Good news is coming for lovers of coffee. A study from Texas A&M University has discovered that some components of this drink interact with a receptor capable of regulating cell survival and inhibiting the growth of cancer cells humans in the laboratory. This finding reinforces research that relates its consumption to health benefits and cellular aging.
The benefits of coffee are widely known. Beyond the energy and vitality it provides to those who consume it, this drink also helps improve cardiovascular healthreduce the probability of developing type 2 diabetes and the risk of suffering from chronic liver disease, among other advantages. In addition, this could also be related to protection against cellular stress and tumor cells.
According to the results obtained by scientists at Texas A&M University, some of the main components of coffee could join a nuclear receptor known as NR4A1. This acts as a regulator of inflammation, the cell cycle and genetic activityespecially to cope with biological stress and other types of stimuli.
The components of the drink bind to the receptor and inhibit the growth of cancer cells
During the investigation, the scientists analyzed the reaction of different types of cellsincluding human tumor cells and macrophages from house mice, before coffee and its different compounds. Thanks to this process, they discovered that some of the components of the drink bind to NR4A1 and inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the laboratory and macrophage inflammation. This effect was achieved especially thanks to the polyhydroxylated and polyphenolic compounds, while caffeine did not have special relevance in the analyzes.
This receiver responds to compounds present in ingested foods and modulates processes such as the speed of metabolism and tissue repair. Likewise, previous studies demonstrated that NR4A1 expression decreases with age, both in humans and mice, weakening resistance to possible diseases and tumor processes.
As biochemist Stephen Safe explained to “Science Alert”, the absence of this protein causes any damage done to the body to have an even greater effect. Furthermore, this receiver is widely associated with aging processesso the results could open the doors to future research that demonstrates that coffee helps preserve the activity of this receptor in humans, which would have enormous benefits for health and life expectancy of those who consume it.
These results do not modify current recommendations on daily coffee consumption.
To demonstrate the veracity of the results, the researchers stated that the coffee components had no no effect on cells from which the NR4A1 receptor had been removed. Likewise, the reaction of other components such as chlorogenic acid and the caffeic acidalso present in the drink, demonstrating its positive interaction with the protein and negative interaction against tumor cells.
However, Safe stated to “Science Alert” that, although they have already established this connection, they still need more data to understand the full importance of this. Furthermore, they wanted to highlight that their findings They do not modify current recommendations on daily coffee consumptionset between three and five cups. It should be remembered that excessive caffeine consumption can cause insomnia, palpitations, stomach upset and headaches, among other symptoms.