Why Losing Muscle With Age May Raise Your Cancer Risk
Based on: Sarcopenia promotes tumorigenesis by disrupting NOTCH-SDC2-regulated biogenesis of muscle-derived extracellular vesicles.
Healthy muscle releases tiny packets called extracellular vesicles that actually suppress tumor growth. As muscle shrinks with age (sarcopenia), it sends out fewer of these protective packets. In flies and mice, this helped tumors grow more easily. Exercise reactivated the pathway that produces these anti-tumor vesicles.
Key Insight
This study suggests maintaining muscle through exercise may support the body's natural anti-tumor signaling.
Original Paper
Goh KY, Lee WX, Gou Q, Choy SM, Ong SC, Gopal Krishnan PD, Wang H, Turqueza LRR, Tan QH, Chua K, Li S, Nishiyama J, Harmston N, Tang HW
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Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.