Scientists have discovered a surprising new role for creatine, a supplement commonly used by athletes to boost strength and performance. This cheap and effective supplement could potentially help fight cancer, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
The study, published in the journal iScience, found that creatine not only enhances the activity of killer T-cells, which are crucial for destroying cancer cells, but it also plays a significant role in energizing dendritic cells. These dendritic cells are responsible for capturing tumour fragments and guiding killer T-cells to attack them. This discovery opens up exciting possibilities for improving cancer treatment.
Previous research had already shown that creatine can power killer T-cells, but this new study reveals its impact on dendritic cells as well. Immunotherapies, which target killer T-cells, have shown promise but only work for a small percentage of patients. The UCLA team suggests that creatine could be a valuable supplement to enhance the immune response in these treatments.
Lili Yang, a professor of microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics at UCLA, emphasizes the holistic approach of creatine. She states, 'Immunotherapy has shown remarkable promise, but it only works for a subset of patients. What this study shows is that creatine doesn't just help the T cells fighting cancer; it also energizes the entire infrastructure that supports and guides them. This makes creatine a promising supplement to holistically support the immune response that modern immunotherapies depend on.'
The study involved daily injections of creatine in mouse models of melanoma. The results were impressive, as creatine not only slowed tumour growth but also increased the activity of dendritic cells within the tumours. These dendritic cells released higher levels of chemical signals, attracting more immune cells to the tumour site. The researchers likened creatine's role to that of a rechargeable battery, enabling dendritic cells to store and release energy efficiently, even in nutrient-limited environments.
James Elsten-Brown, a co-first author and graduate student in Prof. Yang's lab, highlights the potential of creatine as a supplement and a tool for improving dendritic cell-based vaccines. He suggests that creatine could be used to enhance the immune response of patients already undergoing immunotherapy and to optimize the quality of dendritic cell-based vaccines before administration.
While the study provides exciting insights, it's important to note that it was conducted in cells and mice, not in human patients. Therefore, no dietary or medical recommendations should be drawn from this research. However, the findings suggest that creatine could be a valuable addition to cancer treatment, but patients should consult their doctors before incorporating it into their regimen.
This discovery highlights the potential of simple and cost-effective supplements like creatine to have significant impacts on complex biological processes such as cancer treatment. As research continues, it will be fascinating to see how creatine and other natural compounds can be utilized to strengthen the body's anti-cancer defenses.
