I realize that it's a rat study, but maybe another reason to do exercise. Epigentic changes can lead to changes to whether a gene turns on or off, which may influence the production of proteins in the cells. Those changes may be passed on to future cell generations
For all of us on ADT exercise helps stave off the side effects(fat gain osteoporosis, depression). Exercise may also increase BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor) which may lead to improved cognition and ease depression.
Not surprising that exercise/ training increased markers of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. Though somewhat surprising that his tone acetylation was not changed. Epigenetic mechanisms protect the genome and control balance of protective cell conservation and renewal vs growth and stress response/ inflammation. Sirtuin pathways, PI3K, AKT and mTOR among others that are also involved in PC progression. Very interesting.
A good readable primer on this is in the book “Lifespan, Why we die and Why we don’t have to”, focused on longevity research. Non damaging stressors all seem to be beneficial. Exercise, HIIT, cold Exposures, intermittent fasting and calorie restriction among them.
Good post! This is a subject that needed to be brought up again.
Exercise in the sun increases the benefits. What wasn't mentioned was that the immune system begins in bone marrow. After reading about Dr. Ruth Heidrich reversing rib metastases in a year by adopting a strict vegan diet and her love of running I began to think there is something there. I had a conversation with my onco about this. I mentioned that personal trainers have a term called "form follows function". In Heidrich's case, being a runner, small vibrations travel through the skeletal system as the runner's feet contact the surface causing the body to deposit minerals in the bones to strengthen them. Why wouldn't this also strengthen the immune system? He said that it is very likely. He can't say no. This onco has been involved in studies and is well respected. Heidrich has won Triathalons and Iron Man--(woman) competitions completing the courses in her 80's!!! For her, the vegan diet, her belief in it, a positive attitude and life changes and lifestyle changes worked for her.
In the 70's I read in the evening rather than watch television. I read "The Pritikin Diet" and a book on macrobiotics. Interestingly one of the macrobiotic success stars after reversing his cancer felt he was cured and returned to the diet he had when diagnosed. His cancer returned and the macrobiotic lifestyle no longer worked. Sayonara!
One of the gov agencies posted a report--not a study--on a man that treatments had failed. As a last effort he became a vegan. Within a year his bone metastases had disappeared. The report said that, I paraphrase, "He got cocky and introduced some tuna, chicken and turkey into his diet. His cancer came back with a vengeance. Returning to the diet no longer worked".
Update: Walking was mentioned as an important exercise. Steve Reeves developed "Power Walking".
Thanks for the reminder of how great exercise is for cancer prognosis! This is important information for new members that may feel helpless and suffering the side effects of the combined therapies that are proving to provide the best outcomes. The good news is they can improve the outcomes and feel better at the same time by becoming active.
You've spoken many times of wanting to start "ripples" through the community of the importance of exercise. When I was first diagnosed I learned that you were running marathons while receiving docetaxel. This inspired me to stay active in the running club, including going to the indoor track on cold winter nights to run around while still on the dexamethasone high after getting a docetaxel infusion. That inspired another club member to stay active when she got her ovarian cancer diagnosis, and she's gone on to inspire other people as well. She was hospitalized and walked the halls with her IV pole, prompting several other patients to do the same thing. I've probably said all this before, but your ripples have spread far and wide, and I'm very happy to be a conduit for them.
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