Dietary Patterns and Gene Expression Profiles in Gastric Adenocarcinoma Patients from the Northern Region of Brazil

Abstract

BackgroundGastric adenocarcinoma (GA) remains a major public health concern worldwide, with incidence influenced by demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors. Diet is a modifiable risk factor that can shape tumor biology, potentially affecting gene expression and the tumor microenvironment. Understanding how dietary patterns correlate with molecular signatures in GA may provide insights for preventive and therapeutic strategies. MethodsThis retrospective, cross-sectional, analytical study included 60 patients diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma and treated at the Joao de Barros Barreto University Hospital, Para, Brazil. Structured questionnaires collected sociodemographic, lifestyle (smoking and alcohol), clinical, and dietary data. Dietary patterns were analyzed according to the Brazilian Ministry of Health guidelines. A subset of 16 patients was selected for gene expression profiling to evaluate correlations between dietary exposure and molecular alterations. ResultsThe patient cohort exhibited a predominance of males (56.7%) and older adults (>60 years), often from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. Dietary analysis revealed insufficient intake of fruits, vegetables, and legumes, alongside high consumption of ultraprocessed foods, especially sugar-sweetened beverages. Gene expression analysis identified 48 differentially expressed genes between patients with lower (LEDRF) and higher (HEDRF) dietary risk exposure. Six genes with potential biological relevance were highlighted: MAGEA3, IL6, HCAR2, NLRP4, PGA3, and CTCFL. MEFDR patients showed overexpression of MAGEA3, IL6, and HCAR2, associated with cell proliferation, inflammation, and tumor microenvironment remodeling. DiscussionThe results suggest that dietary patterns may modulate gene expression and influence the tumor microenvironment in gastric adenocarcinoma. Diets rich in ultraprocessed foods and sugar may promote a pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant microenvironment, while consumption of fruits, vegetables, and bioactive compounds appears protective, potentially regulating epigenetic, metabolic, and immunological pathways. The study underscores the importance of integrated approaches combining nutritional intervention and molecular profiling to better understand GA progression and identify potential therapeutic targets.