Researchers investigate why obesity can trigger bowel cancer

ConclusionThis was an experimental animal study aiming to explore the possible biological mechanism by which obesity may be associated with the development of bowel cancer. The findings suggest it may be down to silencing a particular receptor – GUCY2C – located on the cells lining the bowel. The study found that excessive consumption of fat or carbohydrate in mice was associated with loss of the guanylin hormone responsible for turning on the GUCY2C receptor. Silencing this receptor led to tumour development. Further study confirmed this by showing that using a drug to increase production of guanylin reversed the effects of the high-calorie diet and prevented the mice developing tumours.The findings of this study are of interest and further our understanding of a possible mechanism by which obesity and high-calorie diets may be associated with the development of bowel cancer. However, caution should be taken in transferring these results to people, as we are not biologically identical to mice. It is also not possible to say at this stage whether, as the researchers suggest, providing a drug that activates the GUCY2C receptor could be effective in the treatment of bowel cancer in humans. However, the study does provide a route for further research in the area. Looking at the anti-constipation drug linaclotide, known to increase the production of guanylin, would seem an obvious first step.  Links To The Headlines How overeating gives you CANCER: Excess calories 'turn of...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Cancer Food/diet Obesity Source Type: news