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Research: HAMSA and KUTTAN,
Listed in Issue 211
Abstract
HAMSA and KUTTAN, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amala Nagar, Thrissur, Kerala, India.
Background
The immune status of the host plays a crucial role in controlling the process of carcinogenesis. General or selective activation of various immunocompetent cells and their secretory function to maintain a healthy immune status may help in cancer prophylaxis, as well as therapy.
Methodology
The present study focused on the effect of Ipomoea obscura [a medicinal herb with indole alkaloids]and Ipobscurine on cell-mediated immune response. In this study the authors evaluated the effect of I. obscura and an indole alkaloid fraction from I. obscura on effector mechanisms of cell-mediated immune response by analyzing cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity, natural killer (NK) cell activity, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), and antibody-dependent complement-mediated cytotoxicity (ACC). The effect of I. obscura and Ipobscurine on interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) levels was also analyzed.
Results
In the in vitro and in vivo systems, I. obscura and Ipobscurine treatment augmented cell-mediated immune response by enhancing the killing activity of CTL and NK cells from splenocytes in normal as well as tumour-bearing mice. ADCC and ACC were also enhanced significantly in both normal and tumour-bearing animals after drug administration, compared with untreated control. Administration of I. obscura and Ipobscurine significantly enhanced the production of IL-2 and IFN-gamma in normal as well as tumour-bearing animals.
Conclusion
This study reveals that both I. obscura and Ipobscurine have the potential to augment immune response through the enhanced secretion of IL-2 and IFN-gamma by T cells and thereby inhibit tumour growth and as an alternative medicine for cancer treatment.
References
Hamsa TP and Kuttan G. Augmentation of cellular immune response by Ipomoea obscura and Ipobscurine alkaloid attenuates tumor growth in mice. Canadian Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology. 89(4):259-68. Apr 2011.
