Role of diet modification in cancer prevention

Abstract

Carcinogenesis encompasses a prolonged accumulation of injuries at several different biological levels and include both genetic and biochemical changes in the cells. At each of these levels, there are several possibilities of intervention in order to prevent, slow down or even halt the gradual march of healthy cells towards malignancy. Diet modification is one such possibility. A number of natural foodstuffs, especially fruits and vegetables contain substantial quantities of molecules that have chemopreventive potential against cancer development. Such compounds include vitamins, trace elements and a variety of other molecules with antioxidant properties. Carotenoids, flavanoid polyphenols, isoflavones, catechins, and several other components that found in cruciferous vegetables are molecules that are known to protect against the deleterious effect of reactive oxygen species. A number of epidemiological and experimental studies have shown that vitamin C and E, Beta-carotene and the essential trace element selenium can reduce the risk of cancer. Consistent observations during the last few decades that cancer risk is reduced by a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains and green tea have encouraged research to identify several plant components especially phytochemicals that protect against DNA damage. Many of these substances block specific carcinogen pathways. Dietary supplements are part of an overall health program, along with a high intake of fruits and vegetables that help to combat damage to cells, which in turn may initiate cancer development. This paper will review current knowledge concerning diet modification and cancer prevention with special reference to minerals and trace elements.

Folk uses and pharmacological properties of Casearia sylvestris: a medicinal review

“…Other possibility would be linkage of the active compound, present in the extract, to the enzyme catalytic site which could avoid coupling of the substrate to the enzyme in a covalent or non-covalent interaction way. Highly reactive tannins presented in the leaves can bind to biological polymers and enzymes, allowing the electron transportation and obstructing the enzymatic activity (Abdulla andGruber 2000, Delfino andCanniatti-Brazaca 2010). Four ellagic acid derivatives from aqueous extracts of C. sylvestris were isolated, characterized and tested against actions of both total venom and PLA 2 (Asp 49 BthTX-II) from Bothrops jararacussu venom.…”

“…Hydroxybenzoic acids, such as gallic and ellagic acids as well as other polyphenolic molecules possess cytotoxic activity on human cancer cells (Zhang et al 2005, Veluri et al 2006). In addition, other researches have reported that plants with polyphenolic substances (for instance, flavonoids) protect the cells against injury caused by X-rays, block the progression of the cell cycle and prostaglandin synthesis, inhibit mutations and prevent carcinogenesis in experimental animals (Abdulla and Gruber 2000).…”

Moringa oleifera: bioactive compounds and nutritional potential

“…In vitro studies have shown that quercetin and other flavonoids strongly inhibit the production of both nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor by Kupffer cells when stimulated by injury 20 . Flavonoids protect the cells against injury caused by X-rays, block the progression of the cell cycle and prostaglandin synthesis, inhibit mutations and prevent carcinogenesis in experimental animals 21 .…”

“…It has been postulated that carotenoids converted into vitamin A in the liver and intestines, vitamins C and E, sterols and selenium can have a relevant role in the primary chemoprevention of cancer by avoiding oxidative injury to DNA 21 .…”

Chemopreventive effects of silymarin and silibinin on N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine–induced urinary bladder carcinogenesis in male ICR mice

“…In the last few years, there have been several studies directed toward the identification of dietary or nondietary natural components for the prevention and intervention of various human malignancies including bladder cancer (6,7). One such naturally occurring agent is silibinin (Fig.…”