title: Modulation of signal transduction in cancer cells by phytosterols.
abstract: Phytosterols are biofactors found enriched in plant foods such as seeds, grains, and legumes. Their dietary consumption is associated with numerous health benefits. Epidemiologic and experimental animal studies indicate that phytosterols are cancer chemopreventive agents particularly against cancers of the colon, breast, and prostate. Phytosterols impede oncogenesis and prevent cancer cell proliferation and survival. The molecular mechanisms underlying these beneficial actions involve effects on signal transduction processes which regulate cell growth and apoptosis. Phytosterols increase sphingomyelin turnover, ceramide formation, and liver X receptor activation. In concert, these actions slow cell cycle progression, inhibit cell proliferation, and activate caspase cascades and apoptosis in cancer cells.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State University of New York at Buffalo, 14214-3000, USA. pgb@buffalo.edu
authors.forename: Peter G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Bradford
authors.forename: Atif B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Awad
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017209:Apoptosis; D002453:Cell Cycle; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002518:Ceramides / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D000071518:Liver X Receptors; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism; D057093:Orphan Nuclear Receptors / Q000378:metabolism; D010840:Phytosterols / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D002518:Ceramides; D000071518:Liver X Receptors; D057093:Orphan Nuclear Receptors; D010840:Phytosterols