The relationship between nutrition and prostate cancer: is more always better?

High-fat diet promotes prostate cancer metastasis via RPS27

BACKGROUND

Metastasis is the leading cause of death among prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Obesity is associated with both PCa-specific and all-cause mortality. High-fat diet (HFD) is a risk factor contributing to obesity. However, the association of HFD with PCa metastasis and its underlying mechanisms are unclear.

METHODS

Tumor xenografts were conducted by intrasplenic injections. The ability of migration or invasion was detected by transwell assay. The expression levels of RPS27 were detected by QRT-PCR and western blot.

RESULTS

The present study verified the increase in PCa metastasis caused by HFD in mice. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated increased RPS27 in the experimentally induced PCa in HFD mice, indicating that it is an unfavorable prognostic factor. Intrasplenic injections were used to demonstrate that RPS27 overexpression promotes, while RPS27 knockdown significantly reduces, PCa liver metastasis. Moreover, RPS27 inhibition suppresses the effects of HFD on PCa metastasis. Further mRNA sequencing analysis revealed that RPS27 promotes PCa metastasis by selectively enhancing the expression of various genes.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that HFD increases the risk of PCa metastasis by elevating RPS27 expression and, subsequently, the expression of genes involved in PRAD progression. Therefore, RPS27 may serve as a novel target for the diagnosis and treatment of metastatic PCa.

Cholesterol metabolism: physiological regulation and diseases

Cholesterol homeostasis is crucial for cellular and systemic function. The disorder of cholesterol metabolism not only accelerates the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD) but is also the fundamental cause of other ailments. The regulation of cholesterol metabolism in the human is an extremely complex process. Due to the dynamic balance between cholesterol synthesis, intake, efflux and storage, cholesterol metabolism generally remains secure. Disruption of any of these links is likely to have adverse effects on the body. At present, increasing evidence suggests that abnormal cholesterol metabolism is closely related to various systemic diseases. However, the exact mechanism by which cholesterol metabolism contributes to disease pathogenesis remains unclear, and there are still unknown factors. In this review, we outline the metabolic process of cholesterol in the human body, especially reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Then, we discuss separately the impact of abnormal cholesterol metabolism on common diseases and potential therapeutic targets for each disease, including CVD, tumors, neurological diseases, and immune system diseases. At the end of this review, we focus on the effect of cholesterol metabolism on eye diseases. In short, we hope to provide more new ideas for the pathogenesis and treatment of diseases from the perspective of cholesterol.

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids: Metabolism and health implications

Recently, omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFAs) have gained substantial interest due to their specific structure and biological functions. Humans cannot naturally produce these fatty acids (FAs), making it crucial to obtain them from our diet. This comprehensive review details n-3 LC-PUFAs and their role in promoting and maintaining optimal health. The article thoroughly analyses several sources of n-3 LC-PUFAs and their respective bioavailability, covering marine, microbial and plant-based sources. Furthermore, we provide an in-depth analysis of the biological impacts of n-3 LC-PUFAs on health conditions, with particular emphasis on cardiovascular disease (CVD), gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, diabetes, depression, arthritis, and cognition. In addition, we highlight the significance of fortification and supplementation of n-3 LC-PUFAs in both functional foods and dietary supplements. Additionally, we conducted a detailed analysis of the several kinds of n-3 LC-PUFAs supplements currently available in the market, including an assessment of their recommended intake, safety, and effectiveness. The dietary guidelines associated with n-3 LC-PUFAs are also highlighted, focusing on the significance of maintaining a well-balanced intake of n-3 PUFAs to enhance health benefits. Lastly, we highlight future directions for further research in this area and their potential implications for public health.

Micronutrients and risks of three main urologic cancers: A mendelian randomization study

Background

The effect of micronutrients on urologic cancers has been explored in observational studies. We conducted the two-sample mendelian randomization (TSMR) study to investigate whether micronutrients could causally influence the risk of urologic cancers.

Methods

Summary statistics for four micronutrients and three main urologic cancers outcomes were obtained from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). MR analyses were applied to explore the potential causal association between them. Sensitivity analyses using multiple methods were also conducted.

Results

Genetically predicted one SD increase in serum copper and iron concentrations was causally associated with increased risks of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (OR = 3.021, 95%CI = 2.204-4.687, P < 0.001, male; OR = 2.231, 95%CI = 1.524-3.953, P < 0.001, female; OR = 1.595, 95%CI = 1.310-1.758, P = 0.0238, male; OR = 1.484, 95%CI = 1.197-2.337, P = 0.0210, female, respectively) and per SD increase in serum zinc levels was related to decreased risks of RCC (OR = 0.131, 95%CI = 0.0159-0.208, P < 0.001, male; OR = 0.124, 95%CI = 0.0434-0.356, P < 0.001, female). No significant results were observed between micronutrients and the risk of bladder cancer after Bonferroni correction. Additionally, per SD increase in serum zinc level was associated with a 5.8% higher risk of prostate cancer (PCa) [OR = 1.058, 95%CI = 1.002-1.116, P = 0.0403, inverse-variance weight (IVW)].

Conclusions

Micronutrients play a vital role in the development of urological tumors. Future studies are required to replicate the findings, explore the underlying mechanisms, and examine the preventive or therapeutic role of micronutrients in clinical settings.

Adherence to a cholesterol-lowering diet and the risk of prostate cancer

Evidence suggests a role of serum cholesterol in prostate cancer (PCa) development and of lipid lowering medications in PCa risk reduction. We developed a score for adherence to an established cholesterol-lowering diet and evaluated its association with PCa risk in a multicentric hospital-based case-control study (1294 cases; 1451 matched controls) in Italy (1992-2001). The score was derived from seven dietary indicators which have been reported to lower cholesterol levels: high intake of non-cellulosic polysaccharides (viscous fibres), monounsaturated fatty acids, legumes, seeds/corn oil; low intake of saturated fatty acids, dietary cholesterol, and glycaemic index. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated through the unconditional logistic regression model. Although most of the dietary indicators alone were not significantly associated with reduced PCa risk, men who fulfilled 5 to 7 dietary indicators (187 cases and 281 controls) showed a 43% reduction in PCa risk compared to those with 0 to 2 indicators (OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.43-0.77). This association was not modified by socio-demographic characteristics or lifestyle factors. In conclusion, adherence to a cholesterol-lowering diet is a favourable factor against the risk of PCa, providing support to dietary guidelines that promote cholesterol reduction through plant-based diets.

Immunonutrition hope? Oral nutritional supplement on cancer treatment

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy and safety of antitumoral nutritional supplement (Oncoxin^® ), and to describe its mechanism of action.

METHODS

Scoping review according to the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute included patients older than 18 years who have any kind of tumour and receive Oncoxin^® as a supplement regarding the efficacy in terms of antitumoral properties, quality of life and survival, safety in terms of adverse events, and the mechanism of action. With no limit for language or setting, MEDLINE (Pubmed), EMBASE (Scopus), LILACS and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched from database inception to May 2021.

FINDINGS

A promising increment of survival and quality of life in terms of Karnofsky and EORTC scales. Regarding the mechanism of action, studies suggest that it modifies inflammatory mediators' expression, as evidenced by the reduction of COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-12 and IFN-γ. Besides, it promotes an arrest in the progression of cells from G1 into S, along with an increase in p27 and a decrease in cyclin D1 and pRb. It decreases the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, it can also decrease cytokines with antitumor activity such as IFN-γ, which should be further explored in larger trials and the long term.

INTERPRETATIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Current literature shows promising complementary effects of oral supplements to the standard treatment of cancer patients in diverse scenarios. It might help patients to deal with toxicities and adverse effects related to cancer treatment and improve their nutritional or clinical profiles.

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.

Inhibitors of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway in Prostate Cancer Chemoprevention and Intervention

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/serine-threonine kinase (Akt)/mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR)-signaling pathway has been suggested to have connections with the malignant transformation, growth, proliferation, and metastasis of various cancers and solid tumors. Relevant connections between the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, cell survival, and prostate cancer (PC) provide a great therapeutic target for PC prevention or treatment. Recent studies have focused on small-molecule mTOR inhibitors or their usage in coordination with other therapeutics for PC treatment that are currently undergoing clinical testing. In this study, the function of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, the consequence of its dysregulation, and the development of mTOR inhibitors, either as an individual substance or in combination with other agents, and their clinical implications are discussed. The rationale for targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and specifically the application and potential utility of natural agents involved in PC treatment is described. In addition to the small-molecule mTOR inhibitors, there are evidence that several natural agents are able to target the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in prostatic neoplasms. These natural mTOR inhibitors can interfere with the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway through multiple mechanisms; however, inhibition of Akt and suppression of mTOR 1 activity are two major therapeutic approaches. Combination therapy improves the efficacy of these inhibitors to either suppress the PC progression or circumvent the resistance by cancer cells.

Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs): Uses and Potential Health Benefits

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are obtained from various sources, which can be incorporated in the routine diet to maintain the health. They provide protection from several diseases like osteoarthritis, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Major focus is given to the PUFAs omega-3 (ω-3) and omega-6 (ω-6) fatty acids which are available in both terrestrial and in the marine environment. The main concern of this article is to review the key scientific reports in context with the human health consequences and advantages of the food sources of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids.

RECENT FINDINGS

ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids are consumed by the population globally in the form of foods that are rich in fatty acids. Their nutritional effects have the capability to improve the physical functioning and metabolic rate of the body. These PUFAs contribute in various cellular activities like cell signaling, structural integrity and fluidity of cell membrane, the regulation of blood pressure, glucose level, the nervous system, inflammatory reactions, and hematic clotting. Animal and cell-based models represent that ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs can regulate the skeletal muscle metabolism. The main concern of this article is to review the key scientific reports in context with the human health consequences and advantages of the food sources of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids.

Impact of Pretreatment Total Cholesterol Level Is Associated With Metastasis of Prostate Cancer

Metabolic syndrome is reported to play a role in the genesis and development not only of angina, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, and osteoporosis but also of prostate cancer. Hypercholesterolemia is a strong risk factor in prostate cancer development. The current study was conducted to analyze whether pretreatment serum levels of cholesterol correlate with prostate cancer metastasis. Three hundred fifty-one subjects who received a histopathological diagnosis of prostate cancer were evaluated by clinical factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), disease stage, Gleason score, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), total cholesterol, Luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and free testosterone. A multivariate analysis was performed on these factors, and a statistically significant difference was identified in total cholesterol level (p =.01) and PSA (p < .001). The total cholesterol level was higher in cases of metastatic prostate cancer compared to nonmetastatic prostate cancer in this study and therefore may be a predictive factor for poor prognosis.

Prostate Cancer: Biology, Incidence, Detection Methods, Treatment Methods, and Vaccines

Cancer of the prostate are cancers in which most incidences are slow-growing, and in the U.S., a record of 1.2 million new cases of prostate cancer occurred in 2018. The rates of this type of cancer have been increasing in developing nations. The risk factors for prostate cancer include age, family history, and obesity. It is believed that the rate of prostate cancer is correlated with the Western diet. Various advances in methods of radiotherapy have contributed to lowering morbidity. Therapy for hormone- refractory prostate cancer is making progress, for almost all men with metastases will proceed to hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Smoking cigarettes along with the presence of prostate cancer has been shown to cause a higher risk of mortality in prostate cancer. The serious outcome of incontinence and erectile dysfunction result from the cancer treatment of surgery and radiation, particularly for prostate- specific antigen detected cancers that will not cause morbidity or mortality. Families of patients, as well as patients, are profoundly affected following the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Poor communication between spouses during prostate cancer increases the risk for poor adjustment to prostate cancer. The use of serum prostate-specific antigen to screen for prostate cancer has led to a greater detection, in its early stage, of this cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in American men, accounting for more than 29% of all diagnosed cancers and about 13% of all cancer deaths. A shortened course of hormonal therapy with docetaxel following radical prostatectomy (or radiation therapy) for high-risk prostate cancer has been shown to be both safe and feasible. Patients treated with docetaxel-estramustine had a prostate-specific antigen response decline of at least 50%. Cancer vaccines are an immune-based cancer treatment that may provide the promise of a non-toxic but efficacious therapeutic alternative for cancer patients. Further studies will elucidate improved methods of detection and treatment.

A nutrient-wide association study for risk of prostate cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition and the Netherlands Cohort Study

PURPOSE

The evidence from the literature regarding the association of dietary factors and risk of prostate cancer is inconclusive.

METHODS

A nutrient-wide association study was conducted to systematically and comprehensively evaluate the associations between 92 foods or nutrients and risk of prostate cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). Cox proportional hazard regression models adjusted for total energy intake, smoking status, body mass index, physical activity, diabetes and education were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for standardized dietary intakes. As in genome-wide association studies, correction for multiple comparisons was applied using the false discovery rate (FDR < 5%) method and suggested results were replicated in an independent cohort, the Netherlands Cohort Study (NLCS).

RESULTS

A total of 5916 and 3842 incident cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed during a mean follow-up of 14 and 20 years in EPIC and NLCS, respectively. None of the dietary factors was associated with the risk of total prostate cancer in EPIC (minimum FDR-corrected P, 0.37). Null associations were also observed by disease stage, grade and fatality, except for positive associations observed for intake of dry cakes/biscuits with low-grade and butter with aggressive prostate cancer, respectively, out of which the intake of dry cakes/biscuits was replicated in the NLCS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide little support for an association for the majority of the 92 examined dietary factors and risk of prostate cancer. The association of dry cakes/biscuits with low-grade prostate cancer warrants further replication given the scarcity in the literature.

Dietary Patterns Are Associated with Risk of Prostate Cancer in a Population-Based Case-Control Study in Montreal, Canada

This study describes the association between dietary patterns and prostate cancer (PCa) risk in a population-based case-control study conducted in Montreal, Canada (2005-2012). Cases (n = 1919) were histologically confirmed, aged ≤75 years. Concomitantly, controls (n = 1991) were randomly selected from the electoral list and frequency-matched to cases by age (±5 years). During face-to-face interviews, a 63-item food frequency questionnaire focusing on the two years before diagnosis/interview was administered. Three dietary patterns were identified from principal component analysis. Unconditional logistic regression estimated the association between dietary patterns and PCa, adjusting for age, ethnicity, education, family history, and timing of last PCa screening. When comparing scores in the highest vs. lowest quartiles, the Healthy Eating pattern was associated with a decreased risk of overall PCa (Odds ratio (OR) = 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.61, 0.93); this association was stronger for high-grade cancers (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.48, 0.89). By contrast, the Western Sweet and Beverages pattern was associated with an elevated risk of overall PCa (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.10, 1.66). The Western Salty and Alcohol pattern was not associated with PCa risk. These findings suggest that some dietary patterns influence PCa development.

Pretreatment elevated prognostic nutritional index predicts a favorable prognosis in patients with prostate cancer

Background

The prognostic nutritional index (PNI), an immunity and nutrition based prognostic score, was correlated with clinical outcomes in different tumors. However, the prognostic significance of PNI has not been investigated in hormone sensitive prostate cancer (PCa). The objective of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of PNI in hormone sensitive PCa.

Methods

Two hundred eighty PCa patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) as first line therapy at three centers were enrolled. The serum albumin levels and peripheral lymphocyte count were measured at the time of diagnosis. PNI was calculated as 10 * serum albumin (g/dL) + 0.005 * total lymphocyte count (per mm3). Patients were categorized in two groups using a cut-off point of 50.2 as calculated by the receiver-operating curve analysis. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate PNI as a favorable prognostic factor for progression-free survival (PFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). Prognostic accuracy was evaluated with the Harrell concordance index.

Results

Multivariate analyses identified PNI as an independent prognostic indicator with respect to PFS (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.521, p = 0.001), CSS (HR = 0.421, p = 0.002) and OS (HR = 0.429, p = 0.001). Patients with elevated PNI had better clinical outcomes. The addition of PNI to the final models improved predictive accuracy (c-index: 0.758, 0.830 and 0.782) for PFS, CSS and OS compared with the clinicopathological base models (c-index: 0.736, 0.801 and 0.752), which included Gleason score and incidence of metastasis.

Conclusions

Elevated pretreatment PNI was a favorable prognostic indicator for PCa patients treated with ADT.

Extent of Food Processing and Risk of Prostate Cancer: The PROtEuS Study in Montreal, Canada

We studied the association between food intake, based on the extent of processing, and prostate cancer risk in a population-based case-control study conducted in Montreal, Canada in 2005–2012. Incident prostate cancer cases (n = 1919) aged ≤75 years were histologically confirmed. Population controls (n = 1991) were randomly selected from the electoral list and frequency-matched to cases by age (±5 years). A 63-item food frequency questionnaire focusing on the two years prior to diagnosis/interview was administered by interviewers. The NOVA classification was used to categorize foods based on processing level. Unconditional logistic regression estimated the association between food intake and prostate cancer risk, adjusting for age, education, ethnicity, family history, and timing of last prostate cancer screening. Consumption of unprocessed or minimally processed foods showed a slight, inverse association (Odd ratio [OR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70–1.07; highest vs. lowest quartile) with prostate cancer. An increased risk was observed with higher intake of processed foods (OR 1.29, 95%CI 1.05–1.59; highest vs. lowest quartile), but not with consumption of ultra-processed food and drinks. The associations with unprocessed/minimally processed foods and processed foods were slightly more pronounced for high-grade cancers (ORs 0.80 and 1.33, respectively). Findings suggest that food processing may influence prostate cancer risk.

Does alternative healthy eating index can predict the risk of prostate cancer?

Purpose

Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI)-2010, an index that determines the quality of a diet, was created to predict the risk of chronic diseases. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether this index can predict the risk of prostate cancer, one of the most prevalent cancers among men around the world. The study aims to investigate the association between adherence to the AHEI-2010 and the risk of prostate cancer in Iranian men.

Design/methodology/approach

The case–control study was conducted in Kermanshah, Iran in the year 2016. The study included 50 cases of Iranian men with prostate cancer and 150 healthy controls. Anthropometric indices were measured by bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA). The AHEI-2010 included 11 food components that were assessed by using a 147-item food frequency questionnaire. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to analyze the association of the AHEI-2010 (expressed as a dichotomous variable) with prostate cancer.

Findings

As per the analysis, there were no significant differences in age, body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) between case and control groups, statistically. After adjustment for potential confounders, the higher AHEI-2010 scores were associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer (OR AHEI > 55 vs ≤ 55 = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.11-0.63). Moreover, the Mean of AHEI scores was higher in controls than in the cases (p < 0.001).

Originality/value

The authors’ findings suggest that adherence to the dietary patterns with high scores of AHEI-2010 is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer, so this index may be used as an effective measure to predict prostate cancer.

Prognostic value of lipid profiles after radical prostatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Lipid profiles are believed to play an important role in the tumorigenesis and progression of prostate cancer (PCa), but research combining those data is lacking. Therefore, this meta-analysis aims to assess the prognostic role of lipid profiles after RP.

Method

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials for articles evaluating association between lipid profiles and prognosis after RP. Odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) of lipid profiles for advanced pathological tumor features and biochemical recurrence (BCR) were extracted and pooled OR and HR were calculated. Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used for study quality assessment and funnel plot was used for evaluating publication bias.

Results

Twelve articles involving 11,108 patients were eventually selected. We found low HDL was associated with more frequent occurrence of pathological T stage (pT) ≥ T3 (pooled OR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.07–1.56) and Gleason score (GS) ≥8 (pooled OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.02–1.72) after RP. Hypertriglyceridemia was also linked with higher risk of pT ≥ T3 (pooled OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.01–1.42) and positive surgical margin (PSM) (pooled OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.11–1.65). However, no significant association was observed between BCR and abnormal lipid profile levels.

Conclusion

Low HDL level was associated with more common occurrence of pT ≥ T3 and GS ≥8, and elevated triglycerides level was linked higher risk of pT ≥ T3 and PSM, but none of the lipid subfractions was correlated with biochemical recurrence after RP.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12944-019-1068-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Diet assessment among men undergoing genetic counseling and genetic testing for inherited prostate cancer: Exploring a teachable moment to support diet intervention

BACKGROUND

Genetic counseling (GC) and genetic testing (GT) for prostate cancer (PCA) is a rapidly growing, affording opportunity for healthy lifestyle promotion in men aligned with cancer survivorship and cancer prevention goals. We conducted a targeted dietary analysis of men undergoing GC/GT for PCA for adherence to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Pattern recommendations which align with preventing cancer and recurrences in the Genetic Evaluation of Men (GEM) study at two academic centers to inform future strategies for diet intervention.

METHODS

Participants of GEM with PCA or at-risk for PCA completed a structured food frequency questionnaire indicating number of servings consumed per day or per week of fruits, vegetables, red meat, seafood, processed meat, and foods high in saturated fat. Adherence to the USDA recommendations was assessed for the total sample and by PCA status and aggressiveness, family history, and body mass index (BMI) through χ ² contingency analyses. One-sample t tests were used to compare the dietary behaviors of men to USDA Recommendations. Levels of α were set a priori at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Of 239 males undergoing GC on the study, surveys were completed by 197 men (82.4%), and complete survey data was available on 113 men (47.3%). By the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention BMI classification, 82.3% of the cohort was overweight (45.1%) or obese (37.2%). GEM participants reported consuming less fruits (P = 0.015), less vegetables ( P < 0.001), less seafood ( P < 0.001), more processed meats ( P < 0.001), and more foods high in saturated fats ( P < 0.001) than recommended.

CONCLUSION

A high proportion of men receiving GC/GT for PCA were overweight and/or obese with lack of adherence to national diet recommendations for cancer risk and recurrence, affording a teachable moment and supporting the systematic focus of introducing nutrition intervention during GC to promote survivorship.

Dietary inflammatory index (DII) and risk of prostate cancer in a case-control study among Black and White US Veteran men

BACKGROUND:

We hypothesized a pro-inflammatory diet would be associated with higher prostate cancer (PC) risk.

METHODS:

We prospectively recruited incident PC cases (n=254) and controls (n=328) at the Durham Veteran Affairs, from 2007–2018. From a self-completed 61-item Food Frequency Questionnaire, we calculated dietary inflammatory index (DII®) scores with and without supplements. We examined the association between DII scores with and without supplements and overall PC risk using logistic regression and risk of low-grade PC (grade group 1) and high-grade PC (grade group 2–5) with multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS:

Cases were more likely to be Black (58% vs. 42%), had higher PSA (6.4 vs. 0.8 ng/ml), lower BMI (29.1 vs. 30.6 kg/m²) and were older (64 vs. 62 years) versus controls (all p<0.01). Both black controls and cases had higher DII scores with and without supplements, though the DII scores with supplements in controls was not significant. On multivariable analysis, there were no associations between DII with or without supplements and overall PC risk (p-trend=0.14, p-trend=0.09, respectively) or low-grade PC (p-trend=0.72, p-trend=0.47, respectively). Higher DII scores with (p-trend=0.04) and without supplements (p =0.08) were associated with high-grade PC, though the association for DII without supplements was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS:

A pro-inflammatory diet was more common among Black men and associated with high-grade PC in our case-control study. The degree to which a pro-inflammatory diet contributes to PC race disparities warrants further study. If confirmed, studies should test whether a low inflammatory diet can prevent high-grade PC, particularly among Black men.

Pre-diagnostic carbohydrate intake and treatment failure after radical prostatectomy for early-stage prostate cancer

PURPOSE

An association between dietary carbohydrate intake and prostate cancer (PCa) prognosis is biologically plausible, but data are scarce. This prospective cohort study examined the relation between pre-diagnostic carbohydrate intake and treatment failure following radical prostatectomy for clinically early-stage PCa.

METHODS

We identified 205 men awaiting radical prostatectomy and assessed their usual dietary intake of carbohydrates using the 110-item Block food frequency questionnaire. We also evaluated carbohydrate intake quality using a score based on the consumption of sugars relative to fiber, fat, and protein. Logistic regression analyzed their associations with the odds of treatment failure, defined as a detectable and rising serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) within 2 years.

RESULTS

Sucrose consumption was associated with a higher odds and fiber consumption with a lower odds of ADT after accounting for age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, and tumor characteristics (odds ratio [OR] (95% confidence interval [CI]) 5.68 (1.71, 18.9) for 3rd vs. 1st sucrose tertile and 0.88 (0.81, 0.96) per gram of fiber/day, respectively). Increasing carbohydrate intake quality also associated with a lower odds of ADT (OR (95% CI) 0.78 (0.66, 0.92) per unit increase in score, range 0-12).

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-diagnostic dietary carbohydrate intake composition and quality influence the risk of primary treatment failure for early-stage PCa. Future studies incorporating molecular aspects of carbohydrate metabolism could clarify possible underlying mechanisms.

Omega-3 fatty acids decrease prostate cancer progression associated with an anti-tumor immune response in eugonadal and castrated mice

BACKGROUND

Several lines of evidence suggest effects of dietary fat on prostate cancer (PCa) development and progression. Targeting omega (ω)-3:ω6 fatty acids (FA) ratio could be beneficial against PCa by favorably modulating inflammation. Here, we studied the effects of ω3- and ω6-enriched diets on prostate tumor growth and inflammatory response in androgen-deprived and non-deprived conditions.

METHODS

Immune-competent eugonadal and castrated C57BL/6 mice were injected with TRAMP-C2 prostate tumor cells and daily fed with ω3- or ω6-enriched diet. FA and cytokine profiles were measured in blood and tumors using gas chromatography and multiplex immunoassay, respectively. Immune cell infiltration in tumors was profiled by multicolor flow cytometry.

RESULTS

ω3-enriched diet decreased prostate TRAMP-C2 tumor growth in immune-competent eugonadal and castrated mice. Cytokines associated with Th1 immune response (IL-12 [p70], IFN-γ, GM-CSF) and eosinophil recruitment (eotaxin-1, IL-5, and IL-13) were significantly elevated in tumors of ω3-fed mice. Using in vitro experiments, we confirmed ω3 FA-induced eotaxin-1 secretion by tumor cells and that eotaxin-1 secretion was regulated by androgens. Analysis of immune cell infiltrating tumors showed no major difference of immune cells' abundance between ω3- and ω6-enriched diets.

CONCLUSIONS

ω3-enriched diet reduces prostate tumor growth independently of androgen levels. ω3 FA can inhibit tumor cell growth and induce a local anti-tumor inflammatory response. These findings warrant further examination of dietary ω3's potential to slow down the progression of androgen-sensitive and castrate-resistant PCa by modulating immune cell function in tumors.

Dietary protein intake and risk of ovarian cancer: evidence from a meta-analysis of observational studies

The association between dietary protein intake and ovarian cancer had been inconsistent in the previous epidemiological studies. The aim of the present study was to identify and synthesize all citations evaluating the relationship on ovarian cancer with protein intake. The search included PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to June 2018. Two authors independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated for relationship between the dietary protein intake and ovarian cancer risk using a random-effects model. Publication bias was evaluated using Egger's test and Begg's funnel plots. At the end, ten citations with 2354 patients were included in meta-analysis. Summarized RR with 95%CI on ovarian cancer was 0.915 (95%CI = 0.821-1.021), with no between-study heterogeneity (I² = 0.0%, P=0.708). The results were consistent both in animal protein intake and in vegetable intake on ovarian cancer. Subgroup analysis by study design did not find positive association either in cohort studies or in case-control studies. Egger's test (P=0.230) and Funnel plot suggested no publication bias. Based on the obtained results, we conclude that high dietary protein intake had no significant association on ovarian cancer risk. Besides that, it is necessary to develop high quality, large-scale studies with detailed amount of dietary protein intake for verifying our results.

Association between dietary protein intake and prostate cancer risk: evidence from a meta-analysis

Background

Many studies were conducted to explore the relationship between dietary protein intake and risk of prostate cancer, obtaining inconsistent results. Therefore, this study aims to comprehensively explore the predicted role of dietary protein intake for risk of prostate cancer.

Methods

Databases of Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wan Fang Med Online were searched up to August 30, 2017. Eligible studies were included based on our definite inclusion criteria. Summarized relative risk (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled with a random effects model. Sensitive analysis and publication bias were performed.

Results

At the end, a total of 12 articles comprising 13,483 prostate cancer cases and 286,245 participants were included. The summary RR and 95%CI of the highest protein intake compared to those with the lowest protein intake on prostate cancer risk were 0.993 (95%CI = 0.930–1.061), with no between-study heterogeneity found (I² = 0.0%, P = 0.656). Moreover, the association was not significant on prostate cancer risk with animal protein intake [RR = 1.001, 95%CI = 0.917–1.092] or vegetable protein intake [RR = 0.986, 95%CI = 0.904–1.076]. The results were not changed when we conducted subgroup analysis by study design, cancer type, or geographic locations. We did not detect any publication bias using Egger’s test (P = 0.296) and funnel plot.

Conclusion

Our study concluded that protein intake may be not associated on prostate cancer.

Serum cholesterol levels and tumor growth in a PTEN-null transgenic mouse model of prostate cancer

Background

Some, but not all, epidemiologic evidence supports a role for cholesterol, the precursor for steroid hormone synthesis, in prostate cancer. Using a PTEN-null transgenic mouse model of prostate cancer, we tested the effect of modifying serum cholesterol levels on prostate tumor development and growth. We hypothesized that serum cholesterol reduction would lower tumor androgens and slow prostate cancer growth.

Methods

PTEN^loxP/loxP-Cre⁺ mice consuming ad libitum high fat, high cholesterol diets (40% fat, 1.25% cholesterol) were randomized after weaning to receive the cholesterol uptake inhibitor, ezetimibe (30 mg/kg/day), or no intervention, and sacrificed at 2, 3 or 4 months of age. Serum cholesterol and testosterone were measured by ELISA and intraprostatic androgens by mass spectrometry. Prostate histology was graded, and proliferation and apoptosis in tumor epithelium and stroma was assessed by Ki67 and TUNEL, respectively.

Results

Ezetimibe-treated mice had lower serum cholesterol at 4 months (p=0.031). Serum cholesterol was positively correlated with prostate weight (p=0.033) and tumor epithelial proliferation (p=0.069), and negatively correlated with tumor epithelial apoptosis (p=0.004). Serum cholesterol was unrelated to body weight (p=0.195). Tumor stromal cell proliferation was reduced in the ezetimibe group (p=0.010). Increased serum cholesterol at 4 months was associated with elevated intraprostatic DHEA, testosterone and androstenedione (p=0.043, p=0.074, p=0.031, respectively). However, cholesterol reduction did not significantly affect adenocarcinoma development at 2, 3 or 4 months of age (0%, 78%, 100% in ezetimibe-treated vs. 0%, 80%, 100% in mice not receiving ezetimibe).

Conclusions

Though serum cholesterol reduction did not significantly affect the rate of adenocarcinoma development in the PTEN-null transgenic mouse model of prostate cancer, it lowered intraprostatic androgens and slowed tumor growth. These findings support a role for serum cholesterol in promoting prostate cancer growth, potentially via enhanced tumor androgen signaling, and may provide new insight into cholesterol-lowering interventions for prostate cancer treatment.

Influence of serum cholesterol level and statin treatment on prostate cancer aggressiveness

Both cholesterol levels and the use of statins have been described to influence the development and prognosis of prostate cancer (PC). In this retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of consecutive cases from a tertiary referral center we evaluated an association between hypercholesterolemia (≥5.0mmol/l), the use of statins, and advanced/aggressive PC in 767 men with histologically confirmed, clinically localized PC awaiting radical prostatectomy. We found that patients with HCE (n=287, 37.4%) had a significantly higher incidence of poorly differentiated PC (Gleason score ≥7b, 81.1% vs. 4.9%), advanced local tumor stage (≥pT3, 57.7% vs. 22.2%), and nodal involvement (19.8% vs. 1.6%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified hypercholesterolemia as a risk factor for aggressive and/or advanced PC (OR 2.01, p<0.001) whereas statin intake showed an odds ratio of 0.49 (p=0.005) indicating a negative association with high-risk PC. Despite a limited number of patients using statins (~9.5%), adjusted and weighed multivariate logistic regression models revealed that preoperative hypercholesterolemia is associated with a diagnosis of high-risk PC which is negatively influenced by statin intake.

Dietary patterns and prostate cancer risk in Japanese: the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study (JPHC Study)

PURPOSE

The development of prostate cancer may be impacted by environmental factors, including diet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between dietary patterns and risk of prostate cancer in a large prospective cohort study among Japanese men.

METHODS

A total of 43,469 men who participated in the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study were followed from 1995 to 1998 to the end of 2012, during which 1,156 cases of prostate cancer were newly identified. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire in the 5-year follow-up survey.

RESULTS

Three major dietary patterns were derived using exploratory factors analysis: prudent, westernized, and traditional dietary patterns. The westernized dietary pattern was associated with a higher risk of total prostate cancer (HR: 1.22; 95% CI 1.00-1.49; p trend = 0.021), localized cancer (HR: 1.24; 95% CI 0.97-1.57; p trend = 0.045), and advanced cancer (HR: 1.23; 95% CI 0.82-1.84; p trend = 0.233). The prudent dietary pattern was associated with a lower risk of total and localized prostate cancer, with respective multivariable HRs for the highest and lowest quintiles of 0.71 (95% CI 0.50-1.02; p trend = 0.037) and 0.63 (95% CI 0.38-1.03; p trend = 0.048) among subjects detected by subjective symptoms. No association was found between the traditional dietary pattern and prostate cancer risk among our subjects.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that a western-style diet may lead to a higher risk of prostate cancer in the total population, whereas the prudent diet contributes to a lower risk among subjects detected by subjective symptoms.

Dietary patterns and risk of prostate cancer: a factor analysis study in a sample of Iranian men

Background: Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer with a high mortality rate. The current study was conducted to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and prostate cancer risk among Iranian men.

Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Kermanshah province in western Iran in November 2016. Fifty patients with prostate cancer were selected as cases and 150 healthy men matched for age and body mass index (BMI) were selected as controls. Dietary intake data were collected by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Food items were grouped according to the similarity of nutrient profiles. The main dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis.

Results: After adjustment for potential confounders, a healthy dietary pattern was associated with decreased risk of prostate cancer (highest versus lowest tertile OR:0.24; 95% CI: 0.07-0.81;trend p: 0.025). An unhealthy dietary pattern was related to increased risk of prostate cancer(highest versus lowest tertile OR:3.4; 95% CI: 1.09-10.32; trend p: 0.037).

Conclusion: This study shows that an unhealthy dietary pattern was associated with increased risk of prostate cancer. However, a healthy dietary pattern was associated with decreased risk of prostate cancer.

The influence of nutritional factors on prostate cancer incidence and aggressiveness

There is an increasing evidence for a link between nutrition, lifestyle and prostate cancer (PCa) development and/or progression of disease. The objective of this study was to examine the association between dietary factors and PCa incidence and aggressiveness in a case-control study. After the analysis of the anatomic pathology, subjects were classified in patients with PCa (n = 157) and controls (n = 158). Clinical data including Gleason score, PSA values and biopsy results, were compiled. Frequencies of food consumption and sociodemographic data were also obtained. The results showed that physical activity was significantly higher in control (p < .022). It was also found that some nutritional habits offer a protective effect among studied subjects, like high nuts (p = .041) and fish (p = .041) intakes. Moreover, there was a significant reduction in risk (p = .029) in cases with a higher fruits and vegetables intakes. A decreased risk of aggressive PCa was associated with fruits, vegetables, legumes and fish intakes. However, these relationships were not statistically significant when data were adjusted for covariates. In conclusion, this study found an inverse association between PCa risk and the intake of fruits and vegetables, fish and nuts. The results suggested that a diet with higher intakes of these foods as Mediterranean diet may lower the risk of PCa in the studied population. As dietary factors are modifiable, identifying food groups or dietary patterns that modulate the risk of PCa and its aggressiveness can offer effective and practical strategies for its primary prevention.

Risk factors for prostate cancer: A multifactorial case-control study

Prostate cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among Pakistani men. It is a multifactorial disease involving genetics together with environmental factors. Countries where men have greater dietary fat intake showed increased prostate cancer mortality rates. A population based case-control study was conducted to evaluate various prostate cancer risk factors. Study subjects were 896 prostate cancer cases (2010-2015) and 900 age matched controls. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI were used to estimate the association between different risk factors and prostate cancer. P values for different factors were computed by t-test, chi-square test, and Fisher exact test. Results showed significant association of increased age (OR = 10.6; CI: 7.92-14.31; P = 0.0001; Z = 15.7) and smoking (P = 0.05) with risk of disease. Consistent evidence suggested that fruits (P = 0.0001), vegetables (P = 0.0007), and diabetes mellitus (OR = 0.84; CI: 0.72-0.97; P = 0.02; Z = 2.28) were significantly associated with decreased prostate cancer risk. Comparison of education, marital status, occupation, intake of meat (<100 grams/week, 101-250 grams/week, >250 grams/week), number of cigarettes smoked per day, smoking duration, and family history of disease among cases and controls were not associated (P > 0.05) with risk of prostate cancer. Most of the prostate cancer patients were at stage IV with a Gleason score ranging from 7-9 and had undergone surgery. This epidemiological study illustrated that age and smoking were potential risk factors for prostate cancer in Pakistani men. Furthermore, phytonutrients can reduce its risk to a greater extent. Prospective studies with detailed analysis and greater sample size are required to explore more accurate findings.

Effects of concentrated long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation before radical prostatectomy on prostate cancer proliferation, inflammation, and quality of life: study protocol for a phase IIb, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in north-American men. Few dietary or lifestyle interventions have been tested to prevent prostate cancer progression. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation represents a promising intervention for prostate cancer patients. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn3), more precisely eicosapentaenoic acid monoacylglyceride (MAG-EPA) supplementation, on prostate cancer proliferation, inflammation mediators and quality of life among men who will undergo radical prostatectomy.

METHODS/DESIGN

We propose a phase IIb, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of MAG-EPA supplementation for 130 men who will undergo radical prostatectomy as treatment for a prostate cancer of Gleason score ≥ 7 in an academic cancer center in Quebec City. Participants will be randomized to 6 capsules of 625 mg of fish oil (MAG-EPA) per capsule containing 500 mg of EPA daily or to identically looking capsules of high oleic acid sunflower oil (HOSO) as placebo. The intervention begins 4 to 10 weeks prior to radical prostatectomy (baseline) and continues for one year after surgery. The primary endpoint is the proliferative index (Ki-67) measured in prostate cancer cells at radical prostatectomy. A secondary endpoint includes prostate tissue levels of inflammatory mediators (cytokines and proteins) at time of radical prostatectomy. Changes in blood levels of inflammatory mediators, relative to baseline levels, at time of radical prostatectomy and 12 months after radical prostatectomy will also be evaluated. Secondary endpoints also include important aspects of psychosocial functioning and quality of life such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, fatigue, cognitive complaints and prostate cancer-specific quality of life domains. The changes in these outcomes, relative to baseline levels, will be evaluated at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after radical prostatectomy.

DISCUSSION

The results from this trial will provide crucial information to clarify the role of omega-3 supplementation on prostate cancer proliferation, inflammation and quality of life.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02333435. Registered on December 17, 2014. Last updated September 6, 2016.

An update of research evidence on nutrition and prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a leading cause of mortality in US and other countries. Preclinical and clinical studies have examined the role of nutrition and dietary intake on the incidence and progression of PCa with mixed results.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this chapter is to provide an update of recent published literature and highlight progress in the field.

MAIN FINDINGS

Low carbohydrate intake, soy protein, ω3 fat, green teas, tomatoes and tomato products and the herbal mixture-zyflamend showed promise in reducing PCa risk or progression. On the contrary, a higher animal fat intake and a higher β-carotene status may increase risk. A "U" shape relationship may exist between folate, vitamin C, vitamin D and calcium with PCa risk. Conclusion Despite the inconclusive findings, the potential for a role of dietary intake for the prevention and treatment of PCa remains promising. Maintaining a healthy body weight and following a healthy dietary pattern including antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables, reduced animal fat and refined carbohydrates, should be encouraged.

CONCLUSION

Despite the inconclusive findings, the potential for a role of dietary intake for the prevention and treatment of PCa remains promising. Maintaining a healthy body weight and following a healthy dietary pattern including antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables, reduced animal fat and refined carbohydrates, should be encouraged.

Are You What You Eat or What Your Mother Ate or Both?

A high-fat high-sugar (HF-HS) diet promotes cancer development and progression. However, does the timing of diet matter? This is an important question with profound public health relevance. By exposing mice to a HF-HS diet either through feeding to a pregnant mother or nursing mother or after weaning and then chemically inducing breast cancer, the authors found the most crucial time for breast cancer risk was after weaning, while a HF-HS in utero diet actually slowed tumor development. Understanding early-life events provides valuable insight for later life events and proves it is never too early to start preventing disease. Cancer Prev Res; 10(10); 551-2. ©2017 AACRSee related article by Lambertz, p. 553-62.

Association Between a Dietary Inflammatory Index and Prostate Cancer Risk in Ontario, Canada

BACKGROUND

Evidence exists showing that various aspects of diet are implicated in the etiology of prostate cancer, although results across studies remain inconsistent.

METHODS

We examined the ability of the dietary inflammatory index (DII) to predict prostate cancer in a case-control study conducted in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, between 1997 and 1999. The study included 72 cases of incident primary prostate cancer patients and 302 controls of urology clinic patients who had prostate conditions other than prostate cancer. The DII was computed based on intake of 18 nutrients assessed using a 67-item food frequency questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs).

RESULTS

Men with higher DII scores were at increased risk of prostate cancer using DII score fit both as a continuous [OR = 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-2.38] and categorical variable [compared to men in the lowest DII quartile, men in the highest quartile were at elevated risk (OR = 3.50, 95% CI 1.25-9.80; ptrend = 0.02)]. There was no significant heterogeneity by weight status, but stronger association was observed in men with body mass index >25 kg/m2 versus <25 kg/m2.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that a proinflammatory diet, as indicated by increasing DII score, is a risk factor for prostate cancer.

Prognostic Role of Preoperative Serum Lipid Levels in Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer

BACKGROUND

The prognostic role of preoperative serum lipid levels in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) for clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa) is unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate preoperative serum lipid levels in patients with clinically localized PCa undergoing RP and their association with clinicopathological features and oncological outcome.

METHODS

Preoperative lipid levels (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides) and statin use from consecutive patients with clinically localized PCa undergoing RP in a tertiary referral center between 2008 and 2015 were recorded and patients were followed prospectively. Logistic regression analysis was used to test the association between lipid levels and clinicopathological parameters. Lipid values were analyzed both as continuous and dichotomized variables. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to identify predictors for recurrence-free survival (RFS). Recurrence was defined as rising and verified PSA levels >0.1 ng/ml.

RESULTS

Our cohort consisted of 371 men with a median age of 63 years (range 41-78 years) and a median preoperative PSA value of 6.79 ng/ml (0.43-81.4 ng/ml). Median follow-up was 28 months (1-64). No association was found between lipid levels and adverse pathological characteristics such as ≥pT3, Gleason score ≥8, positive nodal status and positive surgical margins. Recurrence occurred in 49 patients (15.4%) at a median time of 18 months (2-51 month). Compared to low LDL cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol was associated with longer RFS in univariable analysis (continuous: Hazard Ratio (HR): 0.67, 95%-Confidence Interval (CI): 0.47-0.96, P = 0.03; 3 mM cut-point: HR: 0.44, 95%-CI: 0.24-0.79, P = 0.006). Neither levels of other lipids, nor statin use were associated with RFS. Preoperative LDL cholesterol remained an independent predictor for PCa recurrence in a multivariable model adjusted for age, preoperative PSA, statin use, tumor stage, Gleason score, nodal status and surgical margin status (continuous: HR: 0.66, 95%-CI: 0.44-0.99, P = 0.04; 3 mM cut-point: HR: 0.41, 95%-CI: 0.21-0.78, P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first prospective study showing the potential adverse and independent prognostic role of low preoperative LDL cholesterol levels in patients with localized PCa undergoing RP. Prostate 77:549-556, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluation of the effects of irrigation and fertilization on tomato fruit yield and quality: a principal component analysis

Irrigation and fertilization are key practices for improving the fruit quality and yield of vegetables grown in greenhouses. We carried out an experiment in a solar greenhouse spanning three consecutive growing seasons to evaluate the effects of irrigation and fertilization on the fruit yield and quality, water use efficiency (WUE) and fertilizer partial factor productivity (PFP) of tomatoes. Interactions between irrigation and fertilization treatments and individual factors of irrigation and fertilization significantly (p < 0.01) affected fruit yield, WUE and PFP. WUE and fruit yield and quality were more sensitive to changes in irrigation than to changes in fertilizer, but PFP showed the opposite trend. Interestingly, the treatment with moderate irrigation (W2: 75% ET ₀ ) and high fertilizer level (F1: 240N-120P₂O₅-150K₂O kg ha^-1) was twice ranked first after a combinational evaluation. In conclusion, the proper application of drip fertigation (W2F1) may be a good compromise for solar greenhouse-grown tomatoes with regard to fruit yield and quality, WUE, and PFP. The present study sheds light on the contributions of these practices, clarifies their impacts, and provides a basis for evaluating and selecting better management practices for growing greenhouse vegetables.

Analysis of origin and protein-protein interaction maps suggests distinct oncogenic role of nuclear EGFR during cancer evolution

Receptor tyrosine kinase EGFR usually is localized on plasma membrane to induce progression of many cancers including cancers in children (Bodey et al. In Vivo. 2005, 19:931-41), but it contains a nuclear localization signal (NLS) that mediates EGFR nuclear translocation (Lin et al. Nat Cell Biol. 2001, 3:802-8). Here we report that NLS of EGFR has its old evolutionary origin. Protein-protein interaction maps suggests that nEGFR pathways are different from membrane EGFR and EGF is not found in nEGFR network while androgen receptor (AR) is found, which suggests the evolution of prostate cancer, a well-known AR driven cancer, through changes in androgen- or EGF-dependence. Database analysis suggests that nEGFR correlates with the tumor grades especially in prostate cancer patients. Structural predication analysis suggests that NLS can compromise the differential protein binding to EGFR through stretch linkers with evolutionary mutation from N to V. In experiment, elevation of nEGFR but not membrane EGFR was found in castration resistant prostate cancer cells. Finally, systems analysis of NLS and transmembrane domain (TM) suggests that NLS has old origin while NLS neighboring domain of TM has been undergone accelerated evolution. Thus nEGFR has an old origin resembling the cancer evolution but TM may interfere with NLS driven signaling for natural selection of survival to evade NLS induced aggressive cancers. Our data suggest NLS is a dynamic inducer of EGFR oncogenesis during evolution for advanced cancers. Our model provides novel insights into the evolutionary role of NLS of oncogenic kinases in cancers.

Bioengineered Plants Can Be a Useful Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have proven to be very essential for human health due to their multiple health benefits. These essential fatty acids (EFAs) need to be uptaken through diet because they are unable to be produced by the human body. These are important for skin and hair growth as well as for proper visual, neural, and reproductive functions of the body. These fatty acids are proven to be extremely vital for normal tissue development during pregnancy and infancy. Omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained mainly from two dietary sources: marine and plant oils. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6 n-3) are the primary marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids. Marine fishes are high in omega-3 fatty acids, yet high consumption of those fishes will cause a shortage of fish stocks existing naturally in the oceans. An alternative source to achieve the recommended daily intake of EFAs is the demand of today. In this review article, an attempt has, therefore, been made to discuss the importance of omega-3 fatty acids and the recent developments in order to produce these fatty acids by the genetic modifications of the plants.

What Are the Links of Prostate Cancer with Physical Activity and Nutrition? : A Systematic Review Article

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common malignancy in men worldwide. The purpose of this study was to provide a brief synthesis the current knowledge for the effects of physical activity (PA) and nutrition on PCa risk.

METHODS

A systematic review of English languages reviews, meta-analysis, and original articles published from 2009 to 2015 extracted from the following websites: MEDLINE, Web of Science, Health Source, Science Direct, and their references.

RESULTS

The review of the literature led to the selection of 12 review or meta-analysis studies and 15 lately published observational studies. Most of studies reported relationship of recreational and occupational PA and vegetables, fruits, vitamins, red/processed meats, and fats consumption with risk of PCa. Decreased risk for PCa associated with exercise was reported in seven of the ten articles on this topic. The inverse association of vegetables and/or fruit intake with PCa risk was reported in eight of 13 papers. The effect of meat/fat intake on PCa was estimated in four articles finding increased risk. There was heterogeneity between studies, and findings are inconsistent.

CONCLUSION

Physical activity does not significantly reduce the risk of PCa; however, vigorous exercise may reduce the risk of aggressive tumor. Besides, there is a lack of definitive evidence supporting the preventive role of diet against PCa. Due to many other benefits of regular moderate-vigorous PA and a diet high in vegetables and fruits and low in red/processed meats and fats, these lifestyle patterns may be recommended.

Ellagitannins in Cancer Chemoprevention and Therapy

It is universally accepted that diets rich in fruit and vegetables lead to reduction in the risk of common forms of cancer and are useful in cancer prevention. Indeed edible vegetables and fruits contain a wide variety of phytochemicals with proven antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and chemopreventive activity; moreover, some of these phytochemicals also display direct antiproliferative activity towards tumor cells, with the additional advantage of high tolerability and low toxicity. The most important dietary phytochemicals are isothiocyanates, ellagitannins (ET), polyphenols, indoles, flavonoids, retinoids, tocopherols. Among this very wide panel of compounds, ET represent an important class of phytochemicals which are being increasingly investigated for their chemopreventive and anticancer activities. This article reviews the chemistry, the dietary sources, the pharmacokinetics, the evidence on chemopreventive efficacy and the anticancer activity of ET with regard to the most sensitive tumors, as well as the mechanisms underlying their clinically-valuable properties.

Poultry consumption and prostate cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Background. Several kinds of foods are hypothesized to be potential factors contributing to the variation of prostate cancer (PCa) incidence. But the effect of poultry on PCa is still inconsistent and no quantitative assessment has been published up to date. So we conducted this meta-analysis to clarify the association between them. Materials and Methods. We conducted a literature search of PubMed and Embase for studies examining the association between poultry consumption and PCa up to June, 2015. Pooled risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) of the highest versus lowest poultry consumption categories were calculated by fixed-effect model or random-effect model. Results. A total of 27 (12 cohort and 15 case-control) studies comprising 23,703 cases and 469,986 noncases were eligible for inclusion. The summary RR of total PCa incidence was 1.03 (95% CI [0.95-1.11]) for the highest versus lowest categories of poultry intake. The heterogeneity between studies was not statistically significant (P = 0.768, I (2) = 28.5%). Synthesized analysis of 11 studies on high stage PCa and 8 studies on chicken exposure also demonstrated null association. We also did not obtain significant association in the subgroup of cohort study (RR = 1.04, 95% CI [0.98-1.10]), as well as in the subgroups of population-based case-control study and hospital-based case-control study. Then the studies were divided into three geographic groups: Western countries, Asia and South America. The pooled RRs in these areas did not reveal statistically significant association between poultry and PCa. Conclusions. This meta-analysis suggests no association between poultry consumption and PCa risk. Further well-designed studies are warranted to confirm the result.

Effects of Resveratrol on p66Shc phosphorylation in cultured prostate cells

There is increasing evidence that diet plays a crucial role in age-related diseases and cancer. Oxidative stress is a conceivable link between diet and diseases, thus food antioxidants, counteracting the damage caused by oxidation, are potential tools for fight age-related diseases and cancer. Resveratrol (RSV), a polyphenolic antioxidant from grapes, has gained enormous attention particularly because of its ability to induce growth arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells, and it has been proposed as both chemopreventive and therapeutic agent for cancer and other diseases. Even though the effects of RSV have been studied in prostate cancer cells and animal models, little is known about its effects on normal cells and tissues. To address this issue, we have investigated the effects of RSV on EPN cells, a human non-transformed prostate cell line, focusing on the relationship between RSV and p66Shc, a redox enzyme whose activities strikingly intersect those of RSV. p66Shc activity is regulated by phosphorylation of serine 36 (Ser36) and has been related to mitochondrial oxidative stress, apoptosis induction, regulation of cell proliferation and migration. Here we show that RSV inhibits adhesion, proliferation and migration of EPN cells, and that these effects are associated to induction of dose- and time-dependent p66Shc-Ser36 phosphorylation and ERK1/2 de-phosphorylation. Moreover, we found that RSV is able to activate also p52Shc, another member of the Shc protein family. These data show that RSV affects non-transformed prostate epithelial cells and suggest that Shc proteins may be key contributors of RSV effects on prostate cells.

Guidance on patient consultation. Current evidence for prostate-specific antigen screening in healthy men and treatment options for men with proven localised prostate cancer

The main objective of this review is to summarise, for primary and secondary care doctors, the management options and current supporting evidence for clinically localised prostate cancer. We review all aspects of management including current guidelines on early cancer detection and the importance of informed consent on PSA-based screening and assess the most common treatment options and the evidence for managing patients with low-, medium-, and high-risk disease.

Genetic variations of the ADIPOQgene and risk of prostate cancer in Chinese Han men

Adiponectin secreted by adipose tissue has been implicated in prostate carcinogenesis. Genetic variations in ADIPOQ are thought to influence the activity of adiponectin, thus relating to cancer occurrence. In this hospital-based case-control study of 917 prostate cancer (PCa) cases and 1036 cancer-free controls, we evaluated the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in ADIPOQ with risk of PCa and adiponectin levels in Chinese Han men. Variants of ADIPOQ were genotyped by Taqman polymerase chain reaction method. The plasma adiponectin concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in a subset of cases and controls. We found that the ADIPOQ rs3774262 variant AA genotype was associated with both decreased PCa risk [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) =0.48–0.92] and increased plasma adiponectin levels (P = 0.036 and 0.043), with significant difference by tumor grade, clinical stage, and aggressiveness. A significant interaction between ADIPOQ rs3774262 and body mass index was observed in modifying the risk of PCa (P = 6.7 × 10⁻³). ADIPOQ rs266729 and rs182052 were not related to PCa risk or plasma adiponectin levels. Our data support that ADIPOQ rs3774262 may affect PCa risk in combination with plasma adiponectin levels in Chinese Han men. It may contribute to the molecular basis for the association between obesity and PCa.