Scientists Discover How Longevity Supplement May Boost Cancer Cells: A Surprising Connection!

MEXICO CITY (apro).— A team of scientists has uncovered the biological mechanism by which compounds in longevity-related supplements can promote the growth of cancer cells under certain conditions. This discovery was published in the August 2025 issue of the scientific journal Journal of Biological Chemistry and announced on March 2, 2026, by the University of Science in Tokyo.

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The study explored the role of molecules called polyamines, including spermidine, which occur naturally in the body and are also marketed in supplements aimed at healthy aging. These substances are involved in cellular processes such as growth and differentiation.

The researchers noted that high levels of polyamines have consistently been observed in various cancers and are linked with rapid tumor growth.

The research found that these molecules can trigger different cellular mechanisms depending on the tissue type, explaining their association with both cellular maintenance and tumor proliferation.

Study Outlines Molecular Mechanism Driving Tumor Proliferation

The research team used human cancer cells to investigate how polyamines affect protein production and cellular metabolism. Initially, they decreased these molecules using a drug and then restored them by adding spermidine.

The scientists examined changes in over 6,700 proteins using proteomic techniques, which helped pinpoint alterations in metabolic pathways linked to cellular growth.

The findings revealed that polyamines increase glycolysis, a metabolic process that rapidly converts glucose into energy and is associated with tumor proliferation.

The study further found that these molecules boost the production of a protein called eIF5A2, commonly found in cancerous tissues, which plays a role in genetic regulation that promotes the multiplication of tumor cells.

The researchers observed that polyamines interfere with a regulatory molecule known as miR-6514-5p, which normally limits the production of eIF5A2. When this regulation is blocked, eIF5A2 levels rise, facilitating cellular growth.

Researchers Explain Why the Same Compound Acts Differently

The study compared the behavior of two similar proteins: eIF5A1 and eIF5A2. Both are involved in cellular functions, but their activity varies depending on the tissue type.

The scientists pointed out that in healthy cells, polyamines activate processes related to autophagy, a mechanism that removes damaged cellular components. However, in cancer cells, these molecules stimulate the production of eIF5A2, altering gene expression and enhancing tumor proliferation.

The lead researcher of the study explained that the biological activity of polyamines varies depending on the cellular environment.

“The biological activity of polyamines differs between normal and cancerous tissues,” the researcher stated in the institutional release of the study.

The authors noted that this difference explains why the same compound can be involved in processes associated with healthy aging and, at the same time, in tumor growth.

Spermidine Supplements Have Gained Popularity in the Health Market

Spermidine and other polyamines are found in foods such as grains, legumes, mushrooms, and fermented products. In recent years, these substances have been included in supplements marketed for healthy aging.

Scientific research has indicated that polyamines are essential for normal cellular functions, but their accumulation has also been linked to the progression of diseases, including cancer.

Health authorities have established that dietary supplements are regulated as food products and not as medications, meaning their use does not entail proven therapeutic effects.

Findings Obtained in Laboratory Settings Require Clinical Research

The authors of the study indicated that the results were obtained using cellular models and not in clinical trials with humans. Therefore, they highlighted the need for further research to determine the impact of these compounds on human health.

The study also identified the protein eIF5A2 as a potential target for developing cancer treatments, as it is involved in processes related to tumor proliferation.

The researchers mentioned that understanding the interaction between nutrients, cellular metabolism, and diseases is part of an active research area in experimental medicine.