The Connection Between Oxidative Stress and Cancer Unveiled
Oxidative stress happens when there’s an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Free radicals are molecules missing an electron, so they roam around, stealing electrons from other molecules, which then become free radicals themselves.
Normally, the body keeps free radicals in check with antioxidants like the enzyme superoxide dismutase. This enzyme helps break down extra oxygen molecules in cells, preventing or fixing damage caused by free radicals. It’s the body’s main defense against excessive oxidation and inflammation, which is a root cause of chronic pain and disease.
Inflammation and Oxidation: A Cancer Connection
When cells are under stress, they signal for help, causing an acute inflammatory response as the immune system kicks in. This is a normal healing process. But if inflammation goes on too long, it can become chronic, sending more inflammatory cells to the area and worsening the problem.
Unchecked chronic inflammation, which can be caused by environmental or genetic factors, leads to an imbalance of reactive oxygen species (ROS). More ROS means more damage to neighboring cell structures and functions.
Research has shown a link between oxidative stress and the development of cancer. Increased ROS can lead to more DNA mutations, DNA damage, and overall cellular instability, activating various genetic factors that affect cell growth, immune responses, and cell cycles.
Scientists are still uncovering exactly how this process ties normal cells to cancer cells through inflammation, but evidence suggests that anti-inflammatory treatments may lower cancer risks and slow the disease’s progression.
There are clear connections between oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and cancer. For example, inflammatory bowel diseases are linked to colon cancer, and chronic pancreatitis is associated with pancreatic cancer.
