A recent study has shown that a natural hormone known as FGF21 may have a protective role against certain types of cancer.

The study conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found that elevated levels of FGF21 circulating in the body can reduce the risk of developing liver and lung cancers.

What is FGF21?

FGF21 is a hormone naturally produced by the body’s liver in response to various stressors such as starvation, obesity, and alcohol consumption. Its main function is to regulate metabolic processes such as glucose and lipid metabolism.

It has also been shown to have protective effects against various chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease.

The study

The study conducted by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center was led by senior author Dr. Steven Kliewer. The team used mouse models to investigate the effects of elevated FGF21 levels on the development of cancer.

The mice were genetically modified to have elevated levels of FGF21, and it was found that they had a reduced risk of developing liver and lung cancers when compared to normal mice.

The researchers also looked at human data from the Cancer Genome Atlas and found that individuals with high levels of FGF21 had a reduced risk of developing liver and lung cancers.

The study concluded that higher circulating levels of FGF21 may have a protective effect against certain cancers, and further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this.

How FGF21 may protect against cancer

The exact mechanisms behind how FGF21 may protect against cancer are still not fully understood. However, there are several proposed theories.

One theory suggests that FGF21 may regulate the body’s immune response to cancer cells. It has been shown to enhance the activity of natural killer cells which are responsible for detecting and destroying cancer cells.

Another theory suggests that FGF21 may directly inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. Studies have shown that FGF21 can induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in certain cancer cells.

Lastly, it has been proposed that FGF21 may regulate the body’s glucose and lipid metabolism which in turn can affect the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.

Cancer cells often rely on glucose and lipids as a source of energy and blocking their access to these resources can inhibit their growth.

Implications for cancer treatment

The study’s findings have significant implications for the development of new cancer treatments.

It is possible that drugs that simulate the effects of FGF21 could be developed to reduce the risk of cancer development or even treat existing cancers.

However, it is important to note that the use of FGF21 as a cancer treatment is still in its early stages, and further research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential side effects.

Conclusion

The study conducted by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center has shed new light on the protective role of FGF21 against certain types of cancer.

While the exact mechanisms behind its protective effects are yet to be fully understood, the study’s findings have significant implications for the development of new cancer treatments.