Possible Relation Between Dairy Consumption And Mutations Of A Gene That Causes Pancreatic Cancer Uab Barcelona (7/5/2007)

Photo Credit: UAB

A scientific article published in the July issue of the English Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health suggests that there could be a relation between consuming dairy products and the mutations of a gene that is closely linked to pancreatic cancer. The tumour is one of the worst in terms of survival rates, but little more is known about what causes this type of cancer. The research also observed that intakes of vitamin E had a beneficial effect. This is the first research to be carried out world-wide that studies the relation between dietary factors and the mutations of the K-ras gene in pancreatic cancer. It is also the largest international study in terms of information on environmental, molecular and genetical factors related to pancreatic cancer.

K-ras gene mutations are the most frequent oncogene alterations in human cancer. They are commonly found in pancreatic cancer (a very lethal disease with many unknown causes), with 75-80% of all patients affected. However, the reasons why are not yet known. The K-ras gene is also a very appealing "target" for some of the chemical substances that cause cancer. But there is very little information on the environmental and personal factors that can contribute to these types of DNA mutations.

K-ras gene mutations are acquired (not inherited) and they are the most primitive and fundamental sign in the development of exocrine pancreatic cancer. Nevertheless, environmental influences on the incidence and persistence of these gene mutations among human beings has not been thoroughly researched.

Over one hundred patients suffering from exocrine pancreatic cancer were prospectively identified and interviewed during their hospital stay. Data on the consumption of food and nutrients was collected through a questionnaire on food habits. Logistic regression was used to compare 107 cases of exocrine pancreatic cancer, with and without K-ras mutations.

K-ras mutations were more common among daily consumers of milk and other dairy products than among non-daily consumers.

The results of this research suggest that exposure to specific dietary components or chemically contaminating substances can have an influence on the accumulations of K-ras mutations found in pancreatic cancer.

The research also discovered that vitamin E intakes can have a positive effect. According to the estimated intakes, the more vitamin E consumed, the less frequent K-ras mutations will be.

The results of the study have also shed more light on the mechanisms that cause other cancers with a high frequency of K-ras mutations (such as lung or colon cancer), as well as offer relevant data for scientists specialised in carcinogenesis, human cancers, food habits or pancreatic cancer.

The main authors of the research project were Miquel Porta, professor in Public Health at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and other researchers from the Municipal Institute for Medical Research (IMIM), Pompeu Fabra University and five hospitals in Spain.

The authors highlight the need to be extremely cautious before considering any possible practical implications, and insist on the utmost need of carrying out more studies that would confirm or refute the results of this research.

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by UAB

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