 |
|
Hormonal dietary supplements might promote prostate cancer progression
January 15, 2008Hormonal components in over-the-counter dietary supplements may promote the progression of prostate cancer and decrease the effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered.
The findings, which appear in today's issue of Clinical Cancer Research, reaffirm that patients should inform their doctors about any herbal or hormonal dietary supplements they are taking or considering taking. The researchers also recommend that documentation of supplement usage become part of routine health assessments for all patients, particularly cancer patients.
"Physicians need to ask their patients not only about the prescription drugs they may be taking, but - perhaps even more importantly - about the over-the-counter drugs and supplements, which may have a profound impact on certain health conditions," said Dr. Claus Roehrborn, chairman of urology at UT Southwestern and one of the study's authors.
The researchers began their investigation when two patients being seen by UT Southwestern doctors developed aggressive prostate cancer within months of starting daily consumption of the same dietary supplement. Both men purchased the same product, one to develop stronger muscles and enhance sexual performance, the other to gain muscle.
Dr. Roehrborn, Dr. Shahrokh Shariat, a resident in urology and the study's lead author, and their colleagues analyzed the supplement, which is not named in the study. They found that the product's label listed ingredients that were not present, misrepresented the concentrations of the ingredients present and failed to list all the steroid hormones contained in the product.
Hormone analysis revealed that the supplement contained testosterone and estradiol, a sex hormone. Researchers then tested the effect of the product on human prostate cancer-cell lines. The product proved to be a more potent stimulator of cancer-cell growth than testosterone. Additionally, attempts to stop the cancer-cell growth with increasing concentrations of the anti-cancer drug bicalutamide proved to be futile.
"Bicalutamide is an oral nonsteroidal anti-androgen used to treat prostate cancer," Dr. Shariat said. "The fact that this supplement caused the drug to be less effective is very troubling."
Based on the clinical data and cell culture experiments, the researchers filed an adverse event report with the Food and Drug Administration. The government agency in turn issued a warning letter to the manufacturers, which led to the removal of the product from the market.
"Unlike prescription and over-the-counter drugs, the law does not require nutritional supplements to undergo pre-market approval for safety and efficacy," Dr. Shariat said. "The current FDA regulatory system provides little oversight or assurances that dietary supplements will have predictable pharmacological effects or even that product labels provide accurate information for consumers."
The researchers say expanded research is needed to define the mechanism, safety and efficacy of common herbal and hormone dietary supplements.
"For most supplements efficacy is not established in randomized, controlled trials. What is worse, safety is often equally poorly established," said Dr. Roehrborn, who directs the Sarah M. and Charles E. Seay Center for Pediatric Urology.
An estimated 42 percent to 69 percent of U.S. adults use dietary supplements, at an estimated out-of-pocket expenditure of about $34.4 billion, according to published reports cited in the study. Individuals often use supplements because they believe these natural products are safe and drug-free. The sale of androgenic steroids is exponentially increasing. In 2004, U.S. expenditures on testosterone supplements were estimated to be $425 million.
"Given that testosterone supplements are in high demand, there is significant concern that supplements, in addition to the one we evaluated, may pose an urgent human health risk," Dr. Shariat said.
UT Southwestern Medical Center
The researchers began their investigation when two patients being seen by UT Southwestern doctors developed aggressive prostate cancer within months of starting daily consumption of the same dietary supplement. Both men purchased the same product, one to develop stronger muscles and enhance sexual performance, the other to gain muscle.
Dr. Roehrborn, Dr. Shahrokh Shariat, a resident in urology and the study's lead author, and their colleagues analyzed the supplement, which is not named in the study. They found that the product's label listed ingredients that were not present, misrepresented the concentrations of the ingredients present and failed to list all the steroid hormones contained in the product.
Hormone analysis revealed that the supplement contained testosterone and estradiol, a sex hormone. Researchers then tested the effect of the product on human prostate cancer-cell lines. The product proved to be a more potent stimulator of cancer-cell growth than testosterone. Additionally, attempts to stop the cancer-cell growth with increasing concentrations of the anti-cancer drug bicalutamide proved to be futile.
"Bicalutamide is an oral nonsteroidal anti-androgen used to treat prostate cancer," Dr. Shariat said. "The fact that this supplement caused the drug to be less effective is very troubling."
Based on the clinical data and cell culture experiments, the researchers filed an adverse event report with the Food and Drug Administration. The government agency in turn issued a warning letter to the manufacturers, which led to the removal of the product from the market.
"Unlike prescription and over-the-counter drugs, the law does not require nutritional supplements to undergo pre-market approval for safety and efficacy," Dr. Shariat said. "The current FDA regulatory system provides little oversight or assurances that dietary supplements will have predictable pharmacological effects or even that product labels provide accurate information for consumers."
The researchers say expanded research is needed to define the mechanism, safety and efficacy of common herbal and hormone dietary supplements.
"For most supplements efficacy is not established in randomized, controlled trials. What is worse, safety is often equally poorly established," said Dr. Roehrborn, who directs the Sarah M. and Charles E. Seay Center for Pediatric Urology.
An estimated 42 percent to 69 percent of U.S. adults use dietary supplements, at an estimated out-of-pocket expenditure of about $34.4 billion, according to published reports cited in the study. Individuals often use supplements because they believe these natural products are safe and drug-free. The sale of androgenic steroids is exponentially increasing. In 2004, U.S. expenditures on testosterone supplements were estimated to be $425 million.
"Given that testosterone supplements are in high demand, there is significant concern that supplements, in addition to the one we evaluated, may pose an urgent human health risk," Dr. Shariat said.
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Dietary Supplements Current Events and Dietary Supplements News RSSoo much selenium can increase your cholesterol
A new study from the University of Warwick has discovered taking too much of the essential mineral selenium in your diet can increase your cholesterol by almost 10%.
Should children undergo surgery without a long period of fasting after feeding?
Blood glucose levels in a lot of patients fed normal liquid food (NLF) and a high calorie diet (HCD) were high.
Paradigm shift needed to combat drug resistance
When people travel, bacteria and other infectious agents travel with them. As about a billion people cross international borders each year, many more billions of the bugs come along for the ride.
Brown and beige dominate the plate: Daily dose of color needed to fill America's 'phytonutrient gap'
While it is a well-known fact that most Americans do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, a new report shows the color of fruits and veggies eaten can be as important as the quantity.
Buyer beware: Estrogen supplements not as effective as claimed
Dietary supplements claiming to help postmenopausal women with bone health may not be doing what they say, according to new research from Purdue University.
Scientists help explain effects of ancient Chinese herbal formulas on heart health
New research at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston suggests that ancient Chinese herbal formulas used primarily for cardiovascular indications including heart disease may produce large amounts of artery-widening nitric oxide.
Botanicals have no effect on hot flashes or cognition: Study
Two studies conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Northwestern University have found that commonly used botanicals do not have an effect on hot flashes or on cognitive function in menopausal women.
Case Studies: Dietary Supplements with Steroids Pose Health
Three cases of patients suffering from the adverse affects of steroid-enriched dietary supplements have been reported by researchers at Henry Ford Hospital.
Probiotics help gastric-bypass patients lose weight more quickly, Stanford study shows
New research from the Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Hospital & Clinics suggests that the use of a dietary supplement after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery can help obese patients to more quickly lose weight and to avoid deficiency of a critical B vitamin.
Results from trials of DHA in Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline
Results from two large studies using DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid, were reported today at the Alzheimer's Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD 2009) in Vienna.
More Dietary Supplements Current Events and Dietary Supplements News Articles
 |
Insulow Dietary Supplement, Capsules, 180-Count Bottle by Insulow Insulow, recommended in Diabetes Solutions by Dr. R. Bernstein, is pure R+ Lipoic acid complexed with essential Biotin. R+ lipoic enhances glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity which reduces insulin spike after carbohydrate containing meals. Improving carbohydrate uptake and utilization can increase energy levels and improve your ability to use both fat and carbohydrates for energy. |
 |
Murad Pure Skin Clarifying Dietary Supplement, Tablets, 120 tablets by Murad Provides Patented Internal Defense Against Breakouts By: Reducing blemishes by 55% in six weeks. Encouraging consistently clear, healthy skin. Patented Formula Aids in Eliminating Breakouts: Vitamin A normalizes cell production to help prevent clogged pores. Yellow dock and Burdock support the baby's ability to remove blemish-producing toxins. Zinc reduces skin irritation. (These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or protect any disease). Dermatologist developed and tested. Murad does not test on animals. Contains No Yeast, Dairy, Egg, Gluten, Corn, Soy or Wheat. Contains No Starch, Salt, Preservatives, or Artificial Color, Flavor or Fragrance. Made in the USA. |
 |
The Health Professional's Guide to Dietary Supplements by Shawn M Talbott (Author), Kerry Hughes (Author) This quick-glance reference helps students and health professionals educate themselves and their patients/clients about the scientific evidence for and against more than 120 popular dietary supplements. Supplements are logically grouped into 12 chapters based on their primary desired effect, such as weight loss, joint support, and sports performance enhancement. The authors give each supplement a one-to-five-star rating based on the level of scientific substantiation for each of its major claimed effects. The book highlights crucial safety issues regarding each supplement and sets forth recommended dosages for particular effects. A quick-reference appendix lists all the supplements alphabetically with their star ratings. |
 |
Threelac Probiotic Dietary Supplement, Natural Lemon Flavor, .053-Ounce Packets (Pack of 60) by GHT Global Health Trax Inc. This dietary supplement contains live lactic acid bacteria. Three types of live microorganisms support your healthy life. Living, life-filled lactic bacteria support your daily health and beauty. Threelac is a lemon-flavored, nutritional food supplement composed of three live bacteria: bacillus coagulans, bacillus subtilis and enterococcus faecalis. Additionally, Threelac contains fiber, yeast (as food for the bacteria), and vitamins, all added to support your daily health and wellness needs. Threelac is recommended not only for the maintenance of your daily health, but also to help address the digestion of those whose normal meals tend to be irregular and off-balance. (These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to... |
 |
21st Century Dietary Supplement Fish Oil Enteric Coated Softgels, 1, 000 mg, 180-Count Bottles (Pack of 2) by 21st Century Heart healthy. Dietary supplement. Super value. Cholesterol free. Reflux free. Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. (This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to d |
 |
Accuflora- Probiotic Acidophilus Dietary Supplement, 240 Caplets by Northwest Natural Products Inc. Rich meals, dairy products, preservatives, stress, age and hormonal changes can all affect your bodys digestion. As a result you may experience stomach upset, bloating and changes in regularity. Accuflora® can help naturally improve your digestion and regulate your body's internal balance. |
 |
2007 PDR for Nonprescription Drugs, Dietary Supplements and Herbs: The Definitive Guide to OTC Medications b |
 |
Energy Fuel Dietary Supplement, Maximum Power, Capsules, 50-Count Bottles (Pack of 3) by Twinlab TwinLab energy fuel dietary supplement features a breakthrough clinical formula to energize your day. This advanced blend of ingredients helps provide energy to get you through the day. Ephedra free!(These statements have not been evaluated by the Food an |
|
Phyto Phytophanere Dietary Supplement - Hair & Nails 120 Caplets by Phyto | |
 |
EAS Myoplex Deluxe Nutrition Dietary Supplement, Chocolate Cream, 3.4 Ounce Packet (Pack of 36) by EAS Designed with the serious athlete in mind, newly reformulated Myoplex Deluxe offers a powerful supply of ingredients to help maximize muscle gain and increase recovery potential. Perfect for post-workout use or as a convenient and nutritious meal replacement, Myoplex Deluxe provides: 53g three-stage precision release protein complex to support lean mass gains Over 12g glutamine, glutamine peptides, and glutamic acid to aid in muscle recovery and repair 1g CLA to help optimize fat loss Whole grain carbohydrate sources to allow for stable energy levels. * Picture may be of different size or flavor |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |