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Cancer Alert: Insidious Chemical Linked to Increased Prostate Cancer Risk

The AHA! Team — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:11:33 +0000

Patrick Tims via NaturalHealth365 – Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. More than 299,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in 2024 alone. A new study published in Nutrients reveals environmental endocrine disruptors, including BPA (Bisphenol A) chemicals, are tied to a heightened risk of prostate cancer. Elevated BPA levels have a causal relationship with a higher incidence of prostate cancer The study found that higher exposure to BPA chemicals in men was associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Researchers utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 2003 and 2012 and analyzed several factors, including BPA levels, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration, medical history, and sociodemographic information. Sociodemographic data considered in the study included: Body mass index (BMI) Poverty income ratio (PIR) Race and ethnicity Smoking status Cholesterol levels Statistical analysis revealed a positive correlation between BPA exposure and prostate cancer risk. This is likely due to BPA’s interaction with estrogen receptor-α, a hormone expressed in the prostate gland, which may play a role in the development of prostate cancer. Defining prostate cancer risk through quantification According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a PSA level of 4 ng/mL is considered a threshold for prostate cancer risk. Levels below 4 ng/mL are associated with low cancer risk, while readings above 4 ng/mL indicate a higher risk. From the nearly 54,000 participants in NHANES, 2,738 men met the study’s inclusion criteria. The analysis identified a correlation between PSA and BPA levels, showing that for each unit increase in BPA concentration, there was a 2.760 ng/mL rise in PSA. Further data showed that men classified as high-risk for prostate cancer had a 42.5% to 72% increased likelihood of developing the disease with each additional unit of BPA concentration. A single unit increase in urinary BPA levels corresponded to a 2.760 ng/mL spike in PSA, reinforcing the connection between BPA exposure and elevated PSA levels, which may lead to the development of prostate cancer. Additional analysis of a subgroup revealed that individuals aged 75 and older had an even higher risk. Those with hypertension also showed an increased risk of prostate cancer, which escalated alongside rising BPA concentrations. The positive association between BPA and PSA levels has a key cutoff point Research has identified a significant inflection point in the relationship between BPA concentration and PSA levels at 4.46 ng/mL. The positive correlation between BPA exposure and PSA levels is notably stronger at this specific threshold, particularly in older American males. This cutoff point marks a critical value where the risk of elevated PSA, and potentially prostate cancer, becomes more pronounced with increasing BPA levels. This finding is important because previous studies may have overlooked such specific benchmarks. Medical professionals will likely adopt the 4.46 ng/mL cutoff as a valuable reference for prostate cancer screenings. This could improve early detection, especially as BPA exposure becomes a recognized factor in prostate cancer risk. Solutions to reduce your BPA exposure BPA (Bisphenol A) is widely present in many everyday products, making it impossible to avoid them completely. However, there are effective ways to significantly reduce your exposure to this harmful chemical, particularly for men concerned about the link between BPA and prostate health. 1. Minimize plastic use Reduce or eliminate your use of plastic products, especially those that come into contact with food. BPA is commonly found in plastic containers, water bottles, and packaging materials. Opt for BPA-free or non-plastic alternatives such as glass, stainless steel, or ceramic. 2. Transfer food to non-plastic containers After shopping, transfer foods from plastic or canned packaging into non-plastic containers. Cans often have BPA in their lining, so moving food to safer storage options, like glass containers, reduces potential BPA leaching. 3. Avoid heating food in plastic Never microwave or heat up a food in plastic containers, as heat can cause BPA to leach into the food. Instead, use alternative containers like glass or ceramic. Plus, as a ‘side note,’ don’t use a microwave – which damages the quality of your food. 4. Limit canned foods BPA is often used in the lining of canned foods, so try to reduce the consumption of canned goods. Choose fresh or frozen foods whenever possible, and look for brands with BPA-free packaging. 5. Use BPA-free water bottles and tableware Replace plastic water bottles with BPA-free versions, or use stainless steel or glass bottles. Similarly, switch to BPA-free plates and utensils to further limit exposure. 6. Say no to sales receipts Many thermal paper receipts contain BPA, which can be absorbed through the skin. If possible, decline printed receipts or use digital receipts as an alternative. 7. Be mindful of other sources BPA is also found in protective eyewear, dental sealants, and personal care products. Be conscious of the materials you come into contact with and seek BPA-free alternatives where applicable. By following these steps, you can significantly reduce your exposure to BPA and minimize the health risks associated with these endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Sources for this article include: MDPI.com News-medical.net Zerocancer.org To read the original article click here.

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Study Solves Testosterone’s Paradoxical Effects in Prostate Cancer

The AHA! Team — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 08:33:27 +0000

Duke Health – A treatment paradox has recently come to light in prostate cancer: Blocking testosterone production halts tumor growth in early disease, while elevating the hormone can delay disease progression in patients whose disease has advanced. The inability to understand how different levels of the same hormone can drive different effects in prostate tumors has been an impediment to the development of new therapeutics that exploit this biology. Now, a Duke Cancer Institute-led study, performed in the laboratory of Donald McDonnell, Ph.D. and appearing this week in Nature Communications, provides the needed answers to this puzzle. The researchers found that prostate cancer cells are hardwired with a system that allows them to proliferate when the levels of testosterone are very low. But when hormone levels are elevated to resemble those present in the normal prostate, the cancer cells differentiate. “For decades, the goal of endocrine therapy in prostate cancer has been to achieve absolute inhibition of androgen receptor function, the protein that senses testosterone levels,” said lead investigator Rachid Safi, Ph.D., research assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, at Duke University School of Medicine. “It’s been a highly effective strategy, leading to substantial improvements in overall survival,” he said. “Unfortunately, most patients with advanced, metastatic disease who are treated with drugs to inhibit androgen signaling will progress to an aggressive form of the disease for which there are limited therapeutic options.” Using a combination of genetic, biochemical, and chemical approaches, the research team defined the mechanisms that enable prostate cancer cells to recognize and respond differently to varying levels of testosterone, the most common androgenic hormone. It turned out to be rather simple. When androgen levels are low, the androgen receptor is encouraged to “go solo” in the cell. In doing so, it activates the pathways that cause cancer cells to grow and spread. However, as androgens rise, the androgen receptors are forced to “hang out as a couple,” creating a form of the receptor that halts tumor growth. “Nature has designed a system where low doses of hormones stimulate cancer cell proliferation and high doses cause differentiation and suppress growth, enabling the same hormone to perform diverse functions,” McDonnell said. In recent years, clinicians have begun treating patients with late-stage, therapy resistant prostate cancers using a monthly, high-dose injection of testosterone in a technique called bi-polar androgen therapy, or BAT. The inability to understand how this intervention works has hindered its widespread adoption as a mainstream therapeutic approach for prostate cancer patients. “Our study describes how BAT and like approaches work and could help physicians select patients who are most likely to respond to this intervention,” McDonnell said. “We have already developed new drugs that exploit this new mechanism and are bringing these to the clinic for evaluation as prostate cancer therapeutics.” In addition to McDonnell and Safi, study authors include Suzanne E. Wardell, Paige Watkinson, Xiaodi Qin, Marissa Lee, Sunghee Park, Taylor Krebs, Emma L. Dolan, Adam Blattler, Toshiya Tsuji, Surendra Nayak, Marwa Khater, Celia Fontanillo, Madeline A. Newlin, Megan L. Kirkland, Yingtian Xie, Henry Long, Emma Fink, Sean W. Fanning, Scott Runyon, Myles Brown, Shuichan Xu, Kouros Owzar, and John D. Norris. The study received funding support from the National Cancer Institute (R01-CA271168, P30CA014236) and the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. To read the original article click here.

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Here Are the Most Effective Natural Remedies for an Enlarged Prostate

AHA Publisher — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 07:00:52 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, is so common to be almost an official rite of passage for men moving into their ‘golden years.’ By age 55, roughly a quarter of all men are affected. After that, the odds begin to soar; of men who make it to age 80, ninety percent show signs of this condition. BPH symptoms include difficulty urinating, diminished urine stream, frequent urination at night, and an uncomfortable feeling of fullness in the bladder even after urination has occurred; the condition can also cause bladder stones. Although mild symptoms may not require treatment, be sure to visit your doctor to rule out serious diseases such as prostate cancer. Is Surgery the Only Option? If symptoms are severe, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove part of the prostate gland. Conventional medical doctors may also advise prescription drugs, including tamsulosin – sold under the brand name Flomax – and finasteride, or Proscar. These drugs come with a constellation of side effects that may include decreased sex drive, painful erections, impotence, severe dizziness, and fainting. Are there any natural solutions for an enlarged prostate? Many men report relief with natural herbal remedies that cause virtually no side effects; a substantial amount of research supports the efficacy of these treatments. In fact, natural remedies such as saw palmetto are so well accepted in Europe that it is the use of prescription drugs that is considered an “alternative” method – a complete reversal of the situation in the United States. Although they may not work for everyone, these beneficial herbs are certainly worth a try. Of course, you should first discuss their use with a trusted doctor, who can help you determine the proper dosage. Natural Plant Extract Proven to Be Just as Effective as Proscar Extracts from the berries of the saw palmetto, a fan-shaped plant native to North America, are probably the gold standard of herbal BPH treatments. Scientifically known as Serenoa repens and Sabal serrulata, saw palmetto features berries that are high in fatty acids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and plant sterols – particularly beta-sitosterol, a natural anti-inflammatory agent. The therapeutic effects of saw palmetto berries were first noted by Native Americans, who used them to treat male urinary tract problems. Unlike prescription medications, saw palmetto won’t change prostate-specific androgen (PSA) levels in the body. This is a plus, as PSA levels are a valuable diagnostic tool for prostate cancer; lowering them can conceal the presence of the disease, causing delays in diagnosis and treatment. In a double-blind study published in 1996 in Prostate, over a thousand men diagnosed with BPH were given either saw palmetto or Proscar for six months. By using the International Prostate Symptom Score – as well as measuring peak urinary flow rate – researchers concluded that saw palmetto was as effective as Proscar in reducing symptoms. In a year-long double-blind study published in 2002 in European Urology saw palmetto extracts performed as well as the prescription drug tamsulosin in reducing BPH symptoms and caused fewer side effects. Nettle Root Provides Significant Relief for Enlarged Prostate Issues Stinging nettle, scientifically known as Urtica dioica, grows wild in the United States, where it can annoy hikers by causing painful – but harmless – burning sensations on contact with skin. Nettle root extracts – the sting has been removed, of course – are widely used in Europe to treat BPH; as with saw palmetto, research supporting its effectiveness exists. Like saw palmetto, nettle root is rich in fatty acids and plant sterols. Scopoletin – a type of coumarin, or natural blood-thinning substance – is found in nettle root as well, along with beneficial triterpenes, choline, and serotonin. In a six-month double-blind trial published in 2005 in the Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, researchers found that nettle root extracts worked better than placebo to relieve BPH symptoms, including improving urinary flow rate and postvoid residual urine volume. They concluded that nettle extracts were “beneficial” in BPH treatment but called for further confirmatory research. Pygeum Combats BPH on Multiple Levels The bark from the pygeum tree, scientifically known as Pygeum africanum and also called the African plum tree, is an extremely promising herbal treatment for BPH. Researchers think it works on BPH by way of three different mechanisms: reducing inflammation in the prostate, suppressing prostate growth factors, and reducing prolactin levels, thereby decreasing the prostate’s uptake of testosterone. As long as a quarter-century ago, research was supporting the therapeutic properties of pygeum. In a large double-blind, multi-center study published in 1990 in the German medical journal Wien Klin Wochenschr, pygeum significantly improved residual urine volume, urinary flow rate, voided volume, and nighttime urination. It also increased bladder elasticity and improved prostatic secretions. Like saw palmetto and nettle root, pygeum is rich in beta-sitosterol. Grass Pollen May Alleviate BPH Symptoms and Shrink Prostate Finally, grass pollen is worth a mention as well. According to Langone NYU Medical Center, a combination of rye, timothy, and corn pollen extracts have been shown to significantly improve prostate symptoms and reduce prostate size, possibly eliminating the need for surgery. In fact, in one study, grass pollen worked better than pygeum; more research is needed. Scientists aren’t sure how grass pollen works to reduce BPH symptoms but theorize that it may suppress the production of inflammatory substances such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. And, even if you are allergic to grass pollen, you should still be able to use grass pollen products designed to treat BPH, as these have had their allergenic components removed. Virtually free of serious side effects, these natural remedies may function as a safe, inexpensive, and effective way to treat the discomfort and inconvenience of BPH. One, or more, could very well work for you. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here. 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Cancer HELP: Slow Down the Growth of Tumor Cells with a “HOT” Food Choice

AHA Publisher — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 08:00:36 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – Did you know the heat you feel after biting into a hot chili pepper is good for you? The compound capsaicin – that causes this pungent heat – is also found to kill cancer cells. In fact, in the last few years, the research on chili peppers has focused on many organs including, the pancreas, brain, prostate, colon, and breast. In a 2020 study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, authors confirmed capsaicin’s potent anti-cancer properties in various cancer types. In addition, researchers found that combining capsaicin with conventional chemotherapy drugs improves patient outcomes by reducing drug side effects and enhancing patients’ tolerance to cancer treatment. Can Chili Peppers Harm Healthy Cells? To date, there have been many studies on chili pepper’s ability to fight off cancer cells in many cancer-affected organs. Among them, the 2006 study on prostate cancer cells drew more interest from researchers. Experiments on capsaicin reveal that this compound specifically targets tumors and cancerous cells without affecting healthy cells. Researchers found that capsaicin could do this by interfering with protein synthesis of the cancer cells, degradation of the cell DNA, and interfering with cell transcription mechanisms of cancerous cells. While capsaicin affected the cancer cells’ mitochondrial pathway, there was no interference in the activity of healthy cells. This was observed in cancer-induced albino rats in lab studies. A 2006 study published in Cancer Research revealed that capsaicin was effective in inhibiting prostate cancer cells. The study found that capsaicin promoted automated cell death in primary types of prostate cancer cell lines and cancer cells caused by hormones. Furthermore, capsaicin decreased the expression of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and inhibited the ability of the dihydrotestosterone to activate PSA. When lab animals received four weeks of treatment with capsaicin, prostate cancer growth and size significantly decreased. This Spicy Food Choice Does MORE Than Just Prevent Cancer Compounds in chili peppers have been associated with multiple benefits like a positive immune system response, weight loss, a lower risk of diabetes, and heart-healthy effects. In fact, a randomized, cross-over study among 27 healthy subjects revealed that consuming freshly chopped chili prevented the oxidation (free radical damage) to the fat cells – which was a crucial factor in decreasing heart problems. Capsaicin is also anti-inflammatory in nature. It inhibits substance P, a neuropeptide associated with inflammation that results in pain, heart diseases, and other conditions. Because of this property, it has been used in various chemotherapy studies for pain relief and many treatments involving nerve fiber disorders, conditions like psoriasis, arthritis, and many more. Researchers say the hotter the pepper, the higher is its capsaicin content. Good examples include habanero and scotch bonnet peppers followed by jalapeno. Here Is How to Use Chili Peppers in Your Next Recipe Chili peppers can give any bland recipe an interesting taste. So, the next time you sauté vegetables in a stir fry, try adding some chili peppers to accentuate its health benefits as well as spice it up a bit. Other ways to super-charge your recipes include adding minced chili peppers to plain yogurt as a salad dressing, in salsa for extra hot taste, pureeing a small amount with tomatoes or olives to give a surprising twist to your recipes. Just be very careful when handling fresh chili peppers; direct contact with skin, lips, and eyes can cause a burning sensation. Be sure to use cooking gloves instead of bare hands when using them for cooking. Consuming chili peppers in moderation is considered safe, however, if you are allergic to peppers or vegetables in the nightshade family, it is a good idea to keep away from this spice. Another important point to keep in mind is to buy organic hot peppers instead of conventionally grown ones. According to the Environmental Working Group’s 2020 report, non-organic hot peppers are among the most toxic (pesticide sprayed) items on the market. As a final note: please understand we are not suggesting that ‘if you eat chili peppers, you won’t get cancer cells.’ But, living an anticancer lifestyle – which includes lots of anti-inflammatory / anti-cancer foods (as long as you’re not allergic to them) can go a long way to improving the quality of your life. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov ScienceDirect.com AACRJournals.org NIH.org To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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