Published in the journal Cell A study by the National University of Singapore has discovered a mechanism that may help explain why a poor diet increases the risk of cancer. In cell studies, researchers found that methylglyoxal, which is produced when cells break down glucose for energy, can suppress genes that protect against cancer. They say that poor diet increases methylglyoxal levels and increases the risk of cancer.
Excess glucose – a harbinger of cancer risk?
Methylglyoxal is a by-product of glucose, protein and lipid metabolism. This molecule can disrupt cellular activity, so enzymes normally break it down into less harmful substances. Excess methylglyoxal can damage DNA.
The researchers first examined the effects of methylglyoxal on cells taken from people who inherited a mutated copy of the gene BRCA2, which increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
They discovered that methylglyoxal temporarily turned off the tumor suppressor BRCA2 gene, which can increase the chance of developing cancer.
“It is well established that some individuals are at high risk of developing breast, ovarian, pancreatic or other cancers because they inherit a faulty copy of the cancer prevention gene BRCA2 from their parents,” said study author Professor Ashok Venkitaraman of the National University of Singapore.
According to research data, the cells of such people are particularly sensitive to the effects of methylglyoxal. It inhibits the function of BRCA2, which prevents tumor formation.
“The study found that even individuals without a genetic predisposition may still face an increased risk of cancer due to elevated levels of methylglyoxal,” said registered dietitian Kelsey Costa.
This is common in people who have diabetes or prediabetes, she said. These health problems are often associated with obesity or suboptimal dietary and lifestyle habits.
“People with diabetes have higher than normal blood glucose levels. Some of this excess glucose is broken down by glycolysis, which increases the amount of methylglyoxal,” said Venkitaraman.
“A poor diet high in sugar or refined carbohydrates increases blood glucose levels,” he added.
The study suggests that methylglyoxal can temporarily “turn off” genes responsible for preventing cancer. Consequently, repeated episodes of poor nutrition or uncontrolled diabetes can “add up” over time and increase the risk of cancer
Diet affects cancer risk
K. Costa explained that the results of the new study are an additional incentive to adhere to the principles of healthy nutrition.
A typical Western diet is high in processed foods, red meat and added sugar.
“The best way to reduce methylglyoxal production and support your metabolism, microbiome and overall health is to eat a balanced diet that focuses on fruits and vegetables.” It is a source of dietary fibers and biologically active compounds,” said K. Costa.
The Mediterranean diet is famous for its health benefits. It has been shown to reduce methylglyoxal levels.
“In fact, in a recent study, following a Mediterranean diet was linked to lower levels of methylglyoxal in the blood, which seemed to help maintain healthy kidneys in people who had type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease,” Costa said.
Page page “Medical News Today” inf.
It has become clear how food can cause cancer: one substance is to blame
If you are constantly tired, check these points
– 2024-04-19 11:00:48
Fatigue is common, but sometimes it can be overwhelming.
Many women don’t think that they probably already belong to the risk group of iron deficiency, which causes fatigue. Various dietary restrictions are common today and they, combined with other risk factors typical for women, increase the possibility of a deficiency even more.
Typical symptoms of iron deficiency
Fatigue – the most common symptom. Iron deficiency makes it difficult for oxygen to reach the tissues, which can manifest as fatigue and a feeling of weakness.
Kalpeus – iron deficiency is reflected in the skin, as hemoglobin gives the skin a healthy color.
Hair loss – in iron deficiency, oxygen transport to the scalp is not the body’s priority. This can manifest as hair loss.
Dejection – iron deficiency can affect the brain’s mood-regulating neurotransmitters.
Skin problems – dry skin, nail changes and chapped lips can be caused by iron deficiency.
Iron stores run out insidiously – fatigue creeps into life
The hemoglobin value does not always tell the whole truth about the iron content in the blood. Even if it is good, there may be a deficiency in the body’s storage iron, or ferritin. According to research, even a mild, beginning iron deficiency impairs performance and causes fatigue, because it interferes with the body’s normal energy production. Often a mild iron deficiency is not recognized by oneself, as the body adapts to the slowly developing condition and gets used to constant fatigue.
Women in the risk group, special diets and intestinal problems are at risk
Menstruation regularly taxes a woman’s iron reserves, as do, for example, hard training and stress. Pregnancy and breastfeeding often significantly increase the need for iron. Iron should be obtained from food to replace what is lost evenly. Intestinal and stomach problems, which are increasingly common today, also weaken the absorption of iron. Many people don’t think that even a healthy vegan or plant-based diet can expose you to iron deficiency, because plant-based iron is poorly absorbed from our intestines.
When you need an iron supplement – good to know
The body’s iron transporter, transferrin, can only transport 12 mg of iron at a time. That’s why a moderate amount of iron in the product is enough, because most of the iron from a strong preparation is simply not absorbed, often causing typical stomach problems. The iron preparation must contain vitamin C, which enhances absorption, and B vitamins, which also promote the formation of red blood cells.
Salus Floradix contains a very versatile combination of well-absorbed iron and nutrients that enhance its function in a nutritious and natural whole juice herbal extract. Holistically refreshing, preservative-free Salus Floradix has been nourishing women and children of growing age worldwide for over 100 years.
Salus Floradix is sold by pharmacies, health shops and department stores.
#constantly #tired #check #points
Related posts:
If you are constantly tired, check these points – 2024-04-19 11:00:48
Study highlights high risks of antipsychotics used in dementia
2024-04-18 02:00:22
Several antipsychotic treatments are associated with serious side effects when they are used to calm symptoms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease, points out a study published Thursday, fueling the already numerous controversies surrounding these drugs.
“The use of antipsychotics (…) in adults with dementia is associated with increased risks of stroke, venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, heart failure, fracture, pneumonia and acute renal failure,” lists this study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).
These treatments — risperidone, haloperidol, quetiapine and olanzapine — are normally used for psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. They are also sometimes used against depression that is particularly resistant to other medications.
But it also happens that they are prescribed to patients suffering from dementia, such as Alzheimer’s. It is not a question of curing these illnesses, most of the time incurable, but of calming certain symptoms such as aggressive behavior.
This use is, however, very controversial, due to the serious side effects that these treatments pose, and their limited effectiveness in this indication.
In France, as in the United Kingdom, where the BMJ study was carried out, only risperidone and haloperidol are authorized for dementia.
The BMJ study shows even broader risks of antipsychotics used in dementia than previously considered, including for example pneumonia.
This work, carried out by examining data from the British healthcare system a posteriori, cannot however establish a direct cause and effect relationship. It is, for example, possible that, in certain cases, pneumonia favored the onset of dementia — and therefore the prescription of an associated treatment — and not the other way around.
But several neurologists and geriatricians have praised the seriousness of the methodology and the important nature of such a study, at a time when antipsychotics have seen a resurgence in prescriptions since the Covid crisis.
“The risk is that patients are prescribed dangerous antipsychotics, simply because there are not enough trained healthcare workers to manage their behavior,” commented neurologist Charles Marshall in a reaction to the British Science Media Center, admitting that these treatments may be justified in rare cases.
1713416916
#Study #highlights #high #risks #antipsychotics #dementia
Related posts:
Study highlights high risks of antipsychotics used in dementia