Indirect Modification of Chemical Carcinogenesis by Nutritional Factors Through Regulation of the Mixed-Function Oxidase System

Abstract

The nutritional status of the host may significantly affect chemical carcinogenesis through modification of its microsomal mixed-function oxidase (MFO) system in the target tissue(s). The MFO system, a multifunction monooxygenase enzyme system—consisting of cytochrome P-450 (as the terminal oxidase) and cytochrome P-450 reductase—is the key enzyme system involved in the activation and/or detoxification of most, if not all, chemical carcinogens. The overall effect of nutritional modification of chemical carcinogenesis via MFO is dependent on: (i) the type of nutritional factor, (ii) the metabolic activation/detoxification profile of the chemical carcinogen, (iii) the specific enzymic form of cytochrome P-450 affected, and (iv) the specific target tissue involved.