At first researchers thought that a bile acid naturally produced in the liver called lithocholic acid (LCA) might be the “fountain of youth” as it was shown to extend the lifespan of yeast. Now the same group of researchers has found that lithocholic acid selectively kills cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed.

Study Details

The researchers studied the effects of LCA on rat glioma cells and human breast cancer cells. LCA not only killed cancer cells, it prevented tumors from releasing substances that cause nearby cancer cells to grow and proliferate. This is important in preventing cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body. LCA did not affect normal cells which continued to grow.

So how does LCA destroy cancer cells? The researchers speculate that cancer cells have more sensors for LCA than normal cells, which makes them more vulnerable to LCA  than healthy cells.

LCA sensors send signals to mitochondria -- the energy-producing powerhouses of cells. They believe that when these signals are too strong (i.e. from too many LCA sensors), mitochondria self-destruct and the cell dies.

Alternative to Chemotherapy?

Unlike drugs used in chemotherapy, LCA is a natural compound that already exists in our bodies. Studies have shown that LCA can be safely administered to mice by adding it to their food.

The next step for the researchers is to test LCA’s effect on different cancers in mice models and, if those go as expected, human clinical trials will follow.

While looking for the “fountain of youth” they may have found the “holy grail” in cancer research—a way to target cancer cells without harming healthy ones.

Sources:

PubMed

Science Daily