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The Vaginal Microbiome - NED Infobite
BANT's scientific NED InfoBites are designed to provide key elements of the latest research using plain language. They provide quick overviews on particular health issues and nutrition topics for a speedy introduction to the science. Visually attractive and easily shareable with clients and social media followers.
2024
Abstract
Disturbances in the vaginal microbiome have effects across many areas of health, from fertility and pregnancy outcomes to development of fungal, viral and bacteria infection. This NED Infobite brings evidence for microbiome changes in relation to pre-term birth, fertility, infant microbial colonisation and cervical cancer.
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Nutrition and Cancer - NED Infobite
BANT's scientific NED InfoBites are designed to provide key elements of the latest research using plain language. They provide quick overviews on particular health issues and nutrition topics for a speedy introduction to the science. Visually attractive and easily shareable with clients and social media followers.
2024
Abstract
The incidence of cancer diagnosis is increasing and takes multiple forms. This NED Infobite brings evidence on hormone, digestive tract and non-digestive-tract cancers, in particular looking at dietary intake of lipids, flavonoids, allium vegetables, carotenoids and retinol.
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The NED Journal - Mitochondrial Health, Metabolic Syndrome, Cancer, Brain and Cognition
Issue 1_July 2023. Peer-reviewed expert reviews and clinical insights from the Nutrition Evidence Editorial Board and Expert Review Panel
2024
Abstract
In this 1st edition of the NED Journal, you can read some of the latest expert insights on mitochondrial health, metabolic syndrome, cancer, and brain health and cognition. Also meet the NED Editorial Board and the members of the Expert Review Panel writing for this issue, with 19 research articles expertly reviewed. The NED Journal transforms the science to enable individualised science-based clinical decision making. It supports BANT members and other integrative and personalised medicine practitioners with their evidence-based practice.
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Polyphenols as potential metabolism mechanisms regulators in liver protection and liver cancer prevention.
Li, S, Yin, S, Ding, H, Shao, Y, Zhou, S, Pu, W, Han, L, Wang, T, Yu, H
Cell proliferation. 2023;56(1):e13346
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Multiple risk factors could lead to the development of liver cancer, one of the most common malignant tumours in the world. These risk factors include hepatitis infection, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and excessive alcohol consumption. Polyphenols are bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, anti-viral, hypoglycaemic, anti-hypertensive, antibacterial and anti-proliferative properties. Polyphenols may be effective in reducing the risk of developing liver cancer by altering the metabolism. This review evaluated the effectiveness of polyphenols in protecting the liver and inhibiting hepatocarcinoma development. In addition, the review evaluated several mechanisms by which polyphenols affect glucose and lipid metabolism and mitochondrial metabolism and reduce the effects of oxidative stress, inflammation and toxic metabolites. Further robust studies are required to assess the beneficial effects of polyphenols as a therapeutic agent, as the current knowledge is limited. However, healthcare professionals can use the results of this study to understand the protective effects of polyphenols against liver disease.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer is one of the common malignancies. The dysregulation of metabolism is a driver of accelerated tumourigenesis. Metabolic changes are well documented to maintain tumour growth, proliferation and survival. Recently, a variety of polyphenols have been shown to have a crucial role both in liver disease prevention and metabolism regulation. METHODS We conducted a literature search and combined recent data with systematic analysis to comprehensively describe the molecular mechanisms that link polyphenols to metabolic regulation and their contribution in liver protection and liver cancer prevention. RESULTS Targeting metabolic dysregulation in organisms prevents and resists the development of liver cancer, which has important implications for identifying new therapeutic strategies for the management and treatment of cancer. Polyphenols are a class of complex compounds composed of multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups and are the main active ingredients of many natural plants. They mediate a broad spectrum of biological and pharmacological functions containing complex lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, iron metabolism, intestinal flora imbalance, as well as the direct interaction of their metabolites with key cell-signalling proteins. A large number of studies have found that polyphenols affect the metabolism of organisms by interfering with a variety of intracellular signals, thereby protecting the liver and reducing the risk of liver cancer. CONCLUSION This review systematically illustrates that various polyphenols, including resveratrol, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, dihydromyricetin, quercetin, catechins, curcumin, etc., improve metabolic disorders through direct or indirect pathways to protect the liver and fight liver cancer.
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Plasma anthocyanins and their metabolites reduce in vitro migration of pancreatic cancer cells, PANC-1, in a FAK- and NF-kB dependent manner: Results from the ATTACH-study a randomized, controlled, crossover trial in healthy subjects.
Mostafa, H, Behrendt, I, Meroño, T, González-Domínguez, R, Fasshauer, M, Rudloff, S, Andres-Lacueva, C, Kuntz, S
Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie. 2023;158:114076
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Pancreatic cancer is commonly associated with poor prognosis and low overall five-year survival rate (5–7%) due to the early metastatic potential of pancreatic cancer cells. Strategies to improve the health outcomes in pancreatic cancer are challenging. The aims of this study where to investigate: - whether plasma metabolites, isolated after a 28-day intervention, would reduce migration of two pancreatic cancer cell lines (PANC-1 and AsPC-1); - whether expression of adhesion molecules on cancer and endothelial cells were influenced by plasma anthocyanins (ACN) metabolites; - which molecular mechanisms were involved; and - which metabolites in plasma and urine were altered during a long-term ACN intake and how they associate with the inhibitory effects on migration. This study is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over, 28-days intervention - ATTACH study (Anthocyanins Target Tumor cell Adhesion—Cancer vs. Endothelial Cell (HUVEC)). Thirty-five (female n = 27 and male n = 8) young, healthy volunteers participated in the intervention. Results show that ACN and metabolites isolated from plasma after a long-term ACN-rich juice intervention reduced the migration and expression of cell adhesion molecules in PANC-1 cancer cells in vitro through activation of two pathways [focal adhesion kinase- and nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB)-pathways] as well as the reduction of reactive oxygen species. Authors conclude that their findings can lead to the investigation of interactions of ACNs with classical cancer prevention strategies.
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is primarily considered to be a metastatic disease with a low 5-year survival rate. We aimed to detect if plasma-isolated anthocyanins and their metabolites (PAMs) modulate pancreatic cancer cells migration and to describe molecular targets of PAMs in this process. Plasma metabolites were isolated by solid-phase extraction before and after a 28-days intervention trial involving 35 healthy subjects comparing effects of a daily anthocyanin-rich juice intake vs. placebo. Plasma extracts were used for migration and mechanistic in vitro studies as well as for metabolomic analysis. Pancreatic PANC-1 and AsPC-1 were used for migration studies in a Boyden chamber co-cultured with endothelial cells. Expression of adhesion molecules on cancer and endothelial cells were determined by flow cytometry and NF-kB (nuclear factor-kappa B) p65 and focal adhesion kinase activation were measured by immunoassays. UHPLC-MS/MS metabolomics was done in plasma and urine samples. Plasma extracts isolated after the intake of the anthocyanin-rich juice significantly reduced PANC-1 migration, but not AsPC-1 migration. In PANC-1, and to a lower extent in endothelial cells, plasma extracts after juice intake decreased the expression of ß1- and ß4-integrins and intercellular adhesion molecule-1. Pooled plasma from volunteers with the highest inhibition of PANC-1 migration (n = 10) induced a reduction of NF-kB-p65 and FAK-phosphorylation in cancer and in endothelial cells. Concerning metabolites, 14 were significantly altered by juice intervention and PANC-1 migration was inversely associated with the increase of o-coumaric acid and peonidin-3-galactoside. PAMs were associated with lower PANC-1 cell migration opening new strategies for metastatic pancreatic cancer treatment.
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The effects of home-based exercise therapy for breast cancer-related fatigue induced by radical radiotherapy.
Mavropalias, G, Cormie, P, Peddle-McIntyre, CJ, Galvão, DA, Taaffe, DR, Schofield, C, Ray, S, Zissiadis, Y, Newton, RU
Breast cancer (Tokyo, Japan). 2023;30(1):139-150
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Breast cancer (BCa) is the most common form of cancer among women. Radiotherapy (RT) treatment is an important component of breast cancer treatment and is used with curative intent as well as for palliation. One commonly reported adverse side effect of RT is cancer related fatigue (CRF). The aims of this study were to (a) examine the effects of a 12-week home-based resistance and aerobic exercise program on CRF, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and sleep quality and duration in BCa patients during and up to 12 months after RT, and (b) investigate how CRF, HRQoL, and sleep quality and duration affect the participants’ ability to follow their prescribed exercise program. This study was a two-arm, randomised controlled clinical trial. One hundred and six (n = 106) women with stage I-III BCa scheduled to receive radical RT were randomised into exercise (n = 51) or usual care (n = 55). Results show that CRF was present at baseline and persisted during RT. The exercise group had a quicker reduction in CRF compared to the usual care group. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the HRQoL during RT between groups, and a quicker HRQoL improvement post-RT for the exercise group, with no changes in sleep quality or duration. Additionally, less fatigue and less trouble sleeping were associated with greater weekly aerobic exercise duration and higher rating of perceived exertion during aerobic exercise. Authors conclude that home-based exercise during RT is safe and effective in reducing CRF and improving HRQoL
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiotherapy (RT) can lead to cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in breast cancer patients. The purpose of this trial was to examine the feasibility and efficacy of a home-based resistance and aerobic exercise intervention for reducing CRF and improving HRQoL in breast cancer patients during RT. METHODS Women with breast cancer (N = 106) commencing RT were randomized to 12 weeks of home-based resistance and aerobic exercise (EX) or usual care/control (CON). The primary endpoint was CRF, with secondary endpoints of HRQoL, sleep duration and quality, and physical activity. Measurements were undertaken prior to RT, at completion of RT (~ 6 weeks), at completion of the intervention (12 weeks), and 6 and 12 months after RT completion, while CRF was also measured weekly during RT. RESULTS Eighty-nine women completed the study (EX = 43, CON = 46). Over the 12-week intervention, EX completed 1-2 resistance training sessions and accumulated 30-40 min of aerobic exercise weekly. For CRF, EX had a quicker recovery both during and post-RT compared to CON (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant difference in HRQoL between groups at RT completion, with HRQoL unchanged in CON and higher in EX (p < 0.05). There was no change in sleep duration or quality for either group and there were no exercise-related adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS Home-based resistance and aerobic exercise during RT is safe, feasible, and effective in accelerating CRF recovery and improving HRQoL. Improvements in CRF and HRQoL for these patients can be achieved with smaller exercise dosages than stated in the generic recommendations for breast cancer.
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Resistance Exercise Training Increases Muscle Mass and Strength in Prostate Cancer Patients on Androgen Deprivation Therapy.
Houben, LHP, Overkamp, M, VAN Kraaij, P, Trommelen, J, VAN Roermund, JGH, DE Vries, P, DE Laet, K, VAN DER Meer, S, Mikkelsen, UR, Verdijk, LB, et al
Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 2023;55(4):614-624
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Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) forms the cornerstone in the treatment of localised high-risk, locally advanced, and metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). The hypothesis of this study was that protein supplementation augments the benefits of prolonged resistance exercise training to attenuate the decline in muscle mass, reduce fat mass accrual, and increase strength and physical performance in PCa patients on ADT. This study is a multicentre partly randomised controlled trial, comparing two intervention groups with a separately recruited control group. One hundred and twenty-six patients were included, and ninety-six patients finished the study. Results show that 20 week of resistance exercise training was feasible, safe, and well tolerated, and effectively counteracted the negative effect of ADT treatment on body composition, muscle mass, leg strength, and aerobic capacity in men with advanced PCa. Protein supplementation did not further augment the benefits of resistance exercise training. Authors conclude that protein supplementation is not required to further augment gains in muscle mass and strength after resistance exercise training in PCa patients who habitually consume ample protein.
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to assess the effects of 20 wk resistance exercise training with or without protein supplementation on body composition, muscle mass, muscle strength, physical performance, and aerobic capacity in prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). METHODS Sixty prostate cancer patients receiving ADT were randomly assigned to perform 20 wk of resistance exercise training with supplementation of 31 g whey protein (EX + PRO, n = 30) or placebo (EX + PLA, n = 30), consumed immediately after exercise and every night before sleep. A separate control group (CON, n = 36) only received usual care. At baseline and after 20 wk, body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), muscle mass (computed tomography scan), muscle strength (1-repetition maximum strength tests), physical performance (Timed Up and Go Test, 30-Second Chair Stand Test, and Stair Climb Test), aerobic capacity (cardiopulmonary exercise test), and habitual dietary intake (food diary) were assessed. Data were analyzed using a two-factor repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS Over time, muscle mass and strength increased in EX + PRO and EX + PLA and decreased in CON. Total fat mass and fat percentage increased in EX + PRO and CON, but not in EX + PLA. Physical performance did not significantly change over time in either group. Aerobic capacity was maintained in EX + PLA, but it decreased in EX + PRO and CON. Habitual protein intake (without supplements) averaged >1.0 g·kg body weight -1 ·d -1 , with no differences over time or between groups. CONCLUSIONS In prostate cancer patients, resistance exercise training counteracts the adverse effects of ADT on body composition, muscle mass, muscle strength, and aerobic capacity, with no additional benefits of protein supplementation.
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Influence of methyl donor nutrients as epigenetic regulators in colorectal cancer: A systematic review of observational studies.
Chávez-Hidalgo, LP, Martín-Fernández-de-Labastida, S, M de Pancorbo, M, Arroyo-Izaga, M
World journal of gastroenterology. 2023;29(7):1219-1234
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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent type of cancer and yet has the second highest mortality rate in cancer patients worldwide. Hence there is an urgency to understand more about dietary and lifestyle factors that can help to prevent this type of cancer. It is known that folate has a preventive function in CRC, possibly due to its role in DNA methylation. Methylation is the addition of methyl groups to DNA, which influences gene expression and regulation. This systematic review investigated how folate and other dietary methyl groups and methyl influencers such as B vitamins and alcohol influence the development of CRC, whilst also considering various genetic variants in methyl-metabolising enzymes (polymorphisms). The analysis included a total of 19 case-control and cohort studies and highlighted that potential interactions between methyl donor nutrients, genetic variants, and alcohol influence CRC risk. For most, high levels of folate intake were considered a protective factor, while high alcohol consumption proved to be a risk factor. Yet these interactions appear to be complex, with gender, genetic variations and folate status appearing to contribute to variable and, in some cases, contradictory outcomes. The authors suggested in their findings that Vitamin B6, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and alcohol may affect CRC by influencing its risk by acting on both the genetic code itself and the epigenetic factors that control gene activity. Further research is needed to better understand the complexity of these mechanisms, and to help clarify the influence of methyl group donors as epigenetic regulators of gene activity in CRC development.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dietary methyl donors might influence DNA methylation during carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, whether the influence of methyl donor intake is modified by polymorphisms in such epigenetic regulators is still unclear. AIM: To improve the current understanding of the molecular basis of CRC. METHODS A literature search in the Medline database, Reference Citation Analysis (https:// www.referencecitationanalysis.com/), and manual reference screening were performed to identify observational studies published from inception to May 2022. RESULTS A total of fourteen case-control studies and five cohort studies were identified. These studies included information on dietary methyl donors, dietary components that potentially modulate the bioavailability of methyl groups, genetic variants of methyl metabolizing enzymes, and/or markers of CpG island methylator phenotype and/or microsatellite instability, and their possible interactions on CRC risk. CONCLUSION Several studies have suggested interactions between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms, methyl donor nutrients (such as folate) and alcohol on CRC risk. Moreover, vitamin B6, niacin, and alcohol may affect CRC risk through not only genetic but also epigenetic regulation. Identification of specific mechanisms in these interactions associated with CRC may assist in developing targeted prevention strategies for individuals at the highest risk of developing CRC.
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Exercise Training Reduces the Inflammatory Response and Promotes Intestinal Mucosa-Associated Immunity in Lynch Syndrome.
Deng, N, Reyes-Uribe, L, Fahrmann, JF, Thoman, WS, Munsell, MF, Dennison, JB, Murage, E, Wu, R, Hawk, ET, Thirumurthi, S, et al
Clinical cancer research : an official journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. 2023;29(21):4361-4372
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Lynch syndrome (LS) is a genetic disorder conferring a 60% lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Exercise is associated with a reduction in CRC risk in the general population, potentially mediated via modulation of inflammation. The aim of this non-randomised, controlled trial was to test whether an intervention consisting of 3 x 45-minute cycling classes per week for 12 months affects inflammatory factors (prostaglandin E2, PGE2) in the colorectal mucosa and blood and whether this intervention is feasible in LS carriers. The control group received usual care with one session of exercise counselling. Of 60 patients invited to join the study, 21 (35%) agreed to take part. Of the 11 participants in the intervention group, 9 (81.2%) completed the study with an average adherence to the intervention of 51.3%, compared to 7/10 completing in the control group. VO2 peak (maximal aerobic capacity) increased significantly in the intervention group, compared to the control group over the 12 months. Patients in the intervention group also had a significant reduction in colonic and systemic PGE2 levels compared to controls following intervention. Changes in gene expression which may reflect an increased immune surveillance of the colon were also observed in the intervention group. The authors concluded that the study confirmed that exercise may modulate inflammation in the colonic mucosa in patients at high risk of CRC and that further randomised studies are necessary to confirm the potential benefits of exercise for patients with LS.
Abstract
PURPOSE Lynch syndrome (LS) is a hereditary condition with a high lifetime risk of colorectal and endometrial cancers. Exercise is a non-pharmacologic intervention to reduce cancer risk, though its impact on patients with LS has not been prospectively studied. Here, we evaluated the impact of a 12-month aerobic exercise cycling intervention in the biology of the immune system in LS carriers. PATIENTS AND METHODS To address this, we enrolled 21 patients with LS onto a non-randomized, sequential intervention assignation, clinical trial to assess the effect of a 12-month exercise program that included cycling classes 3 times weekly for 45 minutes versus usual care with a one-time exercise counseling session as control. We analyzed the effects of exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness, circulating, and colorectal-tissue biomarkers using metabolomics, gene expression by bulk mRNA sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics by NanoString GeoMx. RESULTS We observed a significant increase in oxygen consumption (VO2peak) as a primary outcome of the exercise and a decrease in inflammatory markers (prostaglandin E) in colon and blood as the secondary outcomes in the exercise versus usual care group. Gene expression profiling and spatial transcriptomics on available colon biopsies revealed an increase in the colonic mucosa levels of natural killer and CD8+ T cells in the exercise group that were further confirmed by IHC studies. CONCLUSIONS Together these data have important implications for cancer interception in LS, and document for the first-time biological effects of exercise in the immune system of a target organ in patients at-risk for cancer.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome Is Not Associated with an Increased Risk of Polyps and Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Vichos, T, Rezaie, A, Vichos, P, Cash, B, Pimentel, M
Digestive diseases and sciences. 2023;68(6):2585-2596
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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers and adenomatous colorectal polyps (CRP) are a risk factor for developing CRC. The potential role of functional disturbances seen in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for the development of CRC are not yet clear. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the occurrence of CRC and CRP in IBS patients. 14 cohort studies with a total of 654,764 IBS patients and 2,277,195 controls and six cross-sectional studies with 26,641 IBS patients and 87,803 controls were included in the review. Based on the pooled data from 5 cross-sectional studies, IBS patients had a significantly lower occurrence of CRP (by 71%). CRC risk was also reduced but this did not reach statistical significance. Only four of the 14 cohort studies were included in the meta-analysis and, again, CRC risk was lower in IBS patients but this was not statistically significant.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy in the US. Several factors are associated with increased/decreased CRC risk and often linked to adenomatous colorectal polyps (CRP). Recent studies suggest a lower risk of neoplastic lesions among irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. We aimed to systematically assess the occurrence of CRC and CRP in IBS patients. METHODS Searches of the Medline, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases were performed, blindly and independently, by two investigators. Studies of CRC or CRP incidence in IBS patients (diagnosed by Rome or other symptom-based criteria) were eligible for inclusion. CRC and CRP effect estimates were pooled in meta-analyses using random models. RESULTS Of 4941 non-duplicate studies, 14 were included, comprising 654,764 IBS patients and 2,277,195 controls in 8 cohort studies, and 26,641 IBS patients and 87,803 controls in 6 cross-sectional studies. Pooled analysis revealed a significantly decreased prevalence of CRP in IBS subjects vs. controls, with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 0.29 (95% CI (0.15, 0.54)). There was significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 96%, p < 0.01). This finding persisted when studies which did not report pre-cancerous polyps separately were excluded (OR 0.23, 95% CI (0.15, 0.35), I2 = 85%, p < 0.01). CRC prevalence was lower in IBS subjects, but this did not reach statistical significance (OR 0.40, 95% CI (0.09, 1.77]). CONCLUSION Our analyses reveal a decreased incidence of colorectal polyps in IBS, although CRC did not reach significance. Mechanistic studies with detailed genotypic analysis and clinical phenotyping are needed to better elucidate the potentially protective effect of IBS on CRC development.