Positive Health Online

Abstract

ROOMI and co-authors, Matthias Rath Research Institute, Cancer Division, 1260 Memorex Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95050, USA, have investigated the anticancer effects of a number of nutrients.

Background

Current treatment of fibrosarcoma, an aggressive cancer of the connective tissues, is generally associated with poor prognosis. Matrix metalloproteinases, vascular endothelial growth factor, and constituents of the extracellular matrix such as fibronectin, play a critical role in the blood supply to the tumours and in their invasiveness and metastasis. The aim of this study was to measure the anticancer effects of the nutrients lysine, proline, arginine, ascorbic acid, and green tea extract.

Methodology

In vitro study on human fibrosarcoma cells, measuring cell proliferation, modulation of matrix metalloproteinases, and invasive potential. In vivo, the growth of human fibrosarcoma cells in mice and the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and vascular endothelial growth factor were studied.

Results

Green tea inhibited the growth and reduced the size of tumours in mice; decreased matrix metalloproteinase-9 and vascular endothelial growth factor secretion was found in the supplemented tissues. Green tea inhibited invasion and migration with total inhibition at 1,000 microg/mL.

Conclusion

These results offer promise for the nutrient mixture of lysine, proline, arginine, ascorbic acid, and green tea extract in the treatment of fibrosarcoma.

References

Roomi MW, Ivanov V, Kalinovsky T, Niedzwiecki A, Rath M.  In vivo and in vitro antitumor effect of ascorbic acid, lysine, proline, arginine, and green tea extract on human fibrosarcoma cells HT-1080. Medical Oncology 23 (1): 105-111, 2006.

Comment

The above studies with specific nutrients demonstrate the progress of research at the molecular level regarding the effects of nutritional elements upon cancer prevention and treatment.