The Chemopreventive Impact of Diet-Derived Phytochemicals on the Adipose Tissue and Breast Tumor Microenvironment Secretome

Nutr Cancer. 2025;77(1):9-25. doi: 10.1080/01635581.2024.2401647. Epub 2024 Sep 19.

Abstract

Cancer cells-derived extracellular vesicles can trigger the transformation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSC) into a pro-inflammatory, cancer-associated adipocyte (CAA) phenotype. Such secretome-mediated crosstalk between the adipose tissue and the tumor microenvironment (TME) therefore impacts tumor progression and metastatic processes. In addition, emerging roles of diet-derived phytochemicals, especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) among other polyphenols, in modulating exosome-mediated metabolic and inflammatory signaling pathways have been highlighted. Here, we discuss how selected diet-derived phytochemicals could alter the secretome signature as well as the crosstalk dynamics between the adipose tissue and the TME, with a focus on breast cancer. Their broader implication in the chemoprevention of obesity-related cancers is also discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipocytes / drug effects
  • Adipocytes / metabolism
  • Adipose Tissue* / drug effects
  • Adipose Tissue* / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms* / prevention & control
  • Catechin / analogs & derivatives
  • Catechin / pharmacology
  • Diet
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Phytochemicals* / pharmacology
  • Polyphenols / pharmacology
  • Secretome
  • Tumor Microenvironment* / drug effects

Substances

  • Catechin
  • epigallocatechin gallate
  • Phytochemicals
  • Polyphenols