The Multifaceted Roles of Diet, Microbes, and Metabolites in Cancer

Abstract

Many studies performed to date have implicated select microbes and dietary factors in a variety of cancers, yet the complexity of both these diseases and the relationship between these factors has limited the ability to translate findings into therapies and preventative guidelines. Here we begin by discussing recently published studies relating to dietary factors, such as vitamins and chemical compounds used as ingredients, and their contribution to cancer development. We further review recent studies, which display evidence of the microbial-diet interaction in the context of cancer. The field continues to advance our understanding of the development of select cancers and how dietary factors are related to the development, prevention, and treatment of these cancers. Finally, we highlight the science available in the discussion of common misconceptions with regards to cancer and diet. We conclude this review with thoughts on where we believe future research should focus in order to provide the greatest impact towards human health and preventative medicine.

Determination of VOCs in Surgical Resected Tissues from Colorectal Cancer Patients by Solid Phase Microextraction Coupled to Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

“…Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death [1][2][3][4] and the third most prevalent malignancy worldwide [5]. Only an early diagnosis can increase the 5-year survival rate up to 90% [4].…”

Host Microbiomes Influence the Effects of Diet on Inflammation and Cancer

“…Several vitamins including biotin, cobalamin, folate, and niacin amongst others have also been shown to elicit anti-tumor effects; several of these vitamins can be produced by microorganisms in nutrient-scarce conditions [34][35][36][37]. Select microbes also contribute to anti-or pro-inflammatory responses which can influence the development and progression of various cancers, demonstrating the importance of promoting health of these microbiota communities [12,13,28]. While evidence suggests that diet plays a role in ~30% of all cancers, whether diet alone or in conjunction with other interventions can be used in the treatment cancers remains to be fully understood [8,17,18].…”

“…While evidence suggests that diet plays a role in ~30% of all cancers, whether diet alone or in conjunction with other interventions can be used in the treatment cancers remains to be fully understood [8,17,18]. Many of the dietary factors increased in diets that are shown to improve cancer outcomes, including fruits, vegetables, dietary fibers, and proteins, partially rely on interactions with gut microbiota to elicit health benefits [12,13]. These microbiota communities, particularly oral and intestinal microbiota, are capable of utilizing dietary factors to produce by-products that impact host cells, and in turn dietary factors can also influence growth and health of microbiota [12,13,28].…”

“…Many of the dietary factors increased in diets that are shown to improve cancer outcomes, including fruits, vegetables, dietary fibers, and proteins, partially rely on interactions with gut microbiota to elicit health benefits [12,13]. These microbiota communities, particularly oral and intestinal microbiota, are capable of utilizing dietary factors to produce by-products that impact host cells, and in turn dietary factors can also influence growth and health of microbiota [12,13,28]. Dietary metabolites such as short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced during fiber fermentation by select commensal microorganisms in the intestine play a protective role against cancers by inhibiting myeloid cell-driven pro-tumorigenic inflammation [29].…”

“…Interestingly, one environmental factor that continues to receive mounting, yet often conflicting evidence for its role in cancer, is diet [8,9]. Many studies offer simplified approaches, for example, suggesting that a "Western" diet increases risk of malignancies, while a "Mediterranean" diet is thought to reduce inflammatory burden and tumorigenesis [10][11][12][13]. Progress beyond correlative analysis has demonstrated that the high phenolic contents of extra virgin olive oil, a major component of the Mediterranean diet, confers protection in an inflammatory setting by reducing the effects of pro-inflammatory mediators partially through interactions with the gut microbiota [14][15][16].…”