Tobacco and Alcohol Use Among 1996 Medical School Graduates

Article Abstract:

Tobacco use is declining among American medical students, but alcohol use remains prominent. Researchers surveyed 548 graduating medical students and found that 2% smoked, 13% had a smoking history, and 18% used alcohol three or more times per week. A smoking history was much more common in older students than younger students. Binge drinking was reported by 21% of students. Male students reported heavier alcohol consumption and more binge drinking than females. White students reported binging on alcohol far more than students of other ethnic groups.

Medical students, Students, Drinking of alcoholic beverages, Drinking (Alcoholic beverages), Drug use

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Pharmacogenetics and Ethnoracial Differences in Smoking

Article Abstract:

Gene mutations may explain why some ethnic groups have a higher or lower risk of cancer from smoking. Two 1998 studies illustrate why African American smokers may have higher rates of cancer. One found that African Americans have higher blood levels of a metabolite of nicotine. A gene mutation affecting enzymes that clear nicotine from the blood could account for this finding. The enzyme cytochrome P-450 2A6 and the UDP glucuronyltransferases (UGTs) are two enzymes involved in nicotine metabolism.

Lung cancer

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Novel hMLH1 and hMSH2 Germline Mutations in African Americans With Colorectal Cancer

Article Abstract:

A mutation in the genes for DNA mismatch repair (MMR) appear to be linked to colorectal cancer in African Americans. Eleven African Americans with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and 50 healthy volunteers were tested for mutations in the hMLH1 and hMSH2 genes. Three tested positive for a mutation. Three of the mutations had never been described before. Two of the mutations were not found in any of the healthy volunteers.

Colorectal cancer, Genetic aspects

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