title: Effect of major dietary modifications on immune system in patients with breast cancer: a pilot study.
abstract: A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the effect of diet on immune function in nine premenopausal, post-therapy patients with breast cancer. The patients were instructed on following the American Cancer Society dietary guidelines and were told to do so from day 0 to day 28. These guidelines recommend a high-fiber, low-fat diet. On day 29, the patients continued the diet but included fish high in omega-3 fatty acids until day 56. Twenty-four-hour urine and blood samples, and 3-day diet records were obtained on days 0, 28, and 56. The following parameters were monitored: lymphocyte subsets, T-cell function (proliferation and cytolytic response), and urinary prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Results throughout the study suggested a benefit from decreasing dietary fat intake, and increasing fish intake. Helper T-cell (CD4) percentage increased from day 0 to days 28 and 56 (P = 0.048). Cytotoxic/suppressor T-cell (CD8) percentage decreased from day 0 to days 28 and 56 (P = 0.002). The CD4/CD8 cell ratio increased by days 28 and 56 (P = 0.0004). The proliferation of CD4 cells increased from day 0 to days 28 and 56 (P = 0.005). Significant changes were not found in the cytolytic activity of T cells, natural killer cells, total T and B cells, or urinary prostaglandin E2. Results suggest that patients with breast cancer may benefit from following American Cancer Society dietary guidelines and consuming cold-water ocean fish.
authors.forename: B K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Garritson
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nikaein
authors.forename: G N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Peters
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Gorman
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: G U
authors.initials: GU
authors.lastname: Liepa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects
chemical_list: D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber