2 weeks Ago By George Citroner
Researchers tested the effects of glycogen in mice and humans. Researchers increased glycogen levels in mice through dietary changes and gene modification. This dual approach allowed them to examine the effects of glycogen from different angles.
The mice were fed different types of diets to see how they affected their bodies. The diets included water (as a control), high-fructose corn syrup (a type of sugar), corn oil (a fat), and a mix of high-fructose corn syrup and corn oil. While both corn oil and high-fructose corn syrup increased glycogen levels in the lungs, after two weeks, the mice receiving the mixed diet (high-fructose corn syrup + corn oil) had much higher glycogen levels and longer glycogen chains in their lungs.
Both of which was linked to more aggressive lung tumors when the mice were induced to have LUAD. These findings indicated that “higher glycogen promotes increased tumour progression,” the researchers wrote. In parallel with the dietary models, the team also used genetic mouse models predisposed to accumulate glycogen in the lungs.
By disabling the enzyme responsible for glycogen production, they found that tumors grew much smaller and were less aggressive. This suggests that targeting glycogen production could be a potential strategy for treating LUAD. The findings suggest that heightened levels of glycogen are linked with increased tumor aggressiveness and poorer survival rates among patients.
When the body is constantly filled with insulin or insulin-like growth factors from intake of sugars, it will develop an environment where abnormal cell growth is more likely to happen, Tobby noted. “This is a major aspect of how cancers can develop.” Tobby added that people should also be aware that blood sugar surges from eating these foods also contribute to oxidative stress.
“This is a condition where harmful chemicals known as free radicals develop and attack healthy cells, triggering mutations which result in cancer.” Limiting added sugar, if not avoiding it completely, is the best way to reduce cancer risk, Catherine Gervacio, registered dietitian and certified exercise nutrition coach, told The Epoch Times. “We need more research to fully understand the relationship between high-GI foods and cancer,” she said.
“So focus on a balanced diet to ensure you’re body is getting the right nutrients to reduce cancer risk.”.
