Vitamins, metabolomics, and prostate cancer

Abstract

Purpose How micronutrients might influence risk of developing adenocarcinoma of the prostate has been the focus of a large body of research (especially regarding vitamins E, A, and D). Metabolomic profiling has the potential to discover molecular species relevant to prostate cancer etiology, early detection, and prevention, and may help elucidate the biologic mechanisms by which vitamins influence prostate cancer risk. Methods Prostate cancer risk data related to vitamins E, A, and D and metabolomics profiling from clinical, cohort, and nested case-control studies, along with randomized controlled trials, are examined and summarized, along with recent metabolomic data of the vitamin phenotypes. Results Higher vitamin E serologic status is associated with lower prostate cancer risk, and vitamin E genetic variant data support this. By contrast, controlled vitamin E supplementation trials have mixed results based on differing designs and dosages. Beta-carotene supplementation (in smokers) and higher circulating retinol and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D concentrations appear related to elevated prostate cancer risk. Our prospective metabolomics profiling of fasting serum collected 1-20 years prior to clinical diagnoses found lipid and energy/TCA cycle metabolites, including inositol-1-phosphate, lysolipids, alpha-ketoglutarate, and citrate, significantly associated with risk of aggressive disease. Conclusions Several active leads exist regarding the role of micronutrients and metabolites in prostate cancer carcinogenesis and risk. How vitamins D and A may adversely impact risk, and whether low-dose vitamin E supplementation remains a viable preventive approach, require further study.

Current or recent smoking is associated with more variable telomere length in prostate stromal cells and prostate cancer cells

“…In these sub‐analyses, we observed increased cell‐to‐cell telomere length variability in stromal cells among men who currently or recently smoked. Though we no longer observed this pattern in sub‐analyses restricting to men who did not take a vitamin E supplement, which has been shown to mitigate the association between smoking and fatal prostate cancer . In our prior analyses, we did not observe an association between stromal cell telomere length variability and prostate cancer death after adjustment for prognostic factors, but did observe greater telomere length variability in stromal cells of men who were overweight/obese .…”

“…Though we no longer observed this pattern in sub-analyses restricting to men who did not take a vitamin E supplement, which has been shown to mitigate the association between smoking and fatal prostate cancer. 13 In our prior analyses, we did not observe an association between stromal cell telomere length variability and prostate cancer death after adjustment for prognostic factors, 11 but did observe greater telomere length variability in stromal cells of men who were overweight/obese. 15 Thus, it is plausible that lifestyle factors, like cigarette smoking and obesity, 15 have a biologic influence on telomere length variability in stromal cells.…”

Influence of Diet and Nutrition on Prostate Cancer

“…The number of vitamins varies from species to species, and there are 13 categories of vitamins in humans. Among these, vitamins A, D, and E have been investigated regarding their influence on PCa prevention [67].…”

Anti-proliferative effect of terpenes on human prostate cáncer cells: natural sources and their potential role as chemopreventive agents.

“…Considering that several compounds present in plants are highly potent and selective 8 , it is interesting to focus efforts to obtain new active ingredients that provide alternative approaches for the development of drugs to treat different diseases. To date, a wide range of dietary factors have been associated with preventing the development of prostate cancer, including genistein from soybeans 9 , flavonolignans 10 , vitamin C and E 11,12 , selenium 13 and zinc 14 .…”