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Nutrition and Diet on the Prevention and Management of Cancer and Other Chronic Diseases

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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 December 2024) | Viewed by 31546

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Tung-Sung Tseng

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Guest Editor

Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, LSUHSC School of Public, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Interests: cancer; obesity; sugar-sweetened beverage; behavioral intervention; smoking; health disparities
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Liwei Chen

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Guest Editor

Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, 650 Charles E. Young Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
Interests: nutrition; dietary patterns; sugar-sweetened beverage; physical activity; health disparities; cardiometabolic diseases

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cancer and other chronic diseases are the leading causes of death. These multifactorial diseases are developed due to a long-term disturbance to the biology, behavioral, as well as environments. Poor nutrition/diet (e.g., measured by dietary micronutrients, macronutrients, food groups, or overall patterns) are common and major determinants in the development of most cancer and chronic disease. In addition, poor diet is also highly correlated with low SES and other unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, alcohol drinking, and physical inactivity.

In this Special Issue, “Nutrition and Diet on the Prevention and Management of Cancer and Other Chronic Disease”, we will present state-of-the-art approaches in dietary/nutrition, which aim to better understand the cause of nutrition-related diseases, their consequences, and prognosis. There will be a particular focus on the role of diet/nutrition on cancer and chronic disease, their interplay with biological factors, health/risk behaviors, and social determinants of health factors. Nutrition and dietary factors including dietary patents, micronutrients, antioxidants, dietary intervention, innovation approaches, or new technology applications are highly welcome topics in this issue. Original articles or short communications that advance current knowledge on the role of nutrition and diet on cancer and chronic disease are also welcome. We will also accept protocol, narrative reviews and systematic reviews or meta-analyses.

We look forward to your contributions.

Dr. Tung-Sung Tseng
Dr. Liwei Chen
Guest Editors

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Keywords

cancer
obesity
diabetes
CVD
Alzheimer's disease
vitamins and minerals
antioxidants
macronutrients
dietary pattern
eating timing
food groups
eating behavior
dietary intervention

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1598 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Case-Control Study of Dietary Choline Intake and Risk of Colorectal Cancer Modified by Dietary B-Vitamin Intake

by Alyssa Y. Chen, Eryn K. Matich, Jonathan Laryea, Ping-Ching Hsu and Lihchyun Joseph Su

Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4200; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234200 - 5 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1143

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is rising, and Western diets high in red and processed meats may be contributing. It is important to identify dietary nutrients that increase CRC risk and perhaps interventions that may modulate such risk. The relationship between dietary choline intake and CRC is still unclear. We hypothesize that high dietary choline intake is associated with greater CRC risk, and B vitamin supplementation may modify this risk. Methods: In this case-control study, we collected demographic and dietary data using the validated National Cancer Institute CRC Risk Assessment Tool and Dietary Health Questionnaire III and analyzed colonoscopy outcomes. Logistic regression and stratified analyses were performed to calculate adjusted odds ratios and evaluate for effect modification. Results: Of 52 total patients, 21 had a normal colonoscopy result, and 31 were found to either have benign polyps or CRC. The average dietary choline intake was 207 mg/day in the normal group and 297 mg/day in the abnormal outcome group. A doubling in dietary choline intake was significantly associated with increased odds of polyps or CRC (OR 25.32, 95% CI 1.95–327.94). When stratified by vitamin B levels, the effect modification was difficult to confidently quantify due to the limited sample size. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that higher dietary choline intake may be associated with an increased risk of CRC and its precursors, such as polyps. Although the potential modifying role of B vitamins was inconclusive, this study underscores the need for larger-scale research to further explore these associations and to assess the potential of dietary interventions in reducing CRC risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Diet on the Prevention and Management of Cancer and Other Chronic Diseases)

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13 pages, 1887 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional Inequality and Co-Morbid Chronic Disease Among Breast Cancer Survivors in China

by Juan Xia, Jinming Yu, Lindi Qu, Lin Lv, Wenyu Zhu, Xinyu Meng, Jian Shao and Yanxia Luo

Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4031; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234031 - 25 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1014

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer survivors often face an elevated risk of developing co-morbid chronic diseases, which may be exacerbated by nutritional inequalities. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the associations between nutrition literacy, dietary quality, and the risk of co-morbidity in breast cancer survivors in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among cancer survivors enrolled in the Shanghai Cancer Rehabilitation Club from March to July 2023. The multivariable models of logistic regression, Poisson regression, and mediation analysis were used to explore the relationship between nutrition literacy, dietary quality, and co-morbid chronic diseases among breast cancer survivors in China. Results: The mean age of the 1552 female breast cancer survivors was 64.5 ± 7.02 years. Nutrition literacy was found to be low, with 49.81% of participants scoring above the threshold for adequate nutrition literacy. The median (IQR) diet quality distance, low bound score, and high bound score were 67.0 (55.0, 81.0), −39.0 (−51.0, −28.0), and 25.0 (16.0, 36.0), respectively. Of the total female breast cancer survivors, 67.27% were reported to have at least one comorbid chronic disease. Hypertension (37.32%) was the most common co-morbid chronic disease. Each score increase of 10 in nutrition literacy (AOR 0.88, 95%CI 0.808–0.962) was associated with a significant reduction in co-morbid chronic disease risk among breast cancer survivors. Poisson regression analysis of the number of chronic diseases was conducted, and consistently, an association between higher nutrition literacy levels and fewer chronic diseases was observed (AOR 0.94, 95%CI 0.911–0.971). The indirect effect of nutrition literacy on comorbidity risk through dietary quality was not significant (indirect effect = 0.994, 95%CI = 0.980–1.008). Conclusions: Nutrition literacy is paramount in breast cancer survivors’ dietary quality and prognosis. Enhancing nutrition literacy may be a crucial strategy for improving dietary quality and mitigating the risk of comorbid chronic diseases in this vulnerable population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Diet on the Prevention and Management of Cancer and Other Chronic Diseases)

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14 pages, 2316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

DNA Methylation Signatures Characterize Gene Expression Modulation in Lung Cancer Patients Affected by Anorexia

by Alessio Molfino, Francesca Ambrosani, Silvia Udali, Giovanni Imbimbo, Sara Moruzzi, Annalisa Castagna, Patrizia Pattini, Federica Tambaro, Cesarina Ramaccini, Maurizio Muscaritoli and Simonetta Friso

Nutrients 2024, 16(21), 3721; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213721 - 31 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1056

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The pathophysiology of cancer anorexia is multifactorial and unclear. Transcriptomic analysis from PBMCs RNA showed diverse patterns of gene expression pathways in anorexic cancer patients. We assessed whether the different transcriptomic signatures are modulated by DNA methylation in lung cancer patients presenting with poor appetite. Methods: Lung cancer patients and controls were enrolled, and anorexia was assessed by the FAACT-score questionnaire. Genome-wide DNA methylation was determined by Human Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip Kit. Data from genome-wide methylation analysis were merged with those from gene expression analysis, previously obtained by RNA sequencing (NGS). Four groups of genes were identified for each comparison: hypermethylated repressed, hypermethylated induced, hypomethylated repressed, and hypomethylated induced. Results: Cancer patients (n = 16) showed 382 differentially methylated genes when compared with controls (n = 8). Anorexic patients (n = 8) presented 586 hypomethylated and 174 hypermethylated genes compared with controls. In anorexic patients vs. non-anorexic (n = 8), 211 genes were identified as hypomethylated and 90 hypermethylated. When microarray methylation data were merged with transcriptomic data by RNA sequencing, we observed significant differences in anorexic patients vs. controls; a total of 42 genes resulted as hypomethylated and induced, 5 hypermethylated repressed, 10 hypermethylated induced, and 15 hypomethylated repressed. The CG sites analyzed by targeted bisulfite NGS in four genes of interest (FLNA, PGRMC1, GNL3L, and FHL1) resulting as hypomethylated in anorexic vs. controls allowed the validation of the data obtained from DNA methylation. Interestingly, the four genes resulted as hypomethylated in anorexic patients vs. non-anorexic patients and vs. controls (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Our data support that methylation is implicated in cancer-associated anorexia and nutritional derangements among lung cancer patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Diet on the Prevention and Management of Cancer and Other Chronic Diseases)

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17 pages, 3302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inhibitory Effects of Urolithins, Bioactive Gut Metabolites from Natural Polyphenols, against Glioblastoma Progression

by Ching-Kai Shen, Bor-Ren Huang, Vichuda Charoensaensuk, Liang-Yo Yang, Cheng-Fang Tsai, Yu-Shu Liu, Sheng-Wei Lai, Dah-Yuu Lu, Wei-Lan Yeh and Chingju Lin

Nutrients 2023, 15(23), 4854; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15234854 - 21 Nov 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2218

Abstract

We previously reported that proinflammatory cytokines, particularly tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, promoted tumor migration, invasion, and proliferation, thus worsening the prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM). Urolithins, the potent metabolites produced by the gut from pomegranate polyphenols, have anticancer properties. To develop an effective therapy for GBM, this study aimed to study the effects of urolithins against GBM. Urolithin A and B significantly reduced GBM migration, reduced epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and inhibited tumor growth. Moreover, urolithin A and B inhibited TNF-α-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, thereby reducing human monocyte (HM) binding to GBM cells. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) level had higher expression in patients with glioma than in healthy individuals. Urolithins are considered pharmacological antagonists of AhR. We demonstrated that the inhibition of AhR reduced TNF-α-stimulated VCAM-1 and PD-L1 expression. Furthermore, human macrophage condition medium enhanced expression of PD-L1 in human GBM cells. Administration of the AhR antagonist attenuated the enhancement of PD-L1, indicating the AhR modulation in GBM progression. The modulatory effects of urolithins in GBM involve inhibiting the Akt and epidermal growth factor receptor pathways. The present study suggests that urolithins can inhibit GBM progression and provide valuable information for anti-GBM strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Diet on the Prevention and Management of Cancer and Other Chronic Diseases)

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15 pages, 1630 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Gut Microbiota and Breast Cancer: Diet as a Potential Modulating Factor

by Duygu Altinok Dindar, Brie Chun, Amy Palma, John Cheney, Madeline Krieger, Kristin Kasschau, Keaton Stagaman, Zahi I. Mitri, Shaun M. Goodyear, Jackilen Shannon, Lisa Karstens, Thomas Sharpton and Zhenzhen Zhang

Nutrients 2023, 15(21), 4628; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214628 - 31 Oct 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4657

Abstract

Breast cancer (BCa) has many well-known risk factors, including age, genetics, lifestyle, and diet; however, the influence of the gut microbiome on BCa remains an emerging area of investigation. This study explores the connection between the gut microbiome, dietary habits, and BCa risk. We enrolled newly diagnosed BCa patients and age-matched cancer-free controls in a case-control study. Comprehensive patient data was collected, including dietary habits assessed through the National Cancer Institute Diet History Questionnaire (DHQ). 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was used to analyze gut microbiome composition and assess alpha and beta diversity. Microbiome analysis revealed differences in the gut microbiome composition between cases and controls, with reduced microbial diversity in BCa patients. The abundance of three specific microbial genera—Acidaminococus, Tyzzerella, and Hungatella—was enriched in the fecal samples taken from BCa patients. These genera were associated with distinct dietary patterns, revealing significant associations between the presence of these genera in the microbiome and specific HEI2015 components, such as vegetables and dairy for Hungatella, and whole fruits for Acidaminococus. Demographic characteristics were well-balanced between groups, with a significantly higher body mass index and lower physical activity observed in cases, underscoring the role of weight management in BCa risk. Associations between significant microbial genera identified from BCa cases and dietary intakes were identified, which highlights the potential of the gut microbiome as a source of biomarkers for BCa risk assessment. This study calls attention to the complex interplay between the gut microbiome, lifestyle factors including diet, and BCa risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Diet on the Prevention and Management of Cancer and Other Chronic Diseases)

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12 pages, 581 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary and Serum Antioxidants Associated with Prostate-Specific Antigen for Middle-Aged and Older Men

by Hui-Yi Lin, Xiaodan Zhu, Alise J. Aucoin, Qiufan Fu, Jong Y. Park and Tung-Sung Tseng

Nutrients 2023, 15(15), 3298; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15153298 - 25 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2426

Abstract

High prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels can indicate potential prostate problems and are a warning sign of prostate cancer. The impact of antioxidants on the PSA of generally healthy men is understudied. This study aims to evaluate 14 dietary and endogenous antioxidants associated with PSA levels for United States (US) men. We assessed 7398 men using the 2003–2010 US population-based National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The PSA levels were categorized into three groups: Normal, borderline, and elevated levels. We performed analyses for middle-aged and older groups aged 40–64.9 and ≥65, respectively. The weighted multinomial regressions were performed to evaluate antioxidants associated with the PSA status. For results, 0.3% and 3.4% of middle-aged and older men, respectively, had elevated PSA (>10 ng/mL). Men with a higher serum albumin level had a lower risk of an elevated PSA, adjusting for age. The magnitude of albumin’s impact on PSA is larger in middle-aged men than in older men (OR of elevated PSA = 0.82 and 0.90, respectively, interaction p = 0.002). Other antioxidants are not associated with PSA. Our findings support men with low serum albumin tend to have an elevated PSA level, so related interventions can be considered to decrease PSA for maintaining prostate health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Diet on the Prevention and Management of Cancer and Other Chronic Diseases)

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15 pages, 667 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mediation of BMI on 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in U.S. Adults with Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Consumption

by Wei-Ting Lin, Gabrielle V. Gonzalez, Yu-Hsiang Kao, Hui-Yi Lin, Mirandy S. Li, David W. Seal, Chien-Hung Lee, Chih-yang Hu, Lei-Shih Chen and Tung-Sung Tseng

Nutrients 2023, 15(15), 3291; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15153291 - 25 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1824

Abstract

Body mass index (BMI) as well as sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) has been suggested to independently decrease 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). However, the relationship between SSB, BMI, and 25(OH)D is uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the potential mediating role of BMI in the association between SSB intake and 25(OH)D. A total of 4505 representative U.S. adults aged above 20 years and without liver conditions were selected from the 2013–2014 NHANES. All analyses were performed under survey modules with appropriate sampling weights. The prevalence of 25(OH)D insufficiency and deficiency was 37.8% and 24.1% in U.S. adults, respectively. Compared with non-SSB consumers, an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency was found in either heavy SSB consumers or soda consumers, respectively (aOR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.25–3.54 in heavy SSB consumers; aOR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.06–2.44 in soda consumers). Around 21.3% of the total effect of sugar intake from SSB on decreased 25(OH)D was explained by BMI. In conclusion, high total sugar intake from SSB and BMI independently contribute to lower 25(OH)D, and BMI mediates the inverse association between total sugar intake from SSB intake and 25(OH)D. Furthermore, an increased risk of having vitamin D deficiency was found in the population who consumed higher levels of sugar from SSB or soda drinks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Diet on the Prevention and Management of Cancer and Other Chronic Diseases)

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14 pages, 1002 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Anti-Cancer Activity of Lycopene: A Systematic Review of Human and Animal Studies

by Aleksandra Kapała, Małgorzata Szlendak and Emilia Motacka

Nutrients 2022, 14(23), 5152; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14235152 - 3 Dec 2022

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 12935

Abstract

Lycopene is a nutraceutical with health-promoting and anti-cancer activities, but due to a lack of evidence, there are no recommendations regarding its use and dosage. This review aimed to evaluate the benefits of lycopene supplementation in cancer prevention and treatment based on the results of in vivo studies. We identified 72 human and animal studies that were then analysed for endpoints such as cancer incidence, improvement in treatment outcomes, and the mechanisms of lycopene action. We concluded that the results of most of the reviewed in vivo studies confirmed the anti-cancer activities of lycopene. Most of the studies concerned prostate cancer, reflecting the number of in vitro studies. The reported mechanisms of lycopene action in vivo included regulation of oxidative and inflammatory processes, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of cell division, angiogenesis, and metastasis formation. The predominance of particular mechanisms seemed to depend on tumour organ localisation and the local storage capacity of lycopene. Finally, there is a need to look for predictive factors to identify a population that may benefit from lycopene supplementation. The potential candidates appear to be race, single nucleotide polymorphisms in carotene-cleaving enzymes, some genetic abbreviations, and insulin-like growth factor-dependent and inflammatory diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Diet on the Prevention and Management of Cancer and Other Chronic Diseases)

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12 pages, 2713 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Malnutrition as a Risk Factor in the Development of Oral Cancer: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analyses

by Romeo Patini, Eleonora Favetti Giaquinto, Gioele Gioco, Raffaella Castagnola, Vittoria Perrotti, Cosimo Rupe, Leonardo Di Gennaro, Giuseppina Nocca and Carlo Lajolo

Nutrients 2024, 16(3), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16030360 - 26 Jan 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2908

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analyses aimed to assess whether malnutrition may increase the incidence of oral cancer. Following the PRISMA statement, the research was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and MEDLINE via OVID without any time restrictions. The risk of bias was assessed, and the quality of evidence for each performed meta-analysis was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. Sixty-one articles met the inclusion criteria and seven studies underwent quantitative evaluation. For our meta-analysis on hypovitaminosis B, three studies with a total of 90,011 patients were included. An odds ratio of 2.22 was found. Our meta-analysis on the correlation between vitamin C and oral cancer included one study with a total of 866 patients and the derived odds ratio was 1.06. Our meta-analysis on the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the incidence of oral cancer included three studies with a total of 12,087 patients and the odds ratio was −2.58. The GRADE system showed a moderate strength of evidence due to the presence of studies with a high risk of bias and high indirectness of the data given. The present findings suggest that an inadequate intake of vitamins, particularly vitamin D, poses a risk for the onset of oral cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Diet on the Prevention and Management of Cancer and Other Chronic Diseases)

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