Nutrition and Cancer Flashcards
Carcinogenesis Pathways
-
Genetic
- oncogenes, proto-oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes
-
Biologic
- transforming viruses
-
Physical
- radiation, UV → DNA damage
-
Chemical carcinogens
- procarcinogens → activation → DNA damage
- inflammation → free radicals → DNA damage
- excess growth hormone → cancer progression
Alcohol
Associated Cancers
-
Known increased risk:
- mouth
- larynx
- pharynx
- esophagus
- liver
-
Observed increased risk:
- breast
- colon
Alcohol
Cancer Mechanism
-
Excess acetaldehyde
- EtOH → acetaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase in liver
- Acetaldehyde → Krebs cycle ⟾ energy
- Excess acetaldehyde → systemic ⟾ impaired mitochondrial function & cirrhosis
-
Excess NADH
- ⊕ pyruvate → lactic acid ⟾ ⊖ gluconeogenesis ⟾ acidosis & hypoglycemia
- ⊕ lipogenesis ⟾ obesity
- ⊕ ETC in mitochondria & ⊖ lipid metabolism ⟾ ⊖ Krebs cycle & acetyl CoA accumulation ⟾ hyperlipidemia and ketosis
- Induces hepatic Phase I enzymes (cyto-P450 enzymes) ⟾ hydroxylation/oxidation ⟾ activation of compounds
Obesity Associated Cancers
Clear Increased Risk
-
Clear increased risk:
- post-menopausal breast cancer
- endometrial (uterine) cancer
- colon ca
- esophageal ca
- kidney ca
Obesity Associated Cancers
Observed Increased Risk
-
Observed increased risk:
- pancreas
- gallbladder
- thyroid
- ovary
- cervix
- prostate
Obesity
Cancer Mechanism
-
Breast & endometrial ca
- peripheral fat hormone production ⟾ ↑ estrogen
-
Colon ca
- associated with IGF-1/insulin
-
Esophageal & gastric ca
- increased reflux ⟾ Barrett’s esophagus
- Kidney ⟾ unknown
Meat
Associated Cancers
-
Epidemiological studies
- colon
- pancreatic
- prostate
-
Animal studies
- breast
- colon
- liver
- skin
Meat
Carcinogenic Compounds
-
Nitrates/nitrites
- preservatives in processed meats
- binds proteins to form nitrosamines
- vit C inhibits reaction
-
Byproducts of combustion
-
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
- generated by combustion of fat in high heat (grilling)
- from coal tar and auto exhaust
-
heterocyclic amines
- amino acids + creatine combine in heat
-
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Meat
Cancer Mechanism
Benzopyrene (a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) activated by Phase I enzymes ⟾ becomes carginogenic.
Active benzopyrene diol epoxide intercalates into DNA ⟾ replication errors.
p53 tumor suppressor gene possible target.
Aflatoxin
- Produced by aspergilus species (mold)
- high heat and humidity
- infects before or after harvest
- areas of endemic soil contamination
-
Found in:
- corn, cereals, wheat, rice
- peanuts and sunflower seeds
- spices including pepper and ginger
- nuts
- Hepatocellular cancer higher in Aspergillus flavus endemic areas.
Aflatoxin
Cancer Mechanism
Hepatic Aflatoxin B1 metabolism ⟾ ROS.
Epoxide binds DNA ⟾ DNA adducts.
p53 is a target.
Benefits
of
Vegetables
-
Sources of vitamins and minerals:
-
Vit A
- retinoic acid is a differentiation agent
-
Folate
- reduces cancer risk
-
Vit A
-
Dietary Fiber
-
Binds carcinogens
- Shortens transit time
- Increases bulk
-
Recommmended intake
- 25 g for women
- 38 g for men
-
Binds carcinogens
-
Induction of Phase II Enzymes
-
Conjugation of carcinogens
- with glutathione, glucuronidation, sulfation
- Isothiocyanates or organosulfur molecules
- Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, radishes, garlic, onion
-
Conjugation of carcinogens
Benefits
of
Fruits
Source of:
- Vitamins
-
Monoterpenes
-
reduces farnesylation of G-protein receptors
- may decrease growth factor-mediated proliferation of cancer cells
-
reduces farnesylation of G-protein receptors
Vitamin Supplementation
-
Tocopherols (Vit E) and carotenoids (Vit A)
- membrane-associated antioxidants
-
Vit C
- serum/ECF associated antioxidant
- recharges tocopherol back to antioxidant state
-
Selenium
- needed for glutathione peroxidase
-
Manganese
- used by antioxidants
-
Iron
- used by superoxide dismutase
American Cancer Society
Nutrition & Physicial Activity Guidelines
-
Maintain a healthy weight
- balance activity and intake
- avoid excess gain
- achieve healthy weight if overweight
-
Adopt a physically active lifestyle
- 30 mins of moderate activity 5 days a week
-
Consume a healthy diet with emphasis on plant sources
- portion control
- 5 servings of variety of fruits and vegetables
- whole grains
- limit processed and red meats
-
Limit alcohol consumption
- 1 drink for women, 2 for men