Many people load up on all sorts of supplements thinking it'll give them better health and perhaps even extend their life span. But researchers found that one popular anti-aging supplement (known as spermidine) thought to extend the life-span could also be fueling the growth of cancer. How can this be?
The researchers found that the effects of polyamines (including spermidine), which are in all living cells, can either promote healthy aging or can fuel cancer growth. The difference was in which protein they influenced, and whether the cells were healthy to start with. In healthy cells they support cellular maintenance and energy production but in cancer cells they help drive rapid growth.
From Science Daily: Scientists reveal why a popular anti-aging compound may also fuel cancer
Polyamines are naturally produced molecules present in all living cells. They play a vital role in basic biological functions, including cell growth and specialization. In recent years, scientists have focused on these compounds, especially spermidine, for their potential to support healthy aging. Often described as 'geroprotectors,' they have been shown to stimulate autophagy, a cellular recycling process that clears out damaged components. This benefit largely depends on a protein called eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A1).
At the same time, researchers have repeatedly observed high levels of polyamines in many types of cancer, where they are linked to aggressive tumor growth. This contrast has created a scientific puzzle. How can the same molecules that appear to promote longevity also be associated with cancer?
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