Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Can Being Short Cure Cancer?

In this article, it explains how a specific group of Ecuadorians with a rare case of dwarfism called Laron Syndrome is linked to the prevention of diabetes and cancer. Laron Syndrome is found when a mutation occurs in the gene that is responsible for growth hormone receptor which creates insulin-like growth factor 1, which ultimately makes the cell grow and divide. Surprisingly enough, scientists have found that high levels of IGF1 have been found in many types of cancer, and low levels seem to caused longevity in various organisms. Also, thanks to other findings about longevity and aging in mice, scientists believe they might be able to create an anti-aging drug that would stop DNA mutation. Because the Ecuadorians had Laron Syndrome, the studies have shown that the mutations causing the disease also inhibits the development of cancer and diabetes.
I honestly think that this new discovery is remarkable because, since it was found naturally in these humans and in mice and other organisms, there might be a way for scientists and doctors to manipulate this mutation and help impede the production of cancer and diabetes in humans even when they are at high risks. I really do believe that there is hope if such an advancement can be engendered. The only question is, will all humans have to somehow develop a specific kind of dwarfism to prevent us from cancers and diabetes? Also, what would happen to the individuals that were prescribed to this prevention medication (if it were to be created)? Would they be subjected to some other kind of health risks or deadly diseases? I think of how fragile the cell cycle is, and wonder what would happen to a full grown human that is not diagnosed with Laron, or is diagnosed with acromegaly (the opposite Laron which puts people at a higher risk of developing cancer and diabetes [giantism]), if they were to intentionally mutate cells. Hopefully, in due time, there will an even newer discovery which will answer all of these questions...

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