Stress is a mental disorder caused by some kind of pressure. Stress can be experienced by anyone regardless of their age, gender, occupation, etc. Stress over a long period of time can certainly have a negative impact on the health of the body. Chronic stress is known to increase the risk of various health disorders, such as impaired cognitive function and heart disease.

Based on the latest research published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, it is known that chronic stress can also accelerate the growth of cancer cells. According to the study, chronic stress can increase the production of the hormone “epinephrine” which can cause rapid cancer growth. When the hormone binds to its receptors, these interactions can increase the levels of lactate dehydrogenase, an enzyme that can provide "injections" of energy for muscles. These interactions also produce lactic organic compounds, that can be used as a food source for cancer cells.

To find out how stress can affect cancer cells, the researchers used mice that had breast cancer and put them into a small cage for 1 week. After that, the rats were divided into 2 groups. The first group was placed in a container that was large enough and comfortable for them, and the mice acted as controls. While the other group is placed in a small cage to increase their pressure and act as the experimental group. The treatment was done for 30 days.

The researchers further explained that administration of vitamin C was found to inhibit the production of lactate dehydrogenase due to the high level of epinephrine. In laboratory tests, vitamin C has been proven to slow the growth of cancer cells. Therefore, the researchers recommend taking vitamin C for cancer patients who experience chronic stress.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay

Source(s):

• Cui, B., Luo, Y., Tian, ​​P., et all (2019). Stress-induced epinephrine enhances lactate dehydrogenase A and promotes breast cancer-like stem cells. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, DOI: 10.1172 / JCI121685.
• Medical News Today - How chronic stress boosts cancer cell growth (2019). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324540.php, March 11, 2019.