COLON CANCER PROTECTION IN SOY COMPOUNDS
Scientists from the Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland report that natural lipid compounds found in soy - sphingadienes (SDs) - may be behind the potential anti-cancer effects of soy. The study's lead researcher Dr Julie Saba and her co-workers showed the effectiveness of the compounds in a mouse model of colon cancer. Their results suggest that eating more soy products may "provide protection against colon cancer in humans". The scientists report that their studies showed that the compounds could promote programmed cell death, or apoptosis, in mutant cells in a fly and a mouse. Dr Saba said further research into this is necessary as well as additional research to identify the best delivery methods, and the effects of a prolonged intake of the compounds. Two research grants have been obtained to continue the research, and Dr Saba also hopes to determine if SDs are effective in protection against other cancers.