Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

An Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer Metastasis
06:48

An Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer Metastasis

Published on: September 18, 2013

Prostate cancer prevention by nutritional means to alleviate metabolic syndrome

R James Barnard1

  • 1Department of Physiological Science, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90096-1606, USA. jbarnard@physci.ucla.edu

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|February 13, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Metabolic syndrome (MS) and prostate cancer share common roots in hyperinsulinemia. A low-fat, starch diet and daily exercise effectively manage MS and may reduce prostate cancer risk by altering key serum factors.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Syndrome Research
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Metabolic syndrome (MS), initially termed syndrome X, is characterized by insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, and obesity.
  • Studies indicate a link between MS and prostate cancer, with hyperinsulinemia potentially promoting tumor growth.
  • Inverse relationships between serum insulin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) have been observed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of diet and exercise on metabolic syndrome and prostate cancer.
  • To explore the role of serum factors in the development and progression of prostate cancer.
  • To determine if lifestyle interventions can influence factors related to both MS and prostate cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Rodent models were fed high-fat, refined-sugar (HFS) diets to induce MS, then switched to low-fat, starch diets.
  • Human subjects underwent a low-fat starch diet and daily exercise program (Pritikin Program).
  • A bioassay using cultured prostate cancer cell lines stimulated with pre- and post-intervention serum was employed.

Main Results:

  • A low-fat starch diet controlled MS in rodents and humans.
  • Diet and exercise interventions altered serum factors, reducing growth and inducing apoptosis in prostate cancer cells.
  • Key serum changes included decreased insulin, estradiol, IGF-I, and free testosterone, with increased SHBG and IGF binding protein-1.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperinsulinemia is a central factor in both MS and prostate cancer.
  • A low-fat starch diet combined with daily exercise can manage MS.
  • This lifestyle intervention shows potential for reducing prostate cancer risk by modulating critical serum biomarkers.

More Related Videos

Phosphopeptide Enrichment Coupled with Label-free Quantitative Mass Spectrometry to Investigate the Phosphoproteome in Prostate Cancer12:23

Phosphopeptide Enrichment Coupled with Label-free Quantitative Mass Spectrometry to Investigate the Phosphoproteome in Prostate Cancer

Published on: August 2, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Cancer Prevention02:59

Cancer Prevention

Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Cancer Prevention02:59

Cancer Prevention

Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Urinary Tract Calculi IV: Nutrition Therapy and Prevention01:27

Urinary Tract Calculi IV: Nutrition Therapy and Prevention

Management of renal calculi focuses on effective strategies like tailored nutrition and hydration therapy. Adjusting diet and fluid intake reduces stone formation and recurrence, making these interventions simple yet powerful in kidney stone prevention and management.Understanding Kidney StonesKidney stones form when calcium, oxalate, uric acid, and cystine concentrate and crystallize in urine. Factors contributing to their formation include genetic predisposition, certain medical conditions,...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System01:20

Disorders of the Male Reproductive System

Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...