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John D Potter

Publications and source records attributed to John D Potter.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

A practical method for collecting 3-day food records in a large cohort.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that diet records are more valid measures of nutrient intake than are food-frequency questionnaires. However, food records are considered unsuitable for large studies due to the need to train participants and to review and correct completed records. METHODS: We evaluated a self-administered 3-day food record protocol in Washington State. One hundred men and women age 50-76 years were mailed a food record and serving-size booklet. Sixty-five people returned a completed food record and were subsequently interviewed to obtain missing information. The food records were analyzed with and without added information from the interview. RESULTS: The most common error was incomplete description, which affected 8% of recorded foods. Differences in mean nutrient intake between the uncorrected and corrected records were within 5%, and nutrient estimates from the 2 methods were highly correlated. CONCLUSIONS: This streamlined protocol yielded data comparable to those collected by more burdensome protocols, suggesting that the use of food records may be feasible in large cohort studies.

Aged↗

Risk factors for colorectal cancer in relation to number and size of aberrant crypt foci in humans.

Several characteristics of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) suggest that they are precursors of colorectal cancer, but the factors that promote or inhibit their growth are largely unknown. We conducted a pilot study to explore whether factors associated with risk of colorectal cancer are also associated with number or size of rectal ACF. Thirty-two U.S. veterans, ages 50 to 80 years, were recruited to undergo magnifying chromoendoscopy for imaging of rectal ACF and colonoscopy for identification of polyps or cancer. Participants completed a questionnaire on cigarette smoking, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and family history of colorectal cancer. Fisher's exact test was used to assess the statistical significance of associations between colorectal cancer risk factors and characteristics of ACF. Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel statistics and polytomous regression were used to test the significance of associations adjusted for age. Participants with a history of adenoma had more ACF than those without (age-adjusted P = 0.02), but the numbers in the two groups overlapped markedly. Older participants had more (P = 0.06) and larger (P = 0.009) ACF than younger participants. No associations were identified between either ACF number or size and cigarette smoking, use of NSAIDs, or family history of colorectal cancer. These findings suggest that persons with adenomas have somewhat more rectal ACF than persons without, and that older age is a risk factor for ACF growth. Future research should be directed toward developing techniques to identify ACF that are likely to progress to cancer and the modifiable factors that promote or inhibit such progression.

Adenoma↗

PTGS2 (COX-2) -765G > C promoter variant reduces risk of colorectal adenoma among nonusers of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Prostaglandin H synthase 2 (PTGS2) or cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been shown to play a key role in the regulation of inflammation, and its inhibition is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. The PTGS2 (COX-2) -765G > C promoter variant is located in a putative SP1 binding site and reduces PTGS2 expression. In a Minnesota-based case-control study of cases with adenomatous (n = 494) or hyperplastic polyps (n = 186) versus polyp-free controls (n = 584), we investigated the role of the PTGS2 -765G > C promoter polymorphism. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used, adjusting for age, body mass index, caloric intake, alcohol, fiber, sex, hormone use, and smoking. For colorectal adenoma, odds ratios (OR) compared with PTGS2 -765GG as reference were GC 1.00 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.74-1.35] and CC 0.53 (95% CI, 0.22-1.28). For hyperplastic polyps, the comparable adjusted odds ratios were GC 0.97 (95% CI, 0.65-1.46) and CC 0.24 (95% CI, 0.05-1.11). Risk associated with the -765G > C variant differed by aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Among nonusers of aspirin or other NSAIDs, the CC genotype conferred a significant decrease in risk of adenoma (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.07-0.89). Use of aspirin or other NSAIDs reduced risk of adenoma only among those with the -765GG (wild type) and possibly -765CG genotypes (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.48-0.92 and OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.40-1.02, respectively). These data suggest that COX-2 expression or activity may be beneficially suppressed, and risk of colorectal polyps reduced, by aspirin or other NSAIDs in PTGS2 -765GG (wild type) individuals and by the -765 CC variant genotype in nonusers of NSAIDs.

Adenoma↗

Maternal diet and infant leukemia: the DNA topoisomerase II inhibitor hypothesis: a report from the children's oncology group.

BACKGROUND: The MLL 11q23 translocation arises in utero and is present in 75% of infant leukemias. That MLL+ acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can arise following chemotherapy with DNA topoisomerase II (DNAt2) inhibitors suggests that these substances, which also occur naturally in foods, may contribute toward infant leukemia. We hypothesized that maternal consumption of dietary DNAt2 inhibitors during pregnancy would increase the risk of infant leukemia, particularly AML(MLL+). METHODS: This Children's Oncology Group case-control study consisted of 240 incident cases of infant acute leukemia [AML and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)] diagnosed during 1996 to 2002 and 255 random digit dialed controls. Maternal diet during pregnancy was determined through a food frequency questionnaire. An index of specific foods identified a priori to contain DNAt2 inhibitors as well as vegetables and fruits were created and analyzed using unconditional logistic regression. RESULTS: There was little evidence of an association between the specific DNAt2 index and leukemia overall and by subtype. An exception was AML(MLL+); odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) comparing the second to fourth quartiles to the first were 1.9 (0.5-7.0), 2.1 (0.6-7.7), and 3.2 (0.9-11.9), respectively (P for trend = 0.10). For the vegetable and fruit index, there were significant or near-significant inverse linear trends for all leukemias combined, ALL(MLL+), and AML(MLL-). CONCLUSION: Overall, maternal consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits during pregnancy was associated with a decreased risk of infant leukemia, particularly MLL+. However, for AML(MLL+) cases, maternal consumption of specific DNAt2 inhibitors seemed to increase risk. Although based on small numbers, these data provide some support for distinct etiologic pathways in infant leukemia.

Acute Disease↗

Interactions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor {gamma} and diet in etiology of colorectal cancer.

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) is one of a group of ligand-activated nuclear receptors responsible for regulation of glucose, lipid homeostasis, cell differentiation, and apoptosis. The 12 proline-to-alanine (Pro12Ala) substitution polymorphism in PPARgamma produces proteins with lower activity. Variation in PPARgamma expression in the bowel and the role of dietary fatty acids as ligands for PPARgamma led investigation of whether the associations of diet with colon and rectal cancer risk were modified by PPARgamma genotype. Data (diet, lifestyle, and DNA) came from case-control studies of colon (1,577 cases and 1,971 controls) and rectal cancer (794 cases and 1,001 controls) conducted in Northern California, Utah, and the Twin City, Minnesota Metropolitan area (colon cancer study only). Unconditional logistic regression models were adjusted for age at selection, body mass index, physical activity, energy intake, dietary fiber, and calcium. We found no significant interactions between macronutrient (fat, protein, and carbohydrate) and colorectal cancer. High lutein intake [odds ratio (OR), 0.63; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.44-0.89], low refined grain intake (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.53-0.94), or a high prudent diet score (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.49-0.89) and PA/AA PPARgamma genotype were associated with reduced colon cancer risk. Risk of rectal cancer was increased among those with the PA/AA PPARgamma genotype and a high mutagen index (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.12, 2.36). Its unclear whether the alterations in risk in those with the less active phenotype for PPARgamma is related to activation of PPARgamma by nutrients or dietary patterns acting as ligands or direct influences of these nutrients on colon and rectal cancer processes that are important with lower PPARgamma activity.

Adult↗

Variation in plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3: genetic factors.

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) play key roles in cell proliferation and apoptosis. Whereas relatively stable within individuals, IGFs vary substantially between individuals, and a large component of this variation may be determined by genetic factors. Several polymorphisms in IGF genes have been identified, although their functional significance is not clear. We evaluated the association of polymorphisms in IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 and circulating levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in 323 population-based control subjects enrolled in a case-control study of colorectal cancer from September 1999 through February 2002. Total IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels were measured using ELISA assays, and all subjects were genotyped for a microsatellite polymorphism in IGF-1 and a single nucleotide polymorphism in IGFBP-3. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the association of genotype with circulating IGFs. IGF-1 levels were unrelated to either polymorphism. IGFBP-3 was significantly associated with IGFBP-3 genotype, with IGFBP-3 levels increasing from CC (1,895 ng/mL) --> GC (2,029 ng/mL) --> GG (2,182 ng/mL), (p-trend < 0.001). Having an IGF-1 genotype other than homozygous for the 19-repeat allele was associated with higher IGFBP-3 levels (1,945 versus 2,052 ng/mL). Furthermore, both IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 genotypes modified the relationship between postmenopausal hormone use and IGFs. This analysis provides evidence that common variation in IGF genes may contribute to the variation in circulating levels observed between individuals.

Adult↗

Insulin-like growth factor polymorphisms and colorectal cancer risk.

Several modifiable lifestyle factors, such as physical activity, obesity, and postmenopausal hormone use, have been associated with colorectal cancer risk. It has been hypothesized that some or all of these factors may mediate their effects through alterations in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and its binding proteins (IGFBP). To evaluate the role of IGFs in colorectal cancer, we examined the relationship of two common genetic polymorphisms in IGF-1 (a cytosine-adenosine dinucleotide repeat) and IGFBP-3 (a G --> C single nucleotide polymorphism) with colorectal cancer risk, as well as their potential modification by physical activity, body mass index (BMI), and postmenopausal hormone use. Subjects included 782 male and female colorectal cancer cases diagnosed between 1998 and 2002 and reported to the statewide registry in the metropolitan Seattle area, and 503 age- and sex-matched cancer-free population controls. Colorectal cancer was modestly associated with having an IGF-1 genotype other than homozygous for 19 repeats (odds ratio, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.6) and having the GG IGFBP-3 genotype (odds ratio, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.8). There was evidence that IGF-1 genotype modified the relationship between BMI and colorectal cancer among women, such that high BMI increased risk of colorectal cancer only among those with the 19/19 genotype (P(interaction) = 0.02). IGFBP-3 genotype was also a significant effect modifier of the relationship between risk factors and colorectal cancer: The positive association between BMI and colorectal cancer was observed only among men (P(interaction) < 0.01) and women (P(interaction) = 0.06) with the GG genotype; the inverse association between postmenopausal hormone use and colorectal cancer was observed only among women with the GG genotype (P = 0.01) and the inverse association between physical activity and colorectal cancer was observed only among men who carried the C allele (P < 0.01). The current study provides some support for a role of IGFs in colorectal cancer etiology, particularly in mediating the relationship of common risk factors (physical activity, BMI, and postmenopausal hormone use).

Adult↗

Polymorphisms in the reduced folate carrier, thymidylate synthase, or methionine synthase and risk of colon cancer.

Folate metabolism supports the synthesis of nucleotides as well as the transfer of methyl groups. Polymorphisms in folate-metabolizing enzymes have been shown to affect risk of colorectal neoplasia and other malignancies. Using data from a population-based incident case-control study (1,600 cases and 1,962 controls), we investigated associations between genetic variants in the reduced folate carrier (RFC), thymidylate synthase (TS), methionine synthase (MTR), and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and colon cancer risk. The TS enhancer region (TSER) variant was associated with a reduced risk among men [2rpt/2rpt versus 3rpt/3rpt wild-type; odds ratio (OR), 0.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.6-0.98] but not women. When combined genotypes for both TS polymorphisms (TSER and 3'-untranslated region 1494delTTAAAG) were evaluated, ORs for variant genotypes were generally below 1.0, with statistically significantly reduced risks among women. Neither MTR D919G nor RFC 80G>A polymorphisms were associated with altered colon cancer risk. Because folate metabolism is characterized by interrelated reactions, we evaluated gene-gene interactions. Genotypes resulting in reduced MTHFR activity in conjunction with low TS expression were associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. When dietary intakes were taken into account, individuals with at least one variant TSER allele (3rpt/2rpt or 2rpt/2rpt) were at reduced risk in the presence of a low folate intake. This study supports findings from adenoma studies indicating that purine synthesis may be a relevant biological mechanism linking folate metabolism to colon cancer risk. A pathway-based approach to data analysis is needed to help discern the independent and combined effects of dietary intakes and genetic variability in folate metabolism.

5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine S-Methyltran↗

DNA repair polymorphisms and risk of colorectal adenomatous or hyperplastic polyps.

Genetic variability in DNA repair genes may contribute to differences in DNA repair capacity and susceptibility to cancer, especially in the presence of exposures such as smoking. In a Minnesota-based case-control study of cases with only adenomatous polyps (n = 384), only hyperplastic polyps (n = 191), or both types of polyps (n = 119) versus polyp-free controls (n = 601), we investigated the role of polymorphisms in the DNA repair genes O(6)-methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT; p.L84F and p.I143V), XPD (p.D312N and p.K751Q), and XPG (p.D1104H). MGMT polymorphisms were not associated with polyp risk. Overall, a homozygous variant XPD-combined genotype was associated with an increased risk of adenomatous polyps [odds ratio (OR), 1.57; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.04-2.38] and an XPGHH1104 genotype with a decreased risk of hyperplastic polyps (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.13-0.98). However, age stratification showed that the XPD association was present only in subjects >/=60 years old (OR, 3.77; 95% CI, 1.94-7.35), whereas the XPG association was observed largely in subjects <60 years old (OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.91). Smokers did not have a significantly increased risk of adenomatous polyps in the absence of synchronous hyperplastic polyps, except for subjects with a homozygous variant XPD genotype or a homozygous wild-type XPG genotype (OR, 3.93; 95% CI, 1.68-9.21 and OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.01-2.50, respectively). Smoking was associated with a statistically significant 2.5- to 6-fold increased risk of hyperplastic polyps for individuals with most of the DNA repair genotypes. However, no substantial increase was observed among individuals who were homozygous variant for XPG (1104HH; OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.25-7.65). Our data suggest that polymorphisms in DNA repair genes may be risk factors for colorectal neoplasia and that they may exacerbate the effects of exposures to carcinogens.

Adenoma↗

Associations between ERalpha, ERbeta, and AR genotypes and colon and rectal cancer.

Estrogen and androgens are thought to be involved in the etiology of colorectal cancer. We evaluate genetic variants of the estrogen receptor genes (ERalpha and ERbeta) and the androgen receptor gene (AR). We use data from two large case-control studies of colon (n = 1,580 cases and 1,968 controls) and rectal (n = 797 cases and 1,016 controls) cancer. We evaluated the 351A >G XbaI polymorphism of ERalpha, the 1,082 G >A and CA repeat polymorphisms of ERbeta, and the CAG repeat of AR. Having two 25 or more CA repeats in ERbeta was associated with an increased relative risk of colon cancer in women [odds ratio (OR), 2.13; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.24-3.64] but not in men (P(interaction) relative excess risk from interaction < 0.01; multiplicative = 0.03). Increasing number of AR CAG repeats was directly associated with colon cancer among men (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.06-1.54), but not women (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.68-1.02); the interaction P value for AR gene x sex was <0.01. Taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer in the presence of the R allele of the ERbeta gene, whereas an R allele was associated with increased risk among postmenopausal women who did not take HRT. Postmenopausal women not using HRT who had > or =25 CA repeats of the ERbeta gene had over a 6-fold increased risk of colon cancer (OR, 6.71; 95% CI, 2.89-15.6). Our results suggest that the ERbeta gene is more important than ERalpha in the etiology of colorectal cancer.

Adult↗

PPARgamma, energy balance, and associations with colon and rectal cancer.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) has been hypothesized as being involved in colorectal cancer given its role in adipocyte development and insulin resistance. In this study we evaluated the association between the Pro12Ala (P12A) PPARgamma polymorphism and body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), physical activity level, and energy intake and risk of colorectal cancer using data from a population-based, case-control study of colon cancer (1,577 cases and 1,971 controls) and rectal cancer (794 cases and 1,001 controls). We further evaluated how the P12A PPARgamma polymorphism is associated with obesity and fat pattern in the control population. The odd ratio for PPARgamma PA or AA genotype relative to the PP genotype for colon cancer was 0.9 (95% confidence interval, CI=0.8-1.0) and for rectal cancer was 1.2 (95% CI=1.0-1.5) adjusting for race, age, and sex. P12A PPARgamma did not significantly interact with BMI, WHR, energy intake, and energy expenditure to alter risk of colon or rectal cancer. Furthermore, the P12A PPARgamma polymorphism was not associated with obesity or WHR in the control population; it did not interact with energy intake or energy expenditure to alter risk of obesity or large WHR. These data do not support the hypothesis that the P12A PPARgamma polymorphism is associated with colon or rectal cancer through regulation of energy balance.

Aged↗

Personalized exposure assessment: promising approaches for human environmental health research.

New technologies and methods for assessing human exposure to chemicals, dietary and lifestyle factors, infectious agents, and other stressors provide an opportunity to extend the range of human health investigations and advance our understanding of the relationship between environmental exposure and disease. An ad hoc Committee on Environmental Exposure Technology Development was convened to identify new technologies and methods for deriving personalized exposure measurements for application to environmental health studies. The committee identified a "toolbox" of methods for measuring external (environmental) and internal (biologic) exposure and assessing human behaviors that influence the likelihood of exposure to environmental agents. The methods use environmental sensors, geographic information systems, biologic sensors, toxicogenomics, and body burden (biologic) measurements. We discuss each of the methods in relation to current use in human health research; specific gaps in the development, validation, and application of the methods are highlighted. We also present a conceptual framework for moving these technologies into use and acceptance by the scientific community. The framework focuses on understanding complex human diseases using an integrated approach to exposure assessment to define particular exposure-disease relationships and the interaction of genetic and environmental factors in disease occurrence. Improved methods for exposure assessment will result in better means of monitoring and targeting intervention and prevention programs.

Biomarkers↗