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Potassium, sodium, and cancer: A review

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Abstract

Agents known or believed to be carcinogenic decrease the concentration of potassium and increase the concentration of sodium in the cells. Anticarcinogenic agents have the opposite effect. In all cases where we have information on an agent's carcinogenicity or anticarcinogenicity and on that agent's effects on cellular potassium and sodium concentrations the above relationships have been found to be true. Dietary carcinogenic agents studied include sodium, cadmium, fat, cholesterol, calories, and alcohol; dietary anticarcinogenic agents include potassium, vitamins A, C, and D, selenium, and fiber. The effect of calcium intake is less clear as that effect depends on the concentrations on sodium and potassium. Not only dietary agents but also other carcinogenic and anticarcinogenic agents work in the same way. The cancer-causing drug dimethylhydrazine increases sodium and decreases potassium in the cells, whereas, for example, indomethacin, an anticarcinogen, has the opposite effect. In aging potassium leaves the cells, sodium enters them, and the rates of cancer increase. Patients with hyperkalemic diseases (Parkinson, Addison) have reduced cancer rates, and patients with hypokalemic diseases (alcoholism, obesity, stress) have increased cancer rates.

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... Vitamins A, C, and D have been demonstrated to play an anticarcinogenic role in a range of studies [34]. A recent meta-analysis of random controlled trials concluded that Vitamin D significantly reduced mortality (13%) but did not have an impact on cancer incidence, with the exception of colorectal and ovarian cancers [35]. ...
... Sodium and potassium have long been thought to play a role in the development of cancer as, for example, patients with decreased potassium levels, or hypokalemia (<3.5mmol/L), associated with cell aging, obesity, alcoholism, and stress, display increased rates of cancer; in contrast patients with hyperkalemia (>5.3 mmol/L) and diseases associated with increased potassium levels, such as Parkinson and Addison disease, display reduced cancer rates [34]. The concentrations of sodium and potassium also interestingly play a role in regulating the effects of calcium, resulting in a series of varied results in studies investigating the tumorigenicity of calcium [34]. ...
... Sodium and potassium have long been thought to play a role in the development of cancer as, for example, patients with decreased potassium levels, or hypokalemia (<3.5mmol/L), associated with cell aging, obesity, alcoholism, and stress, display increased rates of cancer; in contrast patients with hyperkalemia (>5.3 mmol/L) and diseases associated with increased potassium levels, such as Parkinson and Addison disease, display reduced cancer rates [34]. The concentrations of sodium and potassium also interestingly play a role in regulating the effects of calcium, resulting in a series of varied results in studies investigating the tumorigenicity of calcium [34]. Furthermore, almost 50% of cancer patients have been shown to display hyponatremia (<135 mmol/L sodium), although this may also be secondary to the cancer itself [44]. ...
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Simple Summary The involvement of microbes (virus, fungi, bacteria) and diet in different cancers is slowly being uncovered, yet the complexity of the relationship between these factors has reduced the impact of potential interventions in the clinic. In this review we have highlighted the results of the most recent studies published and have related what the evidence suggests and how we can utilize this knowledge best in directing patients’ diets and future research at this time. Abstract Many studies performed to date have implicated select microbes and dietary factors in a variety of cancers, yet the complexity of both these diseases and the relationship between these factors has limited the ability to translate findings into therapies and preventative guidelines. Here we begin by discussing recently published studies relating to dietary factors, such as vitamins and chemical compounds used as ingredients, and their contribution to cancer development. We further review recent studies, which display evidence of the microbial-diet interaction in the context of cancer. The field continues to advance our understanding of the development of select cancers and how dietary factors are related to the development, prevention, and treatment of these cancers. Finally, we highlight the science available in the discussion of common misconceptions with regards to cancer and diet. We conclude this review with thoughts on where we believe future research should focus in order to provide the greatest impact towards human health and preventative medicine.
... Analysing separate role of different minerals, they found significant inverse trends in pancreatic cancer risk for increasing intake of potassium. Prior to Bravi et al.'s [2] work, two studies of Jansson [13,14] regarding the colorectal cancer risk in the USA also hinted at the possible role of electrolytes sodium and potassium in cancer etiology. In its simpler form Jansson studies attempted to suggest that intracellular and dietary potassium (K + ) protects against cancer and intracellular and dietary sodium (Na) increases the risk of cancer. ...
... against the cancer as has been suggested by Jansson studies [13,14] and very recently by Bravi et al. [2]. It can be seen through the bifurcation diagrams ( Figure 1) that our continuous model (9) and its discrete analogue model (17) both support the protective role of potassium. ...
... Most people get all the potassium they need from what they eat and drink. The starting point for this paper has been the protective nature of potassium against the cancer risk as has been suggested by Jansson [13,14] studies. An Italian case-control study [2] recently reported significant inverse trends in pancreatic risk for increasing intake of potassium. ...
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In this paper, we consider a continuous mathematically tractable model and its discrete analogue for the tumour growth. The model formulation is based on stoichiometric principles considering tumour-immune cell interactions in potassium (K ⁺)-limited environment. Our both continuous and discrete models illustrate ‘cancer immunoediting’ as a dynamic process having all three phases namely elimination, equilibrium and escape. The stoichiometric principles introduced into the model allow us to study its dynamics with the variation in the total potassium in the surrounding of the tumour region. It is found that an increase in the total potassium may help the patient fight the disease for a longer period of time. This result seems to be in line with the protective role of the potassium against the risk of pancreatic cancer as has been reported by Bravi et al. [Dietary intake of selected micronutrients and risk of pancreatic cancer: An Italian case-control study, Ann. Oncol. 22 (2011), pp. 202–206].
... Potassium is one of the most important minerals in the human body and it is referred to as a dietary anticarcinogenic agent [8], which mainly was derived from fruits and vegetables [9]. Potassium has a beneficial effect on human health due to the reduced role of potassium in the acidity of the blood and maintaining the acid-base balance [10]. ...
... Dietary factors studied for their carcinogenic potential including sodium, fat, and calories. Conversely, recognized dietary anticarcinogenic factors include potassium and fiber [8].Even though the association between dietary potassium and serum potassium levels is not clearly understood, studies indicate that alterations in serum potassium levels may partially contribute to the effects of dietary potassium on cancer pathogenesis. In a casecontrol study, it is noted that there is a direct association between higher fasting levels of serum potassium in control group and an increased risk of cancer [43]. ...
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Backgrounds Dietary potassium can play an important role in decreasing inflammatory factors as a protective factor for cancers. In this case-control study, we aimed to assess the possible association between dietary potassium intake and the risk of breast cancer (BC) among Iranian adult women. Methods The present case-control study was conducted at Shohada and Imam Hossain hospitals, in Tehran. The study included 134 newly diagnosed cases of BC and 267 controls. A validated semi-quantitative 168-item food frequency questionnaire was used to compute the potassium intake. Logistic regression, adjusted for potential confounders, was used to estimate odds ratios(ORs) and 95% confidence intervals(CI) of BC according to tertiles of potassium intake. Results The mean(M) ± standard deviation(SD) of age and body mass index (BMI) were 47.9 ± 10.3 years and 29.4 ± 5.5 kg/m², respectively. Also, the M ± SD of potassium intake for the control and case groups was 1616 ± 293 and 1542 ± 338 (mg/1000 Kcal), respectively. In the multivariable-adjusted model for potential confounders, the higher total potassium intake was associated with decreased odds of BC (OR: 0.35, 95%CI: 0.19–0.62, P for trend < 0.001). Moreover, an inverse relationship was observed between potassium from plant sources (OR: 0.39, 95%CI: 0.22–0.69, P for trend = 0.001) and fruit and vegetable sources (OR: 0.49, 95%CI: 0.28–0.87, P for trend = 0.016) and odds of BC. Conclusions Our findings suggested that diet rich in potassium may have a predictive role to reduce the odds of BC.
... Potassium is one of the most important electrolytes in the human body, as it is involved in maintaining the integrity of the skeleton, regulation of muscle contraction, blood pressure and nerve transmission. It is essential for the proper activity of all cells 74,75 . Hyperkalemia is a common disorder in patients suffering from cancers. ...
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Glioblastoma (GBM) is a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumor which invades the nearby brain tissue but generally does not spread to the distant organs. Nonetheless, if untreated, GBM can result in patient death in time even less than few months from the diagnosis. The influence of the tumor progress on organs other than brain is obvious but still not well described. Therefore, we examined the elemental abnormalities appearing in selected body organs (kidney, heart, spleen, lung) in two rat models of GBM. The animals used for the study were subjected to the implantation of human GBM cell lines (U87MG and T98G) characterized by different levels of invasiveness. The elemental analysis of digested organ samples was carried out using the total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) method, independently, in three European laboratories utilizing various commercially available TXRF spectrometers. The comparison of the data obtained for animals subjected to T98G and U87MG cells implantation showed a number of elemental anomalies in the examined organs. What is more, the abnormalities were found for rats even if neoplastic tumor did not develop in their brains. The most of alterations for both experimental groups were noted in the spleen and lungs, with the direction of the found element changes in these organs being the opposite. The observed disorders of element homeostasis may result from many processes occurring in the animal body as a result of implantation of cancer cells or the development of GBM, including inflammation, anemia of chronic disease or changes in iron metabolism. Tumor induced changes in organ elemental composition detected in cooperating laboratories were usually in a good agreement. In case of elements with higher atomic numbers (Fe, Cu, Zn and Se), 88% of the results were classified as fully compliant. Some discrepancies between the laboratories were found for lighter elements (P, S, K and Ca). However, also in this case, the obtained results fulfilled the requirements of full (the results from three laboratories were in agreement) or partial agreement (the results from two laboratories were in agreement).
... This normalization also applies to ALT levels in the IT group, which demonstrate a decrease of mean value after static electric field exposure on DMBA induced rats. The lower water, sodium, and potassium content in cancer cells cause lower electrical resistance in cancer cells [47]. This lower electrical resistance allows the static electric field to inhibit the formation of the spindle in cell division. ...
Article
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Intermediate frequency and low intensity static electric field have been developed for non-invasive cancer therapy nowadays. The evaluation of the vital organs, one of which is kidney and liver, is necessary for pre-clinical safety assessment. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of the intermediate frequency (150 kHz) and low intensity (18 Vpp) static electric fields in kidney tissue of rats induced by DMBA (7,12-Dimethylbenz [α] anthracene). This study was carried out in breast tumor models using Sprague Dawley (SD) rats induced with 7,12-Dimethylbenz [α] anthracene (DMBA) by 20 mg/kg body weight of dose ten times over five weeks. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups, namely: Non-induction Non-therapy (NINT), Non-Induction Therapy (NIT), Induction Non-Therapy (INT), and Induction Therapy (IT) groups. Static electric field therapy is carried out for 10 hours (resting 2 hours after 5 hours exposure) per day using the Electro-Capacitive Cancer Therapy (ECCT) individual enclosure for 21 days. The blood samples were collected before and after therapy for AST, ALT, and Creatinine measurement. The samples of liver and kidney were processed using Paraffin Method and Hematoxylin-Eosin Staining for histopathological observation. The histopathological score was determined using the ordinal method and post-examination masking. This study reveals that the 150 kHz and 18 Vpp static electric field therapy doesn’t significantly induce histopathological injuries on the liver and the kidney. Furthermore, it also does not have a negative impact on the creatinine, AST, and ALT levels of blood plasma.
... We found that dietary sodium might have a potential positive association with endometrial cancer. It has been reported that low sodium intake might have benefits for human cancers [73]. Although the role of sodium intake in gynecological cancers has not been fully elucidated, sodium intake has been shown to have a positive association with renal cell cancer [74], lung cancer [68] and gastric cancer [75]. ...
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Background: Gynecological cancers, including cervical cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer are leading causes of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Diet plays an important role in cancer development, which is widely accepted. However, the associations between dietary intakes and gynecological cancers remain unclear. Methods: A total of 12,437 women aged over 20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), conducted from 2007-2016, were included in this study. The relationships between 30 dietary factors (4 macronutrients, 15 vitamins, 9 minerals, caffeine and alcohol) and gynecological cancers were assessed. Results: We observed negative correlations of intakes of phosphorus (odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI); 0.998 (0.996, 0.999), p = 0.002) with cervical cancer, and intakes of vitamin B12 (0.812 (0.714, 0.925), p = 0.002), phosphorus (0.997 (0.996, 0.999), p < 0.001) and alcohol (0.971 (0.950, 0.992), p = 0.009) with endometrial cancer. The data showed positive associations of intake of caffeine (1.002 (1.001, 1.003), p = 0.003) with cervical cancer, and intake of copper (2.754 (1.313, 5.778), p = 0.009) with endometrial cancer. In addition, we found potential negative correlations between intake of vitamin B1 (p = 0.025) and cervical cancer; zinc (p = 0.048) and ovarian cancer; and potassium (p = 0.032) and endometrial cancer. Potential positive associations were found between intake of calcium and cervical cancer (p = 0.026) and endometrial cancer (p = 0.034), and between sodium (p = 0.042) and endometrial cancer. Intakes of protein, total sugars, total fat, cholesterol, vitamin A, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, vitamin B2, niacin, vitamin B6, food folate, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, magnesium, iron and selenium showed no relationship with gynecological cancers (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Specific dietary factors were associated with gynecological cancers. More epidemiological studies are needed to validate our results.
... Healthy cells tightly manage their cellular ionic compositions, concentrations, and distributions, which are critical to maintain cellular physiology. 1 Upset to the normal intracellular ion homeostasis and dynamics are frequently associated with severe dysfunctions and pathologies, such as metabolic disorders, neurotoxicity, and malignant tumors. 2,3 Significantly, potassium ions (K + ), as the fundamental metal cation with the highest concentration in the cytoplasm, play important roles in biological activities. [4][5][6] The normal intracellular concentration of K + is approximately 100−150 mM, whereas the extracellular value is as low as 3.5−5 mM. ...
... A pilot study report shows that countries that consume high potassium diets tends to have a lower cancer risks than countries that consumes low potassium diets [17]. Another study reported that patients with hyperkalemic diseases (Parkinson, Addison) usually have reduced cancer rates and patients with hypokalemic diseases (alcoholism, Obesity, stress) have increased cancer rates [18]. Sodium (Na + ), an essential nutrient and a major cation in the extra-cellular fluid found in the plasma is responsible for water homeostasis, nerve and muscle fibre impulse transmission [19] [20]. ...
Article
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The balance of electrolytes in humans is not only considered pivotal for normal functioning of cells and organs but to recover from many metabolic disorders. Cancer patients are generally at risk for electrolyte imbalances from a myriad of causes. This study was undertaken to estimate electrolytes levels in uterine cancer patients and that of controls (healthy individuals). Clinical parameters were collected after obtaining informed consent from both patients and controls. Thus, venous fasting blood samples of freshly diagnosed uterine cancer patients and controls were collected to estimate electrolytes namely sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), inorganic phosphate (PO43-) and bicarbonate (HCO3-). Na, K, Cl and PO43-were analysed spectrophotometrically (colorimetry) while HCO3- was biochemically analysed by titration. Results obtained in this study shows a significant increase (P<0.05) in the level of PO43- and Na+ in uterine cancer patients as compared with the control. However, a significant decrease was observed in the level of Cl- and HCO3- in uterine cancer patients when compared with controls. There was no significant difference in K+ level observed in both uterine cancer patients and controls. The evidence of associations between electrolyte imbalances and risk of developing uterine cancer as observed in this study are of particular importance in the prognosis, diagnosis and management of uterine cancer.
... 10 Alkali metal ions play a vital role in various biological pathways such as in cellular diversity, partition, apoptosis, homeostasis, adjusting electrolyte balance, pH, and nerve impulses. [11][12][13][14] Studies have shown that monosodium salts possess a wider spectrum of antibacterial activity and they are more potent as bactericides, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, with activity largely independent of pH over the range of pH 5.0 to 9.0. [15][16][17] New families of ionic cocrystals have been reported to show improved dissolution properties, an observation that may have relevant implications with active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). ...
Article
In the present study, we have described the synthesis and characterisation of theophylline hydrate (Theo hydrate), cocrystal (Theo-Phen.2H2O) and hydrated sodium co-crystal of theophylline (Na-(Theo)2ClO.2H2O), where Theo = Theophylline and Phen = 1,10-phenathroline. SC-XRD characterisation revealed strong interactions such as N···H···O, C=O···H and C–H···π within the crystal structures. Studies revealed that Na-(Theo)2ClO.2H2O, presented higher thermal stability (in solid form) and improved solubility (when in contact with polar solvent). The detailed analyses of Hirschfeld surface and fingerprint plots provided insight into the nature of non-covalent interactions in the compounds. In the case of Na-(Theo)2ClO.2H2O, solubility measurements indicated that Theo solubility in water increases by a magnitude of four with respect to the pure Theo. Biological studies showed that the high solublity of Theo as well as ClO4- are responsible for the distinct capabilities to inhibit the growth of different microorganisms, including gram-positive (Staphylococcus epidermidis), gram-negative (Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae) bacteria and fungi (Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis). Our results pointed out that cocrystals containing theophilline-phenanthroline can be explored to get promising molecules to be used to combat infections caused by clinically relevant (multi)drug-resistant bacteria and fungi.
... Среди причин гипокалиемии -эктопическая продукция опухолевыми клетками инсулиноподобных или адренокортикотропиноподобных пептидов, муцин-продуцирующие аденокарциномы толстой кишки. Потеря калия -свидетельство анаболической направленности жизнедеятельности быстрорастущей опухоли, что является неблагоприятным прогностическим признаком [71]. Гиперкалиемия чаще всего становится проявлением опухолевого распада при больших объемах образования или успешной химио-, лучевой, эмболизационной терапии. ...
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The myocardium, which has a high metabolic activity, responds to metabolic disorders and energy imbalance induced by a growing malignant tumor. In addition, the tumor itself can produce substances that directly affect metabolic processes and the life cycle of cells not involved in the neoplastic process, including cardiomyocytes. This review summarized and systematized current data on individual aspects of detrimental effects of oncogenes and tumor-related factors on the heart muscle and morpho-functional changes in the cardiovascular system of oncology patients. Also, the authors described in detail development of these pathogenetic mechanisms.
... In an early report, the ratio of [K + ] i /[Na + ] i inside the cell was decreased in both aging and cancer development [156], while other data showed a higher level of potassium. This contradictory data reveals that potassium may be more elevated extracellularly and reduced intracellularly in cancer. ...
Article
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Cancer cells and tissues have an aberrant regulation of hydrogen ion dynamics driven by a combination of poor vascular perfusion, regional hypoxia, and increased the flux of carbons through fermentative glycolysis. This leads to extracellular acidosis and intracellular alkalinization. Dysregulated pH dynamics influence cancer cell biology, from cell transformation and tumorigenesis to proliferation, local growth, invasion, and metastasis. Moreover, this dysregulated intracellular pH (pHi) drives a metabolic shift to increased aerobic glycolysis and reduced mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, referred to as the Warburg effect, or Warburg metabolism, which is a selective feature of cancer. This metabolic reprogramming confers a thermodynamic advantage on cancer cells and tissues by protecting them against oxidative stress, enhancing their resistance to hypoxia, and allowing a rapid conversion of nutrients into biomass to enable cell proliferation. Indeed, most cancers have increased glucose uptake and lactic acid production. Furthermore, cancer cells have very dysregulated electrolyte balances, and in the interaction of the pH dynamics with electrolyte, dynamics is less well known. In this review, we highlight the interconnected roles of dysregulated pH dynamics and electrolytes imbalance in cancer initiation, progression, adaptation, and in determining the programming and reprogramming of tumor cell metabolism
... In the 1980s, several observations aroused suspicion of cancer being associated with dietary or body content of potassium and sodium. 1,2 More recently, the nature and function of specific ion channels have been suggested to be involved in tumor development and progression. [3][4][5][6][7][8] Moreover, elevated levels of potassium and lowered levels of sodium have been found in patients with various types of cancer, 3,[9][10][11] probably due to oxidative damage 12 or cancer cell lysis. ...
Article
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Purpose To examine whether serum levels of potassium and sodium were associated with long-term cancer risk in initially healthy men. Patients and Methods A cohort of 1994 initially healthy men with no use of medication, aged 40–59 years, was followed for cancer during 40 years of follow-up. Associations between fasting electrolyte levels and cancer risk were assessed with incidence rates and Cox proportional hazards models. Results Potassium, but not sodium, was linearly associated with cancer risk. This association remained significant after adjustment of several potential confounding factors, and also after excluding the first 10 years of follow-up. The age-adjusted risk of all-site cancer increased with 16% for each SD increase in potassium level. Men with hyperkalemia showed an incidence rate that was 40% higher than for men with normal potassium levels. Conclusion Fasting serum potassium level in healthy men was positively associated with long-term cancer risk. Potassium or potassium ion channels may have a role in cell proliferation or differentiation. These findings might imply future cancer strategies for targeting individuals with high serum potassium levels.
... 11 The role of potassium and sodium concentration in cancer growth risk is the most important subject in cancer research. 12,13 Significant levels of sodium concentration have been found in cancer cells as compared to normal cells of the identical tissue, 14 while potassium on the other hand can offer a better solution for cancer immunotherapy. 13 Lithium ions are more efficient in facilitating many vital processes and cellular pathways by efficient penetration through cellular membranes. ...
Article
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Diclofenac or 2-[(2′,6′-dichlorophenyl)amino]phenyl}acetic acid (dcf) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) is a well-known enzyme inhibitor. In this study, three new alkali metal complexes (1–3) containing both phen and dcf were prepared, and their structures were characterized by a variety of analytical techniques including infrared and UV–vis spectroscopy, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In these complexes, phen binds via a N,N′-chelate pocket, while the monoanionic dcf—ligand remains either uncoordinated (in the case of 1 and 3) or coordinated in a bidentate fashion (in the case of 2). All three complexes crystallize in the triclinic space group P-1. [Na2(phen)2 (H2O)4][dcf]2 (1) is a dinuclear sodium complex, where two crystallographically identical Na⁺ cations adopt a distorted five-coordinate spherical square-pyramidal geometry, with a [N2O3] donor set. [K2(phen)2(dcf)2(H2O)4] (2) is also a dinuclear complex where the crystallographically unique K⁺ cation adopts a distorted seven-coordinate geometry comprising a [N2O5] donor set. [Li(phen)(H2O)2][dcf] (3) is a mononuclear lithium complex where the Li⁺ cation adopts a four-coordinate distorted tetrahedral geometry comprising a [N2O2] donor set. The complexes were evaluated for their anticancer activity against lung and oral cancer cell lines as well as for their antibacterial potential. The prepared complexes displayed very good antibacterial and anticancer activities with an excellent bioavailability.
... Alterations of the intracellular ion homeostasis are associated with severe dysfunctions and pathologies. Frequently, neurodegenerative processes, cancerous alterations and systemic diseases are linked to changes in the intracellular ion composition [2][3][4][5][6][7]. Especially the distribution of metal ions within cells is of great importance, as they can act as second messengers, modulate signaling pathways or directly affect enzyme functions due to their (in)direct involvement in enzyme-substrate interactions [2,[8][9][10][11][12]. ...
Article
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Essential biochemical reactions and processes within living organisms are coupled to subcellular fluctuations of metal ions. Disturbances in cellular metal ion homeostasis are frequently associated with pathological alterations, including neurotoxicity causing neurodegeneration, as well as metabolic disorders or cancer. Considering these important aspects of the cellular metal ion homeostasis in health and disease, measurements of subcellular ion signals are of broad scientific interest. The investigation of the cellular ion homeostasis using classical biochemical methods is quite difficult, often even not feasible or requires large cell numbers. Here, we report of genetically encoded fluorescent probes that enable the visualization of metal ion dynamics within individual living cells and their organelles with high temporal and spatial resolution. Generally, these probes consist of specific ion binding domains fused to fluorescent protein(s), altering their fluorescent properties upon ion binding. This review focuses on the functionality and potential of these genetically encoded fluorescent tools which enable monitoring (sub)cellular concentrations of alkali metals such as K + , alkaline earth metals including Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ , and transition metals including Cu + /Cu 2+ and Zn 2+. Moreover, we discuss possible approaches for the development and application of novel metal ion biosensors for Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ , Mn 2+ and Na + .
... Adequate dietary potassium is crucial for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) including the risk of stroke (31-33), high blood pressure (31, 34,35), coronary heart disease (31, 34) and CVD morbidity (disease incidence) and mortality (death) (34). Sufficient potassium intake may also reduce the risk for osteoporosis and improve bone health (31) while simultaneously reducing all cause cancer risk and incidence (36,37). ...
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Despite the general public's widespread acceptance of ketogenic diets, few if any dietary analyses have been completed evaluating the nutritional adequacy of such diets. In this paper, I describe the numerous nutritional deficiencies (using Nutritionist Pro dietary software) that a 2 week meal plan for a widely popular contemporary ketogenic diet produces.
... Inhibits NADPH oxidases and suppresses the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells through activation of extracellular signal regulated kinases; essential component of the antioxidant enzyme, Cu/Zn-SOD (13,14) Red meat, poultry, oysters, supplements (15) Selenium Decreases RONS induced by androgens, aging, or microbial gut flora; essential component of glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide to water, and organic hydroxyperoxides to alcohol (16) Supplements, seafood, organ meats (17) Potassium Voltage-gated potassium channels inhibit proliferation in many cell types; voltage-gated channel conductance activates T-lymphocytes; central regulators for cell volume by governing potassium ion flow and intracellular osmolarity that drives obligatory water flow across cell membrane (18,19) Legumes, potatoes, meat, nuts (20) Iodine Acts as an electron donor and reduces free radicals; indirectly renders amino acids, such as tyrosine and histidine, and fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid, less oxidized through iodination (21) Supplements, dairy products, eggs, table salt additive (22) Possibly predominately colon procarcinogenic Iron ...
Article
Background: Despite considerable biological plausibility, other than for calcium, there are few reported epidemiologic studies on mineral intake-colorectal cancer associations, none of which investigated multiple minerals in aggregate. Methods: Accordingly, we incorporated 11 minerals into a mineral score and investigated its association with incident colorectal cancer in the Iowa Women's Health Study, a prospective cohort study of 55- to 69-year-old women who completed a food frequency questionnaire in 1986. In the analytic cohort (n = 35, 221), 1,731 incident colorectal cancer cases were identified via the State Health Registry of Iowa. Participants' calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, selenium, potassium, and iodine intakes were ranked 1 to 5, with higher ranks indicating higher, potentially anticarcinogenic, intakes, whereas for iron, copper, phosphorus, and sodium intakes, the rankings were reversed to account for their possible procarcinogenic properties. The rankings were summed to create each woman's mineral score. The mineral score-incident colorectal cancer association was estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: There was decreasing risk with an increasing score (Ptrend = 0.001). The hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for those in mineral score quintiles 2 to 5 relative to those in the lowest were 0.91 (CI, 0.88-1.08), 0.85 (CI, 0.75-0.95), 0.86 (CI, 0.75-0.97), and 0.75 (CI, 0.71-0.95), respectively. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a predominance of putative anti- relative to pro-colorectal carcinogenic mineral intakes may be inversely associated with colorectal cancer risk. Impact: These results support further investigation of colorectal cancer etiology using composite mineral intake scores.
... A pilot study report shows that countries that consume high potassium diets tends to have a lower cancer risks than countries that consumes low potassium diets [17]. Another study reported that patients with hyperkalemic diseases (Parkinson, Addison) usually have reduced cancer rates and patients with hypokalemic diseases (alcoholism, Obesity, stress) have increased cancer rates [18]. Sodium (Na + ), an essential nutrient and a major cation in the extra-cellular fluid found in the plasma is responsible for water homeostasis, nerve and muscle fibre impulse transmission [19] [20]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Background: The balance of electrolytes in humans is not only considered pivotal for normal functioning of cells and organs but to recover from many metabolic disorders. Cancer patients are generally at risk for electrolyte imbalances from a myriad of causes. Aim: This study was undertaken to estimate electrolytes levels in uterine cancer patients and that of controls (healthy individuals). Clinical parameters were collected after obtaining informed consent from both patients and controls. Method: Venous fasting blood samples of freshly diagnosed uterine cancer patients and controls were collected to estimate electrolytes namely sodium (Na +), potassium (K +), chloride (Cl-), inorganic phosphate (PO3 2-) and bicarbonate (HCO3-). Na, K, Cl and P were analysed spectrophotometrically (colorimetry) while HCO3-was biochemically analysed by titration. Results: Data obtained in this study shows a significant increase (P<0.05) in the level of PO3 2-and Na + in uterine cancer patients as compared with the control. However, a significant decrease was recorded in the level of Cl-and HCO3-in uterine cancer patients when compared with controls. No significant difference in K + level was observed in both uterine cancer patients and controls. The evidence of associations between electrolyte imbalances and risk of developing uterine cancer as observed in this study are of particular importance in the prognosis, diagnosis and management of uterine cancer.
... The P Na mem : P K mem is a general predictor of resting V mem as most eukaryotic cells have an enzymatic Na þ /K þ -ATPase ion pump [78]. Our analyses predict that manipulation of P Na mem : P K mem is a powerful therapeutic strategy (indeed, the importance of the sodium : potassium ratio has long been known as an important factor in cancer induction [144,145]). Voltage-gated channels with considerable conductivity at typical cell resting potentials, including inward-rectifying K þ channels (Kir) and channels from the HCN family, may also serve as effective targets for somatic bioelectrical manipulations [146,147]. ...
Article
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Gene regulatory networks (GRNs) describe interactions between gene products and transcription factors that control gene expression. In combination with reaction-diffusion models, GRNs have enhanced comprehension of biological pattern formation. However, although it is well known that biological systems exploit an interplay of genetic and physical mechanisms, instructive factors such as transmembrane potential (Vmem) have not been integrated into full GRN models. Here we extend regulatory networks to include bioelectric signalling, developing a novel synthesis: the bioelectricity-integrated gene and reaction (BIGR) network. Using in silico simulations, we highlight the capacity for Vmem to alter steady-state concentrations of key signalling molecules inside and out of cells. We characterize fundamental feedbacks where Vmem both controls, and is in turn regulated by, biochemical signals and thereby demonstrate Vmem homeostatic control, Vmem memory and Vmem controlled state switching. BIGR networks demonstrating hysteresis are identified as a mechanisms through which more complex patterns of stable Vmem spots and stripes, along with correlated concentration patterns, can spontaneously emerge. As further proof of principle, we present and analyse a BIGR network model that mechanistically explains key aspects of the remarkable regenerative powers of creatures such as planarian flatworms. The functional properties of BIGR networks generate the first testable, quantitative hypotheses for biophysical mechanisms underlying the stability and adaptive regulation of anatomical bioelectric pattern. © 2017 The Authors. Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.
... Colons from SS-S and SS-Yb mice showed fewer pathological changes than SS-G and PS; colons from BS-9x showed even fewer changes than those from SS-Yb. This amelioration of pathological changes might be attributed partially to different Na/K ratios in the salt samples (7,20). ...
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The effects of Korean solar salt on an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colon cancer C57BL/6 mouse model were studied. Korean solar salt samples (SS-S, solar salt from S salt field; SS-Yb, solar salt from Yb salt field), nine-time-baked bamboo salt (BS-9x, made from SS-Yb), purified salt (PS), and SS-G (solar salt from Guérande, France) were orally administered at a concentration of 1% during AOM/DSS colon cancer induction, and compared for their protective effects during colon carcinogenesis in C57BL/6 mice. SS-S and SS-Yb suppressed colon length shortening and tumor counts in mouse colons. Histological evaluation by hematoxylin and eosin staining also revealed suppression of tumorigenesis by SS-S. Conversely, PS and SS-G did not show a similar suppressive efficacy as Korean solar salt. SS-S and SS-Yb promoted colon mRNA expression of an apoptosis-related factor and cell-cycle-related gene and suppressed pro-inflammatory factor. SS-Yb baked into BS-9x further promoted these anti-carcinogenic efficacies. Taken together, the results indicate that Korean solar salt, especially SS-S and SS-Yb, exhibited anti-cancer activity by modulating apoptosis- and inflammation-related gene expression during colon carcinogenesis in mice, and bamboo salt baked from SS-Yb showed enhanced anti-cancer functionality.
... Besides the essential need of minerals in human health, they become toxic when their intake exceeds the tolerance levels of the human body. Sodium, for example, is considered a contributory cause of dietary cancer (Jansson, 1996). The consumption of water with high fluoride and silica leads to multiple bone fracture (Fabiani et al., 1999). ...
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Twenty five brands of commercially available bottled water were randomly collected from local markets to check the chemical quality for the confidence-building of the consumers. The suitability for human consumption was assessed according to WHO and EU guidelines/directives. Various water quality parameters along with anionic and cationic balance were analysed by standard APHA and A WW A methods. Forty percent of the samples had higher conductivity ranges as per EU directives while micronutrients (Cu +2 , Fe +2 , Mn +2 , Ni +2 , Zn +2) were found entirely absent. Sodium was marginally higher in one sample as per WHO guidelines. Forty four of the samples had confirmed presence of arsenic (As) between the range of 1-11 ppb. It is therefore, concluded that majority of the available bottled water brands conformed to the guidelines / directives of WHO/EU for the over all quality of drinking water.
... Moreover Ca 2+ concentration was below the optimum (100 mg/l) level in all the samples studied. Sodium is considered as a contributory cause of dietary cancer, whereas potassium may play a protective role [26]. The effect of calcium is less clear as it may depend on the concentration of both sodium and potassium [27]. ...
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A sensor array comprising 9 potentiometric chemical sensors and some pattern recognition tools for the data processing has been applied in order to characterize the groundwater in the plain of Kairouan Region (Tuni-sia). A total of 17 groundwater samples were collected from three different villages and analyzed for their chemical components. Nine chemical parameters were determined: Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Ammo-nium, Cadmium, Chlorides, Nitrates, Fluoride and pH. Multi-sensor responses measured in each water sam-ple were diagnosed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA). PCA is a procedure for reducing data redundancy. CA is used to detect spatial similarity among sampling sites. This methodol-ogy is simple, rapid and the obtained results demonstrate that the electronic tongue technique based on the sensor array combined with pattern recognition method could be a useful tool for the characterization and the classification of wells water samples.
... Exploiting native channels may allow manipulation of bioelectric signals merely by changing ionic composition of the cellular environment; indeed, we observed that hyperpolarization by high Clreduces ITLS incidences (Fig. 3B) without additional channel misexpression. The alteration of tumorigenic transformation by ionic conditions in the medium is consistent with previous data showing an association between the (depolarizing) level of sodium and cancer [154][155][156], the control of cell differentiation by sodium levels [157][158][159] and pH [160], and more recent work on stem cell reprogramming by acid baths and streptolysinmediated membrane permeability change [161]. Reprogramming of cell state by physiological cues is certainly of relevance to cancer [162][163][164][165]. ...
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The microenvironment is increasingly recognized as a crucial aspect of cancer. In contrast and complement to the field's focus on biochemical factors and extracellular matrix, we characterize a novel aspect of host:tumor interaction - endogenous bioelectric signals among non-excitable somatic cells. Extending prior work focused on the bioelectric state of cancer cells themselves, we show for the first time that the resting potentials of distant cells are critical for oncogene-dependent tumorigenesis. In the Xenopus laevis tadpole model, we used human oncogenes such as mutant KRAS to drive formation of tumor-like structures that exhibited overproliferation, increased nuclear size, hypoxia, acidity, and leukocyte attraction. Remarkably, misexpression of hyperpolarizing ion channels at distant sites within the tadpole significantly reduced the incidence of these tumors. The suppression of tumorigenesis could also be achieved by hyperpolarization using native CLIC1 chloride channels, suggesting a treatment modality not requiring gene therapy. Using a dominant negative approach, we implicate HDAC1 as the mechanism by which resting potential changes affect downstream cell behaviors. Based on published data on the voltage-mediated changes of butyrate flux through the SLC5A8 transporter, we present a model linking resting potentials of host cells to the ability of oncogenes to initiate tumorigenesis. Antibiotic data suggest that the relevant butyrate is generated by a native bacterial species, identifying a novel link between the microbiome and cancer that is mediated by alterations in bioelectric signaling.
... The replacement of potassium ions with sodium ions in DNA and RNA nucleic acids may destabilize the genetic material and cause the formation of neoplasms (Pantellini, 1976). Indeed, negative correlations between potassium intake and cancer incidence have been shown in various animal and human studies (Jansson, 1996). Furthermore, vitamin C and potassium could operate in conjunction to reduce the risk of cancer since intake of vitamin C has been demonstrated to increase intracellular potassium intake (Jansson, 1990). ...
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Summary The possible relationship between child's early diet and risk of childhood leukemia has remained largely unexplored. The authors' objective was to determine what particular foods consumed early in life (first two years) are associated with risk of childhood leukemia in a case-control study of a diverse California population. Dietary data were obtained by questionnaire administered to the child's caregiver. Conditional logistic regression was used to analyze 328 case-control sets matched on age, sex, maternal race, and parental Hispanic status. Regular consumption of oranges/bananas (odds ratio (OR) = 0.49; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.26, 0.94) and orange juice (OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.31, 0.94) during the first two years of life was associated with a reduction in risk of childhood leukemia diagnosed between the ages of 2 to 14. Restricting the analysis to leukemia diagnosed between the ages of 2 to 5 reflected a similar pattern of reduced risk. No association between eating hotdogs/lunchmeats and risk of leukemia was found. These results suggest that fruits or fruit juices that contain vitamin C and/or potassium may reduce the risk of childhood leukemia, especially if consumed on a regular basis during the first two years of life.
... Water is necessary for life due to its natural elements which play a central role. For example, sodium is considered to be a contributory cause of dietary cancer, whereas potassium may play a protective role (Jansson, 1996). The effect of calcium is less clear as it may depend on the concentration of both sodium and potassium (Yang et al., 1997). ...
Article
Water is essential for life and contains minerals which play an important role in human nutrition. The market of mineral water has been growing steadily over the last few years. Italy is the country with the highest production and consumption in the world. Current international drinking water regulations are not very clear, as well as being completely absent in several countries. They also present contradictions between drinking water intended for human consumption and those to be bottled.This work focused on mineral water due to the wide public acceptance and economic interest of this product. Bottled mineral waters (371 brands) from all the Italian regions (20) were characterized by means of the physico-chemical and chemical composition (52 parameters) reported on their label by using statistical analysis. The relationships among selected variables were examined by Durov and Piper diagrams.A comparison between the water quality composition and the standard limits fixed for both mineral and drinking water by national and international regulations EU, Italy, USEPA, Canada, Spain, CODEX, WHO) is also discussed.The analysis shows that Italian waters are rich in natural elements that unequivocally characterise its taste and quality. A comparison of our results against the current Italian regulations for mineral waters shows that out of 371 bottled mineral water studied, only 2 have problems in terms of Ba and Pb concentration. However, when compared to the limits established by international regulations, there appear to be several contradictions.Only 2 Italian regions out of 20 would fulfil the drinking water regulation for all the parameters where standard limits or guidance values are defined. Some elements show a clear regional dependency. Upon studying the large natural variation in concentration of the 52 parameters, it becomes evident that we know very little about the natural variation of element concentration in water as well as the health effects of most of the elements in drinking waters.
... Many studies have demonstrated the physiological role of K + currents in cell proliferation, being involved in the increase of intracellular Ca 2+ concentration, regulation of cell volume [104][105][106], and modification of the content in electrolytes of intra and extracellular mediums [107,108]. This may explain why voltage-gated and Ca 2+ -activated K + channels are involved in the various cancers. ...
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Animal venoms are rich natural sources of bioactive compounds, including peptide toxins acting on the various types of ion channels, i.e. K(+), Na(+), Cl(-) and Ca(2+). Among K+ channel-acting toxins, those selective for voltage-gated K(+) (Kv) channels are widely represented and have been isolated from the venoms of numerous animal species, such as scorpions, sea anemones, snakes, marine cone snails and spiders. The toxins characterized hitherto contain between 22 and 60 amino acid residues, and are cross-linked by two to four disulfide bridges. Depending on their types of fold, toxins can be classified in eight structural categories, which showed a combination of beta-strands, helices, or a mixture of both. The main architectural motifs thereof are referred to as alpha/beta scaffold and inhibitor cystine knot (ICK). A detailed analysis of toxin structures and pharmacological selectivities indicates that toxins exhibiting a similar type of fold can exert their action on several subtypes of Kv channels, whereas a particular Kv channel can be targeted by toxins that possess unrelated folds. Therefore, it appears that the ability of structurally divergent toxins to interact with a particular Kv channel relies onto a similar spatial distribution of amino acid residues that are key to the toxin-channel interaction (rather than the type of toxin fold). The diversity of Kv channel blockers and their therapeutic value in the potential treatment of a number of specific human diseases, especially autoimmune disorders, inflammatory neuropathies and cancer, are reviewed.
... Ion channel activity in proliferation determines an homeostatic intracellular unbalance with a consequent strategic cellular instability and intracellular electrolyte unbalance [48,49]. This ion unbalance could be not only a mere coincidence but probably a requirement in mitogenesis, where the disruption and reformation of sub-cellular structures may need counter ions of different size. ...
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A number of experimental evidences in cell biology and pharmacology demonstrate that cancer cells, as well as stem and other proliferating cells, exhibit ion channels expression, ion conductances and electric properties very different from that of resting cells. These peculiar properties are functionally involved in cancer pathogenesis. A systematic approach in recognizing these peculiarities in cancer cells and tissues could be very useful in the prognosis and molecular classification of various types of cancer. From a therapeutic perspective, inhibitors and modulators of ion channels have been demonstrated to be able to impair cancer cell proliferation in vitro and, in a few studies, to counteract cancer progression in vivo. Early attempts to modulate cellular ion conductances with electromagnetic fields are also present in the literature and represent interesting starting points for future research. In clinical oncology, the relevance of ion channels is not currently recognized thus clinical applications are missing. But, in the light of the data here reviewed, preclinical and clinical experimentation in this field appear not only rational but also strongly advisable.
... The replacement of potassium ions with sodium ions in DNA and RNA nucleic acids may destabilize the genetic material and cause the formation of neoplasms (24). Indeed, negative correlations between potassium intake and cancer incidence have been shown in various animal and human studies (25). Furthermore, vitamin C and potassium could operate in conjunction to reduce the risk of cancer, since intake of vitamin C has been demonstrated to increase intracellular potassium intake (23). ...
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The possible relation between child's early diet and risk of childhood leukemia has remained largely unexplored. The authors' objective was to determine what particular foods consumed early in life (first 2 years) are associated with risk of childhood leukemia in a 1995-2002 case-control study of a diverse California population. Dietary data were obtained from a questionnaire administered to the child's caregiver. Conditional logistic regression was used to analyze 328 case-control sets matched on age, sex, Hispanic status, and maternal race. Regular consumption of oranges/bananas (odds ratio = 0.49, 95% confidence interval: 0.26, 0.94) and orange juice (odds ratio = 0.54, 95% confidence interval: 0.31, 0.94) during the first 2 years of life was associated with a reduction in risk of childhood leukemia diagnosed between the ages of 2 and 14 years. Restricting the analysis to leukemia diagnosed between the ages of 2 and 5 years reflected a similar pattern of reduced risk. No association between eating hot dogs/lunch meats and risk of leukemia was found. These results suggest that fruits or fruit juices that contain vitamin C and/or potassium may reduce the risk of childhood leukemia, especially if they are consumed on a regular basis during the first 2 years of life.
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Me olemme kaikki tarinan arvoisia, mutta erityisen tärkeä on sellainen tarina, joka koskettaa monia, tuttuja ja tuntemattomia. Tässä kirjassa saamme kuulla Antti Oinaksen tarinan. Terveystoimittaja Christer Sundqvist on kirjannut muistiin Antin tarinan ja kuljettaa meitä kirjan sivuilla sellaista terveyspolkua pitkin, joka vie terveyttä kohti. Terveyspolku vie meidät positiivisuuden kautta emäksiseen laaksoon, jossa vehreys ja erityisesti koivun antimet tuovat meille elinvoimaa. Sokeria tällä polulla ei ole tarjolla, mutta makeaa on havaita hapen parantava teho. Liikunta on lääke ja lukuisat apuaineet, -menetelmät sekä -laitteet pitävät meidät tarvittaessa kaidalla polulla koko elämän. Vakavasti sairastuneen on syytä ottaa selvää sairaudestaan niin, että hänestä tulee oman sairautensa huippuasiantuntija. Lukuisissa lempeissä keskusteluissa terveydenhoidon ammattilaisten kanssa Antti luo pohjan sille, että terveyspolulla voidaan kiitollisena ottaa vastaan koululääketieteen tarjoama paras mahdollinen apu. Kulman takana saattaa odottaa tieteellinen läpimurto.
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Plasma selenium concentrations were measured spectrofluorometrically in 22 alcoholics without serious somatic disorders and in 22 occasionally drinking adults. Reduced levels of selenium in alcoholics (0,76 ± 0,17 μmol/dm3 vs 0,98 ± 0.21 μmol/dm3 in controls) persisted during the long-term abstinence. Alanine aminotransferase activities were significantly elevated in alcoholics presumably reflecting minor hepatic lesions not manifesting clinically. A negative correlation was revealed between the concentration of selenium in plasma during the alcohol withdrawal syndrome and the intensity of alcohol dependence (r = -0,49, p < 0,05). No correlation was found between plasma selenium and aminotransferases (alanine and aspartate aminotransferase) activities, alcoholic's age, duration of alcohol dependence and intensity of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
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This study compares the anti-carcinogenic activity of calcium glucarate, potassium glucarate, and potassium glucuronate in cervix and esophagus induced cancer murine models. The cervical cancer induction was performed by tampons moistened with 0.1% solution of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA) applied intravaginally twice a week for 6 weeks in mice. Esophageal cancer was induced by oral administration of 10 mg of N-methyl-N-benzylnitrosoamine (MBNA) with drinking water for 1 month in rats. The 2 g per kilo of studied substances was administered orally with food immediately after the exposure to cancerogens for the period of 11 months. Compared to the control group the calcium glucarate, potassium glucarate and potassium glucuronate introduction reduced the incidence of cervical cancers by 20.4%, 32.1%, and 30.0% (p<0.05), accordingly; calcium glucarate introduction decreased only the medium number of the esophagus tumors by 44.3% (p<0.05); potassium glucarate and potassium glucuronate reduced the incidence of esophagus tumors by 35.1% and 61.3% (p<0.05) and their number by 32% and 58.5% (p<0.05), accordingly. Compared with calcium glucarate, potassium salts of glucaric and glucuronic acids inhibit cervical and esophageal carcinogenesis more effectively.
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Certain solar sea salts have a high content of essential minerals other than NaCl. The effects of minerals in sea salts on oxidative stress in rats were investigated. Mineral-rich salt (MRS) and mineral-deficient salt (MDS) did not scavenge DPPH radicals. When MRS and MDS (equivalent to 1.8 g NaCl/kg/day) and a saline control were orally administered to rats for 7 weeks, MRS group rats showed lower levels of plasma lipid oxidation than MDS group rats. MRS group rats exhibited significantly lower levels of protein carbonyls and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine in the liver than MDS group rats. MRS group rats showed lower protein expression of NF-κB p65 in adipose tissue than MDS group rats. Intake of MRS may generate less oxidative stress than intake of MDS.
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This review describes the history of banana in human nutrition and the latest progress in research concerning treatment with the banana diet in diarrhea and undernutrition. Abundant literature supports banana's advantages in prevention of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and hypokalimia.
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Bottled mineral waters (132 samples) from 19 districts of Italy were characterized by means of the physico-chemical and chemical composition (30 parameters) reported on their label by using statistical analysis. Bottled waters showed a lack of homogeneity in the type of parameters reported in the label, the level of aluminium being reported by only five brands. The relationships among 12 selected variables were examined by principal component analysis; then, hierarchical cluster analysis was used to search the “natural” grouping among the mineral waters, and linear discriminant analysis allowed to check the reliability of classification. Mineral waters were mainly separated by the total dissolved solids content, whereas there was little association based on the geographical origin. A comparison between the water composition and the legal limit fixed by the Italian regulation for selected parameters is also discussed.
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A recent meta-analysis supports the premise that increased potassium intake may play a role in the prevention and treatment of hypertension. The possible mechanisms by which potassium may act as an antihypertensive and recommendations regarding increasing potassium intake are also discussed.
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A recent meta-analysis supports the premise that increased potassium intake may play a role in the prevention and treatment of hypertension. The possible mechanisms by which potassium may act as an antihypertensive and recommendations regarding increasing potassium intake are also discussed.
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The blood pressure lowering effects of potassium are well known. Accordingly it is not surprising, that potassium supplements have been recommended as a therapeutical strategy to lower blood pressure. In this review the epidemiological data and potential physiological mechanisms of the potassium-induced cardiovascular effects will be summarized. In addition the recommendations regarding potassium intake and supplementation in hypertensive patients will be discussed.
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The 'hot' sensation produced by exposure to pepper is apparently due to two natural carcinogens: capsaicin in chili type peppers and safrole in black/white pepper. There are four cookeries in the United States that are noted for their high pepper content: Mexican-American, Cajun, white Creole, and black Creole. Each is largely confined to a single ethnic-cultural group which is concentrated in some counties. By use of county population and mortality data, significantly higher rates for stomach and liver cancer were found in counties inhabited by these four ethnic-cultural groups than in matched control counties. This involved both sexes. The cancer increase was dependent on the concentration of these groups in a county. These results strengthen and extend an earlier case-control study which found odds ratios above 5 for the stomach cancer association with capsaicin pepper. It is further evidence that capsaicin is a human carcinogen.
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A number of experimental evidences in cellular biology and pharmacology demonstrate that K+ channels are involved in the regulatory mechanisms of neoplastic cell proliferation and survival. Among the various types of K+ channels known so far, those that express an inwardly rectifying current (mainly the types named Kir, EAG and HERG) appear of peculiar importance in favoring cancer progression in vivo. In fact, besides helping to maintain a constantly depolarized value of the resting potential required for deregulated tumor growth, they can confer selective advantages to cancer cells in an hypoxic microenvironment, such as that of tumor masses. Inhibitors and modulators of K+ channels have been demonstrated to have the ability to impair cancer cell proliferation in vitro and to counteract cancer progression in vivo. A process of rigorous scientific verification at a pre-clinical level of the anticancer potential of K+ channels inhibitors and modulators have never been rationally performed thus far, but would appear opportune in the light of the data here discussed.
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[structure: see text] A lanthanide luminescent probe that was functionalized with quinoline-alkylated diaza-18-crown-6 showed dual-component recognition of concentrations of H+ and K+ at four independent pH ranges, including in the physiological pH window. Moreover, it exhibited pH- and [K+]-independent long-lived lanthanide luminescent lifetimes in aqueous solution.
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Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer and a major source of morbidity and mortality. The etiology of childhood leukemia remains largely unknown. Cytogenetic abnormalities determine disease subtypes, prognosis, clinical presentation, and course and may help in discovering etiological factors. Epidemiologic investigations of leukemia are complicated by many factors, including the rarity of the disease, necessitating careful study design. Two emerging areas of interest in leukemia etiology are birth weight and diet. High birth weight has been associated with increased risk of childhood leukemia. The biological mechanism behind this association may involve insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), which is associated with high birth weight. IGF-I may act by increasing the absolute number of stem cells available for transformation, stimulating the growth of cells that are already transformed, or a combination of effects. Diet has been linked with leukemia. Maternal dietary DNA topoisomerase II (DNAt2) inhibitor intake is associated with infant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with the MLL gene translocation. Increased intake of fruits and vegetables has been associated with decreased leukemia risk and, relatedly, lack of maternal folate supplementation has been associated with increased childhood leukemia risk, possibly by causing DNA hypomethylation and increased DNA strand breaks. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms modify this risk.
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In separate experimental models the effects of selenium, zinc, potassium, and copper on angiogenesis and carcinogenesis are compared. Inhibitory effects of Se as Na2SeO3 and of chloride salts of K and Zn, but not of Cu, on vascularization induced by amelanotic tumor implants (A Mel-4B32) in the Syrian hamster cheek pouch membrane are reported. In an earlier study the induction of new vasculature, angiogenesis, in control chambers implanted with A Mel-4B32 was initially observed on day 4 after implant. Addition of 5, 10, and 50 μg Se at the time of tumor implant delayed the initial capillary proliferation to days 7, 9, 10, respectively (Cancer Lett. 9, 353, 1980). Similarly, in this report addition of 50 μg Zn or 50 μg K delayed angiogenesis to days 7.and 6, respectively. By contrast, addition of 50 μg Cu caused severe inflammation and necrosis of the membrane before capillary proliferation could be observed and the animals had to be sacrificed.In an earlier study we reported the colon tumor incidence in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (20 mg DMG/kg body weight for 20 weeks) -treated Sprague Dawley rats was reduced from 87 to 40% by a 4 ppm Se (as Na2SeO3) supplement in the drinking water (Cancer Lett. 2, 133, 1977). In this study rats were treated with the same dose of carcinogen, but were sacrificed 14 weeks following the last DMH injection. Drinking water supplements with 0.02% Zn (as ZnCl2), 0.5% K (as KCl), or 0.01% Cu (as CuCl2) were provided concurrently with the carcinogen and were continued until death or sacrifice. The colon tumor incidence was 18/20 in the DMH control and was reduced to 16/20 by supplemental Zn, reduced to 12/20 by supplemental K, and was unchanged (18/20) by Cu. The tumor incidences in the small intestine and Zymbal gland were all reduced by Zn, K, and Cu supplements compared with the DMH control. The hamster cheek pouch technique may provide a prescreen for potential inhibitors of chemical carcinogenesis in other experimental models.
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The effects of oral potassium supplementation on the enhanced induction of gastric carcinogenesis by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and the norepinephrine concentration in their gastric wall were investigated. The SHR and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) as controls were given a solution of the carcinogen for 25 weeks and then 1% KCl solution or tap water to drink. In Week 52, the incidence of gastric cancers and their number per rat and the norepinephrine concentration in the gastric wall were significantly greater in SHR than in WKY. Prolonged oral treatment of SHR with potassium significantly reduced the incidence of gastric cancers and their number per rat, as well as the blood pressure and the norepinephrine concentration in the antral portion of the gastric wall. These findings indicate that prolonged treatment with KCl attenuated the enhancement of gastric carcinogenesis by MNNG in SHR.
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Maps of mortality rates in all U.S. counties for cancer of the stomach, colon, and rectum are presented. The maps show a strong geographic dependency indicating that environmental factors are important in the etiology of these cancers. Furthermore, the urban-rural differences which have been noted in the past are not as readily apparent in this study. Evaluation of all cancer sites demonstrates in general that the geographic dependency is highest for organs most exposed to the environment such as the organs along the alimentary canal and lowest for unexposed organs such as prostate, pancreas, and brain. By studying the correlation coefficients between mortality rates for cancer of different organ sites, they were grouped in subsets with high correlations for each pair in the same subset. Cancers of colon, rectum, and breast are shown to be very highly correlated in U.S. data as well as in international data.
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This is a preliminary report that shows that supplemental potassium partially prevents 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) induction of tumors of the small intestine in Sprague-Dawley rats. Male rats were injected weekly with 20 mg DMH/kg body wt for 20 weeks. Potassium chloride was provided in the drinking water one week before the first DMH treatment and was continued until sacrifice 14 weeks after the last DMH treatment. There were four groups of rats and they were identified as follows: DMH, DMH + K, K, and untreated control. Based on 24-hour food and water consumption data and food and water compositions, rats provided 0.5% potassium (from KCl in the drinking water) were ingesting 287.5 +/- 9.2 mg potassium per 24 hours (K/Na = 4.18) and the unsupplemented groups were ingesting 180.3 +/- 18.4 mg potassium per 24 hours (K/Na = 2.62). At sacrifice, the incidence of DMH-induced small intestinal tumors was significantly (p less than 0.05) reduced from 46% (6/13) in the DMH group to 6% (1/17) in the DMH + K group (p less than 0.05). The potassium supplement also significantly (p less than 0.05) reduced the cumulative small intestinal tumor incidence from 40% (8/20) in the DMH group to 5% (1/20) in the DMH + K group. The incidence of colon tumors and of zymbal gland tumors appeared to be reduced by the potassium supplement; however, these were not statistically significant observations (p greater than 0.05). Based on the complete blood count and other blood parameters measured, the level of potassium supplement used induced no apparent toxic effects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Geopathological, dietary, gerontological, and geophysiological data, data on electrolyte concentrations in healthy cells and in the corresponding tumor cells, and data on the potassium status of patients with different diseases and the associations of these diseases with cancer revealed a common denominator in the potassium-sodium-cancer relationship. A number of independent studies showed that the concentration of intracellular potassium was negatively correlated to cancer rates, whereas the concentration of intracellular sodium was positively correlated to cancer rates. The ratio between the concentrations of intracellular potassium and sodium was negatively correlated to cancer rates and was of greater importance in this respect than the two elements individually. The relations between these concentrations and cancer rates are hyperbolic rather than linear, which explains the fact that two independent carcinogenic agents are synergistic rather than additive.
Article
Geographic mapping of colorectal cancer rates revealed areas with high rates as well as areas with low rates. Comparisons between high-rate areas and areas deficient in selenium led to animal experiments that showed that selenium could reduce chemically induced intestinal tumors. A low-rate area was found to be geochemically unique with soil and water rich in potassium. This led to a series of studies indicating that elevated intracellular potassium reduces cancer risks, while elevated intracellular sodium increases the risks. Variance-reducing techniques and methods for statistical evaluation of clusters were obtained as spinoff results.
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The combined mortality rates for all high-rate neoplasms and for all malignant neoplasms combined are considerably lower in Seneca County, New York, than in its surrounding counties. The possibility that these lower rates are attributable to the geochemical uniqueness of the two lakes that enclose the county, availability and concentration of selenium, high salinity of the lakes, and high concentration of potassium cations is discussed.