Targeting Leukemia Stem Cells with an Omega-3 Fatty Acid

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.

According to Penn State researchers, Sandeep Prabhu, associate professor of immunology and molecular toxicology in the Department of Veterinary and Medical Sciences, and Robert Paulson, associate professor of veterinary and biomedical sciences, a fish oil compound produced from Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), an Omega-3 fatty acid, delta-12 protaglandin J3, or D12-PGJ3, 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

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Prostate Cancer - Eat Walnuts

Recent experiments at the University of California, Dr. Paul Davis showed that eating a diet rich in walnuts reduced the size and growth rate of prostate cancer in mice. Scientists believe that the secret lies in the walnuts' ability to reduce levels of endothelin, a substance that increases inflammation of the blood vessels.

Since those who suffer from prostate cancer are known to have higher levels of endothelin, the researchers decided to test the benefits of eating walnuts. They discovered that mice which were fed walnuts developed prostate cancers approximately 50% smaller than a control group given soy bean oil instead.

Dr. Davis, who headed the study, said: "Walnuts should be part of a prostate-healthy diet."

Davis and his colleagues also noted that walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids; gamma tocopherol, an inflammation-fighting form of vitamin E; polyphenol plant compounds and antioxidants.

More than 190,000 men in the US will get a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2010, claiming approx. 27,000 lives annually, making it the most common non-skin cancer.

Helen Rippon, head of research management at The Prostate Cancer Charity, said: "This new research, which is yet to be fully peer-reviewed, does provide new clues about the development of prostate cancer and how a man's diet might help prevent the disease by regulating their hormone levels and the way that genes work."

Storing Shelled Walnuts
Store shelled walnuts keep well for up to 6 months if stored in a cool place in a sealed container, preferably in the refrigerator.
Freeze larger quantities.
Walnuts will go rancid if exposed to warm temperatures for long periods of time. Heat causes the fat in walnuts to change structure, which creates unpleasant odors and flavors.
Fresh walnuts should smell mildly nutty and taste sweet.

Inspirational Message for Today: Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2Corinthians 4:16-18