A recent study identified hydrogen peroxide as a promising target for cancer therapy. (Image: Zerbor/stock.adobe.com)
How reactive oxygen species are linked to cancer
Reactive oxygen specieswhich is often simplified as free radicals or oxygen radicals are referred to, have already been used in several studies with the emergence of cancer connected. A research team has now demonstrated for the first time that not all reactive oxygen species are equally dangerous.
professionals of Society of German Chemists registered association present the results of a new study recently published in the journalapplied Chemistry” has been published. As part of the research work, it was proven for the first time that in pancreatic cancer cells, the hydrogen peroxide levels is increased, making this oxygen radical an interesting target in the Fighting Cancer could become.
What are reactive oxygen species?
Reactive oxygen species are referred to in English-speaking countries as reactive oxygen species denotes where the abbreviation came from ROS derives. These are harmful forms of oxygen that oxidativem Stress as well as at the aging and play a role in various diseases.
Many different oxygen compounds belong to the ROS. They mostly arise as By-product of cellular respiration just like inflammatory reactionsto kill viruses and bacteria. All ROS are highly reactive and have a strong need to bind to other molecules or to enter into a chemical reaction.
In doing so, they can attack and change cell building blocks such as lipids and other molecules. However, cells also have many different mechanisms of their own to render ROS harmless.
Are ROS involved in the development of cancer?
Previous cancer research has repeatedly suggested that reactive oxygen species are involved in the development of cancer. These oxygen compounds have always been viewed as a group in which the various reactive oxygen species have similar effects on the body.
According to the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker, however, the analysis of these small molecules is difficult because ROS are very short-lived. A working group of ETH Zurich one Renato Zenobi has now succeeded in combining the three widespread ROS hydrogen peroxide, Superoxid and Hydroxylradikale measured in cancer cells.
Not all ROS have the same impact
The team was able to prove for the first time that hydrogen peroxide in particular is significantly increased compared to the other molecules in cancer cells of the pancreas. This increased level contributes decisively cancer cell vitality at.
Hydrogen peroxide as a new target in the fight against cancer
However, according to the study, the level of the other reactive oxygen species in pancreatic cancer cells is not increased, which “Hydrogen peroxide an interesting target in the fight against cancer” the researchers write.
The scientists conclude that the regulation of hydrogen peroxide is disrupted in pancreatic cancer cells, but not the regulation of other ROS. The working group therefore recommends taking a more differentiated look at reactive oxygen species and in particular hydrogen peroxide in the future. (vb)