Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 Cours Albert-Thomas, 69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France.
Cancer Lett. 2014 Jan 28;342(2):275-84. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2012.01.021. Epub 2012 Jan 20.
Epigenetic changes have been implicated in virtually all types of human malignancies. In contrast to genetic changes, epigenetic changes occur in a gradual manner during the tumorigenic process and they are potentially reversible. Because epigenetic changes have frequently been detected in high-risk populations, they are attractive targets to prevent the initiation of premalignant lesions or their advance to a malignant stage. A wide range of chemical entities has been found capable of altering the epigenome in animal models and humans. Epidemiological and laboratory-based studies suggested that these agents may have an anti-neoplastic effect against different cancer types. Several of these agents have been tested as dietary supplements, often with conflicting results. In this review, we discuss recent developments in our understanding of agents capable of modulating the epigenome and their potential to prevent human cancer when administered as dietary supplements.
表观遗传改变几乎与所有类型的人类恶性肿瘤有关。与遗传改变不同，表观遗传改变在肿瘤发生过程中逐渐发生，并且具有潜在的可逆性。由于在高危人群中经常检测到表观遗传改变，因此它们是预防癌前病变发生或进展为恶性阶段的有吸引力的靶点。在动物模型和人类中发现了广泛的化学物质能够改变表观基因组。流行病学和基于实验室的研究表明，这些药物可能对不同类型的癌症具有抗肿瘤作用。其中一些药物已被作为膳食补充剂进行测试，但结果常常相互矛盾。在这篇综述中，我们讨论了目前对能够调节表观基因组的药物的理解的最新进展，以及将其作为膳食补充剂预防人类癌症的潜力。
