Why do these research reports on the relationship between health and food always seem mysterious. (Such as eating eggs and cholesterol)
Researchers from the University of Rochester published their latest findings in the journal Nature, indicating that taurine—a naturally occurring amino acid commonly found in energy drinks such as Red Bull and Celsius—may serve as a fuel source for leukemia cells, making the disease more aggressive. The research team warned that some cancer patients take taurine to alleviate inflammation or chemotherapy side effects, but excessive intake could potentially aid cancer cell proliferation.
Through experiments using mice models with the SLC6A6 gene and human leukemia cell lines, researchers discovered that the SLC6A6 transporter protein can transport taurine from the bone marrow into cancer cells, where it generates energy through glycolysis, accelerating tumor growth. Dr. Jeevisha Bajaj, director of the Wilmot Cancer Institute, suggested that developing effective methods to block taurine from entering cancer cells could potentially inhibit disease progression.
The study also sparked discussions on the association between taurine and other cancers. Currently, the University of Florida is conducting a clinical trial for colorectal cancer, recruiting participants aged 18 to 40 to drink at least one can of Red Bull or Celsius daily, and comparing their gut microbiome with a control group to observe potential increases in hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria due to taurine. Although small amounts of taurine are typically considered safe, high doses have been linked to gastrointestinal discomfort and dizziness. The authors urge careful consideration of its risks and benefits in health and treatment plans.
In discussions on the Hacker News community, many users emphasized that this study does not prove taurine directly causes cancer but may accelerate the proliferation of existing cancer cells. Most evidence comes from animal and cell experiments, with a lack of human clinical data. Some pointed out that any nutrient that enhances cellular energy might strengthen tumor growth, suggesting the need for cautious interpretation. Another comment suggested that hydrogen sulfide produced by gut bacteria breaking down taurine could be a mechanism worth further exploration, but the overall impact remains to be validated by more research.
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44014862