Products of animal origin with high cholesterol can increase the risk of developing aggressive malignant tumors, increasing their growth rate up to hundred times.

This was stated by scientists at the University of California at Los Angeles, according to the Observer with reference to the publication Science Alert.

In particular, the experiment used genetically modified mice, which replaced the gene encoding the enzyme Lpcat3. This protein controls the synthesis of phospholipids, of which the cell membrane consists, and its deactivation increases the level of cholesterol that participates in its formation. It turned out that an increase in cholesterol concentration promotes the growth and division of stem cells in the tissues of the intestine.

Defective stem cells, which begin to multiply uncontrollably, are the main cause of cancer development. It is shown that cholesterol causes not only a thickening of cells of the large intestine, but also is associated with the rapid growth of tumors in the same tissues. However, it is not yet clear whether cholesterol affects the development of other forms of cancer.

Foods rich in saturated fats, trans fats and some carbohydrates can increase cholesterol levels in the body.

To prevent various diseases, experts recommend reducing the consumption of red meat and dairy products.

"We were surprised that cholesterol affects the growth of stem cells in the intestines, which in turn accelerates the rate of tumor formation by more than 100 times," said Peter Tontonoz, a member of the research team at the University of California, Los Angeles.

"While the link between dietary cholesterol and colon cancer is well established, no one has previously explained the mechanism underlying this," he adds..