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A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 May 2024) | Viewed by 27771

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Dr. Vikas Yadav

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Guest Editor

Department of Translational Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, 20049 Malmö, Sweden
Interests: apoptosis; cancer; drug repositioning; metastasis; non-coding RNA; peptide based drug discovery; translational research; WNT signaling

Dr. Hardeep Singh Tuli

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Guest Editor

Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala 133207, India
Interests: phytochemicals; apoptosis; chemoprevention; nano-formulation

Prof. Dr. Mukerrem Betul Yerer Aycan

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Department, Erciyes University, 38000 Kayseri, Turkey
Interests: natural metabolites; nano-therapeutics; oncogenic signaling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the last few decades, scientific community has identified the immense potential of bioactive dietary nutrients/components in the treatment and/or prevention of cancer. It is presumed that 30–70% of all cancer cases might be prevented or cured by bioactive dietary nutrients/molecules, which is based on the fact that these molecules modulates the major deregulated signaling pathways in cancers such as proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. Other anti-tumor aspect of these dietary nutrients can be correlated with their inhibitory effects on inflammatory mediators or cytokines. To develop effective cancer treatment strategy based on dietary molecules, it is essential to understand how these molecules interact with their respective oncogenic targets and the underlying molecular mechanism(s). Research findings from such explorations will stimulate the scientific community for designing novel anti-tumour drugs with advanced formulation for clinical testing. The purpose of the present issue is to invite researchers for contributing original research and review articles in the field of medicinally important bioactive nutrient molecules along with their tumor preventive action.

Dr. Vikas Yadav
Dr. Hardeep Singh Tuli
Prof. Dr. Mukerrem Betul Yerer Aycan
Guest Editors

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Keywords

bioactive compounds
cancer prevention
molecular targets
apoptosis
cell proliferation
metastasis
angiogenesis
food-based compounds
phytochemicals
nutrients
herbal medicine

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 173 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Cancer and Nutrients

by Hardeep Singh Tuli, Mukerrem Betul Yerer and Vikas Yadav

Cancers 2023, 15(16), 4151; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15164151 - 17 Aug 2023

Viewed by 711

Abstract

Editorial: Over the last few decades, the scientific community has recognized the enormous potential of bioactive dietary nutrients/components in the management and prevention of cancer [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrients)

Research

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12 pages, 441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Choline and Betaine Intake and Risk of Colorectal Cancer in an Iranian Population

by Monireh Sadat Seyyedsalehi, Marta Rossi, Maryam Hadji, Hamideh Rashidian, Maryam Marzban, Maria Parpinel, Federica Fiori, Ahmad Naghibzadeh-Tahami, Yusuf A. Hannun, Chiara Luberto, Kazem Zendehdel and Paolo Boffetta

Cancers 2023, 15(9), 2557; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15092557 - 29 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1799

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing in low- and middle-income countries, likely due to changing lifestyle habits, including diet. We aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary betaine, choline, and choline-containing compounds and CRC risk. Methods: We analyzed data from a case–control study, including 865 CRC cases and 3206 controls from Iran. Detailed information was collected by trained interviewers using validated questionnaires. The intake of free choline, phosphocholine (Pcho), glycerophosphocholine (GPC), phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho), and sphingomyelin (SM), as well as of betaine was estimated from food frequency questionnaires and categorized into quartiles. The odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of CRC for choline and betaine quartiles were calculated using multivariate logistic regression by adjusting for potential confounders. Results: We observed excess risk of CRC in the highest versus lowest intake of total choline (OR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.13, 1.33), GPC (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.00, 1.27), and SM (OR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.01, 1.28). The intake of betaine exerted an inverse association with CRC risk (OR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.83, 0.99). There was no association between free choline, Pcho, PtdCho, and CRC. Analyses stratified by gender showed an elevated OR of CRC in men for SM intake OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.03, 1.40) and a significantly decreased CRC risk in women for betaine intake (OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.73, 0.97). Conclusion: Dietary modifications leading to an increase in betaine sources and managing the use of animal products as references for SM or other choline types might contribute to decreasing the risk of CRC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrients)

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17 pages, 1978 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Change in Social Eating over Time in People with Head and Neck Cancer Treated with Primary (Chemo)Radiotherapy: The Role of Swallowing, Oral Function, and Nutritional Status

by Aurora Ninfa, Femke Jansen, Antonella Delle Fave, Birgit I. Lissenberg-Witte, Nicole Pizzorni, Robert J. Baatenburg de Jong, Femke Lamers, C. René Leemans, Robert P. Takes, Christianus H. J. Terhaard, Antonio Schindler and Irma M. Verdonck-de Leeuw

Cancers 2023, 15(5), 1603; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15051603 - 4 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1621

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the change in social eating problems from diagnosis to 24 months after primary (chemo)radiotherapy and its associations with swallowing, oral function, and nutritional status, in addition to the clinical, personal, physical, psychological, social, and lifestyle dimensions. Adult patients from the NETherlands QUality of life and BIomedical Cohort (NET-QUBIC) treated with curative intent with primary (chemo)radiotherapy for newly-diagnosed HNC and who provided baseline social eating data were included. Social eating problems were measured at baseline and at 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up, with hypothesized associated variables at baseline and at 6 months. Associations were analyzed through linear mixed models. Included patients were 361 (male: 281 (77.8%), age: mean = 63.3, SD = 8.6). Social eating problems increased at the 3-month follow-up and decreased up to 24 months (F = 33.134, p < 0.001). The baseline-to-24 month change in social eating problems was associated with baseline swallowing-related quality of life (F = 9.906, p < 0.001) and symptoms (F = 4.173, p = 0.002), nutritional status (F = 4.692, p = 0.001), tumor site (F = 2.724, p = 0.001), age (F = 3.627, p = 0.006), and depressive symptoms (F = 5.914, p < 0.001). The 6–24-month change in social eating problems was associated with a 6-month nutritional status (F = 6.089, p = 0.002), age (F = 5.727, p = 0.004), muscle strength (F = 5.218, p = 0.006), and hearing problems (F = 5.155, p = 0.006). Results suggest monitoring social eating problems until 12-month follow-up and basing interventions on patients’ features. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrients)

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14 pages, 936 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plasma Micronutrient Profile of Prostate Cancer Cases Is Altered Relative to Healthy Controls—Results of a Pilot Study in South Australia

by Varinderpal S. Dhillon, Permal Deo and Michael Fenech

Cancers 2023, 15(1), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15010077 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6800

Abstract

Emerging evidence suggests possible roles of micronutrients in cancer prevention. The study was designed to test the hypothesis that the concentration profile of plasma micronutrients (i.e., the nutriome) in prostate cancer patients is different from that of healthy controls. Plasma samples from 116 Caucasian men diagnosed with late onset of prostate cancer and 132 matched controls from the South Australian population were collected and analysed for their concentration of micronutrients. Plasma concentrations of lutein, lycopene, α-carotene and β-carotene were found to be significantly lower in prostate cancer patients (p = 0.03, 0.008, 0.002 and 0.002, respectively). Plasma levels of elements such as iron, copper, calcium and sulphur were significantly higher (p < 0.0001, <0.0001, <0.0001 and p = 0.0003, respectively) while that of selenium was significantly lower (p = 0.002) in prostate cancer patients. Higher prostate cancer risk is significantly associated with plasma levels below the median of lycopene (OR: 2.24), α-carotene (OR: 2.13), β-carotene (OR: 1.97) and high levels above the median of iron (OR: 2.31), calcium (OR: 4.35) and sulphur (OR: 2.39). The results of this study suggest that the plasma nutriome could be a useful diagnostic of prostate cancer risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrients)

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16 pages, 287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations of Dietary Intakes of Carotenoids and Vitamin A with Lung Cancer Risk in a Low-Income Population in the Southeastern United States

by Yan Sun, Jie Wu, Hyung-Suk Yoon, Maciej S. Buchowski, Hui Cai, Stephen A. Deppen, Mark D. Steinwandel, Wei Zheng, Xiao-Ou Shu, William J. Blot and Qiuyin Cai

Cancers 2022, 14(20), 5159; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14205159 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2292

Abstract

Observational studies found inverse associations of dietary carotenoids and vitamin A intakes with lung cancer risk. However, interventional trials among high-risk individuals showed that β-carotene supplements increased lung cancer risk. Most of the previous studies were conducted among European descendants or Asians. We prospectively examined the associations of lung cancer risk with dietary intakes of carotenoids and vitamin A in the Southern Community Cohort Study, including 65,550 participants with 1204 incident lung cancer cases. Multivariate Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Lung cancer cases had lower energy-adjusted dietary intakes of all carotenoids and vitamin A than non-cases. However, dietary intakes of carotenoids and vitamin A were not associated with overall lung cancer risk. A significant positive association of dietary vitamin A intake with lung cancer risk was observed among current smokers (HR_{Q4 vs. Q1} = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.02–1.49; P_trend = 0.01). In addition, vitamin A intake was associated with an increased risk of adenocarcinoma among African Americans (HR_{Q4 vs. Q1} = 1.55; 95%CI: 1.08–2.21; P_trend = 0.03). Dietary lycopene intake was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer among former smokers (HR_{Q4 vs. Q1} = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.04–2.17; P_trend = 0.03). There are positive associations of dietary β-cryptoxanthin intake with squamous carcinoma risk (HR_{Q4 vs. Q1} = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.03–2.15; P_trend = 0.03). Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrients)

Review

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35 pages, 885 KiB

Open AccessReview

An Overview of the Spices Used for the Prevention and Potential Treatment of Gastric Cancer

by Katarzyna Kostelecka, Łukasz Bryliński, Olga Komar, Justyna Michalczyk, Agata Miłosz, Jan Biłogras, Filip Woliński, Alicja Forma and Jacek Baj

Cancers 2024, 16(8), 1611; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16081611 - 22 Apr 2024

Viewed by 801

Abstract

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks third in terms of cancer-related deaths and is the fifth most commonly diagnosed type of cancer. Its risk factors include Helicobacter pylori infection, Epstein–Barr virus infection, the consumption of broiled and charbroiled animal meats, salt-preserved and smoke-enhanced foods, alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking, exposure to ionizing radiation, and positive family history. The limited effectiveness of conventional therapies and the widespread risk factors of GC encourage the search for new methods of treatment and prevention. In the quest for cheap and commonly available medications, numerous studies focus on herbal medicine, traditional brews, and spices. In this review, we outline the potential use of spices, including turmeric, ginger, garlic, black cumin, chili pepper, saffron, black pepper, rosemary, galangal, coriander, wasabi, cinnamon, oregano, cardamom, fenugreek, caraway, clove, dill, thyme, Piper sarmentosum, basil, as well as the compounds they contain, in the prevention and treatment of GC. We present the potential molecular mechanisms responsible for the effectivity of a given seasoning substance and their impact on GC cells. We discuss their potential effects on proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. For most of the spices discussed, we also outline the unavailability and side effects of their use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrients)

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17 pages, 720 KiB

Open AccessReview

Can Asiatic Acid from Centella asiatica Be a Potential Remedy in Cancer Therapy?—A Review

by Michał Wiciński, Anna Fajkiel-Madajczyk, Zuzanna Kurant, Sandra Gajewska, Dominik Kurant, Marcin Kurant and Masaoud Sousak

Cancers 2024, 16(7), 1317; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16071317 - 28 Mar 2024

Viewed by 961

Abstract

Centella asiatica has been recognized for centuries in Eastern medicine for its pharmacological properties. Due to the increasing prevalence of oncological diseases worldwide, natural substances that could qualify as anticancer therapeutics are becoming increasingly important subjects of research. This review aims to find an innovative use for asiatic acid (AA) in the treatment or support of cancer therapy. It has been demonstrated that AA takes part in inhibiting phosphorylation, inducing cell death, and reducing tumor growth and metastasis by influencing important signaling pathways, such as PI3K, Akt, mTOR, p70S6K, and STAT3, in cancer cells. It is also worth mentioning the high importance of asiatic acid in reducing the expression of markers such as N-cadherin, β-catenin, claudin-1, and vimentin. Some studies have indicated the potential of asiatic acid to induce autophagy in cancer cells through changes in the levels of specific proteins such as LC3 and p62. It can also act as an anti-tumor immunotherapeutic agent, thanks to its inductive effect on Smad7 in combination with naringenin (an Smad3 inhibitor). It seems that asiatic acid may be a potential anticancer drug or form of adjunctive therapy. Further studies should take into account safety and toxicity issues, as well as limitations related to the pharmacokinetics of AA and its low oral bioavailability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrients)

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18 pages, 4325 KiB

Open AccessReview

Trends in Diet and Cancer Research: A Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis

by Erin D. Giles, Sarah A. Purcell, Jessica Olson, Alina Vrieling, Kelly A. Hirko, Kary Woodruff, Mary C. Playdon, Gwendolyn A. Thomas, L. Anne Gilmore, Heather K. Moberly and Annie E. Newell-Fugate

Cancers 2023, 15(15), 3761; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15153761 - 25 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2511

Abstract

Diet plays a critical role for patients across the cancer continuum. The World Cancer Research Fund International and the American Cancer Society have published evidence supporting the role of nutrition in cancer prevention. We conducted an analysis of the literature on dietary nutrients and cancer to uncover opportunities for future research. The objective of the bibliometric analysis was to describe trends in peer-reviewed publications on dietary components and cancer and to highlight research gaps. PubMed was queried for manuscripts with diet- and cancer-related keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms. Metadata covering 99,784 publications from 6469 journals were analyzed to identify trends since 1970 on diet topics across 19 tumor types. Publications focused largely on breast, colorectal, and liver cancer, with fewer papers linking diet with other cancers such as brain, gallbladder, or ovarian. With respect to “unhealthy” diets, many publications focused on high-fat diets and alcohol consumption. The largest numbers of publications related to “healthy” diets examined the Mediterranean diet and the consumption of fruits and vegetables. These findings highlight the need for additional research focused on under-investigated cancers and dietary components, as well as dietary studies during cancer therapy and post-therapy, which may help to prolong survivorship. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrients)

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13 pages, 283 KiB

Open AccessReview

Immunonutrition in Radical Cystectomy: State of the Art and Perspectives

by Amanda Casirati, Valentina Da Prat, Arianna Bettiga, Lucia Aretano, Francesco Trevisani, Emanuele Cereda, Alberto Briganti, Elisa Colombo, Giorgia Preziati, Francesca De Simeis, Andrea Salonia, Francesco Montorsi, Riccardo Caccialanza and Richard Naspro

Cancers 2023, 15(14), 3747; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15143747 - 24 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1283

Abstract

Preoperative nutritional status is a pivotal aspect to consider in patients with cancer undergoing radical cystectomy (RC), as those at risk of malnutrition or already malnourished are more prone to post-surgical complications. The loss of muscle mass is a major consequence of cancer-related malnutrition. It is associated with increased risk of hospital readmission, longer hospitalization, and higher mortality. Nowadays, the close relationship between nutritional and immunological aspects under stressful conditions, such as surgery, represents an emerging scientific and clinical issue. Indeed, the synergistic action of reduced food intake and systemic inflammation generates metabolic derangements with tissue catabolism, including skeletal muscle breakdown, which is, in turn, associated with immune system dysfunction. In order to offer an additional immune-nutritional boost to the post-surgical phase, particularly in malnourished patients, nutritional support may include oral nutritional supplements and/or enteral formulas enriched with specific nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, arginine, glutamine, and nucleotides, with acknowledged immune-modulating effects. In the present narrative review, we addressed the state of the art of the available scientific literature on the benefit of immunonutrition in patients undergoing RC for cancer and suggest possible future perspectives to be explored. Although the role of immunonutrition was found to be little explored in the context of urologic oncology, the preliminary available data on radical cystectomy, summarized in the present paper, are promising and suggest that it may improve postoperative outcomes through immunomodulation, regardless of nutritional status before surgery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrients)

30 pages, 5687 KiB

Open AccessReview

Luteolin, a Potent Anticancer Compound: From Chemistry to Cellular Interactions and Synergetic Perspectives

by Hardeep Singh Tuli, Prangya Rath, Abhishek Chauhan, Katrin Sak, Diwakar Aggarwal, Renuka Choudhary, Ujjawal Sharma, Kanupriya Vashishth, Sheetu Sharma, Manoj Kumar, Vikas Yadav, Tejveer Singh, Mukerrem Betul Yerer and Shafiul Haque

Cancers 2022, 14(21), 5373; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14215373 - 31 Oct 2022

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5807

Abstract

Increasing rates of cancer incidence and the toxicity concerns of existing chemotherapeutic agents have intensified the research to explore more alternative routes to combat tumor. Luteolin, a flavone found in numerous fruits, vegetables, and herbs, has exhibited a number of biological activities, such as anticancer and anti-inflammatory. Luteolin inhibits tumor growth by targeting cellular processes such as apoptosis, cell-cycle progression, angiogenesis and migration. Mechanistically, luteolin causes cell death by downregulating Akt, PLK-1, cyclin-B1, cyclin-A, CDC-2, CDK-2, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL, while upregulating BAX, caspase-3, and p21. It has also been reported to inhibit STAT3 signaling by the suppression of STAT3 activation and enhanced STAT3 protein degradation in various cancer cells. Therefore, extensive studies on the anticancer properties of luteolin reveal its promising role in chemoprevention. The present review describes all the possible cellular interactions of luteolin in cancer, along with its synergistic mode of action and nanodelivery insight. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrients)

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Other

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21 pages, 2249 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Dietary Polyphenol Intake and Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Marcela de Araújo Fagundes, Alex Richard Costa Silva, Gisele Aparecida Fernandes and Maria Paula Curado

Cancers 2022, 14(23), 5878; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14235878 - 29 Nov 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1601

Abstract

Background: Phenolic compound consumption may have a protective effect against gastric cancer (GC). Most GC studies focus on the flavonoids class, but results are conflicting and knowledge gaps remain for other classes and total polyphenol intake. This study aimed to assess the association between polyphenol intake (total, flavonoids, and other classes) and GC. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, LILACS, Web of Science, and OpenGrey databases were searched for studies published up to 20 March 2022. Case–control and cohort studies analyzing the association between polyphenol intake and GC were included. For the meta-analysis, pooled summary estimates were calculated using a random-effects model, and the estimates extracted adjusted for most variables. Subgroup analyses were performed for subclass (e.g., flavonoids and other classes), sex, geographical area, study design, anatomical subtype, histological subtype, family history of GC and fruit and/or vegetable intake. The study was registered with PROSPERO (#CRD42022306014). Findings: The search identified 2752 records, of which 19 studies published during the period 1999–2021 including a total of 1,197,857 subjects were eligible. Polyphenol consumption reduced GC risk by 29% (RR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.62–0.81; I² = 60.5%); while flavonoid intake decreased GC risk by 28% (RR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.61–0.85; I² = 64.3%), similar to the reduction fort other classes (RR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.54–0.79; I² = 72.0%). Protective effects against GC were observed in both sexes (male, RR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.67–0.94, I² = 31.6%; female, RR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.48–0.87, I² = 49.7%) and for intestinal subtype (RR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.52–0.82, I² = 0.0%). By continent, polyphenol consumption reduced GC risk in both Europe (RR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.57–0.79, I² = 44.2%) and Asia (RR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.51–0.89, I² = 60.7%). Conclusions: Dietary polyphenol intake decreased GC risk. The reduction was greatest in females. Most previous studies were carried out in Europe and Asia. Further studies investigating polyphenol consumption and GC in Latin American populations are warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrients)

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