Dietary Factors and Prostate Cancer Development, Progression, and Reduction

Abstract

Due to the constantly increasing number of cases, prostate cancer has become one of the most important health problems of modern societies. This review presents the current knowledge regarding the role of nutrients and foodstuff consumption in the etiology and development of prostate malignancies, including the potential mechanisms of action. The results of several in vivo and in vitro laboratory experiments as well as those reported by the clinical and epidemiological research studies carried out around the world were analyzed. The outcomes of these studies clearly show the influence of both nutrients and food products on the etiology and prevention of prostate cancer. Consumption of certain nutrients (saturated and trans fatty acids) and food products (e.g., processed meat products) leads to the disruption of prostate hormonal regulation, induction of oxidative stress and inflammation, and alteration of growth factor signaling and lipid metabolism, which all contribute to prostate carcinogenesis. On the other hand, a high consumption of vegetables, fruits, fish, and whole grain products exerts protective and/or therapeutic effects. Special bioactive functions are assigned to compounds such as flavonoids, stilbenes, and lycopene. Since the influence of nutrients and dietary pattern is a modifiable risk factor in the development and prevention of prostate cancer, awareness of the beneficial and harmful effects of individual food ingredients is of great importance in the global strategy against prostate cancer.

Evidence Update on the Relationship between Diet and the Most Common Cancers from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Study: A Systematic Review

“…Results from EPIC might underestimate the role that diet may play in prostate carcinogenesis. Prostate cancer aetiology remains largely unknown and increasing evidence is being gathered supporting the relevant role of dietary factors in the disease [151,152]. According to a recent review, consumption of trans and saturated fatty acids, and food products such as processed meat contributes to prostate carcinogenesis through the alteration of prostate hormonal regulation, the induction of oxidative inflammation and stress, and the alteration of growth factor signalling and lipid metabolism.…”

“…According to a recent review, consumption of trans and saturated fatty acids, and food products such as processed meat contributes to prostate carcinogenesis through the alteration of prostate hormonal regulation, the induction of oxidative inflammation and stress, and the alteration of growth factor signalling and lipid metabolism. Conversely, a high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, and fish seem to exert protective and/or therapeutic effects [151].…”

Systemic Effects Reflected in Specific Biomarker Patterns Are Instrumental for the Paradigm Change in Prostate Cancer Management: A Strategic Paper

“…However, the association between protective effects of lycopene/tomato products and prostate cancer have not been confirmed by other studies [81,82]; nevertheless, the evaluation of the effects of lycopene in individuals with a history of prostate cancer requires additional analysis [81]. With exception of lycopene, there are also other specific plant-derived bioactive molecules such as flavonoids and stilbenes that effectively target mechanisms involved in the initiation and development of prostate malignancies [83]. Moreover, the involvement of inflammation in the development of prostate cancer emphasises the potential of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to decrease the risk.…”

Comparative Analysis of the Antitumor Activity of Cis- and Trans-Resveratrol in Human Cancer Cells with Different p53 Status

“…Taken together, cis-resveratrol could serve as a lead structure for the development of small molecules with high bioavailability and antitumor activity while maintaining a low cytotoxicity profile without pronounced unwanted side effects. In addition, daily dietary intake of resveratrol-isomers could serve as long-term chemoprevention for hepatocellular cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer [60][61][62].…”