The results of a new cell culture study indicate that lycopene inhibits a process leading to the development of colon cancer. The development of colon cancer has been linked to a pathway known as the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt survival signaling pathway, which governs the survival of cancer cells. When this pathway is activated, the cancer cells are more likely to survive.

The possible role of this pathway in the development of colon cancer has led to a significant amount of research to find agents that inhibit the pathway. Lycopene consumption has been associated with reduced risk of several types of human cancer. However, the inhibitory mechanisms of lycopene on the proliferation of human colon cancer have not been well studied.

Consequently, the authors of the current study investigated the inhibitory effects of lycopene on the Akt signaling pathway in human colon cancer cells. Lycopene inhibited cell proliferation in human colon cancer cells and suppressed Akt pathway activation. Lycopene exerted a number of other effects, including activating the tumor suppressor protein in the human colon cancer cells. According to the study authors, “In conclusion, lycopene inhibited cell proliferation of human colon cancer cells via suppression of the Akt signaling pathway and downstream targeted molecules.”      

Complimentary Prescriptions lycopene provides a natural tomato extract rich in lycopene, various carotenoids, vitamin E, and other important phytochemicals. In one study involving 30 male subjects, supplementation with lycopene promoted healthy prostate function. This was one of the first randomized, prospective clinical trials to suggest that a lycopene supplement, rather than dietary tomato consumption, supported prostate health. Research compiled in a multi-center study involving ten European countries revealed that the antioxidant properties of dietary lycopene supported cardiovascular health.      

Fifty- seven epidemiological studies indicate that lycopene from tomato consumption or tomato-based products may help digestive, lung, cervical and breast cell health. Lycopene has also demonstrated potential for promoting retinal and macular health. Griffin Medical Group recommends 10 to 20 mgs per day.

Reference: Tang FY, Shih CJ, Cheng LH, Ho HJ, Chen HJ. Lycopene inhibits growth of human colon cancer cells via suppression of the Akt signaling pathway. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2008 Jun;52(6):646-54

DHEA Has Many Positive Effects

DHEA is an androgenic hormone produced by your body's adrenal glands. This substance is two steps up the hormonal metabolic pathway from testosterone production compared to Androstene which is only one step away.  DHEA production starts in the body at age 7 and peaks at about age 24.  After that, DHEA production will decline by 20% per decade.  As you can see, the older you get, the more likely the benefits from DHEA supplementation.  DHEA will increase testosterone production in both men and women whose bodies don't produce that much DHEA naturally. There have been studies to substantiate this increase as well.  One study examined the effects of a 50 mg. daily dose on both men and women who were over the age of 50. 

This dosage was enough to increase DHEA levels to that of a 24 year old in only 2 weeks of supplementation.  A follow-up study was done where participants consumed 100 mg. of DHEA before sleep.  This not only raised DHEA levels but boosted immune function, increased gains in lean body mass, increased strength, and decreased body fat. At age 30, many individuals begin to fatigue more easily, experience a gradual loss of muscle mass and are not as effective at fighting off disease. Some of these changes are likely due to inactivity and life-style. The reality is that the aging process affects even those who watch their diet and exercise daily.

Declining DHEA and the corresponding decline in dependent hormones has been linked to the loss of muscle tissue and stamina, fatigue, increased body fat, a decline in sex drive and an increased susceptibility to disease. Although the specific mechanisms of action for DHEA are only partially understood, supplemental DHEA has been shown to have a positive influence on markers that define aging and obesity. What we know about DHEA and its effect on aging: DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal gland early in the day. It is the most abundant steroid in the bloodstream and is present at even higher levels in brain tissue.

As stated above, DHEA levels are known to decline with age. It appears in the blood steam by age seven and reaches its peak at 24; gradually, falling as much as 90% by age 60. (Danenberg, 1986) DHEA is known to be a precursor to the numerous steroid sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone.

Scientific Studies reinforce the benefits of DHEADHEA and Your Immune System

Researchers concluded that administering DHEA to rats restored specific immune function known to put the elderly at increased risk of pneumonia. influenza and other diseases. DHEA was shown to improve macrophage function by correcting defective pathways of cell-to-cell transduction. Macrophage immune deficiencies are known to shorten survival in cancer patients. (Journal of Immunology, 2002)DHEA has consistently been shown to boost beneficial interleukin-2 and suppress damaging interkeukin-6 levels. Interteukin-6 is overproduced in the aged, which contributes to autoimmune disease, immune dysfunction, osteoporosis, depressions in healing, breast cancer. B-cell lymphoma, and anemia. (Van Vollenhoven, 1998)Oral supplementation with low dose DHEA in aged animals restored immunocompetence to a reasonable level within days of administration. (Danenberg, 1996)

DHEA and Blood Sugar Metabolism and Weight Management

DHEA (50-100 mg. a day) was shown to significantly elevate insulin growth factor (IGF). Aging causes a decline in IGF level contributing to the loss of lean body mass, as well as excess fat accumulations, neurological impairment and age-associated immune dysfunction. (Morales, 1998)

DHEA, Your Brain and Sense of Well-being

DHEA may protect against Alzheimer's disease by blocking the toxic effect of cortisol and boosting IGF levels. Scientists noted that DHEA's protective effect could be of benefit to the normal aging brain. (Journal of Endocrinology Investigations, 2002)S.S.C. Yen and Associates at the University of California San Diego tested the effects of DHEA supplementation (50 mg. a day) over a 6-month period. Researchers reported that youthful serum levels of DHEA were restored in both men and women. Dr. Yen showed that DHEA replacement was associated with an increase in perceived physical and psychological well being for both men (67%) and women (84%). (Morales, 1994)

DHEA and Your Bone Health

Doctors noted that DHEA is a factor that determines lumbar spine density in aging men. Previously it was shown that DHEA helps to protect bone mineral density in women. (Calcified Tissue International, 2003)

DHEA and Heart Disease

Men with high DHEA levels are less likely to die of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, DHEA increases the body's ability to transform food into energy and bum off excess fat. The study also concluded that DHEA has anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is known to play a critical role in the development of the killer diseases of aging: heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and certain types of cancers. The (Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand, 2003) A study using coronary artery angiography showed that low DHEA levels predispose people to more significant coronary artery blockage. (Herrington, 1995)DHEA inhibits abnormal blood platelet aggregation, a major factor in the development of sudden heart attack and stroke. In contrast, some studies on DHEA do not show cardiovascular disease protection. (Jesse, 1995)

DHEA and Cancer

DHEA may effective in the prevention and treatment of cancer. In one study, DHEA inhibited tumor proliferation of rat liver cells by blocking the cancer promoting enzyme glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH). The human equivalent dose of 600 mg. a day suppressed breast tumors in mice by 70%. Scientists showed that even human equivalent doses of 25-120 mg. showed striking cancer prevention benefits with no evidence of toxicity. (Simile, 1995)

DHEA and Estrogen/Testosterone Levels

A German study found that DHEA-deficient women supplementing with 50 mg. of DHEA daily for four months had decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety and improved libido. (Arlt, 1999)· An Italian study suggests that DHEA may be an effective option for preserving health in postmenopausal women. The study concluded that oral administration of 50 mg. of DHEA daily for 6 months mimics the benefits of traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT), namely estrogen-progestin, in terms of its effect on the GHRH-GH-IGF-2 (growth hormone releasing) axis. (Genazzani, 2001)

A Summary of DHEA Studies (Watson, 1996)

In both humans and animals, the decline of DHEA production with age is associated with immune depression increased risk of several different cancers, loss of sleep, decreased feelings of well being and increased mortality.

DHEA replacement in aged mice significantly improved immune functions to a more youthful state.

DHEA replacement has shown a favorable effect on ostesoclasts and lymphoid cells, an effect that may delay osteoporosis.

Low levels of DHEA inhibit energy metabolism, thus increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes mellitus.

Studies in humans show essentially no toxicity at doses that restore DHEA to youthful level.
DHEA deficiency may expedite the development of some diseases that are common in the elderly.

DHEA Replacement Therapy

Research indicates that DHEA replacement therapy can restore serum levels to those of a 21-year old. People over age 40 who do not supplement with DHEA usually have serum levels below 200, with many testing below 100. Chronic DHEA deficiency is a risk factor for developing the degenerative diseases of aging, according to the preponderance of evidence existing in scientific literature.

How do you know if you can benefit from DHEA?

You can test your current DHEA level. This may be done by your doctor and is helpful in establishing a base line to determine the effectiveness of supplementation. Since most adults over 40 have low DHEA blood levels, many health professionals feel that it is better to test DHEA blood levels three to six weeks after beginning supplementation to determine optimal dosing levels.

Information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.

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