Does glutamine feed cancer? How to block glutamine safely

Summary

Dr. Igor Atabekov, a clinical oncologist, discusses the metabolic approach to cancer treatment, focusing on glutamine, a key energy source for tumors. He explores natural remedies and drugs like metformin that could potentially block glutamine uptake, thereby starving cancer cells. The video also touches on substances like arisin, resveratrol, curcumin, berberine, and green tea extracts, which show promise in enhancing chemotherapy sensitivity and blocking glutamine metabolism. Dr. Atabekov emphasizes the need for further research, as these treatments are not yet standard but are grounded in scientific evidence.

Takeaways

• 👨‍⚕️ Dr. Igor Atabekov is a clinical oncologist with experience since 2010, practicing in Russia and exploring natural treatments for cancer.
• 🌿 He discusses the metabolic theory of cancer and the potential of keto diets and ketone bodies to starve cancer cells.
• 🚫 Dr. Atabekov emphasizes the need to reduce and block glutamine, a source of energy for many tumors, alongside sugar reduction.
• 🌿 Santonin, derived from plants used in beer making, can block glutamine transport into cells, though supplements are not known to him.
• 💊 Metformin, a common diabetes drug, may decrease insulin resistance, block glutamine, and affect cancer stem cells, but its effectiveness varies by tumor type.
• 🌿 Artemisinin, found in the sweet wormwood plant, has antimalarial properties and can block glutamine, though its sensitivity across tumors is not uniform.
• 🍇 Resveratrol, an antioxidant in grapes, can increase tumor sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs and affect glutamine metabolism, but its impact can be context-dependent.
• 🍵 Curcumin, found in turmeric, and substances in green tea like EGCG, can improve chemotherapy drug sensitivity and block glutamine transport in cancer cells.
• 🌿 Berberine, known for its anti-tumor activity, can decrease glutamine uptake by cancer cells.
• 🔬 The substances mentioned are not official treatments but have theoretical and scientific bases that require further research.

Q & A

Who is Dr. Igor Atabekov and what is his profession?

Dr. Igor Atabekov is a clinical oncologist who has been practicing since 2010. He works in Russia, both in governmental clinics and is interested in exploring natural types of treatment and adjunctive treatments for cancer.

What is the metabolic theory of cancer that Dr. Atabekov mentioned?

The metabolic theory of cancer refers to the concept of starving cancer cells by manipulating their metabolic pathways, such as the keto diet and reducing glucose intake, to limit the energy sources available to the tumor cells.

Why is glutamine significant in cancer treatment according to Dr. Atabekov?

Glutamine is significant because it serves as a source of energy for many tumors. Reducing its availability can potentially starve the cancer cells and hinder their growth.

What is the role of metformin in cancer treatment as discussed by Dr. Atabekov?

Metformin, primarily used for type 2 diabetes, may also have anti-cancer properties. It can block glutamine, decrease insulin resistance, and blood glucose levels, and it may also block autophagy, which is a survival mechanism for cells during starvation.

How does autophagy relate to cancer cell survival?

Autophagy is a process where cells survive starvation by consuming their own cellular components. In cancer, blocking autophagy can prevent tumors from using this survival mechanism, potentially making them more vulnerable to treatment.

What is the significance of cancer stem cells in recurrence and drug resistance?

Cancer stem cells are considered the source of recurrence and drug resistance. They can lie dormant and then reactivate to form new tumors, which is why targeting these cells is crucial in cancer treatment.

What is the potential role of arisin in cancer treatment?

Arsinic, found in the herb Artemisia annua, has antimalarial and antiparasitic effects and may also block glutamine, potentially making tumors more sensitive to treatment.

How does resveratrol affect glutamine metabolism in cancer cells?

Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in grapes, can increase the sensitivity of tumors to chemotherapy drugs and decrease the absorption and transport of glutamine, thus potentially inhibiting tumor growth.

What is the effect of curcumin on chemotherapy drug sensitivity?

Curcumin, found in turmeric, can improve the sensitivity of tumors to chemotherapy drugs and decrease glutamine metabolism, suggesting it may be beneficial in combination with other treatments.

How does berberine impact cancer cells' glutamine uptake?

Berberine, known for its anti-tumor activity, can decrease the uptake of glutamine by cancer cells, which may help in limiting the energy supply to the tumor.

What is the potential role of green tea components in blocking glutamine?

Components in green tea, such as EGCG, can antagonize glutamine, potentially helping to block its use by cancer cells and thus inhibiting their growth and spread.

Outlines

00:00

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Igor's Introduction to Metabolic Cancer Treatment

Dr. Igor Atabekov, a clinical oncologist with over a decade of experience, introduces himself and his interest in exploring natural and adjunctive treatments for cancer. He acknowledges the limitations of conventional oncological treatments and expresses his commitment to finding additional ways to assist patients. Dr. Igor discusses the metabolic theory of cancer, emphasizing the role of keto diets and ketone bodies in starving cancer cells of glucose. He also highlights the importance of managing glutamine, a significant energy source for many tumors, and proposes methods to reduce and block its availability to cancer cells. The doctor apologizes for the casual setting due to being on vacation but emphasizes his dedication to continuing his work to help those in need.

05:02

🌿 Natural Remedies and Metformin for Cancer Treatment

Dr. Igor discusses various natural substances and the drug metformin as potential treatments to block glutamine, a key nutrient for cancer cells. He mentions Santonin, derived from plants used in beer production, which can inhibit glutamine transport within cells. Metformin, a first-line drug for type 2 diabetes, is noted for its potential to decrease insulin resistance and blood glucose, and its ability to block glutamine and autophagy in cancer cells, thereby hindering their survival mechanisms. Additionally, metformin's impact on cancer stem cells is highlighted, which are linked to recurrence and drug resistance. The doctor also touches on the development of targeted therapies to deliver metformin more effectively to tumor sites.

10:04

🍇 Antioxidants and Natural Compounds in Cancer Metabolism

Dr. Igor continues by exploring the effects of natural compounds like artesunate, resveratrol, curcumin, and berberine on glutamine metabolism in cancer cells. He explains how these substances can increase the sensitivity of tumors to chemotherapy drugs or decrease glutamine uptake, thus potentially enhancing the effectiveness of cancer treatments. He also discusses the potential of EGCG from green tea to block glutamine, which could theoretically help prevent tumor growth and metastasis. The doctor emphasizes that while these treatments show promise, they are not yet standard protocol and require further scientific investigation. He concludes by encouraging viewers to engage with the content and support the channel for more informative videos.

Keywords

💡Clinical Oncologist

A clinical oncologist is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In the video, Dr. Igor Atabekov introduces himself as a clinical oncologist, emphasizing his expertise in this field. His role is central to the video's theme as he discusses alternative and adjunctive treatments for cancer, which is his area of specialization.

💡Metabolic Theory of Cancer

The metabolic theory of cancer suggests that alterations in cellular metabolism contribute to the development and progression of cancer. Dr. Atabekov mentions this theory as a foundation for his discussion on starving cancer cells by manipulating their metabolic needs, such as reducing glucose and glutamine availability.

💡Keto Diet

A keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that shifts the body's metabolism away from glucose and towards ketone bodies for energy. In the context of the video, Dr. Atabekov discusses the keto diet as a potential strategy to reduce glucose levels, thereby starving cancer cells of a primary energy source.

💡Glutamine

Glutamine is an amino acid that serves as a significant energy source for many types of cancer cells. The video focuses on methods to reduce and block glutamine as a means to inhibit cancer growth. Dr. Atabekov discusses various substances and drugs that can potentially interfere with glutamine uptake by cancer cells.

💡Metformin

Metformin is a drug primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes by reducing insulin resistance and blood glucose levels. In the video, Dr. Atabekov highlights metformin's potential as an anti-cancer agent due to its ability to block glutamine utilization and autophagy in cancer cells, thus inhibiting their growth and survival.

💡Autophagy

Autophagy is a cellular process where cells digest their own components to survive during periods of stress or nutrient deprivation. Dr. Atabekov explains that metformin can block autophagy, preventing cancer cells from surviving when their primary energy sources are depleted.

💡Cancer Stem Cells

Cancer stem cells are a subpopulation of cancer cells that possess the ability to self-renew and give rise to new cancer cells. They are often associated with drug resistance and tumor recurrence. The video mentions metformin's potential to target these cells, which is crucial for preventing cancer recurrence.

💡Resveratrol

Resveratrol is an antioxidant found in grapes and other plants, known for its potential health benefits. Dr. Atabekov discusses resveratrol's ability to affect glutamine metabolism and increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs, suggesting its potential role in cancer treatment.

💡Curcumin

Curcumin is a compound found in the spice turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer properties. In the video, Dr. Atabekov mentions curcumin's ability to improve the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs and its role in attenuating glutamine metabolism.

💡Berberine

Berberine is an alkaloid with anti-bacterial and anti-tumor activities found in several plants. The video describes berberine's potential to decrease the uptake of glutamine by cancer cells, suggesting its use as a therapeutic agent in cancer treatment.

💡EGCG

EGCG (Epigallocatechin-3-gallate) is a catechin found in green tea with potent antioxidant properties. Dr. Atabekov discusses EGCG as a blocker of glutamine, which could potentially help in preventing cancer growth and metastasis by limiting the nutrient availability to cancer cells.

Highlights

Dr. Igor Atabekov is a clinical oncologist with an interest in natural and adjunctive treatments for cancer.

Metabolic theory of cancer and the potential of keto diets to starve cancer cells are discussed.

Glutamine is identified as a significant energy source for many tumors.

Santoo, derived from plants used in beer making, can block glutamine transport into cells.

Metformin, a drug for type 2 diabetes, may also block glutamine and decrease tumor cell growth.

Metformin's potential to block autophagy, a survival mechanism for tumors during starvation.

The importance of targeting cancer stem cells to prevent recurrence and drug resistance.

Arsenic, found in Arisaema annua, has antiparasitic effects and may block glutamine.

Resveratrol, an antioxidant in grapes, can increase tumor sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs.

Curcumin, found in turmeric, can improve sensitivity to chemotherapy and decrease glutamine metabolism.

Berberine, known for its anti-tumor activity, can decrease glutamine uptake by cancer cells.

Green tea's EGCG is a known blocker of glutamine, which may help in cancer treatment combinations.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) from green tea may play a role in blocking glutamine and preventing tumor growth and metastasis.

The need for further research to understand which tumors are sensitive to these glutamine-blocking substances.

The potential of targeted therapies to deliver metformin directly to tumors for more effective treatment.

Dr. Atabekov emphasizes that the discussed treatments are not official protocols and require more investigation.

Transcripts

hello dear friends my name is Dr Igor

atabekov I'm clinical oncologist

practicing since 2010 I'm doctor in

Russia and I'm working in the official

governmental clinic but also very

interested in different natural um

natural types of treatment in some

adjunctive treatments in metabolic

treatment of cancer because our official

official oncological treatments are very

limited and uh often lack efficacy we

cannot cure many patients that's why I'm

always seeking for some additional ways

to help the patients and um before I was

talking about the metabolic theory of

cancer about the ways to starve the

cancer about the keto diet Ketone bodies

about glutamine the source of many of

the energy for many tumors and today I

will talk about the possible methods how

you can reduce and block glutamine

because with sugar it's quite easy okay

don't eat the food that is full of carbs

uh do keto diets and you will decrease

your sugar maximally you will decrease

your insulin and you'll have a lot of

ketones but what can you do with

glutamine let's figure it out

I'm sorry for this view I'm in vacation

now but still I need to continue my work

to help people who are in need that's

why let's start from the first natural

uh remedy this is

santoo what is that that is the

substance from the plants that you use

to make a beer so it's good used for all

beer lovers but no of course you don't

need to drink more beer to cure cancer

and this substance can block the

transport of glutamine inside the cell

so the cell can use it afterwards

unfortunately I don't know any

supplements

nowadays that you can buy to have this

Santa humo but some people do their

tinctures from this plant next one

metformin metformin is a well-known drug

it's number one drug against against

diabetes Mill of second type from one

side it decreases insulin resistance it

decreases blood glucose so it's already

good against tumors right from the other

side it appears that it can block the

glutamine and really we the scientists

observed that it can decrease the cell

growth of many tumor cell lines many

types of cancer it can block the enzyme

glutaminase that converts glutamine to

glutamate and the tumor cannot use it

anymore also it appears to block

autophagy autophagy is the process of um

survival during starvation that mean if

we block glucose we block glutamine and

the tumor still can survive by autophagy

by eating the junk by using Lums by

eating junk around the tumor cells this

junk will be disassembled into small

pieces small components and the tumor

will use them that's how the tumor Will

Survive their full starvation but here

if we block autophagy if we block lomes

by the way I was talking about it in the

third video of this playlist about I

mean about mitochondrial theory if you

block lomes then this is the one more

heat to the tumor also it is known that

metformin can affect also the stem cells

of the cancer that is most very

important because stem cells um are

considered to be the source of all

recurrencies of drug resistance and um

if we see for example the person who was

cured from cancer we think he was cured

by all this radiation by chemotherapy

and then after many years the tumor

grows again this is because of these

stem cells sleeping somewhere um

controlled by immunity and then after

stress after immunity fail the tumor

will grow again and spread and give a

lot of metastasis

that's why killing these to stem cells

is a major task for us but as we see

here not all the tumors were um

sensitive to metformin treatment and it

depends on um which processes this tumor

uses for its life what is its metabolism

characteristics the problem nowadays is

we don't know how to understand which

tumor will be sensitive to this remedy

which tumor will be sensitive to this

remedy we're trying to develop this

targeted therapies now but still it's an

a Very starting level here they are

trying to make the special little

carriers for met forming uh to put it

maximally into the tumor not into the

other cells uh this is more targeted

therapy so the metformin will be

accumulated inside the tumor to cause a

good concentration and to block

glutamine block all the other things

there loagy so good luck for them and

let's move forward one more natural

substance is arisin that is found in

aresia anua it's a herb it has

antiparasitic effect it has antim

malarian effect also it can cause

glutamine blockage and many people who

use this alternative approach for cancer

treatment they use arisin also note all

tumors will be sensitive to the this

substance next substance is Resveratrol

this is a well-known antioxidant found

in grapes mostly and it also affects the

metabolism of glutamine it can really

increase the sensitivity of tumor to

some chemotherapy drugs like CIS platin

and um increase it many times and even

if the tumor already lost its

sensitivity to this C platin the res

veral May renew it as you can see here

decreases the absorption of glutamine

and its transporting systems but there

is another article on Goma or neural

cell tumor which shows that yes really R

veratrol in constant concentrations can

decrease the tumor growth but in very

short uh when it's acting very shortly

uh it will actually in increase

glutamine so it's it needs to be

investigated more kurkumin found in

kurkuma longa this is a very famous

substance which can also improve their

sensitivity to many chemotherapy drugs

there are by the way a lot of different

investigations of kurkumin on

oncological patients showing quite good

results Improvement of their treatment

results of their survival of course

there is no 100% remedy that will cure

all the cancers in every tumor there may

be some substances that will work or not

work and we don't know which will and it

also attenuates the metabolism of

glutamine in cells the same here there

is a tumor of B ducts that is very

aggressive it's not sensitive to any

drugs we use some drugs like gabin but

the tumor gains resistance very fast and

here we show that kurkumin can really

increase the sensitivity of tumor to

this gam cabin that is very interesting

we need to uh study in future which

combinations will be good for this tumor

or that tumor and here we see also that

cumine can decrease glutamine in cancer

cells and decreases the the transport of

glutamine to the cells so it they it can

be used by these cells one more

substance berberine berberine is a good

coltic and also it has anti-tumor

activity here you can see that it can

also decrease the uptake of glutamine by

cancer cells next green tea s is the

first substance that is found in green

tea that can that antagonize this

glutamine and the second substance is of

course wellknown epig kin galade that is

seen in many supplements and this is a

very interesting study where they shows

that when the embryo after conception

embryo Tri tries to implant uh it's

called Invasion when the cells grow into

the other cells in the tissues like that

that's what we see in tumor tors the

tumor borders are usually if you see the

tumor it doesn't mean this are borders

it has invasive growth meaning like like

it grows through and it's difficult to

see the bord that's why often we try to

cut out more the surgeons Tres to cut

out more uh because of that and the same

here and this process is dependent on on

the immune cells and glutamine because

these immune cells will use the

glutamine and maybe the glutamine is the

substance that helps the tumors also to

grow like that to spread and to

metastasize if theoretically we block

glutamine maybe it will help to stop

tumors from growing and from

metastasizing and the substance

egcg from green tea is a well-known

Blocker of glutamine of course alone it

won't stop any cancer but it has a good

potential role in combinations dear

friends that's all for today about

glutamine blockers I want to highlight

again that all I talk I'm talking about

is not official for now it's not in

protocols but it has some good the

theoretical plus some scientific basis

and needs to be investigated more wish

you good luck have a good day and I

would appreciate if you write any

comments under this video or support

this channel by the links down in the

description see you in the next videos

good bye be

afid

e

else down the music start DR E's going

to heal your broken heart

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