New research shows diet and exercise may change how genes act

n this study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, we 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.

After their initial biopsy, we asked these men to make comprehensive lifestyle changes for three months.  These 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, we 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 downregulated or “turned off,” whereas protective, disease-preventing genes were upregulated or “turned on.”  For example, a set of cancer-promoting oncogenes called RAS was downregulated in these men.  The Selectin E gene (which promotes inflammation and is elevated in breast cancer) was downregulated.  Another gene that suppresses tumor formation called SFRP was upregulated, thereby reducing the risk of cancer.

These genes are the target of many new drugs that are being developed.  Clearly, changing lifestyle is less expensive, and the only side-effects are good ones.  Dr. Craig Venter’s pioneering research is showing that one way to change your genes is to synthesize new ones.  Another may be to change your lifestyle.