New research suggests that consuming plant-based foods could interfere with cancer-fighting medications. The study, published in the prestigious journal Cell, found that specific small molecules in plant-based foods can activate the liver via gut microbiota, diminishing the effectiveness of PI3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitors.
Drugs known as PI3K inhibitors halt the biochemical signaling pathways that promote the growth of cancer cells. Earlier research indicates that a ketogenic diet, which is extremely low in carbohydrates and high in fat, significantly enhances the effects of anticancer medications. This effect is believed to be related to a tendency to reduce blood sugar and insulin levels.
The researchers observed that mice on a high-carb diet, which elevates blood sugar and stimulates insulin production, showed favorable responses to PI3K inhibitors. The findings indicated that insulin, blood sugar, fat, carbohydrates, and whether the diet was whole or heavily processed did not impact the enhancement of PI3K inhibitor response. The study involved mice on a standard diet and mice fed a diet devoid of the complex plant chemicals in typical diets.
According to the findings, mice on the altered diet produced more liver enzymes and cleared PI3K inhibitors more rapidly, diminishing their anticancer effects.
The researchers concluded that this study could lead to the development of novel dietary strategies for cancer treatment.
