13
Nov 2018
Link to obesity and cancer through fat-congested cells
Scientists from Trinity College Dublin have discovered an explanation as to why obese people are more likely to develop cancer.
The team found that a type of cell which is used by the body to destroy cancerous tissue gets congested by fat, stopping it from working effectively.
Currently more than one in 20 cancer cases (nearly 23,000 each year in the UK) are caused by excess body weight.
It has long been suspected that fat sends signals to the body that could increase the number of cancer cells and that could damage cells, leading to cancer.
It has now been shown by the scientists involved in the research how the body’s cancer-fighting cells get congested by fat. It is hoped that this discovery will lead to the detection of drug treatments that could restore these cells’ fighting abilities.
Professor Lydia Lynch of the study, said “A compound that can block the fat uptake by natural killer cells might help.
“We tried it in the lab and found it allowed them to kill again.
“But arguably a better way would be to lose some weight – because that is healthier for you anyway.
Cancer Research UK’s Dr Leo Carlin, said “Although we know that obesity increases the risk of 13 different types of cancer, we still don’t fully understand the mechanisms underlying the link.
“This study reveals how fat molecules prevent immune cells from properly positioning their tumour-killing machinery, and provides new avenues to investigate treatment.
“A lot of research focuses on how tumours grow in order to find metabolic targets to stop them, so this is a reminder that we should consider the metabolism of immune cells too.”
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Posted by Karen Motley, Paralegal, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (karenmotley@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
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