Dietary patterns based on the Mediterranean diet and DASH diet are inversely associated with high aggressive prostate cancer in PCaP

Anti-Cancer, Anti-Angiogenic, and Anti-Atherogenic Potential of Key Phenolic Compounds from Virgin Olive Oil

The Mediterranean diet, renowned for its health benefits, especially in reducing cardiovascular risks and protecting against diseases like diabetes and cancer, emphasizes virgin olive oil as a key contributor to these advantages. Despite being a minor fraction, the phenolic compounds in olive oil significantly contribute to its bioactive effects. This review examines the bioactive properties of hydroxytyrosol and related molecules, including naturally occurring compounds (-)-oleocanthal and (-)-oleacein, as well as semisynthetic derivatives like hydroxytyrosyl esters and alkyl ethers. (-)-Oleocanthal and (-)-oleacein show promising anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties, which are particularly underexplored in the case of (-)-oleacein. Additionally, hydroxytyrosyl esters exhibit similar effectiveness to hydroxytyrosol, while certain alkyl ethers surpass their precursor's properties. Remarkably, the emerging research field of the effects of phenolic molecules related to virgin olive oil on cell autophagy presents significant opportunities for underscoring the anti-cancer and neuroprotective properties of these molecules. Furthermore, promising clinical data from studies on hydroxytyrosol, (-)-oleacein, and (-)-oleocanthal urge further investigation and support the initiation of clinical trials with semisynthetic hydroxytyrosol derivatives. This review provides valuable insights into the potential applications of olive oil-derived phenolics in preventing and managing diseases associated with cancer, angiogenesis, and atherosclerosis.

Impact of a Mediterranean diet on prevention and management of urologic diseases

Compared to a Western diet, the Mediterranean diet moves away from red meat and processed foods. Universally regarded as a healthier dietary alternative, the Mediterranean diet has garnered scientific endorsement for its ability to confer an array of compelling benefits. These health benefits encompass not only a lowered incidence of Type 2 diabetes with a reduction in obesity, but also a robust protective effect on cardiovascular health. Extensive literature exists to corroborate these health benefits; however, the impact of a Mediterranean diet on urologic diseases, specifically sexual dysfunction, lower urinary tract symptoms, stone disease, and urologic cancers are not well studied. Understanding how dietary habits may impact these urologic conditions can contribute to improved prevention and treatment strategies.A total of 955 papers from PubMed and Embase were systematically reviewed and screened. After exclusion of disqualified and duplicated studies, 58 studies consisting of randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, cross sectional studies, reviews and other meta-analyses were included in this review. 11 primary studies were related to the impact of a Mediterranean diet on sexual dysfunction, 9 primary studies regarding urinary symptoms, 8 primary studies regarding stone disease, and 9 primary studies regarding urologic cancers. All primary studies included were considered of good quality based on a New-Castle Ottawa scale. The results demonstrate a Mediterranean diet as an effective means to prevent as well as improve erectile dysfunction, nephrolithiasis, lower urinary tract symptoms, and urinary incontinence. The review highlights the need for additional research to study the impact of diet on urologic cancers and other urologic conditions such as premature ejaculation, loss of libido, female sexual dysfunction, and overactive bladder.

Mediterranean diet for cancer prevention and survivorship

Cancer is one of the main noncommunicable diseases in terms of health impact. Factors such as a progressively aging population point to future increases in the incidence of cancer on a global level. The elevated number of affected individuals, together with continuous improvements in cancer prevention and therapy, is creating a growing population of cancer survivors, with often inadequately met needs. Lifestyle is a key modulator of cancer risk and of associated morbidity and mortality, and is included in all approaches to the long-term management of cancer. Diet is a principal component of lifestyle, and most of the available evidence is centered on the Mediterranean diet. Our objective was to provide a narrative review of the evidence on the effect of the Mediterranean diet on cancer risk and health threats related to cancer survivorship. For this purpose, we searched the PubMed database for articles published between January 1, 2000, and June 12, 2023. Current data show that the Mediterranean diet is inversely associated with risk, or is risk neutral, for most types of cancer. Tumors of the digestive system have received preferential interest, but studies have also been published on tumors in other organs. The evidence, however, is meager due to the observational nature of most studies, although it is reassuring that benefit is reproduced in studies performed in different populations and environments. Evidence related to cancer survivors is limited by the paucity of studies, yet several findings regarding survival, recurrence, and short- and long-term morbidity suggest a potential role for the Mediterranean diet that warrants further research.

Association between nut consumption and prostate cancer risk in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies

AIMS

Data on the association between nut consumption and prostate cancer risk are conflicting. Therefore, this systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis aimed to summarize available findings from observational studies on the associations of nut intake with risk of total, advanced, non-advanced, and fatal prostate cancers.

DATA SYNTHESIS

We searched the online databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science as well as Google Scholar using appropriate keywords to identify eligible articles up to September 2022. In total, 11 articles with a total sample size of 287,786 participants and 32,213 cases of prostate cancer were included in the current systematic review and meta-analysis. By comparing the highest and lowest intake of total nuts, pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for total, advanced, non-advanced, and fatal prostate cancers were 0.94 (95% CI: 0.85-1.04, P = 0.22), 1.10 (95% CI: 0.98-1.24, P = 0.12), 0.97 (95% CI: 0.85-1.11, P = 0.69), 0.97 (95% CI: 0.79-1.18, P = 0.73), respectively, which indicated non-significant inverse associations for total, non-advanced, and fatal prostate cancers and a non-significant positive association for advanced prostate cancer. In the dose-response analyses, we found no evidence of a linear or non-linear association between total nut intake and prostate cancer risk. Data on other types of nuts, including walnut, tree nuts, peanut, and peanut butter, were not sufficient for performing a meta-analysis.

CONCLUSION

We found no significant association between nut intake and risk of total, advanced, non-advanced, and fatal prostate cancer. Further studies are required to confirm our findings.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION CODE

CRD42022347094.

ETHICAL APPROVAL

Not required.

Association of major dietary patterns with resting metabolic rate and body fatness in middle-aged men and women: Results from a cross-sectional study

Background: The association of dietary patterns and resting metabolic rate is still unclear. Aim: To study the relationship between the major dietary patterns, resting metabolic rate, and adiposity measures in Iranian adults. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 270 adults aged between 18-45 years old who lived in Tehran. Dietary intakes were achieved using food frequency questionnaire. Resting metabolic rate was measured using indirect calorimetry. Anthropometric measures were recorded using body composition analyzer. Results: Three major dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis labeled as healthy pattern (vegetables, fruits, and fruits juices, legumes, poultry, nuts, fish, egg, low fat dairy product, olive, and olive oil), mixed pattern (non-refined cereals, vegetables, vegetable oils, mayonnaise, high fat dairy product and, pickles), Western pattern (refined cereals, red or processed meat, soft drinks, sweets and desserts, Tea and coffee, salty snacks and French fries). After adjusting for covariates higher score of the Western dietary pattern was associated with lower resting metabolic rate (p = 0.023). There was significant decreasing difference in means for fat free mass across tertiles of mixed pattern when the first tertile was compared to the third tertile (p = 0.046). Higher adherence to healthy pattern was associated with lower body weight (p = 0.034), body mass index (p = 0.021), and higher resting metabolic rate (p = 0.033). Conclusions: Higher adherence to the Western dietary pattern was associated with a lower amount of resting metabolic rate. Also higher adherence to the healthy dietary pattern was associated with higher resting metabolic rate and lower body weight and body mass index. Further studies are required to examine the causal relationship between dietary patterns and resting metabolic rate.

A bibliometric analysis of Mediterranean diet on cancer from 2012 to 2021

Background

Numerous studies have demonstrated the value of the Mediterranean diet (MD) as a nutritious eating regimen for lowering the risk of cancer. This study aims to discuss the research patterns, existing state, and possible hotspots in implementing the MD for the prevention and treatment of cancer using bibliometrics.

Methods

The Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) was searched for articles on cancer that were related to the MD. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Microsoft Excel 2019, and R software were utilized for bibliometric analysis and data visualization.

Results

There were 1,415 articles and reviews published from 2012 to 2021. Annual publication volume showed a continuous upward trend. Italy and Harvard University were the country and institution, respectively, with the highest number of publications on this topic. Nutrients ranked first in the number of documents, number of citations, and the H-index. James R. Hebert was the most productive writer, and Antonia Trichopoulou was the most co-cited author. "Alcohol consumption," "oleic acid," and "low density lipoprotein" were keywords used in earlier publications, while more recent hotspots focused on "gut microbiota," "older adult," and "polyphenol."

Conclusion

Over the past decade, research on the MD in the field of cancer has received increasing attention. To improve the level of evidence for the beneficial effects of the MD on a range of cancers, more research on molecular mechanisms and better clinical studies are required.

Phytate Intake, Health and Disease: "Let Thy Food Be Thy Medicine and Medicine Be Thy Food"

Phytate (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate or InsP6) is the main phosphorus reservoir that is present in almost all wholegrains, legumes, and oilseeds. It is a major component of the Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets. Phytate is recognized as a nutraceutical and is classified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). Phytate has been shown to be effective in treating or preventing certain diseases. Phytate has been shown to inhibit calcium salt crystallization and, therefore, to reduce vascular calcifications, calcium renal calculi and soft tissue calcifications. Moreover, the adsorption of phytate to the crystal faces can inhibit hydroxyapatite dissolution and bone resorption, thereby playing a role in the treatment/prevention of bone mass loss. Phytate has a potent antioxidation and anti-inflammatory action. It is capable of inhibiting lipid peroxidation through iron chelation, reducing iron-related free radical generation. As this has the effect of mitigating neuronal damage and loss, phytate shows promise in the treatment/prevention of neurodegenerative disease. It is reported that phytate improves lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, increases adiponectin, decreases leptin and reduces protein glycation, which is linked with macrovascular and microvascular diabetes complications. In this review, we summarize the benefits of phytate intake as seen in in vitro, animal model, epidemiological and clinical trials, and we also identify questions to answer in the future.

Adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Eating Pattern Reduces the Risk of Head and Neck Cancer in American Adults Aged 55 Years and Above: A Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) pattern has been found to aid in the reduction of obesity, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation, which are all strongly linked to the development of head and neck cancer (HNC). Nevertheless, no epidemiological studies have investigated the association between this dietary pattern and HNC risk. This study was conducted with the purpose of bridging this gap in knowledge.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study involving 98,459 American adults aged 55 years and older.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Data were drawn from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Trial. In the present study, participants with dependable energy intake data who furnished baseline and dietary history information were identified as the study population.

METHODS

Diet was assessed by food frequency questionnaires and the DASH score was calculated to assess each participant's adherence to DASH eating pattern. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the occurrence of HNC. To visualize the variation in cancer risk for HNC and its subtypes across the entire spectrum of DASH scores, restricted cubic spline plots were utilized. Additionally, a series of predefined subgroup analyses were performed to identify potential effect modifiers, and several sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the stability of the findings.

RESULTS

During a follow-up period of 871,879.6 person-years, 268 cases of HNC were identified, comprising 161 cases pertaining to oral cavity and pharynx cancers, as well as 96 cases of larynx cancer. In the fully adjusted model, adherence to the DASH diet was associated with a remarkable 57% reduction in the risk of HNC when comparing extreme quartiles (HR quartile 4 vs 1: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.66; P for trend < 0.001). The restricted cubic spline plots demonstrated a linear dose-response relationship between the DASH score and the risk of HNC as well as its subtypes. Subgroup analysis revealed that the protective effect of the DASH diet against HNC was particularly pronounced in individuals with lower daily energy intake. The primary association remained robust in the sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In American middle-aged and older population, adherence to the DASH diet may help prevent HNC, particularly for individuals with lower daily energy intake.

Mediterranean Food Industry By-Products as a Novel Source of Phytochemicals with a Promising Role in Cancer Prevention

The Mediterranean diet is recognized as a sustainable dietary approach with beneficial health effects. This is highly relevant, although the production of typical Mediterranean food, i.e., olive oil or wine, processed tomatoes and pomegranate products, generates significant amounts of waste. Ideally, this waste should be disposed in an appropriate, eco-friendly way. A number of scientific papers were published recently showing that these by-products can be exploited as a valuable source of biologically active components with health benefits, including anticancer effects. In this review, accordingly, we elaborate on such phytochemicals recovered from the food waste generated during the processing of vegetables and fruits, typical of the Mediterranean diet, with a focus on substances with anticancer activity. The molecular mechanisms of these phytochemicals, which might be included in supporting treatment and prevention of various types of cancer, are presented. The use of bioactive components from food waste may improve the economic feasibility and sustainability of the food processing industry in the Mediterranean region and can provide a new strategy to approach prevention of cancer.

Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Comprehensive Review on Nutritional Approaches

Neuroendocrine neoplasms are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with increasing incidence, high prevalence, and survival worldwide. About 90% of cases are well differentiated forms, the so-called neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), with slow proliferation rates and prolonged survival but frequent development of liver metastases and endocrine syndromes. Both the tumor itself and systemic therapy may have an impact on patient nutrition. Malnutrition has a negative impact on outcome in patients with NETs, as well as obesity. In addition, obesity and metabolic syndrome have been shown to be risk factors for both the development and prognosis of NET. Therefore, dietary assessment based on body composition and lifestyle modifications should be an integral part of the treatment of NET patients. Nutrition plans, properly formulated by a dietician, are an integral part of the multidisciplinary treatment team for patients with NETs because they allow an improvement in quality of life, providing a tailored approach based on nutritional needs and nutritional manageable signs and/or symptoms related to pharmacological treatment. The aim of this review is to condense the latest evidence on the role of the most used dietary models, the Mediterranean diet, the ketogenic diet, and intermittent fasting, in the context of NETs, while considering the clinical and molecular mechanisms by which these dietary models act.

Association of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet and risk of bladder cancer: A case-control study

OBJECTIVE

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is rich in recommended foods that are inversely associated with bladder cancer (BC) risk. The main objective of this study was to investigate the association between adherence to DASH diet and the risk of BC among Iranian adults.

METHOD

This study included 103 BC cases and 200 controls. The controls were patients who were hospitalised for acute non-neoplastic diseases. DASH scores were computed from dietary intake assessed by a previously validated food frequency questionnaire.

RESULTS

After controlling for potential confounders, participants in the highest quintile of DASH (compared to the lowest quintile) had 84% lower BC risk (OR = 0.16; 95%CI: 0.05-0.45; p trend = 0.001). Among the DASH components, significant negative associations were observed between low fat dairy and whole grains intake with BC (p value < 0.05). A positive relation was observed for sodium, nuts and legumes, and sweetened beverages (p value < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggested that adherence to DASH might be associated with reduced risk of BC. These findings could be used to develop evidence-based recommendations for the prevention of BC.

Impacts of nutritive and bioactive compounds on cancer development and therapy

For persons who survive with progressive cancer, nutritional therapy and exercise may be significant factors to improve the health condition and life quality of cancer patients. Nutritional therapy and medications are essential to managing progressive cancer. Cancer survivors, as well as cancer patients, are mostly extremely encouraged to search for knowledge about the selection of diet, exercise, and dietary supplements to recover as well as maintain their treatment consequences, living quality, and survival of patients. A healthy diet plays an important role in cancer treatment. Different articles are studied to collect information and knowledge about the use of nutrients in cancer treatment as well as cancer prevention. The report deliberates nutrition and exercise strategies during the range of cancer care, emphasizing significant concerns during treatment of cancer and for patients of advanced cancer, but concentrating mostly on the requirements of the population of persons who are healthy or who have constant disease following their repossession from management. It also deliberates choice nutrition and exercise problems such as dietary supplements, food care, food selections, and weight; problems interrelated to designated cancer sites, and common questions about diet, and cancer survival. Decrease the side effects of medicines both during and after treatment.

Alcohol and Prostate Cancer: Time to Draw Conclusions

It has been a long-standing debate in the research and medical societies whether alcohol consumption is linked to the risk of prostate cancer (PCa). Many comprehensive studies from different geographical areas and nationalities have shown that moderate and heavy drinking is positively correlated with the development of PCa. Nevertheless, some observations could not confirm that such a correlation exists; some even suggest that wine consumption could prevent or slow prostate tumor growth. Here, we have rigorously analyzed the evidence both for and against the role of alcohol in PCa development. We found that many of the epidemiological studies did not consider other, potentially critical, factors, including diet (especially, low intake of fish, vegetables and linoleic acid, and excessive use of red meat), smoking, family history of PCa, low physical activity, history of high sexual activities especially with early age of first intercourse, and sexually transmitted infections. In addition, discrepancies between observations come from selectivity criteria for control groups, questionnaires about the type and dosage of alcohol, and misreported alcohol consumption. The lifetime history of alcohol consumption is critical given that a prostate tumor is typically slow-growing; however, many epidemiological observations that show no association monitored only current or relatively recent drinking status. Nevertheless, the overall conclusion is that high alcohol intake, especially binge drinking, is associated with increased risk for PCa, and this effect is not limited to any type of beverage. Alcohol consumption is also directly linked to PCa lethality as it may accelerate the growth of prostate tumors and significantly shorten the time for the progression to metastatic PCa. Thus, we recommend immediately quitting alcohol for patients diagnosed with PCa. We discuss the features of alcohol metabolism in the prostate tissue and the damaging effect of ethanol metabolites on intracellular organization and trafficking. In addition, we review the impact of alcohol consumption on prostate-specific antigen level and the risk for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Lastly, we highlight the known mechanisms of alcohol interference in prostate carcinogenesis and the possible side effects of alcohol during androgen deprivation therapy.

Angioprevention of Urologic Cancers by Plant-Derived Foods

The number of cancer cases worldwide keeps growing unstoppably, despite the undeniable advances achieved by basic research and clinical practice. Urologic tumors, including some as prevalent as prostate, bladder or kidney tumors, are no exceptions to this rule. Moreover, the fact that many of these tumors are detected in early stages lengthens the duration of their treatment, with a significant increase in health care costs. In this scenario, prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for the global control of these diseases. Although specialized diets are not the only way to decrease the chances to develop cancer, epidemiological evidence support the role of certain plant-derived foods in the prevention of urologic cancer. In many cases, these plants are rich in antiangiogenic phytochemicals, which could be responsible for their protective or angiopreventive properties. Angiogenesis inhibition may contribute to slow down the progression of the tumor at very different stages and, for this reason, angiopreventive strategies could be implemented at different levels of chemoprevention, depending on the targeted population. In this review, epidemiological evidence supporting the role of certain plant-derived foods in urologic cancer prevention are presented, with particular emphasis on their content in bioactive phytochemicals that could be used in the angioprevention of cancer.

Fatty Acid Metabolism Reprogramming in Advanced Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a carcinoma in which fatty acids are abundant. Fatty acid metabolism is rewired during PCa development. Although PCa can be treated with hormone therapy, after prolonged treatment, castration-resistant prostate cancer can develop and can lead to increased mortality. Changes to fatty acid metabolism occur systemically and locally in prostate cancer patients, and understanding these changes may lead to individualized treatments, especially in advanced, castration-resistant prostate cancers. The fatty acid metabolic changes are not merely reflective of oncogenic activity, but in many cases, these represent a critical factor in cancer initiation and development. In this review, we analyzed the literature regarding systemic changes to fatty acid metabolism in PCa patients and how these changes relate to obesity, diet, circulating metabolites, and peri-prostatic adipose tissue. We also analyzed cellular fatty acid metabolism in prostate cancer, including fatty acid uptake, de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid elongation, and oxidation. This review broadens our view of fatty acid switches in PCa and presents potential candidates for PCa treatment and diagnosis.

Development and Comparability of a Short Food-Frequency Questionnaire to Assess Diet in Prostate Cancer Patients: The Role of Androgen Deprivation Therapy in CArdiovascular Disease - A Longitudinal Prostate Cancer Study (RADICAL PC) Substudy

BACKGROUND

There are few concise tools to evaluate dietary habits in men with prostate cancer in Canada.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to develop a short food-frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) in a cohort of prostate cancer patients.

METHODS

A total of 130 men with prostate cancer completed the SFFQ and a validated comprehensive food-frequency questionnaire (CFFQ). Both questionnaires were administered at baseline and 6 mo later.

RESULTS

We found good correlation between the SFFQ and the CFFQ for seafood, dairy, egg, fruits, potatoes, grains, soft drinks, and processed meat (Spearman rank correlation >0.5). Moderate correlation was found for meat, sweets, vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates (Spearman rank correlation: 0.3-0.5). We found a weaker correlation for total fat measured by SFFQ and CFFQ (Spearman rank correlation <0.3). There was adequate reproducibility during the 6-mo follow-up among all food groups and nutrients, with the exception of meat.

CONCLUSIONS

Our SFFQ can be considered an appropriate tool to be used for measuring the habitual dietary intake of prostate cancer patients. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03127631.

Impact of lifestyle in prostate cancer patients. What should we do?

Objective:

This review aimed to analyze interventions raised within primary and tertiary prevention concerning the disease's incidence, progression, and recurrence of Prostate Cancer (PCa). Priority was given to the multidisciplinary approach of PCa patients with an emphasis on modifiable risk factors.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a comprehensive literature review in the following databases: Embase, Central, and Medline. We included the most recent evidence assessing cohort studies, case-control studies, clinical trials, and systematic reviews published in the last five years. We only included studies in adults and in vitro or cell culture studies. The review was limited to English and Spanish articles.

Results:

Preventive interventions at all levels are the cornerstone of adherence to disease treatment and progression avoidance. The relationship in terms of healthy lifestyles is related to greater survival. The risk of developing cancer is associated to different eating habits, determined by geographic variations, possibly related to different genetic susceptibilities.

Discussion:

PCa is the second most common cancer in men, representing a leading cause of death among men in Latin America. Prevention strategies and healthy lifestyles are associated with higher survival rates in PCa patients. Also, screening for anxiety and the presence of symptoms related to mood disorders is essential in the patient's follow-up concerning their perception of the condition.

[Mediterranean Diet and Cancer.]

INTRODUCTION

Cancer still being one of the main causes of death worldwide, representing a major health issue. Mediterranean Diet (MD) can have an important paper in lowering cancer incidence.

OBJECTIVES/METHODS

We performed a bibliographic review searching for evidence demonstrating the protective role of the MD against cancer and exposition of the main results.

RESULTS

Several studies show evidence on the protective effect of the Mediterranean Diet against cancer development. As a lifestyle, MD includes healthy dietary and social habits and is linked to frequent physical activity, all of this, when is maintained on time, has a preventing role on the appearance of cancer. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects of certain products frequently found in the MD are responsible for this protection. Moreover, the MD also prevents overweight and obesity, which are also directly related to the development of certain cancer types.

CONCLUSION

There is scientific evidence on the protective role of the Mediterranean Diet on cancer prevention.

The Association between Dietary Diversity Score and Risk of Prostate Cancer: (A Case-Control Study)

There are few studies that evaluated the relationship between dietary diversity score (DDS) and risk of cancer. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of DDS with the risk of prostate cancer (PC) among Iranian men. This case-control study was performed among 60 cases with prostate cancer and 60 hospital-based controls. Anthropometric measurements were done and demographic information was recorded using standard protocols. A validated 160-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess usual dietary intakes. Also, Binary logistic regression was performed to estimate the risk of PC in relation to DDS. After controlling for several confounders (age, body mass index, physical activity, energy intake, job, education, and antihypertensive drugs usage) higher adherence to DDS (OR = 0.33; 95% CI (0.11-0.97)), fruits group (OR = 0.19; 95% CI (0.06-0.63)), and vegetables group (OR = 0.17; 95% CI (0.05 - 0.58)) were significantly associated with lower risk of PC. In contrast, greater adherence to the meat group (OR = 3.88; 95% CI (1.32-11.42)) was significantly associated with increased PC risk. Our results showed that adherence to a diet with higher DDS, especially higher amounts of fruits and vegetables and a lower amount of meat could decrease the risk of PC.

Visceral Adiposity and Cancer: Role in Pathogenesis and Prognosis

The prevalence of being overweight and obese has been expanded dramatically in recent years worldwide. Obesity usually occurs when the energetic introit overtakes energy expenditure from metabolic and physical activity, leading to fat accumulation mainly in the visceral depots. Excessive fat accumulation represents a risk factor for many chronic diseases, including cancer. Adiposity, chronic low-grade inflammation, and hyperinsulinemia are essential factors of obesity that also play a crucial role in tumor onset. In recent years, several strategies have been pointed toward boundary fat accumulation, thus limiting the burden of cancer attributable to obesity. While remodeling fat via adipocytes browning seems a tempting prospect, lifestyle interventions still represent the main pathway to prevent cancer and enhance the efficacy of treatments. Specifically, the Mediterranean Diet stands out as one of the best dietary approaches to curtail visceral adiposity and, therefore, cancer risk. In this Review, the close relationship between obesity and cancer has been investigated, highlighting the biological mechanisms at the basis of this link. Finally, strategies to remodel fat, including browning and lifestyle interventions, have been taken into consideration as a major perspective to limit excess body weight and tumor onset.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and grade group progression in localized prostate cancer: An active surveillance cohort

BACKGROUND

The Mediterranean diet (MD) may be beneficial for men with localized prostate cancer (PCa) on active surveillance (AS) because of its anti-inflammatory, antilipidemic, and chemopreventive properties. This study prospectively investigated adherence to the MD with Gleason score progression and explored associations by diabetes status, statin use, and other factors.

METHODS

Men with newly diagnosed PCa on an AS protocol (n = 410) completed a baseline food frequency questionnaire, and the MD score was calculated across 9 energy-adjusted food groups. Cox proportional hazards models were fit to evaluate multivariable-adjusted associations of the MD score with progression-free survival; progression was defined as an increase in the Gleason grade group (GG) score over a biennial monitoring regimen.

RESULTS

In this cohort, 15% of the men were diabetic, 44% of the men used statins, and 76 men progressed (median follow-up, 36 months). After adjustments for clinical factors, higher adherence to the MD was associated with a lower risk of GG progression among all men (hazard ratio [HR] per 1-unit increase in MD score, 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77-1.01), non-White men (HR per 1-unit increase in MD score, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.45-0.92; P for interaction = .07), and men without diabetes (HR per 1-unit increase in MD score, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.71-0.96; P for interaction = .03). When joint effects of the MD score and statin use were examined, a similar risk reduction was observed among men with high MD scores who did not use statins in comparison with men with low/moderate MD scores with no statin use.

CONCLUSIONS

The MD is associated with a lower risk of GG progression in men on AS, and this is consistent with prior reports about the MD and reduced cancer morbidity and mortality.

Dietary Factors and Prostate Cancer Development, Progression, and Reduction

Due to the constantly increasing number of cases, prostate cancer has become one of the most important health problems of modern societies. This review presents the current knowledge regarding the role of nutrients and foodstuff consumption in the etiology and development of prostate malignancies, including the potential mechanisms of action. The results of several in vivo and in vitro laboratory experiments as well as those reported by the clinical and epidemiological research studies carried out around the world were analyzed. The outcomes of these studies clearly show the influence of both nutrients and food products on the etiology and prevention of prostate cancer. Consumption of certain nutrients (saturated and trans fatty acids) and food products (e.g., processed meat products) leads to the disruption of prostate hormonal regulation, induction of oxidative stress and inflammation, and alteration of growth factor signaling and lipid metabolism, which all contribute to prostate carcinogenesis. On the other hand, a high consumption of vegetables, fruits, fish, and whole grain products exerts protective and/or therapeutic effects. Special bioactive functions are assigned to compounds such as flavonoids, stilbenes, and lycopene. Since the influence of nutrients and dietary pattern is a modifiable risk factor in the development and prevention of prostate cancer, awareness of the beneficial and harmful effects of individual food ingredients is of great importance in the global strategy against prostate cancer.

Mediterranean-Type Dietary Pattern and Physical Activity: The Winning Combination to Counteract the Rising Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) (mainly cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and type 2 diabetes) are the main causes of death worldwide. Their burden is expected to rise in the future, especially in less developed economies and among the poor spread across middle- and high-income countries. Indeed, the treatment and prevention of these pathologies constitute a crucial challenge for public health. The major non-communicable diseases share four modifiable behavioral risk factors: unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco usage and excess of alcohol consumption. Therefore, the adoption of healthy lifestyles, which include not excessive alcohol intake, no smoking, a healthy diet and regular physical activity, represents a crucial and economical strategy to counteract the global NCDs burden. This review summarizes the latest evidence demonstrating that Mediterranean-type dietary pattern and physical activity are, alone and in combination, key interventions to both prevent and control the rise of NCDs.

A Comparison of Gene Expression Changes in the Blood of Individuals Consuming Diets Supplemented with Olives, Nuts or Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Background: The Mediterranean diet, which is rich in olive oil, nuts, and fish, is considered healthy and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Methods: Here, we compared the transcriptome from the blood of subjects with diets supplemented with olives, nuts, or long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and identified the genes differentially expressed. The dietary genes obtained were subjected to network analysis to determine the main pathways, as well as the transcription factors and microRNA interaction networks to elucidate their regulation. Finally, a gene-associated disease interaction network was performed. Results: We identified several genes whose expression is altered after the intake of components of the Mediterranean diets compared to controls. These genes were associated with infection and inflammation. Transcription factors and miRNAs were identified as potential regulators of the dietary genes. Interestingly, caspase 1 and sialophorin are differentially expressed in the opposite direction after the intake of supplements compared to Alzheimer’s disease patients. In addition, ten transcription factors were identified that regulated gene expression in supplemented diets, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease. Conclusions: We identified genes whose expression is altered after the intake of the supplements as well as the transcription factors and miRNAs involved in their regulation. These genes are associated with schizophrenia, neoplasms, and rheumatic arthritis, suggesting that the Mediterranean diet may be beneficial in reducing these diseases. In addition, the results suggest that the Mediterranean diet may also be beneficial in reducing the risk of dementia.

Beneficial effects of olive oil and Mediterranean diet on cancer physio-pathology and incidence

Virgin olive oil is a characteristic component and the main source of fat of the Mediterranean diet. It is a mix of high-value health compounds, including monounsaturated fatty acids (mainly oleic acid), simple phenols (such as hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol), secoiridoids (such as oleuropein, oleocanthal), flavonoids, and terpenoids (such as squalene). Olive oil consumption has been shown to improve different aspects of human health and has been associated with a lower risk of cancer. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms involved in such effects are still poorly defined, but seem to be related to a promotion of apoptosis, modulation of epigenetic patterns, blockade of cell cycle, and angiogenesis regulation. The aim of this review is to update the current associations of cancer risk with the Mediterranean diet, olive oil consumption and its main components. In addition, the identification of key olive oil components involved in anticarcinogenic mechanisms and pathways according to experimental models is also addressed.

Dietary patterns and cancer risk

Over the past decade, the search for dietary factors on which to base cancer prevention guidelines has led to the rapid expansion of the field of dietary patterns and cancer. Multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses have reported epidemiological associations between specific cancer types and both data-driven dietary patterns determined by empirical analyses and investigator-defined dietary indexes based on a predetermined set of dietary components. New developments, such as the use of metabolomics to identify objective biomarkers of dietary patterns and novel statistical techniques, could provide further insights into the links between diet and cancer risk. Although animal models of dietary patterns are limited, progress in this area could identify the potential mechanisms underlying the disease-specific associations observed in epidemiological studies. In this Review, we summarize the current state of the field, provide a critical appraisal of new developments and identify priority areas for future research. An underlying theme that emerges is that the effectiveness of different dietary pattern recommendations in reducing risk could depend on the type of cancer or on other risk factors such as family history, sex, age and other lifestyle factors or comorbidities as well as on metabolomic signatures or gut microbiota profiles.

Adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and risk of total and cause-specific mortality: results from the Golestan Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and overall and cause-specific mortality in the Golestan Cohort Study (GCS).

METHODS

A total of 50 045 participants aged 40 years or older were recruited from Golestan Province, Iran, from 2004 to 2008 and followed for a mean of 10.64 years. The DASH diet score was calculated for each individual based on food groups. The primary outcome measure was death from any cause.

RESULTS

During 517 326 person-years of follow-up, 6763 deaths were reported. After adjustment for potential confounders, DASH diet score was inversely associated with risk of death from all causes and cancers [hazard ratio (HR): 0.86; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.75, 0.98; and HR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.90, respectively]. A higher DASH diet score was associated with lower risk of gastrointestinal cancer mortality in men (HR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.99). A greater adherence to DASH diet was also associated with lower other-cancer mortality in women (HR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.99). No association between DASH diet score and cardiovascular disease mortality was observed, except that those dying of cardiovascular disease were younger than 50 years of age and smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that maintaining a diet similar to the DASH diet is independently associated with reducing the risk of total death, cancers, and especially gastrointestinal cancers in men.

Cancer and Mediterranean Diet: A Review

The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the most worldwide healthy dietary patterns thanks to a combination of foods rich mainly in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Many studies have demonstrated a strong and inverse relationship between a high level of Mediterranean diet adherence and some chronic diseases (such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, etc.) and cancer. Given its protective effects in reducing oxidative and inflammatory processes of cells and avoiding DNA damages, cell proliferation, and their survival, angiogenesis, inflammations and metastasis, the Mediterranean diet is considered a powerful and manageable method to fight cancer incidence. The aim of this narrative review was to determine the magnitude of interaction between the Mediterranean diet and more widespread types of cancer so as to give a first and useful overview on this relationship identifying, with a nutritional approach, those nutrients of Mediterranean diet able to reduce cancer incidence.

Vitamin D, cancer, and dysregulated phosphate metabolism

Recently reported findings from major clinical trials show no cancer protection from vitamin D supplementation, and results from observational studies of vitamin D in cancer prevention are inconsistent. There is a need for new hypotheses to guide investigations of the controversies surrounding vitamin D supplementation and cancer. Bioactive vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D, is an endocrine factor that regulates phosphate homeostasis by increasing dietary phosphate intestinal absorption. When phosphorus serum levels are high, as in hyperphosphatemia, an endocrine feedback mechanism lowers bioactive vitamin D which reduces intestinal phosphate absorption. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with cancer incidence, and tumorigenesis is associated with high levels of dysregulated phosphate in the body. In this mini-review, the author hypothesizes that hyperphosphatemia may be an intermediating factor in the association of lowered vitamin D levels and increased risk for tumorigenesis. Furthermore, this article challenges the UVB-vitamin D-cancer hypothesis which proposes that reduced cancer incidence at lower geographic latitudes is related to high levels of vitamin D from UVB exposure. The author proposes that reduced phosphorus content and availability in tropical and subtropical soil, and lower dietary phosphate intake from consumption of tropical and subtropical crops (as in the Mediterranean diet), may mediate the association of reduced cancer risk with lower latitudes.