Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Inflammatory Index, and Circulating Endocannabinoids/Oxylipins in Relation to Colorectal Carcinogenesis in Black Women
Abstract
Black Americans are more likely than other racial/ethnic groups to be diagnosed with or die from colorectal cancer, which is also true in the active-duty and Veteran populations. Black Americans are also more commonly diagnosed with tumors called adenomas, which are not cancers but have the potential to become cancerous. Eating fish and other foods that reduce inflammation has been shown to reduce the chances of developing colorectal cancer or adenomas in some populations, but this has not been well studied in Black Americans. Fish is thought to be beneficial because they contain high levels of good fat, known as polyunsaturated fat, which has anti-inflammatory properties. The amount of polyunsaturated fat an individual consumes can be estimated through (1) asking what the individual typically eats or (2) measuring substances in the individual s blood that are created when their body breaks down food; these substances are known as metabolites. Black Americans eat more fish than white American but eat less of the fish type (dark meat fish) that has the beneficial effect. In addition, Black Americans are also more likely to eat fried fish. Frying fish with cooking oils adds high amounts of fat and a certain type of polyunsaturated fat, known as omega-6 polyunsaturated fat. In moderation, omega-6 polyunsaturated fat can be healthy. However, when too much omega-6 polyunsaturated fat is consumed, this may encourage cancer development. Problem to be addressed: In this study, we aim to determine the role of diet and dietary metabolites in colorectal carcinogenesis among Black women. We will undertake three research aims: Aim 1: Determine whether eating fish, eating higher amounts of polyunsaturated fats, or consuming an inflammatory diet is associated with being diagnosed with colorectal cancer or adenoma. Aim 2: Determine if polyunsaturated fat metabolites are associated with being diagnosed with colorectal cancer or adenoma. Aim 3: Estimate the proportion of colorectal cancer and adenoma cases that are due to low dietary polyunsaturated fat or fish intake in Black Americas and quantify the extent to which these factors account for the higher incidence of the colorectal cancer and adenoma in Black vs white populations. We will use the unique resources of the Black Women s Health Study, which enrolled 59,000 Black American women 25 years ago and has collected information on cancers and other factors every 2 years since. At the beginning of the study and 6 years later, participants reported their usual diet. The proposed study includes 802 women diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 2,000 women diagnosed with adenoma. Among these women, 390 women provided a blood sample, which will be tested for metabolite levels before the diagnosis of adenoma or colorectal cancer. These women will be compared to 780 women without adenoma or cancer, who also provided a blood sample. Then we will leverage data from prior studies on diet in white and Black American populations together with United States-representative data on dietary intake by race to calculate the percent of colorectal cancer or adenoma due to polyunsaturated fat or fish intake for Black compared to white Americans. How this study will advance science: The proposed study will be important, as it will help us understand the causes of colorectal cancer in a Black American population. By understanding causes that may contribute to Black Americans being more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, we will pave the way to develop medications or dietary recommendations that could be used to stop cancer from developing and thereby potentially reduce racial disparities. In addition, dietary associations derived from this study may have a greater impact on dietary change among Black Americans, as they will be directly relevant to the Black population. Impact and relevance of proposed research: Similar to the general public, Black Americans in the active
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 28, 2022
- Source ID
- W81XWH2210145
Entities
People
- Jessica Petrick
Organizations
- Boston University Medical Campus
- United States Army