GAP-JUNCTION: Braille of the Cell

Abstract

Considerable attention has been focused in the effects of dietary parameters on carcinogenesis (Carroll & Khor, 1975). While total fat intake has been implicated in some types of cancer (i.g. breast, colon), not all studies support a positive association. Some epidemlologic studies in Western populations (Stemmerman et al, 1984; Willett et al, 1987) or even animal studies, have failed to show such correlations. It is clear however in animal experiments (Roebuck et al, 1981; Naus et al, 1983) that high fat intake was shown to increase carcinogenesis response. Kritchevsky et al, 1984 maintains that it is the total caloric intake which is important in the promotion of tumors rather than dietary fat per se. The issue while not resolved will be less confusing if the diet is described in terms of specific fats, rather than simply dietary fat.