The search for an effective safe treatment for breast cancer is extensive and encompasses both conventional and alternative medicine. While geneticists are looking for the cause for breast cancer, or increased susceptibility to breast cancer, other researchers are searching for treatments. Together, they hope to find a cure for breast cancer and develop strategies for reducing the occurrence of disease as a whole,
Geneticists have determined that individuals who have lower levels of active ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) are less at risk for developing breast cancer. ACE converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is formed in the lung and is known to increase the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are implicated in damage to DNA and increased levels of ROS in the system are correlated with increased risk of breast cancer.
Green tea has received well-documented notoriety for its ability to act as an antioxidant and scavenge free radicals and ROS. It has been studied as a treatment for conditions that result from increased levels of ROS, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
In the study published in the March issue of Carcinogenesis, researchers at USC measured the effect of green tea polyphenols on breast cancer risk in over 800 women. The women were also tested for the level of ACE activity.
They found that women with low activity of ACE combined with an intake of green tea had a lower risk of breast cancer compared to women with low ACE activity alone, or with intake of green tea alone.
This study was one of the first of its kind to document the role that antioxidants and genetics play together to decrease the risk of certain diseases, including breast cancer.
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