Growth of Cancer Cells Being Halted by Resveratrol

Recent research suggests that the antioxidant resveratrol, which naturally occurs in grape skins, can weaken pancreatic cancer cells and increases their vulnerability to chemotherapy.

“Resveratrol seems to have a therapeutic gain by making tumor cells more sensitive to radiation and making normal tissue less sensitive,” said lead researcher Paul Okunieff, chief of radiation oncology at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Pancreatic cancer has long been known to be particularly resistant to chemotherapy. The researchers discovered that because the pancreas is continually producing digestive enzymes and pumping them into the duodenum, these enzymes actually flush away chemotherapy chemicals before they can have much impact.

But in these cancer cells that had been treated with resveratrol the cell membrane proteins responsible for this flushing had their functioning hampered. In addition to becoming more sensitive to chemotherapy, they were killed due to the increased production of reactive oxygen species.

While the reason for the decreased pumping action was not clear, it may have been a side effect of yet a third observed effect of resveratrol treatment: The mitochondria of the cancer cells was damaged, with its membranes depolarized. Because mitochondria are the energy source of the cell, damaged mitochondria hampers the cell’s general ability to function, including its ability to flush out chemotherapy drugs.

If you have diabetes, gall-bladder disease, celiac disease, or liver damage, your risk of pancreatic cancer is higher. There are also many household items and foods that increase your risk for pancreatic cancer. Below are 6 things to avoid: 1. Hard liquor and alcohol. It’s a liquid bullet aimed for your liver and pancreas.

2. Cigarettes. Just like alcohol, cigarettes spark loose cannons in your body that destroy healthy cells and promote the growth of cancerous ones. A 2004 study proved that tobacco was an environmental trigger for pancreatic cancer in predisposed patients.

3. Soda pop and foods that contain HFCS. “High fructose corn syrup” is a very concentrated sweetener that forces your pancreas to secrete a huge amount of insulin in order to neutralize the blood sugar spike that occurs after eating or drinking things with HFCS. High insulin blood levels increase your risk of many diseases, including pancreatic cancer.

4. Non-stick pots and pans. Animal studies show that a chemical called PFOA is tied to cancer. Some experts feel that non-stick pots and pans are a source of this chemical. Until we are sure, it’s safer to cook with stainless steel.

5. Soft plastics that contain phthalates like teething rings and water bottles. There are numerous research articles that link phthalates to cancer, including prostate, breast and pancreatic cancer.

6. Animal and trans fats. A study in the June 2009 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found a direct relationship between pancreatic cancer and dairy or red meat-derived fats.

I am taking this list into consideration as I am trying to prevent all cancer in my body. I have read for years about unsafe non-stick pans and for several years I have been cooking with stainless steel cookware.

Tramontina 8-Piece 18/10 Stainless Steel TriPly-Clad Cookware Set

I know that high fructose corn syrup is not healthy at all and I read labels and avoid it. I don’t buy foods that contain trans fats. I have some safe plastic drinking bottles that I fill with my own filtered water. I use I am doing things to help my body stay strong and able to fight diseased cells. non-toxic cleaners in my home. Most household cleaners contain harmful ingredients. Taking my resveratrol called Vivix daily helps my body stay strong. Like all antioxidants, resveratrol is known to remove free radicals from the blood. Free radicals are known to be linked with cancer, inflammation related to cardiovascular disease, and the effects of aging.

It makes sense that if resveratrol has an effect on the most resistant type of cancer cells, it will help destroy all types of cancer cells.

Important Amazing Results of Resveratrol!

May 2008- Researchers from Taiwan announced the results from a study in which Resveratrol prevented and/or treated a drug-resistant and deadly form of pneumonia in rodents. The researchers concluded that "these findings suggest that Resveratrol might be beneficial as a treatment in patients at risk" from this form of pneumonia in addition to Resveratrol's "diverse biological effects including anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, anti-diabetes, and cancer chemoprevention".

March 2008 - Researchers at the University of Rochester announced the results of a new study where Resveratrol kills pancreatic cancer cells while protecting healthy cells from radiation treatment; Resveratrol acts by disabling the cancer cell's mitochondria (i.e. its power source). According to the study's lead author, Dr. Paul Okunieff, "Resveratrol seems to have a therapeutic gain by making tumor cells more sensitive to radiation and making normal tissue less sensitive". According to Dr. Okunieff, "this research indicates that resveratrol has a promising future as part of the treatment for cancer."

March 2008 - British researchers announced that Resveratrol protects against cellular damage to blood vessels caused by high production of glucose in diabetes. These elevated levels of glucose can cause heart disease, kidney disease, and blindness. Dr. Matt Whiteman, lead researcher, stated, "...our research shows the link between high levels of glucose, its damaging effect on cell structure, and the ability of resveratrol to protect against and mend that damage.” This is just the latest in a line of research that shows Resveratrol might very well be used to treat diabetes in the near future.

March 2008 - Spanish researchers announced that red wine compounds including Resveratrol reduced blood pressure and created healthier blood vessels in post menopausal mice. The red wine compounds were given orally to the mice. The mice that were not given Resveratrol etc. did not see the same health benefits. Women who go through menopause are at greater risk of developing high blood pressure than men of same age. The researchers wrote, "The present findings may help to explain the potential benefit of red wine polyphenols as a therapeutic agent for preventing menopausal vascular complications...especially in hypertensive women."

February 2008 - Researchers at UCLA engineered mice to have defective mitochondria (the 'power plants' of the cell). In about Half the normal time these mice developed heart disease. Scientists speculate that damaged and dying mitochondria are responsible for many diseases of ageing - including heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and diabetes. Studies have shown that Resveratrol can dramatically increase the number of mitochondria in cells.

January 2008 - A Scientist at the University of Rochester discovered that cigarette smoke destroys the SIRT1 gene in lungs. With SIRT1 gone, lungs are vulnerable to inflammation and diseases such as chronic bronchitis / emphysema - otherwise known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Resveratrol can significantly increase the activity of SIRT1 genes. Could Resveratrol be used to help prevent lung damage from smoking?

This study is significant because it shows that Resveratrol might well be used to treat type 2 diabetes in the near future and that it seems to be well tolerated by patients at large doses (2.5 to 5 grams per day). Smaller doses might have the same beneficial effects as indicated by an October study where the equivalent of 15 mg./day of Resveratrol effectively increased insulin sensitivity in diabetic mice.

November - It was reported in the Journal of Clinical Investigation that resveratrol injected into female mice who were exposed to toxins found in cigarettes, car exhaust, and fossil fuel smoke prevented the reduction of eggs in their female offspring (It has been known for years that mothers who smoke are more likely to have less fertile children. Maybe resveratrol can play a role in treating this problem).

October - It was reported in the LA Times that nine human colon cancer patients took resveratrol (either in 20 mg. tablets or as freeze dried grape powder 2 or 3 times per day - equalling 2/3 to 1 lb. of fresh grapes) between their diagnosis and surgery. Preliminary results from six patients showed that changes in cellular metabolism (which occur in more than 85% of patients with colon cancer) were inhibited by about 50%. Might Resveratrol one day be used to prevent colon cancer?

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