• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.2747-2751
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• 2013

In this study we assessed the dietary phytochemical index in relation to the risk of breast cancer in women. This case-control study was conducted on 100 incident breast cancer cases and 175 healthy controls. Data regarding socio-demographic factors, medical history, medications, and anthropometric measurements were collected. Dietary data were obtained using a validated food frequency questionnaire and a energy-adjusted dietary phytochemical index (PI) was calculated. The odds ratios of breast cancer were assessed across energyadjusted PI quartile categories. The mean age of participants was $46.2{\pm}8.9$ and $45.9{\pm}9.4$ years in cases and controls, respectively. The mean PI across quartile categories was $13.9{\pm}2.6$, $21.1{\pm}1.8$, $26.7{\pm}2.1$, $41.6{\pm}10.2$ in the first, second, third and fourth quartiles, respectively. After adjustment for all potential confounders, the risk of breast cancer in the forth quartile of dietary PI was significantly decreased (OR=0.08, 95%CI=0.01-0.84). Higher intake of phytochemical-rich foods is associated with lower risk of breast cancer.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.641-654
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• 2023

Purpose: Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) contains abounding phytochemicals, such as polyphenols and anthocyanins, and has antioxidative effects. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a crucial regulator in enhancing the lipid metabolism. This study hypothesized that the intake of sour cherry affects AMPK signaling. Therefore, this study examined whether sour cherry regulates AMPK to balance the hepatic lipid metabolism and exert ameliorating effects. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice had obesity induced with a 45% fat diet. The mice were divided into four groups: control (CON), high-fat diet (HFD), low percentage sour cherry powder (LSC), and high percentage sour cherry powder (HSC). The mice in the sour cherry groups were fed 1% sour cherry or 5% sour cherry in their respective diets for 12 weeks. Results: The body weight, visceral fat weight, and lipid droplet size significantly decreased in the treatment groups. The serum and hepatic triglyceride and total cholesterol levels improved significantly in the HSC group. The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were also reduced significantly, whereas the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were increased significantly in both treatment groups. The sterol regulator binding protein-1c and fatty acid synthase expression levels as fatty acid synthesis-related enzymes were significantly lower in the treatment groups than in the high-fat diet group. Furthermore, the adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase expression levels as lipolytic enzyme activity and AMPK/acetyl-CoA carboxylase/carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 as fatty acid β-oxidation-related pathway were upregulated significantly in both sour cherry groups. Conclusions: These results show that sour cherry intake improves hepatic lipid synthesis and chronic diseases by activating AMPK signaling. Therefore, this study suggests that phytochemical-rich sour cherry can be developed as a healthy functional food.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.452-461
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• 2012

There is increasing evidence that dietary factors in plant-based diets are important for the prevention of chronic disease. Especially, phytonutrients in fruits and vegetables have been recognized as major contributors for the decreased level of oxidative stress. In this study, the effect of switching the dietary habit to high consumption of fruits and vegetables were evaluated on the parameters of serum antioxidant status in healthy high school students. Forty one students participated in a randomized controlled trial and were assigned to the control group (n = 18) or the intervention group (n = 23). The intervention group was provided for 8 weeks with the main food source being whole grain and vegetables. Anthropometric measurements, blood parameters and dietary intakes were measured, and compared before and after study. After 8 weeks, weight and BMI were significantly decreased in the intervention group (p = 0.000). The serum diacron reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) test resulted in a significantly decreased level only in the intervention group (p < 0.05) after 8 weeks, but serum biological antioxidant potential (BAP) was increased significantly in both groups (p < 0.001). Intake of energy, total fat, cholesterol and sodium in the intervention group were significantly decreased after 8 weeks (p < 0.05). Also, the intervention group had significantly increased vitamin and phytonutrient intakes of all-trans-${\beta}$-carotene, ${\alpha}$-carotene, ${\alpha}$-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and total phenols (p < 0.05). Overall, the results of this study suggest that whole grain, fruits, and vegetables supplementation showed improvement of the adolescent health.