Influences of Dietary and Other Factors on Xenobiotic Metabolism and Carcinogenesis - A Review Article in Memory of Dr. Allan H. Conney (1930-2013)

This article reviews our current understanding on how xenobiotic metabolism and carcinogenesis are influenced by dietary and other factors. A major contributor to this research area was Dr. Allan Conney, and his contributions are highlighted. His studies on the induction of microsomal xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes led to the characterization of the cytochrome P450 enzymes, which catalyze the metabolism of drugs, endogenous substrates, carcinogens and many other xenobiotics. These processes are influenced by drugs, diet, and other environmental factors. These studies provided the molecular basis for drug-drug, diet-drug, and herb-drug interactions. The elucidation of the metabolic activation of chemicals to their ultimate carcinogenic forms enables us to understand the molecular basis of chemical carcinogenesis. These studies led to many subsequent investigations on dietary approaches for cancer chemoprevention, including blocking of carcinogen activation, enhancing carcinogen detoxification, and influencing oncogenic pathways, which were carried out by Dr. Conney and others. The strengths and potential for practical application of these approaches are assessed herein.