Nutrigenomics and Its Relationship with Pathogens Associated with Cancer

Nutrigenomics refers to the study of the interaction between dietary compounds and genomic components in the host. That is, how nutrient molecules influence gene expression. Nutrigenomics has been compared to pharmacogenomics using natural food-based bioactive agents instead. Strong evidence suggests that preventing and treating cancer with dietary phytochemicals at the genetic level could be an effective approach. By 2018, approximately 2.2 million cancers attributable to infections were diagnosed worldwide, with the main causes being Helicobacter pylori, human papillomavirus, and hepatitis B and C viruses. The relationship between nutrition and the immune system is well known; an inadequate diet can lead to deficiencies of the immune system, and obesity and its comorbidities produce low-grade inflammation that increases susceptibility to infection. The evidence indicates that the components of the diet directly participate in genes associated with pathways of inflammation and the immune system. In this chapter, we will review the information available on nutritional management from the point of view of nutrigenomics for the prevention and treatment of cancer caused by pathogens, as well as the evidence that relates bioactive molecules present in food with infections caused by the main cancer-associated pathogens.