Researchers at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) evaluated myeloperoxidase (MPO), a major enzyme involved in generating ROS. The results, reported in the October 15 issue of Cancer Research, indicate that a specific type of MPO gene appears to reduce breast cancer risk in women who consumed higher amounts of fruits and vegetables, and that this reduction was most pronounced in premenopausal women.

Jiyoung Ahn, MS, RD, and Christine Ambrosone, PhD, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, evaluated this hypothesis in a population-based, case-control study of 1,037 women with breast cancer and 1,086 healthy subjects in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York. The study was originally conducted by Marilie Gammon, PhD and colleagues from the University of North Carolina.

A specific type of MPO gene was present in 38 and 41 percent of breast cancer cases and population-based controls respectively. Analysis of data found women with this gene type who followed a diet high in fruits and vegetables (more than four servings per day) had a 25 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer. Women with this gene type who ate fewer fruits and vegetables had no risk reduction. Furthermore, when the data was analyzed by menopausal state, premenopausal women who followed diets high in fruits and vegetables had a 60 percent reduction in their risk of breast cancer.

This study adds to the growing body of evidence on the importance of diet, said Ms. Ahn. While we can not control our DNA, this study demonstrates women can effectively modify their risk of breast cancer by eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables.

This is the first paper to examine the role of specific MPO genes and breast cancer risk, noted Dr. Ambrosone. These findings are significant because they may be helpful in the development of new breast cancer prevention strategies.

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"The discovery of this cluster of Basque families with Parkinson's disease helped us to narrow the genetic region we were interested in," Dr. Singleton says. Once the genes for a particular complex trait or disease, such as Parkinson's, are identified within "founder" populations, such as the Basques, researchers can use this information to isolate interacting genes and assess their importance in more genetically diverse cultures. Worldwide, the researchers have identified another 8 to 11 families suspected of having similar mutations, including at least one in the United States.

The investigators were brought together by Dr. Singleton to pool resources and speed the search. "This was a true collaborative venture that we couldn't have done working separately," he says.

Dr. Singleton points out that other groups are working on isolating additional genes involved in the disease. There are likely other mutations in the Parkinson's disease population, he says, noting that the new data suggest that there will be mutations in typical sporadic Parkinson's disease cases in addition to those who have a family history of the disease.

About 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease each year. The disease occurs when certain nerve cells die or become impaired and can no longer produce dopamine. Without it, individuals can develop tremor or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia, or slowness of movement; and postural instability or impaired balance and coordination. Patients may also have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks. The disease is both chronic and progressive. Parkinson's disease is not usually inherited, but incidence of the disease increases with age, with an average onset at about 60 years.

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