Associations between Dietary Intake of Fruits and Vegetables in Relation to Urinary Estrogen DNA Adduct Ratio

Estrogen, or oestrogen, is the primary female sex hormone. It is responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. Estrogen exposure plays a role in breast cancer (BC) development. Estrogen DNA adduct (EDA) ratio are thought to play a role in BC initiation due to their role in forming depurinating DNA adducts, which have been described in a number of studies. And modifiable factors may impact the EDA ratio, with studies demonstrating that resveratrol reduces EDA ratio in vitro.

In this study, the authors sought to examine the hypothesis that dietary intake of fruits and vegetables was inversely associated with EDA ratio. This analysis was conducted in 53 pre-menopausal, healthy women aged 40 - 45 years old from a cross-sectional study in which participants provided first-void urine samples and 3-day food records. Urine samples were analyzed using ultra performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. The EDA ratio was calculated as the estrogen-DNA adducts divided by estrogen metabolites and conjugates. A trend test was used to assess associations between tertiles of dietary intake using linear regression.

After adjustment for age, total energy, percent adiposity, serum estradiol and estrone-sulfate, the authors observed an elevated EDA ratio was associated with low total carbohydrate consumption (P = 0.01), low vegetable intake (P = 0.01), low fruit and vegetable intake (P = 0.03), high fish and shellfish consumption (P = 0.03), and high egg consumption (P = 0.03) after adjustment for age, total energy intake, percent adiposity, serum E₂ and E₁S. EDA ratio was inversely associated with 5 botanical groups (Chenopodiaceae: P = 0.02; Umbelliferae: P = 0.03; Compositae: P = 0.01; Ericaceae: P = 0.01; Musaceae: P = 0.03), but not fruit intake overall.

In conclusion, vegetable intake may influence the EDA ratio. While the data require replication, this report suggests a link between dietary factors and an estrogen biomarker with implications for BC risk.

Article by Kerryn W. Reding, et al, from USA and UK.

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