Comparison of Sex Hormones in Postmenopausal Women from Different Ethnic Groups
Author Information
Author(s): Iwasaki Motoki, Kasuga Yoshio, Yokoyama Shiro, Onuma Hiroshi, Nishimura Hideki, Kusama Ritsu, Hamada Gerson Shigeaki, Nishimoto Ines Nobuko, Maciel Maria do Socorro, Motola Juvenal Jr, Laginha Fábio Martins, Anzai Roberto, Tsugane Shoichiro
Primary Institution: National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
Hypothesis
Differences in sex hormone levels among populations might contribute to the variation in breast cancer incidence across countries.
Conclusion
Japanese Brazilians have higher levels of estrogens and androgens compared to Japanese and similar or higher levels than non-Japanese Brazilians.
Supporting Evidence
- Japanese Brazilians had significantly higher levels of estradiol, bioavailable estradiol, estrone, testosterone, and free testosterone than Japanese.
- Japanese Brazilians also had lower SHBG levels compared to Japanese.
- Levels of estradiol, testosterone, and free testosterone did not differ between Japanese Brazilians and non-Japanese Brazilians.
Takeaway
This study looked at hormone levels in older women from Japan and Brazil and found that Japanese Brazilians had more hormones linked to breast cancer than Japanese women.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study comparing hormone levels in postmenopausal women from Japan and Brazil, using blood samples and various hormone measurement techniques.
Potential Biases
Potential exposure misclassification due to differences in data collection methods between the two countries.
Limitations
The study's findings may be affected by differences in study methods between Japan and Brazil and a small sample size of Japanese Brazilians.
Participant Demographics
Postmenopausal women older than 55 years, including 185 Japanese, 44 Japanese Brazilians, and 134 non-Japanese Brazilians.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI for hormone levels reported
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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