Berry phytochemicals, genomic stability and cancer: Evidence for chemoprotection at several stages in the carcinogenic process

Abstract

Consumption of a diet high in plant-based foods is associated with a decreased risk of epithelial cell cancers at several sites. Cytoprotectants in fruits and vegetables include vitamins, minerals and numerous micronutrients. While there is little evidence uniquely linking berry consumption with lower cancer risk, berries contain high levels of compounds believed to reduce malignant transformation, including the polyphenol flavonoids and anthocyanins. There is strong and convincing evidence that berry extracts and berry phytochemicals modulate biomarkers of DNA damage and indicators of malignant transformation in vitro and in vivo. Data from numerous cell culture and animal models indicate that berry components such as the anthocyanins are potent anticarcinogenic agents and are protective against genomic instability at several sites in the carcinogenic pathway. Anticarcinogenic mechanisms include modulation of carcinogen activation and detoxification, decreased DNA binding of the carcinogen, inhibition of oxidative DNA damage, alteration in cell signalling and malignant transformation and inhibition of cell invasiveness and metastasis. Exactly which berry constituents are cytoprotective remains uncertain and in the majority of in vitro and in vivo studies the concentration of extract or phytochemical employed is non-nutritional. Evidence for an anticarcinogenic effect in human studies is weak.

Autophagy inhibition enhances anthocyanin-induced apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

“…Future experiments are required to extend these preclinical in vitro results to evaluate the effect of anthocyanin treatment in mouse tumor models in support of potential clinical studies. In animal models, anthocyanins act as anticancer agents by protecting against genomic instability at various phases of the carcinogenic process, yet, the effect in human studies is weak (50). This study suggests that the anthocyanins obtained from P. latifolia, R. peregrina, and P. lentiscus berries could be used as an easily accessible and abundant source of natural antioxidants as potential food additives and pharmaceutical agents.…”

Berry Fruits as a Source of Biologically Active Compounds: The Case of Lonicera Caerulea

“…They inhibit the cyclooxygenase activity, adhesion and reaction of leukocytes with endothelial cells, degranulation of mast cells and decrease in the level of interleukin (IL)-2, interferon (INF)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (ref. 115 ). Polyphenolics have been regarded as a potential novel, safe and nontoxic strategy for the modulation of infl ammation dependent on the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway 27 .…”

New acylated anthocyanins from purple yam and their antioxidant activity

“…[6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Yams, which belong to the genus Dioscorea of the family Dioscoreaceae, are one of the most staple food sources in many tropical countries, and about 600 species of yam are known to man. 13) Yams can be converted to flour by peeling, slicing, blanching, and sun-drying.…”