Phytosterol and phytostanol mediated epigenetic changes in cancer and other non-communicable diseases: A systematic review

Br J Nutr. 2023 Nov 13:1-27. doi: 10.1017/S0007114523002532. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTPhytosterols/phytostanols are bioactive compounds found in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds and added to a range of commercial food products. Consumption of phytosterols/phytostanols reduces levels of circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, a causative biomarker of cardiovascular disease, and is linked to a reduced risk of some cancers. Individuals who consume phytosterols/phytostanols in their diet may do so for many years as part of a non-pharmacological route to lower cholesterol or as part of a healthy diet. However, the impact of long-term or high-intakes of dietary phytosterols/phytostanols has not been on whole-body epigenetic changes before. The aim of this systematic review was to identify all publications that have evaluated changes to epigenetic mechanisms (post-translation modification of histones, DNA methylation, and miRNA expression) in response to phytosterols/phytostanols. A systematic search was performed that returned 226 records, of which eleven were eligible for full text analysis. Multiple phytosterols were found to inhibit expression of histone deacetylase enzymes and were also predicted to directly bind and impair histone deacetylase activity. Phytosterols were found to inhibit the expression and activity of DNA methyl transferase enzyme 1 and reverse cancer associated gene silencing. Finally, phytosterols have been shown to regulate over 200 miRNAs, alth...
Source: The British Journal of Nutrition - Category: Nutrition Authors: Source Type: research