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Can Plants’ Ability for DNA Repair and Stress Defense be Used against Patients’ Circulating Tumor Cells? |
Abstract: Introduction: It was suggested that specific plants may reduce cancer's resistance to chemotherapy. Resistance inhibits apoptosis, as well as other fundamental anti-cancer protective mechanisms. Soy bean has been found to reduce cellular stress and repair DNA damage caused by drought or parasites, and can transfer this defense mechanism to other plant species as well. The aim of this study is therefore to conduct a systematic comparison of the effect of soy bean formulation (FSWW08) on gene expression in in vitro human breast cancer cell line, and in in vivo in blood circulating tumor cells (CTC), after oral consumption of FSWW08 by patients suffering from breast-, ovarian-, and prostate cancer. Method: In vitro gene expressions studies were conducted with the human breast cancer cell line BT-474 that was exposed to doxorubicin or FSWW08, either alone or in combination. Ovarian-, prostate-, and breast cancer patients received FSWW08 for 30 days. CTC were extracted from their blood according to an established protocol. Gene expression evaluations were conducted before and after treatment. Results: In vitro,the multi-drug resistance (MDR) protein was reduced by FSWW08, but was increased by doxorubicin. The combination of FSWW08 and doxorubicin, however, showed a protective effect against the increase of MDR in physiologic concentrations, increased, however, also in high experimental concentrations of both agents. The expression of several cancer-related protective genes, such as tumor suppressor factors p21, p38 and p53, was improved by FSWW08 in vitro and in vivo, which helped cell differentiation and new tissue formation. Additionally, the BAX/Bcl2 ratio was improved, in vitro, as well as gene expression of estrogen receptor beta, NF-κB, MAP kinase, c-JUN, and matrix metalloproteinase 9, together with an increase of VEGF expression in vivo in CTC. Conclusion: It was demonstrated that FSWW08 improved the gene functions related to DNA repair and stress in human blood CTC and resistance marker, in vitro, when applied in combination with doxorubicin. As such, larger in vitro and in vivo clinical studies that investigate single botanical compounds from other plants, are warranted. Keywords: Tp53, Tp21, Bax/Bcl2, MAP kinase, VEGF, CTC, circulating tumor cell, fermented soy, MDR protein, estrogen receptor beta, NF-κB, RT-PCR technique, human breast cancer cell line BT-474, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer. Download Full Article |
Cost Savings of Reduced Constipation Rates Attributed to Increased Dietary Fibre Intakes in Europe: A Decision-Analytic Model |
Abstract: Mounting evidence shows that functional constipation contributes to increased healthcare utilization, impairment in quality of life, and lost work productivity. Among those with functional constipation, relatively small dietary changes may alleviate symptoms and result in considerable constipation-related healthcare cost savings. The study objective was to estimate the economic impact of increased dietary fibre consumption on direct medical costs associated with constipation from a payer perspective. A decision-analytic spreadsheet model was created to perform the analysis. Literature searches identified sources for input parameters, including prevalence of functional constipation, dietary fibre intakes, proportion of the population meeting recommended intakes, and the percentage that would be expected to benefit from increased dietary fibre consumption. The model assumes that 25% of adults make no change in fibre intake, 25% increase intake by 3 g/day, 15% increase intake by 4 g/day, 25% increase intake by 5 g/day, and 10% increase intake by 11 g/day. A dose-response analysis of published data was conducted to estimate the percent reduction in constipation prevalence per 1 g/day increase in dietary fibre intake. Annual direct medical costs for constipation were derived from the literature and updated to 2014. Sensitivity analyses explored robustness of the model. Under base case assumptions, annual cost savings were estimated at ₤127,037,383 in the United Kingdom, €8,791,992 / ₤7,244,513 in Ireland, and €121,699,804 in Spain. Increasing dietary fibre consumption is associated with considerable cost savings, with these estimates being conservative given the exclusion of lost productivity costs in the model. Keywords: Constipation, public health, prevention, costs and cost analysis, dietary fibre.Download Full Article |
Impact Evaluation of Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation and Physical Activity on Bone Health Status of Elderly Population of Urban Vadodara |
Abstract: Background: Osteoporosis is a global public health problem affecting the ageing population and influenced by poor nutrition, lack of physical activities, and absence of supplementation on time. Objectives: To study the impact of Calcium and vitamin D supplementation along with weight bearing exercises on bone health status of elderly. Methods:30 elderly males and 20 elderly females having poor BMD and poor serum vitamin D were supplemented with 1000 mg calcium and 500 IU vitamin D/ day along with weight bearing exercises for a period of 3 months, along with that 60000 IU vitamin D3/week for 2 months were given to 30 males only. Serum calcium, Vitamin D, BMD, dietary calcium intake, frequency of vitamin D rich food intake, anthropometry etc. were measured at the baseline as well as after the intervention. Results: Mean BMD T-scores (-1.1 to -2.5: osteopenia; >-2.5: osteoporosis) of the elderly males and females were significantly (p≤0.001) decreased after the intervention depicting improvement (baseline:-2.34±0.50, final:-1.86±0.61). 26.7% reduction in osteoporotic cases among males and 50 % among women was achieved. Mean serum calcium (baseline: 9.38±0.63, final: 9.46±0.61) and vitamin D level (baseline: 23.76±13.17, final: 35.48±14.84) was increased significantly (p≤0.05). 60% males and 70% females achieved vitamin D sufficiency level after the intervention. Mean physical endurance (Grip strength, standing balance, walking speed and rise from chair) scores were significantly increased in both males and females. Locomotor problems were reduced among 6.7% males and 40% females after regular weight bearing exercise and supplementation. Conclusion:Calcium and vitamin D supplementation with daily weight bearing exercise has a preventive and curative effect on BMD and it maintains the serum calcium and vitamin D levels. Long term and high dose supplementation needs further investigation. Keywords: Elderly, BMD, Calcium, Vitamin D, Physical Activity.Download Full Article |
Effect of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Starch-Hydrocolloids Mixture on the Physical and Sensory Characteristics of Leavened Bread |
Abstract: During this study, different blends of taro starch-hydrocolloid were incorporated in yeast leavened bread and their effects were investigated. The specific volume, moisture content and slice shape of the bread were found to be improved by the addition of taro starch-guar gum blend. Taro starch-xanthan gum mixture was also found to be a good additive to improve specific volume, slice shape, crumb softness as well as sensory characteristics of bread. The study reveals taro starch-hydrocolloid blend can be utilized as a novel ingredient to improve the physical and sensory characteristics of leavened bread. Keywords: Taro starch, Hydrocolloids, Bread, Physical Properties, Sensory Properties.Download Full Article |
Linoleic Acid Blocks the Inhibitory Effects of Caffeine on Tumour Promotion by 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-Acetate in Two-Stage Carcinogenesis in Mouse Skin |
Abstract: The present study assessed the in vivo effects of fatty acids on inflammation and carcinogenesis in mice. Fifteen fatty acids were examined for their effects on the inhibitory effect of caffeine on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced ear oedema in mice. Furthermore, linoleic acid was studied for its effects on the inhibitory effect of caffeine on carcinogenesis in mouse skin initiated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) and promoted by TPA. Among fatty acids, linoleic, γ-linolenic and oleic acids most strongly blocked the inhibitory effect of caffeine on TPA-induced ear oedema. Furthermore, linoleic acid also markedly blocked the inhibitory effect of caffeine on the tumour-promoting activity of TPA. This is the first report to suggest that fatty acids, such as linoleic, γ-linolenic and oleic acids, block the anti-inflammatory activity of caffeine on TPA-induced inflammation in mice. Linoleic acid blocked the inhibitory effect of caffeine on tumour promotion by TPA in the two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis model. These results suggest that intake of linoleic acid requires attention. Keywords: Caffeine, fatty acid, linoleic acid, tumour promotion, two-stage carcinogenesis. Download Full Article |