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Is tryptophan, the famous amino acid found in turkey and chocolate, hiding a dark secret? A recent study reveals a worrying link between its consumption and the growth of liver cancer.
In July 2024, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center published some concerning findings: high tryptophan intake may boost liver tumor growth. According to the study, conducted in animal models, high levels of tryptophan accelerate the progression of liver cancer, a cancer that is already on the rise worldwide.
The key role of tryptophan in tumor progression
The researchers found that high levels of tryptophan in the diet increased levels of metabolites derived from this amino acid, which in turn activate signaling pathways linked to tumor growth.
The findings of this research suggest a complex interaction between nutrition and cancer, an area of increasing interest. Indeed, tryptophan, often touted for its beneficial effects on mood and sleep, may have harmful consequences when consumed in excess.
A revolutionary study on animal models
The study relied primarily on mouse models, where researchers observed a significant acceleration of tumor growth in mice fed a diet rich in tryptophan. Tryptophan metabolites, by interacting with specific receptors, appear to play a key role in activating tumor growth pathways.
The study shows that the growth of liver cancers induced by the MYC oncogene is particularly dependent on tryptophan, which is converted to I3P and other metabolites. By removing tryptophan from the mice’s diet, the researchers stopped the growth of MYC-induced liver tumors and restored normal gene expression in liver cells.
This dietary intervention did not affect protein synthesis in normal cells, suggesting a targeted therapeutic approach that spares healthy tissues.
Possible implications for prevention and treatment
This discovery opens the way to new strategies for preventing and treating liver cancer. Patients with this disease could benefit from diets specifically designed to limit tryptophan intake. In addition, the researchers plan to develop targeted treatments that could inhibit the pathways activated by tryptophan metabolites.
“This study not only advances the understanding of liver cancer biology, but also suggests a promising approach for developing personalized cancer therapies.” said Dr. Maralice Conacci-Sorrell, lead author of the study.
For now, health professionals recommend caution about tryptophan consumption, pending further studies. Foods rich in tryptophan include turkey, red meat, pork, chicken, tofu, milk, soy (including edamame), quinoa, oats and fish. Liver cancer, which is particularly aggressive and often diagnosed late, could find in these new data an important lead to improve patient survival.
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