Diet, Sports, and Psychological Stress as Modulators of Breast Cancer Risk: Focus on OPRM1 Methylation

Abstract

Background: DNA methylation is influenced by environmental factors and contributes to adverse modification of cancer risk and clinicopathological features.Methods: A case-control study (402 newly diagnosed cases, 470 controls) was conducted to evaluate the effect of environmental factors and OPRM1 methylation in peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) DNA on the risk of breast cancer. A case-only study (373 cases) was designed to evaluate the effects of environmental factors on OPRM1 methylation in tumor tissue and the relationship of methylation with clinicopathological features.Results: We found a significant association between hypermethylation of OPRM1 and the risk of breast cancer (OR = 1.914, 95%CI = 1.357–2.777). OPRM1 hypermethylation in PBL DNA combined with low intake of vegetable, garlic, soybean, poultry, and milk; high pork intake; less regular sports and a high psychological stress index significantly increased the risk of breast cancer. Soybean intake (OR = 0.425, 95%CI: 0.231–0.781) and regular sports (OR = 0.624, 95%CI: 0.399–0.976) were associated with OPRM1 hypermethylation in tumor DNA. OPRM1 hypermethylation in tumor tissue was correlated with estrogen receptor (ER) (OR = 1.945, 95%CI: 1.262–2.996) and progesterone receptor (PR) (OR = 1.611, 95%CI: 1.069–2.427) negative status; in addition, OPRM1 hypermethylation in PBL DNA was associated with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) negative status (OR = 3.673, 95%CI: 1.411–9.564).Conclusion: A healthy diet, psychosocial adaptability, and regular sports are very beneficial for breast cancer prevention and progress, especially for OPRM1 hypermethylation carriers. Personalized treatment considering the correlation between OPRM1 hypermethylation and ER and PR status may provide a novel benefit for breast cancer patients.

Exploring the Landscape of Breast Cancer Prevention among Chinese Residents in Italy: An In-Depth Analysis of Screening Adherence, Breast Self-Examination (BSE) Practices, the Role of Technological Tools, and Misconceptions Surrounding Risk Factors and Symptoms

“…Group B’s heightened recognition of environmental contaminants suggests that firsthand experience with the disease may lead to a more encompassing view of potential causal factors. Similarly, psychological stress is also considered a possible cause of cancer [ 26 , 54 , 55 ] and their emphasis on this factor risk, possibly stems from the personal challenges and realizations encountered during their diagnosis and treatment phases. In terms of symptom awareness, prevalent misconceptions exist against the literature [ 41 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 ], particularly regarding the association of mastodynia with breast cancer.…”