A new study reveals that the key for keeping major forms of cancer at bay can be found in the gut. The research team has tested numerous chemicals found in the body through a robot and they found out that more than 20 of these can in fact delay the aging process which has been associated to cancer.
The new research was pioneered by researchers from Concordia and was published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Professor Vladimir Titorenko, a professor of biology at Concordia, and his colleagues authored the study and they were able to show that lithocholic acid, one type of bile acid produced by the liver is effective in killing cancer cells, as reported by Science Daily.
Lithocholic acid is a bile acid responsible in emulsifying fats. However, recent studies have shown its role in apoptosis, or the destruction of cancer cells. When this enters the cancer cell, the acid directs to the mitochondria and sends molecular signals that kill the cancer cell. There are also studies that show that lithocholic acid does not affect or kill healthy cells.
The acid does not only slow down the aging process, but it also had anti-tumor effects wherein it can kill cancer cells affecting the breast, prostate and neuroblastoma. It was tested in a petri dish and aren't applicable to humans yet. Human trials and further studies are recommended to make sure it can be used in the medical field in the future.
"Various cancers are associated with aging -- the older you get, the more instances we see of diseases like breast and prostate cancer , so studying how diet can slow that aging process is important," explains Professor Titorenko, who holds a Concordia Research Chair in genomics, cell biology and aging.
Also, together with other scientists, they are now working on using lithocholic acid on prostate cancer cells experimental and laboratory mice. They are hoping that the same promise can also be seen in future human trials. This may be the answer to the long -awaited cure for cancer.
