According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in males in the United States, behind only lung cancer. Around 1 out of every 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. In most cases, it is treatable, yet there are some cases where all known therapies are met with resistance and things take a turn for the worse. However, a new study involving mouse models revealed that a precursor to vitamin K can potentially slow prostate cancer growth.
Groundbreaking Study on Vitamin K and Cancer
A recent discovery at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory potentially offers a novel solution to the prostate cancer issue. Professor Lloyd Trotman and his team have discovered that the pro-oxidant supplement menadione reduces the development of prostate cancer in studies involving mice. Menadione is found in leafy greens and is a precursor to vitamin K. While this study itself is new, it is the result of another study that took place at the beginning of this century.
Vitamin E Studies
A trial conducted by the National Cancer Institute in 2001 attempted to establish whether an antioxidant vitamin E supplement could effectively cure or help prevent prostate cancer from developing. This trial was meant to last for 12 years and involved 35,000 men. However, the men were told to stop taking the vitamin E supplements only three years into the trial. This is because not only has the supplement not slowed down or prevented the development of prostate cancer, but actually resulted in more men getting the disease!
Read More: Cancer Treatment Kills Tumors Using Sound And Water
The New Study Involving Mice
After Professor Lloyd Trotman saw the results of the vitamin E study, he started to wonder if a pro-oxidant would work, seeing that an anti-oxidant had failed. His new study involving mice revealed that his hunch was indeed correct. When mice afflicted with prostate cancer received menadione, it disrupted the cancer’s survival processes. The researchers found that menadione destroyed prostate cancer cells by eliminating a lipid called PI(3)P.
Hopes That The Results Will Translate to Human Studies
The team hopes to see the results replicated in pilot research in human patients with prostate cancer. According to Trotman, “Our target group would be men who get biopsies and have an early form of the disease diagnosed. We wonder if they start to take the supplement, whether we would be able to slow that disease down.” An unexpected benefit of menadione administration is that it has also been shown to be effective against myotubular myopathy. This rare condition inhibits muscle growth in baby boys. Those who are diagnosed with this disease rarely survive past their early childhood. The researchers discovered that using menadione to deplete the PI(3)P doubled the lifespan of mice suffering from myotubular myopathy.
The Bottom Line on Vitamin K and Prostate Cancer Prevention
While studies with mice have proven successful, we are yet to see if these results translate to human subjects too. If so, it could change the lives of millions of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. This would mean a better quality of life for men who had previously had to suffer from this horrible condition. So far, this precursor to vitamin K is showing promising results and offering a brighter future for many.
Read More: The Role of Collagen in Keeping Cancer Cells Dormant: A New Frontier in Cancer Treatment
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
- Career: You have the opportunity to showcase your leadership and creativity. Take advantage of this chance to move forward in your work.
- Love: Sincerity and openness help strengthen your relationships.
- Health: Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise to stay energized.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
- Career: You may face some challenges today. Stay patient and handle them calmly.
- Love: Spend time with family and friends to strengthen your bonds.
- Health: Pay attention to sleep and rest well to maintain a relaxed mind.
Gemini (May 21 – June 21)
- Career: Your communication skills will bring you success at work.
- Love: Listen and share more with your loved ones to improve understanding.
- Health: Engage in light physical activities to boost your well-being.
Cancer (June 22 – July 22)
- Career: You may receive an opportunity for promotion. Seize it and prove your abilities.
- Love: Your care and attention make your relationships warmer.
- Health: Take time to relax and reduce stress to maintain good mental health.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
- Career: Confidence and decisiveness help you handle work effectively.
- Love: Express your feelings sincerely to strengthen your relationships.
- Health: Pay attention to your diet and workout routine to stay fit.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
- Career: Your meticulousness and attention to detail are appreciated at work.
- Love: Open up and share more to understand each other better.
- Health: Maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid unnecessary stress.
Libra (September 23 – October 23)
- Career: Your ability to balance and mediate helps you resolve conflicts at work.
- Love: Spend quality time with loved ones to deepen your relationships.
- Health: Engage in recreational activities to relieve stress and relax.
Scorpio (October 24 – November 21)
- Career: Your determination and persistence help you overcome work challenges.
- Love: Share your emotions and listen to others for better understanding.
- Health: Take care of your mental health and find ways to relax.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
- Career: Your optimism and energy help you achieve your goals.
- Love: Spend time with loved ones and share joyful moments together.
- Health: Participate in outdoor activities to improve your well-being.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
- Career: Your hard work and responsibility are recognized at work.
- Love: Show your affection sincerely to strengthen your relationship.
- Health: Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
- Career: Your creativity and uniqueness bring new ideas to work.
- Love: Listen and share your thoughts to deepen emotional connections.
- Health: Ensure you get enough rest and sleep to stay refreshed.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
- Career: Your intuition helps you make the right decisions at work.
- Love: Your sensitivity and care make relationships more affectionate.
- Health: Take time to relax and maintain inner peace.