13 | June | 2024 | Living Well Study

A recent study conducted across 196 cities has shed light on the enduring impact of historical housing discrimination on colon cancer treatment. Led by S.M. Qasim Hussaini, M.D., from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, in collaboration with colleagues from the American Cancer Society and Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, the findings, published in the journal JCO Oncology Practice, reveal a concerning correlation between past discriminatory housing practices and present-day disparities in colon cancer care.

The study delves into the legacy of the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC), a federally sponsored initiative in the 1930s that used racial criteria to determine mortgage loan eligibility. Areas with high Black, immigrant, or minority populations were designated as hazardous for lending, perpetuating systemic disinvestment and socioeconomic inequalities. This discriminatory mapping led to disparities in access to health-promoting resources such as green spaces and healthy foods, particularly in redlined neighbourhoods.

Hussaini and his team analysed data from the National Cancer Database, sourced from 149,917 newly diagnosed colon cancer patients between 2007 and 2017, to assess the impact of historical redlining on contemporary colon cancer care. By correlating patients’ residential locations with HOLC mapping areas, the researchers found that individuals residing in previously redlined areas (HOLC D) were more likely to face advanced-stage diagnosis, delayed treatment, and poorer survival outcomes.

The study highlights stark contrasts between residents of HOLC D areas and those in areas deemed more favourable for mortgage lending (HOLC A). Those in HOLC D areas were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer and less likely to receive guideline-concordant care, including surgery, lymph node evaluation, and chemotherapy. Moreover, residents in HOLC D areas experienced longer wait times for adjuvant chemotherapy, which is crucial for preventing cancer recurrence.

Statistical models revealed a notable excess risk of death for colon cancer patients in HOLC C and HOLC D areas, even after adjusting for cancer stage at diagnosis. These findings underscore the pervasive impact of historical housing discrimination on present-day health outcomes, highlighting the urgent need for addressing systemic inequalities in access to quality cancer care.

This groundbreaking study expands our understanding of the intersection between institutional racism and healthcare disparities, providing valuable insights into the enduring effects of past discriminatory practices on contemporary health outcomes. By elucidating the link between historical redlining and disparities in colon cancer treatment, the research underscores the imperative of promoting health equity and addressing systemic injustices within healthcare systems.

The findings have significant implications for healthcare policy and practice, calling for targeted interventions to mitigate disparities in colon cancer care and improve outcomes for underserved communities. By acknowledging and addressing the legacy of housing discrimination, healthcare providers and policymakers can work towards creating more equitable and accessible healthcare systems, ensuring that all individuals receive the quality care they deserve, regardless of their residential history.

This study powerfully reminds us of the long-lasting impact of historical injustices on present-day health outcomes, emphasising the importance of addressing structural inequalities in healthcare to achieve health equity for all.

More information: S.M. Qasim Hussaini, et al, Association of Historical Housing Discrimination and Colon Cancer Treatment and Outcomes in the United States, JCO Oncology Practice. DOI: 10.1200/OP.23.00426

Journal information: JCO Oncology Practice Provided by The University of Alabama at Birmingham

The accelerated ageing of populations underscores the urgency of comprehending the molecular mechanisms underlying ageing. The mTOR protein complex, a pivotal player in numerous bodily processes, particularly in metabolism, has garnered attention for its role in this context.

Recent research on animal models reveals a significant correlation between slight increases in mTOR activity and premature ageing, resulting in a potential reduction in lifespan by up to 20%. This finding sheds light on the connection between mTOR, metabolism, and the onset or exacerbation of ageing-related diseases, particularly in individuals with elevated body mass index, indicative of obesity and inflammation. Furthermore, it elucidates why calorie restriction, a dietary intervention linked to increased animal longevity, may promote healthy ageing by modulating genes that interact with mTOR.

Lead author Alejo Efeyan, from the Metabolism and Cell Signalling Group at the National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), introduces a novel research tool to explore the interplay between nutrient levels and organ ageing. Published in Nature Aging, the study, with Ana Ortega-Molina as the first author, also involves researchers from various esteemed institutions.

The study unveils a mechanism by which mTOR activity is manipulated through a protein-based system that deceives mTOR regarding nutrient availability within cells. This manipulation triggers cellular dysfunction upon maturity in animals, leading to manifestations of ageing such as dermal thinning and organ damage, notably in the pancreas, liver, and kidneys. Immune responses intended for repair are overwhelmed, exacerbating inflammation and further compromising organ function.

By effectively blocking the immune response responsible for inflammation, researchers observed significant improvements in organ damage, pointing to promising therapeutic avenues for mitigating age-related health decline.

The study’s findings directly translate to human ageing, as evidenced by striking parallels observed in naturally ageing mice. Notably, lysosomal activity, crucial for cellular waste management, diminishes both in naturally aged animals and those with manipulated mTOR activity. This direct correlation underscores the practical relevance of mTOR modulation in the context of ageing and provides valuable insights into potential interventions to ameliorate age-related health decline in humans.

More information: Ana Ortega-Molina et al, A mild increase in nutrient signaling to mTORC1 in mice leads to parenchymal damage, myeloid inflammation and shortened lifespan, Nature Aging. DOI: 10.1038/s43587-024-00635-x

Journal information: Nature Aging Provided by Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas – CNIO

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Daily Archives: 13 June 2024

Nutrient Overload Accelerates Aging in Animals