Dissecting the mechanisms and molecules underlying the potential carcinogenicity of red and processed meat in colorectal cancer (CRC): an overview on the current state of knowledge

Food contaminants: Impact of food processing, challenges and mitigation strategies for food security

Food preparation involves the blending of various food ingredients to make more convenient processed food products. It is a long chain process, where each stage posing a risk of accumulating hazardous contaminants in these food systems. Protecting the public health from contaminated foods has become a demanding task in ensuring food safety. This review focused on the causes, types, and health risks of contaminants or hazardous chemicals during food processing. The impact of cooking such as frying, grilling, roasting, and baking, which may lead to the formation of hazardous by-products, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heterocyclic amines (HCAs), acrylamide, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), furan, acrolein, nitrosamines, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and trans-fatty acids (TFAs). Potential health risks such as carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and cardiovascular effects are emerging as a major problem in the modern lifestyle era due to the increased uptakes of contaminants. Effects of curing, smoking, and fermentation of the meat products led to affect the sensory and nutritional characteristics of meat products. Selecting appropriate cooking methods include temperature, time and the consumption of the food are major key factors that should be considered to avoid the excess level intake of hazardous contaminants. Overall, this study underscores the importance of understanding the risks associated with food preparation methods, strategies for minimizing the formation of harmful compounds during food processing and highlights the need for healthy dietary choices to mitigate potential health hazards.

Protein intake and cancer: an umbrella review of systematic reviews for the evidence-based guideline of the German Nutrition Society

PURPOSE

It has been proposed that a higher habitual protein intake may increase cancer risk, possibly via upregulated insulin-like growth factor signalling. Since a systematic evaluation of human studies on protein intake and cancer risk based on a standardised assessment of systematic reviews (SRs) is lacking, we carried out an umbrella review of SRs on protein intake in relation to risks of different types of cancer.

METHODS

Following a pre-specified protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42018082395), we retrieved SRs on protein intake and cancer risk published before January 22th 2024, and assessed the methodological quality and outcome-specific certainty of the evidence using a modified version of AMSTAR 2 and NutriGrade, respectively. The overall certainty of evidence was rated according to predefined criteria.

RESULTS

Ten SRs were identified, of which eight included meta-analyses. Higher total protein intake was not associated with risks of breast, prostate, colorectal, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer incidence. The methodological quality of the included SRs ranged from critically low (kidney cancer), low (pancreatic, ovarian and prostate cancer) and moderate (breast and prostate cancer) to high (colorectal cancer). The outcome-specific certainty of the evidence underlying the reported findings on protein intake and cancer risk ranged from very low (pancreatic, ovarian and prostate cancer) to low (colorectal, ovarian, prostate, and breast cancer). Animal and plant protein intakes were not associated with cancer risks either at a low (breast and prostate cancer) or very low (pancreatic and prostate cancer) outcome-specific certainty of the evidence. Overall, the evidence for the lack of an association between protein intake and (i) colorectal cancer risk and (ii) breast cancer risk was rated as possible. By contrast, the evidence underlying the other reported results was rated as insufficient.

CONCLUSION

The present findings suggest that higher total protein intake may not be associated with the risk of colorectal and breast cancer, while conclusions on protein intake in relation to risks of other types of cancer are restricted due to insufficient evidence.

The Interplay between Endogenous and Foodborne Pro-Oxidants and Antioxidants in Shaping Redox Homeostasis

Oxidative stress has been known about in biological sciences for several decades; however, the understanding of this concept has evolved greatly since its foundation. Over the past years, reactive oxygen species, once viewed as solely deleterious, have become recognized as intrinsic components of life. In contrast, antioxidants, initially believed to be cure-all remedies, have failed to prove their efficacy in clinical trials. Fortunately, research on the health-promoting properties of antioxidants has been ongoing. Subsequent years showed that the former assumption that all antioxidants acted similarly was greatly oversimplified. Redox-active compounds differ in their chemical structures, electrochemical properties, mechanisms of action, and bioavailability; therefore, their efficacy in protecting against oxidative stress also varies. In this review, we discuss the changing perception of oxidative stress and its sources, emphasizing everyday-life exposures, particularly those of dietary origin. Finally, we posit that a better understanding of the physicochemical properties and biological outcomes of antioxidants is crucial to fully utilize their beneficial impact on health.

Analysis of the Nutritional Composition of Ready-to-Use Meat Alternatives in Belgium

BACKGROUND

The interest in meat alternatives has increased over the years as people embrace more varied food choices because of different reasons. This study aims to analyse the nutritional composition of ready-to-use meat alternatives and compare them with meat (products).

METHODS

Nutritional composition values were collected in 2022 of all ready-to-use meat alternatives in Belgian supermarkets, as well as their animal-based counterparts. A one-sample t-test was performed to test the nutritional composition of ready-to-use meat alternatives against norm values, while an independent samples t-test was used to make the comparison with meat.

RESULTS

Minced meat and pieces/strips/cubes scored favourably on all norm values. Cheeseburgers/schnitzels, nut/seed burgers and sausages contained more than 10 g/100 g total fat. The saturated fat and salt content was lower than the norm value in each category. Legume burgers/falafel contained less than 10 g/100 g protein. Vegetarian/vegan minced meat and bacon contained fewer calories, total and saturated fat, and more fibre compared to their animal-based counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

Minced meat and pieces/strips/cubes came out as the most favourable categories regarding nutritional composition norm values. Vegetarian/vegan steak came out the least favourable compared to steak, while vegetarian/vegan minced meat and vegetarian/vegan bacon came out the most favourable compared to their animal-based counterparts.

Healthy Lifestyle and Cancer Risk: Modifiable Risk Factors to Prevent Cancer

Cancer has become a serious problem worldwide, as it represents the main cause of death, and its incidence has increased over the years. A potential strategy to counter the growing spread of various forms of cancer is the adoption of prevention strategies, in particular, the use of healthy lifestyles, such as maintaining a healthy weight, following a healthy diet; being physically active; avoiding smoking, alcohol consumption, and sun exposure; and vitamin D supplementation. These modifiable risk factors are associated with this disease, contributing to its development, progression, and severity. This review evaluates the relationship between potentially modifiable risk factors and overall cancer development, specifically breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer, and highlights updated recommendations on cancer prevention. The results of numerous clinical and epidemiological studies clearly show the influence of lifestyles on the development and prevention of cancer. An incorrect diet, composed mainly of saturated fats and processed products, resulting in increased body weight, combined with physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, and smoking, has induced an increase in the incidence of all three types of cancer under study. Given the importance of adopting correct and healthy lifestyles to prevent cancer, global institutions should develop strategies and environments that encourage individuals to adopt healthy and regular behaviors.

Dietary Factors Differ Between Young-Onset and Older-Onset Colorectal Cancer Patients

We aimed to evaluate differences in dietary factors between young-onset (diagnosed at ages <50) and older-onset colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC patients diagnosed from 1998 to 2018 reported to the Puget Sound Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry were recruited using mail and telephone. Consented patients completed questionnaires assessing demographics, medical history, and CRC risk factors, including dietary factors. We used multi-variable logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) comparing dietary intake in young-onset vs. older-onset CRC. Analyses included 1,087 young- and 2,554 older-onset CRC patients. Compared to older-onset CRC, young-onset CRC patients had lower intake of vegetables (OR for highest intake vs. lowest = 0.59 CI: 0.55, 0.64) and fruit (OR for highest intake vs. lowest = 0.94 CI: 0.88, 0.99) and higher intake of processed meat (OR for highest intake vs. lowest = 1.82 CI: 1.11, 2.99) and spicy food (OR for highest intake vs. lowest = 1.69 CI: 1.09, 2.61). There was no statistically significant difference between young- and older-onset CRC patients for red meat consumption. Dietary patterns differed between young- and older-onset CRC; young-onset CRC patients had lower intake of vegetables and fruit and higher intakes of processed meat and spicy food.

Scientific Status Quo of Small Renal Lesions: Diagnostic Assessment and Radiomics

Background: Small renal masses (SRMs) are defined as contrast-enhanced renal lesions less than or equal to 4 cm in maximal diameter, which can be compatible with stage T1a renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). Currently, 50-61% of all renal tumors are found incidentally. Methods: The characteristics of the lesion influence the choice of the type of management, which include several methods SRM of management, including nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, ablation, observation, and also stereotactic body radiotherapy. Typical imaging methods available for differentiating benign from malignant renal lesions include ultrasound (US), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: Although ultrasound is the first imaging technique used to detect small renal lesions, it has several limitations. CT is the main and most widely used imaging technique for SRM characterization. The main advantages of MRI compared to CT are the better contrast resolution and tissue characterization, the use of functional imaging sequences, the possibility of performing the examination in patients allergic to iodine-containing contrast medium, and the absence of exposure to ionizing radiation. For a correct evaluation during imaging follow-up, it is necessary to use a reliable method for the assessment of renal lesions, represented by the Bosniak classification system. This classification was initially developed based on contrast-enhanced CT imaging findings, and the 2019 revision proposed the inclusion of MRI features; however, the latest classification has not yet received widespread validation. Conclusions: The use of radiomics in the evaluation of renal masses is an emerging and increasingly central field with several applications such as characterizing renal masses, distinguishing RCC subtypes, monitoring response to targeted therapeutic agents, and prognosis in a metastatic context.

Long Follow-Up Times Weaken Observational Diet-Cancer Study Outcomes: Evidence from Studies of Meat and Cancer Risk

For years, prospective cohort studies of diet and cancer incidence have reported smaller effects than do retrospective case-control (CC) studies. The differences have been attributed to problems with CC studies, including dietary recall bias, poor matching of cases and controls, and confounding. The hypothesis evaluated here is that long follow-up periods between ascertainment of diet and cancer incidence weaken the findings. Prospective studies of cancer incidence with respect to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration have already shown reduced benefit of higher concentrations for longer follow-up periods. Evaluating that hypothesis for dietary factors involved searching the journal literature for meta-analyses of red meat and processed meat and cancer incidence. I used findings from observational studies for bladder, breast, colorectal, and gastric cancers. To evaluate the effect of duration of follow-up time, I used two approaches. First, I plotted the relative risks for CC studies for gastric cancer with respect to consumption of 100 g/day of red meat and for bladder cancer for 50 g/day of processed meat against the interval between the dietary data and cancer incidence. Second, I compared nested CC studies of meat and cancer incidence for five breast cancer studies and one colorectal cancer study. Both approaches yielded an inverse correlation between interval or follow-up time and relative risk. My findings strongly suggest that diet near time of cancer diagnosis is more important than for longer intervals, that results from meta-analyses should be revised when possible with appropriate adjustments for duration of follow-up, and that dietary guidelines be revised accordingly.

Radiomics and artificial intelligence analysis by T2-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to predict Breast Cancer Histological Outcome

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of radiomics features obtained by MR images to predict Breast Cancer Histological Outcome.

METHODS

A total of 217 patients with malignant lesions were analysed underwent MRI examinations. Considering histological findings as the ground truth, four different types of findings were used in both univariate and multivariate analyses: (1) G1 + G2 vs G3 classification; (2) presence of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2 + vs HER2 -); (3) presence of the hormone receptor (HR + vs HR -); and (4) presence of luminal subtypes of breast cancer.

RESULTS

The best accuracy for discriminating HER2 + versus HER2 - breast cancers was obtained considering nine predictors by early phase T1-weighted subtraction images and a decision tree (accuracy of 88% on validation set). The best accuracy for discriminating HR + versus HR - breast cancers was obtained considering nine predictors by T2-weighted subtraction images and a decision tree (accuracy of 90% on validation set). The best accuracy for discriminating G1 + G2 versus G3 breast cancers was obtained considering 16 predictors by early phase T1-weighted subtraction images in a linear regression model with an accuracy of 75%. The best accuracy for discriminating luminal versus non-luminal breast cancers was obtained considering 27 predictors by early phase T1-weighted subtraction images and a decision tree (accuracy of 94% on validation set).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of radiomics analysis and artificial intelligence techniques could be used to support physician decision-making in prediction of Breast Cancer Histological Outcome.

Food Intake and Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for considerable mortalities worldwide. Several modifiable risk factors, including a high intake of certain foods and beverages can cause CRC. This review summarized the latest findings on the intake of various foods, nutrients, ingredients, and beverages on CRC development, with the objective of classifying them as a risk or protective factor. High-risk food items include red meat, processed meat, eggs, high alcohol consumption, sugar-sweetened beverages, and chocolate candy. Food items that are protective include milk, cheese and other dairy products, fruits, vegetables (particularly cruciferous), whole grains, legumes (particularly soy beans), fish, tea (particularly green tea), coffee (particularly among Asians), chocolate, and moderate alcohol consumption (particularly wine). High-risk nutrients/ingredients include dietary fat from animal sources and industrial trans-fatty acids (semisolid/solid hydrogenated oils), synthetic food coloring, monosodium glutamate, titanium dioxide, and high-fructose corn sirup. Nutrients/ingredients that are protective include dietary fiber (particularly from cereals), fatty acids (medium-chain and odd-chain saturated fatty acids and highly unsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids), calcium, polyphenols, curcumin, selenium, zinc, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, E, and B (particularly B6, B9, and B2). A combination of micronutrients and multi-vitamins also appears to be beneficial in reducing recurrent adenoma incidence.

Dietary patterns associated with colorectal cancer risk in the Malaysian population: a case-control study with exploratory factor and regression analysis

BACKGROUND

Studies on the relationship between diet and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk using single food or nutrient approach are widely conducted as opposed to dietary pattern approach. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the major dietary patterns and their association with CRC risk among Malaysians.

METHODS

Patients aged between 18 and 80 years old from two teaching hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia were recruited through purposive sampling. Socio-demographic information and anthropometry data were assessed before the colonoscopy procedure, and dietary intake was also recorded using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Cases were those patients having histopathologically proven CRC, while controls were those without.

RESULTS

Four major dietary patterns were identified: the allergenic diet, plant-based diet, processed diet, and energy-dense diet pattern. After adjusting for potential covariates, the processed diet pattern was consistently associated with CRC (OR = 3.45; 95% CI = 1.25-9.52; P = 0.017) while the plant-based diet, energy-dense diet, and allergenic diet were not associated with CRC risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The processed diet pattern attributed to a diet high in confectionaries and fast foods was associated with an increased risk of CRC in the Malaysian population. In order to give prevention measures through lifestyle change, more research could be done on the effect of food patterns on faecal microbiota associated with CRC.

Qualitative and semi-quantitative ultrasound assessment in delta and Omicron Covid-19 patients: data from high volume reference center

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate the efficacy of US, both qualitatively and semi-quantitatively, in the selection of treatment for the Covid-19 patient, using patient triage as the gold standard.

METHODS

Patients admitted to the Covid-19 clinic to be treated with monoclonal antibodies (mAb) or retroviral treatment and undergoing lung ultrasound (US) were selected from the radiological data set between December 2021 and May 2022 according to the following inclusion criteria: patients with proven Omicron variant and Delta Covid-19 infection; patients with known Covid-19 vaccination with at least two doses. Lung US (LUS) was performed by experienced radiologists. The presence, location, and distribution of abnormalities, such as B-lines, thickening or ruptures of the pleural line, consolidations, and air bronchograms, were evaluated. The anomalous findings in each scan were classified according to the LUS scoring system. Nonparametric statistical tests were performed.

RESULTS

The LUS score median value in the patients with Omicron variant was 1.5 (1-20) while the LUS score median value in the patients with Delta variant was 7 (3-24). A difference statistically significant was observed for LUS score values among the patients with Delta variant between the two US examinations (p value = 0.045 at Kruskal Wallis test). There was a difference in median LUS score values between hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients for both the Omicron and Delta groups (p value = 0.02 on the Kruskal Wallis test). For Delta patients groups the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, considering a value of 14 for LUS score for the hospitalization, were of 85.29%, 44.44%, 85.29% and 76.74% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

LUS is an interesting diagnostic tool in the context of Covid-19, it could allow to identify the typical pattern of diffuse interstitial pulmonary syndrome and could guide the correct management of patients.

A collaborative study of the impact of N-nitrosamines presence and ARB recall on ARB utilization - results from IQVIA™ Disease Analyzer Germany

PURPOSE

Regulators are increasingly concerned with  the impact of recalls on drug adherence. In 2018, N-nitrosamines impurities were detected in valsartan containing medical products. Concerned products were immediately recalled in July 2018 by regulatory agencies internationally. In Germany, recalls were issued for valsartan, losartan and irbesartan from July 2018 to March 2019. This study examined angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) utilization trends and switching patterns in Germany before and after July 2018.

METHODS

Patients prescribed ARBs from January 2014 to June 2020 in general practices in Germany were included in a collaborative framework common protocol drug utilization study led by the US Food and Drug Administration. Trends in monthly and quarterly proportions of total ARB prescribing were analysed for individual ARBs using descriptive statistics and interrupted time series analysis. The rate of switching to an alternative ARB was analysed before and after the recalls.

RESULTS

The proportion of valsartan prescriptions immediately decreased from 35.9 to 17.8% following the first recalls in July 2018, mirrored by an increased proportion for candesartan. Increased switching from valsartan to candesartan was observed. No increased switching was observed after losartan recalls, whereas for irbesartan, increased switching was observed 6-12 months after the last recall. Increased switching from ARBs to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or ARB treatment discontinuations were not observed.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that patients were able to continue ARB treatment despite the July 2018-March 2019 recalls, although many patients needed to switch to an alternative ARB. The duration of the impact of ARB recalls appeared to be limited.

Colorectal liver metastases patients prognostic assessment: prospects and limits of radiomics and radiogenomics

In this narrative review, we reported un up-to-date on the role of radiomics to assess prognostic features, which can impact on the liver metastases patient treatment choice. In the liver metastases patients, the possibility to assess mutational status (RAS or MSI), the tumor growth pattern and the histological subtype (NOS or mucinous) allows a better treatment selection to avoid unnecessary therapies. However, today, the detection of these features require an invasive approach. Recently, radiomics analysis application has improved rapidly, with a consequent growing interest in the oncological field. Radiomics analysis allows the textural characteristics assessment, which are correlated to biological data. This approach is captivating since it should allow to extract biological data from the radiological images, without invasive approach, so that to reduce costs and time, avoiding any risk for the patients. Several studies showed the ability of Radiomics to identify mutational status, tumor growth pattern and histological type in colorectal liver metastases. Although, radiomics analysis in a non-invasive and repeatable way, however features as the poor standardization and generalization of clinical studies results limit the translation of this analysis into clinical practice. Clear limits are data-quality control, reproducibility, repeatability, generalizability of results, and issues related to model overfitting.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the action of carcinogens in gastric cancer with a glimpse into targeted therapy

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer imposes a substantial global health burden despite its overall incidence decrease. A broad spectrum of inherited, environmental and infectious factors contributes to the development of gastric cancer. A profound understanding of the molecular underpinnings of gastric cancer has lagged compared to several other tumors with similar incidence and morbidity rates, owing to our limited knowledge of the role of carcinogens in this malignancy. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified gastric carcinogenic agents into four groups based on scientific evidence from human and experimental animal studies. This review aims to explore the potential comprehensive molecular and biological impacts of carcinogens on gastric cancer development and their interactions and interferences with various cellular signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

In this review, we highlight recent clinical trial data reported in the literature dealing with different ways to target various carcinogens in gastric cancer. Moreover, we touch upon other multidisciplinary therapeutic approaches such as surgery, adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Rational clinical trials focusing on identifying suitable patient populations are imperative to the success of single-agent therapeutics. Novel insights regarding signaling pathways that regulate gastric cancer can potentially improve treatment responses to targeted therapy alone or in combination with other/conventional treatments. Preventive strategies such as control of H. pylori infection through eradication or immunization as well as dietary habit and lifestyle changes may reduce the incidence of this multifactorial disease, especially in high prevalence areas. Further in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the role of carcinogenic agents in gastric cancer development may offer valuable information and update state-of-the-art resources for physicians and researchers to explore novel ways to combat this disease, from bench to bedside. A schematic outlining of the interaction between gastric carcinogenic agents and intracellular pathways in gastric cancer H. pylori stimulates multiple intracellular pathways, including PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, Wnt, Shh, Ras/Raf, c-MET, and JAK/STAT, leading to epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation, apoptosis, survival, motility, and inflammatory cytokine release. EBV can stimulate intracellular pathways such as the PI3K/Akt, RAS/RAF, JAK/STAT, Notch, TGF-β, and NF-κB, leading to cell survival and motility, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and the transcription of anti-apoptotic genes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Nicotine and alcohol can lead to angiogenesis, metastasis, survival, proliferation, pro-inflammatory, migration, and chemotactic by stimulating various intracellular signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, Ras/Raf, ROS, and JAK/STAT. Processed meat contains numerous carcinogenic compounds that affect multiple intracellular pathways such as sGC/cGMP, p38 MAPK, ERK, and PI3K/AKT, leading to anti-apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, inflammatory responses, proliferation, and invasion. Lead compounds may interact with multiple signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, Ras/Raf, DNA methylation-dependent, and epigenetic-dependent, leading to tumorigenesis, carcinogenesis, malignancy, angiogenesis, DNA hypermethylation, cell survival, and cell proliferation. Stimulating signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, RAS/RAF, JAK/STAT, WNT, TGF-β, EGF, FGFR2, and E-cadherin through UV ionizing radiation leads to cell survival, proliferation, and immortalization in gastric cancer. The consequence of PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, Ras/Raf, ROS, JAK/STAT, and WNT signaling stimulation by the carcinogenic component of Pickled vegetables and salted fish is the Warburg effect, tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, proliferation, inflammatory response, and migration.

Revisiting the therapeutic potential of tocotrienol

The therapeutic potential of the tocotrienol group stems from its nutraceutical properties as a dietary supplement. It is largely considered to be safe when consumed at low doses for attenuating pathophysiology as shown by animal models, in vitro assays, and ongoing human trials. Medical researchers and the allied sciences have experimented with tocotrienols for many decades, but its therapeutic potential was limited to adjuvant or concurrent treatment regimens. Recent studies have focused on targeted drug delivery by enhancing the bioavailability through carriers, self-sustained emulsions, nanoparticles, and ethosomes. Epigenetic modulation and computer remodeling are other means that will help increase chemosensitivity. This review will focus on the systemic intracellular anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms that are stimulated and/or regulated by tocotrienols while highlighting its potent therapeutic properties in a diverse group of clinical diseases.

Optimizing an mHealth Intervention to Change Food Purchasing Behaviors for Cancer Prevention: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Dietary intake is a powerful modifiable factor that influences cancer risk; however, most US adults do not adhere to dietary guidelines for cancer prevention. One promising pathway for improving dietary adherence is targeting grocery shopping habits. Interventions might facilitate healthy grocery choices, with a combination of mHealth and traditional methods, by promoting the salience of dietary goals while shopping, enhancing motivation to make dietary changes, and increasing household support for healthy food purchasing.

OBJECTIVE

This pilot study will assess feasibility and acceptability of intervention components designed to improve adherence to dietary guidelines for cancer prevention (preliminary aim). The primary aim of the study is to quantify the effect of each intervention component, individually and in combination, on dietary intake (primary aim) and grocery store food purchases (exploratory aim). Mediation analyses will be conducted to understand the mechanisms of action (goal salience, motivation, and household support-secondary aims). The overarching goal is to optimize an mHealth intervention to be tested in a future fully powered clinical trial.

METHODS

The study enrolled adults (N=62) with low adherence to dietary recommendations for cancer prevention. In a 20-week program, all participants attend a nutrition education workshop and receive weekly educational messages through an app. A factorial design is used to test 4 intervention components: (1) location-triggered messages: educational messages are delivered when arriving at grocery stores; (2) reflections on the benefits of change: content is added to messages to encourage reflection on anticipated benefits of healthy eating, and participants attend an additional workshop session and 3 coach calls on this topic; (3) coach monitoring: food purchases are monitored digitally by a coach who sends personalized weekly app messages and conducts 3 coaching calls that focus on feedback about purchases; and (4) household support: another adult in the household receives messages designed to elicit support for healthy food purchasing, and support is addressed in 3 coach calls and an extra workshop session attended by the index participant and household member. Assessments are completed at weeks 0, 10, and 20 using self-report measures, as well as objective capture of grocery data from the point of purchase using store loyalty accounts.

RESULTS

The National Cancer Institute funded this study (R21CA252933) on July 7, 2020. Participant recruitment began in the spring of 2021 and concluded with the successful enrollment of 62 participants. Data collection is expected to be completed in the summer of 2022, and results are expected to be disseminated in the summer of 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study will inform the development of scalable interventions to lower cancer risk via changes in dietary intake.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04947150; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04947150.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/39669.

Bringing to Light the Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Mucosal Glycosylation as a Key Player

Colitis-associated cancer is a major complication of inflammatory bowel disease remaining an important clinical challenge in terms of diagnosis, screening, and prognosis. Inflammation is a driving factor both in inflammatory bowel disease and cancer, but the mechanism underlying the transition from colon inflammation to cancer remains to be defined. Dysregulation of mucosal glycosylation has been described as a key regulatory mechanism associated both with colon inflammation and colorectal cancer development. In this review, we discuss the major molecular mechanisms of colitis-associated cancer pathogenesis, highlighting the role of glycans expressed at gut epithelial cells, at lamina propria T cells, and in serum proteins in the regulation of intestinal inflammation and its progression to colon cancer, further discussing its potential clinical and therapeutic applications.

Nitrocellulose blister material as a source of N-nitrosamine contamination of pharmaceutical drug products

The recent focus of pharmaceutical regulatory authorities has been oriented towards the mitigation of carcinogenic N-nitrosamines in drug products and different sources of N-nitrosamines have been revealed. Within this work, the elucidation of a further source of N-nitrosamines in drug products is reported. A case was investigated where traces of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) were detected in a finished dosage form, whereas they were not found in the bulk drug product. This led to an in-depth study of blister material as a potential source, wherein nitrocellulose primer in a lidding foil was identified as a risk factor. Nitrocellulose acts as a nitrosating agent for secondary amines, present in printing inks, forming N-nitrosamines in lidding foil. Their formation was confirmed by the addition of printing ink containing dimethylamine and diethylamine, or diethylamine alone, to lidding foil containing nitrocellulose primer. Their transfer to drug product during the blistering operation was demonstrated by solid-phase microextraction sampling of N-nitrosamine vapors on two commonly used types of pharmaceutical blistering machines, operating with plate sealing or roller sealing technology. Higher vapor amounts were detected on plate sealing equipment, where N-nitrosamine contamination was additionally confirmed in film-coated tablets and blister cavities of the finished dosage form.

Gut Microbiota-Derived Metabolites in Colorectal Cancer: The Bad and the Challenges

Accumulating evidence from studies in humans and animal models has elucidated that gut microbiota, acting as a complex ecosystem, contributes critically to colorectal cancer (CRC). The potential mechanisms often reported emphasize the vital role of carcinogenic activities of specific pathogens, but in fact, a series of metabolites produced from exogenous dietary substrates or endogenous host compounds occupy a decisive position similarly. Detrimental gut microbiota-derived metabolites such as trimethylamine-N-oxide, secondary bile acids, hydrogen sulfide and N-nitroso compounds could reconstruct the ecological composition and metabolic activity of intestinal microorganisms and formulate a microenvironment that opens susceptibility to carcinogenic stimuli. They are implicated in the occurrence, progression and metastasis of CRC through different mechanisms, including inducing inflammation and DNA damage, activating tumorigenic signaling pathways and regulating tumor immunity. In this review, we mainly summarized the intimate relationship between detrimental gut microbiota-derived metabolites and CRC, and updated the current knowledge about detrimental metabolites in CRC pathogenesis. Then, multiple interventions targeting these metabolites for CRC management were critically reviewed, including diet modulation, probiotics/prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, as well as more precise measures such as engineered bacteria, phage therapy and chemopreventive drugs. A better understanding of the interplay between detrimental microbial metabolites and CRC would hold great promise against CRC.

Novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying risk of colorectal cancer from smoking and red/processed meat carcinogens by modeling exposure in normal colon organoids

Tobacco smoke and red/processed meats are well-known risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC). Most research has focused on studies of normal colon biopsies in epidemiologic studies or treatment of CRC cell lines in vitro. These studies are often constrained by challenges with accuracy of self-report data or, in the case of CRC cell lines, small sample sizes and lack of relationship to normal tissue at risk. In an attempt to address some of these limitations, we performed a 24-hour treatment of a representative carcinogens cocktail in 37 independent organoid lines derived from normal colon biopsies. Machine learning algorithms were applied to bulk RNA-sequencing and revealed cellular composition changes in colon organoids. We identified 738 differentially expressed genes in response to carcinogens exposure. Network analysis identified significantly different modules of co-expression, that included genes related to MSI-H tumor biology, and genes previously implicated in CRC through genome-wide association studies. Our study helps to better define the molecular effects of representative carcinogens from smoking and red/processed meat in normal colon epithelial cells and in the etiology of the MSI-H subtype of CRC, and suggests an overlap between molecular mechanisms involved in inherited and environmental CRC risk.

In vitro mutagenicity assessment of fried meat-based food from mass catering companies

The current article aimed to evaluate the in vitro mutagenicity of ten fried meat-based food extracts obtained from different catering companies from Navarra (Spain). A miniaturized 6-well version of the Ames test in Salmonella typhimurium TA98, and the in vitro micronucleus test (OECD TG 487) in TK6 cells were performed. None of the ten extracts of fried meat-based food induced gene mutations in S. typhimurium TA98 with or without metabolic activation, but five induced chromosomal aberrations after 24 h treatment of TK6 without metabolic activation. More studies are needed to check the biological relevance of these in vitro studies.

A Review of Colorectal Cancer in Terms of Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Development, Symptoms and Diagnosis

This review article contains a concise consideration of genetic and environmental risk factors for colorectal cancer. Known risk factors associated with colorectal cancer include familial and hereditary factors and lifestyle-related and ecological factors. Lifestyle factors are significant because of the potential for improving our understanding of the disease. Physical inactivity, obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption can also be addressed through therapeutic interventions. We also made efforts to systematize available literature and data on epidemiology, diagnosis, type and nature of symptoms and disease stages. Further study of colorectal cancer and progress made globally is crucial to inform future strategies in controlling the disease's burden through population-based preventative initiatives.

Towards refining World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research cancer prevention recommendations for red and processed meat intake: insights from Alberta's Tomorrow Project cohort

Current cancer prevention recommendations advise limiting red meat intake to <500 g/week and avoiding consumption of processed meat, but do not differentiate the source of processed meat. We examined the associations of processed meat derived from red v. non-red meats with cancer risk in a prospective cohort of 26 218 adults who reported dietary intake using the Canadian Diet History Questionnaire. Incidence of cancer was obtained through data linkage with Alberta Cancer Registry with median follow-up of 13·3 (interquartile range (IQR) 5·1) years. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were adjusted for covariates and stratified by age and sex. The median consumption (g/week) of red meat, processed meat from red meat and processed meat from non-red meat was 267·9 (IQR 269·9), 53·6 (IQR 83·3) and 11·9 (IQR 31·8), respectively. High intakes (4th Quartile) of processed meat from red meat were associated with increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer adjusted hazard ratio (AHR): 1·68 (95 % CI 1·09, 2·57) and colorectal cancers AHR: 1·90 (95 % CI 1·12, 3·22), respectively, in women. No statistically significant associations were observed for intakes of red meat or processed meat from non-red meat. Results suggest that the carcinogenic effect associated with processed meat intake may be limited to processed meat derived from red meats. The findings provide preliminary evidence towards refining cancer prevention recommendations for red and processed meat intake.

Processed meat products with added plant antioxidants affect the microbiota and immune response in C57BL/6JRj mice with cyclically induced chronic inflammation

Epidemiological studies have found that there is a correlation between red and processed meat consumption and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. There are numerous existing hypotheses on what underlying mechanisms are causative to this correlation, but the results remain unclear. A common hypothesis is that lipid oxidation, which occurs in endogenous lipids and phospholipids in consumed food, are catalyzed by the heme iron in meat. In this study, five pre-selected plant antioxidant preparations (sea buckthorn leaves and sprouts, summer savory leaves, olive polyphenols, onion skin and lyophilized black currant leaves) were added to a meatball type prone to oxidize (pork meat, 20 % fat, 2% salt, deep-fried and after 2 weeks of storage). Pro-inflammatory markers, neutrophil infiltration and microbiota composition were studied after four months in a chronic inflammation model in C57BL6/J female mice. We found that the bacterial diversity index was affected, as well as initial immunological reactions.

Comorbidities and inflammation associated with ovarian cancer and its influence on SARS-CoV-2 infection

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) worldwide is a major public health concern. Cancer patients are considered a vulnerable population to SARS-CoV-2 infection and may develop several COVID-19 symptoms. The heightened immunocompromised state, prolonged chronic pro-inflammatory milieu coupled with comorbid conditions are shared in both disease conditions and may influence patient outcome. Although ovarian cancer (OC) and COVID-19 are diseases of entirely different primary organs, both diseases share similar molecular and cellular characteristics in their microenvironment suggesting a potential cooperativity leading to poor outcome. In COVID-19 related cases, hospitalizations and deaths worldwide are lower in women than in males; however, comorbidities associated with OC may increase the COVID-19 risk in women. The women at the age of 50-60 years are at greater risk of developing OC as well as SARS-CoV-2 infection. Increased levels of gonadotropin and androgen, dysregulated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), hyper-coagulation and chronic inflammation are common conditions observed among OC and severe cases of COVID-19. The upregulation of common inflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, interferon-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), among others in the sera of COVID-19 and OC subjects suggests potentially similar mechanism(s) involved in the hyper-inflammatory condition observed in both disease states. Thus, it is conceivable that the pathogenesis of OC may significantly contribute to the potential infection by SARS-CoV-2. Our understanding of the influence and mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection on OC is at an early stage and in this article, we review the underlying pathogenesis presented by various comorbidities of OC and correlate their influence on SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Time trends of colorectal cancer incidence and associated lifestyle factors in South Korea

Worldwide, South Korea had the second highest incidence rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) in 2018. To inform public health policy to prevent CRC, we aimed to identify major modifiable lifestyle factors underlying the alarming increase in CRC incidence. We obtained information on CRC statistics from the Korea National Cancer Incidence Database and on the distribution of dietary and lifestyle factors known to modify CRC risk from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. To examine time trends between 2001 and 2013, we calculated annual percent changes of CRC incidence rates and of prevalence of etiologic factors by sex and age. Across all sex and age groups, the most commonly diagnosed cancer was rectal cancer while the most rapidly increasing cancer was distal colon cancer. For the lifestyle factors examined, decreases in exercise were observed across all age groups of both sexes. Yet, obesity and alcoholic drinks appear more relevant CRC contributor to men, smoking to women aged 30–49 years, and processed meat intake to adults aged 30–49 years. The heterogeneous results suggest that dietary and lifestyle target to prevent CRC be tailored by sex and age.

Colon Carcinogenesis: The Interplay Between Diet and Gut Microbiota

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence increases yearly, and is three to four times higher in developed countries compared to developing countries. The well-known risk factors have been attributed to low physical activity, overweight, obesity, dietary consumption including excessive consumption of red processed meats, alcohol, and low dietary fiber content. There is growing evidence of the interplay between diet and gut microbiota in CRC carcinogenesis. Although there appears to be a direct causal role for gut microbes in the development of CRC in some animal models, the link between diet, gut microbes, and colonic carcinogenesis has been established largely as an association rather than as a cause-and-effect relationship. This is especially true for human studies. As essential dietary factors influence CRC risk, the role of proteins, carbohydrates, fat, and their end products are considered as part of the interplay between diet and gut microbiota. The underlying molecular mechanisms of colon carcinogenesis mediated by gut microbiota are also discussed. Human biological responses such as inflammation, oxidative stress, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage can all influence dysbiosis and consequently CRC carcinogenesis. Dysbiosis could add to CRC risk by shifting the effect of dietary components toward promoting a colonic neoplasm together with interacting with gut microbiota. It follows that dietary intervention and gut microbiota modulation may play a vital role in reducing CRC risk.

Comparative review and the recent progress in detection technologies of meat product adulteration

Meat adulteration, mainly for the purpose of economic pursuit, is widespread and leads to serious public health risks, religious violations, and moral loss. Rapid, effective, accurate, and reliable detection technologies are keys to effectively supervising meat adulteration. Considering the importance and rapid advances in meat adulteration detection technologies, a comprehensive review to summarize the recent progress in this area and to suggest directions for future progress is beneficial. In this review, destructive meat adulteration technologies based on DNA, protein, and metabolite analyses and nondestructive technologies based on spectroscopy were comparatively analyzed. The advantages and disadvantages, application situations of these technologies were discussed. In the future, determining suitable indicators or markers is particularly important for destructive methods. To improve sensitivity and save time, new interdisciplinary technologies, such as biochips and biosensors, are promising for application in the future. For nondestructive techniques, convenient and effective chemometric models are crucial, and the development of portable devices based on these technologies for onsite monitoring is a future trend. Moreover, omics technologies, especially proteomics, are important methods in laboratory detection because they enable multispecies detection and unknown target screening by using mass spectrometry databases.

Global Profiling of Toxicologically Relevant Metabolites in Urine: Case Study of Reactive Aldehydes

Among the numerous unknown metabolites representative of our exposure, focusing on toxic compounds should provide more relevant data to link exposure and health. For that purpose, we developed and applied a global method using data independent acquisition (DIA) in mass spectrometry to profile specifically electrophilic compounds originating metabolites. These compounds are most of the time toxic, due to their chemical reactivity toward nucleophilic sites present in biomacromolecules. The main line of cellular defense against these electrophilic molecules is conjugation to glutathione, then metabolization into mercapturic acid conjugates (MACs). Interestingly, MACs display a characteristic neutral loss in MS/MS experiments that makes it possible to detect all the metabolites displaying this characteristic loss, thanks to the DIA mode, and therefore to highlight the corresponding reactive metabolites. As a proof of concept, our workflow was applied to the toxicological issue of the oxidation of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids, leading in particular to the formation of toxic alkenals, which lead to MACs upon glutathione conjugation and metabolization. By this way, dozens of MACs were detected and identified. Interestingly, multivariate statistical analyses carried out only on extracted HRMS signals of MACs yield a better characterization of the studied groups compared to results obtained from a classic untargeted metabolomics approach.

Formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines with the structure of aminoimidazoazarenes in food products

Thermal food processing has many beneficial consequences, although it also produces some unintentional undesired effects, such as the formation of potentially mutagenic and carcinogenic substances. Among them, the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) has been related to the declared carcinogenicity of processed meats. In spite of this importance, HAA formation pathways remain mostly unknown, which avoids the design of targeted procedures to inhibit HAA appearance. The objective of this review is to collect information recently appeared that allow advancing in the understanding of how these compounds are produced. Particularly, the possibility that aminoimidazoazarenes are produced similarly to PhIP is discussed, including their formation by cyclizations and oligomerizations of aldehydes and creatinine under usual cooking conditions. Present data suggest that HAA formation might be related to the pool of carbonyl compounds existing in foods, the food carbonylome, which can be controlled by carbonyl-trapping agents, such as amine and phenolic compounds.

Knowledge, attitudes and eating habits red and processed meat among gym users: a cross-sectional survey

Aims:

In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified red meat (RM) and processed meat (PM) intakes as ‘probably carcinogenic’ and ‘carcinogenic’ to humans, respectively. The aim of the study was to evaluate eating behaviours and knowledge on the potential risks of RM-PM consumption among gym users.

Methods:

In 2018, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in 20 gyms in Turin using a 48-item questionnaire assessing sociodemographic, sports, dietary information and knowledge about RM-PM (sample size = 298). Multivariable logistic and linear regressions were performed. The significance level was p ⩽ 0.05.

Results:

Around 75% of the sample consumed RM and PM at least once a week, with an average of 240.55 ± 435.99 g and 106.50 ± 157.88 g consumed weekly, respectively. Only 7.69% exceeded 700 g of raw RM weekly. Females, those with higher education, those who practise sport outside gyms and those who declared to practise sport to stay healthy, declared to consume less RM. Those who practise sport at a competitive level, those who are on a diet for athletic needs, those with higher body mass index (BMI) and those who consume more eggs and alcohol had a higher RM intake. The association with PM consumption was negative for females and positive for those living without a partner. The likelihood of answering incorrectly to one of the knowledge outcomes was lower for those who had a healthcare-related background and declared to practise sport to stay healthy, while it was higher for participants who stated to have a sport-related background, to be on a diet to lose weight, to read rarely/never the RM-PM nutrition labels and to consume <400 g of fruit and vegetables daily.

Conclusions:

Given the relatively low knowledge of the potential risks of RM-PM consumption, it would be advisable to implement campaigns specifically focused on male athletes and people with lower socioeconomic status, in order to raise awareness about this topic.

Intake of Processed Meat and Association with Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Factors in a Representative Sample of the Swiss Population

Processed meat (PM) intake is associated with health risks, but data are lacking in Switzerland. Using national representative data from a recent menuCH Survey, we first aimed to quantify intake of PM and its subtypes, and second to investigate associations with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors by multivariable regression analysis. PM was consumed by 72% of the population, and mean daily intake was 42.7 g/day (standard error of the mean (SEM) 1.2 g/day), ranging considerably across PM subtypes: highest intake of sausages 18.1 g/day (SEM 0.7 g/day) and lowest of bacon 2.0 g/day (SEM 0.2 g/day). PM intake by women was 4.7 g/1000 kcal lower than men (95% confidence interval (CI): -6.7; -2.7) and 2.9 g/1000 kcal lower in the French- language region compared with the German region (95% CI: 2.4; 8.7). Among sociodemographic and lifestyle factors examined, BMI (obese vs. normal: 5.5 g/1000 kcal, 95% CI: 2.4; 8.7) and current smoking (vs. never smoked: 3.1 g/kcal, 95% CI: 0.6; 5.6) were independently associated with PM intake. The results are a first description of PM intake, separate from other meat types, and which identified associations with two unhealthy lifestyle factors in Switzerland. Such data will contribute to better nutritional recommendations and guidance for public health interventions.

Lifestyle and dietary environmental factors in colorectal cancer susceptibility

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence changes with time and by variations in diet and lifestyle, as evidenced historically by migrant studies and recently by extensive epidemiologic evidence. The worldwide heterogeneity in CRC incidence is strongly suggestive of etiological involvement of environmental exposures, particularly lifestyle and diet. It is established that physical inactivity, obesity and some dietary factors (red/processed meats, alcohol) are positively associated with CRC, while healthy lifestyle habits show inverse associations. Mechanistic evidence shows that lifestyle and dietary components that contribute to energy excess are linked with increased CRC via metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, bacterial dysbiosis and breakdown of gut barrier integrity while the reverse is apparent for components associated with decreased risk. This chapter will review the available evidence on lifestyle and dietary factors in CRC etiology and their underlying mechanisms in CRC development. This short review will also touch upon available information on potential gene-environment interactions, molecular sub-types of CRC and anatomical sub-sites within the colorectum.

Lipid Oxidation Inhibition Capacity of 11 Plant Materials and Extracts Evaluated in Highly Oxidised Cooked Meatballs

The underlying mechanism(s) behind the potential carcinogenicity of processed meat is a popular research subject of which the lipid oxidation is a common suspect. Different formulations and cooking parameters of a processed meat product were evaluated for their capacity to induce lipid oxidation. Meatballs made of beef or pork, containing different concentrations of fat (10 or 20 g 100 g⁻¹), salt (2 or 4 g 100 g⁻¹), subjected to differing cooking types (pan or deep frying), and storage times (1, 7, and 14 days), were evaluated using thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS). The deep-fried meatball type most susceptible to oxidation was used as the model meat product for testing the lipid oxidation inhibiting capacity of 11 plant materials and extracts, in two concentrations (100 and 200 mg kg⁻¹ gallic acid equivalent (GAE)), measured after 14 days of storage using TBARS. Summer savory lyophilized powder was the most efficient plant material, lowering lipid oxidation to 13.8% and 21.8% at the 200 and 100 mg kg⁻¹ concentration, respectively, followed by a sea buckthorn leaf extract, lowering lipid oxidation to 22.9% at 100 mg kg⁻¹, compared to the meatball without added antioxidants. The lipid oxidation was thus successfully reduced using these natural antioxidants.

The Mediterranean Diet and Cancer: What Do Human and Molecular Studies Have to Say about It?

Mediterranean diet (MD) is a well-known healthy dietary pattern, linked to: (1) high intakes of olive oil as main the culinary fat, plant-based foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, tree nuts, and seeds), and fish; and (2) a moderate consumption of white meat, eggs, dairy products such as yogurt and cheese, and wine always with meals [...].

Is the protein profile of pig Longissimus dorsi affected by gender and diet?

The impact of gender and diet on the proteome of Longissimus dorsi was addressed by 2D-PAGE analysis of male and female pigs, fed with a barley-based control diet and a diet enriched with extruded linseed and plant extracts. No statistically significant difference in protein number between female and male samples was found. Furthermore, PCA excluded gender-dependent protein clusters. For both the control and enriched diet, several spots exhibited at least a 1.5-fold intensity difference, but none showed a statistically relevant variation. Protein profiles PCA for both diets indicated that the first two principal components account up to 47% of total variance, with two diet-dependent separated clusters. Among 176 common spots, 29 exhibited >1.5 fold change, mostly more abundant in the control diet. PMF identified 14 distinct proteins, including myofibrillar proteins, glycolytic enzymes and myoglobin, thus suggesting a diet-dependent meat quality. A statistically significant increase in carbonylated proteins of enriched diet samples was detected using the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine method but not using fluorescein-5-thiosemicarbazide-labeled bands. ROS induction and DNA oxidative damage, detected in a human cell line exposed to digested meat from both diets, further support the notion that the enriched diet does not protect against oxidative stress. SIGNIFICANCE: The comparison of the protein profile of female and male Longissimus dorsi from pigs fed by a control diet and a diet enriched with polyphenols, indicate no gender effect, whereas diet affects the abundance of several proteins, possibly linked to meat quality. Protein carbonylation was statistically higher in meat from the enriched diet, suggesting that polyphenols at the concentration present in the diet did not exert a protective effect against oxidation.

Dietary patterns and the risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma: a case control study in Iran

AIM

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between dietary patterns and the risk of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) and adenomas.

BACKGROUND

Dietary patterns have been shown to be associated with risk of CRC, but there are a few data on this context and its relationship with risk of colorectal adenomas as the precursors of the CRC.

METHODS

This hospital-based case-control study was conducted in three major general hospitals in Tehran province, Iran. Data was collected (October 2016 to May 2018) from 129 colorectal cancer and 130 colorectal adenoma patients that confirmed by pathology and colonoscopy findings and 240 controls with non-neoplastic conditions and not afflicted with diet related chronic diseases. Dietary data were evaluated by 147-items semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the relationship between dietary patterns and risk of colorectal cancer and colorectal adenoma.

RESULTS

Three dietary patterns (healthy, western and traditional) were derived. After adjusting for confounders, the Healthy dietary pattern was associated with a decreased risk of Colorectal Cancer (OR=0.22, 95% CI=0.14-0.37) and Colorectal Adenoma (OR=0.43, 95% CI=0.27-0.69). Higher intake of the Westernized pattern was positively associated with risk of Colorectal Cancer (OR=3.5, 95% CI=2.13-5.19) and Colorectal Adenoma (OR=2.47, 95% CI=1.49-4.08). There was no significant association between traditional pattern and the Colorectal Cancer (OR=99, 95% CI=0.61-1.59) and Colorectal Adenoma (OR=0.85, 95% CI=0.54-1.35) risk.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggested that the "Healthy" dietary pattern reduces the risk of Colorectal Cancer and Colorectal Adenoma, while the "Western" dietary pattern increases the risk of both Colorectal Cancer and Colorectal Adenoma.

Microbiome and Colorectal Cancer

Purpose of Review

The trillions of microbes collectively referred to as the human microbiota, inhabit the human body and establish a beneficial relationship with the host. It is clear however that dysbiosis impacting microbial diversity in the gut, may lead to development of inflammatory and malignant gastrointestinal diseases including colorectal cancer (CRC). We provide a literature review of the recent influx of information related to the alterations in gut microbiota composition that influences CRC incidence and progression.

Recent Findings

A growing body of evidence implicates altered gut microbiota in the development of CRC. Profiles of CRC associated microbiota have been shown to differ from those in healthy subjects and bacterial phylotypes vary depending on the primary tumor location. The compositional variation in the microbial profile is not restricted to cancerous tissue however and is different between cancers of the proximal and distal colons, respectively. More recently, studies have shed light on the "driver-passenger" model for CRC wherein, driver bacteria cause inflammation, increased cell proliferation and production of genotoxic substances to contribute towards mutational acquisition associated with adenoma-carcinoma sequence. These changes facilitate gradual replacement of driver bacteria by passengers that either promote or suppress tumor progression. Significant advances have also been made in associating individual bacterial species to consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) of CRC and this remarkable development is expected to galvanize scientific community into advancing therapeutic strategies for CRC.

Summary

Increasing evidence suggests a link between the intestinal microbiota and CRC development although the mechanisms through which the bacterial constituents of the microbiome contribute towards CRC are complex and yet to be fully fathomed. Thus, more exhaustive and mechanistic studies are needed to identify key interactions amongst diet, microbial community and metabolites that help facilitate the adenoma-carcinoma sequence evolution in CRC. It is expected that development of therapeutics based on microbial association with CMS will likely facilitate the translation of molecular subtypes into the clinic for CRCs and potentially other malignancies.

No Increase in Colon Cancer Risk Following Induction with Neu5Gc-Bearing Rabbit Anti-T Cell IgG (ATG) in Recipients of Kidney Transplants

Because of a mutation of the gene allowing the synthesis of the Neu5Gc form of neuraminidic acid, humans lack the Neu5Gc present in other mammals and develop anti-Neu5Gc. However, humans can absorb dietary Neu5Gc and normal colon epithelium displays minute amounts of Neu5Gc. The potential "physiological" formation of in situ immune complexes has been proposed as a risk factor for colon cancer and as the link between red meat-rich diet and colon carcinoma. In this article, we took advantage of evidence that polyclonal rabbit IgG (ATG) elicits an immune response against Neu5Gc and we consulted a large data base of allograft recipients treated or not with animal-derived IgG to discuss this hypothesis. Based on data from 173,960 and 38,505 patients without and with ATG induction, respectively, we found no evidence that exposure to higher levels of anti-Neu5Gc is associated with a higher incidence of colon carcinoma.

Nutraceuticals in colorectal cancer: A mechanistic approach

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most diagnosed cancers in the world. Even though screening, surgery and oncology have greatly advanced, CRC is still one of the leading causes of cancer deaths, with 700,000 annual mortalities in both men and women. Environmental and lifestyle factors brought up by industrialization, such as an altered diet, lack of physical activity, increase in alcohol consumption, and circadian disruption, have greatly affected the burden of CRC. These factors increase the CRC risk, at least partly, by pathologically altering the colonic environment, including composition of the gut microbiota, referred to as dysbiosis. Colonic dysbiosis can promote pro-carcinogenic immune signaling cascades, leading to pro-tumorigenic inflammation, carcinogen production, and altered cellular responses in susceptible host resulting to development and/or progression of CRC. Nutraceuticals such as prebiotic molecules and probiotic bacterial species can help maintain intestinal microbial homeostasis and thus mitigate this pathological processes. Therefore, prebiotics and probiotics can hinder the effects of dysbiosis by encouraging anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory immunity, the maintenance of the intestinal epithelial barrier, pro-apoptotic mechanisms, and carcinogen inactivation. In addition to its implications in preventing CRC, because of the mechanisms affected, nutraceuticals are being discovered as potential adjuncts to immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of CRC. In this review, we provide an overview of the potential implications of prebiotics and probiotics in the prevention and treatment of CRC.

Polyclonal human antibodies against glycans bearing red meat-derived non-human sialic acid N-glycolylneuraminic acid are stable, reproducible, complex and vary between individuals: Total antibody levels are associated with colorectal cancer risk

BACKGROUND

N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) is a non-human red-meat-derived sialic acid immunogenic to humans. Neu5Gc can be metabolically incorporated into glycan chains on human endothelial and epithelial surfaces. This represents the first example of a "xeno-autoantigen", against which circulating human "xeno-autoantibodies" can react. The resulting inflammation ("xenosialitis") has been demonstrated in human-like Neu5Gc-deficient mice and contributed to carcinoma progression via antibody-mediated inflammation. Anti-Neu5Gc antibodies have potential as biomarkers for diseases associated with red meat consumption such as carcinomas, atherosclerosis, and type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

ELISA assays measured antibodies against Neu5Gc or Neu5Gc-glycans in plasma or serum samples from the Nurses' Health Studies, the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, and the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, including inter-assay reproducibility, stability with delayed sample processing, and within-person reproducibility over 1-3 years in archived samples. We also assessed associations between antibody levels and coronary artery disease risk (CAD) or red meat intake. A glycan microarray was used to detected antibodies against multiple Neu5Gc-glycan epitopes. A nested case-control study design assessed the association between total anti-Neu5Gc antibodies detected in the glycan array assay and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC).

RESULTS

ELISA assays showed a wide range of anti-Neu5Gc responses and good inter-assay reproducibility, stability with delayed sample processing, and within-person reproducibility over time, but these antibody levels did not correlate with CAD risk or red meat intake. Antibodies against Neu5Gc alone or against individual Neu5Gc-bearing epitopes were also not associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. However, a sialoglycan microarray study demonstrated positive association with CRC risk when the total antibody responses against all Neu5Gc-glycans were combined. Individuals in the top quartile of total anti-Neu5Gc IgG antibody concentrations had nearly three times the risk compared to those in the bottom quartile (Multivariate Odds Ratio comparing top to bottom quartile: 2.98, 95% CI: 0.80, 11.1; P for trend = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Further work harnessing the utility of these anti-Neu5Gc antibodies as biomarkers in red meat-associated diseases must consider diversity in individual antibody profiles against different Neu5Gc-bearing glycans. Traditional ELISA assays for antibodies directed against Neu5Gc alone, or against specific Neu5Gc-glycans may not be adequate to define risk associations. Our finding of a positive association of total anti-Neu5Gc antibodies with CRC risk also warrants confirmation in larger prospective studies.