater effect on colon cancer development, but physical activity is linked to the onset of the disease and should be one of the prevention measures.

Molecular Pathway Analysis Indicates a Distinct Metabolic Phenotype in Women With Right-Sided Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. Recent reports have shown that the location of the primary tumor is of clinical importance. Patients with right-sided colon cancers (RCCs) (tumors arising between the cecum and proximal transverse colon) have poorer clinical outcomes than those with left-sided colon cancers (LCCs) (tumors arising between the distal transverse colon and sigmoid colon, excluding the rectum). Interestingly, women have a lower incidence of colon cancer than men, but have a higher propensity for RCC. The reason for this difference is not known; however, identification of sex-specific differences in gene expression by tumor anatomical location in the colon could provide further insight. Moreover, it could reveal important predictive markers for response to various treatments. This study provides a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of various genes and molecular pathways that correlated with sex and anatomical location of colon cancers using four publicly available annotated data sets housed in the National Center for Biotechnology Information's Gene Expression Omnibus. We identified differentially expressed genes in tumor tissues from women with RCC, which showed attenuated energy and nutrient metabolism when compared with women with LCC. Specifically, we showed the downregulation of 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase alpha subunit (AMPKα) and anti-tumor immune responses in women with RCC. This difference was not seen when comparing tumor tissues from men with RCC to men with LCC. Therefore, women with RCC may have a specific metabolic and immune phenotype which accounts for differences in prognosis and treatment response.

Traditional preparations of kava (Piper methysticum) inhibit the growth of human colon cancer cells in vitro

Background: Epidemiological studies indicate there is low incidence of colon cancer in the South Pacific islands, including Fiji, West Samoa, and Vanuatu. Cancer incidence has been shown to be inversely associated with kava (Piper methysticum G. Forst.) ingestion.Hypothesis/Purpose: Kava prepared traditionally will inhibit the growth of human cancer cells. This investigation entails preparation and analysis of kava extracts and study of the growth inhibitory activity of the extracts, alone and combined with hibiscus.Study Design: We will prepare kava as in Micronesia – as a water extract, high in particulate content, alone or combined with sea hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus L.) – and examine the components and growth inhibitory activity.Methods: We obtained ground kava prepared in the traditional way from lateral roots and sea hibiscus mucilage and sap from different sources in Micronesia, and prepared water extracts (unfiltered, as well as filtered, since in traditional use the kava beverage contains a high particulate content) and partitions. We used the MTT assay to determine the growth inhibitory activity of the preparations on colon and breast cancer cells and nonmalignant intestinal epithelial cells. LC-MS analysis was used to examine the components of the kava and sea hibiscus extracts and partitions.Results: Traditional preparations of kava inhibit the growth of breast and colon cancer cells. Among the kava preparations, the order of decreasing activity was Fiji(2), Fiji(1), Hawaii; the unfiltered preparations from Fiji were more active than the filtered. Phytochemical analysis indicated that filtering reduced most kavalactone and chalcone content. For example, for Fiji(2), the ratio of dihydromethysticin in filtered/unfiltered kava was 0.01. Thus, for the extracts from Fiji, growth inhibitory activity correlates with the content of these compounds. Unfiltered and filtered kava from Fiji(1) were more active on malignant than nonmalignant intestinal epithelial cells. Since kava is prepared in Micronesia by squeezing the extract through sea hibiscus bark, we assayed the growth inhibitory activity of combinations of kava and sea hibiscus sap and found that sea hibiscus enhanced the growth inhibitory effect of kava.Conclusion: Our results show that traditional kava, alone or combined with sea hibiscus, displays activity against human cancer cells and indicate it will be worthwhile to develop and further analyze these preparations to prevent and treat colon and other cancers. Our findings suggest it is important to examine the activity of plants in the form that people consume them.

The incidence of colon cancer among patients diagnosed with left colonic or sigmoid acute diverticulitis is higher than in the general population

Considering the low incidence of colon cancer after an initial episode of colonic diverticulitis in some categories of patients, some authors suggested to exempt them from colonoscopy. However, this incidence has never been compared to that of a reference population, and predictors of cancer are still poorly investigated. We aimed to determine the 1-year incidence of colon cancer at the site of diverticulitis in patients diagnosed with left colonic or sigmoid acute diverticulitis, to compare this incidence to a reference population to state whether endoscopy is required or not, and to identify predicting factors of cancer to better target subpopulations needing that examination. All patients admitted at the University Hospitals of Geneva for left colonic or sigmoid acute diverticulitis were included. Patients with a previous history of colon cancer or non-available for follow-up were excluded. Demographic data, haemoglobin values, and the Hinchey score were documented. This cohort was matched with the Geneva Cancer Registry to look for cancer occurrence at the site of diverticulitis within 1year. Predictors of cancer were assessed using univariate logistic regression and the risk of cancer by comparing observed cases to a reference population using standardized incidence ratios. The final cohort included 506 patients. Eleven (2.2%) had a diagnosis of cancer at the site of diverticulitis within 1year. The mean age was significantly different between patients with cancer and others. No predictor of cancer could be identified, except a trend for an increased risk with advancing age (p=0.067). The standardized incidence ratios showed a 44-fold increased risk of cancer among the cohort compared to the reference population. Colonoscopy should be continued after an initial diagnosis of left colonic or sigmoid acute diverticulitis, irrespective of the clinical or radiological presentations.

Intake of dietary fiber, especially from cereal foods, is associated with lower incidence of colon cancer in the HELGA cohort

The role of dietary fiber on the risk of colon and rectal cancer has been investigated in numerous studies, but findings have been inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between intake of dietary fiber and risk of incident colon (including distal and proximal colon) and rectal cancer in the prospective Scandinavian HELGA cohort and to determine if fiber source (vegetables, fruits, potatoes, cereals) impacted the association. We included 1,168 incident cases (691 colon, 477 rectal cancer), diagnosed during a median of 11.3 years, among 108,081 cohort members. Sex-specific incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of colon and rectal cancer were related to intake of total or specific fiber source using Cox proportional hazards models. For men, an inverse association was observed between intake of total fiber and the risk of colon cancer per an incremental increase of 10 g day(-1) , IRR (95% CI): 0.74 (0.64-0.86). Intake of cereal fiber per 2 g day(-1) was associated with an IRR of 0.94 (0.91-0.98), which was also seen for intake of cereal fiber from foods with high fiber content (≥ 5 g per 100 g product), where the IRR per 2 g day(-1) was 0.94 (0.90-0.98). In women, intake of cereal fiber per 2 g day(-1) was also associated with lower risk of colon cancer, 0.97 (0.93-1.00). No clear associations were seen for rectal cancer. Our data indicate a protective role of total and cereal fiber intake, particularly from cereal foods with high fiber content, in the prevention of colon cancer.

Genistein inhibits proliferation of colon cancer cells by attenuating a negative effect of epidermal growth factor on tumor suppressor FOXO3 activity

BackgroundSoy consumption is associated with a lower incidence of colon cancer which is believed to be mediated by one of its of components, genistein. Genistein may inhibit cancer progression by inducing apoptosis or inhibiting proliferation, but mechanisms are not well understood. Epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced proliferation of colon cancer cells plays an important role in colon cancer progression and is mediated by loss of tumor suppressor FOXO3 activity. The aim of this study was to assess if genistein exerts anti-proliferative properties by attenuating the negative effect of EGF on FOXO3 activity.MethodsThe effect of genistein on proliferation stimulated by EGF-mediated loss of FOXO3 was examined in human colonic cancer HT-29 cells. EGF-induced FOXO3 phosphorylation and translocation were assessed in the presence of genistein. EGF-mediated loss of FOXO3 interactions with p53 (co-immunoprecipitation) and promoter of p27kip1 (ChIP assay) were examined in presence of genistein in cells with mutated p53 (HT-29) and wild type p53 (HCT116). Silencing of p53 determined activity of FOXO3 when it is bound to p53.ResultsGenistein inhibited EGF-induced proliferation, while favoring dephosphorylation and nuclear retention of FOXO3 (active state) in colon cancer cells. Upstream of FOXO3, genistein acts via the PI3K/Akt pathway to inhibit EGF-stimulated FOXO3 phosphorylation (i.e. favors active state). Downstream, EGF-induced disassociation of FOXO3 from mutated tumor suppressor p53, but not wild type p53, is inhibited by genistein favoring FOXO3-p53(mut) interactions with the promoter of the cell cycle inhibitor p27kip1 in colon cancer cells. Thus, the FOXO3-p53(mut) complex leads to elevated p27kip1 expression and promotes cell cycle arrest.ConclusionThese novel anti-proliferative mechanisms of genistein suggest a possible role of combining genistein with other chemoreceptive agents for the treatment of colon cancer.

Serum bilirubin and risk of colorectal cancer

Serum bilirubin and risk of colorectal cancer

Physical activity and the risk of colon cancer among women: A prospective cohort study (United States)

Physical activity has frequently been reported to decrease the risk of colon cancer in men, but data on the relation of physical activity to colon cancer risk in women have generally been less consistent. To further investigate the relationship of physical activity with colon cancer risk in women, we studied a cohort of 31,783 US women participating in the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project Follow-up Study. Information on daily physical activity over the past year was ascertained using a self-administered questionnaire at study baseline. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate relative risks (RRs) relating physical activity to the risk of incident colon cancer. During 270,325 person-years of follow-up, 243 colon cancer cases were identified. No association was observed between physical activity and the subsequent risk of colon cancer. The multivariable RRs of colon cancer across increasing quintiles of total physical activity were 1.0, 1.45, 1.16, 1.27 and 1.15 (95% CI: 0.76, 1.75; p(trend) = 0.77). The multivariable RRs comparing women at the extremes of moderate and vigorous physical activity, respectively, were 1.07 (95% CI: 0.70, 1.62) and 1.10 (95% CI: 0.78, 1.55). The relationship between physical activity and colon cancer risk did not vary by anatomic subsite or across subgroups defined by age, body mass, dietary fiber intake, menopausal status, menopausal hormone use or aspirin use. The results of this large prospective cohort study among women do not support the hypothesis that physical activity is related to a lower incidence of colon cancer.

Meat consumption, cancer risk and population groups within New Zealand

In comparison with other OECD countries with good cancer registries, New Zealand has the highest mortality rate of colon cancer, second highest of breast cancer and third highest of prostate cancer. A possible association with heterocyclic amine consumption has been suggested for each of these cancers. Studies of locally cooked meat suggest that the main contributors to heterocyclic amines in the New Zealand diet would be well-cooked beef, chicken and pork. Well-cooked beef steak, and the specific heterocyclic amine, IFP, showed a weak positive correlation with prostate cancer risk in the New Zealand population, but no studies thus far have considered the role of meat cooking practices or heterocyclic amines in the development of other cancers. The Maori and Pacific Island people, despite a superficially similar diet, have a substantially lower incidence of colon cancer than people of Caucasian origin. These differences are particularly intriguing in view of a report that a very high percentage of these people have a fast acetylator phenotype—a factor suggested to augment the effect of well-cooked red meat in other populations. The three population groups are known to differ in their preferences for meat type (including processed meats), and there are anecdotal suggestions that they may differ in preferred cooking methods. More detailed population studies are warranted to establish the role of meat, meat processing, cooking methods and the interaction with food plants and/or with genotype and phenotype in New Zealand.

Effects of Soybean Extract on Morphology and Survival of Caco-2, SW620, and HT-29 Cells

Soybean consumption may be beneficial to prevention of certain human cancers. Low incidence of colon cancer in Asian countries is associated with consumption of soybean products. A limited number of human and animal studies suggested that soybean consumption might prevent colon cancer; other studies did not support this conclusion. Therefore, it is important to understand the biological effects of soybeans on colon cells. In the present study, cultures of Caco-2, SW620, and HT-29 cells were treated with soybean extract, the soluble fraction of a soybean product. The crude extract contains proteins and many soluble components of soybeans. After incubation with soybean extract (1-6%, vol/vol) for 24 h, most Caco-2 cells were found to contain numerous vacuoles within the cytoplasm and to become very flat. Exposure to >6% soybean extract resulted in cell death and giant vacuoles. Soybean extract (0.25-2%) induced small vacuoles within the cytoplasm of SW620 cells. SW620 cells detached from culture dishes at >2% soybean extract. Exposure to 0.5-2% soybean extract produced vacuoles within HT-29 cells similar to those observed in SW620 cells. Soybean extract significantly reduced density of Caco-2, SW620, and HT-29 cells. Reducing protein content of soybean extract reduced but did not abolish its effects on colon cells. Purified genistein (12.5 μg/ml) was capable of producing morphological changes similar to those observed after treatment of colon cells with soybean extract. Assays using annexin V-propidium iodide demonstrated that treatment of Caco-2 and SW620 cells with soybean extract increased cell death. Membranes of vacuoles in soybean-treated Caco-2 and SW620 cells were labeled with Texas red-conjugated wheat germ agglutinin, a cytological marker for the Golgi apparatus. Exposure to soybean extract enhanced protein levels of Rab6, a small GTP-binding protein that is involved in regulation of membrane traffic of the Golgi apparatus. Data from this study suggest that exposure to soybean extract or isoflavones affects morphology and survival of colon cancer cells and that the response to soybean extract varies depending on the cell lines examined.

Production of transgalactosylated oligosaccharides (TOS) by galactosyltransferase activity from Penicillium simplicissimum

Ingestion of transgalactosylated oligosaccharides (TOS) and other non-digestible oligosaccharides (NDOs) induces a significant increase in Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and some desirable species of Streptococcus populations in the gut of human and other animals (prebiotic effect). This change in the intestinal flora is responsible for several beneficial physiological effects such as a decrease of putrefactive products in the feces, lower blood cholesterol content, higher Ca 2+ absorption, a smaller loss of bone tissue in ovariotomized female rats and a lower incidence of colon cancer. β-Galactosidase from Penicillium simplicissimum, a strain isolated from soil, showed high galactosyltransferase activity when incubated with a highly concentrated lactose solution. Optimum pH and temperature ranges for hydrolytic activity were 4.0–4.6 and 55–60°C, respectively, for a lactose concentration of 5.0% (w/v). Maximal galactosyltransferase activity was obtained at pH 6.5 and 50°C and TOS synthesis was positively associated with lactose concentration in the reaction medium. Thus, when 50 ml of a 60% (w/v) lactose solution was incubated with 26.6 U of β-galactosidase under the best pH and temperature conditions for transferase activity, a final product with 30.5% TOS (183 mg ml −1), 27.5% residual lactose and 42.0% monosaccharides was obtained.

Fiber and cancer

The role of dietary fiber in colon cancer is still not clear. Ecological studies suggested a protective role for high fiber intake, but more recent analysis shows similar intakes of dietary fiber in populations with high or low incidence of colon cancer. Case-control studies generally do not support a protective role for fiber. The data suggest that the effects of fiber must be considered in the context of the total diet and interactions of dietary components. A role for levels of energy intake is not excluded.

Colorectal Cancer in Sweden a Descriptive Epidemiologic Study

In a register-based 19-year follow-up we studied the incidence rate of colorectal cancer in the Swedish 1960 census population. A total of 53,377 cases were identified: 28,003 men and 25,374 women. A U-shaped distribution of tumors in the large bowel was observed, with a minimum in the descending colon. Other findings were 1) An incidence gap between elderly men and women increasing with age and with distal direction in the large bowel; 2) An increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer with population density; 3) A higher incidence of colorectal cancer in the southwestern region than in the northern region and 4) A lower incidence of colon cancer among blue than among white collar workers and a lower incidence of colorectal cancer among never married men than among other men.

Reduction of Colonic Carcinogenesis by Wheat Bran Independent of Fecal Bile Acid Concentration&lt;xref ref-type="fn" rid="FN1"&gt;2&lt;/xref&gt;

It has been reported previously that populations with a decreased concentration of fecal bile acids have a lower incidence of colon cancer. We examined the importance of fecal bile acid dilution by wheat bran (WB) in inhibiting colonic tumorigenesis in an experimental animal model. Male F344 rats received oral doses of the colon carcinogen 1,2-dimethylhydrazine [CAS: 540-73-8] and were assigned randomly to groups fed one of four semipurified diets for 26 weeks. The diets were fiber-free (FF), 10% WB, FF + bile salts, or WB + bile salts. The amount of bile salts added was adjusted to produce a fecal bile acid concentration in the group fed WB + bile salts equal to that found in the FF groups. Fecal bile acid concentrations at 12 and 24 weeks in the WB + bile salts group were similar to those in the FF group. Gross and microscopic findings at necropsy revealed a reduced total number and multiplicity of colon tumors in both bran-fed groups. Although the fecal bile acid concentrations of the FF and WB + bile salts groups were equal, the latter showed a significant reduction in tumor yield.

The use of epidemiology, scientific data, and regulatory authority to determine risk factors in cancer of some organs of the digestive system: 4. Colon cancer

Colon cancer accounts for over 10% of all cancers diagnosed from 1973 to 1976 in the United States. Many factors have been identified as having a role in its etiology, including the intestinal microflora, colonic mutagens, bile acids, cholesterol, estrogens, and diet. The evidence supporting or refuting the importance of each of these factors and others is discussed. Dietary factors appear to be the most important risk determinants for colon cancer. In particular, a high-fat, low-fiber diet has been most consistently incriminated as a promoting agent of this cancer. The incidence of colon cancer and consumption of total fat and animal protein are highly correlated internationally. However, further epidemiologic studies have given equivocal results. A high-fiber diet has been proposed as being protective against colon cancer although the mechanism of protection remains unclear. A major correlational study has shown that dietary fiber consumption was higher in areas with low incidence of colon cancer than in those areas with high incidence. A few case-control studies have been supportive of the fiber hypothesis but many more have shown no difference among cases and controls in their fiber consumption. More epidemiological studies are needed to clarify the role of diet in the etiology of colon cancer. Before a dietary change is recommended, the competing risks of other cancers and other diseases should be extensively researched.

Large Intestinal Carcinogenesis. II. Histogenesis and Unusual Features of Low-Dose Azoxymethane-Induced Carcinomas in F344 Rats&lt;xref ref-type="fn" rid="FN2"&gt;2&lt;/xref&gt;

The histogenesis of large intestinal carcinomas was studied by use of a low dose (2 mg/kg/wk) of azoxymethane [(AOM) CAS: 25843-45-2] administered im to inbred F344 rats. No evidence of benign polyp was seen, and the carcinomas in this model did arise directly from the flat mucosa. In marked contrast to the standard dose (8 mg/kg/wk) studies, low-dose AOM carcinogenesis yielded the following unusual features: a) There was a very high incidence of readily metastasizing mucinous adenocarcinomas that were extremely aggressive and easily transplantable; b) the carcinomas, microscopic and macroscopic, were localized predominantly in the proximal large intestine; c) foci of atypical early neoplastic (or so-called dysplastic) crypts as well as early carcinomas were frequently associated with the lymphoid aggregates in the intestinal wall; d) Paneth cells were commonly seen to be associated with these atypical crypts and/or early carcinomas associated with the lymphoid aggregates; and e) there was a virtual lack of the dilated, distorted, or hyperdistended crypts in noncarcinomatous epithelia. The significance of the lack of dilated, distorted, hyperdistended crypts and the similarity of this finding with the findings in the low incidence of colon cancer in the Japanese population are discussed.

Laboratory analysis of 3-day composite of food samples

In a study designed to characterize dietary patterns of vegetarian and nonvegetarian populations, chemical analysis of 3-day composite food samples showed lower fat content of food of vegetarians than that of nonvegetarians; pure vegetarians had the lowest. Unsaturated fatty acids were highest in the food of the pure vegetarian group. No significant difference was seen in percentage protein of the food consumed by male vegetarians and nonvegetarians while the food of female vegetarians was of lower protein content than that of the nonvegetarians. The relationship of these findings to the lower incidence of colon cancer in vegetarian populations remains to be determined.