Susceptibility to the development of asthma and other atopic diseases is known to be associated with genetic components, and several candidate genes have been reported to be linked to atopy in Caucasian populations. We conducted a study of linkage between asthma and markers on chromosomes 5q31-q33 and 11q13 in 68 Japanese families (306 members) by affected sib-pair analysis. Families for the linkage study were ascertained through asthmatic children visiting the allergy clinic. The results provide supportive evidence for linkage between asthma and gene markers in or near the interleukin-4 (IL-4) gene, the IL-9 gene, and D5S393 on chromosome 5q31-q33 (p = 0.0013, p = 0.018, and p = 0.0077, respectively). Linkage between atopic phenotype and these genetic markers was also suggested (p = 0.006, p = 0.01, and p < 0.0001 for atopy, respectively). However, we failed to find evidence for linkage of asthma or atopy to the IgE high-affinity receptor gene on 11q13 (p > 0.1). These findings indicate that beyond ethnicity, there are specific loci that contribute to susceptibility to atopy on chromosome 5q31-q33. In addition, our findings suggest that loci on chromosome 5q31-q33 are linked to the development of asthma in childhood.

Objective. Observational studies have shown a protective association between coffee consumption and type 2 diabetes mellitus whereas caffeine or caffeinated coffee acutely deteriorates glucose tolerance. We investigated the effects of chronic drinking of instant coffee on glucose and insulin concentrations during a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Methods. Overweight men with a mild-to-moderate elevation of fasting plasma glucose were randomly allocated to a 16-week intervention of consuming 5 cups of caffeinated (n = 17) or decaffeinated (n = 15) instant coffee per day or no coffee (n = 13). Results. The caffeinated coffee group showed statistically significant decreases in the 2-hour concentrations and the area under the curve of glucose while neither decaffeinated coffee nor coffee group showed such a change. Waist circumstance decreased in the caffeinated coffee group, increased in the decaffeinated coffee group, and did not change in the noncoffee group (P = 0.002). With adjustment for the change in waist circumference, caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee consumption were associated with a modest decrease in the postload glucose levels. Conclusion. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee may be protective against deterioration of glucose tolerance.

Coffee may be protective specifically against alcohol-induced hepatic inflammation. Further studies are warranted in different populations.

Coffee drinking probably confers protection against alcohol-related increase in liver enzymes.

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