The youth today is simply obsessed with energy drinks. According to a report by the National Institute of Health (NIH), approximately 570 million liters of energy drinks were consumed in 2023. It was close to thirty times higher than in 2018. Everyone is taking energy drinks for mental focus and energy. But a study claim has raised the issue against them. A team of researchers from Wilmot Cancer Institute at the University of Rochester in New York has discovered that energy drinks, which are a part of the youth lifestyle, are fueling cancer in them. Taurine is a compound present in energy drinks that elevates the risk of blood cancer.
What is Taurine?
Taurine is a non-essential amino acid that occurs naturally in bone marrow, heart, muscles, bone, and brain. Bile juice is super-rich in Taurine, and the large intestine is a great source. Several metabolic pathways in the human body generate taurine. It is named for 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, which acts as a naturally occurring amino sulfonic acid. It is commonly found naturally in protein-rich foods like meat or fish. Taurine is essential for both the brain and the heart. It promotes the proliferation of nerves. Because it calms the nervous system and lowers blood pressure, it may reduce the risk of heart failure.
Not only that, it also claims as essential compound for survival of Neuron (Nerve cell) and activating immunity. Taurine is very common ingredient found in drinks and supplement for mood relaxation, digestion, electrolyte balance, and hydration. Taurine can also be used as an energy source by hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria.
Know what leukemia is?
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that occurs in white blood cells (WBCs). WBCs are the crucial component of blood which generate defense against infections in the body. Leukemia begins at bone marrow and stated as abnormal and rapid growth of blood cells. This leads to overproduction of WBCs that reduce the formation of healthy red blood cells and platelets.
There are various types of leukemia. Some are quite frequent occurrences, and some are rare. These are listed below:
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
- Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
Taurine is causing the generation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). All of these malignancies start from blood stem cells in the bone marrow.
Research Claims:
During the research, scientist uses gene-modified mice with a special gene called SLC6A6. This gene is responsible for the taurine formulation in the body. They also inserted human leukemia cells in mice to observe exact reaction. Usually, healthy bone marrow cells produce taurine. Then, SLC6A6 gene transports it to the leukocytes cells that further help in their growth.
It has been observed that in immunocompetent mice, taurine supplementation may considerably speed up the progression of the disease. This research was done via in-vivo procedure.
Correlation of Taurine with Leukemia
Usually, taurine is used by leukocyte cells (WBCs) to get the energy via the glycolysis process. It is the process where cells break down glucose to produce energy, which cancer cells use to grow. Leukocyte cells depend on taurine to fuel glycolysis. But it is right when Taurine is naturally produced in the body. But if there is an excessive outer intake, WBCs will absorb it and exaggerate leukemia.
However, Research originally claims that Taurine leads to leukemogenesis (Growth of leukemia cells). However, excessive growth can lead to cancer. Taurine is found in energy drinks that may elevate the risk of blood cancer.
Research also suggests,” Since taurine is a common ingredient in energy drinks and is often provided as a supplement to mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy, our work suggests that it may be of interest to carefully consider the benefits of supplemental taurine in leukemia patients.”
Conclusion:
The research is still ongoing. Last year, it was discovered that taurine is absorbed by the colon areas and may cause gastric cancers. It was also analyzed that its supplement may play role in boosting immune system. It is also given to chemotherapy patients to elevate its side effects.
Taurine has previously shown promise as a complement supplement to chemotherapy. According to the Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics, taurine supplementation may protect against chemotherapy-induced toxicities, most likely due to its antioxidant properties.
Still it is under research whether Taurine is playing a cancer promoting role or not. The future research will be focusing on creating the barrier and knowing the level of taurine responsible for leukemia. Researchers are optimistic for inhibiting Taurine in leukemia cells, in such way, it could lead to new treatment options for leukemia.
