Lifestyle Changes Gene Expression
Dean Ornish, et al., just published a study (”Changes in prostate gene expression in men undergoing an intensive nutrition and lifestyle intervention“) showing that improved nutrition, stress management techniques, walking, and psychosocial support changed the expression of over 500 genes in men with early-stage prostate cancer.
The researchers studied gene expression in biopsies from 30 men who were diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer. These men had decided not to undergo conventional treatments such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy for reasons unrelated to the study. They had early, small-volume prostate cancer with stable prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and Gleason scores of six or less, meaning that their tumors were not aggressive.
The changes included a plant-based diet (predominant fruits, vegetables, legumes, soy products, and whole grains low in refined carbohydrates), moderate exercise (walking 30 minutes per day), stress management techniques (yoga-based stretching, breathing techniques, meditation, and guided imagery for one hour per day), and participating in a weekly one-hour support group. The diet was supplemented with soy, fish oil (three grams/day), vitamin E (100 units/day), selenium (200 mg/day), and vitamin C (2 grams/day).
After three months, the researchers repeated the biopsy and looked at changes in normal tissue within the prostate. We found that many disease-promoting genes (including those associated with cancer, heart disease, and inflammation) were down-regulated or “turned off,” whereas protective, disease-preventing genes were up-regulated or “turned on.” A set of cancer-promoting oncogenes called RAS was down-regulated. The Selectin E gene (which promotes inflammation and is elevated in breast cancer) was down-regulated. A gene called SFRP that suppresses tumor formation was up-regulated. These genes are the target of many new drugs that are being developed.
“Changing Your Lifestyle Can Change Your Genes,” by Dean Ornish M.D.