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Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer Directions for Research (1983) / Chapter Skim
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3. Diet and the Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis
Pages 9-11

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From page 9...
... Despite these studies, the molecular biology of carcinogenesis remains obscure; it is not known whether~nutagens act as initiators because they produce mutations or for some other reason, and the processes underlying promotion remain equally obscure. There is no unanimity in the scientific community on this point; however, numerous investigators believe that many, if not most, cancers in humans will eventually be shown to be the result of our exposure to the mutagenic initiators and the promoters in our environment.
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From page 10...
... · Certain fatty acids in the diet could be incorporated into cell membranes, possibly producing changes in cell behavior that are associated with promotion. 0 Certain essential fatty acids participate in the synthesis of prostaglandins, and these may influence twmorigenesis.
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From page 11...
... (Because of our knowledge of these enzymes, which are absolutely specific to certain base sequences and can be used to break up DNA molecules into short stretches, it has been possible to work out the exact sequence of whole groups of genes and to determine exactly the way in which certain cancer cells differ in sequence from their nonnal counterparts.) Thus, although the following chapters contain numerous recommendations for specific research areas to be pursued in the study of diet, nutrition, and cancer, the committee recognizes that important insights into the mechanisms and dietary causes of cancer may also come from research in areas that are not discussed in this report.
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Key Terms

  • cancer rates
  • fatty acids
  • mutagenic initiators
  • breast cancer
  • cell properties

  • chapters contain
  • influence twmorigenesis
  • various cell
  • acids participate
  • nonnal counterparts

  • dna molecules
  • short stretches
  • main risk
  • investigators believe
  • observed effect

  • determine exactly
  • possibly producing
  • producing changes
  • remain equally
  • familial factors

  • fall readily
  • alter various
  • cancer cells
  • following suggestions
  • equally obscure

  • genetic component
  • underlying promotion
  • risk factor
  • numerous recommendations
  • chronic infection


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