Scientists have identified an unexpected cause of liver cancer
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Journal of Hepatology: Frequent jet lag increases risk of liver cancer
Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine in the US have found that disruption of circadian rhythms due to frequent jet lag may be associated with liver cancer. The study results were published in the Journal of Hepatology.
The experiment was carried out on two groups of laboratory mice, which were previously transplanted with human liver cells. They were subjected to two different regimes. One group of mice lived on a natural day-night cycle, while another group was given a sleep-wake schedule that simulated the jet lag of a flight from San Francisco to London.
The results showed that mice in the circadian rhythm disorder group had a shorter lifespan compared to those who followed natural biorhythms. They were also at risk of developing cirrhosis, which is characterized by the replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrous connective tissue.
In addition, mice from the experimental group suffered more often from jaundice and developed liver cancer. The molecular mechanisms of cancer development in mice were similar to those observed in humans. Returning to normal circadian rhythms slowed tumor growth and the spread of cancer cells.
Scientists believe that their discoveries may contribute to the development of more effective methods of treating and preventing liver cancer.
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