Scientists from the Francis Crick Institute found that limiting dietary intake of vitamin B5 slows the growth of breast cancer cells. The research was published in the journal Nature Metabolism.
In the first part of the experiment, biologists discovered that vitamin B5 is present in large quantities in mouse and human cancer cells and has high activity of the Myc gene, which stimulates the growth of malignant tumors. Myc increased production of the vitamin transport protein, which allows more vitamin B5 to enter cells.
The scientists then conducted an experiment on mice with tumors. Some animals were given food deficient in vitamin B5. Their tumors grew slower than those in mice fed the standard diet. The same results were obtained in mice receiving human breast cancer tissue.
Researchers believe that the effects of vitamin B5 they discovered are due to its conversion in cells to coenzyme A, a molecule that cells then use in many metabolic pathways. This ultimately leads to increased energy production and the production of fats, carbohydrates and proteins that allow the cell to grow.
Although the study linked vitamin B5 to tumor growth, this does not mean that cancer patients should limit their intake of the vitamin. Vitamin B5 deficiency can impair the functioning of the immune system, one of whose functions is to fight tumors. Scientists are currently working on ways to block cancer cells from accessing the vitamin without harming the human immune system.
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