2 popular foods increase the risk of aggressive cancer

The American Institute of Cancer Research (American Institute for Cancer Research) also insists that a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and other plant -based foods can reduce the risk of many cancers.

But a new study has found that two popular foods are actually contributing to the growth of an aggressive form of breast cancer.

A research result published on April 1 shows that animal products, including pork and eggs, specifically promote the growth of the severely treatable subtype ‘triple-negative’ breast cancer. It shows a preclinical study led by researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine.

Linoleic acid, which is a special form of omega-6 fatty acid, which is found in plant oils such as soy and saffle oil, also plays a role.

« The discovery helps to clarify the relationship between dietary fat and cancer, » said the study’s lead author, Dr. John Blenis, according to the media Daily Record.

« It also sheds light on how to identify which patients can have the greatest benefit of specific nutrition recommendations in a personal way. »

In a mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer, a diet with high content of linoleic acid increased the growth of tumors. Omega-6 linoleic acid is a dietary nutrient that is considered essential to mammals as it supports several bodily functions.

However, the amount of this fatty acid in ‘Western’ dietary forms has increased significantly since the 1950s, which coincides with the increased use of plant oils in fryer and ultra -processed food.

This has given rise to concern that excessive intake of omega-6 fatty acids may be an explanation of rising occurrences of certain diseases, including breast cancer.

To clarify this context, the researchers examined breast cancer, which has previously been linked to overweight. They focused on the ability of omega-6 fatty acids, including in particular linoleic acid, which is dominant in the Western diet, to activate an important growth road called MTORC1.

A central discovery was that linoleic acid actually activates MTORC1 in cell and animal models of breast cancer- but only in triple-negative subtypes. Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive type of cancer where the cancer cells lack estrogen and progesterone receptors and do not overproduce the HER2 protein.

The researchers discovered that this subtype-specific effect is happening because the polyunsaturated fatty acid forms a complex with the protein FABP5, which is produced at high levels of triple-negative tumors, but not in other subtypes.

This leads to the collection and activation of MTORC1, which is an important regulator of cell metabolism and cancer cell growth, says Daily Record.

However, there is also good news. The results can act as a ‘biomarker’ that can guide more personal nutrition and treatment strategies for patients with triple-negative breast cancer, which today lacks targeted treatments.

The same foods can also promote the growth of certain forms of prostate cancer, added the researchers – as well as play a role in common chronic diseases such as overweight and diabetes.