World Journal of Surgical Research Volume No 6

Review Open Access

Food Mutagen and Lung Cancer

Giuseppe Strano and Clare West
World Journal of Surgical Research 2016, 5:2


This article reviews the role of food mutagens in mutagenesis and carcinogenesis for lung cancer; it also discusses how to evaluate the effects of food mutagens. The relationship between nitrosamine, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohol intake and lung cancer has been the subject of several studies. Many epidemiological studies have identified several risk and protection factors for lung cancer [1, 2, 3], and some have proved that changes in the exposure to these factors may have an influence on incidence and mortality due to this kind of pathology.Diet and nutritional factors are one of several major causes of carcinogenesis. Carcinogenic processes themselves are known to involve multi steps process (initiation, promotion, progression) and influenced by various factors. Human beings are often being exposed to carcinogenic factors during their life, whether they realize it or not. These factors are divided into endogenous (genetics, immunologic disturbances, endocrine imbalance) and exogenous factors (environment, physical, biologic, or chemical agents, nutrition and lifestyle) [4]. The field of investigation of the role of nutrition in the cancer process is very broad. It is becoming clearer as research continues that nutrition plays a major role in cancer [5]. Dietary constituents reduce the risk, in some cases by decreasing the effects of food mutagens, or through carcinogenic detoxification, or protection of DNA from electrophilic carcinogen. Futher more, nutritionally related cancer ultimately developed from an imbalance of carcinogenesis and anticarcinogenesis process [6]. Consumption of certain foods containing Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) was associated with a higher risk of developing lung cancer. This was particularly evident with the consumption of salted meat. This food item has been associated with an increased risk of oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer in humans [7, 8]. We tried to illustrate new scientific knowledge regarding food related factors by picturing and integrating new genotoxicological findings for food-borne mutagens/carcinogens and detailing contributions of modulation in lung cancer.

Key Words:

Carcinogenesis, Lung Cancer, Diet, Nutrition, Nitrosamine, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Alcohol,

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