Numerous studies show that taking antioxidants can inhibit the progression of cancer, according to the online publication for girls and women from 14 to 35 years old Pannochka. net But a new study by Swedish scientists from the Academy of Salgrenska (Gothenburg) can refute the established point of view.

His results were recently published in Science Translational Medicine..

Antioxidants are chemicals that are found in certain foods, food additives and medicines.. In the body, these substances interact with chemically active free radicals, neutralizing them.

Despite the fact that free radicals form in the body during vital processes and play an important role in many cellular processes, these compounds can damage cellular components - DNA, cell membrane proteins.. It may contribute to cancer..

In vitro and animal studies suggest that antioxidants can prevent cell damage by free radicals that is associated with cancer.. But in his new work, Professor Martin Bergo of the Oncology Center of Salgrensk at the University of Gothenburg found a completely different.

A team of scientists led by Professor Bergo analyzed two groups of mice with induced lung cancer.. One group of rodents received supplements with antioxidants (vitamin E and acetylcysteine) in doses equivalent to those given by humans in regular multivitamins.. The second group was used to control.

Researchers found that mice that received additional antioxidants in the diet, the disease was more severe, and death from cancer occurred 2 times faster. Moreover, in these mice, the tumors were larger than in the control group.

Explaining the mechanism of antioxidant effects on cancer, the professor said: “When antioxidants attack active free radicals, they deactivate p53 protein. This protein plays a role in containing tumors, and in its absence tumors grow faster, the disease progresses more aggressively. ”.

The researchers noted that acetylcysteine ??is an antioxidant that is widely used in Europe as a mucolytic agent for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease..

Professor Bergo says that their result will be of great importance for patients with COPD: "Many patients with COPD have previously been smokers, so they have an increased risk of lung cancer. It is too early to make recommendations regarding the use of acetylcysteine ??in this case, but additional study should be carried out. ”.

Professor Lindahl from the Academy of Salgrenska, co-author of the new study, warns that patients with COPD should not stop taking medicines prescribed by a doctor. He emphasizes that the researchers did not evaluate the risk of cancer in a healthy person, but only the progression of an existing disease..

"For people who already have a small, not diagnosed tumor in the lungs, there is indeed a risk that its growth will accelerate. Consequently, smokers from the risk group would be wise not to take additional antioxidants.. But we cannot yet scientifically substantiate such a recommendation, ”said Lindahl..

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