Objectives: Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages globally and has been associated with various health benefits. Caffeine is the most abundant bioactive compound found in coffee. In this study, we investigated the chemopreventive effects of caffeine consumption in a diet-induced obesity (DIO) transgenic mouse model.
Methods: Female spontaneous breast cancer C3(1)/SV40-T mice were provided either high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD with caffeine-supplemented drinking water.
Results: Our results demonstrated that caffeine consumption in drinking water attenuated HFD-induced obesity and metabolic disorders in obese female mice. Additionally, caffeine intake significantly extended tumor latency and reduced breast tumor weight compared to the control group, indicating a potential anti-cancer effect of caffeine on breast tumor development and progression. Mechanistic investigations showed caffeine exerts its anti-tumor effects, with initial evidence pointing to its anti-inflammatory effects and gut microbiome changes.
Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of caffeine, a key component of coffee, as a dietary intervention for prevention of breast cancer in overweight or obese women at high-risk for developing aggressive types of breast cancer.
