Influence of methyl donor nutrients as epigenetic regulators in colorectal cancer: A systematic review of observational studies

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #epigenesis-genetic #colorectal-neoplasms #folic-acid #dna-methylation

Influence of methyl donor nutrients as epigenetic regulators in colorectal cancer: A systematic review of observational studies

Chávez-Hidalgo et al., 2023 | World J Gastroenterol | Systematic Review

Citation

Chávez-Hidalgo Lourdes Pilar, Martín-Fernández-de-Labastida Silvia, ... Arroyo-Izaga Marta. Influence of methyl donor nutrients as epigenetic regulators in colorectal cancer: A systematic review of observational studies. World J Gastroenterol. 2023-Feb-21;29(7):1219-1234. doi:10.3748/wjg.v29.i7.1219

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Dietary methyl donors might influence DNA methylation during carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, whether the influence of methyl donor intake is modified by polymorphisms in such epigenetic regulators is still unclear. AIM: To improve the current understanding of the molecular basis of CRC. METHODS: A literature search in the Medline database, Reference Citation Analysis (https:// www.referencecitationanalysis.com/), and manual reference screening were performed to identify observational studies published from inception to May 2022. RESULTS: A total of fourteen case-control studies and five cohort studies were identified. These studies included information on dietary methyl donors, dietary components that potentially modulate the bioavailability of methyl groups, genetic variants of methyl metabolizing enzymes, and/or markers of CpG island methylator phenotype and/or microsatellite instability, and their possible interactions on CRC risk. CONCLUSION: Several studies have suggested interactions between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms, methyl donor nutrients (such as folate) and alcohol on CRC risk. Moreover, vitamin B6, niacin, and alcohol may affect CRC risk through not only genetic but also epigenetic regulation. Identification of specific mechanisms in these interactions associated with CRC may assist in developing targeted prevention strategies for individuals at the highest risk of developing CRC.

Key Findings

A total of fourteen case-control studies and five cohort studies were identified. These studies included information on dietary methyl donors, dietary components that potentially modulate the bioavailability of methyl groups, genetic variants of methyl metabolizing enzymes, and/or markers of CpG island methylator phenotype and/or microsatellite instability, and their possible interactions on CRC risk.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Colorectal Neoplasms
  • Folic Acid
  • DNA Methylation
  • Microsatellite Instability
  • Nutrients
  • CpG Islands

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: vitamin-b6

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09