Potential for sesame seed-derived factors to prevent colorectal cancer

Abstract

Colorectal cancers (CRCs) are steadily increasing in most advanced countries, including Japan. The mechanisms of colon carcinogenesis have yet to be fully elucidated, but it is assumed that factors, such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, inflammation, and subsequent adipocytokine imbalance, might be involved in the promotion of colorectal carcinogenesis. In this chapter, we focus on the chemopreventive effects of natural compounds, especially sesame seed-derived factors on colorectal carcinogenesis, with the current status and future prospects for CRC chemoprevention. Furthermore, molecules suggested to be involved in CRC development are described, and the potential for cancer prevention by targeting NADPH oxidase is also discussed with respect to its inhibitors.