Dietary Compounds Drive Epigenetic Regulation and Modifications in Blood Cancer: A Critical Review.

Abstract

Blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, are complex malignancies influenced by genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors. Among these, epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in cancer initiation and progression. This review explores the interplay between dietary patterns, epigenetic mechanisms, and blood cancer development, highlighting the potential of diet-based interventions in cancer prevention and therapy. A growing body of evidence suggests that dietary habits significantly impact epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, which regulate gene expression. Phytochemicals, including curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), exhibit promising epigenetic modulation in blood cancer. These compounds influence DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), restoring normal epigenetic patterns and reactivating silenced tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). Individual variability in dietary response, bioavailability of bioactive compounds, and the complexity of epigenetic interactions necessitate further research in nutri-epigenomics. Future directions should focus on personalized nutrition strategies and clinical trials to validate the efficacy of dietary approaches in blood cancer prevention and therapy. In conclusion, diet plays a pivotal role in epigenetic regulation, influencing the risk and progression of blood cancer. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying dietary epigenetic modifications may open new avenues for preventive and therapeutic strategies.