Foam cells cancer

King, E.B., Kromhout, L.K., Chew, K.L., Mayall, B.H., Petrakis, N.L., Jensen, R.H. and Young, I T. (1984) Analytic studies of foam cells from breast cancer precursors. Cytometry 5, 124—130. 

Free radical damage is considered to be a causative factor in the development of cancer and inflammatory and chronic diseases. Therefore, free radical scavenging molecules (antioxidants) may play a beneficial role in these conditions. With repect to CVD, the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is believed to be a critical process in the development of atherosclerosis (Berliner et al., 1995 Navab et al., 1995). The presence of oxidized LDL in the intima of an artery leads to the production of macrophage-derived foam cells, the main cell type present in fatty streaks that are believed to be the earliest lesion of atherosclerosis (Fuster, 1994). Therefore, the use of antioxidants as dietary supplements to protect against LDL oxidation may reduce both the development and progression of atherosclerosis (Gey, 1995). 

Spermicides, most of which contain nonoxynol-9, are chemical surfactants that destroy sperm cell walls and offer some protection against STDs and cervical cancer. They are available as foams, creams, suppositories, jellies, and flhn. Spermicidal tablets or suppositories require 10 to 30 minutes to dissolve. Spermicides can cause local irritation in both men and women. Additional spermicide must be used each time intercourse is repeated. 

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