Abstract
The incidence of prostate cancer (PCa) displays widespread regional differences, probably owing to differences in dietary habits. Nutrients, including fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins (vitamin A, D, and E), and polyphenols, potentially affect PCa pathogenesis and progression, as previously reported using animal models; however, clinical studies have reported controversial results for almost all nutrients. The effects of these nutrients may be manifested through various mechanisms including inflammation, antioxidant effects, and the action of sex hormones. Dietary patterns including the Western and Prudent patterns also influence the risk of PCa. Recent studies reported that the gut microbiota contribute to tumorigenesis in some organs. Diet composition and lifestyle have a direct and profound effect on the gut bacteria. Human studies reported an increase in the abundance of specific gut bacteria in PCa patients. Although there are few studies concerning their relationship, diet and nutrition could influence PCa, and this could be mediated by gut microbiota. An intervention of dietary patterns could contribute to the prevention of PCa. An intervention targeting dietary patterns may thus help prevent PCa.
Highlights
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common type of cancer and the fifth most common cause of cancer-related death in men worldwide [1]
This study found that the “Westernized dietary pattern” was associated with an increased risk of PCa in Japanese men (HR = 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.00–1.49), and that the “Prudent dietary pattern” was associated with a lower incidence of PCa when restricted to cases detected by subjective symptoms (HR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.50–1.02)
Epidemiological studies show no definitive conclusion regarding the relationship between dietary patterns and PCa risk, similar to many human studies focusing on single nutrient factors, because no studies worldwide have focused on multiple regions with widely different dietary patterns, and it is difficult to conduct a meta-analysis owing to inconsistent definitions of “dietary pattern.”
Summary
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common type of cancer and the fifth most common cause of cancer-related death in men worldwide [1]. There is a threefold difference between Asians and African-Americans [3] These results are likely related to differences in genetic variation and polymorphism among races; Japanese men who have emigrated to Western countries have an increased incidence of PCa relative to Japanese residents in Japan [4,5]. This suggests that both innate factors and environmental factors, such as lifestyle, can influence PCa development. We briefly describe the relationship between PCa and gut microbiota, which has received considerable attention in recent years and is being extensively studied (Figure 1)
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