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Physical activity and the risk of liver cancer

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Physical activity and the risk of liver cancer

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The statistics on liver cancer are extremely worrying, with the American Cancer Society reporting that the incidence of the disease has tripled since 1980. In view of this situation, various scientists have undertaken the search for factors that promote the development of the disease and those that can minimise its risk. Specialists from theAustralian National University Medical School analysed how physical activity affects the risk of liver cancer.

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The Australian researchers conducted their work on genetically modified mice, in which they were led to increase their appetite - the rodents eventually became obese and had diabetes in early adulthood. The animals were given a substance that promoted the development of liver cancer and were later divided into two groups. Mice in the first group were allowed to use a special reel, which enabled them to cover distances of up to 40 km per week, while the rodents in the second group were not allowed to undertake this type of physical activity. However, after six months - due to increased appetite - the mice in both groups had excessive body weight.

In the next stage of the analysis, the researchers examined how many of the animals had developed liver cancer - 64% of the inactive mice and 15% of the mice that were physically active had liver cancer. The scientists sought to find out exactly where these discrepancies came from. They looked at the protein kinase JNK cells 1 - it promotes the development of liver cancer, but it was noted that its activity was negligible in physically active mice. The researchers' attention was also drawn to the p53 gene, which may be involved in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, and it was observed during the study that exercise increased the activity of this gene.

The findings of the Australian researchers are certainly interesting and provide further evidence that regular exercise in human life is essential for maintaining good health.