Colon cancer etiology

A second example of sulfate bioactivation derives from the observed carcinogenicity of aromatic amineS/ such as those derived from coal tar (44). The polycyclic aromatic amines are N-hydroxylated by CYPs and then sulfated to form unstable N-O-sulfates that decompose and produce reactive nitrenium ion intermediates/ which form DNA and protein adducts. One environmental/genetic hypothesis of colon cancer etiology involves the interaction between dietary aromatic amines and the polymorphic expression of the appropriate STs for their activation to procarcinogenic reactive intermediates (44/ 45). 

Babbs, C.F., Free radicals and the etiology of colon cancer. Free Radical Biol. Med, 8, 191, 1990. 

Giovannucci, E., Goldin, B. 1997. The role of fat, fatty acids, and total energy intake in the etiology of human colon cancer. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 66, 1564S-1571S. 

Stone, W.L. and Papas, A.M. 1997. Tocopherols and the Etiology of Colon Cancer. J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 89 1006-1014. 

Peltomaki P. Deficient DNA mismatch repair a common etiologic factor for colon cancer. Hum Molec Genet 2001 10 735-40. 

Some current hypotheses about the etiologies of colon cancer and cholesteremic disease impute a special function to dietary fiber and to some of its components that function is generally associated with disease prevention. Evidence for the protective function of dietary fiber has been obtained both from epidemiological studies (1-8) and from experiments with animals. 

Cancer is a term commonly used for diseases in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and invade other tissues. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. Cancer is not just one disease but many diseases. There are more than 100 different t3 pes of cancer, hence, the complexity of cancer treatment. It is the second leading cause of death worldwide after heart disease, and its risk and incidence increase with patient age (www. cancer.gov). In addition to genetic factors, enviromnental and nutritional factors play a main role in cancer etiology. In westernized countries, breast, prostate, and colon-rectum cancers predominate because diets are usually rich in animal-source foods and refined carbohydrates and deficient in plant foods. Conversely, in developing countries, where diets are largely based on cereal/starchy foods, esophageal, stomach, and liver cancers are more incident [127]. 

Stone, WL and Papas, AM (1997) Tocopherols and the etiology of colon cancer. J. Natl Cancer Inst., 89, 1006-1014. 

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