A Common Fish Nutrient Activates the Very Pathways Driving Your CLL
If you’re living with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), you’ve likely been told that certain genetic mutations are driving your cancer. It might surprise you to learn that a nutrient found in a common fish—haddock—directly activates two of the most notorious growth pathways in cancer: Wnt and PI3K/AKT [3, 4]. This isn't a reason to panic, but it is a powerful example of why what you eat matters at a molecular level. Your food choices can interact with the precise biological machinery that governs your cancer's behavior.
Key Findings
- Wheatgrass contains ferulic acid, which inhibits HIF-1 signaling [1]—a pathway cancer cells use to survive in low-oxygen environments.
- Haddock is rich in cholesterol, which activates the Wnt and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways [3, 4]—two major drivers of cancer cell growth and survival.
- Borututu tea provides ellagic acid, which inhibits cellular senescence [7] (a process that can arrest cancer cells) but also activates the PI3K-Akt growth pathway [8].
- Olive oil contains apigenin, which inhibits cellular senescence [13] and activates the intrinsic pathway for apoptosis [14]—the body's programmed system for cell death.
Why Nutrition Matters in CLL
CLL is a cancer of your immune system's B-cells. These cells live longer than they should and accumulate in your blood and bone marrow. This happens because of specific genetic errors. Nearly every case of CLL involves a gain-of-function mutation in the BCR gene and a loss-of-function mutation in the TP53 gene [1].
Think of it this way:
- The mutated BCR gene is like a stuck gas pedal, constantly signaling your cells to grow and divide.
- The broken TP53 gene is like missing brakes; it’s a critical tumor suppressor that normally tells damaged cells to self-destruct. Without it, faulty cells keep living.
The foods you eat contain compounds that can tap on the brakes or press on the gas pedal of these systems. Understanding this can help you make choices that support your treatment plan.
Foods and Their Molecular Mechanisms
Wheatgrass: Targeting Cancer's Survival Kit
Wheatgrass is a potent source of ferulic acid. This compound inhibits the HIF-1 signaling pathway [1]. HIF-1 is a protein complex that helps cells adapt to stress, like low oxygen. Tumors often have low-oxygen areas, and HIF-1 helps cancer cells survive there. By inhibiting this pathway, ferulic acid may remove one of cancer’s survival tools. It has also been shown to inhibit non-small cell lung cancer growth in laboratory models [2]. Fresh wheatgrass juice or powdered supplements are widely available.
The Haddock Paradox: Growth Signals from the Sea
Haddock is a nutritious fish, but it is also rich in cholesterol. Laboratory research shows that cholesterol can activate the Wnt signaling pathway [3] and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway [4]. In cancer, these pathways act as master growth switches. Their activation can tell cells to multiply, survive, and spread. Haddock also contains folic acid, which has been shown to activate the NOTCH1 pathway and the mTOR signaling pathway [5, 6]—two more potent drivers of cancer growth and "stemness." This doesn’t mean you must never eat haddock, but it is important to be aware of these potential interactions.
Borututu Tea: A Double-Edged Sword
This African herbal tea is valued for its antioxidant properties, primarily from ellagic acid. The evidence presents a complex picture: ellagic acid inhibits cellular senescence [7], a process that can force damaged cells to stop dividing. However, it also activates the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway [8]—a primary growth signal that oncologists often try to block. In a CLL context, activating a major growth pathway is a significant concern. This tea is best approached with caution.
Olive Oil: Promoting Cell Death
Extra virgin olive oil is a cornerstone of healthy diets for good reason. It contains powerful compounds like lutein and apigenin.
The data on lutein is conflicting; one study shows it inhibits apoptosis (cell death) in nerve cells [11], while another shows it activates apoptosis in breast cancer cells [12]. This highlights how a compound's effect can change based on the cell type and environment.
More consistently, the compound apigenin shows promise. It inhibits cellular senescence [13] and activates the intrinsic pathway for apoptosis [14]—the method by which healthy cells are programmed to die when they become damaged. Forcing cancer cells into this death pathway is a primary goal of many therapies. Drizzle olive oil on salads and use it for low-heat cooking.
Pepper: A Simple Spice with Active Compounds
The caffeic acid found in peppers demonstrates how a common food can have bioactive effects. Research indicates it inhibits apoptosis [9], which could potentially protect cells from death. However, it has also been shown to inhibit colorectal cancer growth in lab studies by inducing a different apoptotic pathway [10]. Its overall role in CLL is not yet clear, but it is a reminder that even simple spices are pharmacologically active.
Molecular Pathway
Foods to Approach with Caution
Based on the molecular evidence, some foods and their compounds require careful consideration because they activate pathways known to fuel cancer growth.
Fava Beans and Folic Acid
Fava beans are rich in folic acid. As seen with the folic acid in haddock, this compound activates the Signaling by NOTCH1 pathway and the mTOR signaling pathway [15, 16]. NOTCH1 signaling is involved in cell development and can contribute to cancer, while mTOR is a central regulator of cell growth and metabolism. Activating these pathways could potentially support cancer progression. Many foods are fortified with folic acid, so it’s worth checking labels.
Oregano and Galangin
Oregano contains the flavonoid galangin. Interestingly, the data shows galangin inhibits the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and the MAPK signaling pathway [17, 18]. From a mechanistic standpoint, inhibiting these growth pathways would typically be considered beneficial. However, the context is crucial. The studies cited are from other cancer types (triple-negative breast cancer and colorectal cancer). Without specific evidence in CLL models, it is difficult to predict the net effect. Until more research is available, consuming large amounts of oregano extract or supplements is not recommended.
Nori and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
Nori seaweed contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid. EPA has been associated with inhibiting endometrial cancer risk in a population study [19]. However, it also activates the PPAR signaling pathway [20]. PPAR pathways are involved in fat metabolism and cell differentiation, and their role in cancer is complex and context-dependent. Given the lack of specific data in CLL, it is wise to enjoy nori in normal culinary amounts rather than as a concentrated supplement.
A Final Note on Evidence
This information is based on laboratory and preclinical research. These studies reveal how food compounds can interact with biological pathways in controlled settings. They are not a substitute for human clinical trials or the advice of your oncologist. Always discuss significant dietary changes with your healthcare team, as they understand your unique health profile and treatment plan.
Molecular Pathway
References
- Ferulic acid inhibits ox-LDL-induced ferroptosis and apoptosis in RAW 264.7 cells via the HIF-1 signaling pathway.. Frontiers in pharmacology. 2025. PMID: 40170728
- The role and mechanism of "eight famous herbals in Zhejiang" in cancer via network pharmacology and experimental validation.. Frontiers in oncology. 2024. PMID: 39628999
- Cholesterol-targeting Wnt-β-catenin signaling inhibitors for colorectal cancer.. Nature chemical biology. 2025. PMID: 40240631
- SPARC Stabilizes ApoE to Induce Cholesterol-Dependent Invasion and Sorafenib Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.. Cancer research. 2024. PMID: 38471084
- Folate induces stemness and increases oxygen consumption under glucose deprivation by notch-1 pathway activation in colorectal cancer cell.. Molecular and cellular biochemistry. 2025. PMID: 38536555
- Folic acid supplementation inhibits autophagy-dependent apoptosis in rat brain neural cells and HT-22 neurons via the p53/mTOR signaling pathway.. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry. 2025. PMID: 40602550
- Ellagic acid reveals promising anti-aging effects against d-galactose-induced aging on human neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y: A mechanistic study.. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie. 2018. PMID: 30372874
- Effect of ellagic acid on BDNF/PI3K/AKT-mediated signaling pathways in mouse models of depression.. Iranian journal of basic medical sciences. 2025. PMID: 39968087
- Caffeic Acid Protects Against Ulcerative Colitis via Inhibiting Mitochondrial Apoptosis and Immune Overactivation in Drosophila.. Drug design, development and therapy. 2025. PMID: 40145123
- Caffeic acid and 5-caffeoylquinic acid inhibit HT-29 colorectal cancer cell growth through immunotherapy by inducing the Bax/Bcl-2 apoptotic pathway in vitro.. Bioorganic chemistry. 2025. PMID: 40627904
- Lutein attenuated methylglyoxal-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in PC12 cells via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.. Journal of food biochemistry. 2022. PMID: 36017617
- Lutein inhibits proliferation, invasion and migration of hypoxic breast cancer cells via downregulation of HES1.. International journal of oncology. 2018. PMID: 29620169
- Apigenin-mediated Alterations in Viability and Senescence of SW480 Colorectal Cancer Cells Persist in The Presence of L-thyroxine.. Anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry. 2019. PMID: 31272364
- Apigenin Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Migration in Human Cholangiocarcinoma Cells.. Toxics. 2025. PMID: 39997927
- Folate induces stemness and increases oxygen consumption under glucose deprivation by notch-1 pathway activation in colorectal cancer cell.. Molecular and cellular biochemistry. 2025. PMID: 38536555
- Folic acid supplementation inhibits autophagy-dependent apoptosis in rat brain neural cells and HT-22 neurons via the p53/mTOR signaling pathway.. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry. 2025. PMID: 40602550
- Reversal of epithelial to mesenchymal transition in triple negative breast cancer through epigenetic modulations by dietary flavonoid Galangin and its combination with SAHA.. Cell communication and signaling : CCS. 2025. PMID: 40176095
- Investigation of galangin against colorectal cancer through MAPK signaling pathway modulation.. International immunopharmacology. 2025. PMID: 41046828
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid intakes and endometrial cancer risk in a population-based case-control study.. European journal of nutrition. 2013. PMID: 22915050
- Gentiopicroside improves non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by activating PPARα and suppressing HIF1.. Frontiers in pharmacology. 2024. PMID: 38515850
Molecular Pathway
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