When we thought of lung cancer risk, the first thing that comes to our mind is smoking and then air pollution. Time and again studies are being conducted. The researchers have found in a recent study that there is an intriguing link between lung cancer and the quality of our diet. The researchers from the University of Florida and the University of Kentucky have found a strong connection between diet and lung cancer.
According to the researchers, the molecule glycogen could be responsible for some types of lung cancer. Glycogen stores the simple sugar glucose and it was found at higher levels in human tissue samples of lung adenocarcinoma. Glycogen comes from the carbohydrates we consume and is an important fuel reserve in our muscles so as to utilize it while exercising. Thus, it is responsible for storing glucose that is not required immediately. The team found that more glycogen helped lung cancers to grow faster in mice. On the other hand, when glycogen was not given, it led to restricted tumor growth. This study utilizes a technique called spatial metabolomics. This allows researchers to identify specific small molecule characteristics. The mice were fed high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet and found much higher levels of lung cancer growth in comparison to mice fed with control diets.
Molecular biologist Ramon Sun, from the University of Florida, said, “This platform offered a new lens through which to visualize diseases, enabling researchers to discern previously undiscovered molecular patterns and interactions with striking detail and depth of insight.” The team found that glycogen could act as a sweet treat for cancer cells and thus, fuel it to grow fast. More research is required to be done to confirm a link between diet and lung cancer in humans.
The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only. You should always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical needs.
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