Immune System Health

Scientists Probe New Link Between Gut Health and Chronic Disease

What would happen if you could turn an unhealthy gut microbiome into a healthy one? According to research recently conducted at Scripps Research Institute, doing so may improve cholesterol levels and stave off chronic disease. According to this new research, gut health and disease are linked, suggesting improving gut health can positively impact the risks of developing certain diseases.

Recent Study Links Gut Health and Disease

A recent research project used particles called peptides to identify how introducing certain molecules into the gut microbiome affected cholesterol levels in the body. Using mice that were fed high-fat diets and bred to develop arterial plaque, the team used peptides to alter the health of the gut microbiome and, in turn, improve cholesterol levels.

An unhealthy gut microbiome is one that does not contain a diverse selection of bacteria, so the goal was to encourage more diverse bacterial growth in the gut microbiome. They did this by introducing specific peptides, which would cause different strains of bacteria to thrive in the guts of the test mice. In this way, they were able to transform an unhealthy gut microbiome into a healthy one.

Before and after administering the peptides, the researchers conducted tests to evaluate the health of the mice. This involved taking fecal samples and looking at arterial health, while also examining molecules that indicate higher risks for developing inflammation, inhibited immunity and poor metabolic rates. They found that there was a 50 percent drop in plasma cholesterol in the mice receiving the peptide treatments. At the same time, researchers could not find a significant amount of plaque in the arteries of the same test mice.

While the research was conducted on mice, the researchers hope it will lead the way toward developing better treatments for human patients. Particularly, the research linking gut health and disease shows promise in treating people suffering from atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, though additional research is needed. Future research may take a deeper focus on how altering the gut microbiome can lower the risks of developing other diseases.

Can Strengthening the Gut Microbiome Stave Off Disease?

Another recent study found that a diverse gut microbiome can affect HDL (good) cholesterol levels, triglycerides and the likelihood of developing obesity. To look at this relationship, researchers examined the fecal samples from 893 subjects, ranging in ages from 18 to 80. The samples helped the scientists determine the richness of bacteria in the gut microbiome and the diversity of the types of bacteria. Those results were compared against the lipid levels and body mass index measurements of the subjects.

Once the comparisons were complete, they found that there were 34 types of bacteria that were positively associated with HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. They also find a negative correlation between the presence of those particular bacteria and BMI measurements of the subjects.

The newly discovered link between gut health and disease, which was confirmed in this study, suggests that the gut microbiome plays an important roles in several areas of health. In addition to promoting better arterial and cardiovascular health, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome can help reduce unhealthy dietary cravings and may even affect the BMI of an individual. The researchers hopes future studies will strengthen the evidence that the gut microbiome plays a vital role in human health, so those findings can be used to develop more natural treatments for certain diseases.

Natural Ways to Bolster Your Gut Microbiome

Add Prebiotics and Probiotics to Your Diet

There are two primary ways to ensure you’re introducing sufficient quantities of probiotics and prebiotics into your gut microbiome. Many high-quality dietary supplements on the market incorporate both prebiotics and probiotics to maximize gut health. Additionally, you can eat foods that are excellent sources of prebiotics and probiotics. While there are many food sources of these important substances, a few are listed here to get you started.

Prebiotic Foods

artichokes
cucumbers
asparagus
apples
berries
bananas
honey
dark chocolate
seeds (flax, hemp, pumpkin, chia)

Probiotic Foods

sauerkraut
pickles
kimchi
plain yogurt
other fermented foods

Reduce Your Sugar Intake

Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome has as much to do with what you don’t eat as it does with what you do consume. Consuming foods and drinks rich in refined sugar actually prevent the bacteria in your gut from getting the nourishment they need. As a result, some of the helpful bacteria in your gut will eventually die off, leaving you with a less diverse microbiome.

Intermittent Fasting

Fasting for brief periods can give your gut the time it needs to heal. It can also help strengthen your immune system by restoring the bacterial balance in the gut. As you fast, you should be drinking plenty of water. To add a bit of flavor, you can use lemons or apple cider vinegar. Adding bone broth to your fast can also be helpful, since the gelatin and amino acids in the broth have been shown to help the gut lining heal and grow stronger.

Get Back to Nature

Improving the diversity of your gut microbiome doesn’t just concern your diet. Getting enough exercise can help, especially if you’re doing it outside. Walking barefoot in nature or simply breathing the fresh air can expose you to a broad range of types of bacteria. Additionally, buy your produce from organic farms and give them a slight rinse to ensure you don’t wash away the bacteria. Since each living thing plays host to a different selection of bacteria, spending time among a variety of plants and animals can help you strengthen your gut microbiome.

New Gut Bacteria Research Finds Link Between Gut Health, Stroke and Cancer

Apr 04 by Ewcopywriting

The gut microbiome is filled with bacteria and other microbes that assist in the digestion of the foods we eat. While there are some bacteria that are harmful to us, many of the bacteria in our digestive tract are beneficial, helping to withdraw nutrients and vitamins from our foods through the digestion process. In addition, these bacteria help to boost immune function and can even influence other aspects of our health.

In a study that was released in 2014, researchers revealed that each person’s DNA actually influences what kinds of bacteria are able thrive within his or her microbiome. Furthermore, for each individual, the population of bacteria in the gut is different, a fact which scientists now believe may play a role in determining which people are likely to become obese or overweight. Other recent studies have found that the health and diversity of the gut microbiome may even influence how the immune system fights cancer or stroke.

The Changing Microbiome

The process of populating the microbiome begins with the development of the fetus. As the fetus develops, the digestive tract is exposed to the microorganisms from the mother’s gut microbiome, as well as bacteria from the immediate environment. This mixture of microorganisms comes together to form a unique microbiome in the infant’s digestive tract. Even after birth, the baby’s microbiome is still developing. This is why there’s more bacteria in the digestive tract of a breast-fed baby than in the digestive tract of a formula-fed infant.

Even throughout adulthood, we believe the gut microbiome continues to change or evolve in accordance with changing diets, environmental influences and lifestyle choices. This is good news, because it suggests that we can consciously alter our gut microbiome through changes in lifestyle habits and diets. Why would we want to alter the bacteria in our guts? The reasoning lies in recognizing that, when it comes to overall health, certain bacteria affect specific risk factors. For instance, we know that the bacteria called Christensenellaceae minuta is more often found in the guts of people with low body weight. Similarly, a deficiency of Prevotella, Veillonellaceae and Coprococcus is common in children with autism. If we can learn more about the bacteria in our microbiome and how they affect overall health, it may be possible to manipulate the gut microbiome to live healthier lives.

Gut Bacteria Research Finds a Link to Stroke

A stroke is a common occurrence in modern times, and the Center for Disease Control estimates that a stroke affects someone in the U.S. every 40 seconds. This is a particularly unsettling statistic, when you stop to consider how severely a stroke affects the human body. While a stroke is considered to be a cardiovascular event, it primarily affects the brain by cutting off the flow of oxygen-rich blood. This means the brain isn’t getting the oxygen it needs to feed cells, causing cell die-off.

In addition to the potential for brain damage, new gut bacteria research indicates that the population of bacteria in the digestive tract may also be affected by stroke. Working with rodents, test subjects were divided into two groups. The first group of mice were subjected to ischemic strokes, while the second group consisted of healthy mice. The researchers evaluated the health of the mice in each group at regular intervals.

The research team found that, unlike the healthy group of mice, the group of mice subjected to strokes had elevated levels of a specific bacteria called Bifidobacteriaceae. The presence of Bifidobacteriaceae was found at 14-day and 28-day intervals, suggesting the increase in these bacteria was a long-lasting result of the stroke. Bifidobacteriaceae is a member of the Bifidobacterium family and is considered a healthy probiotic that enhances gut health. The presence of Bifidobacteriaceae may also precipitate better recovery in those who’ve suffered from a stroke.

The news wasn’t all good. The team also found heightened levels of bacteria belonging to the Helicobacteraceae family; a group of bacteria which have been linked to poorer health outcomes. Additionally, the mice that had suffered from strokes exhibited a significantly higher Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio. This type of imbalance has been linked to a greater risk of inflammation, obesity and diabetes. Finally, researchers noted changes in the intestinal tissue of the stroke subjects which could cause poorer absorption of nutrients, thus also hindering recovery.

The discovery of negative effects in the intestinal tract of subjects who had suffered from a stroke open the door to the possibility of encouraging recovery from stroke by manipulating bacteria in the gut. The research team hopes to continue their studies, focusing on a way to treat the symptoms of a stroke by focusing on the health of the gut microbiome.

Can a Healthy Gut Microbiome Help Fight Cancer?

In another study, which was conducted at the University of Chicago, researchers found that 11 strains of bacteria in the gut help slow the progression of tumors in the body. Using mice as test subjects, the team found that the UPR, or unfolded protein response, served as a link between the gut bacteria and the immune system’s tumor-fighting capabilities. Since UPR is responsible for keeping cells healthy and clean, its presence can indicate which patients are more likely to benefit from immunotherapy treatments.

The study used a test group of mice that lacked the RING finger protein 5 (RNF5), which helps cells identify improperly folded proteins. The mice in this group were more successful in fighting off melanoma, provided their immunity and gut bacteria was also healthy. The researchers also discovered that housing these mice with RNF5-rich mice inhibited their ability to fight off the tumors.

In another phase of the experiment, the 11 strains of bacteria were transplanted into mice that had been previously free of the bacteria. Once transplanted, the new strains turned on the tumor-fighting capabilities of the immune systems in these mice. This suggests that the 11 strains of bacteria identified in the study may boost the immune system’s cancer fighting capabilities.

The team concluded the study by suggesting that UPR may be useful as a biomarker in determining which individuals are more likely to benefit from immunotherapy. Additionally, there’s hope that further research will help uncover the anti-tumor molecules produced by those 11 strains of bacteria. In the future, the research may lead to more effective customized cancer treatments.

Discovered: Gut Bacteria Use Vitamin A to Regulate the Immune System

Mar 18 by Ewcopywriting

The immune system is a complex defense system our bodies employ to protect us from germs and other foreign invaders in the environment. Our immune system is triggered by antigens, which are foreign proteins found on cells. Once an antigen is detected, our white blood cells produce the antibodies specifically engineered to attack and destroy that particular antigen. As this occurs, a sample of that antigen is saved and stored in the body, allowing it to be more quickly reproduced in the event of a recurrence of the same illness. This is why adults are less susceptible to many of the illnesses that affect children.

New research examining vitamin A and immune system functioning has uncovered how our gut bacteria interact with both vitamin A and the immune system, highlighting the importance of nutrition in overall health and immunity.

How Does the Immune System Work?

The immune system works primarily through the actions of our white blood cells, which are stored at various sites throughout the body. White blood cells occupy the thymus, spleen, bone marrow and lymph nodes, since these are the best positions from which to monitor the body. When the white blood cells detect a foreign substance in the body or an abnormal growth, they attack the foreign object as a means of protecting the body.

There are two types of white blood cells: phagocytes and lymphocytes. The Phagocytes are further divided into four types, each of which attacks a different pathogen:

Neutrophils are responsible for attacking harmful bacteria in the body.
Macrophages are responsible for seeking out and removing dead cells.
Mast cells are responsible for healing wounds and guarding against pathogens.
Monocytes serve multiple functions.

Meanwhile, lymphocytes serve a more specific purpose in the immune system. The B and T lymphocytes in the body are responsible for identifying foreign substances that have previously invaded the body. The B lymphocytes stay in the bone marrow, where they can continue producing antibodies. The T lymphocytes move to the thymus and wait for those antibodies to notify them that a foreign invading substance has returned. Once they become aware of an infection, the T lymphocytes send out messages to phagocytes, while also attacking the infected cells.

How Do Gut Bacteria Affect Health?

Our immune systems were designed to work with other systems in our bodies, and new research suggests this includes the gut microbiome. Research using pregnant rats suggests that infants are born with gut bacteria that help the digestive system function, while other evidence suggests newborn infants also obtain healthy bacteria through breastfeeding. The breast milk of human mothers contains helpful bacteria that is ingested by infants and delivered to the gut microbiome in the digestive system.

The formation of the gut microbiome helps the digestive process, and researchers believe a more diverse microbiome helps infants adapt to a larger variety of foods. For example, infants without a diverse microbiome were found to be more sensitive to certain foods. These children were far more likely to develop allergies to dairy products, eggs and peanut butter within their first year.

A more diverse gut microbiome can also help people resist the development of conditions such as obesity, some types of cancer, autism and some types of mental illness. Considering the huge impact the gut microbiome has on overall health, it’s not difficult to see why much research has focused on ways to support a healthy balance of beneficial gut bacteria. One of the best ways to improve the gut microbiome is by ingesting fermented foods, such as yogurt, sauerkraut and miso, and by eating high-fiber fruits or vegetables.

A study published in 2014 also suggested physical activity helps the body produce helpful gut bacteria. In this study, the gut microbiomes of 40 rugby players were compared to the microbiomes in two separate control groups. The rugby players were found to have increased levels of Akkermansiaceae, which is a bacteria known to reduce the risk of obesity in adults.

Vitamin A and Immune System Functioning May Be Influenced by Gut Bacteria

We know that the immune system is responsible for attacking harmful bacteria throughout the body, and we know that the health of our bodies also depends on the helpful bacteria that comprise the gut microbiome. This knowledge has led researchers to ponder how or why the immune system can differentiate between bad bacteria and the good bacteria in the gut microbiome. Recent studies have found that the presence of vitamin A in the digestive system may be the key to solving that mystery.

According to Shipra Vaishnava, who led a recent, groundbreaking Brown University study, when vitamin A enters the intestinal tract, it prevents white blood cells from becoming overly active. Studying the gut microbiome in rodents, the researchers noticed that the bacteria in the gut microbiome released a protein to promote the release of vitamin A. The relationship between vitamin A and immune system functioning suggests that the gut microbiome uses the protein as a protective response to immune system interference.

The protein, which was identified as retinol dehydrogenase 7 (Rdh7), changed vitamin A into retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is a highly active form of vitamin A, which inhibits immune system response. When rodents were genetically altered to have a reduced level of Rdh7 in the intestinal tract, their bodies released molecule IL-22. The IL-22 triggered the immune system’s response, causing it to initiate the antimicrobial activity in the gut microbiome.

More research is needed to better understand how the gut microbiome and the immune system function. Even so, we already know that vitamin A regulates how these two systems relate to one another. Understanding more about this relationship may help us develop better treatments for autoimmune diseases, which may be based on vitamin A therapies. In the meantime, eating foods rich in vitamin A, such as beef and lamb liver, salmon and king mackerel, may help boost efficiency of your gut microbiome. This can have wide-reaching effects on your overall health and help reduce the likelihood of developing certain diseases.

Gut Bacteria and Immune System Function Fundamentally Linked

Mar 11 by Ewcopywriting

Each year, the research supporting the importance of maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria for good overall health grows. However, many of the previously known health effects of a healthy microbiome involved the digestive system. Could your gut bacteria also affect how well your immune system protects against infection and even prevent autoimmune disease? New research suggests that gut bacteria and immune system function are linked in several critical ways.

Your Microbiome and Your Health

The Western world has spent much of the last century in a battle against bacteria. We have developed a wide variety of antibiotics to treat even the mildest infections. We even vigilantly sterilize our homes and our food under the assumption that bacteria are bad for our health. New research on the gut microbiome has turned this assumption on its head, offering solid evidence that many bacteria are good for human well-being and even essential to our health.

Everything that we eat passes through our GI tract, with key nutrients absorbed through our intestines. The GI tract is not a sterile tube, but rather a complex ecosystem containing a wide variety of bacteria. These bacteria help to break down macronutrients into more easily absorbed fragments and also are essential in absorbing certain vitamins.

Having the right balance of bacteria is crucial to good health. Not only will the right bacteria support our nutritional health, but they also can interact with the rest of the body in a variety of ways. Several studies have suggested that our microbiome plays an important role in regulating the immune system, helping our bodies to kill invaders while also preventing them from attacking our own tissues.

Links Between Gut Bacteria and Immune System Function

Autoimmune disease has been described by physicians as “a case of mistaken identity.” People with autoimmune diseases have a chronically overactive immune system that attacks their own tissues, leading to tissue destruction as well as chronic inflammation.

Several studies have found links between a gut microbiome imbalance and autoimmune disease. People with autoimmune diseases often have less diversity in gut bacteria as well as lower amounts of the bacteria which are known to be beneficial. Many scientists and doctors believe that issues with our natural flora can actually cause autoimmune disease and that re-establishing a healthy microbiome should be a key part of treatment for autoimmune disorders.

Could Low Vitamin D Affect Gut Health?

Many people in the Western world suffer from low levels of vitamin D. This can have devastating effects on the immune system. Not only is vitamin D essential for immune function, but it also appears to prevent certain types of autoimmune disease. Low vitamin D has been linked in several studies to autoimmune disease and is even considered a risk factor. Because of known links between skin cancer and sun exposure, many people avoid sunlight, the main historic source of this nutrient. In addition, the Western diet is extremely low in vitamin D-rich foods that could make up for our aversion to natural sunlight.

According to new research, the link between vitamin D and autoimmune disease may be partially due to links between vitamin D deficiency and poor gut health. Vitamin D appears to be extremely important for gut bacteria. Taking this vitamin may actually help to restore a healthy microbiome. At the same time, healthy gut bacteria can increase absorption of this vitamin. Having an unhealthy balance of bacteria can set off a downward spiral in health in which the body absorbs less vitamin D, then suffers from an increasingly failing microbiome due to a shortage of the vitamin.

Modern people are more at risk of both vitamin D deficiency and gut imbalance than ever before. Could these factors be the cause of growing rates of autoimmune disease as well as other devastating chronic illnesses?

Keeping a Healthy Gut For Your Circadian Rhythm and More

Everyone wants good health and an immune system that functions in top form. However, this can be a challenge in the modern world. Our food and our homes are cleaner and more sanitary than ever, which is a blessing as much as a curse. We are no longer taking in the healthy range of bacteria that our bodies have evolved to need.

In addition, the standard Western diet is not one that supports good gut health. Both soluble and insoluble fiber sources are necessary to feed our microbiome so the right gut bacteria can flourish. These are known as “prebiotics” as they can be taken before probiotics to support a healthy population of gut bacteria. Although it is important to eat a healthy diet, taking both prebiotics and probiotics can make up for the inherent deficiencies in our foods.

Getting enough vitamin D is also important to supporting digestive and immune health. A fair skinned person can get the vitamin D that they need from just ten minutes of direct sunlight. Organ meats and certain oils also are good sources of this nutrient.

In a world filled with unhealthy options, being healthy requires conscious choice. Maintaining good gut health requires only minimal lifestyle changes. However, it can have dramatic effects on your immune system, helping your body to fight off diseases of all kinds.

Spring Detox: Recharge, Revitalize and Replenish for Ultimate Energy and Health

Mar 05 by Ewcopywriting

Although some regions are still in the icy grips of winter, the days are slowly getting longer, signaling the start of a bright new season. Traditionally, spring is a time of new beginnings. Whether you are going strong on your New Year’s resolutions or adjusting your habits for other reasons this season, a spring detox can help you shed unwanted weight, restore gut health and boost your mood. Here we examine just a few benefits of engaging in some “spring cleaning” in preparation for the warmer months ahead.

Drop Unwanted Weight Naturally

By eating more naturally and reducing your dependency on processed foods, you will make it easier for your body to burn excess fat. Some natural foods actually contain compounds that help to speed up metabolism, which is the process of converting fat into energy. Additionally, certain constituents in some fruits and vegetables can actually affect the hormones that control appetite. By eating these types of foods, you will feel full for longer periods of time. In addition to eating healthier foods, you can also supplement your diet with a high-quality formula containing ingredients that help promote healthy weight maintenance for further benefits.

Green Tea

Green tea is recommended for a number of reasons. It’s especially helpful in promoting healthy cell growth. It also supports overall health because its antioxidant properties can protect against free radicals and oxidation in the body. It’s also a natural stimulant that supports healthy fat metabolism. Due to its diuretic actions, green tea also stimulates urine production, which means it can help alleviate bloating and excessive water retention.

African Mango and Bitter Orange

There is some research to suggest that African mango helps protect against the unhealthy production of fat cells. This can result in less fat storage around the waist. There is also evidence to suggest that African mango may help the symptoms of metabolic syndrome in people with diabetes.

Bitter orange is similar to African mango in that it promotes healthy metabolism, supporting efforts to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, a dietary supplement that provides bitter orange extract can also help to boost energy levels. Maintaining energy levels is vital for fostering the ambition and enthusiasm needed to stick to a regular exercise schedule, which is essential to better weight control.

Chromium

A chromium formula is one of the most potent supplements you can take, because it has one of the biggest effects when it comes to supporting healthy metabolism. In addition to metabolic benefits, chromium also helps the body build lean muscle faster, and promotes the utilization of stored fat in the body. As a result of these properties, chromium can contribute to healthy weight maintenance and the maintenance of lean muscle mass. Chromium also supports healthy blood sugar levels in the body.

Found primarily in brewer’s yeast, kidneys and mushrooms, chromium is somewhat difficult to come by in most western diets, which is why taking a chromium supplement is often preferable.

Revitalize Your Gut Microbiome

Your body is filled with bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes and, while these microorganisms may be harmful under other circumstances, when present in the proper balance they actually help the digestive system. They thrive in a community called the microbiome, which is located in the small and large intestine, the skin and throughout the body.

The microbiome is essentially an extra organ that helps the body maintain health in a variety of ways. A microbiome that’s operating efficiently can help you properly digest fiber, milk and other foods, manages how the immune system functions and even protects the health of the brain.

As you expose your digestive system to harmful foods, such as processed meats, refined sugar and unhealthy fats, the functioning of the microbiome is inhibited. Fortunately, changing your diet can help you to restore your microbiome to a healthier state. Here are just a few ways to restore your gut health for better overall health this spring.

Mix Up Your Plate

By eating a broad range of plant-based foods, you can introduce new types of bacteria into your microbiome. This will make the microbiome stronger, so it can function more efficiently. Fruit, legumes and beans are among the best foods for promoting a healthier microbiome.

Fermented Foods to Fight Disease

Kefir, yogurt and sauerkraut are the more widely known fermented foods, so these items may be easier to find in stores. Eating more of these foods will provide your microbiome with Lactobacilli, bacteria that help the gut rid itself of disease-causing agents.

Ditch the Artificial Sweeteners

If your purpose for drinking diet soft drinks is to lower your blood sugar levels, you’re only contributing to the problem. Sweeteners like aspartame promote the growth of enterobacteriaceae, harmful bacteria that boost glucose levels.

Add Prebiotic Foods or Supplements to Your Diet

Prebiotic foods promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the large intestine. Examples of prebiotic foods include bananas, asparagus, oats, artichokes and apples. Supplementing the diet with a formula that contains both prebiotics and probiotics (“friendly” bacteria that help balance the microbiome) is also a wonderful way to boost the health of your microbiome.

Boost Your Mood and Energy Levels With Vitamins and Minerals

In addition to helping you to maintain a healthy weight and improving your gut health, taking a high-quality daily vitamin and mineral supplement can also elevate your mood and give you a boost of energy. According to Dr. Bonnie Kaplan, daily vitamin supplements can boost mood and energy, especially for those suffering from mood disorders. In a study involving a group of 97 adults with mood disorders, Dr. Kaplan’s team served the subjects a higher dosage of vitamin supplements. The test subjects exhibited higher cognitive functioning as a result of the increase in nutrients.

While most of us maintain energy levels with unhealthy, artificial stimulants, this practice actually promotes an energy imbalance. By following up a spring detox with a healthier daily routine, you will create more sustainable energy levels. For instance, the energy provided by certain fruits and vegetables is regulated by the body, so the energy stays consistent throughout the day. Conversely, the energy derived from coffee, soft drinks and candy is released in one burst that results in a temporary high. That high is followed by a crash that leaves the individual feeling fatigued by mid-afternoon.

If you resolved to live healthier this year, but are feeling a bit defeated by holiday binges in the early half of the year, there’s still time. A little “spring cleaning” now and a decision to live healthier for the remainder of the year can help you improve your health and get in shape. While supplements won’t do it all for you, they can give you a needed boost, so you can achieve your nutrition and fitness goals much sooner.

3 Revolutionary Cancer Research Breakthroughs

Feb 09 by Ewcopywriting

The war against cancer is waging stronger than ever before as the race towards finding alternative treatments and hopefully a cure has become a lot more aggressive. Cancer research is moving faster than ever thanks to the diligent efforts of scientists and medical experts across the globe. As a result, cancer research breakthroughs are occurring at a rapid pace. Although much of this new research is still in the early stages, researchers are hopeful it will lead to revolutionary new treatments in the coming years.

Cancer Research Uncovers Potential Treatment That Uses Light

Many cancer studies are geared towards finding ways to treat this devastating condition. So far, the most popular form of treatment is chemotherapy, but it has its downside in relation to its effects on the human body. Luckily, more researchers are discovering other methods that are less harmful and could even be more effective.

Researchers from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom have recently discovered promising new information in a study now readily available in the online journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition. The results of their study suggest that light particles that activate a specific chemical compound of the metal iridium may be used to effectively kill off cancer cells. Once this concept is further developed, cancer patients could possibly undergo photodynamic therapy.

The therapy works when the light-activated metal attaches to a protein present in blood called albumin. To do this, the researchers behind the study created a special compound that allows iridium to attach itself with albumin. The new and improved iridium compound is a great photosensitizer. Once attached, this resulting compound will be capable of activating oxidizing components right at the heart of cancer cells. Since these are lethal oxygenic compounds, they can force a cell to self destruct. Researcher and study co-author Prof. Peter Sadler is amazed at how the process works.

Throughout the duration of the research, the results were tracked in real-time under the lens of a microscope. Since the compound created from iridium and albumin was phosphorescent, the resulting process was very easy to observe.

Although this new research is still in its earliest stages, the researchers are hopeful that the pre-clinical development of the new compound will be just as, if not more, successful. The next step in their research will be to conduct pre-clinical trials to see if this process is truly safe and effective when used against different cancers.

Study Finds Protein P53 Could Activate Certain Cancers

The body has its own defenses against cancer, but these are only activated under certain conditions. A protein called p53 — also dubbed as “the guardian of the genome” — helps promote the growth and proper health of cells. It induces apoptosis, essentially cell death, whenever it detects any form of cellular stress. When it comes to stopping cancer, p53’s process can help stop the formation of malignant tumors. As such, it is one of the body’s natural defenses against cancer. Because of the unique function of p53, certain cancer treatments have been designed to activate this protein in the body so that it works more efficiently.

However, a recent study from the University of California in San Diego discovered that certain mutations of the tumor suppressor protein p53 can actually boost the metabolism of cancer, causing tumors to grow faster. As per the researchers, p53 is one of the most frequently mutated proteins in human cancers. This cancer research breakthrough is vital, as the p53 protein was initially recognized solely as a protector against tumors. Using the results of the study, published in Cancer Cell, the researchers argue that drug makers should not focus solely on enhancing p53’s actions, as it could make the situation even worse.

Certain Nanoparticles That Are Believed to Fight Cancer Could Do the Opposite

Nanotechnology is one of the emerging fields leading the charge when it comes to cancer treatment. In cancer treatment, nanotechnology is commonly used in a treatment called nanotechnology chemotherapy. There are many forms of nanotechnology treatments when it comes to fighting cancer — but according to a new study, it seems like certain nanoparticles may in fact promote cancer growth.

Now, a study out of National University of Singapore and published in Nature Nanotechnology suggests that certain nanomaterials could help spread cancer cells. In this study, researchers examined various models of breast cancer in rodents. They found that in certain cases, nanoparticles widened the gap within a subject’s blood vessel cells, thus allowing cancer cells and other foreign materials to pass through more easily. The researches dubbed the odd phenomenon “nanomaterials-induced endothelial leakiness” or NanoEL for short. The researchers suggest that drug developers could use these findings to create more effective treatments for cancer and to avoid conditions from getting worse when nanotechnology is used.

These new cancer breakthroughs are still in their early stages, but their potential to further expand what we know about cancer is high. Hopefully, this new research will result in a better understanding of what we can do to prevent more cancer-related deaths. Moreover, these findings could also open the door for revolutionary and more effective treatment in the future.