TITLE:
A Review of Nutrients to Extend Healthspan and Avoid Cancer by Reducing the Amount of Protein Misfolding, Free Radicals, and Calcification
AUTHORS:
Alfred Ordman
KEYWORDS:
Protein Misfolding, Healthspan, Cancer, Alzheimer’s, Arthritis, Decalcification, Apigenin
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.11 No.8,
August
25,
2020
ABSTRACT: Two major causes of
human aging include protein misfolding and free radicals. Protein misfolding
occurs when proteins which are synthesized by cells do not have the proper
amino acid sequence or do not achieve the correct three-dimensional
configuration to function properly. Peer-reviewed scientific literature explains
how these processes contribute to many age-associated diseases. A few examples
include cancer, heart disease, dementias including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, and arthritis. This article reviews how
protein misfolding can be slowed and even reversed by appropriate nutrition,
potentially slowing and reversing these diseases. One cause of misfolding is
mRNA translation occurring too rapidly for proper chaperone binding or protein
folding. A second cause is deficiency of amino acids so improper tRNA binding
occurs. A third cause is free radicals. They cause mutations promoting
misfolding and cancer, and oxidize lipoproteins causing plaque in circulation
promoting heart disease and stroke. Nutrients with proven actions will
contribute to longer healthspans for our aging population. Healthspan is the
number of healthy years before chronic or terminal diseases substantially
impair the quality of life. This can be done especially by slowing and
reversing these three causes of PM. Niacin, quercetin, EGCG, alpha-lipoic acid,
N-acetyl-carnitine, tyrosine and cysteine address protein misfolding. Vitamin C
and glutathione trap free radicals. Vitamin K amplifies free radical cancer
killing by vitamin C and activates decalcification enzymes which remove calcium
deposits in the circulatory system and strengthen bones. Apigenin activates the
pathway of caloric restriction and induces cancer cell apoptosis. This article
provides citations and explanations of the progress showing new ways to
maintain health as we age. For convenience and cost savings, many of these
ingredients can be consumed in supplement form, taken twice a day to maintain
water-soluble nutrient levels.