scholarly journals Fibre and colorectal cancer: a controversial question

2006 ◽  
Vol 96 (S1) ◽  
pp. S46-S48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antoni Obrador

Since the 1970s it has been postulated that dietary fibre is a protective factor against colorectal cancer. Several epidemiological studies have been performed following different designs (correlation studies, case–control, cohort) and overall they have supported the hypothesis of a benefit of dietary fibre. However, a few intervention trials have not demonstrated the preventive role of dietary fibre on the occurrence of adenomatous colorectal polyps. Nevertheless, there are multiple animal experimental studies that support the role of fibre in the prevention of colorectal cancer. In the present review, the most important contributions to this controversial question are revised. Finally, it is recommended to continue encouraging an increase in the daily consumption of fibre, since it probably plays an important role in the prevention of colorectal cancer, together with other beneficial effects.

2021 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 273-283
Author(s):  
Zhousheng Jin ◽  
Fangfang Xia ◽  
Jiaojiao Dong ◽  
Tingting Lin ◽  
Yaoyao Cai ◽  
...  

Glucocorticoid excess often causes a variety of cardiovascular complications, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and cardiac hypertrophy. To abrogate its cardiac side effects, it is necessary to fully disclose the pathophysiological role of glucocorticoid in cardiac remodelling. Previous clinical and experimental studies have found that omentin-1, one of the adipokines, has beneficial effects in cardiovascular diseases, and is closely associated with metabolic disorders. However, there is no evidence to address the potential role of omentin-1 in glucocorticoid excess-induced cardiac injuries. To uncover the links, the present study utilized rat model with glucocorticoid-induced cardiac injuries and clinical patients with abnormal cardiac function. Chronic administration of glucocorticoid excess reduced rat serum omentin-1 concentration, which closely correlated with cardiac functional parameters. Intravenous administration of adeno-associated virus encoding omentin-1 upregulated the circulating omentin-1 level and attenuated glucocorticoid excess-induced cardiac hypertrophy and functional disorders. Overexpression of omentin-1 also improved cardiac mitochondrial function, including the reduction of lipid deposits, induction of mitochondrial biogenesis, and enhanced mitochondrial activities. Mechanistically, omentin-1 phosphorylated and activated the GSK3β pathway in the heart. From a study of 28 patients with Cushing’s syndrome and 23 healthy subjects, the plasma level of glucocorticoid was negatively correlated with omentin-1, and was positively associated with cardiac ejection fraction and fractional shortening. Collectively, the present study provided a novel role of omentin-1 in glucocorticoid excess-induced cardiac injuries and found that the omentin-1/GSK3β pathway was a potential therapeutic target in combating the side effects of glucocorticoid.


2017 ◽  
Vol 71 (10) ◽  
pp. 961-969 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eileen Shaw ◽  
Matthew T Warkentin ◽  
S Elizabeth McGregor ◽  
Susanna Town ◽  
Robert J Hilsden ◽  
...  

BackgroundThere is suggestive evidence that increased intake of dietary fibre and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are generally associated with decreased colorectal cancer risk. However, the effects on precursors of colorectal cancer, such as adenomatous polyps, are mixed. We present the associations between dietary fibre intake and NSAID use on the presence and type of colorectal polyps in a screening population.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 2548 individuals undergoing colonoscopy at the Forzani & MacPhail Colon Cancer Screening Centre (Calgary, Canada) was conducted. Dietary fibre intake and NSAID use were assessed using the Diet History Questionnaire I or II and the Health and Lifestyle Questionnaire. Colorectal outcomes were documented as a polyp or high-risk adenomatous polyp (HRAP; villous histology, high-grade dysplasia, ≥10 mm or ≥3 adenomas). Crude and ORs and 95% CIs were estimated using unconditional logistic regression.ResultsThere were 1450 negative colonoscopies and 1098 patients with polyps, of which 189 patients had HRAPs. Total dietary fibre intake was associated with a decreased presence of HRAPs (OR=0.50, 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.86) when comparing the highest to lowest quartiles and was observed with both soluble (OR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.88) and insoluble (OR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.86) fibres. Ever use of NSAIDs was also inversely associated with HRAPs (OR=0.65, 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.89), observed with monthly (OR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.95) and daily (OR=0.53, 95% CI: 0.32 to 0.86) use.ConclusionsDietary fibre intake and NSAID use were associated with a decreased risk of having a HRAP at screening.


2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (19) ◽  
pp. 2180-2187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Shamsul Ola ◽  
Dalia Al-Dosari ◽  
Abdullah S. Alhomida

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of decreased vision and blindness in developed countries. Diabetes-induced metabolic disorder is believed to increase oxidative stress in the retina. This results in deleterious change through dysregulation of cellular physiology that damages both neuronal and vascular cells. In this review, we first highlight the evidence of potential metabolic sources and pathways which increase oxidative stress that contribute to retinal pathology in diabetes. As oxidative stress is a central factor in the pathophysiology of DR, antioxidants therapy would be beneficial towards preventing the retinal damage. A number of experimental studies by our group and others showed that dietary flavonoids cause reduction in increased oxidative stress and other beneficial effects in diabetic retina. We then discuss the beneficial effects of the six major flavonoid families, such as flavanones, flavanols, flavonols, isoflavones, flavones and anthocyanins, which have been studied to improve retinal damage. Flavanoids, being known antioxidants, may ameliorate the retinal degenerative factors including apoptosis, inflammation and neurodegeneration in diabetes. Therefore, intake of potential dietary flavonoids would limit oxidative stress and thereby prevent the retinal damage, and subsequently the development of DR.


2019 ◽  
Vol 73 (6) ◽  
pp. 483-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah G Howard

This narrative review summarises recently published epidemiological and in vivo experimental studies on exposure to environmental chemicals and their potential role in the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). These studies focus on a variety of environmental chemical exposures, including to air pollution, arsenic, some persistent organic pollutants, pesticides, bisphenol A and phthalates. Of the 15 epidemiological studies identified, 14 include measurements of exposures during childhood, 2 include prenatal exposures and 1 includes adults over age 21. Together, they illustrate that the role of chemicals in T1DM may be complex and may depend on a variety of factors, such as exposure level, timing of exposure, nutritional status and chemical metabolism. While the evidence that these exposures may increase the risk of T1DM is still preliminary, it is critical to investigate this possibility further as a means of preventing T1DM.


2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 320-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Tahvilzadeh ◽  
Mannan Hajimahmoodi ◽  
Roja Rahimi

Date palm pollen (DPP) is the male reproductive dust of palm flowers used as dietary supplement especially as aphrodisiac and fertility enhancer in both women and men from ancient times. Although there are few clinical trials evaluating the beneficial effects of DPP in humans, various experimental studies have been conducted on the reproductive effects of DPP. Among the compounds isolated from DPP are amino acids, fatty acids, flavonoids, saponins, and estroles. The present review summarizes comprehensive information concerning the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of DPP and its application in fertility disorders.


2013 ◽  
Vol 62 (8) ◽  
pp. 1107-1123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imen Kahouli ◽  
Catherine Tomaro-Duchesneau ◽  
Satya Prakash

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common form of cancer. Diverse therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation have shown beneficial effects, but are limited because of their safety and toxicity. Probiotic formulations have shown great promise in CRC as preventive and early stage therapeutics. This review highlights the importance of a balanced intestinal microbiota and summarizes the recent developments in probiotics for treating CRC. Specifically, this report describes evidence of the role of probiotics in modulating the microbiota, in improving the physico-chemical conditions of the gut and in reducing oxidative stress. It also discusses the mechanisms of probiotics in inhibiting tumour progression, in producing anticancer compounds and in modulating the host immune response. Even though some of these effects were observed in several clinical trials, when probiotic formulations were used as a supplement to CRC therapies, the application of probiotics as biotherapeutics against CRC still needs further investigation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Castelli ◽  
Davide Grassi ◽  
Raffaella Bocale ◽  
Michele d'Angelo ◽  
Andrea Antonosante ◽  
...  

Background: The aging of western societies is leading to a dramatic increase in the prevalence of chronic conditions, threatening the health status and then the sustainability of our healthcare systems. In particular, dementia is being increasingly recognized as a public health priority, given its enormous socioeconomic burdens further amplified by the absence of treatments really effective in improving the clinical course of the disease. Methods: The question of whether some degree of cognitive deterioration is an inevitable part of aging or should be considered as a pathological pre-stage of dementia is currently debated. This is a field in need of research because accelerated brain aging as well as further decline in cognition might be preventable in the early stages of cognitive impairment. Herein, we discuss evidence from clinical and experimental studies on the role of polyphenols in preserving cognitive performance across life. Results: In recent years, the possibility of favorably influencing the cognitive trajectory through promotion of lifestyle modifications has been increasingly investigated. In particular, the relationship between nutritional habits and brain health has attracted special attention. Dietary polyphenols exhibit a strong potential to promote brain due to their efficacy in protecting neurons against oxidative stress-induced injury, suppressing neuroinflammation and in ameliorating cardiovascular risk factor control and cardiovascular function thus counteracting neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration. Conclusion: Emerging evidence suggest that dietary polyphenols, in particular flavonoids, may exert beneficial effects on the central nervous system thus representing a potential tool to preserve cognitive performance throught senescence.


2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 340-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peyman Amini ◽  
Saeed Rezapoor ◽  
Dheyauldeen Shabeeb ◽  
Ahmed Eleojo Musa ◽  
Masoud Najafi ◽  
...  

Background: Epidemiological studies have shown an increased incidence of heart diseases among survivors of Chernobyl disaster as well as Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bomb explosion. Similar results were observed for lung and left breast cancer patients. Experimental studies have proposed the chronic upregulation of some pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines. Recent studies have shown that upregulation of pro-oxidant enzymes play a key role in the development of late effects of ionizing radiation such as fibrosis. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and Interleukin-13 (IL-13) are two important cytokines that have shown ability to induce production of free radicals through dual oxidases (Duox) i.e. Duox1 and Duox2. In this study, we aimed to detect the expression of IL-4 receptor-a1 (IL-4Ra1), IL-13 receptor-a2 (IL-13Ra2), Duox1 and Duox2 genes following irradiation of rat’s heart. In addition, we evaluated the possible role of the combination of curcumin and selenium-L-methionine on the regulation of these genes. Methods: Twenty rats were divided into 4 groups as follows; G1: control; G2: treatment with the combination of curcumin and selenium-L-methionine; G3: radiation; G4: radiation plus treatment with the combination of curcumin and selenium-L-methionine. Rats were sacrificed 10 weeks after irradiation for detecting the expression of IL-4Ra1, IL-13Ra2, Duox1 and Duox2. Results: Results showed that exposure to ionizing radiation caused upregulation of IL-4Ra1 by more than 4-fold as well as Duox1 and Duox2 by more than 5-fold. However, results showed no detectable expression for IL-13Ra2. Treatment with the combination of curcumin and selenium-L-methionine could attenuate the upregulation of all genes. Conclusion: This study has shown that exposing rat’s heart tissues to radiation leads to chronic upregulation of IL-4Ra1, Duox1 and Duox2 as well as pro-oxidant enzymes. Treatment with the combination of curcumin and selenium-L-methionine showed ability to attenuate the upregulation of these genes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. E8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milli Desai ◽  
Arvin R. Wali ◽  
Harjus S. Birk ◽  
David R. Santiago-Dieppa ◽  
Alexander A. Khalessi

OBJECTIVEWomen have been shown to have a higher risk of cerebral aneurysm formation, growth, and rupture than men. The authors present a review of the recently published neurosurgical literature that studies the role of pregnancy and female sex steroids, to provide a conceptual framework with which to understand the various risk factors associated with cerebral aneurysms in women at different stages in their lives.METHODSThe PubMed database was searched for “(“intracranial” OR “cerebral”) AND “aneurysm” AND (“pregnancy” OR “estrogen” OR “progesterone”)” between January 1980 and February 2019. A total of 392 articles were initially identified, and after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 papers were selected for review and analysis. These papers were then divided into two categories: 1) epidemiological studies about the formation, growth, rupture, and management of cerebral aneurysms in pregnancy; and 2) investigations on female sex steroids and cerebral aneurysms (animal studies and epidemiological studies).RESULTSThe 20 articles presented in this study include 7 epidemiological articles on pregnancy and cerebral aneurysms, 3 articles reporting case series of cerebral aneurysms treated by endovascular therapies in pregnancy, 3 epidemiological articles reporting the relationship between female sex steroids and cerebral aneurysms through retrospective case-control studies, and 7 experimental studies using animal and/or cell models to understand the relationship between female sex steroids and cerebral aneurysms. The studies in this review report similar risk of aneurysm rupture in pregnant women compared to the general population. Most ruptured aneurysms in pregnancy occur during the 3rd trimester, and most pregnant women who present with cerebral aneurysm have caesarean section deliveries. Endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms in pregnancy is shown to provide a new and safe form of therapy for these cases. Epidemiological studies of postmenopausal women show that estrogen hormone therapy and later age at menopause are associated with a lower risk of cerebral aneurysm than in matched controls. Experimental studies in animal models corroborate this epidemiological finding; estrogen deficiency causes endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, which may predispose to the formation and rupture of cerebral aneurysms, while exogenous estrogen treatment in this population may lower this risk.CONCLUSIONSThe aim of this work is to equip the neurosurgical and obstetrical/gynecological readership with the tools to better understand, critique, and apply findings from research on sex differences in cerebral aneurysms.


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