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| Penn State researchers Sandeep Prahbu (right) and Robert Paulson sketch out a delta-12-protaglandin J3, or D12-PGJ3. The compound, derived from fish oil, targeted and killed the stem cells of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, or CML, in mice. |
The researchers, who released their findings in the current issue of Blood, said the compound activates the p53 gene that programs the death of the cancer-causing stem cells in the mice's spleen and bone marrow.
The experiments consisted of injecting each mouse every day for a week with about 600 nanograms of D12-PGJ3. Tests concluded that the mice were completely cured of the disease, their blood count was normal, and the spleen returned to normal size.
"The important thing is that the mice were completely cured of leukemia with no relapse," said Prabhu.
In leukemia, a cancer of the white blood cells, killing the stem cells is extremely important, since stem cells can divide to make more cancer cells, as well as create more stem cells.
According to the American Cancer Society, about 5,150 new cases of CML are reported annually, approximately 270 people die from the disease each year and the average person's risk of getting CML is about 1 in 625.
The researchers, who applied for a patent, are also preparing to test the compound in human trials.
Source:
http://www.rps.psu.edu/indepth/leukemia_prabu_paulson.html
http://live.psu.edu/story/56944#nw4
Shared with: the healthy home economist
