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Dietary Strawberries Improve Serum Metabolites of Cardiometabolic Risks in Adults with Features of the Metabolic Syndrome in a Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial.
Basu, A, Izuora, K, Hooyman, A, Scofield, HR, Ebersole, JL
International journal of molecular sciences. 2023;24(3)
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Metabolic syndrome has been identified as a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and its cardiovascular complications. Several dietary strategies, especially the use of different forms of dietary supplements, continue to be investigated for the prevention and management of this condition. The aim of this study was to examine the serum metabolites (targeted and untargeted) that may be affected by strawberry supplementation. This study was a randomised, double-blind, controlled crossover trial which enrolled adult participants with one or more features of metabolic syndrome. Participants were assigned to one of the three arms for four weeks separated by a one-week washout period. Results show that several targeted and untargeted serum metabolites were modulated with strawberry supplementation. In fact, strawberry supplementation improved the serum metabolic profiles which are associated with decreased risks of insulin resistance and diabetes, as well as endothelial dysfunction in adults with features of metabolic syndrome. Authors conclude that adding whole strawberries to the habitual diet may be a beneficial and feasible strategy to improve the cardiometabolic health in adults.
Abstract
Dietary strawberries have been shown to improve cardiometabolic risks in multiple clinical trials. However, no studies have reported effects on serum metabolomic profiles that may identify the target pathways affected by strawberries as underlying mechanisms. We conducted a 14-week randomized, controlled crossover study in which participants with features of metabolic syndrome were assigned to one of the three arms for four weeks separated by a one-week washout period: control powder, 1 serving (low dose: 13 g strawberry powder/day), or 2.5 servings (high dose: 32 g strawberry powder/day). Blood samples, anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and dietary and physical activity data were collected at baseline and at the end of each four-week phase of intervention. Serum samples were analyzed for primary metabolites and complex lipids using different mass spectrometry methods. Mixed-model ANOVA was used to examine differences in the targeted metabolites between treatment phases, and LASSO logistic regression was used to examine differences in the untargeted metabolites at end of the strawberry intervention vs. the baseline. The findings revealed significant differences in the serum branched-chain amino acids valine and leucine following strawberry intervention (high dose) compared with the low-dose and control phases. Untargeted metabolomic profiles revealed several metabolites, including serum phosphate, benzoic acid, and hydroxyphenyl propionic acid, that represented improved energy-metabolism pathways, compliance measures, and microbial metabolism of strawberry polyphenols, respectively. Thus, dietary supplementation of strawberries significantly improves the serum metabolic profiles of cardiometabolic risks in adults.
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An updated systematic review and meta-analysis on adherence to mediterranean diet and risk of cancer.
Morze, J, Danielewicz, A, Przybyłowicz, K, Zeng, H, Hoffmann, G, Schwingshackl, L
European journal of nutrition. 2021;60(3):1561-1586
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The development of cancer is associated with a number of risk factors, including smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, alcohol consumption, infections, pollution, and dietary imbalances. Based on previous research, optimal consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with reduced consumption of red and processed meat, reduces cancer risk. According to this systematic review and meta-analysis, adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with lower cancer mortality and site-specific cancer development. A Mediterranean diet includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, fish, whole grains, extra virgin olive oil, and low amounts of red meat, processed meat, egg, and dairy, along with moderate amounts of red wine. According to this systematic review and meta-analysis, adherence to the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of cancer mortality and the risk of developing cancers specific to the site, such as colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, gastric cancer, and lung cancer. Among the components of the Mediterranean diet, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have been shown to reduce cancer risk. Bioactive substances found in Mediterranean diet components require additional robust studies to evaluate their benefits. A healthcare professional can use the results of this study to make clinical decisions and recommend therapeutic interventions to cancer patients.
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of current systematic review was to update the body of evidence on associations between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and risk of cancer mortality, site-specific cancer in the general population; all-cause, and cancer mortality as well as cancer reoccurrence among cancer survivors. METHODS A literature search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case-control and cohort studies published up to April 2020 was performed using PubMed and Scopus. Study-specific risk estimates for the highest versus lowest adherence to the MedDiet category were pooled using random-effects meta-analyses. Certainty of evidence from cohort studies and RCTs was evaluated using the NutriGrade scoring system. RESULTS The updated search revealed 44 studies not identified in the previous review. Altogether, 117 studies including 3,202,496 participants were enclosed for meta-analysis. The highest adherence to MedDiet was inversely associated with cancer mortality (RRcohort: 0.87, 95% CI 0.82, 0.92; N = 18 studies), all-cause mortality among cancer survivors (RRcohort: 0.75, 95% CI 0.66, 0.86; N = 8), breast (RRobservational: 0.94, 95% CI 0.90, 0.97; N = 23), colorectal (RRobservational: 0.83, 95% CI 0.76, 0.90; N = 17), head and neck (RRobservational: 0.56, 95% CI 0.44, 0.72; N = 9), respiratory (RRcohort: 0.84, 95% CI 0.76, 0.94; N = 5), gastric (RRobservational: 0.70, 95% CI 0.61, 0.80; N = 7), bladder (RRobservational: 0.87, 95% CI 0.76, 0.98; N = 4), and liver cancer (RRobservational: 0.64, 95% CI 0.54, 0.75; N = 4). Adhering to MedDiet did not modify risk of blood, esophageal, pancreatic and prostate cancer risk. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our results suggest that highest adherence to the MedDiet was related to lower risk of cancer mortality in the general population, and all-cause mortality among cancer survivors as well as colorectal, head and neck, respiratory, gastric, liver and bladder cancer risks. Moderate certainty of evidence from cohort studies suggest an inverse association for cancer mortality and colorectal cancer, but most of the comparisons were rated as low or very low certainty of evidence.
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A systematic review on COVID-19 pandemic with special emphasis on curative potentials of Nigeria based medicinal plants.
Oladele, JO, Ajayi, EI, Oyeleke, OM, Oladele, OT, Olowookere, BD, Adeniyi, BM, Oyewole, OI, Oladiji, AT
Heliyon. 2020;6(9):e04897
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At the time of writing, there were no known vaccines or treatments for Covid-19. This systematic review article aimed to investigate how Covid-19 works in the body and any Nigerian based medicinal plants that could mitigate this. The paper first began by discussing that the highly contagious nature and susceptibility of the population has ensured that Covid-19 has spread to all continents and that men may be more susceptible than women. How the virus enters the body’s cells, and the extreme inflammatory reaction it causes was extensively discussed. The paper went on to explain that Covid-19 had a higher infectivity and was more easily transmitted but a lower death rate in comparison to other coronaviruses such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The authors then go on to extensively review plants that may be of benefit to individuals with Covid-19 due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antioxidant, and cell membrane and immune boosting properties. Finally, plants used in the treatment of other respiratory infections such as cold and flu were reviewed. It was concluded that although plants have been effective in the treatment of symptoms of Covid-19, research is needed to prove their abilities and that combining plants as a treatment regimen may be more effective. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand the mode of action of Covid-19 and how natural therapies could be included in a treatment plan.
Abstract
Despite the frightening mortality rate associated with COVID-19, there is no known approved drug to effectively combat the pandemic. COVID-19 clinical manifestations include fever, fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, and other complications. At present, there is no known effective treatment or vaccine that can mitigate/inhibit SARS-CoV-2. Available clinical intervention for COVID-19 is only palliative and limited to support. Thus, there is an exigent need for effective and non-invasive treatment. This article evaluates the possible mechanism of actions of SARS-CoV-2 and present Nigeria based medicinal plants which have pharmacological and biological activities that can mitigate the hallmarks of the pathogenesis of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 mode of actions includes hyper-inflammation characterized by a severe and fatal hyper-cytokinaemia with multi-organ failure; immunosuppression; reduction of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to enhance pulmonary vascular permeability causing damage to the alveoli; and further activated by open reading frame (ORF)3a, ORF3b, and ORF7a via c-Jun N- terminal kinase (JNK) pathway which induces lung damage. These mechanisms of action of SARS-CoV-2 can be mitigated by a combination therapy of medicinal herbs based on their pharmacological activities. Since the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 are multifactorial with co-morbidities, we strongly recommend the use of combined therapy such that two or more herbs with specific therapeutic actions are administered to combat the mediators of the disease.
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Precision Nutrition and Cancer Relapse Prevention: A Systematic Literature Review.
Reglero, C, Reglero, G
Nutrients. 2019;11(11)
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This article looks at the role food plays in precision medicine and nutrition therapies targeting cancers, specifically the mechanistic role of bioactive phytochemicals and their interaction with tumour progression, metastasis, and chemo-resistance. The term precision medicine represents the advances in genomics, metabolomics, and proteomics which have made cancer treatments more targeted and ‘precise’. Lung, breast, prostate and colon cancers account for a 49.2% mortality rate amongst cancers. Relapses worsen the prognosis of patients. This review aims to provide a better understanding of metabolic variation between nutrients, metabolism, microbiota, and related genes, which may help to develop adjuvant cancer therapies for the above cancers. 35 studies from 2017-2019 were selected: 20 on polyphenols, 3 on lipids (omega 3) and 12 on bioactive plant extracts. Epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG), a flavonoid present in green tea, is shown to inhibit tumour cell growth. Curcumin modulates gene expression and critical anti-apoptotic effectors and enhances the effect of some targeted drugs used in cancer treatment. Bioactive lipid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) induces apoptosis and has inhibitory effects on breast cancer cells growth. Ginger is shown to have an antiproliferative impact on cancer cell growth. Grape seed extract was associated with antitumor effect in colon cancer in combination with curcumin. Bioavailability of these extracts is discussed as a barrier to clinical use. Precision nutritional therapies are seen as a new era in the treatment of cancer and precision medicine but the review concludes that more research is necessary.
Abstract
Cancer mortality rates are undergoing a global downward trend; however, metastasis and relapse after surgery and adjuvant treatments still correlate with poor prognosis and represent the most significant challenges in the treatment of this disease. Advances in genomics, metabolomics, and proteomics are improving our understanding regarding cancer metabolic diversity, resulting in detailed classifications of tumors and raising the effectiveness of precision medicine. Likewise, the growing knowledge of interactions between nutrients and the expression of certain genes could lead to cancer therapies based on precision nutrition strategies. This review aims to identify the recent advances in the knowledge of the mechanistic role of bioactive phytochemicals in foodstuffs in tumor progression, metastasis, and chemo-resistance in order to assess their potential use in precision nutrition therapies targeting relapse in lung, breast, colon, and prostate cancer, and leukemia. A considerable number of bioactive phytochemicals in foodstuffs were identified in the literature with proven effects modulating tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. In addition, the use of foodstuffs in cancer, and specifically in relapse therapies, is being reinforced by the development of different formulations that significantly increase the therapeutic efficiency of these products. This can open the possibility for testing combinations of bioactive phytochemicals with cancer relapse treatments as a potential prevention strategy.
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Sorting out the Value of Cruciferous Sprouts as Sources of Bioactive Compounds for Nutrition and Health.
Abellán, Á, Domínguez-Perles, R, Moreno, DA, García-Viguera, C
Nutrients. 2019;11(2)
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Vegetable sprouts are naturally rich in nutrients and other beneficial compounds. The sprouts of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, radish and pak choi, stand out due to their high contents of glucosinolates and phenolic compounds. The aim of this review was to compile and update the available knowledge on the production, nutritional composition, and health benefits of cruciferous sprouts. A number of studies have found that compounds found in cruciferous sprouts have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant capacities. Consumption of cruciferous sprouts contributes to healthy glucose, insulin and fat levels in the blood, and may be beneficial for the treatment of some metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes. There is evidence that compounds in cruciferous sprouts are a useful tool for enhancing phase II enzymes in the liver, and benefit levels of interleukine-6, C-reactive protein, and tumour necrosis factor-α, and inhibition of NF-κB, among others. The active compounds in these sprouts have an influence on several cardiovascular processes, potentially reducing the risk of several diseases. The lack of consistency between studies with regard to sampling schedules, doses, sample size, etc. means that it is not possible at this time to state the effective dose of sprouts or their active compounds needed in order to achieve health benefits. Further research is needed in this area.
Abstract
Edible sprouts with germinating seeds of a few days of age are naturally rich in nutrients and other bioactive compounds. Among them, the cruciferous (Brassicaceae) sprouts stand out due to their high contents of glucosinolates (GLSs) and phenolic compounds. In order to obtain sprouts enriched in these phytochemicals, elicitation is being increasing used as a sustainable practice. Besides, the evidence regarding the bioavailability and the biological activity of these compounds after their dietary intake has also attracted growing interest in recent years, supporting the intake of the natural food instead of enriched ingredients or extracts. Also, there is a growing interest regarding their uses, consumption, and applications for health and wellbeing, in different industrial sectors. In this context, the present review aims to compile and update the available knowledge on the fundamental aspects of production, enrichment in composition, and the benefits upon consumption of diverse edible cruciferous sprouts, which are sources of phenolic compounds and glucosinolates, as well as the evidence on their biological actions in diverse pathophysiological situations and the molecular pathways involved.
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Consumers' Perceptions and Preferences for Bitterness in Vegetable Foods: The Case of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil and Brassicaceae-A Narrative Review.
Cavallo, C, Cicia, G, Del Giudice, T, Sacchi, R, Vecchio, R
Nutrients. 2019;11(5)
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Many known healthy foods have a distinctively bitter taste, which can discourage people from eating them. This literature review looked at the biochemical aspects and consumers’ perceptions and preferences toward foods with a strong bitter taste, in particular extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) and Brassica vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and Brussel sprouts. The review included 99 articles. The authors found that, although many people dislike a strong bitter taste, there are some exceptions such as: niches of consumers (e.g., innovators and organic buyers) and foods consumed with specific purposes (e.g., coffee, chocolate, and alcoholic beverages). The level of perceived bitterness can be reduced through repeated exposure to bitter foods, information on health benefits, and pairing with foods that reduce bitterness. These insights can be used to develop campaigns aimed at promoting healthy bitter foods.
Abstract
The presence of some healthy phytochemicals in food can be paired with high bitterness, and consumers have a widespread avoidance toward bitter-tasting food. This causes a gap between preferences and healthy needs of consumers. Therefore, this review collected insights from literature belonging to different discipline domains in order to have a broad view of the current state-of-the-art about biochemical aspects and consumers' perceptions and preferences toward foods with an enhanced bitter taste. In detail, we focused on two core products of the Mediterranean diet: Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) and Brassicaceae, both characterized by specific phytochemicals having strong healthy properties and bitter-pungent taste. Results suggested that, although bitter taste is a general driver of dislike, some exceptions can be represented by: niches of consumers (e.g., innovators and organic buyers), foods consumed with specific purposes (e.g., coffee, chocolate, and alcoholic beverages). The level of bitterness perceived by the consumers can be modulated through exposure, information on benefits, and elements within the environment (e.g., music). Thus, these insights can be used to develop specific campaigns aimed at promoting bitter (healthy) food, considering also the key role that could be played by food pairings.
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Potential Factors Influencing the Effects of Anthocyanins on Blood Pressure Regulation in Humans: A Review.
Vendrame, S, Klimis-Zacas, D
Nutrients. 2019;11(6)
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Anthocyanins (ACNs) are plant compounds belonging to the flavonoid group of polyphenols and are naturally occurring in a number of foods. They are responsible for the red, blue and purple pigmentation within plant foods, such as blueberries and raspberries and are known to contain therapeutic compounds. Several studies have investigated the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and blood pressure modulation properties within ACNs, however, results for blood pressure modulation, unlike those for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have been mixed and less consistent. This paper reviews 66 human intervention trials exploring the effects of various forms of ACNs, like whole berries, concentrates and freeze-dried powders in order to identify the singular variables related to blood pressure modulation in order to further investigate. Having looked at a number of variables within the trials, researchers concluded that ACNs do in fact contain blood pressure lowering properties, but further research into varying factors including dose effect, synergistic effects, absorption and metabolism and the functionality of the individuals gut microbiota is needed to clarify results further.
Abstract
Dietary intake of anthocyanins (ACNs) is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease. While the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering effects of ACN consumption have been consistently reported, their effect(s) on blood pressure regulation is less consistent and results from human studies are mixed. The objective of this review is attempting to identify potential patterns which may explain the variability in results related to blood pressure. To do so, we review 66 human intervention trials testing the effects on blood pressure of purified ACN or ACN-rich extracts, or whole berries, berry juices, powders, purees and whole phenolic extracts, from berries that are rich in ACN and have ACNs as predominant bioactives. Several factors appear to be involved on the mixed results reported. In particular, the baseline characteristics of the population in terms of blood pressure and total flavonoid intake, the dose and duration of the intervention, the differential effects of individual ACN and their synergistic effects with other phytochemicals, the ACN content and bioavailability from the food matrix, and individual differences in ACN absorption and metabolism related to genotype and microbiota enterotypes.
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Dietary phytochemicals in breast cancer research: anticancer effects and potential utility for effective chemoprevention.
Kapinova, A, Kubatka, P, Golubnitschaja, O, Kello, M, Zubor, P, Solar, P, Pec, M
Environmental health and preventive medicine. 2018;23(1):36
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Bioactive phytochemicals are continually being studied for their role in cancer prevention with increasing evidence for flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic acids, and organosulfur compounds (found in cruciferous vegetables). This 2018 review explores the protective effects of a broad spectrum of plant-derived substances. In total, more than 5000 individual phytochemicals have been identified in plant-derived foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains. These bioactive compounds have been shown to have antitumor activity, reduce inflammation, induce apoptosis (cell death), inhibit the proliferation of aggressive tumour cells, and impact on metastasis (migration of cancer cells). Specifically, in breast cancer, a few studies have examined phytochemicals on cancer stem cells (the originating tumour cells) and found that curcumin, genistein, indol-3-carbinol, c-phycocyanin, resveratrol, and quercetin downregulated their activity. Systematic reviews of dietary patterns and breast cancer show vegetables, and especially fibre, to be consistently protective against reduced risk of mammary carcinogenesis. Dietary polyphenols are considered a cost-effective approach to cancer care however there is still a lack of evidence due to the complex nature of combined phytochemicals versus isolated agents. Wholefood consumption is considered to improve bioavailability compared to supplementation however phytochemicals are a low-dose component of foods. There is also concern that some phytochemicals may act as carcinogens or tumour promoters (for example, beta-carotene). More clinical trials are required to fully understand phytochemicals and breast cancer care.
Abstract
Cancerous tissue transformation developing usually over years or even decades of life is a highly complex process involving strong stressors damaging DNA, chronic inflammation, comprehensive interaction between relevant molecular pathways, and cellular cross-talk within the neighboring tissues. Only the minor part of all cancer cases are caused by inborn predisposition; the absolute majority carry a sporadic character based on modifiable risk factors which play a central role in cancer prevention. Amongst most promising candidates for dietary supplements are bioactive phytochemicals demonstrating strong anticancer effects. Abundant evidence has been collected for beneficial effects of flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic acids, and organosulfur compounds affecting a number of cancer-related pathways. Phytochemicals may positively affect processes of cell signaling, cell cycle regulation, oxidative stress response, and inflammation. They can modulate non-coding RNAs, upregulate tumor suppressive miRNAs, and downregulate oncogenic miRNAs that synergically inhibits cancer cell growth and cancer stem cell self-renewal. Potential clinical utility of the phytochemicals is discussed providing examples for chemoprevention against and therapy for human breast cancer. Expert recommendations are provided in the context of preventive medicine.
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Phytochemicals in Skin Cancer Prevention and Treatment: An Updated Review.
Ng, CY, Yen, H, Hsiao, HY, Su, SC
International journal of molecular sciences. 2018;19(4)
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This 2018 review discusses the anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and anti-angiogenic effects of phytochemicals for the management of skin cancer. Melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by cellular DNA damage, and as the skin is the body’s largest organ, it is most exposed to environmental stimulus. There are several promising phytochemicals in cancer chemoprevention including Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, resveratrol, curcumin, proanthocyanidins, silymarin, apigenin, capsaicin, genistein, indole-3-carbinol, and luteolin. Additionally, Gingerol has been applied topically to improve chemical stability in the skin. Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) is derived from bee propolis was shown to inhibit skin papilloma in animal studies. Capsaicin from red chillies induced apoptosis (cell death) in melanoma cells. Curcumin has been shown to modify numerous inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein and COX-2 whilst topically can promote remarkable symptomatic relief and reduce external cancer lesion size. Caffeic Acid exerts a protective effect towards skin cancer migration and invasion. EGCG has been shown to sensitize melanoma cells to inhibit growth, promote cell death and decrease cell proliferation. Genistein from soy has been shown to exert anti-angiogenesis properties, reduce tumour proliferation and metastasis. Resveratrol has a synergistic effect with other phytochemicals to suppress tumours. What all the studies reviewed show is the potential for phytochemicals in cancer treatment. They are widely available, cost effective and highly tolerated. They appear to have anti-carcinogenic effects through regulation of multiple different signalling pathways which help alter the typical progression of skin cancer.
Abstract
Skin is the largest human organ, our protection against various environmental assaults and noxious agents. Accumulation of these stress events may lead to the formation of skin cancers, including both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Although modern targeted therapies have ameliorated the management of cutaneous malignancies, a safer, more affordable, and more effective strategy for chemoprevention and treatment is clearly needed for the improvement of skin cancer care. Phytochemicals are biologically active compounds derived from plants and herbal products. These agents appear to be beneficial in the battle against cancer as they exert anti-carcinogenic effects and are widely available, highly tolerated, and cost-effective. Evidence has indicated that the anti-carcinogenic properties of phytochemicals are due to their anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and anti-angiogenic effects. In this review, we discuss the preventive potential, therapeutic effects, bioavailability, and structure-activity relationship of these selected phytochemicals for the management of skin cancers. The knowledge compiled here will provide clues for future investigations on novel oncostatic phytochemicals and additional anti-skin cancer mechanisms.
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Heat-stabilised rice bran consumption by colorectal cancer survivors modulates stool metabolite profiles and metabolic networks: a randomised controlled trial.
Brown, DG, Borresen, EC, Brown, RJ, Ryan, EP
The British journal of nutrition. 2017;117(9):1244-1256
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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world. Rice bran is high in phytochemicals, fibre and other bioactive compounds that may have potential to reduce cancer formation. Rice bran consumption has been shown to reduce CRC growth in mice, as well as alter the stool microbiome in humans. This alteration of the gut microbiome and the metabolic end products produced by it is thought to provide positive health benefits in terms of CRC development. This randomised controlled trial with CRC survivors included daily consumption of 30g/day of rice bran for 28 days in the intervention group, consisting of 9 participants. No rice bran was consumed in the control group of 10 participants. The aim of the study was to identify changes in metabolites that may have potential to reduce the risk of CRC, in the stool samples given by the participants after consuming rice bran, as well as to understand the differences in stool metabolites in the intervention and control groups. The authors found that rice bran consumption led to changes in 93 metabolites, 33 of which increased, while 60 metabolites decreased after 4 weeks of consumption. Metabolic pathways affected included advanced glycation end products, steroid metabolism, primary bile acid metabolism, leucine, isoleucine and valine metabolism, methionine, cysteine, S-adenosyl methionine and taurine metabolism, inositol metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism and benzoate metabolism. The authors hypothesise that these metabolic changes may have potential for the prevention of cancer and they should be further explored in larger studies.
Abstract
Rice bran (RB) consumption has been shown to reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) growth in mice and modify the human stool microbiome. Changes in host and microbial metabolism induced by RB consumption was hypothesised to modulate the stool metabolite profile in favour of promoting gut health and inhibiting CRC growth. The objective was to integrate gut microbial metabolite profiles and identify metabolic pathway networks for CRC chemoprevention using non-targeted metabolomics. In all, nineteen CRC survivors participated in a parallel randomised controlled dietary intervention trial that included daily consumption of study-provided foods with heat-stabilised RB (30 g/d) or no additional ingredient (control). Stool samples were collected at baseline and 4 weeks and analysed using GC-MS and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-MS. Stool metabolomics revealed 93 significantly different metabolites in individuals consuming RB. A 264-fold increase in β-hydroxyisovaleroylcarnitine and 18-fold increase in β-hydroxyisovalerate exemplified changes in leucine, isoleucine and valine metabolism in the RB group. A total of thirty-nine stool metabolites were significantly different between RB and control groups, including increased hesperidin (28-fold) and narirutin (14-fold). Metabolic pathways impacted in the RB group over time included advanced glycation end products, steroids and bile acids. Fatty acid, leucine/valine and vitamin B6 metabolic pathways were increased in RB compared with control. There were 453 metabolites identified in the RB food metabolome, thirty-nine of which were identified in stool from RB consumers. RB consumption favourably modulated the stool metabolome of CRC survivors and these findings suggest the need for continued dietary CRC chemoprevention efforts.