Non-prescription drug triggers genes that offer cancer protection
In the fight against colorectal cancer, a common topic of discussion is the potential benefits of aspirin. This article aims to shed light on the scientific evidence surrounding aspirin's role in colorectal cancer prevention.
Aspirin has been found to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by an impressive 50 percent, according to one study. This effect is primarily attributed to aspirin's irreversible inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), which in turn reduces prostaglandin synthesis involved in inflammation and tumorigenesis.
The inhibition leads to decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of colonic cells, contributing to cancer chemoprevention. Additional mechanisms involve aspirin's effects on mitochondrial function, fatty acid oxidation, and gene expression related to apoptosis and prostaglandin metabolism.
Recent proteogenomic evidence suggests that aspirin's preventive effects might intersect with targets like ANGPTL4, a protein associated with colorectal tumorigenesis. However, direct molecular links to aspirin require further elucidation.
Aspirin's molecular mechanisms in colorectal cancer prevention also involve the activation of genes that help protect against colorectal cancer. Specifically, aspirin activates the production of two tumor-suppressive microRNA molecules (miR-34a and miR-34b/c), a process that occurs independently of the p53 signaling pathway.
However, it's important to note that daily aspirin use has been found to almost double the risk of melanoma in men. Moreover, the effectiveness of aspirin in inhibiting colorectal cancer cells relies on the presence of miR-34 genes. Aspirin failed to prevent migration, invasion, and metastasis in cancer cells that were miR-34-deficient.
Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel or colon cancer, is the third most common form of cancer worldwide. Rates of colorectal cancer in people under 50 have been on the rise in recent years.
If you're at high risk for colorectal cancer due to family history or other factors, it's recommended to speak with a doctor before adding aspirin to your daily regime. Daily aspirin use has been linked with a significantly increased risk of bleeding, including hemorrhagic stroke and gastrointestinal hemorrhages.
For those considering aspirin as a preventive measure, it's essential to remember that a low dose (75 mg) of aspirin is recommended when taking it daily, and it should be taken with food to help avoid stomach upset.
While aspirin is often used by people with conditions like coronary artery disease to ward off heart attack and stroke, its use for the reduction of brain plaques that cause Alzheimer's disease is still a topic of ongoing research.
For those seeking alternatives to aspirin for colorectal cancer prevention, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and eating the right foods are important steps. Aspirin tablets are also available that dissolve in a drink of water or have a special enteric coating to protect the stomach.
In summary, while aspirin shows promise in colorectal cancer prevention, it's crucial to consider the potential risks and discuss any decisions with a healthcare provider.
- Aspirin's anti-aging effects, particularly in the context of colorectal cancer, can be attributed to its influence on medical-conditions like chronic diseases and cancer, such as reducing the risk of colorectal cancer by half.
- Science reveals that aspirin's preventive benefits against colorectal cancer are rooted in its impact on various cellular processes, including inhibiting the growth and increasing the death of colonic cells, altering mitochondrial function, and affecting gene expression related to apoptosis and prostaglandin metabolism.
- As college-aged individuals and younger are experiencing a rise in colorectal cancer rates, health-and-wellness advocates emphasize the importance of diet, exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight as alternative means for colorectal cancer prevention, as the benefits of aspirin may not outweigh the risks for some individuals.
