In vitro and in vivo models of colorectal cancer: antigenotoxic activity of berries.
The etiology of colorectal cancer (CRC), a common cause of cancer-related mortality globally, has strong associations with diet. There is considerable epidemiological evidence that fruits and vegetables are associated with reduced risk of CRC. This paper reviews the extensive evidence, both from in vitro studies and animal models, that components of berry fruits can modulate biomarkers of DNA damage and that these effects may be potentially chemoprotective, given the likely role that oxidative damage plays in mutation rate and cancer risk. Human intervention trials with berries are generally consistent in indicating a capacity to significantly decrease oxidative damage to DNA, but represent limited evidence for anticarcinogenicity, relying as they do on surrogate risk markers. To understand the effects of berry consumption on colorectal cancer risk, future studies will need to be well controlled, with defined berry extracts, using suitable and clinically relevant end points and considering the importance of the gut microbiota.
Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, Centre for Molecular Biosciences, University of Ulster , Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, U.K.
Emma M
EM
Brown
Cheryl
C
Latimer
Philip
P
Allsopp
Nigel G
NG
Ternan
Geoffery
G
McMullan
Gordon J
GJ
McDougall
Derek
D
Stewart
Alan
A
Crozier
Ian
I
Rowland
Chris I R
CI
Gill
D000818:Animals; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D016587:Antimutagenic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004249:DNA Damage; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D016587:Antimutagenic Agents
(poly)phenols; DNA damage; berries; biomarker; colon cancer; fruits and vegetables