Low Production of Hormones Causes Colon Cancer: Study

Loss of hormones can lead to growth of cancer cells in the colon, according to a study.

It is a known fact that an increase in the level of sex hormones in the body exacerbates the risk of cancers. But the findings of a new research hold that a decrease in the production of certain hormones in the body trigger cancerous activity. Experts from the Thomas Jefferson University observed nearly 281 patients with colon cancer and overall amount of guanylin, a hormone in their body. They noted almost 85 percent of the participants whose hormone levels declined by 100 to 1,000 times were already diagnosed with the disease. The research also revealed low guanylin levels were particularly low in patients over the age of 50 suggesting why colon cancer is common in older individuals.

""The fact that the vast majority of cancers stop producing this hormone leads us to believe that guanylin may be driving the growth of the tumors," said  Scott Waldman, study author and chairperson of the Thomas Jefferson University department of pharmacology & experimental therapeutics, reports the Fox News.

A past clinical trial showed that guanylin stimulates a receptor called GUCY2C that in turn restores the skin cells around the gut from wear and tear. Upon massive reduction of the hormone, the receptors struggle to receive signals from outside to restock the cell lining, reports Medical Daily.

The current study authors are yet to find out if hormone replacement therapy helps reverse the conditions that increases the risk of colon cancer. They add further investigation on rodent models is needed to assess the efficacy of hormone therapy to treat the deadly disease.

More information is available online in the Journal Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.