We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Bowel Cancer Linked to High Dietary Iron and Defective Gene Function

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 21 Aug 2012
The combination of high dietary iron content and defective functioning of the APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) gene has been found to increase the risk of developing bowel cancer significantly.

The APC gene encodes a tumor suppressor protein that acts as an antagonist of the Wnt signaling pathway. More...
It is also involved in other processes including cell migration and adhesion, transcriptional activation, and apoptosis. Defects in this gene cause familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), an autosomal dominant premalignant disease that usually progresses to malignancy.

Investigators at the University of Birmingham (United Kingdom) and the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research (Glasgow, United Kingdom) published a study in the August 9, 2012, online edition of the journal Cell Reports that linked APC mutations and high dietary iron content to the development of bowel cancer.

They showed in a mouse model system that after APC deletion the cellular iron acquisition proteins TfR1 and DMT1 were rapidly induced. Conversely, restoration of APC reduced cellular iron due to repression of these proteins. To test the functional importance of these findings, they performed in vivo investigations of the impact of iron levels on intestinal tumor development. Strikingly, depletion of luminal (but not systemic) iron strongly suppressed tumor development in intestines of the mice, whereas increased luminal iron strongly promoted tumor development.

Bowel cancers were two to three times more likely to develop in mice with a faulty APC gene that were fed high amounts of iron compared to mice with a fully functioning APC gene. In contrast, mice with a faulty APC gene fed a diet low in iron did not develop bowel cancer at all.

Senior author Dr. Owen Sansom, deputy director of the for cancer research at the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, said, "We have made a huge step in understanding how bowel cancer develops. The APC gene is faulty in around eight out of 10 bowel cancers but until now we have not known how this causes the disease. It is clear that iron is playing a critical role in controlling the development of bowel cancer in people with a faulty APC gene. And, intriguingly, our study shows that even very high levels of iron in the diet do not cause cancer by itself, but rely on the APC gene."

Results obtained during this study could explain why foods such as red meat, which have high levels of iron, are linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer.

Related Links:
University of Birmingham
Beatson Institute for Cancer Research




New
Gold Member
Blood Gas Analyzer
Stat Profile pHOx
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
PSA Assay
CanAg PSA EIA
New
Automated PCR Setup
ESTREAM
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric leukemia ensures better outcomes for children with this common cancer (Photo courtesy of Qlucore)

RNA-Seq Based Diagnostic Test Enhances Diagnostic Accuracy of Pediatric Leukemia

A new unique test is set to reshape the way Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (BCP-ALL) samples can be analyzed. Qlucore (Lund, Sweden) has launched the first CE-marked RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.