A chemical linked to unhealthy diets or uncontrolled diabetes may increase cancer risk over time, a new study finds; New data reveals a new pathway of tumor development.

Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have discovered new information that may shed light on the link between cancer risk and unhealthy diets and other common diseases linked to poor nutrition, such as diabetes. The results obtained are also promising for the development of cancer prevention strategies that promote healthy aging.

This groundbreaking research, led by Professor Ashok Venkitaraman, was carried out by scientists from the Singapore Cancer Institute (CSI Singapore) at NUS and the NUS Cancer Research Center (N2CR) led by Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. Our colleagues from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A* STAR).

Professor Venkitaraman, Director of CSI Singapore, explained: “Cancer results from the interaction between our genes and environmental factors such as diet, exercise and pollution. “It is not yet fully understood how these environmental factors increase the risk of cancer, but understanding the connection is important if we are to take preventive measures to help us stay healthy longer.”

A chemical linked to diabetes, obesity and poor diet may increase cancer risk

The research team first examined patients who were at increased risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer because they inherited a faulty copy of the cancer gene (BRCA2) from their parents. They showed that the cells of such patients were particularly sensitive to the effects of methylglyoxal, a chemical produced when our cells break down glucose to produce energy. Studies have shown that this chemical can cause defects in our DNA, which are early signs of cancer.

The team’s study also suggested that people who do not inherit a defective copy of BRCA2 but have higher-than-normal levels of methylglyoxal (such as people with diabetes or pre-diabetes associated with obesity or poor nutrition) may accumulate similar stimulations. Signs that indicate a high risk of developing cancer.

Professor Venkitaraman explained: “Our study shows that patients with high levels of methylglyoxal may have a higher risk of cancer. Methylglyoxal can be easily detected with a blood test for HbA1C, which can potentially be used as a marker. In addition, high methylglyoxal levels are often associated with medication therapy and proper nutrition.” “It can be controlled with cancer, which creates opportunities for preventive measures against the onset of cancer.”

The study’s first author is Dr. Lee Kuan Yew research fellow at N2CR. Lee Ren Kong added: “We began the study to understand what factors increased the risk of cancer in families, but eventually discovered a deeper mechanism underlying cancer risk, such as energy consumption, which contributes to the development of cancer. These findings raise awareness about the impact of diet and weight control on cancer risk management.” increases.”

A new mechanism of tumor formation

Interestingly, the research team also revised a long-standing theory that certain genes prevent cancer. This theory, called Knudson’s two-hit paradigm, was first formulated in 1971 and suggested that these genes must be permanently inactivated in our cells before cancer occurs. The NUS team has now found that methylglyoxal can temporarily inactivate such anti-cancer genes; This suggests that repeated periods of poor nutrition or uncontrolled diabetes can “accumulate” over time and increase the risk of cancer. This new information is likely to change the direction of future research in this area.

The team’s key findings were published on: CellOn April 11, 2024, one of the most influential scientific journals in the field of biomedical research.

The next stage of research

Based on their new findings, the researchers aim to conduct further studies in Singapore and other Asian countries to understand whether metabolic disorders such as diabetes or poor nutrition affect cancer risk.

The research team also hopes to uncover new mechanisms underlying the relationship between metabolism, nutrition and cancer in order to develop more effective approaches to prevent or delay the onset of cancer.