Protein in Blood Exerts Natural Anti-Cancer Protection

The study, published June 24 online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests it may be possible to harness the power of this naturally occurring anticancer agent as a way to treat cancer, including metastases.

In several different publications it has been described the ability of decorin to affect a number of biological processes including inflammatory responses, wound healing, and angiogenesis.

In this new article, the study's senior investigator, Renato Iozzo, M.D., Ph.D., has labeled decorin a "soluble tumor repressor" -- the first to be found that specifically targets new blood vessels, which are pushed to grow by the cancer, and forces the vessel cells to "eat" their internal components. This reduces their potential to feed the cancer overall causing an inhibition of tumor progression.

"The tumor suppressors we all know are genes inside tumors that a cancer deletes or silences in order to continue growing. I call decorin a tumor repressor because its anti-tumor activity comes from the body, outside the cancer," says Dr. Iozzo, Professor of Pathology & Cell Biology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Kimmel Cancer Center.

"Decorin is a soluble compound that we found has a powerful, natural protective effect against cancer -- an exciting finding that we believe will open up a new avenue for both basic research and clinical application," Dr. Iozzo says. "Acting from the outside of the cells, decorin is able to modify the behavior of the cancer cells and of the normal cells in order to slow down the progression of the tumor. For this reason, decorin acts as a guardian of the matrix, the complicated structure built around the cells in our body."

Absence of decorin promotes tumor growth

Decorin has long been known to be involved in human development. It is so named because deposits of decorin "decorate" collagen fibrils after the human body forms.

A second pool of decorin has been found circulating in blood after production by connective tissue throughout the body. This connective tissue is part of the extracellular matrix, which provides both structural support and biological regulation of tissue cells.

But no one has understood the biological function of this second pool of decorin, according to Dr. Iozzo.

The research team, including the two co-first authors, Simone Buraschi, Ph.D., and Thomas Neill, a graduate student, who work in the laboratory of Dr. Iozzo, decoded the function of soluble decorin. They found that addition of exogenous decorin to the tumor microenvironment induces autophagy, a mechanism by which cells discard unnecessary or damaged intracellular structures. "This process regulates a lot of cellular activities," says Dr. Iozzo.

The researchers specifically found that decorin evoked autophagy in both microvascular and macrovascular endothelial cells -- cells that line the interior surface of blood vessels.

"This matters because autophagy can exert a potential oncosupressive function by acting to discard critical cell components that would otherwise be involved in promotion of tumor growth through angiogenesis, the production of new blood vessels that can provide nutrition to the tumor," Dr. Iozzo says. "In contrast, absence of decorin permits tumor growth."

Therefore, the presence of decorin in the surroundings of the tumor is essential to control tumorigenesis and formation of new blood vessels, he says. Moreover, Dr. Iozzo's laboratory has characterized for the first time Peg3, a known tumor-suppressor gene, as a master player in the autophagy process induced by decorin. "This discovery is important as it opens up to the study of new unexplored genes and signaling pathways in the field of autophagy," he says.

"Circulating decorin represents a fundamental cellular process that acts to combat tumor angiogenesis," Dr. Iozzo says. "Treatment based on systemic delivery of decorin may represent a genuine advance in our ongoing war against cancer."

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health grants R01 CA39481, R01 CA47282, and R01 CA120975.

Collaborating researchers from LifeCell Corporation, in Branchburg, New Jersey, and Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany, also contributed to the study.

Link Between Telomeres and Obesity Discovered

New Gene Involved in Obesity

The discovery of an unexpected function for a gene that was associated to another process in the organism might be a solution in search of a problem, a clue to unsuspected connections. That is what has happened with RAP1, a gene that protects telomeres -- the ends of chromosomes -- after researchers from the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) surprisingly discovered its key role in obesity."We still don't know what evolutionary significance to attach to it, but it is at the very least interesting that a telomere gene is related to obesity," says Maria Blasco, CNIO director and co-author of the study published today in the journal

RAP1 forms part of the shelterin complex, a group of proteins that make up the protective hood of telomeres -- the DNA sequence at the ends of chromosomes that shortens with each cellular division and thus measures the ageing of the organism. There are six shelterins, and CNIO's Telomeres & Telomerase Group, which studies them in-depth, has discovered that RAP1, contrary to the rest, is not essential for the survival of the organism; but that does not mean RAP1 is not important. The reverse is rather the case: when comparing the genomes of different species, it can be observed that RAP1 is the most conserved shelterin of all. Despite the long history of evolutionary changes, RAP1 has not changed; it is present even in yeast. This normally implies an important role in the organism, but which one?

CNIO researchers had discovered that RAP1, in addition to being located in telomeres, is also present in the rest of the chromosome; they supposed it acts regulating the action of other genes. In order to analyse this other potential function, and its importance in the organism, CNIO researchers created a lineage of mice without RAP1 and, to their surprise, discovered a model for obesity.

MICE LACKING RAP1 GAIN MORE WEIGHT

"Mice -- especially female mice -- without RAP1 do not eat more, but do gain weight. They suffer from metabolic syndrome, accumulate abdominal fat and present high glucose and cholesterol levels, amongst other symptoms," says Paula Martínez, first-author of the study.

The reason is that RAP1 plays an important role in the regulation of genes involved in metabolism. In particular, researchers have discovered that it acts on the same signalling pathway mediated by another protein: PPAR- gamma (PPAR-γ). In fact, PPAR-γ deficient mice suffer from a type of obesity "surprisingly similar" to that seen in mice without RAP1.

The next step in the research will be to study if RAP1 also plays a role in human obesity. "This discovery adds an element to the obesity equation, and opens up a possible new link between metabolic dysfunction and ageing, via a protein present in telomeres," says Blasco.

Potential of papaya leaf

Papaya Leaves – A Cure For Low Platelet Count?

Papaya. Just the right fruit if you are looking for a glowing, clear skin, a healthy bowel and a strong immune system. However, few of us know that Papaya leaves are packed with health benefits that may help save many a lives by supporting platelet production.

Papaya leaf extract has recently become the subject of several studies owing to its therapeutic value and scientists are intrigued by its potential benefit in supporting blood platelet count.

What Does Reduced Platelet Count Mean?

Platelets are tiny blood cells that have a very important job in your body. Whenever you get a cut or a bruise, platelets rush to the area, club together and form a clot that stops bleeding from the damaged blood vessel.

Thrombocytopenia or a reduced platelet count can decrease the body’s ability to clot blood in case of an injury and can lead to excessive bleeding. Certain viral infections, dengue, vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies and chemotherapy can cause a dip in platelets. Some painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines can also affect platelet production. A platelet count of less than 150,000 platelets per microlitre of blood is considered lower than normal.

Conventional treatment includes blood transfusion and medicines to improve platelet count, however recent research has shown promise in the use of papaya leaves in treating this condition.

Have We Found A Cure For Dengue-induced Low Platelet Count?

The Dengue virus affects the bone marrow, the flexible, soft tissue that fills up the hollow insides of our bones. Since platelets are produced in the bone marrow, dengue leads to a decrease in platelet count.

Recent studies have shown that papaya leaves contain complex substances that may support the release and production of platelets by the bone marrow. A breakthrough study by Dr. Sanath Hettige of Srilanka indicates that papaya leaf extract helps to "normalize clotting and repair liver damage caused by dengue".

Dr Hettige’s controlled clinical trials of about 70 dengue patients found that the patients who were given papaya leaf extract recovered fully within two days without hospital admission. In an interview to Srilanka's leading newspaper, The Sunday Observer, Dr. Hettige added that it is important to take papaya leaf juice at the early stages of dengue, before the disease progresses and damages vital organs.

Dr. Hettige is said to have submitted an application for patent rights for the use of papaya leaf extract as a cure for dengue.

Clinical trials done in Malaysia and India have come up with evidence to prove the efficacy of Carica papaya leaf in augmenting platelet count in patients with dengue fever.

In March this year, a Malaysian team comprising researchers from the Institute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur, and the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, Klang, published a paper showing that Carica papaya leaf juice was capable of significantly increasing platelet count in patients with dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever.

Led by Soobitha Subenthiran, the clinical trial covered 228 patients from the dengue ward of the hospital, with half of them administered 50 gm of fresh papaya juice for three consecutive days and the other half receiving standard management.

Blood count

Their blood count was monitored for 48 hours and gene expression studies conducted.

The paper published in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, an open access journal, showed a significant increase in mean platelet count in the intervention group but not in the control group, 40 hours after the first dose of the juice.

The ALOX 12 and PTAFR genes influencing platelet production and activation were strongly expressed in patients on the juice. Toxicity studies carried out by the team also showed that the juice was safe for human consumption.

A study conducted by a team from the K.M. Kundnani College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, and Orchid Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, Chennai, found that Carica papaya leaf extract was capable of increasing the platelet count in rats administered a synthetic agent for low platelet count.

Other Benefits:

Cancer Prevention

Clinical trials have given light to the abilities papaya leaf tea has in reducing the risk of certain cancers. This is because components in the papaya leaf can help inhibit the cellular growth of tumors, and may actually cut off the blood supply to these types of cells. Evidence has shown that the juice from the leaf prevents abnormal cell growth and can interfere with the growth of tumors. In addition, trials are underway which study the use of papaya leaf extract with those undergoing chemotherapy in order to enhance the cancer fighting properties. This is wonderful news for those looking for alternative solutions for these troublesome illnesses.

Relieves Indigestion

Papaya leaf tea is a great method of relief for digestive discomforts and pains. If you are one of many who suffer from common digestive disorders, whether it is IBS or heartburn, you can buy papaya leaf tea to help you work your way back to optimum health. The active component in the papaya leaf tea is comprised of an enzyme called Papain. Papain is found in large quantities in the papaya leaf, and is used to tenderize meat, and it can also help your digestive system break down fibers from meat or wheat, and can aid digestion. As papain works to break down wheat fibers, it has been a great remedy for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Traditionally, the papaya leaf has also been used to treat parasites, ringworm, and new studies show that it can help those suffering from gluten intolerance. Papaya leaf tea also works as a cleanser and pain reliever for the digestive system by using the soothing action of proteolytic enzymes to reduce the inflammation of the stomach lining. This wonderful tea may also be useful in relieving symptoms of ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria within the stomach. Furthermore, this tea has also been used to boost a poor appetite since it can aid metabolism and help induce hunger.

Alleviates Skin Problems

Surprisingly, papaya leaf tea benefits are not only for internal use. It isn’t uncommon for people to use the heated papaya leaf bags as an effective treatment for skin problems as well. Using papaya leaf tea topically can help with a variety of problems such as warts, scars, unwanted freckles, fungal infections on the skin, and even can be used to treat certain skin cancers. This is because the papaya leaf contains a compound known as acetogenins. These compounds are suspected to be able to inhibit the growth of certain tumors and cancers. Since this tea holds many antiviral and antibacterial properties it has the potential to help those who suffer from cold sores or even herpes.

Preparation

To prepare papaya leaf tea steep one bag in a cup of hot water for 3 to 4 minutes or until the desired strength of tea is achieved. If preferred, sweeten this delightful tea with a bit of sugar or honey or add a little slice of lemon for a more zesty taste.

These are only a few of the many benefits to be found in using papaya leaf tea. It is important for those suffering from serious medical conditions or taking heart medications to always see a doctor before beginning any herbal regimen. For those who do not have issues, you can enjoy a natural way to improve digestive health, and it can be used to improve many kinds of skin conditions. Women that are pregnant should avoid papaya leaf tea since it can stimulate the uterus and cause early and unwanted contractions.

When you look for a place to buy papaya leaf tea, it is important that you get a quality product that will use the best ingredients and careful packaging. Buddha Teas is a producer of organic and natural teas, and offers a wide variety of medicinal and soothing herbal ingredients in their teas. You can buy papaya leaf tea from this reputable source, and feel confident that you are getting a properly processed and packaged product.

Papaya tea is not only a tasty treat, but also has many medical qualities. By using a good source to buy your tea, such as Buddha Teas, you are providing yourself with a safe and effective remedy against fever, sore throat, indigestion, skin disorders, bloating, menstrual cramps, intestinal cramps, fungal infection, constipation, and anti-parasitic. The tea can be drunk for its internal medicinal values or it can be used externally on the skin. This tropical plant is one of Mother Nature’s best kept secrets; meant to be used for your own good health.

Pain causing protein may hold key to better treatment of arthritis

A new study by researchers at McGill University adds to a growing body of evidence that the nervous system and nerve-growth factor (NGF) play a major role in arthritis. The findings also support the idea that reducing elevated levels of NGF - a protein that promotes the growth and survival of nerves, but also causes pain — may be an important strategy for developing treatment of arthritis pain.

Using an approach established by arthritis researchers elsewhere, the McGill scientists examined inflammatory arthritis in the ankle joint of rats. In particular, they investigated changes in the nerves and tissues around the arthritic joint, by using specific markers to label the different types of nerve fibres and allow them to be visualized with a fluorescence microscope.

Normally, sympathetic nerve fibres regulate blood flow in blood vessels. Following the onset of arthritis in the rats, however, these fibres began to sprout into the inflamed skin over the joint and wrap around the pain-sensing nerve fibres instead. More sympathetic fibres were detected in the arthritic joint tissues, as well.

The results also showed a higher level in the inflamed skin of NGF - mirroring the findings of human studies that have shown considerable increases in NGF levels in arthritis patients.

The study is published in the Journal of Neuroscience.