Understanding the Warburg Effect Yields New Insights into the Metabolic Control of Cancer

Abstract

Human cells may use either aerobic or anaerobic cellular respiration processes to produce energy, depending on cellular conditions. When there is enough oxygen, cells respire aerobically, but in case of oxygen deficiency, anaerobic cellular respiration is used, which leads to lactic acidosis and an increased risk of cancer according to Warburg's hypothesis. This paper reviews key aspects related to the historical evolutionary origins of metabolic pathways in cancer cells and compares similarities between cancer cells and ancient unicellular organisms to address the origins of metabolic change in cancer cells and provide new insights into the metabolic control of cancer. Understanding the main causes of cancer and the biological origin of their behavioral abnormalities is essential for the metabolic control of cancer. Environmental stressors to cells may include lack of essential nutrients, poor oxygenation, excess acids, viruses, infections, and exposure to chemicals, toxins, and radiation. These cellular stressors can cause normal cells to mutate and become cancerous in an attempt to survive in the harsh conditions. According to the research findings, creating appropriate conditions at the cellular level in terms of pH, sufficient oxygenation and the availability of good sugars, essential vitamins, minerals, enzymes and coenzymes through a healthy diet can lead to a metabolic switch in cancer cells that controls mutations, which can help prevent and control cancer.