Fruits and vegetables can prevent cancer, especially rectal cancer. Scientists know they can help prevent colorectal cancer, but they cannot understand the life science principles behind it. Now, a new study describes a molecular mechanism through which flavonoid digestion products can inhibit the growth of cancer cells under specific conditions.
What are flavonoids?
Flavonoids are found in fruits and vegetables, such as blackberries, blueberries, red grapes, apples, red onions, broccoli, pomegranate, strawberry, apricot, red cabbage, purple eggplant skin, chocolate, and tea.
Previous studies have shown that flavonoids have excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. They can not only clear free radicals in the body, reduce tissue cell damage, but also inhibit tumor cell growth. In short, eating more fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and the overall rate of aging.
Searching for natural compounds in fruits:
When studying how aspirin reduces colorectal cancer, the research team recorded that the derivative of salicylic acid, 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzoic acid, has the ability to inhibit cancer cell growth. Moreover, it is very interesting that researchers have also found that the salicylic acid derivative 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzoic acid (2,4,6-THBA) produced during the metabolism or decomposition of flavonoids in the human body can inhibit the expression of a functional transporter protein (SLC5A8) on the cell membrane of cancer cells under specific conditions, thereby suppressing the growth of cancer cells.
There is a high concentration of flavonoid metabolites in the large intestine.
Scientific literature records that flavonoids are more stable under acidic conditions (pH<4). However, at neutral or alkaline pH values (pH>8, such as in the intestine), flavonoids automatically degrade and produce simpler phenolic acids. In addition, due to their low absorption rate in the small intestine (1-15%), flavonoids are degraded in the colon by the gut microbiota. Flavonoids absorbed into the systemic circulation may also return to the small intestine as conjugated metabolites secreted by bile, ultimately reaching the colonic microbiota. These metabolites may undergo dissociation and be re exposed to gastrointestinal (GI) epithelial cells. Therefore, colon stem/epithelial cells are likely to be exposed to these metabolites at relatively high concentrations. In fact, it has been found that the concentration of phenolic acids obtained from dietary sources is relatively high in human feces.
Exploring the effects of 2,4,6-THBA on cancer cells:
The researchers found that 2,4,6-THBA can combine with three enzymes needed for cancer cell division, which may help to prevent cancer. However, the researchers tested the effect of 2,4,6-THBA on colon cancer cells, but found that it had no effect. Because, cancer cells often make SLC5A8 transporter dysfunction through gene mutation, and let cancer cells play the role of protective factors in growth. Therefore, the researchers speculate that the transporter on the plasma membrane is the key to enter the cell. Subsequently, scientists conducted a comparative experiment, and further tests confirmed that 2,4,6- trihydroxybenzoic acid entered the cells expressing transporters, but did not enter the cells containing no transporters. Previous studies on 2,4,6-THBA also showed that 2,4,6-THBA needs transporters to enter cells. Without the help of the transporter SLC5A8, metabolites cannot enter cells.
What is the effect of 2,4,6-THBA on cancer cells?
Tumor progression involves different stages, including occurrence, development and metastasis. During the occurrence and development of cancer, some scientists suggested using chemopreventive agents to reverse the canceration process, which is a good way to prevent cancer.
This study also tells us that fruits and vegetables containing flavonoids are indispensable as part of the diet. Flavonoid metabolites can help prevent cancer in two ways. Firstly, by slowing down the proliferation rate, 2,4,6- trihydroxybenzoic acid gives T cells and natural killer cells a better chance to destroy human cancer cells. Secondly, when normal cells contain damaged DNA, mutations may occur. The slowdown of cell proliferation provides time for cells to repair their DNA, thus preventing the accumulation of mutations.
To sum up, this compound may be used as a new product to prevent cancer in the future. In addition, the researchers suggest that because intestinal flora contributes to the degradation of flavonoids in the intestine, they are identifying specific bacterial species that can produce 2,4,6-THBA. These bacteria can be used as probiotics together with flavonoid supplements for cancer prevention.
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