Colorectal cancer: Can nutrients modulate NF-κB and apoptosis?

Summary Background & aims NF-κB may promote carcinogenesis by altering cell cycle, inflammatory responses and apoptosis-related gene expression, though cell mechanisms relating diet and colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unveiled in humans. This study in patients with CRC aimed to explore potential interactions between the dietary pattern, nutrient intake, expression of NF-κB, apoptosis and tumour histological aggressiveness. Methods Usual diet was assessed by diet history; nutrient composition was determined by DIETPLAN software. Histologically classified patient tissue samples (adenoma, adenocarcinoma and normal surrounding mucosa) were obtained via biopsies during colonoscopy ( n  = 16) or surgery ( n  = 8). NF-κB expression was determined by immunohistochemistry and apoptosis by TUNEL assay. Results NF-κB expression and apoptosis were higher in tumours ( p p n -6 fatty acids and alcohol were associated with higher NF-κB, apoptosis and histological aggressiveness ( p n -3 fatty acids, fibre, vitamin E, flavonoids, isoflavones, β-carotene and selenium ( p n -6: n -3 fatty acids ratio (median 26:1) was associated with higher NF-κB ( p p p n -6: n -3 fatty acids ratio (median 6:1) was associated with lower NF-κB ( p p p Conclusions NF-κB expression and apoptosis increased from adenoma to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. This degenerative transition, recognized as key in carcinogenesis, appear to have been influenced by a diet promoting a pro-inflammatory milieu that can trigger NF-κB.