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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
09:52
A Mimic of the Tumor Microenvironment: A Simple Method for Generating Enriched Cell Populations and Investigating Intercellular Communication
Published on: September 20, 2016
Gene-nutrient interactions in cancer etiology
Susan A Nowell1, Jiyoung Ahn, Christine B Ambrosone
1Department of Epidemiology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm Street, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
Nutrition Reviews
|December 30, 2004
Summary
Genetic differences may explain why studies on diet and cancer risk are inconsistent. This review examines meat, fruits, and vegetables
Area of Science:
- Nutritional epidemiology
- Cancer research
- Human genetics
Background:
- Epidemiologic studies on diet and cancer risk yield inconsistent results.
- Genetic heterogeneity within study populations may obscure true associations.
- Food-borne compounds can be metabolized into mutagens, influencing cancer risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on meat consumption and cancer risk (colon, breast, prostate).
- To explore the role of genetic variations in metabolizing enzymes and oxidative stress genes.
- To discuss the impact of fruit and vegetable intake on breast cancer risk.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiologic studies.
- Focus on genetic polymorphisms and enzyme phenotypes.
- Analysis of dietary components like meat, fruits, and vegetables.
Main Results:
- Inconsistencies in dietary component-cancer risk associations may stem from genetic heterogeneity.
- Specific genotypes influence the metabolism of food-borne promutagens, affecting cancer risk.
- Genetic variants in oxidative stress genes are relevant to breast cancer risk.
Conclusions:
- Genetic factors play a crucial role in moderating the relationship between diet and cancer.
- Understanding genetic heterogeneity is essential for resolving inconsistencies in nutritional epidemiology.
- Personalized dietary recommendations considering genetic profiles may improve cancer prevention strategies.
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