cancer Flashcards
list some of the cancer classifications
- carcinoma (epithelial)
- sarcoma (connective tissue)
- myeloma (plasma cells of the bone marrow)
- leukaemia (bone marrow)
- lymphoma (lymphatic system)
Define oncogenes and mutation
they are positive growth regulators. when there is a mutation of oncogenes, this leads to uncontrolled cell growth
Define tumour suppressor genes and mutation
eg BRCA gene is originally a tumour suppressor gene that regulates cell devision and can activate apoptosis. when they are mutated, there is little control of tumour suppression.
define DNA repair genes and mutation
code for the proteins that repair DNA, and activate apoptosis if they cannot be repaired. mutation: over time they will not be able to repair DNA and will cause cancer cells
which SNPs are related to breast cancer?
- BRCA 1 and 2
- ESR 1 and 2
which SNPs are related to many cancers such as prostate, lung, gut and lung
- MTHFR
- GSTP1 (utilising glutathione)
- VDR
which SPN is associated with increased lung cancer risk
CYP1A1
which SNP is associated with increased prostate cancer risk
CYP1B1
what functions can SNPs effect in relation to cancer?
- detoxification
- antioxidant
- cell repair pathways
what does gene GSTP1 do
utilises glutathione to reduce environmental toxins and heavy metals
how can high levels of cabs promote cancer?
- high insulin promote the mTOR pathway (at the expense of the beneficial AMPK pathway) which is a signalling pathway that promotes growth
- cancer loves sugar
- consistent high intake = hyperglycaemia = inflammation and IGF1
- tumours express insulin receptors, so high insulin = tumour growth
what does the AMPK pathway do and how can it be enhanced?
clearance of non-viable cells. it can be enhanced by a low carb diet, ketogenic diet and fasting.
what does IGF1 do?
inhibits apoptosis and stimulates cell proliferation
how can being overweight promote cancer?
- excess adipose tissue = oestrogen, insulin, IGF1 and leptin
- low adiponectin (protects against tumour growth)
- increases inflammation and oxidative stress = DNA damage
what does NF-kB activate?
- cell proliferation
- metastasis
- angiogenesis
high levels of what amino acid causes activation of NF-kB?
homocysteine
What causes AGEs?
too much circulating glucose
how can leaky gut promote cancer?
gram negative bacteria from the microbiome (LPS) enter the blood stream causing inflammation from IL-6 and NF-kB
how is omega-6 cancer causing?
creates arachadonic acid, activates prostaglandins and other inflammatory processes
how does vitamin D protect from cancer?
- vitamin D regulates the cell cycle
- induces apoptosis
- downregulates apoptotic genes
- promotes cell differentiation
- anti-inflammatory in tumour microenvironment
how does vitamin D regulate the cell cycle
it interferes between G1 and S, and stops non-viable cells from growing any further
how can dairy cause cancer?
IGF-1 in dairy promotes cell proliferation
when cooking starchy foods at above 120oc, what carcinogen can be produced?
acrylamide
which carcinogen does alcohol create in the liver?
acetyldehyde
how can stress cause cancer?
- high cortisol levels can cause suppression of the tumour suppression gene p53
- weakens immune cells
- increase SNS activation causing stem cell dysregulation and increased risk of tumour growth
how does melatonin prevent cancer?
antioxidant increasing cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes and t cell immune activities
