2022, Goderska, Kamila, Nikrandt, Grzegorz

Background. Cancer poses a major public health challenge. Cancer treatment is expensive, burdened with many side effects, and in the case of some types of cancer, ineffective. This is related to the high degree of complexity of metabolic disorders accompanying the growth of neoplastic tissue. Therefore, special attention is paid to primary prevention, the aim of which is to reduce the risk of disease. Primary prevention activities focus on reducing exposure to modifiable risk factors, which include e.g. smoking, alcohol consumption, low physical activity and poor diet. Results and conclusion. The paper presents literature reports on the protective effect of bioactive compounds of plant origin against the development of cancer. Individual groups of compounds such as fibre, stilbenes, carotenoids, glucosinolates, betalains, phytitians, flavonoids, isoflavones and anthocyanins were characterized. The anti-carcinogenic properties of bioactive ingredients are discussed, taking into account the molecular mechanisms underlying their action. Particular attention was paid to the sources of compounds with anticancer activity present in food and the way these substances act on the processes of growth and migration of cancer cells. In addition, the results of experiments using in vitro and in vivo models as well as case-control trials with human participants are presented.

2023, Goderska, Kamila, Nikrandt, Grzegorz

Background. Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Carcinogenesis is a multistage and complex process that may be partially reversible. In the process of carcinogenesis, numerous metabolic pathways associated with normal cell growth and division are disturbed. An important role in the prevention of cancer is played by a lifestyle characterized by maintaining a healthy weight, an appropriate level of physical activity and increased consumption of food with anti-cancer properties. Results and conclusion. The paper presents the latest literature reports on the pathogenesis of cancer and the impact of diet on the risk of its occurrence. In addition, known models of carcinogenesis and their impact on the development of knowledge in the field of oncology are discussed. Current recommendations on nutrition in cancer prevention, developed by the American Cancer Research Fund, are also presented. The aim of this paper is also to present the role of selected bioactive components of plant origin in cancer prevention. The paper presents basic information on carcinogenesis and the dietary anticancerogen mechanisms . Individual groups of bioactive compounds showing anticancer activity are discussed: dietary fiber, phenolic compounds, flavonoid phytoestrogens (classified as phenolic compounds) and nonflavonoid compounds, betalains, glucosinolates, phytates and carotenoids. An attempt was made to systematize knowledge on the anticancer properties of these compounds. By altering the diet, the supply of plant-derived bioactive components should be increased, which, through various mechanisms, have the ability to inhibit various phases of tumor formation and reduce the supply of potential carcinogens.