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Insight Into The Anti-
Cancer Effect Of Exercise
The anti-cancer effects of exercise are due to increases in
a protein that blocks cell growth and induces cell death, according
to Australian researchers.
The protein, called insulin-like binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3),
inhibits another protein called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1),
thereby blocking IGF-1's proliferative effect on cell growth,
the study hints.
Dr. Andrew M. M. Haydon and colleagues at Manash Medical School
in Melbourne identified new cases of colorectal cancer in the
Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study, a prospective study of 41,528
adults recruited between 1990 and 1994.
The investigators looked at baseline body mass index and level
of physical activity reported and compared baseline levels of
IGF-1or IGFBP-3 with those measurements.
Analyses centered on 443 colon cancer patients followed for more
than 5 years.
Among subjects who were physically active, an increase in IGFBP-3
was associated with a 48 percent reduction in colon cancer-specific
deaths. No association was apparent for IGF-1.
For the physically inactive, there was no association between
IGF-1 or IGFBP-3 and colon cancer survival.
Haydon stated that that "physical activity can increase IGFBP-3
levels, which, in turn, reduces the amount of free IGF-1." IGF-1
has been shown to stimulate cell growth, inhibit cell death, and
promote angiogenesis -- the formation of new blood vessels, which
tumors need to grow.
"We did not look at the amount of physical activity needed to
reduce colorectal cancer incidence, as we only looked at those
from our cohort who had CRC," Haydon pointed out.
"Other studies that have looked at this have shown a dose-effect,
meaning the more exercise the lower the risk, however our study
did not try to address this issue. We were examining the effect
of physical activity on one's prognosis following a diagnosis
of bowel cancer and the possible mechanisms behind this effect."
SOURCE: Gut, May 2006.
Reference
Source 89
May
29, 2006
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