Chapter 14 - Role of Black Chokeberries in Breast Cancer: A Focus on Antioxidant Activity

Abstract

Oxidative stress is found in cancer cells but unfortunately the mechanism(s) responsible for its induction is unknown. They may include oncogenic signals, mutations in mitochondrial DNA, intensive metabolism, inflammation, and cytokine action. Oncology therapy also induces the generation of reactive oxygen species in cancer cells and in normal cells. The oxidative stress, detected by using various biomarkers, had been observed in breast cancer patients before and during different phases of treatment. Experiments of various authors showed that breast cancer diagnosis and treatment were associated with dietary intake changes and increased body weight, the body mass index, and oxidative stress. Some foods and nutrients have been suggested to increase the risk for breast cancer. On the other hand, dietary antioxidants (present in vegetables and fruits, including black chokeberries) may reduce the risk of breast cancer. It seems that black chokeberry extract and other black chokeberry products may also reduce the oxidative stress in breast cancer patients (before and after surgery, and during various phases of oncology treatment). This chapter discusses the protective role of black chokeberries in breast cancer.