Black Health Matters (BHM) - Cancer and Chronic Disease Cumulative Incidence & Mortality Risk Determinants Understanding and Marginalization

BLACK HISTORY MONTH (BHM) - February 1, 2025-March 1, 2025

Black Health: Risk & Predisposing Factors - Gene & Environment Interaction

February as the Black History Month, we need to collectively, collaboratively, and mutualistically accept DNA sequence as similar, comparing blacks and white population as completely comparable, with pigmentation accounting for < 0.05% with respect to blacks and white's genomics. Regarding clinical pathologies, genomics account for an estimated 6.6%, while epigenomics reflects an estimated > 80.3% of disease condition. However, the understanding of social and health inequities in disease improvement facilitates health equity transformation within all subpopulations in the US. This perspective in health improvement and optimization reflects social, economic and environment equity.

Historically and today, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., with his understanding of the Tuskegee exposure of black men to injectable substances, made it very clear that, of all forms of social injustice, the most staggering is health disparities. During the Black History Month, we must come together as communities to reflect on translational public health that reelects gene and environment interaction in health improvement, especially among the enslaved blacks, who were committed in building this nation, as well as American Indians/Alaska Natives.

In this nation, Cancer as malignant neoplasm and Chronic disease mainly T2DM, CVDAs, Peripheral Neuropathy, COPD, DAT have highest cumulative incidence as well as disproportionate mortality within the blacks/AA communities. The understanding and application of risk determinants in these conditions will improve the health of blacks/AA in this nation. The overall risk factors in these pathologies are collectively expressed as: (a) physical activities, such as exercise, (b) nutritional balance, and (c) sleep pattern and duration as environment affiliated with epigenomic modulations.

Aberrant Epigenomic Modulations (Gene and Environment Interaction) and Disease

?The DNA modifications that do not change the DNA sequence can affect gene activity-epigenome (above the gene). Gene activities can be influenced by the addition of chemical compounds, thus regulating their activities; these modifications are termed epigenomic changes – gene and environment interaction. The epigenome reflects the chemical compounds added to one’s DNA which is the genome in regulating the activity of all the genes within the genome (gene expression). These modifications remain as cells division and in some cases can be inherited through the generations, and are reversible as well.?? For example, social conditions, diet, pollutants, etc., impact the genome, indicative of epigenomic modulations.

?Every day encounter or daily interaction with the human environment affects the way in which the human gene is expressed and the subsequent gene product as protein molecules. Basically, social conditions such as social isolation, discrimination, low SES, social adversity, and unemployment have the tendency to alter human gene expression in a negative direction, implying increased disease development, poor prognosis, survival disadvantage, and excess mortality. Genes remain hereditary materials acquired through 23 pairs of chromosomes and exert fundamental functions in cellular development, differentiation, and maturation. Human proteins that serve as cell membranes, enzymes that catalyze biological activities, and drug receptors which are molecules required for drug binding and response are all products of human gene expression.?? Protein synthesis commences with the replication of the genetic material, termed DNA, then transcription and translation of the mRNA into protein, hence cellular function and adaptability.

?The gene-environment interaction termed epigenomics, meaning above the gene are changes within the gene promoter region that affect the transcription proteins and restrict gene expression resulting in disease development, poor prognosis, and survival disadvantage. Specifically, the gene-environment may involve the social environment, diet, hormones, physical and chemical environment, and in-utero which may result in the recruitment of the methyl group (CH3) to the prompter region where the dinucleotide CpG is located. The covalent binding of these CH3 results in methyl cytosine or the hydroxymethyl radical leading to hydroxymethylcytosine, both of which have different and opposing biological functions, and lead to impaired gene expression and protein synthesis, hence abnormal cellular function and impaired plasticity.?????????

Social signal transduction due to isolation, social stressors, or discrimination reflects the fight or flight notion of the sympathetic nervous system by the elaboration of norepinephrine and the beta-adrenergic receptors activation. Specifically, adverse social environments serve as triggers of neural and endocrine responses, influencing cellular response systems, resulting in the activation of the intracellular signal transduction pathways and the subsequent repression or activation of transcription factors that are involved in the transcription of gene-bearing response elements (GBRE).?

Black/AA Disease Control & Prevention?

The environment determinants of disease remain to improve health in the black/AA communities: Microplastics are associated with health conditions especially brain, liver and kidney disease. The higher level of microplastics within human brain such as 7 grams, predispose to Dementia (DAT). There is a need for the black/AA communities to avoid plastic water bottles, containers, bags, microwaving in plastic containers, and to apply glass containers, wood cutting boards, natural clothing fibers.

Cancer prevention and control requires normal epigenomic modulation, indicative of nutritional balance as macronutrients namely carbohydrates namely rice, fruits and vegetables as well as micronutrients, mainly anti-oxidants such as Vitamin A, B, C, D, E, K, etc. Macronutrients are classified as:? (a) protein, (b) carbohydrates and (c) fat, while micronutrients include fruits and veggies with substantial minerals and vitamins.

The chronic inflammation may be driven by: (a) poor nutrition, (b) decreased exercise, (c) smoking, (d) unmanaged stress, (e) excess alcohol consumption, (f) inadequate sleep, and (g) excess weight and obesity. This clinical manifestation as chronic inflammation, may be associated with chronic disease and other conditions namely: (a) Alzheimer’s disease, (b) cancer, (c) diabetes –T2DM, (d) chronic fatigue, (e) decreased immune system response, (f) sexual dysfunction, (g) depression and generalized anxiety, (h) osteoporosis, (i) hepatocellular as fatty liver disease, and (j) macular degeneration.

Specifically, healthful eating involves: (a) fruits, (b) vegetables, (c)? nuts, (d)? legumes, (e) extra-virgin olive oil, (f)? fish and seafood, and (g)? lean poultry. Avoidance of unhealthful diet such as : (a)? butter, (b)? full-fat dairy, (c)? red meat, (d) ultra-processed foods, and (e ) sugary beverages decreases? CVDs, CVAs, cancer incidence and improved these health outcomes. Typically, cranberry, D-mannose, and hibiscus extract can enhance the efficacy of probiotics by supporting gut health, immune function, and nutrient absorption

?Protein diet facilitates muscles, tissues, and organ and system development, including hormonal regulation. Protein diets include though not limited to lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, cottage cheese, plain Greek yogurt and tofu, which provides four calories per gram.

Carbohydrates remains the source of energy, as glucose during bio-gradation. Specifically, carbohydrates include bread, rice, pasta, grains, fruits, starchy vegetables, beans, milk and yogurt, etc., indicative of four calories per gram.

Fat diet is biodegraded as; (a) fatty acids, (b) glycerol and (c) fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Similarly, food products such as nuts, seeds, oils, butter,? and sour cream reflects nine calories per gram. American Dietary Guidelines requires the application of these daily calories within macronutrients: (a) 10% to 35% of calories from protein, (b) 45% to 65% of calories from carbohydrates, and (c) 20% to 35% of calories from fat. Specifically, the application of these daily recommendations may depend on individual:? (a)?? age, (b) sex, (c) medical conditions, (d) lifestyle and physical activities.

The micronutrients reflects: (a) vitamins and (b) minerals, which are by milligrams and micrograms. While macronutrients elaborate energy, micronutrients do not but remains essential for:? (a) brain/CNS functionality, (b) digestive system and (c) hormonal elaboration. Comparable with macronutrients, micronutrients could be associated with fruits and vegetables.

?Vitamins as Micronutrients?

?Vitamins as micronutrients reflect anti-oxidants, which addressees toxic radicals, as oxidants mainly O3. The application of vitamins and minerals in addressing toxic radicals improves apoptosis, immune system, brain/CNS system, gastro-intestinal system as well as clinical conditions mainly cancer and CVDs. Vitamin B-1 as Thiamine, facilitates nutrients energy transformation. Carbohydrates such as? white rice, fortified breakfast cereals and black beans are considered as Vitamin B-I.

?(B) Vitamin B-2 considered as? Riboflavin, also reflects : (a) energy production,? (b) cell function and? (c) fat metabolism. The food products associated with Vitamin B-2 are (i) instant oats, (ii) fat-free yogurt and? (iii) milk product.

?(C) Vitamin B-3 as Niacin elaborates energy form macronutrients namely: (a) chicken breast, (b)? turkey breast, (c) salmon and? (d) tuna.

??(D) Vitamin B-5, namely Pantothenic acid, facilitates? fatty acid synthesis. The macronutrients for this vitamin, B5 are (i)? shitake mushrooms, (ii) sunflower seeds and? (iii) avocados.

??(E)? Vitamin B-6, namely Pyridoxine, enables sugar release from stored carbohydrates as? energy elaboration as well as RBCs elaboration, and is affiliated with: (i)? chickpeas,? (ii) tuna and (iii) potatoes.

?(F) Vitamin B-7 as Biotin, facilitates (a) fatty acids, (b) amino acids and (c) glucose metabolism. The macronutrients associated with this micronutrient, Vitamin B7 include, though not limited to (i) eggs, (ii) salmon, and (c) sweet potatoes.

?(G) Vitamin B-9, namely folate or folic acid facilitates adequate cell division. The macronutrients affiliated with this vitamin are: (i)?? spinach, (ii)? fortified breakfast cereals,? (iii) white rice and (iv) asparagus.

??(H) Vitamin B-12 as Cobalamin, facilitates: (a)? RBCs formation, (b) nervous system and (c)? brain/CNS functionality. The macronutrient affiliated with this vitamin include though, not limited to: (i) salmon,? (ii) milk and (iii) yogurt.

?(I) Vitamin C as ascorbic acid, facilitates the development of: (a) certain neurotransmitters and (b) collagen. The macronutrients affiliated with this micronutrient include though not limited to : (i)? red peppers, (ii) oranges,? (iii) grapefruits and? (iv) kiwis.

?Human fuel, such as nutrition remains very vital in immune system regulation. The application of healthy nutrients remains an essential role in disease prevention and control. The application of nutrients? rich in fruits and vegetables, namely Mediterranean diet, serves up antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and polyphenols, to promote healthy immune responses. Polyphenols are plant-based micronutrients involved in immune system regulation. Dietary intake facilitates the beneficial bacteria in our guts in line with immune system and respiratory tract, indicative of adequate response to? foreign invaders and infection, as implicated in respiratory viruses, as pathogenies

?Vitamin A, Retinol: Vitamin A, which comprises Carotenoids and Retinoid, and? facilitates human? biologic development and function.? . Carotenoids, as pro-vitamin A? are located? within plant-based nutrients, namely? carrots and sweet potatoes. The conversion of pro-vitamins as Carotenoid to Vitamin A as Retinol? requires? healthy fats, as? beta-carotene. Retinoids as vitamin A are located? within? animal-based foods, such as: (i)? eggs, (ii) fish,? and (iii) milk.

?Preserve healthy vision, by preventing the incidence of cataracts or age-related macular degeneration, as well as vision loss restoration. The immune system function is enhanced by Vitamin A, which improves the WBCs as well as mucous membranes within the bronco-pulmonary pathway, gastrointestinal tract,? and urinary tract, indicative of free radicals as toxins elimination. This Vitamin facilitates cancer risk reduction, such as? non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Data have observed the use of high dose of Vitamin A supplement to among tobacco users to? in increased? cancer incidence and mortality. Vitamin A remains? an effective treatment for acne.??

Vitamin D - Claciferol is a micronutrient your body needs for building and maintaining healthy bones. That's because your body can only absorb calcium, the primary component of bone, when vitamin D is present. Vitamin D also regulates many other cellular functions in your body as? anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties supporting the? immune health, muscle function and brain cellular activities.

Vitamin D is fortified milk, fortified cereal, and fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines as well as sunlight. Regarding location and? lifestyle, vitamin D production might decrease or be completely absent during the winter months. Scientific research observed vitamin D in cancer prevention, depending on the type of cancer as well as in the treatment of? bone pain, muscle weakness, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, psoriasis (specific VItamin-D, Calcipotriene), rickets. However, taking too much vitamin D supplements may not be beneficial but harmful, indicative of confusion and disorientation, heart rhythm abnormality, kidney stones and kidney damage, weakness and weight loss.

The Vitamin D interaction involve Atorvastatin which? might affect this medication processes with cholesterol.? Thiazide diuretics as? blood pressure agent with vitamin D increases the of? risk hypercalcemia. The steroid mediations such as prednisone reduces calcium absorption and vitamin D processing. Also long-term use of high doses of stimulant laxatives reduces vitamin D and calcium absorption. The Verapamil high doses of vitamin D results in hypercalcemia, hence reduction in the effectiveness this agent, verapamil.

?Vitamin E is a micronutrient? involved in vision, reproduction, blood, brain and skin. This vitamin is an antioxidant the protect the cells against free radicals, mainly molecules produced when the body breaks down food as well as exposure to tobacco smoke and radiation. The free radicals? are? implicated in heart disease, cancer and other diseases as risk determinants.? The nutrients? rich in vitamin E include canola oil, olive oil,? almonds and peanuts. Additionally, Vitamin E is included in? meats, dairy, leafy greens and fortified cereals. Vitamin E deficiency is associated neuropathy. The high-dose? delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The vitamin E oral use might increase the risk of cancer of the prostate, as well as blurred vision- retinitis pigmentosa, fatigue, weakness, intestinal cramps, nausea and diarrhea.

?The hypertension (HTn)? control and management requires the macronutrient below, which could maintain SBP and DBP depending on HTn risk reduction such as smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.

.Vitamin K reflects vitamins observed in some green vegetables, classified as?? K1, phytonadione , as well as? K2 menaquinone.? These Vitamins? are essential vitamin required for blood clotting, and? bone/muscle? building, The macronutrients associated with Vitamin K are (i) leafy green vegetables, (ii)? broccoli, and (iii)? Brussels sprouts. This Vitamin K is applicable? in osteoporosis, athletic performance, breast cancer and? diabetes as T2DM incidence reduction and health outcomes improvement

??Minerals: Micronutrients??

?A.??? Calcium, Ca facilitates foster (a) bones and? (b) teeth and (c)? muscle function. The macronutrients affiliated with Ca include though not limited to (i)? yogurt, (ii) orange juice, (iii) cheese and? (iv) milk. ??B.???? Magnesium, Mg facilitates blood pressure regulation and normal SBP and DBP. The macronutrient affiliated with Mg include though not limited to : (i) pumpkin seeds, (ii) almonds and? (iii) spinach. ??????????C.???? Potassium, K. Potassium addressees muscle function as well as nerve transmission. The macronutrients affiliated with potassium are: (i)? apricots, (ii) lentils, (iii) prunes and (iv)? raisins.

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Malignant Neoplasm Prevention and ?Control – Nutritional Balance

?Cancer remains, an abnormal cellular proliferation reflecting? DNA damage that enhances prolongation of cells in avoiding apotosis. While cancer remaisn the second leading cause of mortality in the US, induicative of 40-45% cummultive incidence and prevalence. The DNA and cellular longevity? requires? eight? days for new cells proliferation, as non-cancerous cells. However if cells survive more than this estimated duration, cancerous cells emegre, as DNA mutation, indicative of early screening, diagnosis and therapeutics. With respect to normal apoptosis and prooncogenic? process, the immune system requires normal elaboration, indicative of normal DNA transcription, RNA translation and normal cellular development and proliferation, such as cell maturation, division and replication.

The cancer as malignant neoplasm incidence is driven by : (a) chemicalized beverages; (b) snacks, (c) prescriotion drugs, (d) The prevention of cancer incidence requires normal epigenomic modulations, which is regulated by nutrietional balance? that? facilitates anti-oxidant, and downregulates O3 toxic radicals, as oxidative stress within tissues, organs and systems. The macronutrients involved in cancer preventive modalities involves: (a) turmeric, (b) kate, (c) black raspberry, , (d)?? walnuts , (e) matcha green tea, (f) flaxseeds, (g) shiitake muschroom, (h) beans, and (i) white button muchroom. These macronutrients protects DNA, implicative of immune system elaboration and abnormal cellular proliferation downregulation. For example the shiitake muschroom contains antineoplastic agents and cancer cells elimination process : (i) lentinan-1,3 Beta–Glucan, implying macrophage and natural killer cells (ii) boost immune system, (iii) T cell acativity enhancement, and (iv) destroys cencer cells.

TUMERIC comprises curcumin and down regulates NF-kB? as well as inhibit angiogenesis. This turmeric is characterized as : (a) turmerone, (b) water soluble and (c) curcuminoids; as anti-carcinogen. The curcumin: (i)? protects DNA damage, (ii) mood protection, (iii) cognitive performance, (iv) gastrointestinal symptoms, (v) liver disease and (vi) osteoathritis; indicative of low cancer cumulative incidence and chronic disease improvement. Simply, curcumin : (i) protects malignant cells, (ii) inhibit tumor growth, and (iii) reduce inflammation.

?KALE is a water soluble Vitamin A, and contains iron (Fe) and chlorophyll as well as myrosinase and glucoraphanin as anti-cancer molecule. With respect to Vitamin A , a single carrot, green onions, bell peper, peeled garlic, ginger, whole dates and one TSP miso paste and water; sesame seeds and oil could be utilized in salad dressing blending recipe.? The cruciferous vegetables reflects cancer prevention as well as blood pressure reduction, indicative of normal blood pressure.

?The BLACK RASPBERRIES reflects : (a) muscle relaxation, (b) muscle therapeutics, (c) calcium metabolism, (d) gluthathione activities. This raspberry is capable of reducing inflammatory maker, CRP within weeks. The Raspberry gel could manage: (i) RNA processing ,? (ii) growth factor recycling, and (iii) apoptosis, prigrammed cell death. The Ellagic acid within Raspberry invoved : (i) DNA damaging toxins, and (ii) mutatons,????

Matcha Green Tea is indicative of : (i) longevity, (ii) sustained calmness,? and (iii) DNA protection. However the FDA observed that Green tea is? not implicative? in cancer risk reduction. However, grren tea in some countries sucha as Mongolia and China. Similarly, green tea as chemopreventive observed improvement in human oral precancerous mucosa lesion, as well as risk marginalization in colorectum metachronous adenomas in green tea in nutriprevention of this malignancy.??

?Wallnuts disease prevention as walnuts and walnuts oil improves stress reaction as well as health outcomes of elderly. This substance improves inflammation as well as anti-neoplstic agaent, such as (i)? hepatic, (ii) prostate, (iii) esophageal and (iv) colon malignant neoplasm.? Wallnuts reflects the the ellagic acid companent that is metablized as? Ellagitannins? to Ellagic Acid and Urolithins, which is highly? bioactive? as well as easily absorbed. Urolithins are involved in anti-inflammatory process , arthritis, neuroinflammation, CVDs as well as anti-neoplastic agent in cancer prevention, proliferation marginalization as well as apoptosis induction. Mitophagy is involved in energy production, cellular health as well as mitochondria enhancement, indicative of improved muscle function. Omega -3-Fatty Acid? is a component of wallnuts, facilitating anti-oxidants and eliminating toxic radicals, O3.??

Flaxseed as polyunsaturated fatty acid, licnans –estrogen receptor, hormone driven cancer such as breast cancer. Flaxseeds? as ligans facilitates the reduction of breast cancer risk. The Flaxseed as IL-1receptor antagonist facilitates normal human breast tissue, and is requested? in breast cancer prevention.

White Button Mushroom that contains selenium, ergothioneine, B Vitamin, oxidative DNA damage, This? muchrooms? as phytates involves phytic acid with : (i) grains, (ii) legumes, (iii) beans, and? (iv) nuts.

?Beans contains calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium is within this mushroom. This phytates remain as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, as well as immune system modulation properties.? The high dry bean consumption reduce the colorectal adenocarcinoma reoccurrence. Specifically, beans could prevent colon, breast and prostate malignant neoplasm.??

?Nutrients Avoidance

High glycemic index carbohydrates must be avoided to the management of HTn in the black/AA communities namely, CORN as fiber and starchy vegetables that could predispose to T2DM, Secondly, corn syrup must be avoided, as well as peas. Black/AA communities with T2DM, green beans, broccoli, arugula, cabbage, and spinach remains a better option. However, Butternut Squash with high fiber must be avoided due to high carbohydrates and natural sugars. Beets must be avoided due to high blood sugar spikes. The recommended fruits are effective as antioxidants that supports CVDs health. in the blacks/AA communities.

Global Health Equity Foundation, Black Health Matters (BHM)

With respect to this information in improving communities' health, please feel free to obtain these materials:

Novel Epigenomic Public Health: Applied Epigenomic Population/Public Health Initiatives - Kindle edition by Holmes Jr, Laurens . Health, Fitness & Dieting Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

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