Andrew R. Garrett

The role of oxidative stress in prostate cancer.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are not only byproducts of normal cellular metabolism, but also play important roles in cell signaling. However, when the levels of ROS and RNS increase, cells are exposed to oxidative stresses, which activate a variety of mechanisms to allow them to cope with these changes. Studies have shown that oxidative stress conditions play an important role in both the initiation and the progression of prostate cancer by regulating molecules such as DNA, enhancers, transcription factors, and cell cycle regulators. Other studies have shown that antioxidants, molecules that protect cells against oxidative stress, play a role in prevention of prostate cancer. This review summarizes the effects of oxidative stress on the development of prostate cancer and explores the potential of ROS regulators as preventatives for prostate cancer.

A novel method for predicting antioxidant activity based on amino acid structure.

Epidemiological studies show a positive correlation between oxidative stress and chronic disease development such as heart disease and cancer. While several antioxidant compounds with varying physical and chemical characteristics are able to reduce oxidative stress in biological systems, relatively few studies have been performed to examine the structural characteristics that produce potent antioxidants. We examined 20 essential and non-essential amino acids using the ORAC assay and used a simplest-case amino acid model to gather data to make predictions regarding the antioxidant activity of non-amino acid compounds; we also tested our findings on chalcone and nitrone data from the current literature. We observed that the sp(2)-hybridized carbons were the most consistent predictors of antioxidant activity in all groups. Valence electron to carbon ratio and length of conjugated double bond groups also emerged as important structural characteristics. Further testing may help to elucidate more accurate trends, as well as nonlinear relationships.

Bioactive Foods in Aging

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Notwithstanding its high mortality rate, cancer is largely a manageable condition if diagnosed and treated early. One of the most important ways to decrease risk of cancer development and progression is by modifying diet. Recent research suggests that bioactive food components may have the potential to reduce the risk of cancer development, progression, and may improve probability of survival in patients undergoing cancer treatment. The current paper explores the research surrounding bioactive foods in aging and their role in the development, prevention, and treatment of cancer.

Chapter 3 – Bioactive Foods in Aging: The Role in Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Notwithstanding its high mortality rate, cancer is largely a manageable condition if diagnosed and treated early. One of the most important ways to decrease risk of cancer development and progression is by modifying diet. Recent research suggests that bioactive food components may have the potential to reduce the risk of cancer development, progression, and may improve probability of survival in patients undergoing cancer treatment. The current paper explores the research surrounding bioactive foods in aging and their role in the development, prevention, and treatment of cancer.

Abstract 5437: Blueberries: Conventional cancer prevention

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Coronary heart disease and cancer, besides remaining the two leading causes of death in the United States, share another common trait: they can both be attributed to lifestyle choices that increase their risk. Epidemiological studies suggest that the consumption of both an antioxidant and phytochemical-rich diet contribute towards the reduction of heart disease and several cancer types. There has been a substantial amount of interest in Vaccinium corymbosum, also known as blueberries, due to their high antioxidant levels which have been show to help prevent cancer of the colon, breast, and prostate. Blueberries exhibit a high content of both phytochemicals such as flavonoids and tannins; and antioxidants such as phenolic acid and resveratrol. Antioxidants provide protection against oxidative stress, a condition that has been suggested to contribute to a variety of diseases, including atherosclerosis, Parkinsons disease, and cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore the health benefits of organic vs. conventional blueberry consumption by comparing the antioxidant content of their individual components, including pulp, skin, seed, and juice using both the Hydrophilic Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (H-ORAC) and the Lipophilic Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (L-ORAC) assay. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was also used to identify and quantify the amount of Vitamin C in both the organic and conventional blueberries. Blueberry samples were obtained from local distributors and the assays were replicated with five different lots of blueberries. Results indicated that conventional blueberries (33,388 TE/100g pulp, seed, skin and 607,700 TE/L juice) have higher antioxidant levels than organic blueberries (25,800 TE/100g pulp, seed, skin and 415,608 TE/L juice) across all samples. Conversely, HPLC determined a slightly higher Vitamin C content in the organically grown blueberries (592.879 μg/g) compared to conventional blueberries (386.947 μg/g). These results suggest that conventional blueberries may have a higher health benefit potential in preventing cancer and many other degenerative diseases that plague the world. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5437. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5437

Abstract 4614: The organic panic

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL In todays market place organic foods have become a very popular topic of discussion. Some studies have compared the different benefits of organic foods vs. conventional foods in disease prevention, including cancer. Although differences have been examined, no broad or concrete conclusions have been reached. Studies have shown that consumption of antioxidants can decrease the risk of oxidative damage, degenerative conditions, and cancer. In this study, antioxidant levels between organic blueberries and conventional blueberries were analyzed and compared in their skin, seed, and juice using the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity assay (ORAC). Data indicate that, in each sample category, conventional samples showed higher antioxidant activities overall when compared to organic samples. 15 organic samples and 15 conventional samples were taken for measurement of antioxidant activity. All values are reported as Trolox Equivalents per 100 grams sample (TE/100g). Conventional blueberry skin revealed highest overall antioxidant activity (7258 TE/100g, s=1024), while organic blueberry seed revealed the lowest (494 TE/100g, s=160). Conventional skin (7258 TE/100g, s=1024) revealed higher values than organic skin (3891 TE/100g, s=288). Conventional seed (1308 TE/100g, s=597) revealed higher values than organic seed (494 TE/100g, s=160). Conventional juice (5077 TE/100g) revealed higher values than organic juice (2205 TE/100g, s=276). Students t-test analysis revealed statistically significant differences between conventional and organic samples in all three groups (organic vs. conventional skin, p=1.3×10-5, organic vs. conventional seed, p=0.008; organic vs. conventional juice, p=0.022). Data from this study suggest that consumption of organic fruits may not provide higher antioxidant protection when compared to consumption of conventional samples; consumption on conventional blueberries may prove to be most beneficial. Further studies on other fruit samples may provide additional insight on the antioxidant benefits of organic and conventional fruits and vegetables. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4614. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4614

Abstract 4613: Serum levels of antioxidants in college aged, elderly, and cancer patients

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Antioxidants are able to prevent the oxidation of biomolecules. Free radicals are oxidants known to be agents which damage DNA. This damage can lead to cancer. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and are an effective defense system. It has been shown that consumption of fruits, nuts, vegetables, and seeds increases the bodys total antioxidant capacity.1 Performing a study that provides data on antioxidant levels in serum will offer insight on potential improvements that can be made in the diets of various populations. In this study we used the oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay (ORAC) to compare serum antioxidant status in three different groups, college age, elderly, and cancer patients. Serum was obtained from 15 college age students (18-21) at Brigham Young University, 15 age matched elderly persons (over the age of 55), and 15 cancer patients. 10 ml of blood was drawn, allowed to clot, centrifuged to separate the cells from the serum, and then diluted to a 1/128 concentration. The ORAC assay was utilized as a way to determine the ability of serum to prevent the oxidation of fluorescein. The results of the experiment surprisingly demonstrate that cancer serum has the highest level of antioxidant status with 99200.97 trolox equivalents per Liter (TE/L) and a standard deviation (STDEV) of 17838.13. The elderly presented the second highest levels of serum antioxidants with 37837.75 TE/L and a STDEV of 7947.08. The college age group had the lowest TE/L with 19051.82 and a STDEV of 2113.36. The elderly compared to the youthful had a p-value < 0.0001, and the cancer patients compared to the healthy possessed a p-value < 0.0001. These results have brought forth more questions than answers. The elderly and cancer patients may have a greater concern for proper dietary intake compared to college age individuals. The cells of the youthful also may be more capable of intaking the antioxidants from the bloodstream. Further studies on these two conclusions may reveal more on the data retrieved. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4613. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4613