The p53 tumor suppressor gene is often mutated in various human cancers and a common polymorphism is known at codon 72 of exon 4, with two alleles encoding either arginine (CGC) or proline (CCC). Association of this polymorphism with any human cancer susceptibility has yet to be clarified. We have conducted a case-control study in Japan on the distribution of the three genotypes with 191 lung cancer patients, 152 control patients with non-cancerous pulmonary diseases and 115 colorectal cancer patients. The genotypes were examined by PCR using DNA samples from peripheral blood lymphocytes. Frequency distributions of the three genotypes were quite comparable with each other among groups, with allelic frequencies of approximately 60% for arginine and 40% for proline. The genotypic frequencies in lung cancer patients, however, were largely different between smokers and non-smokers (chi 2 = 13.5, df = 2, P < 0.001). Compared with the control and colorectal cancer patients a significant difference in genotypic frequency was observed only in non-smoker lung cancers (chi 2 = 10.9, df = 2, P < 0.01), with an excess of Arg/Arg homozygotes and a deficit of Arg/Pro heterozygotes. Our present data suggest that the p53 polymorphism affects the risk of lung cancer unrelated to smoking.

A case-control study was conducted to explore the possible etiologic role of alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene among Japanese colorectal cancer patients. Information on their drinking, smoking and dietary habits was collected from 265 colon and 164 rectum cancer patients, and 794 non-cancer patients as a control group. Genotypes of the ALDH2 gene at codon 487, glutamic acid (ALDH2 * 1) as a wild-type or lysine (ALDH2 * 2) as a mutated type with reduced enzyme activity, were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction in 160 colon and 110 rectum cancer patients and 121 control persons. Univariate analysis with the χ χ χ χ 2 statistical test showed that heavy alcohol drinking (P < < < <0.01), frequent meat intake (P < < < <0.001), and irregular (P < < < <0.01), hasty (P < < < <0.01) and excessive (P < < < <0.001) eating habits were associated with the incidence of both colon and rectum cancers, whereas heavier smoking (P < < < <0.05) and infrequent fish (P < < < <0.03) and fruit (P < < < <0.01) intake were solely associated with incidence of rectum cancer. Infrequent green vegetable intake was not correlated with the incidence of colorectal cancer. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression analysis confirmed the association of alcohol consumption (P < < < <0.01) and meat intake (P < < < <0.05).Homozygous and heterozygous carriers of ALDH2 * 2 allele tended to be found in colon (trend P = = = =0.04) but not in rectum cancer patients compared to controls. Risk elevation for colon cancer due to alcohol consumption was pronounced among the heterozygotes and it was statistically significant especially for distal colon cancer (trend P = = = =0.02). We conclude that alcohol consumption is a risk factor for colorectal cancer and the risk can be enhanced in ALDH2 heterozygotes.

A formula for effective population size when fertility is inherited is worked out. It is shown that the effective size decreases as the heritability of fertility or progeny number increases.

To study the effects of family history and reproductive, anthropometric, and dietary factors on the risk of breast cancer among low risk populations, we conducted a hospital-based case-control study involving 908 patients with breast cancer and their matched controls, in Japan. A positive family history of breast cancer significantly increased the risk of breast cancer (odds ratio = 1.52, 95% confidence interval: 1.14-2.03). The risk further increased with increasing number of family members affected. Obesity, single marital status, fewer births, a late childbirth, and less consumption of green-yellow vegetables and dairy products were also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. These associations were independent in multivariate analyses. There was no increase in risk associated with consumption of high fat foods. When analyzed by menopausal status, the association with family history of breast cancer, especially in the first degree of relatives, was more evident for premenopausal breast cancer. The associations with obesity and lower consumption of dairy products were more pronounced for postmenopausal breast cancer, while those with lower parity and single marital status were stronger for premenopausal breast cancer.