Gene Expression and Biological Pathways in Tissue of Men with Prostate Cancer in a Randomized Clinical Trial of Lycopene and Fish Oil Supplementation
2011

Effects of Lycopene and Fish Oil on Prostate Cancer Gene Expression

Sample size: 84 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Magbanua Mark Jesus M., Roy Ritu, Sosa Eduardo V., Weinberg Vivian, Federman Scott, Mattie Michael D., Hughes-Fulford Millie, Simko Jeff, Shinohara Katsuto, Haqq Christopher M., Carroll Peter R., Chan June M.

Primary Institution: University of California San Francisco

Hypothesis

How do lycopene and fish oil supplementation affect gene expression in men with prostate cancer?

Conclusion

The study found no significant individual genes associated with dietary intake and supplementation of lycopene and fish oil, but identified candidate pathways that may be modulated by these micronutrients.

Supporting Evidence

  • Exploratory pathway analyses revealed modulation of androgen and estrogen metabolism in men who consumed more fish and tomato.
  • Fish oil supplementation showed modulation of arachidonic acid metabolism.
  • Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress response was observed in both supplement arms compared to placebo.

Takeaway

This study looked at how certain foods might change the way our genes work in men with prostate cancer, but didn't find clear evidence that they do.

Methodology

Eighty-four men with low-risk prostate cancer were randomly assigned to receive either lycopene, fish oil, or placebo for three months, and gene expression was analyzed using cDNA microarray.

Potential Biases

Potential variability in individual diets and the inherent noise in microarray technology may have masked subtle effects.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and the intervention period of three months may have been too short to detect significant changes.

Participant Demographics

Men with low burden prostate cancer, histologically documented prostate adenocarcinoma, and specific eligibility criteria.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p=0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024004

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication