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[Phytoestrogen and cancer prevention].
Shaw Watanabe1, Sayo Uesugi, XingGang Zhuo
1Department of Applied Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuraoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan.
Gan to Kagaku Ryoho. Cancer & Chemotherapy
|August 5, 2003
Summary
Phytoestrogens, plant compounds that mimic estrogen, may prevent cancer by interacting with estrogen receptors. Dietary sources like soy and rye offer these beneficial compounds, with studies focusing on breast and prostate cancer prevention.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Context:
- Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds with estrogen-like activity.
- They interact with mammalian estrogen receptors.
- Major dietary sources include soy (isoflavones) and rye (lignans).
Purpose:
- To review the mechanisms by which phytoestrogens may prevent cancer.
- To summarize human epidemiological studies on phytoestrogens and cancer.
- To discuss findings related to breast and prostate cancers.
Summary:
- Phytoestrogens are classified into groups like isoflavones, coumestans, lignans, and prenylflavones.
- Their cancer-preventive mechanisms involve binding to estrogen receptors.
- Epidemiological data, particularly for breast and prostate cancers, are analyzed.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of phytoestrogen research in cancer prevention.
- Highlights the role of dietary phytoestrogens in human health.
- Informs potential dietary strategies for cancer risk reduction.