24-Hour Measurement of Gastric pH in Rural South Africa.

Background. Previous studies have established norms of 24-hour gastric pH profiles for western countries. This study was designed to establish the pattern for a rural African population with a high incidence of oesophageal cancer.

Molecular basis for maize as a risk factor for esophageal cancer in a South African population via a prostaglandin E2 positive feedback mechanism.

The incidence of squamous cancer of the esophagus varies up to a hundredfold in different regions of the world. In Transkei, South Africa, a particularly high incidence of the disease is observed. We have previously proposed an association between a maize-rich diet and elevated levels of intragastric prostaglandin E2 production (PGE(2)).

Carcinogens and endemic squamous cancer of the oesophagus in Transkei, South Africa. Environmental initiation is the dominant factor; tobacco or other carcinogens of low potency or concentration are sufficient for carcinogenesis in the predisposed mucosa.

Oesophageal cancer is common in Africa, and is a major cause of death in Transkei, South Africa. The cause of this endemic disease has been debated for many decades. A continuing focus of research has been identification of a single potent carcinogen.

Dietary fat and salivary prostaglandin E2.

A study of the relation between dietary fat intake and salivary prostaglandin E2 was undertaken in Transkei, South Africa. Samples of saliva were obtained from (1) Transkeians on a very low fat diet, (2) Transkeians on a low fat diet, (3) Transkeians on a medium fat diet, (4) British patients. Salivary PGE2 means for the groups were (1) 2357 pg/ml, (2) 2020 pg/ml, (3) 733 pg/ml, (4) 312.