Cruciferous vegetable consumption and pancreatic cancer: A case-control study

Unveiling the Effects of Cruciferous Vegetable Intake on Different Cancers: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Epidemiological studies indicated that cruciferous vegetable intake is associated with positive health outcomes. However, the role of cruciferous vegetables may have differential impacts on various cancers.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aims to review recent epidemiological studies on the link between cruciferous vegetables and various cancers. It seeks to identify the optimal intake dose and timing of cruciferous vegetables influencing their association with cancer risk.

DATA SOURCES

Studies on cruciferous vegetables and cancer were searched in PubMed, NCBI, Web of Science, and Elsevier databases from 1978 to June 2023.

DATA EXTRACTION

Extracted data from 226 relevant case-control and cohort studies were expressed by standardized mean difference and 95% CI, followed by the subgroup analysis to eliminate heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Intake of cruciferous vegetables can prevent cancers, with an odds ratio of 0.77 and risk ratio (RR) of 0.96. The intake levels of cruciferous vegetables associated with the risk of colorectal cancer, lung cancer, upper gastrointestinal cancer, gynecological cancer (ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer), bladder cancer, renal cancer, and prostate cancer were found to be 5.41 servings/week, 5.41 servings/week, 5.5 servings/week, 7.4 servings/week, 5.5 servings/week, 4.85 servings/week, and 3 servings/week, respectively. In a cohort followed for 2 to 15 years, limited consumption of cruciferous vegetables was correlated with a higher cancer RR. In the Asian population, cruciferous vegetables had a significant relationship with lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and esophageal cancer. Conversely, cruciferous vegetables are predominantly associated with colorectal, renal, gynecological, and prostate cancer in the American population.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the complex link between cruciferous vegetables and cancer, influenced by factors such as cancer type, region, intake level, and follow-up duration.

Cruciferous vegetables intake reduces pancreatic cancer risk: an updated systematic review with meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The escalating disease burden associated with pancreatic cancer has led to its inclusion as a target of public health efforts. The relationship between the consumption of cruciferous vegetables and the incidence of pancreatic cancer has generated conflicting findings in various epidemiological studies.

METHODS

Eligible studies were cohort or case-control studies reporting on the association between consumption of cruciferous vegetables and pancreatic cancer. PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase were systematically searched for potential studies before 27 July2022. These databases were finally searched again on 1 February 2023. The meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects models, and Stata 17 was employed for the statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies, encompassing 1,135,281 participants from 1989 to 2021, met the inclusion criteria. An inverse association of statistical significance was observed (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72-0.96). The sensitivity analysis indicates that this result is robust. We conducted subgroup analyses based on region, gender, study design, quality, exclusivity to endocrine tumors, adjustment for smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, and BMI.

CONCLUSION

This review provided support for the inclusion of cruciferous vegetables in the diet as a cost-effective and readily available prevention.

Transcriptome Analysis of Ethylene-Related Genes in Chlorine Dioxide-Treated Fresh-Cut Cauliflower

Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is widely used for the quality preservation of postharvest horticultural plants. However, the molecular mechanism of how ClO2 works is not clear. The purpose of this study was to understand ethylene-related molecular signaling in ClO2-treated fresh-cut cauliflower florets. Transcriptome analysis was used to investigate ethylene-related gene regulation. A total of 182.83 Gb clean data were acquired, and the reads of each sample to the unique mapped position of the reference genome could reach more than 85.51%. A sum of 2875, 3500, 4582 and 1906 differential expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at 0 d, 4 d, 8 d and 16 d between the control group and ClO2-treated group, respectively. DEGs were enriched in functions such as 'response to oxygen-containing compounds' and 'phosphorylation', as well as MAPK signaling pathway, plant hormone transduction pathway and so on. Genes, including OXI1, MPK3, WRKY22 and ERF1, which are located at the junction of wounding, pathogen attack, pathogen infection or ethylene signal transduction pathways, were up-regulated in response to stress. ETR and CTR1 (both up-regulated), as well as three down-regulated genes, including BolC5t34953H (a probable NAC), BolC1t05767H (a probable NAC) and BolC2t06548H (a probable ERF13), might work as negative regulators for ethylene signal transduction. In conclusion, ethylene-related genes and pathways are involved in ClO2 treatment, which might enhance stress resistance and have a negative feedback mechanism.

Plant sources, extraction techniques, analytical methods, bioactivity, and bioavailability of sulforaphane: a review

Sulforaphane (SFN) is an isothiocyanate commonly found in cruciferous vegetables. It is formed via the enzymatic hydrolysis of glucoraphanin by myrosinase. SFN exerts various biological effects, including anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory effects, and is widely used in functional foods and clinical medicine. However, the structure of SFN is unstable and easily degradable, and its production is easily affected by temperature, pH, and enzyme activity, which limit its application. Hence, several studies are investigating its physicochemical properties, stability, and biological activity to identify methods to increase its content. This article provides a comprehensive review of the plant sources, extraction and analysis techniques, in vitro and in vivo biological activities, and bioavailability of SFN. This article highlights the importance and provides a reference for the research and application of SFN in the future.

On the Menu: Analyzing the Macronutrients, Micronutrients, Beverages, Dietary Patterns, and Pancreatic Cancer Risk

This narrative review summarizes the principal findings of observational studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses on diet and dietary patterns' role in the risk of pancreatic cancer. Etiologically pancreatic cancer is multifactorial. Evidence exists of an association between nutrients, dietary patterns, and pancreatic cancer. An extensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. A thorough search of articles published in English till May 2023 and related to the review was performed. The relationship between all macronutrients, micronutrients, and various dietary patterns with the risk of pancreatic cancer was assessed. It is concluded that a diet high in nutrients like red and processed meat, refined sugars, saturated and monounsaturated fats, alcohol, copper, and a Western dietary pattern can increase the likelihood of pancreatic cancer. Contrary to this, a diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, appropriate quantities of vitamins and minerals, and a Mediterranean dietary pattern is associated with a decreased risk of pancreatic cancer.

Advances and challenges in therapeutic targeting of NRF2

Activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is emerging as an attractive therapeutic approach to counteract oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic imbalances. These processes underpin many chronic pathologies with unmet therapeutic needs, including neurodegenerative disorders and metabolic diseases. As the NRF2 field transitions into the clinical phase of its evolution, the need for an understanding of the factors influencing NRF2 pharmacology has never been greater. In this opinion article we describe the rationale for targeting NRF2, summarise the recent advances in drug development of NRF2 modulators, and reflect on the remaining challenges in realising the full clinical potential of NRF2 as a therapeutic target.

What Dietary Patterns and Nutrients are Associated with Pancreatic Cancer? Literature Review

This narrative review summarizes the main findings of observational studies (case-control and cohort) as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the role of nutrients and dietary patterns on pancreatic cancer (PC) risk and elucidates possible mechanisms for the association between nutrients or specific food components and the risk of PC. A literature search of MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus was performed. An extensive search of related articles published in the English language from 1985 to 2022 was carried out. Our search included macro- and micronutrient intake as well as dietary patterns associated with PC. In conclusion, the consumption of a diet high in nutrients such as sugar, fats, and red and processed meats can increase the risk of PC. Conversely, a high dietary intake of fresh fruit and vegetables and their associated nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, and polyphenols may prevent PC. Dietary patterns loaded with red and processed meats were also linked to an increased risk of PC, whereas dietary patterns rich in plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes were associated with a reduced risk of PC. Dietary fiber, fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins, and minerals might also play a protective role against PC.