Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, SportsIntestinal Wall Strength Could Determine Cancer Risk

Intestinal Wall Strength Could Determine Cancer Risk

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Weak intestinal walls may contribute to some forms of cancer.

Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University believe they have found a tumor suppressor gene that exists in the intestinal tract.

They found that when they silenced the gene in mice, cancer-causing agents leaked out of the intestine and into the rest of the body, damaging D-N-A and causing cancer in the liver, lung and lymph nodes.

Researchers also discovered when they stimulated the tumor suppressor, the intestinal walls in the mice got stronger.

A new drug containing the tumor suppressor is about to hit the market to treat constipation.