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The Enemies Of The System
In most general terms, cancer can be characterized
as uncontrolled cell replication. Regardless of its type, cancer
initially develops in a normal, healthy cell and shares the basic
characteristics of this normal cell, at least in its early developmental
stages. However, these cells tend to lose some of their abilities.
One such important ability is that of reacting to the messages delivered
by their surrounding or their own organisms that regulate cell replication.
When such a disorder occurs, the cell can no longer control its
replication and the growth of tissues. This process, known as "continuous
dividing," is genetically transferred to new cells resulting
in the spread of tumours, which in turn invade the neighbouring
tissues. These decomposed cells eat up the nutrients of other cells,
consuming the vital amino acid supply. Cancer cells eventually shut
down the passages within the human body with their expanding volume.
They accumulate in various organs such as the brain, lungs, liver,
and kidneys, surrounding the healthy and normal cells of these organs
and preventing their normal functioning, eventually posing a serious
threat to human life.
Normal cells replicate only when they receive a command from neighbouring
cells. This is a safety measure within the organism. However, cancer
cells do not respond to this mechanism and refuse any control over
their replication system. The type of cancer described so far does
not create any problem for the defence system. A strong body with
an effective defence system is capable of struggling with the increasingly
expanding cancerous cells multiplying in number, and of even defeating
the disease. The main problem arises when cancer cells pierce their
own membranes with the help of an enzyme (pac-man enzyme), and mix
in the circulatory system (the conveyor network) of the body by
penetrating the lymphatic fluid, and eventually reaching distant
tissues and cells.
The current scenario is quite negative. Cells that used to work
collectively in providing humans with the gifts of seeing, hearing,
breathing, and living suddenly grow recalcitrant, not obeying the
"stop" command they receive from neighbouring cells. As
they continue replicating, they carry out a destruction process
at full blast which leads to the total death of the body.
 If
we compare the human body to a country and the human defence system
to a powerful, fully equipped army, the cancer cells emerge as the
rebels of this country. This mutinous community grows in number
daily, continuing their demolition of the current structure. But
the army of this country is not at all pregnable.
The macrophages, the front line warriors of the defence system,
surround the invader when they encounter it and destroy the cancer
cells with the help of a protein they specially produce. In addition,
the T cells, the strong and intelligent warriors of the defence
system and their exceptional weapons (antibodies) kill the cancer
cells that have begun to fuse in the body and lymphatic fluids by
piercing the cell membrane. The struggle will continue even as the
cancer spreads. As the cancer cells develop further, the defence
cells help to inhibit the progress of the disease, resulting in
remission.
One of the systems within human cells which prevent the spread of
cancer cells is "apoptosis", which causes the suicide
of the cell. Apoptosis is seen when the DNA of the cell is damaged,
or a tumour develops, or the effectiveness of the P53 gene - also
known as the "cancer preventing gene" - lessens. Though
apoptosis may appear to be a very negative event, it is actually
highly important, as it blocks such vital disorders and prevents
the disease from passing on to the next generation. When compared
to the potential danger imposed by the cancer cells, which are likely
to damage the entire human body, the loss of a single cell is much
more acceptable. Cells within the human body that realize (!) that
there is a disorder in their own structure threatening the human
body instigate their own demise to prolong human life.
 The
cancer takes on a life-threatening form when these decomposed cells
overcome this suicide system. In this case, a second defence mechanism
is activated to avoid uncontrolled multiplying of these cells. If
they succeed in surpassing this barrier, too, they then encounter
a further stage known as the "the term of crisis". At
this stage, the cells, which have successfully escaped from the
previous security systems, are killed en masse. Among these cells,
one cell, however, succeeds in overcoming the "crisis".
This "rebellious" cancer cell will transfer its rebellious
nature to its descendants, which will multiply in great numbers.
The cancerous patient must now fight an intensive struggle with
cancer.
Is it only the uncontrolled, independent and continuously multiplying
nature of the cancer cell that brings victory to it? Other reasons
lie behind this success.
Cells carry a type of inscription system on their surface which
positions them in the body. This inscription system is decipherable
by all the cells within the human body, helping each cell to know
exactly where it belongs and preventing it from occupying another's
place. This system ensures the integrity of the tissues. Cells,
which are aware of their position, neither go anywhere else, nor
let any other cell occupy their place, thus ensuring the maintenance
of the body in a healthy state. Cells that are not located at a
certain site or those located at an inappropriate site will eventually
commit suicide. However, with the help of this system, the suicide
process is totally eliminated, as the cells are not allowed to be
dislocated or located in an inappropriate site. This process is
not as simple as it may seem. In order to maintain the effective
functioning of this system, each cell has to identify its own position
whilst respecting the locations of other cells, and being mindful
not to invade their sites. These procedures are taught to them by
various mediator molecules which enable these cells to maintain
their respective places. However, there are occasions when these
mediator molecules are absent or unable to fulfil this duty. This
provides the cancer cells with an advantage. When inhibitory molecules
are not present in the environment, cancer cells spread more rapidly.
Besides, cancer cells are not required to anchor themselves to any
specific site. They undermine the rules by living independently
and without settling in any place.
Erythrocytes are exceptional cells that do not possess a stationary
site within the human body. They pierce the membranes of other cells
and tissues and tear down the obstacles with the aid of a special
enzyme called "metallo-proteinase". They are therefore
able to visit any part of the human body at will. The defence cells
use this enzyme to reach out to the enemy cells, while cancer cells
use them for an entirely different purpose. Their main goal is to
attack healthy cells and invade them.
 The
skills of the cancer cells are not limited to these pursuits; they
are also capable of playing other 'games' against the defence cells.
Odd as it may sound, we are not talking about talented actors but
rather cancer cells, which play games against their opponents. Before
attempting to explain these unbelievably clever games, let us review
what we have explained so far.
Isn't it extraordinary that our army of defence sets up progressive
barriers against the enemy? This organization we call an "army"
is made up of cells which can only be viewed under an advanced electron
microscope. Their ability to protect and guard their sites, their
willingness to lay down their own lives to save the life of the
human body they belong to, their unyielding commitment to continue
their struggle, are not the products of coincidence. Undoubtedly,
we can see a very conscious and well-organized form of functioning
in defence cells.
What would happen if such a difficult mission were handed to a trillion
highly educated humans beings? Would the success rate be as impressive?
Would it be possible for them to enforce their will on the crowd
despite the existence of strict disciplinary rules and obligatory
measures? If a few of these individuals forgot the formula of the
antibodies they were supposed to manufacture, or neglected to manufacture
them, or refused to commit suicide when necessary, would all of
these stages function regularly? Would the struggle end with victory?
Could an army of billions of individuals continue its struggle without
any mistake? Are there, by any chance, any brave and skilled commanders
or managers who would be willing to undertake the responsibility
of keeping these billions under control? However, our defence cells
do not need any commanders or managers. Their system operates in
a very regulated manner, without any inhibitions or difficulties.
There is no anarchy or confusion during the process. The reason
for this perfection and extremely effective functioning is God,
Who established this system down to its minute details and inspired
the elements of this system to fulfill their responsibilities. The
defence cells continue their struggle without rest or duress with
this inspiration given to them by God.
Games of Cancer Cells
 It
must not be forgotten that cancer cells are original body cells
that carry the molecular character of the human being. In consequence,
it is difficult for the defence cells to identify cancer cells.
Furthermore, cancer cells manage to win over some antibodies by
a method undiscovered to date.
As we have mentioned, antibodies are a type of protein that stops
the activities of enemy cells. However, for some unknown reason,
cancer cells are adversely affected by the antibodies. Instead of
stopping, their activities increase, resulting in the rapid and
forceful spreading of the tumour.
Antibodies, which bind themselves on to the surface of the cancer
cell, "collaborate" with the cancer cell in a sense. Other
antibodies do not touch a cancer cell having an antibody attached
to it. Hence, the cancer cell is perfectly camouflaged.
Collaboration between antibodies and cancer cells can reach even
broader dimensions. There are also occasions where cancer cells
combine with antibodies to form "pseudo supressor T cells".
These pseudo suppressor T cells misinform antibodies by relaying
the message that there is "no danger". More sinister situations
also develop whereby the cancer cells develop into "Pseudo
Helper T cells" instead of the pseudo suppressor T cells. In
such situations, the message is delivered to a bigger number of
antibodies. There can be no more convenient environment possible
for the development of cancer cells.
Additionally, cancer cells may sometimes spread "trap antigens"
in order to protect themselves from a possible attack by the defence
system. These tumours spread out such large amounts of antigens
from their surface that the blood stream is inundated with them.
These antigens, however, are fake and cause no harm to the human
body. However, the antibodies are not aware of this and they respond
without delay by instigating a war against them.
 During
this chaos, the real and dangerous cancer cells continue to function,
going undisturbed and undiscovered by the enemy.
An Intelligent Enemy: AIDS
In the previous chapters we discussed viruses
and explained the importance of their role in the life of humans.
Among these viruses, the most dangerous and harmful is the "HIV
virus", which has preoccupied researchers for a long time and
may well continue to do so for some time to come. Unlike other viruses,
this micro organism totally inactivates the defence system. It is
impossible for a human being with a malfunctioning defence system
to survive.
The HIV virus causes irreversible damages to the human body by causing
the defence system to collapse, making it vulnerable to all kinds
of diseases, eventually giving rise to various fatal conditions.
It has occupied researchers for many years, resulting in a sense
of desperation and hopelessness. The Journal of Bilim ve Teknik
(Science and Technology), published in August 1993, made the following
statement:
"The more we learn, the less
certain we become." This statement is the most common answer
to a public survey carried out among 150 of the most recognized
researchers worldwide, studying AIDS. This was published in the
weekly scientific journal Science. No one can make certain judgments
based on the theses that have been advocated for years. Views,
which were considered absolutely correct are now being pushed
aside after they have been revealed to rely on shaky grounds.
Inevitably, the end result is such that even long established
theories about AIDS and its effective cause, the HIV virus are
once again being reviewed and their validity being questioned.
11
 With
the passage of time, the issues have intensified rather than become
resolved. To date there remains numerous unanswered questions, and
the advent of new inventions has served only increase the number
of these unanswered questions. AIDS still remains a mystery for
mankind.
One of the most important facts known about the HIV virus is that
it enters only some and not all the cells of human beings. Its main
target is the helper T cells, which are the most effective elements
of the defence system. This is a very important point. Among numerous
types of cells, the virus chooses those cells of the defence system
which are, in effect, the most beneficial for it and this instigates
the destruction of the human body.
 When
T cells, the vital elements of the defence system, are seized, the
defence system is deprived of its brain team, and is no longer able
to recognize the enemy. This could be regarded as an ingenious war
tactic. An army without any effective communication and intelligence
systems would be considered to have lost its main strength.
Furthermore, the antibodies produced by the human body do not harm
the AIDS virus. AIDS patients continue to produce antibodies, however,
they are not as effective in the absence of the killer T cells.
One unanswered questions is: How does the HIV virus know exactly
what target to focus on? By the time the AIDS virus understands
that the T cells are regarded as the "brains" of the defence
system, it will be destroyed by the existing system immediately
upon entering the human body. However, it is impossible for the
AIDS virus to conduct any form of intelligence surveillance prior
to entering the human body. How then has the AIDS virus developed
this strategy?
 This
is only the first of many amazing skills mastered by the AIDS virus.
At the second stage, the virus has to attach itself to the cells
which it has set as a target for itself. This procedure is not at
all difficult for the AIDS virus. In fact, it attaches to these
cells as a key fits into its lock.
At the third stage, the HIV virus undergoes a series of miraculous
processes, which will ensure its longevity.
The HIV virus is a retrovirus. This means that its genetic make-up
contains solely RNA and no DNA. But a retrovirus needs DNA to remain
alive. To provide this, it has recourse to a very interesting method:
it uses the nucleic acids of its host cell and converts its RNA
into DNA by means of an enzyme called "the reverse transcriptase",
meaning it will reverse the process. Then it places this DNA in
the DNA found in the nucleus of its host cell. The inheritance material
of the virus has now become the inheritance material of the T cell.
As the cell multiplies, so does the HIV virus. The cell starts to
work as a factory for the virus. But invading a single cell does
not satisfy the HIV virus. It will eventually attempt to seize the
whole body.
 Then
the fourth stage comes. The initial HIV virus and others want to
leave their host cells and invade other cells to facilitate their
extraordinary proliferation. They do not expend much effort in doing
so. Everything takes place at a natural pace. The membrane of the
invaded T cells cannot tolerate the pressure of the multiplication
process, and is riddled with holes, allowing the HIV viruses to
get out of the cell to seek alternative hosts. As the HIV virus
increases in number, it also kills its host T cell.
The successful HIV virus has now completely seized the human body.
Unless mankind succeeds in discovering an effective cure to beat
this virus, it will remain there. It is entirely at the discretion
of the HIV virus either to lie dormant for many years, or instigate
an immediate attack on the human body.
Why Has a Solution Not Yet Been Found?
After entering the human body, the HIV virus can produce
up to ten billion viruses a day. The excessive number of viruses
produced in one day is unmanageable, despite the technological advancements
of the day. The HIV virus cannot be considered as a simple structure.
What we have here is a micro-organism, so advanced and intelligent
that it can duplicate millions of its own copies, possesses a plan
to capture its host cell, and is able to cause the death of a huge
human body.
In addition to the abilities of the HIV virus mentioned above, the
HIV virus is also able to assume varying forms in an attempt to
prevent its capture by the defence system. This makes the HIV virus
immune to the effects of medications aimed at treating it today.
Modern medicine has attacked the virus with a variety of medications
at the same time and barely succeeded in dealing with the resistance
of the virus. Although the virus is partially eradicated, the only
positive outcome has been the prolonging of the patients' lives
to a limited extent.
It is of great interest how a virus like the HIV virus can regenerate
itself when faced with the danger of being eradicated. Scientists
are left helpless in the presence of such skillful tactics.
These are not the only mind-boggling tactics used by the HIV virus.
helper T cells circulating in the bloodstream swim along, interlocking
with one another like the metallic projections of a zipper. The
HIV leaps from one T cell to another to avoid contact with the antibodies
in the blood stream. All this is done by a virus, which is only
one micron in size, possesses no DNA and cannot even be qualified
as a living creature. The extraordinary ability of the HIV virus
to recognize the human body so well, develop advanced systems to
overcome the human body, implement the necessary strategies without
any errors and constantly modify itself to be protected from all
kinds of weapons used by the body are all truly amazing. This is
a very good example of how helpless mankind is rendered in the presence
of a minute virus, which cannot be seen with the naked eye.
11.
Bilim ve Teknik Dergisi (Journal of Science and Technology), Vol 26,
No 309, August 1993 p. 567
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