Associations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the United States adult population, 2003-2018.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disorder worldwide and a leading cause of liver-related mortality. Prior studies have linked per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure to liver dysfunction and alterations in metabolic pathways, but the extent of a PFAS-NAFLD relationship is unclear. Thus, the aim of the current study was to examine whether there were associations between PFAS exposures and NAFLD in the US adult population over a 16-year period. Methods: Data from 10,234 persons who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2003 and 2018 were analyzed. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using multivariable logistic regression for the associations between PFAS and NAFLD, defined by the Hepatic Steatosis Index (NAFLD-HSI), the Fatty Liver Index (NAFLD-FLI), and by Transient Elastography with Controlled Attenuation Parameter (NAFLD-TE-CAP). Results: Overall, there was a significant inverse association between total PFAS and NAFLD-HSI (P-trend = 0.04). Significant inverse associations were also found between perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) and NAFLD-HSI (P-trend = 0.04), and NAFLD-FLI (P-trend = 0.03). Analysis by time period, 2003-2010 versus 2011-2018, found that while inverse associations were more apparent during the latter period when total PFAS (P-trend = 0.02), PFHxS (P-trend = 0.04), and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) (P-trend = 0.03) were inversely associated with NAFLD-HSI and PFOA was inversely associated with NAFLD-FLI (P-trend = 0.05), there were no significant interaction effects. No significant associations between the PFAS and NAFLD-TE-CAP were found. Conclusions: The current study found no evidence of a positive association between the most common PFAS and NAFLD in the US population.

Trends in hepatocellular carcinoma stage by racial/ethnic group in the United States, 1992-2019.

Background & Aims: Although incidence rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) began to decline in the United States in the past decade, disparities in rates among racial/ethnic groups have persisted. Whether disparities in stage at diagnosis have remained over time, however, is unclear. Methods: National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program has created a new staging-over-time variable that facilitates the examination of trends in HCC stage. Thus, the proportions of HCCs diagnosed by stage between 1992 and 2019 were examined among non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black (NHB), Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals. HCC incidence between 1992 and 2019 was also analysed using Joinpoint regression. Results: Between 1992 and 2019, the proportion of stage 1 HCCs increased and the proportion of stage 4 HCCs decreased among non-Hispanic White, NHB, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander individuals. Among AI/AN persons, the proportion of stage 1 tumours remained stable, and the proportion of stage 4 tumours declined. In the most recent time period, NHB individuals had the lowest proportions of stage 1 HCCs (32%) and the highest proportion of stage 4 HCCs (20%) of any group. Joinpoint analysis found that HCC incidence began to decline by 2013 among all groups except AI/AN individuals, the only group that had an increase in incidence. Conclusions: Despite generally favourable trends in HCC stage and incidence rates, disparities remain. NHB persons continue to have less favourable stages at diagnosis, and incidence rates continue to increase among AI/AN persons. Impact and implications: HCC incidence rates among most United States racial/ethnic groups began to decline in recent years, but whether stage at diagnosis also improved was unclear. As a result, a new SEER stage variable was used to examine stage trends by race/ethnicity. Although the finding of generally favourable trends in stage as well as incidence is encouraging, continuity disparities in both stage and incidence require serious attention.

Disparities in breast cancer mortality among Latin American women: trends and predictions for 2030.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is among the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) women, but a comprehensive and updated analysis of mortality trends is lacking. The objective of this study was to determine the breast cancer mortality rates between 1997 and 2017 for LAC countries and predict mortality until 2030. METHODS: We retrieved breast cancer deaths across 17 LAC countries from the World Health Organization mortality database. Age-standardized mortality rates per 100,000 women-years were estimated. Mortality trends were evaluated with Joinpoint regression analyses by country and age group (all ages, < 50 years, and ≥ 50 years). By 2030, we predict number of deaths, mortality rates, changes in population structure and size, and the risk of death from breast cancer. RESULTS: Argentina, Uruguay, and Venezuela reported the highest mortality rates throughout the study period. Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua reported the largest increases (from 2.4 to 2.8% annually), whereas Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay reported downward trends (from - 1.0 to - 1.6% annually). In women < 50y, six countries presented downward trends and five countries showed increasing trends. In women ≥ 50y, three countries had decreased trends and ten showed increased trends. In 2030, increases in mortality are expected in the LAC region, mainly in Guatemala (+ 63.0%), Nicaragua (+ 47.3), El Salvador (+ 46.2%), Ecuador (+ 38.5%) and Venezuela (+ 29.9%). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest considerable differences in breast cancer mortality across LAC countries by age group. To achieve the 2030 sustainable developmental goals, LAC countries should implement public health strategies to reduce mortality by breast cancer.

Mycoplasma genitalium prevalence, antimicrobial resistance-associated mutations, and coinfections with non-viral sexually transmitted infections in high-risk populations in Guatemala, Malta, Morocco, Peru and South Africa, 2019-2021.

The prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) and MG antimicrobial resistance (AMR) appear to be high internationally, however, prevalence data remain lacking globally. We evaluated the prevalence of MG and MG AMR-associated mutations in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Malta and Peru and women at-risk for sexually transmitted infections in Guatemala, South Africa, and Morocco; five countries in four WHO regions mostly lacking MG prevalence and AMR data, and estimated MG coinfections with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). Male urine and anorectal samples, and vaginal samples were tested for MG, CT, NG, and TV (only vaginal samples) using Aptima assays (Hologic). AMR-associated mutations in the MG 23S rRNA gene and parC gene were identified using ResistancePlus MG kit (SpeeDx) or Sanger sequencing. In total, 1,425 MSM and 1,398 women at-risk were recruited. MG was detected in 14.7% of MSM (10.0% in Malta and 20.0% Peru) and in 19.1% of women at-risk (12.4% in Guatemala, 16.0% Morocco, 22.1% South Africa). The prevalence of 23S rRNA and parC mutations among MSM was 68.1 and 29.0% (Malta), and 65.9 and 5.6% (Peru), respectively. Among women at-risk, 23S rRNA and parC mutations were revealed in 4.8 and 0% (Guatemala), 11.6 and 6.7% (Morocco), and 2.4 and 3.7% (South Africa), respectively. CT was the most frequent single coinfection with MG (in 2.6% of MSM and 4.5% of women at-risk), compared to NG + MG found in 1.3 and 1.0%, respectively, and TV + MG detected in 2.8% of women at-risk. In conclusion, MG is prevalent worldwide and enhanced aetiological MG diagnosis, linked to clinical routine detection of 23S rRNA mutations, in symptomatic patients should be implemented, where feasible. Surveillance of MG AMR and treatment outcome would be exceedingly valuable, nationally and internationally. High levels of AMR in MSM support avoiding screening for and treatment of MG in asymptomatic MSM and general population. Ultimately, novel therapeutic antimicrobials and/or strategies, such as resistance-guided sequential therapy, and ideally an effective MG vaccine are essential.

The role of daughters in relation to their mother's cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment in Guatemala: a descriptive study.

PURPOSE: There is currently no information on how caregivers for women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Guatemala, particularly daughters, are affected by their supportive role. This study's objective was to describe the support role of caregivers in the country, with a focus on daughters with a mother diagnosed with cervical cancer. METHODS: This analysis utilizes data from a cross-sectional study which aimed to understand pathways to cervical cancer care. Women seeking cervical cancer treatment at the Instituto de Cancerologia (INCAN) in Guatemala City, Guatemala and their companions were surveyed. Descriptive statistics were calculated. RESULTS: One hundred forty-five women seeking treatment and 71 companions participated in the study. Patient's daughters were most frequently reported as the person who provided the most support (51%) and as the most reported to have encouraged the patient to seek care. Furthermore, daughters were noted as the person most reported to fulfill the major household and livelihood roles of the patient while they were seeking or receiving treatment (38.0%). Most daughters reported that they were missing housework (77%), childcare (63%), and income-earning activities (60%) to attend the appointment with their mothers. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that in Guatemala cervical cancer patient's daughters have a significant support role in their mother's cancer diagnosis. Furthermore, we found that while caring for their mothers, daughters in Guatemala are often unable to participate in their primary labor activities. This highlights the additional burden that cervical cancer has on women in Latin America.

Prediction of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease using anthropometry and body fat measures by sex and race/ethnicity in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing in the United States and is strongly linked to obesity in many, but not all, racial/ethnic groups. It is conceivable that the lack of correspondence is related to differential fat distribution. The study objective was to examine which fat distribution measures best predicted NAFLD by sex within racial/ethnic groups. METHODS: The analysis included 1,404 participants from the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analyses compared the ability of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry-measured percentage total fat and abdominal fat with measured BMI, waist circumference, and waist to height ratio to predict ultrasound transient-elastography-assessed NAFLD in each sex and racial/ethnic group. RESULTS: AUC analysis found the best predictors of NAFLD among men were waist circumference and total abdominal fat area (AUC: 84.1%) and the best predictor among women was visceral fat (AUC: 85.2). NAFLD prediction by body fat measures, however, was similar between racial/ethnic groups. CONCLUSIONS: The best predictors of NAFLD, using body fat distribution measures, vary by sex but not by racial/ethnic group.

Cervical cancer knowledge and barriers and facilitators to screening among women in two rural communities in Guatemala: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 80% of deaths due to cervical cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries. In Guatemala, limited access to effective screening and treatment has resulted in alarmingly high cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates. Despite access to free-of-cost screening, women continue to face significant barriers in obtaining screening for cervical cancer. METHODS: In-depth interviews (N = 21) were conducted among women in two rural communities in Guatemala. Interviews followed a semi-structured guide to explore knowledge related to cervical cancer and barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening. RESULTS: Cervical cancer knowledge was variable across sites and across women. Women reported barriers to screening including ancillary costs, control by male partners, poor provider communication and systems-level resource constraints. Facilitators to screening included a desire to know one's own health status, conversations with other women, including community health workers, and extra-governmental health campaigns. CONCLUSIONS: Findings speak to the many challenges women face in obtaining screening for cervical cancer in their communities as well as existing facilitators. Future interventions must focus on improving cervical cancer-related knowledge as well as mitigating barriers and leveraging facilitators to promote screening.

Sweetened beverage consumption and risk of liver cancer by diabetes status: A pooled analysis.

BACKGROUND: Consumption of sweetened beverages has been linked to several risk factors for liver cancer including diabetes. Studies investigating the role of sweetened beverage consumption and liver cancer, however, are limited. As persons with diabetes are advised against consumption of sugar, the objective of this study was to examine the role of sweetened beverage consumption and liver cancer risk by diabetes status. METHODS: Data from two U.S. cohorts: the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study, and the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial were harmonized and pooled. Hazard ratios and 95%CI were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models stratified by median follow-up time. RESULTS: Among persons without diabetes, there were no statistical evidence of associations between liver cancer and consumption of sweetened beverages overall, sugar sweetened beverages (SSB), or artificially sweetened beverages (ASB). Sugar sweetened (SS) soda consumption, however, was associated with liver cancer in the first follow-up interval (HR:1.18. 95%CI: 1.03, 1.35). In contrast, among persons with diabetes, there were significant associations between liver cancer and consumption of sweetened beverages overall (HR: 1.12, 95%CI 1.01, 1.24), ASBs (HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.25), soda overall (HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.26) and artificially sweetened (AS) soda (HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.27) in the first follow-up interval. CONCLUSIONS: Increased soda consumption may be associated with risk of liver cancer. The results suggest that decreasing consumption of SS soda by persons without diabetes, and AS soda by persons with diabetes, could be associated with reduced liver cancer risk.

Circulating bile acid concentrations and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Guatemala.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major liver disease worldwide. Bile acid dysregulation may be a key feature in its pathogenesis and progression. AIMS: To characterise the relationship between bile acid levels and NAFLD at the population level METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in Guatemala in 2016 to examine the prevalence of NAFLD. Participants (n = 415) completed questionnaires, donated blood samples and had a brief medical exam. NAFLD was determined by calculation of the fatty liver index. The levels of 15 circulating bile acids were determined by LC-MS/MS. Adjusted prevalence odds ratios (PORadj ) and 95% CI were calculated to examine the relationships between bile acid levels (in tertiles) and NAFLD. RESULTS: Persons with NAFLD had significantly higher levels of the conjugated primary bile acids glycocholic acid (GCA) (PORadj T3 vs T1  = 1.85), taurocholic acid (TCA) (PORadj T3 vs T1  = 2.45) and taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) (PORadj T3 vs T1  = 2.10), as well as significantly higher levels the unconjugated secondary bile acid, deoxycholic acid (DCA) (PORadj T3 vs T1  = 1.78) and its conjugated form, taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) (PORadj T3 vs T1  = 1.81). CONCLUSIONS: The bile acid levels of persons with and without NAFLD differed significantly. Among persons with NAFLD, higher levels of the conjugated forms of CA (i.e. GCA, TCA) and the secondary bile acids that derive from CA (i.e. DCA, TDCA) may indicate there is hepatic overproduction of CA, which may affect the liver via aberrant signalling mediated by the bile acids.

Aflatoxin levels and prevalence of TP53 aflatoxin-mutations in hepatocellular carcinomas in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in southern Mexico and the presence of the aflatoxin signature mutation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue from patients from a cancer referral center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We estimated the prevalence and distribution of AFB1 in a representative sample of 100 women and men from Chiapas using the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2018-19. We also examined the presence of the aflatoxin signature mutation in codon 249 (R249S), and other relevant mutations of the TP53 gene in HCC tissue blocks from 24 women and 26 men treated in a national cancer referral center. RESULTS: The prevalence of AFB1 in serum samples was 85.5% (95%CI 72.1-93.1) and the median AFB1 was 0.117 pg/µL (IQR, 0.050-0.350). We detected TP53 R249S in three of the 50 HCCs (6.0%) and observed four other G>T transversions potentially induced by AFB1. CONCLUSION: Our analysis provides evidence that AFB1 may have a relevant role on HCC etiology in Mexico.

Liver cancer mortality in Mexico: trend analysis from 1998 to 2018.

OBJECTIVE: To examine overall, sex, and state-specific liver cancer mortality trends in Mexico. Materials and meth-ods. Joinpoint regression was used to examine the trends in age-standardized mortality rates of liver cancer between 1998-2018. Estimated annual percent change with 95% confi-dence intervals (95%CI) were computed. Age-period-cohort models were used to assess the effects of age, calendar year, and birth cohort. RESULTS: The state-specific mortality rates ranged from 3.34 (Aguascalientes) to 7.96 (Chiapas) per 100 000 person-years. Sex-specific rates were roughly equal, nationwide. Overall, we observed a statistically significant decrease in liver cancer mortality rates between 1998-2018 (annual percent change, -0.8%; 95%CI -1.0, -0.6). The overall age-period-cohort models suggest that birth cohort may be the most important factor driving the trends. CONCLUSIONS: While there was overall decline in liver cancer mortality, differences in rates by region were observed. The regional differences may inform future studies of liver cancer etiology across the country.

Associations between aflatoxin B1-albumin adduct levels with metabolic conditions in Guatemala: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Metabolic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are highly prevalent in Guatemala and increase the risk for a number of disorders, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) levels are also notably elevated in the population and are known to be associated with HCC risk. Whether AFB1 also contributes to the high prevalence of the metabolic disorders has not been previously examined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the association between AFB1 and the metabolic conditions. METHODS: Four-hundred twenty-three individuals were included in the study, in which AFB1-albumin adduct levels were measured in sera. Metabolic conditions included diabetes, obesity, central obesity, metabolic syndrome, and NAFLD. Crude and adjusted prevalence odds ratios (PORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated for the associations between the metabolic conditions and AFB1-albumin adduct levels categorized into quartiles. RESULTS: The study found a significant association between AFB1-albumin adduct levels and diabetes (Q4 vs Q1 POR = 3.74, 95%CI: 1.71-8.19; P-trend .003). No associations were observed between AFB1-albumin adduct levels and the other conditions. CONCLUSIONS: As diabetes is the metabolic condition most consistently linked to HCC, the possible association between AFB1 exposure and diabetes may be of public health importance. Further studies are warranted to replicate the findings and examine potential mechanisms.

Assessing the Validity of Normalizing Aflatoxin B1-Lysine Albumin Adduct Biomarker Measurements to Total Serum Albumin Concentration across Multiple Human Population Studies.

The assessment of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure using isotope-dilution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) of AFB1-lysine adducts in human serum albumin (HSA) has proven to be a highly productive strategy for the biomonitoring of AFB1 exposure. To compare samples across different individuals and settings, the conventional practice has involved the normalization of raw AFB1-lysine adduct concentrations (e.g., pg/mL serum or plasma) to the total circulating HSA concentration (e.g., pg/mg HSA). It is hypothesized that this practice corrects for technical error, between-person variance in HSA synthesis or AFB1 metabolism, and other factors. However, the validity of this hypothesis has been largely unexamined by empirical analysis. The objective of this work was to test the concept that HSA normalization of AFB1-lysine adduct concentrations effectively adjusts for biological and technical variance and improves AFB1 internal dose estimates. Using data from AFB1-lysine and HSA measurements in 763 subjects, in combination with regression and Monte Carlo simulation techniques, we found that HSA accounts for essentially none of the between-person variance in HSA-normalized (R2 = 0.04) or raw AFB1-lysine measurements (R2 = 0.0001), and that HSA normalization of AFB1-lysine levels with empirical HSA values does not reduce measurement error any better than does the use of simulated data (n = 20,000). These findings were robust across diverse populations (Guatemala, China, Chile), AFB1 exposures (105 range), HSA assays (dye-binding and immunoassay), and disease states (healthy, gallstones, and gallbladder cancer). HSA normalization results in arithmetic transformation with the addition of technical error from the measurement of HSA. Combined with the added analysis time, cost, and sample consumption, these results suggest that it may be prudent to abandon the practice of normalizing adducts to HSA concentration when measuring any HSA adducts-not only AFB1-lys adducts-when using LCMS in serum/plasma.

Racial/ethnic disparities in hepatocellular carcinoma incidence and mortality rates in the United States, 1992-2018.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: HCC is characterized by racial/ethnic disparities in rates. Recent USA reports suggest that incidence has begun to decline, but it is not clear whether the declines have occurred among all groups, nor whether mortality has declined. Thus, the current study examined USA incidence and mortality between 1992 and 2018. APPROACH & RESULTS: HCC incidence and incidence-based mortality data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program were used to calculate age-standardized rates by race/ethnicity, sex, and age. Trends were analyzed using joinpoint regression to estimate annual percent change (APC). Age-period-cohort models assessed the effects on trends of age, calendar period, and birth cohort. Overall, HCC incidence significantly declined between 2015 and 2018 (APC, -5.6%). Whereas most groups experienced incidence declines, the trends were most evident among Asians/Pacific Islanders, women, and persons <50 years old. Exceptions were the rates among non-Hispanic Black persons, which did not significantly decline (APC, -0.7), and among American Indians/Alaska Natives, which significantly increased (APC, +4.3%). Age-period-cohort modeling found that birth cohort had a greater effect on rates than calendar period. Among the baby boom cohorts, the 1950-1954 cohort had the highest rates. Similar to the overall incidence decline, HCC mortality rates declined between 2013 and 2018 (APC, -2.2%). CONCLUSIONS: HCC incidence and mortality rates began to decline for most groups in 2015, but persistent differences in rates continued to exist. Rates among non-Hispanic Black persons did not decline significantly, and rates among American Indians/Alaska Natives significantly increased, suggesting that greater effort is needed to reduce the HCC burden among these vulnerable groups.

Liver cancer mortality in Mexico: trend analysis from 1998 to 2018 / Mortalidad por cáncer hepático en México: análisis de tendencias de 1998 a 2018

Abstract: Objective: To examine overall, sex, and state-specific liver cancer mortality trends in Mexico. Materials and methods: Joinpoint regression was used to examine the trends in age-standardized mortality rates of liver cancer between 1998-2018. Estimated annual percent change with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were computed. Age-period-cohort models were used to assess the effects of age, calendar year, and birth cohort. Results: The state-specific mortality rates ranged from 3.34 (Aguascalientes) to 7.96 (Chiapas) per 100 000 person-years. Sex-specific rates were roughly equal, nationwide. Overall, we observed a statistically significant decrease in liver cancer mortality rates between 1998-2018 (annual percent change, -0.8%; 95%CI -1.0, -0.6). The overall age-period-cohort models suggest that birth cohort may be the most important factor driving the trends. Conclusions: While there was overall decline in liver cancer mortality, differences in rates by region were observed. The regional differences may inform future studies of liver cancer etiology across the country.

Resumen: Objetivo: Examinar la tendencia general, por sexo y estado, de mortalidad por cáncer hepático en México. Material y métodos: Se utilizó regresión joinpoint para examinar las tendencias en las tasas de mortalidad estandarizadas por edad de cáncer hepático (1998-2018). Se estimó el cambio porcentual anual con intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC95%). Se usaron modelos de edad-periodo-cohorte para evaluar el efecto de edad, año calendario y cohorte de nacimiento. Resultados: La mortalidad osciló entre 3.34 (Aguascalientes) y 7.96 (Chiapas) por 100 000 años-persona. La mortalidad por sexo fue relativamente similar a nivel nacional. La mortalidad general disminuyó entre 1998-2018 (cambio porcentual anual, -0.8%; IC95% -1.0, -0.6). La cohorte de nacimiento parece ser el factor más importante que afecta las tendencias. Conclusiones: A pesar de la disminución de mortalidad por cáncer hepático, se observó variación regional en las tasas. Estas diferencias podrían informar estudios futuros sobre la etiología de cáncer hepático en México.