10 minutes a day may help slow colon cancer cell growth

Author: Gao Jie

The concept that "exercise prevents cancer" has existed for a considerable time. But is this merely psychological comfort or a scientifically supported fact?

A pioneering study conducted by researchers from Newcastle University in the UK has been published in the International Journal of Cancer, providing molecular biology evidence that just 10 to 12 minutes of high-intensity exercise can activate the DNA repair mechanisms of cancer cells, alter gene expression patterns, and directly inhibit the progression of colon cancer.

The research team involved 30 overweight or obese adults aged 50 to 78 who were free from other chronic illnesses (a high-risk demographic for colorectal cancer) and instructed them to engage in high-intensity cycling on a stationary bike for 10 to 12 minutes until they reached exhaustion. The serum samples obtained before and after exercise were then analyzed for their effects on colon cancer cells (LoVo cell line), leading to several key findings:

01

The speed of DNA repair has significantly increased.

DNA damage is a primary driving force behind the malignant development of cancer cells. While normal cells possess the ability to promptly repair damaged DNA, cancer cells often exhibit defects in their repair mechanisms, resulting in the continuous accumulation of genetic mutations.

Experimental data indicate that after exercise, cancer cells cultured in serum exhibited a 16.8% reduction in γ-H2AX foci (a marker of DNA damage) within six hours, with a marked decrease in cumulative damage area observed after 24 hours. This suggests that the active components present in the bloodstream following exercise can enhance the efficiency of DNA repair in cancer cells, thereby addressing their malignant progression at its source.

02

Key repair genes showcase a surge in expression.

Exercise serum not only speeds up the repair process but also directly stimulates key repair genes. The research revealed that serum obtained after exercise significantly upregulates the expression of the crucial DNA repair gene PNKP, increasing its level 1.9 to 4.5 times.

PNKP is a vital enzyme responsible for repairing single-strand and double-strand breaks in DNA. Its increased expression effectively shields cancer cells' DNA, reducing genomic instability and complicating the process for cancer cells to acquire more malignant characteristics through genetic mutations.

03

Genes associated with cancer cell growth are inhibited.

Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that serum post-exercise influenced the expression of 1,364 genes in cancer cells. Among these, genes related to protein synthesis and mitochondrial metabolism were activated, while genes associated with cell division, proliferation, and those tied to the proteasome pathway were significantly inhibited. This alteration effectively rewrote the growth programming of cancer cells at the genetic level, transitioning them from uncontrolled proliferation to a more stable, metabolically mild state.

Moreover, the study found that the relative abundance of 13 proteins in serum increased significantly after exercise, including IL-6 and its receptor IL-6R, along with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor. Collectively, these proteins activate "anticancer signals" pertinent to systemic immunity, vascular function, and metabolism.

This study offers robust scientific backing for the belief that "exercise is an effective strategy against cancer." For individuals who may struggle to allocate extended periods for exercise, particularly those who are overweight or obese, there's no imperative to push themselves to "run 5 kilometers" or "exercise for a full hour." Instead, incorporating short bursts of 10-minute high-intensity workouts during the day, including activities such as swift cycling, sprinting, or high-intensity interval training, can facilitate beneficial shifts in blood composition, helping to foster an "anti-cancer environment" in the body.

For patients during recovery or those with lower physical fitness, gradually participating in moderate-intensity exercises, such as brisk walking, Tai Chi, and swimming, can also confer health benefits.

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