research microplastics human health tissues

Microplastics Detected in Human Organ Tissues Linked to Lesions

Introduction to the Study and Its Significance

Researchers at Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, China, have undertaken a metadata analysis on microplastics in humans, identifying significant associations between MNP accumulation in damaged tissues and numerous health issues.

The Rising Concern of Plastic Pollution

Plastic production has risen dramatically from 1.5 million metric tons in the 1950s to approximately 390.7 million metric tons by 2021. This surge has led to a proliferation of microscopic plastic pollutants infiltrating soils, waterways, ecosystems, and even human tissues.

Challenges in Identifying and Quantifying MNPs

The absence of standardized methodologies for identifying and quantifying MNPs in human tissues presents a challenge. Robust data connecting MNPs to human diseases are essential for risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

A Deep Dive into the Research Work

In their work, "Mapping micro (nano) plastics in various organ systems: Their emerging links to human diseases?' published in TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, researchers analyzed 61 studies on MNP detection and 840 on their toxicological effects.

Methods Used for MNP Detection

The data were derived from spectroscopy, microscopy, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses to identify polymer types in tissues. Toxicological studies utilized cellular models and animal experiments to explore oxidative stress, inflammation, and signaling pathways.

Areas of the Human Body Affected by MNPs

MNPs Detected in Various Tissues

The research identified particles in various tissues, including skin, arteries, veins, thrombi, bone marrow, testes, semen, uterus and placenta, as well as across the digestive system, from saliva to feces, liver and gallstones.

MNP Presence in the Respiratory System

In the respiratory system, MNPs were prevalent, including in lung tissues, with microscopic fibers frequently found in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and sputum.

Health Implications and Disorders Linked to MNPs

Increased MNPs Correlated with Various Disorders

Correlations were identified linking increased particle abundance to disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, thrombosis, cervical cancer, and uterine fibroids.

Toxicological Findings and Organ-level Implications

Toxicological assessments indicated that MNPs may induce oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory reactions, and apoptosis across different cell types, with organ-level implications such as the potential onset of neurodegenerative diseases upon crossing the blood-brain barrier.

A Key Finding: MNPs and Lesions in Tissues

A key finding in the metadata analysis was that MNP concentrations were notably higher in tissues with lesions compared to those without. This included inflamed intestines, fibrotic lungs, and cancerous tissues, pointing to a possible connection between MNP accumulation and localized pathology.

The "Lesion or Microplastic" Paradox

An interesting paradox arises regarding the relationship between lesions and MNP concentrations: it remains unclear whether lesions develop as a result of higher MNP levels or if MNPs accumulate due to existing lesions.

An author's note: The traditional "chicken or egg" paradox has a straightforward solution, with eggs predating chickens by hundreds of millions of years. When refining the question to "what came first, the chicken or the chicken's egg?", it suggests that the first chicken came from an egg laid by a non-chicken bird. However, this question still requires refinement, as it raises the issue of whether the "chicken's egg" belongs to the fowl itself, to the chicken inside, or whether a chicken must be present to lay it.

Further Research Needed: Understanding the Cause-and-Effect Link

In the context of the "what came first, the lesion or the microplastic" question, it is a plausible that MNPs play a role in inflammation, oxidativ stress, and cellular damage, potentially leading to or exacerbating tissue lesions. Conversely, lesions in already damaged tissue could accumulate more MNPs. While the present findings do not establish a clear cause-and-effect link, they present promising avenues for further research.

The Challenge of Removing Microplastics from the Environment and Human Tissues

Currently, there are no established methods for eliminating microplastics, from the environment or human tissues. Although initiatives are in progress to find environmental mitigation solutions, addressing the diverse particle sizes and chemistries embedded in living tissues presents a formidable and potentially insurmountable challenge.

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"Microplastics are increasingly found in human tissues, posing potential health risks ranging from inflammation to cancer. Stay informed and join the conversation about the impact of microplastic pollution on human health. Explore the latest research and discover how this issue is affecting our world.

For more insights into how microplastics are influencing both human health and the environment, read more at:

• Human Health Issues Blog: Understanding the Impact of Microplastics on Health
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• Earth Day Harsh Reality: Environmental Consequences of Plastic Pollution

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lung imaging technology for transplant patients

New Lung Imaging Technique Reveals Real-Time Treatment Impact

Introduction to the New Lung Imaging Technology

The new lung imaging technology offers real-time visualization of treatment outcomes, allowing specialists to monitor transplanted lung activity effectively.

This advancement allows medical professionals to detect declines in lung function at an earlier stage.

Research and Development at Newcastle University

Visualizing Airflow Dynamics in Lung Disease

Researchers at Newcastle University, UK, have utilized the scanning method to visualize airflow dynamics during breathing in asthma, COPD, and lung transplant patients.

Detailed Use of Perfluoropropane Gas in MRI Scans

In two complementary papers in Radiology and JHLT Open, the team details their use of perfluoropropane gas, visible on MRI scans, which patients can safely inhale and exhale to monitor gas distribution in the lungs.

Key Contributions from Professor Pete Thelwall

Highlights of the Scanning Technology

The projects led by Professor Pete Thelwall, a Professor of Magnetic Resonance Physics and Director of the Center for In Vivo Imaging at Newcastle University.

He stated, "Our scans highlight areas of uneven ventilation in patients with lung disease and track improvements in lung function with treatment. For example, by scanning a patient after using asthma medication, we can assess which lung regions better support air exchange with each breath."

Applications of the Scanning Technique in Lung Disease

Identifying Poor Ventilation Areas in the Lungs

Through the new scanning method, the team can identify areas of the lung where air flow is inadequate during breathing. By assessing the extent of well-ventilated versus poorly ventilated lung regions, experts can evaluate the impact of a patient's respiratory condition and pinpoint areas with ventilation deficiencies.

Demonstrating Effectiveness in Asthma and COPD Patients

The team, consisting of experts from various universities and NHS Trusts in Newcastle and Sheffield, demonstrated the effectiveness of the scans in patients with asthma or COPD, publishing their findings in Radiology.

Measuring Treatment Impact on Lung Ventilation

The new scanning technique enables the team to measure the extent of ventilation improvement when patients are treated, such as with the widely used bronchodilator salbutamol, highlighting its potential value in clinical trials for lung disease treatments.

Video

The team utilizes the new scanning method to identify areas of the lung where airflow is insufficient during breathing. Credit: Newcastle University, UK.

Utilization in Lung Transplants

Study Focus on Lung Transplant Recipients

A subsequent study, published in JHLT Open, focused on patients who had previously undergone lung transplants for severe lung disease at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. It illustrates how the team enhanced the imaging method to provide lung function measurements, potentially improving support for lung transplant recipients in the future.

Early Detection of Lung Function Changes in Transplant Patients

The measurement's high sensitivity enables medical professionals to detect early shifts in lung function, facilitating the identification of lung issues sooner and improving patient care.

MRI Imaging for Transplant Patients

In their research, the team conducted lung scans on transplant reci pients over several breaths, ca pturing MRI images that reveal how the gas-laden air reaches various lung regions.

Chronic Rejection and Airflow Limitations

The team conducted scans on individuals with either healthy lung function or those facing chronic rejection after a lung transplant, a frequent complication in transplant recipients due to immune system attacks on the donor lungs.

In individuals with chronic rejection, the scans revealed reduced airflow to the lung's periphery, likely caused by damage to the tiny airways, a hallmark of chronic rejection, also referred to as chronic lung allograft dysfunction.

Expert Opinions on the Novel Scanning Technique

Professor Andrew Fisher, Professor of Respiratory Transplant Medicine at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle University, UK, and co-author of the study, stated, "We believe this novel scanning technique could enable us to detect changes in transplant lungs earlier, potentially before conventional tests show any sings of damage. This would facilitate earlier treatment and help prevent further harm to the transplanted lungs."

Future Potential of the Imaging Technique

The team believes this scanning technique has the potential to play a crucial role in the clinical management of lung transplant recipients and other lung diseases in the future, offering a highly sensitive measure that could detect early changes in lung function for improved management.

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nanoplastics and microplastics in tea bags

Study Reveals Commercial Tea Bags Release Millions of Microplastics Into Human Cells

Introduction to the Issue of Microplastic Contamination

Researchers at UAB have thoroughly investigated the release of nanoplastics and microplastics from polymer-based tea bags during infusion. The study is the first to demonstrate these particles' ability to penetrate human intestinal cells, potentially entering the bloodstream and dispersing throughout the body.

Plastic Waste and Its Environmental Impact

Plastic Waste pollution poses a significant environmental threat with far-reaching consequences for the health and welfare of future generations. A primary contributor, food packaging, introduces micro-and nanoplastics (MNPLs) into the environment, with human exposure occurring predominantly through inhalation and ingestion.

UAB's Groundbreaking Study on Tea Bag Contamination

The Mutagenesis Group at UAB's Deparment of Genetics and Microbiology has conducted a successful study, obtaining and characterizing micro-and nanoplastics from various commercially available tea bags. The findings are published in the journal Chemosphere.

Tea Bags as a Source of Microplastics

UAB researchers found that when these tea bags are steeped, they release significant quantities of nano-sized particles and nanofilamentous structures, serving as a key source of exposure to micro-and nanoplastics (MNPLs).

Composition of the Tea Bags Studied

The tea bags used in the study were composed of nylon-6, polypropylene, and cellulose polymers. The research reveals that polypropylene releases roughly 1.2 billion particles per milliliter, averaging 136.7 nanometers in size; cellulose releases around 135 million particles per milliliter, averaging 244 nanometers; and nylon-6 releases 8.18 million particles per milliliter, with an average size of 138.4 nanometers.

Advanced Analytical Techniques Used in the Study

A range of advanced analytical techniques, including:

• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
• Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR)
• Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)
• Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV)
• Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA)

Were employed to characterize the various particles present in the infusion.

Key Insights from the Analytical Methods

"We have successfully employed a range of advanced techniques to characterize these pollutants, providing a crucial tool to further research into their potential effects on human health," stated UAB researchers Alba Garcia.

First Detection of Microplastics Interactions with Human Cells

For the first time, the particles were stained and exposed to various human intestinal cell types to evaluate their interaction and potential cellular internalization.

Biological Interaction and Internalization

The biological interaction tests revealed that mucus-producing intestinal cells exhibited the highest uptake of micro-and nanoplastics, with the particles even entering the cell nucleus, which contains the genetic material.

The Role of Intestinal Mucus in Particle Uptake

The findings indicate that intestinal mucus plays a crucial role in the uptake of these pollutant particles, highlighting the importance of further research into the long-term health effects of chronic exposure.

The Need for Standardized Testing and Regulatory Measures

"It is essential to establish standardized testing methods to evaluate MNPLs contamination released from  plastic food-contact materials and to develop regulatory policies that effectively address and reduce this contamination. With the growing use of plastics in food packaging, it is crucial to tackle MNPLs contamination to safeguard food safety and public health," the researchers emphasized.

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japanese science tooth regrowth drug trials

Japanese Science Brings Hope for Tooth Loss with Regrowth Drug Trails

Introduction to Tooth Regrowth Trails

Japanese dental researchers are testing an innovative drug that could enable individuals with missing teeth to regrow them, potentially replacing dentures and implants.

The Science Behind Tooth Regrowth

Unlike fish and reptiles that routinely regenerate their fangs, humans and the majority of mammals are typically limited to just two sets of teeth during their lifetime.

The Discovery of Dormant Teeth Buds

Beneath our gums lie dormant buds of a third set of teeth, according to Katsu Takahashi, head of oral surgery at the Medical Research Institute Kitano Hospital in Osaka.

Clinical Trials Begin

His team began clinical trials in October at Kyoto University Hospital, delivering an experimental treatment to adults designed to stimulate the emergence of hidden teeth.

The Potential of Tooth Regeneration Technology

Speaking with AFP, Takahashi referred to the technology as 'absolutely new' on an international level.

Prosthetic Treatments vs. Regeneration

Treatments involving prosthetics for teeth lost due to decay, disease or injury are frequently regarded as expensive and intrusive.

"There are clear benefits to restoring natural teeth," remarked Takahashi, the lead researcher for the project.

Encouraging Results from Animal Studies

Experiments on mice and ferrets indicate that inhibiting a protein known as USAG-1 can activate the third set of teeth, with researchers sharing lab images of regrown teeth in animals.

The Potential for Human Applications

According to a study published last year, the researchers claimed their "antibody-based treatment in mice is effective for tooth regeneration and may transform the management of human tooth anomalies."

Addressing a Growing Need for Tooth Regeneration

A Focus on Hereditary Tooth Loss

Currently, dentists are focusing on addressing the urgent needs of patients who have been missing six or more permanent teeth since birth.

The hereditary condition is believed to impact approximately 0.1 percent of individuals, causing significant difficulty in chewing.

The Impact of the Disorder in Japan

In Japan, many affected people spend much of their adolescence wearing face masks to conceal the noticeable gaps in their teeth, according to Takahashi.

He added that this drug could revolutionize their treatment.

Expanding the Scope of Research

The Primary Target: Children

The primary target for this drug is children, and the researchers are working toward making it available as soon as 2030.

International Collaboration and Recognition

Angrav Kang, a dentistry professor at Queen Mary University of London, is aware of just one other team working toward the same goal of using antibodies to regenerate or repair teeth.

The immunotechnology expert, who is not affiliated with the Japanese research, told AFP, "I would argue that the Takahashi group is at the forefront of this field."

Expert Opinions on the Progress

Perspectives from Immunotechnology Experts

Kang remarked that Takahashi's research is 'exciting and worth pursuing.' partly because an antibody drug targeting a protein similar to USAG-1 is already in use for osteoporosis treatment.

A Long Road Ahead

He explained that the effort to regenerate human teeth is not a quick race, but rather a series of consecutive ultra-marathons.

"This is Just the Beginning"

The Challenges and Potential of Tooth Regeneration

Radical Ideas on Latent Tooth Buds

Chengfei Zhang, a clinical  professor in endodontics at the University of Hong Kong, described Takahashi's method as "innovative and full of potential."

He told AFP that the theory of latent tooth buds in humans, capable of producing a third set of teeth, is both a radical and contentious proposition.

He cautioned that findings in animals do not always correlate directly with human outcomes.

Animal vs. Human Outcomes

Zhang added that the animal experiment results raise doubts about whether regenerated teeth could effectively and aesthetically replace lost teeth.

"Over the Moon"

Takahashi confidently asserts that while the exact position of a new tooth may not be precisely determined, its location in the mouth can be influenced by the drug injection site.

He explained that in the event the tooth grows in the wrong spot, it can be shifted via orthodontic treatment or transplanted.

Updates on the Clinical Trial

The Focus on Drug Safety

The initial clinical trial does not include young patients with the congenital disorder, as the primary focus is on assessing the drug's safety rather than its effectiveness.

Participants and Goals

At this stage, the participants are healthy adults who have lost at least one of their natural teeth.

While tooth regeneration is not the main objective of the trial, Takahashi mentioned that there remains a small chance it could happen in the subjects.

What Success Could Mean for the Future

A Medical Achievement

If this occurs, the researchers will have demonstrated the drug's effectiveness for individuals with acquired tooth loss, marking a significant medical achievement.

Takahashi's Vision for the Future

Takahashi conveyed his excitement, stating, "I would be elated if that outcome is achieved."

The Broader Impact for Japan

Japan's Aging Population and Dental Health

This could be especially encouraging for Japan, which has the second-oldest population globally.

According to data from the health ministry, over 90% of individuals aged 75 and above in Japan are missing at least one tooth.

Improving Life Expectancy

Takahashi expressed optimism, stating that there are strong expectations for the technology to directly enhance their healthy life expectancy.

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Industry-Funded Research Suggests Coffee Offers Anti-Aging Benefits

Introduction: The Link Between Coffee and Longevity

Researchers at the CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology in Portugal have found that moderate daily coffee consumption—three cups per day—can significantly extend lifespan and improve overall health by decreasing the risk of major age-related diseases.

Evolving Perceptions of Coffee Consumption

Over the past few decades, the perception of coffee consumption has evolved from being considered potentially harmful to potentially beneficial. Research into the mechanisms by which coffee's key compounds, such as caffeine and chlorogenic acids, affect biological processes has revealed their roles in promoting alertness and exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, their potential impact on aging remains unclear.

The Complexity of Coffee's Bioactive Compounds

Coffee is a complex blend of thousands of potentially bioactive compounds, beyond just its primary ingredients. However, due to the limited research on most of these substances, it remains difficult to pinpoint the precise impact of individual components on human health.

The Importance of Large Population Studies on Coffee Consumption

As the most widely consumed beverage in the world after water, large populations studies on coffee consumption can offer valuable insights into its overall impact on human health.

Study Overview: The Impact of Coffee Intake on Human Aging

The study, titled "Impact of Coffee Intake on Human Aging: Epidemiology and Cellular Mechanisms," published in Ageing Research Reviews, analyzed over 50 epidemiological studies from diverse regions and ethnic groups. The researchers examined patterns of coffee consumption and its correlation with mortality rates, healthspan indicators, and various disease metrics within a combined cohort of nearly 3 million individuals.

Key Findings: Coffee's Health Benefits and Longevity

The results suggest that moderate, regular coffee consumption not only promotes longevity but also improves the quality of those extra years by lowering the risk of major age-related diseases and supporting overall health.

Health Benefits of Regular Coffee Consumption

Reduced Risk of Age-Related Diseases

Moderate and consistent coffee consumption was associated with a 17% reduction in all-cause mortality, a lower incidence of age-related diseases, and an increase in healthy lifespan by approximately 1.8 years.

Improved Cognitive and Physical Health

Regular coffee consumption was linked to reduced functional decline in aging, helping to alleviate memory loss, improve mood, and enhance physical condition. The analysis also identified consistent associations between moderate coffee intake and a reduced risk of major causes of mortality, including cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, cancer, and respiratory diseases.

Statistical Significance and Study Reliability

The current review, with a cohort of nearly 3 million participants, carries substantial statistical weight, enhancing the reliability of the observed links between coffee consumption and a reduction in mortality from major causes.

Rethinking Caffeine: A "Normalizer" for Physiological Systems

The study's authors propose a novel view of caffeine, characterizing it as a "normalizer" that stabilizes physiological systems, rather than simply acting as a psychostimulant. This shift in perspective could redefine the way coffee is understood, researched, and consumed, expanding its role from a stimulant to a broader tool for health o ptimization.

Coffee Industry Funding and Potential Bias

The study received funding from several coffee industry leaders, including illycaffè, JDE Peet's, Lavazza, Nestlè, Paulig and Tchibo, through their joint non-profit organization, the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC).

The Role of ISIC in Ensuring Scientific Integrity

Although the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) prioritizes scientific integrity and partners with respected institutions to ensure research credibility, the exclusive involvement of coffee industry stakeholders may understandably raise concerns about potential selection bias favoring positive outcomes.

Socioeconomic and Health Considerations for Coffee Consumption

According to the current review, the positive health outcomes associated with drinking three cups of coffee daily could be influenced by the enhanced well-being that comes from an individual's social or economic standing.

Exclusion of Individuals with Certain Medical Conditions

Alternatively, individuals with medical conditions or diseases that mortality risk may refrain from moderate coffee consumption. For instance, studies examining the effects of moderate coffee intake often exclude participants with hypertension, arrhythmias, heart disease, anxiety, sleep disorders, or digestive issues.

Conclusion: Coffee as a Widely Consumed Health Beverage

As noted earlier, coffee is the most widely consumed beverage globally, second only to water, making any study linking health benefits to coffee particularly reassuring for those of us enjoying our third cup.

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Study Links Dietary Fructose to Accelerated Tumor Growth

The Impact of Fructose on Tumor Growth

Over the past 50 years, fructose intake has risen significantly, primarily due to the prevalent incorporation of high-fructose corn syrup as a sweetener in drinks and processed food products.

Recent research conducted by Washington University in St. Louis that dietary fructose enhances tumor growth in animal models of melanoma, breast cancer, and cervical cancer. Nevertheless, the study, published on December 4 in Nature, indicates that fructose does not directly fuel tumors.

Mechanisms Behind Tumor Growth Acceleration

WashU scientists determined that the liver metabolizes fructose into nutrients accessible to cancer cells, a discovery that may pave the way for innovative cancer care and treatment strategies.

• "The concept of addressing cancer through dietary interventions is fascinating," remarked Gary Patti, Michael and Tana Powell Professor of Chemistry and professor of genetics and medicine at WashU.

"We typically think of tumors, consuming dietary nutrients directly," Patti remarked. "In reality, human metabolism is complex, with healthy tissues processing intake metabolites that tumors can utilize."

• "We initially hypothesized that tumor cells would metabolize fructose in the same manner as glucose, incorporating its atoms into new cellular structures like DNA. To our surprise, fructose was scarcely metabolized in the tumor types we examined," said Ronald Fowle-Grider, the study's lead author and a postdoctoral fellow in Patti's lab.

The Role of the Liver in Fructose Metabolism

It became evident that tumor cells alone do not provide the full picture. The liver plays an equally crucial role by converting fructose into nutrients that tumors can utilize.

Using metabolomics to trace molecular pathways, the study identified increased circulating liquids—driven by high fructose consumption—as a key factor in tumor growth, supplying critical cell membrane components.

• According to Patti, "We analyzed diverse cancers across multiple tissue types, consistently observing the same biological mechanism at play."

The High-Fructose Corn Syrup Era

Fructose's Journey in the American Diet

It has been widely acknowledged by scientists that cancer cells exhibit a high preference for glucose, the body's primary energy-yielding carbohydrate.

Fructose and glucose are chemically alike, yet glucose is metabolized across various tissues, whereas fructose is primarily handled by the liver and small intestine.

Both glucose and fructose are naturally occurring in a range of foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy. They are also commonly added to processed foods as sweeteners. Fructose, in particular, has become widespread in the American diet over recent decades, thanks to its sweeter taste compared to glucose.

Before the 1960s, the average consumption of fructose was minimal compared to current levels. Around a century ago, an individual typically consumed only 5—10 pounds of fructose annually—equivalent to the weight of about a gallon of milk.

• "Examining the contents of your pantry for items containing high-fructose corn syrup—the most prevalent type of fructose—can be quite surprising," noted Patti, a researcher at the Siteman Cancer Center and the Center for Human Nutrition at WashU Medicine.

"High-fructose corn syrup is present in almost all foods. It's not limited to just sweets like candy and cake; even items like pasta sauce, salad dressing, and ketchup, contain it," he stated. "Unless you make a conscious effort to avoid it, it's likely a part of your diet."

Cancer's Desire for Fructose

How Fructose Accelerates Tumor Growth

With dietary fructose consumption surging in recent decades, researchers at WashU aimed to explore its im pact on tumor growth.

Patti and Fowle-Grider initiated their study by administering a fructose-rich diet to animals with tumors and tracking tumor growth rates. They discovered that fructose intake accelerated tumor growth without im pacting body weight, fasting glucose, or insulin levels.

• "We were astonished by the significant effect it had. In certain instances, the tumor growth rate. doubled or more," said Patti. "Consuming high amounts of fructose clearly accelerated the progression of these tumors."

The Liver's Role in Providing Tumor Nutrients

The next phase of their experiments posed a challenge. When Fowle-Grider tried to replicate this test by introducing fructose to isolated cancer cells in a dish, the cells did not react. "In most instances, their growth was nearly as slow as when no sugar was provided," Patti said.

Patti and Fowle-Grider then returned to examining changes in small molecules within the blood of animals on high-fructose diets. By employing metabolomics, they detected higher levels of various lipid types, including lysophatidylcholines (LPCs). Further tests in culture dishes revealed that liver cells exposed to fructose release LPCs.

Fructose as a Source of Nutrients for Tumors

Patti explained that while cancer cells lack the biochemical machinery to process fructose for nourishment, liver cells are equipped with it. This enables them to convert fructose into LPCs and secrete them to feed tumors.

Cancers is marked by the unregulated growth of malignant cells. For each cell division, replication of its components, including membranes, which demands a significant supply of lipids. Although lipids can be created de novo, cancer cells often find it more efficient to absorb them from their environment.

In recent years, it has become evident that a significant number of cancer cells prefer to absorb lipids rather than synthesize them, according to Patti. "The challenge lies in the fact that most lipids are not soluble in blood and need intricate transport systems. LPCs, however, are distinct in that they could be the most efficient means to support tumor growth," she added.

Opting Out of Fructose

Potential Health Implications and Future Directions

Notably, as human fructose intake has risen over the past decades, the incidence of certain cancers in individuals under 50 has also increased, prompting questions about a potential connection.

With backing from Cancer Grand Challenges, Patti collaborated with Yin Cao at WashU Medicine and other researchers globally, none of whom participated in this particular study, to explore potential links.

• "Understanding the impact of dietary fructose on cancer rates is promising. Nonetheless, a major conclusion from this study is that individuals with cancer should consider reducing their fructose consumption, which, unfortunately, is not simple," Patti remarked.

New Avenues for Cancer Treatment

In addition to dietary changes, the researchers noted that this study could pave the way for developing therapeutic drugs to prevent fructose from stimulating tumor growth.

• "One takeaway from these findings is that treatment options shouldn't be confined to therapies targeting cancerous cells alone," Patti explained. "Instead, we could explore targeting the metabolism of healthy cells as a strategy for cancer treatment. This approach proved effective in our mouse model, and we aim to translate these insights to benefit patients."

The researchers are collaborating with clinical partners at WashU Medicine to investigate a clinical trial focused on the impact of dietary fructose.

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