High consumption of red meat is associated with a lower risk of death from heart disease and cancer

This study was published in Public Health Nutrition 1999 Dec;2(4):477-87

 

Study title and authors:

Dietary questions as determinants of mortality: the OXCHECK experience.

Whiteman D, Muir J, Jones L, Murphy M, Key T.

ICRF General Practice Research Group, Institute of Health Sciences, Oxford, UK. david.whiteman@dphpc.ox.ac.uk

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10656467

The study compared various types of food intake with specific causes of death. The study included 11,090 men and women aged 35-64 years who were followed for nine years.

Regarding red meat consumption, the study found:
(a) Those who consumed the most red meat had a 29% lower death rate compared to those who consumed the least red meat.
(b) Those who consumed the most red meat had a 45% reduced risk of death from heart disease compared to those who consumed the least red meat.
(c) Those who consumed the most red meat had a 12% reduced risk of death from cancer compared to those who consumed the least red meat.

The results of the study show a high consumption of red meat is associated with a lower risk of death from heart disease and cancer.

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Animal food based diets are associated with a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer

This study was published in the International Journal of Cancer 2008 Feb 1;122(3):609-13

Study title and authors:
Nutrient dietary patterns and the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

Edefonti V, Decarli A, La Vecchia C, Bosetti C, Randi G, Franceschi S, Dal Maso L, Ferraroni M.
Istituto di Statistica Medica e Biometria Giulio A. Maccacaro, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy. valeria.edefonti@unimi.it

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17764109?dopt=Abstract

The study examined the associations between dietary patterns and breast and ovarian cancers. The study included 2,569 women with breast cancer, 1,031 women with ovarian cancer, and 3,413 controls.

The study found:
(a) Women consuming an animal products pattern diet had a 26% reduced risk of breast cancer.
(b) Women consuming an animal products pattern diet had a 2% reduced risk of ovarian cancer.
(c) Women consuming a starch-rich pattern diet had a 34% inreased risk of breast cancer.
(d) Women consuming a starch-rich pattern diet had a 85% inreased risk of ovarian cancer.

Animal food based diets are associated with a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, whereas a starch-rich diet is associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

 

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Bread, cereals and soy increase the risk of ovarian cancer

This study was published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention 2011 Feb;20(2):308-17

Study title and authors:
Dietary phytoestrogens and the risk of ovarian cancer in the women's lifestyle and health cohort study.

Hedelin M, Löf M, Andersson TM, Adlercreutz H, Weiderpass E.
Department of Genetic Research, Folkhälsan Research Center, Biomedicum Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21098648

This study investigated the relationship between diet and ovarian cancer. The study included 47,140 women who were followed for 16 years.

The study found:
(a) Women who consumed the most whole-grain bread had a 48% increased risk of ovarian cancer compared to the women who consumed the least whole-grain bread.
(b) Women who consumed the most isoflavones (soy products) had a 15% increased risk of ovarian cancer compared to the women who consumed the least isoflavones.
(c) Women who consumed the most cereal fibre had a 19% increased risk of ovarian cancer compared to the women who consumed the least cereal fibre.
(d) Women who had ovarian cancer consumed 8% less meat than women without ovarian cancer.

The data from the study shows that the risk of ovarian cancer increases with higher consumption of bread, cereals and soy.

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Bread consumption increases the risk of lung cancer

This study was published in the Journal of Experimental Therapeutics and Oncology 2011;9(2):153-8

 

Study title and authors:

A case control study on the lung cancer risk factors in north of Iran.

Karimzadeh L, Koohdani F, Siassi F, Mahmoudi M, Moslemi D, Shokrzadeh M, Safari F.

Department of Nutrition & Biochemistry, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21699022

The study assessed various risk factors of lung cancer. The study included 40 cases of lung cancer and 40 controls.

Regarding bread, the study found that bread consumption was associated with a 3.6 times increased risk of lung cancer.

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Statin use is associated with accelerated artery calcification in type two diabetes

This study was published in Diabetes Care 2012 Aug 8

 

Study title and authors:

Progression of Vascular Calcification Is Increased With Statin Use in the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT).

Saremi A, Bahn G, Reaven PD; for the VADT Investigators.

Phoenix VA Health Care System, Phoenix, Arizona.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22875226

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of statin use on progression of calcification in the arteries in type two diabetes. (The higher the calcification, the higher the risk of a cardiac event). The study included 197 participants with type two diabetes.

The study found:
(a) Coronary artery calcification was significantly higher in more frequent statin users than in less frequent users.
(b) Aortic artery calcification was higher in more frequent statin users than in less frequent users.
(c) In participants initially not receiving statins, progression of both coronary artery calcification and aortic artery calcification was significantly increased in frequent statin users.

More frequent statin use is associated with accelerated artery calcification in type two diabetes.

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High fat diets reduce the aging process

This study was published in the Journal of Applied Research 2009 Jan 1;9(4):159-165

Study title and author:
Clinical Experience of a Diet Designed to Reduce Aging.

Rosedale R, Westman EC, Konhilas JP.
Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University Durham NC.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20204146

Dr. Rosedale notes that centenarians have lower blood glucose, insulin, leptin, free T₃ and serum triglycerides than those who do not live to be over one hundred years old.

The objective of the study was to assess the effect of a high fat diet on the aging process. The study included 31 patients (average age 57.6 years old) who various health parameters measured at the start of the study and after three months. The diet consisted of 60% fat, 20% protein and 20% carbohydrate.

The study found, that after the patients had been on the high fat diet for three months:
(a) Their bodyweight decreased by 8.1%.
(b) Their leptin levels decreased by 48.2%.
(c) Their insulin levels decreased by 40.1%.
(d) Their fasting glucose levels decreased by 7.6%.
(e) Their triglyceride levels decreased by 28.3%.
(f) Their systolic blood pressure decreased by 10.2%.
(g) Their diastolic blood pressure decreased by 11.4%.

The high fat diet led to weight loss and metabolic changes currently thought to be beneficial in reducing the aging process.

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The mechanisms of how glucose restricted diets may offer protection from cancer

This study was published in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal 2010 May;24(5):1442-53

Study title and authors:
Glucose restriction can extend normal cell lifespan and impair precancerous cell growth through epigenetic control of hTERT and p16 expression.

Li Y, Liu L, Tollefsbol TO.
Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20019239

WI-38 cells are a type of human cell (used in laboratories) derived from foetal lung tissue. Immortalized WI-38 (WI-38/S) cells, are cells derived from WI-38 cells which have been infected with the simian virus-40 antigen. The simian virus-40 has been found in brain, bone and lung-related cancers. 

hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase), is an enzyme that is found in high numbers in 90% of malignant tumors but in smaller numbers in normal cells. However very low concentrations of hTERT are associated with decreased fertility, impaired wound healing, and reduced production of blood cells and immune system cells. Low hTERT is also associated with shorter lives and increased risk of death from heart disease and infectious diseases.  
 
p16(INK4a) also known as multiple tumor suppressor 1 (MTS-1), is a tumor suppressor protein that regulate the cell cycle and protects against cancer. However high concentrations of p16(INK4a) are associated with faster aging.

This study assessed the effects that glucose restriction has on healthy cells and precancerous cells. WI-38 (normal healthy cells) and WI-38/S (precancerous cells) were cultured in a regular glucose medium or a restricted glucose medium.

The study found:
(a) Normal healthy cells cultured in the glucose restricted medium had an extended lifespan compared to normal healthy cells cultured in the regular glucose medium.
(b) Precancerous cells cultured in the glucose restricted medium had decreased proliferation and increased cell death rates compared to precancerous cells cultured in the regular glucose medium.
(c) Normal healthy cells cultured in the glucose restricted medium had an increase in hTERT compared to normal healthy cells cultured in the regular glucose medium. 
(d) Precancerous cells cultured in the glucose restricted medium had a decrease in hTERT compared to precancerous cells cultured in the regular glucose medium.
(e) Normal healthy cells cultured in the glucose restricted medium had a decrease in p16(INK4a) compared to normal healthy cells cultured in the regular glucose medium.
(f) Precancerous cells cultured in the glucose restricted medium had an increase in p16(INK4a) compared to precancerous cells cultured in the regular glucose medium.

In the glucose restricted medium the normal healthy cells saw their hTERT rise and p16(INK4a) decrease, which would explain the boost in healthy cell growth whereas in the precancerous cells, their hTERT decreased and their anticancer protein p16(INK4a) increased, which explains why these cancer-forming cells died off in large numbers

The results from this study show the mechanisms of how glucose restricted diets may offer protection from cancer.

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Low cholesterol is associated with major depressive disorder and death from suicide

This study was published in the British Journal of Psychiaty 1999 Sep;175:259-62

 

Study title and authors:

Association of low serum total cholesterol with major depression and suicide.

Partonen T, Haukka J, Virtamo J, Taylor PR, Lönnqvist J.

Department of Mental Health and Alcohol Research, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland. timo.partonen@ktl.fi

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10645328

The aim of the study was to investigate the association between total cholesterol levels, depression and suicide. The study included 29,133 men aged 50-69 years who were followed up for 5-8 years.

The study found low total cholesterol levels were associated with low mood and subsequently a heightened risk of hospital treatment due to major depressive disorder and of death from suicide.

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Breast cancer rates increase with higher soy consumption

This study was published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention 2005 Apr;14(4):805-8

 

Study title and authors:

Flavonoids and breast cancer risk in Italy.

Bosetti C, Spertini L, Parpinel M, Gnagnarella P, Lagiou P, Negri E, Franceschi S, Montella M, Peterson J, Dwyer J, Giacosa A, La Vecchia C.

Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via Eritrea 62-20157 Milan, Italy. bosetti@marionegri.it

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15824147

This study investigated the relationship between flavonoids and breast cancer risk. The study included 2,569 women with breast cancer, and 2,588 controls.

Regarding isoflavone consumption, (from soy products), the study found that the women who ate the most isoflavones had a 5% increased risk of breast cancer compared to the women who ate the least isoflavones. 

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Increased risk of breast cancer with high levels of soy consumption

This study was published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention 2004 May;13(5):698-708

Study title and authors:
Phytoestrogen concentrations in serum and spot urine as biomarkers for dietary phytoestrogen intake and their relation to breast cancer risk in European prospective investigation of cancer and nutrition-norfolk.

Grace PB, Taylor JI, Low YL, Luben RN, Mulligan AA, Botting NP, Dowsett M, Welch AA, Khaw KT, Wareham NJ, Day NE, Bingham SA.
MRC Dunn Human Nutrition Unit, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2XY, United Kingdom.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15159299

The study investigated the association between soy phytoestrogens (such as daidzein and genistein) and breast cancer. The study included 333 women (aged 45-75 years) who were followed for up to eight years.

The study found:
(a) Women who consumed the highest levels of daidzein had a 17.6% increased risk of breast cancer compared to women who consumed the lowest levels of daidzein.
(b) Women who consumed the highest levels of genistein had a 16.5% increased risk of breast cancer compared to women who consumed the lowest levels of genistein.

The results from the study show that high dietary intake of soy (daidzein and genistein) are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

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Women eating increasing amounts of soy have a higher risk of breast cancer

This study was published in the British Journal of Cancer 2003 Oct 6;89(7):1255-9

 

Study title and authors:

Flavonoid intake and breast cancer risk: a case--control study in Greece.

Peterson J, Lagiou P, Samoli E, Lagiou A, Katsouyanni K, La Vecchia C, Dwyer J, Trichopoulos D.

Schools of Nutrition and Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14520456

The study investigated the association between flavonoids and the risk of breast cancer. The study included 820 women with breast cancer and 1,548 control women without breast cancer.

Regarding isoflavones, (the overwhelming dietary source of isoflavones are from soy products, see table below), the study found that for every 0.8 mg per day increase in isoflavones there was a 7% increase in breast cancer.

Isoflavones contents of food

Below are isoflavones contents (total isoflavones, daidzein and genistein) of foods taken from the USDA database. Values of isoflavones are expressed in mg per 100g.

Food product	Total isoflavones	Daidzein	Genistein
Soy flour, full-fat	177,89	71,19	96,83
Soy flour, textured	148,61	59,62	78,90
Soy flour, defatted	131,19	57,47	71,21
Soybeans	128,34	46,46	73,76
Soy protein concentrate, aqueous washed	102,07	43,04	55,59
Soy protein isolate	97,43	33,59	59,62
Natto	58,93	21,85	29,04
Soybean chips	54,16	26,71	27,45
Tofu, fried	48,35	17,83	28,00
Tempeh	43,52	17,59	24,85
Miso	42,55	16,13	24,56
Soybean sprouts	40,71	19,12	21,60
Tofu, soft	29,24	8,59	20,65
Tofu, silken	27,91	11,13	15,58
Soy infant formula, powder	25,00	7,23	14,75
Tofu, firm	22,70	8,00	12,75
Soy hot dog	15,00	3,40	8,20
Okara	13,51	5,39	6,48
Soy protein concentrate, alcohol extracted	12,47	6,83	5,33
Bacon, meatless	12,10	2,80	6,90
Soy milk	9,65	4,45	6,06
Vegetarian burger	9,30	2,95	5,28
Soy cheese, Mozzarella	7,70	1,10	3,60
Soy cheese, Cheddar	7,15	1,80	2,25
Soy drink	7,01	2,41	4,60
Split peas	2,42	2,42	0,00
Shoyu	1,64	0,93	0,82
Pigeon peas	0,56	0,02	0,54
Clover sprouts	0,35	0,00	0,35
Peanuts	0,26	0,03	0,24
Navy beans	0,21	0,01	0,20
Mung beans	0,19	0,01	0,18
Granola bars	0,13	0,05	0,08
Chickpeas	0,10	0,04	0,06
Green tea	0,05	0,01	0,04
Broadbeans	0,03	0,02	0,00
Cowpeas	0,03	0,01	0,02
Lima beans	0,03	0,02	0,01
Lentils	0,01	0,00	0,00
Alfalaval seeds, sprouted	0,00	0,00	0,00
Black beans	0,00	0,00	0,00
Flax seed	0,00	0,00	0,00
Rye bread	0,00	0,00	0,00

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Soy consumption increases the risk of breast cancer

This study was published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention 2005 Jan;14(1):81-90

Study title and authors:

Food and botanical groupings and risk of breast cancer: a case-control study in Shanghai, China.

Shannon J, Ray R, Wu C, Nelson Z, Gao DL, Li W, Hu W, Lampe J, Horner N, Satia J, Patterson R, Fitzgibbons D, Porter P, Thomas D.

Oregon Health and Sciences University, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, 3181 Southwest Jackson Park Road, CSB669, Portland, OR 97239, USA. shannoja@ohsu.edu

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15668480

The study investigated the association of diet with the incidence of breast cancer. The study included 378 women with breast cancer and 1,070 controls.

The study found:
(a) Women that ate the most unfermented soyfoods had a 22% increased risk of breast cancer compared to women who ate the least unfermented soyfoods.
(b) Women that ate the most eggs had a 46% decreased risk of breast cancer compared to women who ate the least eggs.

The data from the study shows that unfermented soyfood consumption increases the risk of breast cancer whereas egg consumption lowers the risk of breast cancer.

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Soy consumption increases the risk of central precocious puberty

This study was published in Clinical Endocrinoloy 2011 Dec;75(6):831-5

 

Study title and authors:

High serum isoflavone concentrations are associated with the risk of precocious puberty in Korean girls.

Kim J, Kim S, Huh K, Kim Y, Joung H, Park M.

Department of Food and Nutrition, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, Korea.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21623856?dopt=Abstract

Central precocious puberty is sexual development before the age of eight in girls, and age 10 in boys. The early onset of puberty may cause problems when hormones trigger changes in the growth pattern, essentially halting growth before the child has reached normal adult height. Girls may never grow above 5 ft (152 cm) and boys often stop growing by about 5 ft 2 in (157 cm). Children with this condition look noticeably different than their peers, and may feel rejected by their friends and socially isolated.

The aim of the study was to test the association between the levels of the isoflavones genistein and daidzein, (the major phytoestrogens in soy), and the risk of central precocious puberty. The study included 108 girls with central precocious puberty (average age 8.6 years old) and 91 age-matched controls.

The study found the prevalence of central precocious puberty was significantly higher in children with isoflavone levels above 30 nmol/L than those with isoflavone levels below 30 nmol/L.

The results from this study suggest that elevated levels of the soy isoflavones genistein and daidzein may be associated with an increased risk of central precocious puberty.

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Soy formula disrupts hormones and leads to early menarche

This study was published in Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2012 Mar;26(2):163-75

Study title and authors:

Early-life soy exposure and age at menarche.

Adgent MA, Daniels JL, Rogan WJ, Adair L, Edwards LJ, Westreich D, Maisonet M, Marcus M.

Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. adgentma@mail.nih.gov

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22324503

The commencement of menstruation at puberty is termed as menarche. It marks the beginning of reproducive life of a women. Early menarche is linked to increases in conditions such as breast cancer, heart disease, asthma and of course unwanted attention from older males.

The study investigated the effects soy-based infant feeding had on the timing of menarche. The study included 2,920 girls who were followed for 14.5 years.

The study found, compared with girls fed non-soy-based infant formula or milk (early formula), early soy-fed girls were at 25% higher risk of menarche throughout the course of the study.

The author of the study, Dr Margaret Adgent from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, concludes: "Our results suggest that girls fed soy products in early infancy may have an increased risk of menarche specifically in early adolescence. These findings may be the observable manifestation of mild endocrine (hormonal)-disrupting effects of soy isoflavone exposure".

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Exclusive breast-feeding during the first months after birth is associated with lower asthma rates during childhood

This paper was published in the Journal of Pediatrics 2001 Aug;139(2):261-6

 

Study title and authors:

Breast-feeding and the risk of bronchial asthma in childhood: a systematic review with meta-analysis of prospective studies.

Gdalevich M, Mimouni D, Mimouni M.

Department of General Pediatrics, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tiqvah, Israel.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11487754

This paper was a review of 12 studies, the objective of which was to evaluate the association of exclusive breast-feeding during the first 3 months after birth on the development of childhood asthma.

The study found:
(a) Children that were exclusively breast-feeding during the first 3 months after birth had a 30% reduced risk of asthma.
(b) Children with a family history of atopy (atopy is a term that refers to allergic conditions which tend to cluster in families, including hay fever (allergic rhinitis), asthma, eczema, and other specific and non-specific allergic states) that were exclusively breast-feeding during the first 3 months after birth had a 48% reduced risk of asthma.

Exclusive breast-feeding during the first months after birth is associated with lower asthma rates during childhood, especially if there is a family history of atopy.

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Women who were given soy formula as an infant have longer and more difficult periods and find it harder to conceive

This study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association 2001 Aug 15;286(7):807-14.

 

Study title and authors:

Exposure to soy-based formula in infancy and endocrinological and reproductive outcomes in young adulthood.

Strom BL, Schinnar R, Ziegler EE, Barnhart KT, Sammel MD, Macones GA, Stallings VA, Drulis JM, Nelson SE, Hanson SA.

University of Pennsylvania, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, 824 Blockley Hall, 423 Guardian Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6021, USA. bstrom@cceb.med.upenn.edu

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11497534

The objective of this study was to examine the association between infant exposure to soy formula and health in young adulthood, with an emphasis on reproductive health. The study included 811 adults aged 20 to 34 years who as infants were fed either soy formula (248) or cow milk formula (563).

The study found:
(a) Women who had been exposed to soy formula as an infant had longer duration of  menstrual bleeding compared to the women who had been fed cow milk formula.
(b) Women who had been exposed to soy formula as an infant had a 77% increased risk of suffering with discomfort during their period compared to the women who had been fed cow milk formula.
(c) Women who had been exposed to soy formula as an infant had a 34% increased risk of suffering with breast tenderness compared to the women who had been fed cow milk formula.
(d) Women who had been exposed to soy formula as an infant had a 61% increased risk of been unsuccessful in attempting pregnancy compared to the women who had been fed cow milk formula.
(e) Women who had been exposed to soy formula as an infant had a 111% increased risk of having a preterm delivery compared to the women who had been fed cow milk formula.

The data from the study shows that compared to women who were fad cow milk formula, women who had been exposed to soy formula as an infant have longer and more difficult periods and find it harder to conceive. 

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Soy may cause goiters in healthy people, especially the elderly

This study was published in Nihon Naibunpi Gakkai Zasshi 1991 May 20;67(5):622-9

Study title and authors:
The effects on the thyroid gland of soybeans administered experimentally in healthy subjects.

Ishizuki Y, Hirooka Y, Murata Y, Togashi K.
Ishizuki Thyroid Clinic.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1868922

This study investigated the effects of soy consumption on thyroid function. The study included 37 healthy subjects who were given 30g of soybeans everyday and divided into 3 groups.

(i) Group 1 were given soybeans for one month.
(ii) Group 2 (average age 29 years old) were given soybeans for three months.
(iii) Group 3 (average age 61 years old) were given soybeans for three months.

The study found:
(a) In all groups thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels rose significantly (high TSH levels may indicate an underactive thyroid gland).
(b) TSH levels in group 3 increased more significantly than that in group 2.
(c) Symptoms such as malaise, constipation, sleepiness and goiters appeared in half the subjects in groups 2 and 3 after taking soybeans for 3 months, but they disappeared 1 month after the cessation of soybean ingestion.

The author of the study, Dr. Yoshimochi Ishizuki of Aichi Medical University in Japan, concludes: "These findings suggested that excessive soybean ingestion for a certain duration might suppress thyroid function and cause goiters in healthy people, especially elderly subjects".

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Actos increases bladder cancer risk by 30.5%

This study was published in Diabetes Care 2012 Feb;35(2):278-80

Study title and author:
Pioglitazone and bladder cancer: a population-based study of Taiwanese.

Tseng CH.
Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan. ccktsh@ms6.hinet.net

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22210574

The study investigated the association between pioglitazone (Actos) and bladder cancer. The study included 54,928 patients with type 2 diabetes who were followed for four years.

The study found those who had used Actos had a 30.5% increased risk of bladder cancer compared to those who had never used Actos.

For more information on the side-effects of Actos click here.

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Low-fat diets have harmful health effects on diabetic patients who have high blood pressure

This study was published in the American Journal of Hypertension 1990 Jul;3(7):527-32

Study title and authors:

Effect of low fat-high carbohydrate diets in hypertensive patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Fuh MM, Lee MM, Jeng CY, Ma F, Chen YD, Reaven GM.

Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Republic of China.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2194509

The effects of variations in dietary fat and carbohydrate content were evaluated in 11 patients with high blood pressure, who also had diabetes.

The diets, which lasted for 15 days were either:
(i) 60% carbohydrate, 20% protein, 20% fat (low fat diet).
(ii) 40% carbohydrate, 20% protein, 40% fat (high fat diet).

The study found:
(a) Blood glucose and insulin concentrations were significantly higher throughout the day when patients consumed the low fat diet, which may lead to adverse health effects.
(b) Levels of the harmful triglycerides increased by 30% after 15 days on the low fat diet.

This study reveals that a low-fat diet has harmful health effects on diabetic patients who have high blood pressure.

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Beneficial effects of the high fat ketogenic diet in obese diabetic patients

This study was published in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry 2007 Aug;302(1-2):249-56

Study title and authors:
Beneficial effects of ketogenic diet in obese diabetic subjects.

Dashti HM, Mathew TC, Khadada M, Al-Mousawi M, Talib H, Asfar SK, Behbahani AI, Al-Zaid NS.
Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, PO Box 24923, 13110 Safat, Kuwait. info@drdashti.com

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17447017

Dashti notes that obesity is closely linked to the incidence of type II diabetes.

The objective of this 56 week study was to examine the effects of the high fat ketogenic diet on 64 obese diabetic subjects who had either high blood sugar levels or normal blood sugar levels.

The ketogenic diet had the following effects:
(a) Patients lost a significant amount of weight.
(b) Harmful high blood sugar levels decreased significantly.
(c) Harmful high triglyceride levels decreased significantly.
(d) Beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels increased significantly.
(e) These changes were more significant in subjects with high blood sugar levels as compared to those with normal blood sugar levels.

This study shows the beneficial effects of the high fat ketogenic diet in obese diabetic patients.

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Actos and avandia are associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer among people with type 2 diabetes

This study was published in the British Medical Journal 2012 May 30;344:e3645

Study title and authors:
The use of pioglitazone and the risk of bladder cancer in people with type 2 diabetes: nested case-control study.

Azoulay L, Yin H, Filion KB, Assayag J, Majdan A, Pollak MN, Suissa S.
Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Côte Sainte-Catherine, H-425.1, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3T 1E2. laurent.azoulay@mcgill.ca

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22653981

Pioglitazone (Actos) and rosiglitazone (Avandia) are types of thiazolidinediones, (also known as glitazones), are a class of medications used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

The objective of the study was to determine if the use of pioglitazone (Actos) and rosiglitazone (Avandia) is associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer in people with type 2 diabetes. The study included 115,727 type 2 diabetics, average age 64 years, who were followed for 4.6 years.

The study found:
(a) Actos users had an 83% increased risk of bladder cancer compared to non users of thiazolidinediones.
(b) Actos users with a cumulative duration of more than 24 months had an 99% increased risk of bladder cancer compared to non users of thiazolidinediones.
(c) Actos users with a cumulative dosage of more than 28,000 mg had a 154%% increased risk of bladder cancer compared to non users of thiazolidinediones.
(d) Avandia users had an 14% increased risk of bladder cancer compared to non users of thiazolidinediones.
(e) Avandia users with a cumulative duration of more than 1,022 days had an 34% increased risk of bladder cancer compared to non users of thiazolidinediones.
(f) Avandia users with a cumulative dosage of more than 5,152 mg had a 27%% increased risk of bladder cancer compared to non users of thiazolidinediones.

The results of the study show that the use of actos and avandia are associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer among people with type 2 diabetes.

For more information on the effects of actos visit drugwatch.

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Low cholesterol levels associated with slow mental processing in students

This study was published in Psychosomatic Medicine 1995 Jan-Feb;57(1):50-3

Study title and author:

Do low cholesterol levels slow mental processing?

Benton D.

Department of Psychology, University College, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7732160  

The study investigated the relationship between cholesterol levels and mental processing. Reaction times were assessed in 279 students, aged 18 to 25, by subjecting them to a series of tests that measured their decision times and movement times.

The study found that lower cholesterol levels were associated with slower decision times and slower movement times.

The data from this study suggests that higher cholesterol levels are related to higher cognitive efficiency.

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Low cholesterol levels are associated with a higher incidence of stroke

This study was published in Stroke 1982 Jan-Feb;13(1):62-73

Study title and authors:

Risk factors for cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral infarction in a Japanese rural community.

Tanaka H, Ueda Y, Hayashi M, Date C, Baba T, Yamashita H, Shoji H, Tanaka Y, Owada K, Detels R.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7064181

The study investigated the influence of cholesterol levels on the rates of stroke. The study included 1,673 participants aged 40 years and older who were followed for ten years.

The study found:
(a) Those with the lowest cholesterol (under 129 mg/dL or 3.33 mmol/L) had a 184% increased risk of cerebral hemorrhage (ruptured blood vessel in the brain) compared to those with the highest cholesterol over 230 mg/dL (5.9 mmol/L).
(b) Those with the lowest cholesterol (under 129 mg/dL or 3.33 mmol/L) had a 27% increased risk of cerebral infarction (blocked blood vessel in the brain) compared to those with the highest cholesterol over 230 mg/dL (5.9 mmol/L).

The data from the study shows that low cholesterol levels are associated with a higher incidence of stroke.

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Low cholesterol levels are associated with higher death rates

This study was published in the Journal of Internal Medicine 2003 Feb;253(2):169-80

Study title and authors:

What cause of mortality can we predict by cholesterol screening in the Japanese general population?

Okamura T, Kadowaki T, Hayakawa T, Kita Y, Okayama A, Ueshima H; Nippon Data80 Research Group.

Department of Health Science, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu City, Shiga 520-2192, Japan. tokamura@belle.shiga-med.ac.jp

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12542557

This study investigated the association of cholesterol levels with death rates. The study included 9,216 persons aged 30 years and over who were followed for 13.2 years.

The study found:
(a) Men with the lowest cholesterol levels (less than 4.14 mmol/L or 160 mg/dL) had a 28% increase in death rates compared to men with the highest cholesterol levels (more than 6.21 mmol/L or 240 mg/dL).
(b) Women with the lowest cholesterol levels (less than 4.14 mmol/L or 160 mg/dL) had a 38% increase in death rates compared to women with the highest cholesterol levels (more than 6.21 mmol/L or 240 mg/dL).

The results of the study show that low cholesterol levels are associated with higher death rates.

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Statins associated with increased bleeding in the brain in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage

This study was published in Stroke 2012 Jul 24

Study title and authors:

Statin Use and Microbleeds in Patients With Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Haussen DC, Henninger N, Kumar S, Selim M.

From the Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22829545

Microbleeds (or microhaemorrhages) are pinpoint drops of blood that leak from blood vessels in the brain and increase may increase the risk of stroke and cognitive dysfunction.

The cortico-subcortical region of the brain is the outer layers and the area beneath the outer layers.

The study investigated the effects that statin use had on microbleeds in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. The study included 163 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

The study found:
(a) Statin users had significantly lower cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels compared to non users.
(b) Statins users had a 172% increase in microbleeds compared to non users.
(c) Statins users had a 315% increase in cortico-subcortical microbleeds compared to non users.

The study shows that statin use is associated with increased bleeding in the brain in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

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Low cholesterol levels are associated with a higher risk of stroke

This study was published in the Japanese Circulation Journal 1999 Jan;63(1):53-8

Study title and authors:

Low serum cholesterol as a risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke in men: a community-based mass screening in Okinawa, Japan.

Okumura K, Iseki K, Wakugami K, Kimura Y, Muratani H, Ikemiya Y, Fukiyama K.

Third Department of Internal Medicine, University of The Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.

This study was published in: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10084389

This study investigated the relationship between cholesterol levels and stroke. The study included 38,053 subjects, aged 33 to 93 who were followed for three years.

The study found:
(a) Men who had the highest cholesterol levels, (218 mg/dL or 5.6 mmol/L), had a 9% reduced risk of stroke compared to men with the lowest cholesterol levels (167 mg/dL or 4.3 mmol/L).
(b) Women who had the highest cholesterol levels, (218 mg/dL or 5.6 mmol/L), had a 2% reduced risk of stroke compared to women with the lowest cholesterol levels (167 mg/dL or 4.3 mmol/L).

The study reveals that low cholesterol levels are associated with a higher risk of stroke.

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Higher cholesterol levels are associated with a decreased risk of stroke

This study was published in Stroke 1997 Jan;28(1):45-52

Study title and authors:
A 15.5-year follow-up study of stroke in a Japanese provincial city. The Shibata Study.

Nakayama T, Date C, Yokoyama T, Yoshiike N, Yamaguchi M, Tanaka H.
Department of Epidemiology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan. takeo.epi@mri.tmd.ac.jp

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8996487

The study investigated various factors that are associated with the risk of stroke. The study included 2,302 subjects aged 40 years or older who were followed for 15.5 years.

Regarding cholesterol levels, the study found:
(a) In men, every 1.21 mmolL (46.7 mg/dL) increase in cholesterol levels was associated with a 13% decreased risk of stroke.
(b) In women, every 1.21 mmolL (46.7 mg/dL) increase in cholesterol levels was associated with a 1% decreased risk of stroke.

The data from the study indicates that higher cholesterol levels are associated with a decreased risk of stroke.

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High saturated fat diets reduce the risk of intraparenchymal hemorrhage

This study was published in the American Journal of Epidemiology 2003 Jan 1;157(1):32-9

Study title and authors:

Fat and protein intakes and risk of intraparenchymal hemorrhage among middle-aged Japanese.

Iso H, Sato S, Kitamura A, Naito Y, Shimamoto T, Komachi Y.

Department of Public Health Medicine, Institute of Community Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki-ken, Japan. fvgh5640@mb.infoweb.ne.jp

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12505888

The study examined the relationship between intakes of saturated fat and animal protein and the risk of intraparenchymal hemorrhage. (An intraparenchymal hemorrhage is a type of stroke where bleeding occurs within the brain tissue). The study lasted for 14 years and included 4,775 participants aged 40-69 years.

The study found:
(a) Those who consumed the most fat had a 54% reduced risk of intraparenchymal hemorrhage compared to those who consumed the least fat.
(b) Those who consumed the most saturated fat had a 70% reduced risk of intraparenchymal hemorrhage compared to those who consumed the least saturated fat.
(c) Those who consumed the most cholesterol had a 29% reduced risk of intraparenchymal hemorrhage compared to those who consumed the least cholesterol.
(d) Those who consumed the most animal protein had a 40% reduced risk of intraparenchymal hemorrhage compared to those who consumed the least animal protein.

The results of the study show that a high consumption of saturated fat and foods of animal origin reduce the risk of intraparenchymal hemorrhage.

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High levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with better survival in people aged over 80

This study was published in Gerontology 2008;54(2):71-8

Study title and authors
Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and mortality in frail, community-living elderly.

Landi F, Russo A, Pahor M, Capoluongo E, Liperoti R, Cesari M, Bernabei R, Onder G.
Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. francesco_landi@rm.unicatt.it

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18025809

The object of the study was to evaluate the impact of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol on death rates in older people. The two year study analyzed HDL cholesterol data from 359 subjects aged 80 years and older.

The study found:
(a) The HDL cholesterol levels of men that died was 36.7 mg/dL (.9 mmol/l), whereas the HDL cholesterol levels in the men who survived was 43.3 mg/dL (1.1 mmol/l).
(b) The HDL cholesterol levels of women that died was 42.2 mg/dL (1.1 mmol/l), whereas the HDL cholesterol levels in the women who survived was 49.3 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/l).

The results of this study show that high levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with better survival in people aged over 80.

An analysis of 27 trials found the best way to raise HDL cholesterol is to eat saturated fat. See here. 

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High cholesterol levels reduce the risk of stomach cancer

This study was published in Acta Oncologica 1988;27(1):39-42

Study title and authors:
Risk of stomach cancer in association with serum cholesterol and beta-lipoprotein.

Törnberg SA, Carstensen JM, Holm LE.
Department of General Oncology, Karolinska Sjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3365353

Beta-lipoprotein equates to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

This study investigated the relationship between cholesterol levels, beta-lipoprotein levels and the risk of stomach cancer. The study included 92,710 individuals who were followed for 18 years.

The study found:
(a) For every 40 mg/dL (1.03 mmol/L) increase in cholesterol there was a 15% reduced risk of stomach cancer.
(b) Increased levels of beta-lipoprotein were associated with a decreased risk of stomach cancer.

The results of the study show that higher levels of cholesterol are associated with a reduced risk of stomach cancer.

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