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Cancer-promoting and Inhibiting Effects of Dietary Compounds: Role of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR)

Joann B Powell1, Maryam Ghotbaddini1

  • 1Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA USA.

Biochemistry & Pharmacology : Open Access
|September 27, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Environmental carcinogens like polyaromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic aromatic amines can initiate cancer by interacting with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Beneficial compounds in fruits and vegetables also interact with AhR, suggesting a role in cancer prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Toxicology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Environmental carcinogens, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons, heterocyclic aromatic amines, and dioxin-like compounds, are known to initiate cancer in various tissues like prostate and breast.
  • These compounds exert their carcinogenic effects by interacting with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a crucial ligand-activated transcription factor.
  • Conversely, naturally occurring compounds present in fruits and vegetables exhibit anti-carcinogenic properties and also interact with the AhR.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the dual role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in mediating the effects of both environmental carcinogens and beneficial dietary compounds.
  • To explore the mechanisms by which dietary and environmental exposures influence cancer initiation and prevention through AhR signaling.
  • To highlight the significance of AhR as a molecular target for understanding cancer development and potential therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on environmental carcinogens and their interaction with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR).
  • Analysis of research on naturally occurring compounds in fruits and vegetables with anti-carcinogenic properties and their AhR interactions.
  • Synthesis of information regarding dietary and environmental exposure pathways and their impact on AhR activation.

Main Results:

  • Environmental carcinogens activate the AhR, leading to downstream signaling pathways implicated in cancer initiation.
  • Dietary compounds, often found in fruits and vegetables, can modulate AhR activity, potentially inhibiting carcinogenic processes.
  • The AhR serves as a critical mediator for both pro-carcinogenic and anti-carcinogenic effects depending on the interacting ligand.

Conclusions:

  • The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a key molecular player in both the development and prevention of cancer.
  • Dietary choices can influence AhR activity, offering a potential avenue for cancer risk reduction.
  • Further research into AhR modulation by dietary and environmental factors is warranted for developing novel cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
Keywords:
Aryl hydrocarbon receptorCurcuminDioxin-like compoundFlavonoidHeterocyclic aromatic aminePolyaromatic hydrocarbonStilbene

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