Fruit Fly Research and the Survival Rate in Cancer Patients

Fruit Fly Research and the Survival Rate in Cancer Patients

Research on fruit flies is helping in human cancer research. Fruit flies are helping launch an attack against harmful chemicals in cancer. The studies help increase cancer survival rates. They can also help improve the health of the patients. Studies show that fruit flies release a chemical that weakens the blood-brain barrier. This allows the two areas to mix. This is disastrous in various ailments like obesity, infections, and trauma.

The scientists were able to lengthen the lifespan of fruit flies suffering from malignant growths. They did this by blocking the cytokine. The IL-6 cytokine causes inflammation and opens up the blood-brain barrier. Interfering with this opening will leave the growth untouched. The fruit flies can live healthier and longer.

Fruit flies also release a substance capable of blocking insulin effects. This is a possible explanation for cachexia or tissue wasting. This condition kills a fifth of all cancer patients. This way to fend off the effects of a tumor can reduce or remove the need for highly toxic drugs to fight off tumors.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210916131326.htm