Connect with us

Entertainment

Do genetics matter? Cancer not as heritable as once thought, study finds

While cancer was long believed to be a genetic disease, scientists found in a new study that the disease may not be as heritable as once thought.

The genetic component of the disease is just one piece of the puzzle, and researchers need to consider other factors as well, including environmental and metabolic factors, the study’s authors from the University of Alberta in Canada said in a statement.

For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

Almost all theories about the causes of cancer that have emerged over the past several centuries can be sorted into three larger groups, David Wishart, professor in the university’s departments of biological sciences and computing science, said.

The first group would consider cancer as a genetic disease, focusing on the genome, or the set of genetic instruction that one is born with. The second views cancer as an environmental disease, focusing on the exposome which includes everything one’s body is exposed to throughout its lifetime. The third considers cancer as a metabolic disease, focusing on the metabolome, all the chemical byproducts of the process of a body’s metabolic mechanism.

Until very recently, the metabolic perspective has not had much research. However, it is gaining the interest of more scientists who are beginning to investigate its impact and understand the metabolome’s role in cancer.

Heritable cancers only account for five to 10 percent of all cancers., said Wishart. The remaining 90 to 95 percent are initiated by factors in the exposome, which in turn, trigger genetic mutations.

“That’s an important thing to consider, because it says that cancer isn’t inevitable,” he said. “Cancer is genetic, but often the mutation itself isn’t enough.”

When cancer develops and spreads in one’s body, it creates its own environment and introduces certain metabolites.

“It becomes a self-fueled disease. And that’s where cancer as a metabolic disorder becomes really important.”

Approaching cancer as a multi-faceted disease is showing serious promise, as it may lead to more effective cancer treatments in the future.

Wishart explained that if researchers were to only focus on the genetic perspective to address specific mutations, the problem is that there are around 1,000 genes that can become cancerous when mutated. It typically takes at least two different mutations within these cells for cancer to grow, meaning that there are a million potential mutation pairs and it “becomes hopeless” to narrow down the possibilities when seeking new treatments.

But when considering cancer from the metabolic perspective, there are just four major metabolic types, he said. Instead of trying to find a treatment plan for one specific mutation combination amongst a million, determining the patient’s cancer metabolic type can help guide doctors in their decision on what treatment works best for their specific cancer.

“It really doesn't make a difference where the cancer is — it’s something you’ve got to get rid of. It’s how it thrives or grows that matters,” said Wishart. “It becomes a question of, ‘What’s the fuel that powers this engine?’”

“If we understand the causes of cancer, then we can start highlighting the known causes, the lifestyle issues that introduce or increase our risk. From the prevention side, changing our metabolism through lifestyle adjustments will make a huge difference in the incidence of cancer.”

Read more:

Over 26 pct rise in US children attempting suicide by poisoning: Report

‘Poisoning our planet’: WHO highlights tobacco industry damage to health, environment

Caffeine can boost protection against dementia, new research finds

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

ABU DHABI NATIONAL HOTELS PRESENTS SEPTEMBER OFFERS

Experience the true meaning of luxury with Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai and Kempinski
Central Avenue Dubai exclusive UAE residents offer. Get 10% off the best flexible rate, and
enjoy a complimentary breakfast prepared by expert chefs. Delight in luxurious
accommodations, exceptional service and an incredible location with direct access to the
Dubai Mall. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment or enjoy a full
day of shopping at one of the world’s largest retail and entertainment destinations, you will
experience a perfect stay at Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai and Kempinski Central Avenue
Dubai

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest at ADIHEX 2024: A celebration of ancestral elegance

The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) announce the return of the prestigious Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, a unique initiative aimed at highlighting the significance of purebred hunting dogs and fostering a connection between the new generation and their rich ancestral heritage.
Under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club (EFC), this iconic event is scheduled from 31st August to 8th September, 2024, at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, celebrating the blending of deep Emirati cultural traditions with cutting-edge innovation and technology across 11 diverse sectors.
A highlight of this year’s event is the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest. One of the world’s oldest and most revered dog breeds, the Arabian Saluki stands as a symbol of wild hunting and desert traditions in the Middle East. Known for its grace, speed, and intelligence, this distinctive breed has been a faithful companion to the Bedouin people for over 5,000 years, serving as both a hunter and guardian. The Saluki’s agility and loyalty have made it an integral part of hunting and racing traditions, especially within the Arabian Peninsula.
The Arabian Saluki Centre was established in Abu Dhabi in 2001 alongside the Emirates Falconers’ Club, marking the first facility of its kind in the Arabian Gulf region and the Middle East, to revive the tradition of desert hunting using Saluki dogs, a cherished aspect of desert heritage.
ADIHEX was the first cultural event in the Arab region to honour the bond between Man and his loyal companion, which has been by our side for thousands of years. The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest is a unique initiative designed to promote interest in purebred hunting dogs and to strengthen the new generation’s connection to their ancestral heritage and traditions and to serve as a testament to this unique bond.
With its origin steeped in history, this fascinating dog’s name is believed to be derived from the city of Saluk in Yemen or the Bani Saluk tribe. Renowned for its endurance and elegance, the Saluki can reach speeds up to 75 kilometres per hour, maintaining this pace over distances up to almost five kilometres. The breed is cherished for its unique physical characteristics, including a slender body, deep chest, long legs, and two distinct coat types: ‘Al Hoss’ (smooth) and ‘Aryash’ (feathery).
The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, held during ADIHEX, is more than a beauty pageant. It celebrates the essence of the Saluki by focusing on the dog’s personality, skills, reflexes, and sensory response. Unlike typical dog competitions, this contest evaluates the Saluki’s breed characteristics, behaviour, overall appearance, structure, hunting skills, and psychological traits. Judging criteria include the dog’s gait, head, eyes, mouth, ears, coat, colour, and general impression.
The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest is an integral part of ADIHEX’s mission to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the UAE and the wider Arab world. This contest not only showcases the beauty and abilities of the Saluki but also plays a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of preserving traditional hunting practices and the Saluki’s role in them.
This year’s competition will feature four categories: ‘Smooth (Hoss) Males,’ ‘Feathery (Aryash) Males,’ ‘Smooth (Hoss) Females,’ and ‘Feathery (Aryash) Females.’ The event is scheduled to take place during ADIHEX 2024, and, per the rules, participants must ensure their dogs are healthy, microchipped, and vaccinated.
The Saluki’s enduring legacy is celebrated through this competition, which draws participants and spectators from across the region and beyond. It provides a platform for Saluki enthusiasts to connect, share their passion, and celebrate a breed that has remained virtually unchanged for millennia, reflecting the diverse hunting landscapes and traditions of the Middle East.
Aside from the alluring Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, as the largest edition of ADIHEX to date, the 21st edition will showcase thousands of brands across 11 diverse sectors, offering a dynamic platform for new business opportunities and captivating audiences of all ages. This exhibition celebrates the thrill of an adventurous outdoor lifestyle, allowing visitors to explore falconry, hunting, equestrian sports, veterinary products, fishing and marine sports, environmental preservation, cultural heritage, arts and crafts, and the latest in technology and innovation across all the represented sectors.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Sharjah Ruler directs allocation of beach for women in Khorfakkan’s Al Luluyah area

H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has ordered the allocation of a 500-metre beach for women in Al Luluyah area of Khorfakkan, providing them with complete privacy. The project will include a service building that includes a cafe, a medical clinic and a prayer room for women. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah also directed the construction of a pedestrian bridge linking Al Bardi 6 and Al Batha areas in Khorfakkan, to facilitate the movement of citizens, and modifications will be implemented on the internal roads in the Hayawa area.

Continue Reading

Trending