Jewish World Review Sept. 12, 2001 / 23 Elul, 5761
By Robert A. Wascher, M.D., F.A.C.S.
http://www.jewishworldreview.com --
THIS current issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
reports on a possible genetic basis for longevity in humans. It has long
been known that humans living beyond 100 years of age tend to cluster in
families, suggesting a genetic basis for longevity in at least some cases.
Siblings of centenarians, or those who live to be at least 100, have four
times the likelihood of living into their nineties than the general
population.
While the underlying genetic mechanisms are far from clear,
these modern day Methuselahs appear to retain generally good health beyond
the age of 65, often avoiding the usual age-related causes of death such as
heart and vascular disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and dementia. In
studying 308 volunteers from families with centenarian relatives, the
researchers found compelling evidence that a region of chromosome 4 may play
a role in the longevity of members of such families. The researchers are
currently attempting to identify which gene, or genes, may be involved
within the suspected region of this chromosome, in an effort to better
understand the genetic basis of human longevity.
To further evaluate their
findings, the study's authors are continuing to add new participants who
have centenarian family members, or who are centenarians themselves.
Interested volunteers can call (866) 548-3100, or log on to the New England
Centenarian Study Web site at www.med.harvard.edu/programs/necs.
MEN AND WOMEN: COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN THE ELDERLY
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, OBESITY AND THE RISK OF PANCREATIC CANCER
The pancreas is an organ that lies behind the stomach, deep within the
abdomen. This glandular organ has multiple functions, including the
manufacture and release of insulin into the blood, which enables the body to
utilize sugar to fuel cellular function. It also discharges substances
called enzymes into the small intestine, aiding in the digestion of the fats
and proteins that we eat. Because of its location, buried deep inside the
abdomen, there are seldom any symptoms of pancreatic cancer in its early and
curable stages.
Although the 26,000 annually reported cases of this disease
account for less than 3% of cancer diagnoses in the United States, it is the
fourth most common cause of cancer death. Less than 5% of patients with
pancreatic cancer will survive five years following diagnosis. Pancreatic
cancer can occur at any age, but it more commonly affects those in their
fifth and sixth decades of life, and afflicts men more often than women.
A prospective study, reported in this week's Journal of the American Medical
Association, observed nearly 170,000 men and women over a 20-year period,
and has concluded that tall body height and obesity are each associated with
a greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Among those who were obese,
greater physical activity appeared to somewhat reduce the obesity-related
increased risk of developing this cancer. Patients who were not overweight,
however, did not appear to be at increased risk of developing pancreatic
cancer, even if they lived a sedentary lifestyle.
The association between
obesity and sedentary lifestyle, on the one hand, and pancreatic cancer, on
the other hand, mirror the risk factors associated with the development of
diabetes. These findings strengthen the results of previous studies showing
an increased risk of pancreatic cancer in patients with diabetes, and even
in patients with pre-diabetic elevations of blood sugar levels. In view of
the epidemic of obesity and inactivity in this country, the likely
correlation between obesity and activity levels with an increased risk of
pancreatic cancer gives further "food for thought" about the way we lives
our lives. In addition to smoking, overeating a fat-riddled diet, and
excessively relying upon effort-saving (exercise-saving…?) modern technology
may prove even more harmful than previously
JWR contributor Dr. Robert A. Wascher is a senior research fellow in molecular & surgical oncology at
the John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, CA.
Comment by clicking here.
Genes may hold secret to long life
Dutch researchers have recently published the results of a study on the
gender-specific patterns of cognitive and memory decline in the elderly
(Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry). A total of 599 men and
women aged 85 and older were studied to assess their cognition ("higher
thinking processes") and memory functions. Despite their lower overall
level of formal education, the women, as a group, had almost double the
cognitive and memory abilities as compared to their elderly male
counterparts. The study's conclusion was that older women retain better
overall brain function than older men, and that this gender-specific
difference is more likely a consequence of biology rather than due to
educational differences. One possible explanation is the well-known faster
rate of atherosclerosis ("hardening of the arteries") that occurs in men
compared with women.
It appears that cancer of the pancreas may join a growing list of diseases
linked to obesity and sedentary lifestyle, including diabetes, high blood
pressure, stroke and cardiovascular disease. Previously, cigarette smoking,
and possibly chronic diabetes, were the only risk factors identified for
this disease.
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