ompound found in oranges, sweet red peppers, and other fruits and vegetables has the potential to reduce the risk of smoking-related lung cancer, according to a new study.
While nicotine is not considered a direct cause of lung cancer, studies have shown that the addictive compound can promote the growth of lung tumors.
Wang and colleagues explain that when inhaled, nicotine binds to receptors on the surface of the lungs, known as nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 (α7-nAChR). This prompts a signaling cascade that causes cell proliferation and the formation of new blood vessels, which are processes involved in cancer growth.
Furthermore, nicotine increases the production of α7-nAChR, and the more of these receptors there are for nicotine to bind to, the stronger the signaling cascade that encourages the growth of lung cancer cells among smokers.
However, Wang and colleagues believe that BCX could be effective for reducing the amount of α7-nAChR receptors on the lungs, which could decrease the growth of lung cancer cells.
In previous research, Wang and team observed a link between the consumption of BCX-rich foods and a lower risk of lung cancer in humans. For this latest research, the team set out to pinpoint the mechanisms underlying this association.
To reach their findings, the researchers gave two groups of mice a daily injection of a carcinogen derived from nicotine. One group of mice was also given a daily dose of BCX before and after the injection.
Compared with rodents that did not receive a daily dose of BCX, the team found that rodents that did receive the carotenoid experienced a 52-63 percent reduction in lung tumor growth.
A daily dose of 870 micrograms of BCX - the equivalent to the human consumption of around one sweet pepper or two tangerines - was found to be the most effective in reducing lung tumor growth, the team reports.
Nicotine and lung tumor growth
There are more than 7,000 compounds in tobacco smoke, many of which are carcinogens, or cancer-causing substances, that damage the cells lining the lungs upon inhalation.While nicotine is not considered a direct cause of lung cancer, studies have shown that the addictive compound can promote the growth of lung tumors.
Wang and colleagues explain that when inhaled, nicotine binds to receptors on the surface of the lungs, known as nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 (α7-nAChR). This prompts a signaling cascade that causes cell proliferation and the formation of new blood vessels, which are processes involved in cancer growth.
Furthermore, nicotine increases the production of α7-nAChR, and the more of these receptors there are for nicotine to bind to, the stronger the signaling cascade that encourages the growth of lung cancer cells among smokers.
However, Wang and colleagues believe that BCX could be effective for reducing the amount of α7-nAChR receptors on the lungs, which could decrease the growth of lung cancer cells.
BCX reduced lung tumor growth by up to 63 percent in mice
BCX is a type of carotenoid that is responsible for the yellow, orange, and red colors of numerous fruits and vegetables, including oranges, tangerines, butternut squash, and sweet red peppers.In previous research, Wang and team observed a link between the consumption of BCX-rich foods and a lower risk of lung cancer in humans. For this latest research, the team set out to pinpoint the mechanisms underlying this association.
To reach their findings, the researchers gave two groups of mice a daily injection of a carcinogen derived from nicotine. One group of mice was also given a daily dose of BCX before and after the injection.
Compared with rodents that did not receive a daily dose of BCX, the team found that rodents that did receive the carotenoid experienced a 52-63 percent reduction in lung tumor growth.
A daily dose of 870 micrograms of BCX - the equivalent to the human consumption of around one sweet pepper or two tangerines - was found to be the most effective in reducing lung tumor growth, the team reports.
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