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World J Gastroenterol Pathophysiol. Aug 15, 2011; 2(4): 61-64
Published online Aug 15, 2011. doi: 10.4291/wjgp.v2.i4.61
Janice Drew’s work on diet and cancer
Janice Drew
Janice Drew, Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, AB21 9SB, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Drew J solely contributed to this manuscript.
Supported by The Scottish Government, Chief Scientists Office Scotland, Tenovus Scotland, Rank Prize Funds (Nutrition Committee) and NC3Rs/LASA
Correspondence to: Janice Drew, PhD, Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, AB21 9SB, United Kingdom. j.drew@abdn.ac.uk
Telephone: +44-1224-712751 Fax: +44-1224-716629
Received: March 18, 2011
Revised: August 6, 2011
Accepted: August 13, 2011
Published online: August 15, 2011
Abstract

Obesity and associated reduced consumption of plant derived foods are linked to increased risk of colon cancer as well as a number of other organ specific cancers. Inflammatory processes are a contributing factor but the precise mechanisms remain elusive. Obesity and cancer incidence are increasing worldwide, presenting bleak prospects for reducing, or preventing, obesity related cancers. The incidence of these preventable cancers can be achieved with greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms linking diet and carcinogenesis. Janice Drew has developed a research program over recent years to investigate molecular mechanisms related to consumption of anti-inflammatory metabolites generated from consumption of plant based diets, the impact of high fat diets and associated altered metabolism and obesity on regulation of colon inflammatory responses and processes regulating the colon epithelium. Comprehensive strategies have been developed incorporating transcriptomics, including the novel gene expression technology, the GenomeLab System and proteomics, together with biochemical analyses of plasma and tissue samples to assess correlated changes in oxidative stress, inflammation and pathology. The approaches developed have achieved success in establishing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of dietary antioxidants and associated genes and pathways that interact to modulate redox status in the colon. Cellular processes and genes altered in response to obesity and high fat diets have provided evidence of molecular mechanisms that are implicated in obesity related cancer.

Keywords: Diet and cancer, Obesity-related cancer, Adipokines, Leptin, Phenolic acids, Mitochondria, Proteomics, Multiplex gene expression