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Flavonoids and steroid hormone-dependent cancers.
Rachel S Rosenberg Zand1, David J A Jenkins, Eleftherios P Diamandis
1Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. rzand@hnrc.tufts.edu
Summary
Flavonoids, found in fruits and vegetables, may help prevent steroid-hormone dependent cancers like breast and prostate cancer. More human studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness in reducing cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Steroid-hormone dependent cancers (breast, prostate, colon) are prevalent in Western countries but less common in rural Asia.
- Dietary factors, such as low intake of fruits, vegetables, and soy in Western diets, are implicated in these disparities.
- Flavonoids, bioactive compounds in plant foods, are investigated for their potential role in cancer chemoprevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of flavonoids in the chemoprevention of steroid-hormone dependent cancers.
- To explore the mechanisms by which flavonoids may exert protective effects against these cancers.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological studies.
- Analysis of in vitro research.
- Examination of animal models.
- Evaluation of human clinical studies.
Main Results:
- In vitro and animal studies suggest flavonoids may reduce cancer incidence through various pathways.
- Potential mechanisms include modulation of steroid hormone activity, effects on cell growth, antioxidant activities, and inhibition of chemical carcinogenesis.
- Clinical data supporting these effects in humans remain limited.
Conclusions:
- Flavonoids show promise as chemopreventive agents against steroid-hormone dependent cancers based on preclinical data.
- Further clinical research is essential to validate these findings and determine optimal dietary strategies for cancer risk reduction.