Researchers have found that antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, can stimulate the formation of new blood vessels in cancer tumors.
- Vitamin C and other antioxidants stimulate the formation of new blood vessels in lung cancer tumors, a new study suggests.
- Antioxidants activate the BACH1 protein, known to play a role in the creation of new vessels in tumors.
- This discovery could lead to better knowledge of the spread of cancer and the development of new treatments.
During this back-to-school period, many of us have the reflex to take vitamins and food supplements to boost our bodies and cope with our very busy schedules. However, a study carried out by researchers from Karolinska Institutet (Stockholm), reveals a little-known effect of antioxidants on the growth of lung cancer tumors.
Lung cancer : antioxidants promote growth tumor
Scientists have noticed that antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, accelerate the growth and spread of lung cancer by activating a protein called BACH1. Martin Bergöhead of the study and vice-president of Karolinska Institutet explains in a communicated : “we discovered that antioxidants activate a mechanism that causes cancer tumors to form new blood vessels”thus promoting the development and spread of cancer.
The expert admits to having been surprised by this discovery, “because it was previously thought that antioxidants had a protective effect”. Indeed, the latter are known to neutralize free radicals, which can damage the body. They are also commonly present in food supplements because of this property.
However, “he there is no reason to fear the presence of antioxidants in the normal diet, the mostly people do not need additional quantities”, assures the professor Bergö. “In do, (take food compliments containing antioxidants) maybe harmful to cancer patients and people at high risk of cancer.“
Protein BACH1 : towards new treatments?
Until now, doctors believed that only low oxygen levels (hypoxia) allowed angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) cancerous tumors. The new mechanism identified by Swedish researchers and presented in the journal Journal Of Clinical Investigation demonstrates that tumors can also form new vessels in the presence of normal oxygen levels.
This discovery offers new perspectives in the field of lung cancer treatment. For Ting Wangdoctoral student in the professor’s team Bergöthe study opens “the door to more effective ways of preventing tumor angiogenesis. For example, patients whose tumors have high levels of BACH1 might benefit more from anti-angiogenesis treatment than patients with low levels of BACH1“.
The scientists of Karolinska Institutet intend to deepen their research to better understand the mechanisms by which levels of oxygen and free radicals influence the activation of the protein BACH1. They also want to study potential links between antioxidants and the growth of other types of cancer tumors such as those of the breast or kidney.
