Aetiopathogenesis Of Cancer Research Articles

International Cancer Microbiome Consortium consensus statement on the role of the human microbiome in carcinogenesis

ObjectiveIn this consensus statement, an international panel of experts deliver their opinions on key questions regarding the contribution of the human microbiome to carcinogenesis.DesignInternational experts in oncology and/or microbiome research...

The implementation of omics technologies in cancer microbiome research.

Whilst the interplay between host genetics and the environment plays a pivotal role in the aetiopathogenesis of cancer, there are other key contributors of importance as well. One such factor of central and growing interest is the contribution of the microbiota to cancer. Even though the field is only a few years old, investigation of the ‘cancer microbiome’ has already led to major advances in knowledge of the basic biology of cancer risk and progression, opened novel avenues for biomarkers and diagnostics, and given a better understanding of mechanisms underlying response to therapy. Recent developments in microbial DNA sequencing techniques (and the bioinformatics required for analysis of these datasets) have allowed much more in-depth profiling of the structure of microbial communities than was previously possible. However, for more complete assessment of the functional implications of microbial changes, there is a growing recognition of the importance of the integration of microbial profiling with other omics modalities, with metabonomics (metabolite profiling) and proteomics (protein profiling) both gaining particular recent attention. In this review, we give an overview of some of the key scientific techniques being used to unravel the role of the cancer microbiome. We have aimed to highlight practical aspects related to sample collection and preparation, choice of the modality of analysis, and examples of where different omics technologies have been complementary to each other to highlight the significance of the cancer microbiome.

English

The aetiopathogenesis of cancer has been linked to life behaviour in a significant percentage of cases. Overweight, sedentary lifestyle, smoking and the excessive use of alcohol have been shown to play important roles. This study is aimed at determining the effect of life behavioural patterns and diets in the incidence of breast cancer in Nigerians population. A prospective case-controlled study of 125 breast cancer patients and 89 normal were recruited in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Questionnaire was administered to determine life behavioural patterns and nutritional habits. The variables on nutrition items were pooled to form 23 aggregate variables renamed “total variables” and exposure to endogenous estrogens was calculated. The means age in the patient and control groups were 45.9±10.4 and 44.5±15.2 years, respectively. A significantly higher number of patients in the breast cancer group had at least one previous abortion compared to the control group. The two groups have similar contraceptive use history and mean body mass index (BMI). 14 derived variables on univariate analysis were found to be significant, but only four (menarche [p = 0.002], “total beans” [p = 0.003], “total oils” [p = 0.021] and alcohol intake [p = 0.034]) reached statistical significance when subjected to multivariate regression analysis. Most were premenopausal but onsets of menarche were significantly higher among breast cancer patients. The onset of menarche, intake of beans, oils and alcohol may play a role in the incidence of breast cancer. Key words: Life behaviour, diet, physical activities, breast cancer among women, Nigeria.

A Psycho-Oncological Model of Cancer according to Ancient Texts of Yoga

Background: Several psycho-oncological models of cancer have been published. Integrated module of yoga has been found to be effective as an add-on to conventional management of cancer through randomized control studies. Objectives: To develop a model of the aetiopathogenesis of cancer according to ancient yoga texts. Methods: This process had four phases: 1) Review of modern scientific and original texts dating back to 5000 years, 2) Focused Group Discussions (8 members) to develop the model, 3) preparation of the module based on the proposed model and 4) field testing of yoga modules for patients with cancer. Results: Yoga texts propose that cancer is disturbed homeostasis (an imbalance) based in the mind. Persistent, uncontrolled, fast recycling of thoughts in the mind due to wrong knowledge about the source of happiness is the origin. This activates wasteful release of vital energy, (prana), which in due course, expresses onto the physical body as habituated imbalance resulting in uncontrolled molecular (gene) level activity. This ‘local violence’, progresses by activating the chemical reactions, resulting in inflammation or uncontrolled mitosis. The goal of yoga therapy is ‘mastery over inner chemical processes through mindfulness and alertful rest to reduce the inner violence’. Yoga modules were developed based on this understanding of the etiology of cancer. Review of literature and group discussions which also contributed to these modules, aided to keep the focus on scriptural relevance and clinical feasibility. These modules were used in patients with stage 2 and 3 breast cancer in randomized control studies between 2003 till 2008. The results of these studies pointed to the beneficial effects of yoga as compared to conventional management. During surgery, IAYT reduced hospital stay, faster wound healing and lower drain retention; during chemotherapy, practice of yoga demonstrated lower nausea intensity and frequency, anxiety, depression, better immunological status and quality of life; yoga practice during radiation therapy brought about lesser side effects, less stress levels, better cortisol rhythm, sleep. During and after the treatment period patients indicated better quality of life. Controlled studies on breast cancer patients provided the scientific evidence that these modules are effective in clinical settings. Conclusion: This yoga based, workable model has incorporated the subtle aspects of mind (prana, mind and the self) into the psycho-neuro-immunological model of cancer. Evidence suggests that yoga techniques that are based on the models are effective in the management of breast cancer. Mechanism studies and intense dialogue are necessary to consolidate these concepts.

Role of nervous system in cancer aetiopathogenesis

There have been several reports on tumour tissue innervation, the effect of neurotransmitters on tumour growth, the development of metastases, and the effect of altered nervous-system activity on tumour cell proliferation. In this personal view, we summarise recent findings related to the interactions between the nervous system and tumour cells and suggest further research into the role of the nervous system in the aetiopathogenesis of cancer. Data showing the transmission of signals between the brain and tumour tissue create a complex view of the nervous system in the aetiopathogenesis of cancer. This neurobiological view of cancer aetiopathogenesis suggests that humoral and nervous pathways convey signals from tumour cells to the brain, and that the brain might consequently modulate the neuroendocrine-immune system to regulate tumour growth in peripheral tissues.

The influence of dietary intake on the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system across three ethnic groups: a population-based study.

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system has been implicated in the aetiopathogenesis of cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Since dietary factors and ethnicity are considered contributory to the development of these diseases, we examined the IGF system in relation to nutritional intake by ethnic group. Dietary intake in 257 subjects of White European, African-Caribbean and Pakistani ethnic origin living in Manchester, UK was assessed using ethnic-group-specific food-frequency questionnaires to assess habitual nutrient intake over the previous 12 months. Fasting IGF-I, IGF-II and IGF-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) concentrations were determined and their relationship to specific dietary constituents was analysed. Analysis by quintiles of nutrient intake showed a significant increase in circulating IGF-I concentration with increasing dietary fat intake (F for trend=3.9, ), saturated fat intake and for protein intake There was also a significant increase in IGF-II by quintiles of dietary protein intake There was a trend for increasing IGF-I with increasing energy intake. The relationships between circulating concentration of IGFBP-1, an acute regulator of IGF action, and fat/protein intake were opposite to those for IGF-I and IGF-II. Multiple linear regression modelling showed that people of Pakistani origin and older subjects had lower levels of IGF-I (Pakistani origin vs. others, ) (age, for both). There was an independent inverse relationship between IGF-I and dietary carbohydrate intake This study provides evidence for a dietary contribution to regulation of the IGF system, although the effects of ethnicity on circulating IGF levels remain dominant. We propose that the IGF system's influences on cancer risk in specific ethnic groups are potentially modifiable by dietary intervention.