Skin color and blood pressure: genetics or environment?
Article Abstract:
The association between skin color and hypertension (high blood pressure) has been the subject of a number of studies, including the one by Klag and his colleagues in the Journal of the American Medical Association, February 6, 1991. Some studies have found a correlation, while others have not. Klag removed the effects of environmental factors known to increase blood pressure, including obesity, blood sugar levels, uric acid levels, and salt and potassium intake. Blood pressure and skin pigmentation were related only for poor blacks and those who had not completed high school. Klag's conclusion is that socioeconomic status is the main factor in determining blood pressure in black Americans. However, both hypertension and melanin (the substance that is responsible for skin pigmentation) are under genetic control, and while the interaction of human genes from three or four locations is sufficient to explain skin color differences, the complexity of this phenomenon is probably much greater. In mice, 62 locations and more than 147 genes affect skin and hair color, so it is reasonable to assume that there remains much to be done in gene mapping of human skin and hair color variations. It is possible that one or more genes that affects melanin production also plays a role in hypertension. Another explanation is quite simple: the genetic tendency to hypertension is common among blacks in Africa and in the United States, and skin pigmentation is incidental. All Africans and their descendants are simply identified by their skin color. However, Klag may be correct in that socioeconomic factors play a major role. Hypertension may result when blacks are frustrated in the pursuit of their goals, or ''John Henryism.'' Studies have shown a relationship between hypertension and ''type A'' behavior, hostility and repression of emotions for both men and women. Additionally, males with low self-esteem and less control over their lives are more prone to hypertension. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1991
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Representation of American blacks in clinical trials of new drugs
Article Abstract:
Because different races can respond differently to drugs, racial minorities should be adequately represented in drug tests. However, racial minorities may be over-represented in research due to the inner-city location of most university hospitals. The representation of American blacks in 50 recently published studies of new drugs was examined and the results indicate that investigators do not adequately take racial differences into account as a possible cause of varying results. In most studies, the proportion of blacks is less than in the general population. Since clinical trials provide the information necessary for the implementation of new drugs, this underrepresentation suggests that insufficient data exist to assess the safety and efficacy of many new drugs in American blacks.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1989
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Adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer
Article Abstract:
A study aims to determine whether adjuvant chemotherapy is used in the community as a standard of practice that improves outcome and whether it failed to benefit any specific sets of patients. Data reveal that adjuvant chemotherapy use has increased from 1990 to 2002 for patients with stage III colon cancer with an associated increase in 5-year survival of 16% and its benefit seems to be lower in African-American patients and high-grade cancers.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2005
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