Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 03, 2024 2 days, 4 hours, 53 minutes ago
Cancer News: Obesity has become a global epidemic, with the World Health Organization predicting that 1.12 billion adults will be affected by 2030. This alarming rise in obesity rates is linked to several health issues, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and various types of cancer. Among these cancers, breast cancer stands out, particularly a subtype known as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
Intermittent Fasting: A New Hope for Fighting Obesity-Related Breast Cancer
TNBC is a highly aggressive form of breast cancer that lacks the three common receptors known to fuel most breast cancers: estrogen, progesterone, and HER2. This absence makes TNBC difficult to treat with conventional hormone therapies, leading to poorer survival rates compared to other breast cancer types.
The Link Between Obesity and TNBC
Research has shown that obesity can worsen the prognosis for TNBC patients. A meta-analysis of multiple studies revealed that obesity is associated with a higher risk of TNBC and poorer overall survival rates. The analysis indicated that obesity not only increases the incidence of TNBC, particularly in African American women, but also accelerates its progression.
A Glimmer of Hope: Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting (IF), which involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting, has gained popularity for its various health benefits. These benefits include weight loss, improved immune function, and reduced inflammation. More intriguingly, IF has shown potential in cancer treatment by enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy, reducing cancer incidence, and even protecting against chemotherapy toxicity.
The Study: Intermittent Fasting and TNBC
This
Cancer News report cover a recent study by researchers from Meharry Medical College-USA, Spelman College, Atlanta-USA, The University of Tennessee-USA and Florida A&M University, Tallahassee-USA that explored whether intermittent fasting (IF) could slow down the progression of obesity-related TNBC.
The researchers conducted experiments on both human and mouse TNBC cells to understand the impact of fasting-mimicking conditions on cancer progression.
The study found that fasting-mimicking conditions reduced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in TNBC cells. These conditions also disrupted the cell cycle and altered key proteins associated with cancer progression, suggesting that intermittent fasting (IF) might help prevent the spread of cancer cells.
Real-World Application: Experiments with Mice
To further validate these findings, the researchers conducted in vivo experiments using mice. They created diet-induced obese mice and subjected them to a 24-hour fasting cycle. The results were promising: intermittent fasting significantly reduced tumor growth and weight in obese mice.
Obese mice not only showed larger tumor volumes and weights but also had higher levels of gluco
se and cholesterol. However, when these mice were put on an intermittent fasting regimen, their tumor growth slowed down, and their overall health improved.
Mechanisms at Play: How IF Works
The study delved into the molecular mechanisms behind the effects of intermittent fasting (IF) on TNBC. The fasting-mimicking conditions led to a reduction in several proteins that are crucial for cell cycle progression and cancer cell survival. Notably, proteins like cyclin B1 and vimentin, which are associated with tumor growth and metastasis, were significantly decreased under fasting conditions.
Moreover, the fasting conditions appeared to enhance autophagy - a process where cells break down and recycle their components. This increase in autophagy could help eliminate cancer cells and reduce tumor size.
The Bigger Picture: Implications and Future Directions
The findings from this study suggest that intermittent fasting could be a cost-effective and accessible strategy to complement existing cancer treatments, especially for patients with obesity-related TNBC. By reducing obesity and the associated tumor burden, intermittent fasting (IF) offers a potential lifestyle intervention that could improve the quality of life and survival rates for these patients.
However, the researchers caution that more studies, particularly human clinical trials, are needed to fully understand the benefits and mechanisms of intermittent fasting (IF) in cancer treatment. They stress the importance of personalized approaches, as the effects of IF may vary based on individual health conditions and cancer subtypes.
Conclusion: A Promising Avenue
Intermittent fasting holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for managing obesity-related cancers like TNBC. By disrupting the cell cycle, reducing key proteins, and enhancing autophagy, IF offers a multifaceted approach to slowing cancer progression. While more research is needed, this study provides a hopeful outlook on the potential of lifestyle changes in the fight against cancer.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Nutrients.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/13/2101
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-news-study-review-and-case-series-shows-that-long-term-fasting-helps-improve-long-covid-19-issues
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/immunology-news-study-uncovers-the-immune-boosting-potential-of-short-term-intensive-fasting-on-red-blood-cells
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