Diet, genes, and microbes: complexities of colon cancer prevention.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States, and generally, as countries climb the economic ladder, their rates of colon cancer increase. Colon cancer was an early disease where key genetic mutations were identified as important in disease progression, and there is considerable interest in determining whether specific mutations sensitize the colon to cancer prevention strategies. Epidemiological studies have revealed that fiber- and vegetable-rich diets and physical activity are associated with reduced rates of colon cancer, while consumption of red and processed meat, or alcoholic beverages, and overconsumption as reflected in obesity are associated with increased rates. Animal studies have probed these effects and suggested directions for further refinement of diet in colon cancer prevention. Recently a central role for the microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract in colon cancer development is being probed, and it is hypothesized that the microbes may integrate diet and host genetics in the etiology of the disease. This review provides background on dietary, genetic, and microbial impacts on colon cancer and describes an ongoing project using rodent models to assess the ability of digestion-resistant starch in the integration of these factors with the goal of furthering colon cancer prevention.

• Authors: Diane F Birt, Gregory J Phillips
• Journal: Toxicologic pathology (Toxicol Pathol) Vol. 42 Issue 1 Pg. 182-8 (Jan 2014) ISSN: 1533-1601 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24129759 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Review)

Topics

• Animals
• Colon (metabolism, microbiology)
• Colonic Neoplasms (genetics, microbiology)
• Diet
• Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted
• Dietary Fiber (administration & dosage)
• Disease Models, Animal
• Humans
• Microbiota (genetics)