TARGETING COLORECTAL CANCER WITH DIETARY ANTIOXIDANTS

Abstract

Increased consumption of refined carbohydrates, sugars, and saturated fats is accompanied by low intake of fruits and vegetables; this dietary pattern is involved in the etiology of different types of cancers, the global cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western countries and gulf region. Colorectal cancer, CRC, is among the primary preventive cancers if adequate intake of antioxidants was provided either by diet, and nutritional supplements. Our research group at Sultan Qaboos University has successfully identified phytonutrients- rich dietary bioactive agents (Date Pit Pomegranate Peel, Mushroom Extract, and Nabag Extract) which provide antioxidant protective effect against oxidative stress-induced CRC, using in-vivo experimental study models. Our results have shown a net subjective improvement in the CRC pathogenesis as evident by a marked decrease in tumor growth, increase in intra cellular glutathione level, and antioxidant enzymes-improved activities. It was concluded that the high intake of plant-based foods might be adopted as a dietary-based intervention approach for the primary prevention of oxidative-stress mediated cancers, including CRC. The mechanism was thought to be by abrogating oxidative stress in carcinogenic cells.