ZINC TEST COULD HELP DIAGNOSE BREAST CANCER EARLY

-
A team, led by Oxford University scientists, took techniques normally used to analyse trace metal isotopes for studying climate change and planetary formation and applied them to how the human body processes metals
In a world-first the researchers were able to show that changes in the isotopic composition of zinc, which can be detected in a person's breast tissue, could make it possible to identify a 'biomarker' (a measurable indicator) of early breast cancer.
A report of the research by the Oxford University-led team, which included researchers from Imperial College London and the Natural History Museum, London, is published in the Royal Society of Chemistry journalMetallomics.
The pilot study analysed zinc in the blood and blood serum of ten subjects (five breast cancer patients and five healthy controls) alongside a range of breast tissue samples from breast cancer patients. By using techniques that are over 100 times more sensitive to changes in the isotopic composition of metals than anything currently used by clinicians, the researchers were able to show that they could detect key differences in zinc caused when cancer subtly alters the way that cells process the metal. Similar changes in copper in one of the breast cancer patients is additional evidence that it may be possible to identify a biomarker for early breast cancer that could form the basis of a simple, non-invasive, diagnostic blood test.
'It has been known for over a decade that breast cancer tissues contain high concentrations of zinc but the exact molecular mechanisms that might cause this have remained a mystery,' said Dr Fiona Larner of Oxford University's Department of Earth Sciences, who led the research. 'Our work shows that techniques commonly used in earth sciences can help us to understand not only how zinc is used by tumour cells but also how breast cancer can lead to changes in zinc in an individual's blood -- holding out the promise of an easily-detectable biomarker of early breast cancer.'
The researchers say that this new understanding of cancer cell behaviour -- in particular the role sulfur-containing proteins play in how tumours process zinc -- could also help in the development of new cancer treatments.
'The hope is that this research is the beginning of a whole new approach,' said Dr Larner. 'Understanding how different cancers alter different trace metals within the body could enable us to develop both new diagnostic tools and new treatments that could lead to a 'two-pronged' attack on many cancers. Further research is already underway to see what changes in other metals may be caused by other cancers.'
A report of the research, entitled 'Zinc isotopic compositions of breast cancer tissue', is published in the journal Metallomics.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

EASY PRESCRIBER 2ND EDITION

-
Image
EASY PRESCRIBER 2 ND EDITION OF THE BEST-SELLER Author: Dr. K S Gopi, BSc, BHMS, MD. Former Professor Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College Kozhikode, Kerala. India. SALIENT FEATURES ·        More additions, including Covid-19, and more psychiatric diseases ·        A practical guide for practitioners and medical students. ·        Includes almost all disease conditions and their Homeopathic Management ·        Special arrangement of medicines will help easy selection of remedy and potency. ·        Dose and repetition of dose is clearly mentioned in each disease ·        Crown ¼ size, 980 pages, doble colour printing and hard bound, PRICE: Rs .2250 (India), $ 100 FOR COPIES CONTACT - email-plantmedicines@yahoo.com, WhatsApp-+919207011814, Amazon.in, Homeomart.com  
Read more

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR DE QUERVAIN'S TENOSYNOVITIS

-
Image
De Quervain's tenosynovitis  is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. If you have de Quervain's tenosynovitis, it will probably hurt when you turn your wrist, grasp anything or make a fist. Although the exact cause of de Quervain's tenosynovitis isn't known, any activity that relies on repetitive hand or wrist movement — such as working in the garden, playing golf or racket sports, or lifting your baby — can make it worse. Causes- Chronic overuse of your wrist is commonly associated with de Quervain's tenosynovitis. Tendons are rope-like structures that attach muscle to bone. When you grip, grasp, clench, pinch or wring anything in your hand, two tendons in your wrist and lower thumb normally glide smoothly through the small tunnel that connects them to the base of the thumb. Repeating a particular motion day after day may irritate the sheath around the two tendons, causing thickening and swelling that restricts their m...
Read more

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR IMPETIGO

-
Image
Impetigo  is a common and highly contagious skin infection that mainly affects infants and children. Impetigo usually appears as red sores on the face, especially around a child's nose and mouth, and on hands and feet. The sores burst and develop honey-colored crusts. Causes - Impetigo is most often caused by staphylococcus aureus. Non –bullous impetigo can also be caused by group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus, Streptococcus pyogenes. The  bacteria that cause impetigo when you come into contact with the sores of someone who's infected or with items they've touched — such as clothing, bed linen, towels and even toys. Symptoms - Classic signs and symptoms of impetigo involve red sores that quickly rupture, ooze for a few days and then form a yellowish-brown crust. The sores usually occur around the nose and mouth but can be spread to other areas of the body by fingers, clothing and towels. Itching and soreness are generally mild. A less common form of the disorder...
Read more