Gene Therapy Weekly

New colon cancer study findings have been reported from Baylor University

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"Annurca apple, a variety of southern Italy, is rich in polyphenols that are associated with anticancer properties. Populations in southern Italy have lower incidences of CRC than elsewhere in the western world. We evaluated the mechanisms of putative anticancer effects of Annurca polyphenol extract (APE) in in vitro models of CRC. We extracted polyphenols from Annurca apples and treated RKO, SW48, and SW480 cells with APE and assessed the cell viability, apoptosis, and cell cycle. DNA methylation of selected tumor suppressor genes was evaluated after treatment with APE and was compared with the synthetic demethylating agent 5-aza-2'deoxycytidine (5-aza-2dC). DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)-1 and -3b levels were evaluated. Decreased cell viability and induction of apoptosis was evident after treatment. We found no significant changes in cell cycle dynamics. We observed significant increases of p53 protein expression in RKO after treatment. APE treatment strongly reduced DNA methylation in the promoters of hMLH1, p14(ARF), and p16(INK4a) with consequent restoration of normal expression. These effects were qualitatively comparable with those obtained with 5-aza-2dC. We observed a significant reduction in expression of DNMT proteins after treatment without changes in messenger RNA," wrote L. Fini and colleagues, Baylor University.

The researchers concluded: "APE have potent demethylating activity through the inhibition of DNMT proteins. The lack of toxicity in Annurca extracts makes them excellent candidates for the chemoprevention of CRC."

Fini and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Nutrition (Annurca apple polyphenols have potent demethylating activity and can reactivate silenced tumor suppressor genes in colorectal cancer cells. Journal of Nutrition, 2007;137(12):2622-2628).

For additional information, contact L. Ricciardiello, Baylor University, Medical Center, Sammons Cancer Center, Baylor Research Institute, Dept. of Internal Medical, GI Cancer Research Laboratory, Dallas, TX 75246, USA.

The publisher's contact information for the Journal of Nutrition is: American Society Nutritional Science, 9650 Rockville Pike, RM L-2407A, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.

Keywords: United States, Dallas, Alternative Medicine, Anticancer Therapy, Apoptosis, Biotechnology, Colon Cancer, Colon Carcinoma, Colorectal, DNA, Gastroenterology, Gene Therapy, Genetics, Genomics, Microsatellite Instability, Oncology, Treatment, Tumor Suppression, Baylor University.

This article was prepared by Gene Therapy Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Gene Therapy Weekly via NewsRx.com.