Aspartame and cancer – new evidence for causation

Abstract Background Aspartame is one of the world’s most widely used artificial sweeteners and is an ingredient in more than 5000 food products globally. A particularly important use is in low-calorie beverages consumed by children and pregnant women. The Ramazzini Institute (RI) reported in 2006 and 2007 that aspartame causes dose-related increases in malignant tumors in multiple organs in rats and mice. Increased cancer risk was seen even at low exposure levels approaching the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). Prenatal exposures caused increased malignancies in rodent offspring at lower doses than in adults. These findings generated intense controversy focused on the accuracy of RI’s diagnoses of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissue tumors (HLTs). Critics made the claim that pulmonary lesions observed in aspartame-exposed animals were inflammatory lesions caused by Mycoplasma infection rather than malignant neoplasms. Methods To address this question, RI subjected all HLTs from aspartame-exposed animals to immunohistochemical analysis using a battery of markers and to morphological reassessment using the most recent Internationally Harmonized Nomenclature and Diagnostic (INHAND) criteria. Findings This immunohistochemical and morphological re-evaluation confirmed the original diagnoses of malignancy in 92.3% of cases. Six lesions originally diagnosed as lymphoma (8% of all HLTs) were reclassified: 3 to lymphoid hyperplasia, and 3 to chronic inflammation with fibrosis. There was no evidence of Mycoplasma infection. Interpretation These new findings confirm that aspartame is a chemical carcinogen in rodents. They confirm the very worrisome finding that prenatal exposure to aspartame increases cancer risk in rodent offspring. They validate the conclusions of the original RI studies. These findings are of great importance for public health. In light of them, we encourage all national and international public health agencies to urgently reexamine their assessments of aspartame’s health risks - especially the risks of prenatal and early postnatal exposures. We call upon food agencies to reassess Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) levels for aspartame. We note that an Advisory Group to the International Agency for Research on Cancer has recommended high-priority reevaluation of aspartame’s carcinogenicity to humans.

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Ways to Improve Cancer Care

Bulletin of Science and Practice ◽

10.33619/2414-2948/51/10 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 122-131

Author(s):

E. Tilekov ◽

D. Ibraimova ◽

O. Bolbachan ◽

K. Sadamkulova

Keyword(s):

Early Detection ◽

Health Workers ◽

Malignant Tumors ◽

International Agency ◽

Malignant Neoplasms ◽

Kyrgyz Republic ◽

Growth Trend ◽

Cancer Risk Factors ◽

Use Of Resources ◽

Medical Network

The epidemiological situation for cancer remains unfavourable worldwide due to a steady growth trend. According to the International Agency for Cancer Research, by 2030, the number of new annually detected malignant neoplasms will reach 26.4 million per year and the number of deaths — 17 million. The reasons for this are complex, reflecting both ageing and population growth and changes in the prevalence and distribution of major cancer risk factors, some of which are linked to socio–economic development. In the Kyrgyz Republic, mortality from malignant neoplasms is in the second and fourth place, as a cause of disability of the population. The reduction of mortality from malignant neoplasms can be achieved as a result of the implementation of a comprehensive science–based targeted programme, which includes strengthening the role of the primary health care unit, activating the work of observation rooms and restoring prevention departments at the primary level, improving the skills of oncological health workers, developing early diagnosis methods, new approaches to the treatment of malignant neoplasms, improving the cancer register of patients and conducting mass screening of the population. Qualitative organization of the system of observation rooms, supported by the current cytological service, continuous monitoring of specialized oncological care in order to identify weaknesses, gaps in the routing of oncological patients, correction of early detection measures, possibility of rational use of resources contributes to solving problems of early detection of malignant neoplasms. Restoration of preventive examinations, as well as improved organization of advanced training of doctors of the general medical network on oncology, holding thematic seminars for therapists, surgeons on diagnosis of malignant tumors, detection of early stages, as well as introduction of telemedicine technologies in primary oncological offices will improve the quality and availability of medical care for patients with malignant neoplasms.

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Differentiation between Pleural Mesothelioma versus Pseudo-Mesothelioma Demonstrated in Eight Autopsy Cases

Clinical Oncology and Research ◽

10.31487/j.cor.2021.08.07 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Jochen WU Fries ◽

MM Saleh ◽

R Buttner ◽

Jochen WU Fries

Keyword(s):

Cell Carcinoma ◽

Malignant Tumors ◽

Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽

Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma ◽

Final Diagnosis ◽

Underlying Disease ◽

Legal Issues ◽

Malignant Neoplasms ◽

Pleural Mesothelioma ◽

Work Related

The pleural lobes are the origin of different pathologies, including malignant tumors, e.g., pleural mesothelioma. In some cases, clinical and macroscopic presentation point strongly to the diagnosis but often enough the patient has another underlying disease; malignant neoplasms of the lung as well as other organs (skin, pancreas, prostate or kidney) can mimic pleural mesothelioma and if so, are defined as ‘pseudo-mesothelioma’. We present eight cases that are clinically and macroscopically highly suspicious for pleural mesothelioma. All patients were autopsied due to medico-legal issues and work-related diseases. Six out of eight patients underwent autopsy to exclude possibility of asbestos-related malignancy and two out of eight due to exclusion of silicosis. From the eight cases, only three were real pleural mesotheliomas. Another three were adenocarcinomas of the lung mimicking pleural mesotheliomas. One had squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. Lastly, one patient had an extraordinary case of papillary renal cell carcinoma metastasizing universally in both pleura lobes. Due to striking morphological similarities, the exact final diagnosis was only possible after extended immunohistochemical analysis of the tissues. In summary, not only is it difficult to distinguish between real or pseudo pleural mesothelioma in patients having had contact with asbestos. Even patients with no evidence of asbestos contact can have clinical and pathological events strongly suggesting asbestosis and mesothelioma, without having it.

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New Findings on Health, Quality of Life of U.S. Seniors Released: Surveillance for Selected Public Health Indicators Affecting Older Adults--United States

PsycEXTRA Dataset ◽

10.1037/e371172004-001 ◽

1999 ◽

Author(s):

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

United States ◽

Older Adults ◽

Health Indicators ◽

New Findings ◽

Public Health Indicators ◽

Health Quality ◽

Health Quality Of Life

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The possibility of using tantalum oxide microparticles in phosphate glass for radiation therapy of malignant neoplasms

Pacific Medical Journal ◽

10.34215/1609-1175-2020-4-85-87 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 85-87

Author(s):

O. S. Plotnikova ◽

V. I. Apanasevich ◽

M. A. Medkov ◽

A. A. Polezhaev ◽

V. I. Nevozhai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Phosphate Glass ◽

Linear Accelerator ◽

Malignant Tumors ◽

Video Recording ◽

Tantalum Oxide ◽

Vertical Plane ◽

Secondary Radiation ◽

Semiconductor Diode ◽

Malignant Neoplasms ◽

Diode Detector

Objective: The creation of the medicine for a local radiomodification of tumors.Methods: The level of the secondary radiation on the surface of the phosphate glass powder with the inclusion of tantalum oxide processed by 6 MeV deceleration emission was studied. Medical linear accelerator TrueBeam (Varian, USA), and Semiconductor diode detector PDI 2.0 (Sun Nuclear Corp., USA) having the system of moving in vertical plane and the system of position video recording were used.Results: The presence of the phosphate glass (containing 20% Та2О5) on the surface gave a 63.7% increase to the secondary radiation. It’s around two thirds of the overall level.Conclusion: An opportunity to create a medicine on the basis of phosphate glass, containing tantalum oxide, for local radiomodification of malignant tumors.

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Risk Assessment of Sulphite Exposure through Foods Among Adolescents of Delhi (India)

Current Nutrition & Food Science ◽

10.2174/1573401314666181002143352 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (7) ◽

pp. 685-693

Author(s):

Arushi Jain ◽

Pulkit Mathur

Keyword(s):

Risk Assessment ◽

Food Intake ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Food Sources ◽

Acceptable Daily Intake ◽

Food Record ◽

Government Schools ◽

Adverse Health Effects ◽

Food Items ◽

Permissible Levels

Background: Sulphites added as preservatives in food have been associated with adverse health effects in humans. Objective: The present study was designed with an objective of assessing the risk of sulphite exposure through food in adolescents (12-16 years old) of Delhi, India. Methods: A total of 1030 adolescents selected from four private and four government schools of Delhi, were asked to record their food intake using a 24 hour food record, repeated on three days, for assessing exposure to sulphites. The risk was assessed using six different scenarios of exposure. Results: The actual intake for sulphites for average consumers was 0.15 ± 0.13 mg / kg b.w. / day which was 21.4% of acceptable daily intake (ADI). For high consumers (P95), it was 65% of the ADI. However, for 2 respondents, the actual intake exceeded the ADI. The major food contributors to sulphite intake were beverage concentrates (46%), ready to serve beverages (22%) followed by miscellaneous food items (16%), mainly ice creams and snowballs. Estimation of sulphite intake using different exposure scenarios revealed that for certain scenarios where the highest reported sulphite level or maximum permissible levels were considered for calculation, the high consumers exceeded the ADI, though, for average consumers, intake was well below the ADI. Conclusion: Actual intake of sulphite for average consumers was well below the ADI but for high consumers was approaching the ADI. People with sulphite sensitivity need to be aware of hidden food sources of sulphites.

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How Are the Links between Alcohol Consumption and Breast Cancer Portrayed in Australian Newspapers?: A Paired Thematic and Framing Media Analysis

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18147657 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (14) ◽

pp. 7657

Author(s):

Amy Rudge ◽

Kristen Foley ◽

Belinda Lunnay ◽

Emma R. Miller ◽

Samantha Batchelor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Breast Cancer ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Breast Cancer Risk ◽

Cancer Risk ◽

Print Media ◽

Media Analysis ◽

Shared Responsibility ◽

Individual Responsibility ◽

Framing Analysis

A dose-dependent relationship between alcohol consumption and increased breast cancer risk is well established, even at low levels of consumption. Australian women in midlife (45–64 years) are at highest lifetime risk for developing breast cancer but demonstrate low awareness of this link. We explore women’s exposure to messages about alcohol and breast cancer in Australian print media in the period 2002–2018. Methods: Paired thematic and framing analyses were undertaken of Australian print media from three time-defined subsamples: 2002–2004, 2009–2011, and 2016–2018. Results: Five key themes arose from the thematic framing analysis: Ascribing Blame, Individual Responsibility, Cultural Entrenchment, False Equilibrium, and Recognition of Population Impact. The framing analysis showed that the alcohol–breast cancer link was predominantly framed as a behavioural concern, neglecting medical and societal frames. Discussion: We explore the representations of the alcohol and breast cancer risk relationship. We found their portrayal to be conflicting and unbalanced at times and tended to emphasise individual choice and responsibility in modifying health behaviours. We argue that key stakeholders including government, public health, and media should accept shared responsibility for increasing awareness of the alcohol–breast cancer link and invite media advocates to assist with brokering correct public health information.

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Immunohistochemical Biomarkers as a Surrogate of Molecular Analysis in Ovarian Carcinomas: A Review of the Literature

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics11020199 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 199 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Giacomo Santandrea ◽

Simonetta Piana ◽

Riccardo Valli ◽

Magda Zanelli ◽

Elisa Gasparini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ovarian Carcinoma ◽

Molecular Analysis ◽

Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Mucinous Carcinoma ◽

Serous Carcinoma ◽

Malignant Neoplasms ◽

Low Grade ◽

Ovarian Carcinomas ◽

Novel Target

The term “ovarian carcinoma” encompasses at least five different malignant neoplasms: high-grade serous carcinoma, low-grade serous carcinoma, endometrioid carcinoma, mucinous carcinoma, and clear cell carcinoma. These five histotypes demonstrated distinctive histological, molecular, and clinical features. The rise of novel target therapies and of a tailored oncological approach has demanded an integrated multidisciplinary approach in the setting of ovarian carcinoma. The need to implement a molecular-based classification in the worldwide diagnostic and therapeutic setting of ovarian cancer demanded a search for easy-to-use and cost-effective molecular-surrogate biomarkers, relying particularly on immunohistochemical analysis. The present review focuses on the role of immunohistochemistry as a surrogate of molecular analysis in the everyday diagnostic approach to ovarian carcinomas.

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Risk factors, symptom reporting, healthcare-seeking behaviour and adherence to public health guidance: protocol for Virus Watch, a prospective community cohort study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-048042 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. e048042

Author(s):

Andrew Hayward ◽

Ellen Fragaszy ◽

Jana Kovar ◽

Vincent Nguyen ◽

Sarah Beale ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Cohort Study ◽

Online Survey ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Advisory Group ◽

Antibody Testing ◽

Public Health Action ◽

Nasal Swabs ◽

Health Action ◽

Minority Ethnic

IntroductionThe coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant global mortality and impacted lives around the world. Virus Watch aims to provide evidence on which public health approaches are most likely to be effective in reducing transmission and impact of the virus, and will investigate community incidence, symptom profiles and transmission of COVID-19 in relation to population movement and behaviours.Methods and analysisVirus Watch is a household community cohort study of acute respiratory infections in England and Wales and will run from June 2020 to August 2021. The study aims to recruit 50 000 people, including 12 500 from minority ethnic backgrounds, for an online survey cohort and monthly antibody testing using home fingerprick test kits. Nested within this larger study will be a subcohort of 10 000 individuals, including 3000 people from minority ethnic backgrounds. This cohort of 10 000 people will have full blood serology taken between October 2020 and January 2021 and repeat serology between May 2021 and August 2021. Participants will also post self-administered nasal swabs for PCR assays of SARS-CoV-2 and will follow one of three different PCR testing schedules based on symptoms.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Hampstead National Health Service (NHS) Health Research Authority Ethics Committee (ethics approval number 20/HRA/2320). We are monitoring participant queries and using these to refine methodology where necessary, and are providing summaries and policy briefings of our preliminary findings to inform public health action by working through our partnerships with our study advisory group, Public Health England, NHS and government scientific advisory panels.

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