Belgian scientists say they have made a research breakthrough in the study of the relationship between sugar and cancer.
Researchers at VIB, KU Leuven and Vrije Universiteit Brussel found that yeast with high levels of sugar, known as glucose, overly stimulate the same proteins that are frequently mutated within the tumor and lead to the growth of cancer cells. The results of the study were published in Nature Communications on Friday.
Johan, Thevelein, Vim and Vil Versis Jensens began to investigate the connection between sugar and cancer in 2008 to better understand the Warburg effect, where tumor cells produce energy through the rapid destruction of glucose, which is not observed in normal cells. This energy promotes the growth of the tumor.
The study «is able to explain the correlation between the strength of the effect of the Warburg and aggressiveness of tumors,» the report said. «This link between sugar and cancer has broad implications. Our results provide a basis for future research in this area, which can now be performed with much more accurate and actual orientation.»
Although this is a monumental discovery for the research group, to consider it a medical breakthrough is impossible, experts say. Because the results do not prove that the use of a diet low in sugar can affect the development of cancer, lowering the risk.
