Epigenetic Alterations in Stomach Cancer: Implications for Diet and Nutrition

Abstract

Cancer is a malignant disease that involves a combination of genetic and epige- netic events along with external risk factors. Regarding stomach cancer, the risk factors include infections by Helicobacter pylori and by Epstein-Barr virus besides lifestyle habits, such as tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and high salt and low fruit and vegetable intakes. The stomach is one of the most predisposed organs to suffer aberrant epigenetic marks. Described alterations in stomach cancer comprise DNA methylation, histone marks, microRNA, and even enzymes involved in the epigenetic mechanisms. The relationship between cancer and diet is long established, and some nutrients can have a direct impact in the epigenetic of a cell, promoting or preventing gastric carcinogenesis. Intake of methionine, folate, polyphenols, alcohol, antioxidants such as curcumin and cranberries, and salty food has been shown to have an influence on the stomach tissue.