SUMMARY
Wheat bran and breast cancer. Revisiting the estrogen hypothesis
Breast cancer is the most relevant form of cancer among women in Latin America. Many studies have evaluated the hormonal mechanisms involved in mammary carcinogenesis, although new focus is aimed towards factors that can potentially be used individually to reduce risk. Wheat bran seems to show a consistent protective effect in mammary carcinogenesis. Wheat bran, besides high level of insoluble fiber, also contains phytic acid and lignins, phytochemicals that have shown to inhibit in vitro and in vivo growth of mammary cancer. The protective effect of wheat bran in breast carcinogenesis is greatest at the promotional phase and when supplemented to a high fat diet. Doses of wheat bran in the 9- 12% range have been consistently protective and the inconsistencies observed at higher doses may be dependent on the animal model used. This review examines the protective role of wheat bran in the development of breast cancer and the possible mechanisms involved.

Key words: Breast cancer, dietary fiber, estrogen, lignans, phytic acid, wheat bran.



Recibido: 18/02/1999
Aceptado: 28/09/1999

HOME > EDICIONES > Año 1999, Volumen 49 - Número 4 Ir al principio

PRIVACIDAD | ACCESIBILIDAD ALAN-VE ISSN 0004-0622 - Depósito Legal: pp 199602DF83 Sociedad Latinoamericana de Nutrición Producción editorial en Venezuela: Capítulo Venezolano - RIF: J-30843129-0 Urbanización Santa María, primera transversal, No. 417-214, Planta Alta Tele-Fax: (+58-212) 283.8618 E-mail info@alanrevista.org Código Postal: 1070 Caracas - Venezuela