Bowel cancer or colorectal cancer can be found in the large bowel including colon and rectum. The large intestine is crucial in the digestion process as it absorbs water from the food and removes the waste from the body. Bowel cancer results in disruption of this digestion process. It can be caused by several factors like ageing, smoking, obesity, or bowel syndromes. Bowel cancer is one the most common and preventable cancers across the globe. Recent studies have highlighted resveratrol, a naturally occurring compound found in red grapes, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and peanuts, to be a potential agent in preventing this cancer.
The Role of Resveratrol in Cancer Prevention
Resveratrol is a polyphenolic, fat-soluble compound. Its effects on health are being explored extensively since the ‘French Paradox’. The relative low occurrence of coronary heart disease in French people despite their consumption of foods rich in saturated fat baffled the scientific community. They hypothesised that the resveratrol intake through moderate wine consumption might be the cause of the paradox. Later studies on resveratrol established its role in preventing cancer, and delay of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases as well as type 2 diabetes.
The biological roles of resveratrol in the context of cancer prevention are wide-ranging. Resveratrol limits the procarcinogen activation in the body by inhibiting the transformation of some compounds into those that can cause cancers. Cancerous cells are known to invade normal tissues using special enzymes or by developing new blood vessels. Resveratrol inhibits this invasion, thereby controlling the spread of cancer. It is also known to modulate inflammation, a risk factor for cancer and promotes autophagy.
The Colo-Prevent Trial
The implications of resveratrol in bowel cancer will be clearly known after the Colo-Prevent trial undertaken by the Cancer Research UK. This study will involve 1,300 participants from across England and Wales who have colon polyps found during the bowel cancer screening. Purified resveratrol will be administered to individuals. The dosage will be tracked to evaluate its ability to reduce the likelihood of developing colon cancer. This study is backed by the animal study findings in the laboratory of Dr. Karen Brown at the University of Leicester.
Practical Implications, Limitations and Future Directions
Despite the incredible potential of resveratrol as being a preventive measure, it remains under strict surveillance due to the challenges it poses. The major challenge is the bioavailability of resveratrol. The human body rapidly metabolises resveratrol, making it difficult to maintain effective concentrations through dietary sources alone. Supplements of purified resveratrol will allow the controlled and required dosage for higher efficacy. Another option is to combine resveratrol with different anti-cancer agents to enhance its impact. A novel approach to overcome the bioavailability of resveratrol that is being considered is the delivery mechanism. With the advent of synthetic biology, it has become easier to transport drug molecules to target sites by coating them with nanoparticles. Furthermore, relying on resveratrol solely for preventing cancer is not the foolproof solution. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle comes with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fibre along with regular exercise and body check-ups to track the changes in the body.
Thus to conclude, resveratrol, a compound found in red grapes, is a key player in the search for preventive measures against bowel cancer. The Colo-Prevent trial progress will determine the fate of this compound to revolutionise how we approach cancer prevention. Needless to say, many substances around us have a hidden potential to keep us healthy. The research by the Brown lab is an emphasis on the importance of including varied components in our diet to sustain a healthy and disease-free life.
Deeksha, is a Biochemist and an aspiring neuroscientist. Her research interest lies at the intersection of molecular neuroscience and drug discovery.
