The glucocorticoid receptor single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) N363S has been reported to be associated with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Our aim was to determine how the N363S SNP modifies glucocorticoid receptor signaling in a healthy population of individuals prior to the onset of disease. We examined the function of the N363S SNP in a cohort of subjects from the general population of North Carolina. Eighteen N363S heterozygous carriers and 36 noncarrier, control subjects were examined for clinical and biochemical parameters followed by a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test to evaluate glucocorticoid responsiveness. Serum insulin measurements revealed that N363S carriers have higher levels of insulin, although not statistically significant, compared with controls. Glucocorticoid receptor protein levels evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from each clinical subject showed no difference between N363S and control. However, investigation of gene expression profiles in macrophages isolated from controls and N363S carriers using microarray, quantitative RT-PCR, and NanoString analyses revealed that the N363S SNP had an altered profile compared with control. These changes in gene expression occurred in both the absence and the presence of glucocorticoids. Thus, our observed difference in gene regulation between normal N363S SNP carriers and noncarrier controls may underlie the emergence of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease associated with the N363S polymorphism.

According to The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) there is a new, more aggressive form of breast cancer among young African‐American women. Because mammograms are not suggested for women until age 40 and young African‐American women are increasingly being diagnosed, a more innovative technique is warranted. The present study utilized the expertise of scientists and professors from a biomedical center, the Department of Psychology, Health and Education, and the Department of Theater at a historically Black college or university (HBCU) to examine the impact of dramatic presentations in increasing awareness and pro‐social health related behavior related to breast cancer among African‐American women. One hundred and thirty‐six African‐American women between 18 and 39 years old participated in the present study. Researchers employed a retrospective pre–post test design to assess the impact of theater on young women's knowledge and propensity for pro‐social health related behaviors. Paired sample t‐test revealed significant increases in knowledge about breast cancer and mammograms. Participants reported an increase in intentions to change behavior and also wanted to become more involved in efforts to reduce breast cancer in the African‐American community.

Health disparities among African Americans have been of key concern for the past decade. High rates of morbidity due to HIV/AIDS, heart disease, and cancer have led to the creation of new and more innovative efforts to educate African Americans about health disparities. The current paper is an assessment of the use of Community Theater to educate African Americans about breast and prostate cancers. To assess the effectiveness of theater, a team of health professionals, psychologists, and biomedical scientists were convened to develop two scripts written by a local playwright: “Stealing Clouds” which focused on breast cancer and “Fourth and a Mile” which focused on prostate cancer. A retrospective pre/post-test design with a 3-month delayed time series follow up was employed using surveys from participants upon viewing the plays. Results of both theatre presentations indicated that the plays were significant in increasing knowledge and awareness about both breast and prostate cancers. Furthermore, results indicated that participants, as a result of viewing the plays, reported increased likelihood of engaging in healthier behaviors (i.e., physician visits, testing). To assess the impact of Community Theatre as an effective medium, data was collected from a local health center indicating higher increases in mammography and prostate cancer exams as results of the plays. Given the high rates of cancer among African Americans, continued creation and evaluation of the effectiveness of such community-based efforts should be of key import in reducing and addressing cancer disparities. Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4691.

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