1
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Levis DJ, Meckler JF, O’Donnell RT, Tuscano JM. A Fermented Wheat Germ Extract Contains Protein Components Active against NSCLC Xenografts In Vivo. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:7087-7096. [PMID: 37754232 PMCID: PMC10530145 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45090448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Although advances have been made in the past decade to treat such tumors, most options induce multiple side effects, and many patients discontinue therapy due to toxicity. Thus, the need remains for non-toxic, effective NSCLC therapies, especially in an elderly patient population. Our lab has previously identified a protein fraction from the nutraceutical Avemar®-dubbed fermented wheat germ protein (FWGP)-with demonstrated efficacy in lymphoma models both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we show that FWGP also has anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo against lung cancer. In vitro cytotoxicity against multiple lung cancer cell lines yielded IC50 values comparable to those previously established with the parent product, Avemar. Further, significant A549 xenograft growth inhibition occurred in athymic nu/nu mice receiving FWGP in both pre-radiated and non-radiated models when compared to the untreated control. Encouragingly, mice treated with FWGP experienced no toxicities as detected by weight reduction or blood chemistry analysis. These data support the further study of FWGP as a potential non-toxic therapy for lung cancer and other oncologic indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Levis
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (D.J.L.)
| | - Joshua F. Meckler
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (D.J.L.)
| | - Robert T. O’Donnell
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (D.J.L.)
| | - Joseph M. Tuscano
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (D.J.L.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Northern California Healthcare System, Sacramento, CA 95652, USA
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2
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Barakat AM, El-Razik KAA, El Fadaly HAM, Saleh WM, Ali FAZ, Gouda AA, Sadek SAS, Dahran N, El-khadragy MF, Elmahallawy EK. Parasitological, Molecular, and Histopathological Investigation of the Potential Activity of Propolis and Wheat Germ Oil against Acute Toxoplasmosis in Mice. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020478. [PMID: 36839800 PMCID: PMC9967381 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic zoonoses that affects all vertebrates. The drugs most commonly used against toxoplasmosis have many side effects, making the development of new antiparasitic drugs a big challenge. The present study evaluated the therapeutic effectiveness of novel herbal treatments, including propolis and wheat germ oil (WGO), against acute toxoplasmosis. A total of 50 albino mice were divided into five groups: group 1 (G1) (non-infected and non-treated); group 2 (G2) (infected without treatment); group 3 (G3) (treated with propolis); group 4 (G4) (treated with WGO); group 5 (G5) (treated with a combination of propolis and WGO). The effects of the herbal substances on different organs, mainly liver, spleen, and lungs, were investigated using parasitological, molecular, and histopathological examinations. The results of parasitological examination demonstrated statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences in the parasitic load between treated groups (G3, G4, and G5) compared to the control positive group (G2). These differences were represented by a significant reduction in the parasite load in stained tissue smears from the liver obtained from the animals treated with propolis (G3) compared to the parasite load in the positive control group. Similarly, animals (G4) treated with WGO exhibited a significant reduction in the parasite load versus the positive control group, while the lowest parasite load was found in G5, treated with propolis and WGO. Quantification of the parasite burden through molecular methods (PCR) revealed similar findings represented by reduction in the parasite burden in all treated groups with WGO and propolis as compared to the control group. Importantly, these previous parasitological and molecular findings were accompanied by a marked improvement in the histopathological picture of the liver, spleen, and lungs. In conclusion, propolis and WGO showed a good combination of therapeutic efficacy against acute toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Mohamed Barakat
- Department of Zoonotic Diseases, National Research Centre, El Buhouth St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Khaled A. Abd El-Razik
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Giza 12556, Egypt
| | | | - Walaa M. Saleh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt
| | - Fatma Abo Zakaib Ali
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt
| | - Asmaa Aboelabbas Gouda
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| | - Sabry A. S. Sadek
- Department of Zoonotic Diseases, National Research Centre, El Buhouth St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Naief Dahran
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21959, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manal F. El-khadragy
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt
- Correspondence:
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3
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Abdelmaksoud HF, Aboushousha TS, El-Ashkar AM. Deep glance on the antiparasitic anticancer activities of wheat germ oil in chronically infected immunosuppressed mice with cryptosporidiosis. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:785-794. [PMID: 36091275 PMCID: PMC9458820 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01497-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium species are the major cause of water-borne epidemics of diarrhea in both developing and developed countries that vary from self-limited in immunocompetent patients to severe life-threatening in the immunocompromised hosts. There was a proven correlation between cryptosporidiosis and colorectal cancers, although, studies in this field are still limited. Wheat germ oil (WGO) is a natural product with a known antiparasitic effect and potential antiproliferative activities. This study aimed to evaluate the antiparasitic and anticancer activities of WGO in chronically infected immunosuppressed mice compared to Nitazoxanide (NTZ). This experimental case-control study was performed in the period from January till September 2021. Eighty immunosuppressed bred laboratory mice were divided into 4 groups, 20 mice each; GI non-infected; negative control (NC), GII infected non treated; positive control (PC), GII infected, and treated with NTZ, GIV infected, and treated with WGO. Parasitological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examinations were performed with estimating the rate of maximal survival for the study groups. Parasitological examination revealed a marked reduction in the mean Cryptosporidium spp. oocyst counts in the stool of GIV compared to PC, and GIII (P-value < 0.001). Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations showed the best results with GIV which revealed restoration of normal villous pattern, with no dysplasia or malignancy could be detected. GIV showed the best survival rate compared to PC and GIII. WGO is an extremely promising agent that has an excellent therapeutic effect against cryptosporidiosis with the ability to control the tumorigenesis process in the chronically infected immunosuppressed hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ayman M. El-Ashkar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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4
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Zhurakivska K, Risteli M, Salo T, Sartini D, Salvucci A, Troiano G, Lo Muzio L, Emanuelli M. Effects of Fermented Wheat Germ Extract on Oral Cancer Cells: An In Vitro Study. Nutr Cancer 2021; 74:2133-2141. [PMID: 34514913 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2021.1976806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Oral carcinoma is one of the most aggressive cancers, and despite the advances in the therapy, its mortality is still high. An attention in cancer treatment has focused on natural compounds due to their potential beneficial effects on human health. In this study, the effects of dietary supplement Fermented Wheat Germ Extract (FWGE) on oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) cells were investigated In Vitro using three cell lines (HSC-3, SAS, SCC-25) with variable aggressiveness. The cell viability was significantly decreased by the treatment with high concentration of FWGE in every cell line. Regarding migration and invasion, HSC-3 and SCC-25 cells were most sensitive to FWGE since their movement was significantly reduced with 5 and 10 mg/ml FWGE, while SAS was inhibited only with 10 mg/ml FWGE. Chemotherapeutic compounds (cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil) significantly reduced all OTSCC cells viability. Importantly, combination of these drugs with 10 mg/ml FWGE significantly decreased the cell viability compared to the treatment with the chemotherapeutics or FWGE alone. Based on these In Vitro experiments, the use of FWGE seems to improve the anticancer effects on OTSCC cells. Further In Vivo and clinical studies should be conducted to verify the positive effects of FWGE for OTSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khrystyna Zhurakivska
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maija Risteli
- Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tuula Salo
- Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,HUSLAB, Department of Pathology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Davide Sartini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessia Salvucci
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Troiano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Lo Muzio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Monica Emanuelli
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,New York-Marche Structural Biology center, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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5
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Weitzen R, Epstein N, Oberman B, Shevetz R, Hidvegi M, Berger R. Fermented Wheat Germ Extract (FWGE) as a Treatment Additive for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Pilot Clinical Trial. Nutr Cancer 2021; 74:1338-1346. [PMID: 34286638 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2021.1952457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is a devastating and incurable disease. Combined therapy using conventional anticancer drugs and a proprietary medical nutriment, fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE), also known as Avemar, has been suggested as a treatment for progressing prostate cancer (PCa) patients, who have become resistant to first line hormonal therapy (gonadotropin releasing hormone, GnRH). The primary aim of this study was to test if this combined therapy would slow down disease progression in CRPC patients. We tested the nontoxic, readily available, inexpensive FWGE, together with the conventional treatment, GnRH analogue, in 36 CRPC patients. Although this is a pilot study, with the drawback of a statistically small sample size, some anticancer clinical activity of FWGE could be seen in the CRPC patients, as measured by prostate specific antigen doubling time (PSADT). We found that the intake of GnRH with FWGE for at least 4 months, improved the overall health as well as the quality of life (QOL) in 4 patients (11%) and was instrumental in extending the PSADT in about 17 (out of 26) patients (65.4%), six of whom were significant. Since no mentionable adverse events were noticed, this treatment may permit the postponement of chemotherapy for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rony Weitzen
- Sheba Medical Center, Oncology, Tel Hashomer, Israel.,Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nava Epstein
- Sheba Medical Center, Oncology, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Bernice Oberman
- The Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | | | - Mate Hidvegi
- Jewish Theological Seminary - University of Jewish Studies (OR-ZSE), Budapest, Hungary
| | - Raanan Berger
- Sheba Medical Center, Oncology, Tel Hashomer, Israel.,Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
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6
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Xie X, Zu X, Laster K, Dong Z, Kim DJ. 2,6-DMBQ suppresses cell proliferation and migration via inhibiting mTOR/AKT and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in NSCLC cells. J Pharmacol Sci 2021; 145:279-288. [PMID: 33602509 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
2,6-Dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (2,6-DMBQ) is the major bioactive compound found in fermented wheat germ extract. Although fermented wheat germ extract has been reported to show anti-proliferative and anti-metabolic effects in various cancers, the anticancer potential and molecular mechanisms exerted by 2,6-DMBQ have not been investigated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Here, we report that 2,6-DMBQ suppresses NSCLC cell growth and migration through inhibiting activation of AKT and p38 MAPK. 2,6-DMBQ significantly suppressed anchorage-dependent and independent cell growth. Additionally, 2,6-DMBQ induced G2 phase cell cycle arrest through inhibiting the expression and phosphorylation of cyclin B1 and CDC2, respectively. Furthermore, 2,6-DMBQ strongly suppressed NSCLC cell migration through induction of E-cadherin expression. To determine the molecular mechanism(s) exerted by 2,6-DMBQ upon NSCLC cell lines, various signaling kinases were screened; the results indicate that 2,6-DMBQ strongly inhibits the phosphorylation of AKT and p38 MAPK. Additionally, the growth kinetics of cells treated with an AKT or p38 MAPK inhibitor in combination with 2,6-DMBQ indicate that 2,6-DMBQ suppresses NSCLC cell growth and migration through inhibition of AKT and p38 MAPK. Taken together, our results suggest that 2,6-DMBQ is a potential anticancer reagent against NSCLC cells and could be useful for treating lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Xie
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450008, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450008, China
| | - Xueyin Zu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450008, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450008, China
| | - Kyle Laster
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450008, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450008, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450008, China; The Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450008, China; The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450008, China; International Joint Research Center of Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dong Joon Kim
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450008, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450008, China; The Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450008, China.
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7
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Beneficial Effect of a Fermented Wheat Germ Extract in Intestinal Epithelial Cells in case of Lipopolysaccharide-Evoked Inflammation. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:1482482. [PMID: 32849997 PMCID: PMC7436289 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1482482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the protective effect of a fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) against LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in IPEC-J2 porcine intestinal epithelial cells was studied. Enterocytes were treated with LPS derived from Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O55:B5, O111:B4, and O127:B8 strains. Intracellular ROS level and extracellular H2O2 level were followed up by two fluorescent assays (DCFH-DA and Amplex Red). The effect of FWGE on the intestinal barrier integrity was determined by transepithelial electric resistance measurements and using a FD4 fluorescent tracer dye. IL-6 concentration of supernatants was also measured by the ELISA method. Our data revealed that FWGE had a significant lowering effect on the inflammatory response especially related to oxidative stress. Treatment with FWGE (1-2%) significantly decreased the level of intracellular ROS compared to LPS-treated cells. Furthermore, LPS-triggered partial disruption of epithelial integrity was reduced after FWGE application.
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8
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Zu X, Ma X, Xie X, Lu B, Laster K, Liu K, Dong Z, Kim DJ. 2,6-DMBQ is a novel mTOR inhibitor that reduces gastric cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:107. [PMID: 32517736 PMCID: PMC7285595 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01608-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Fermented wheat germ extract has been reported to exert various pharmacological activities, including anti-oxidant, anti-cell growth and cell apoptosis in various cancer cells. Although 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (2,6-DMBQ) is a benzoquinone compound and found in fermented wheat germ extract, its anticancer effects and molecular mechanism(s) against gastric cancer have not been investigated. Methods Anticancer effects of 2,6-DMBQ were determined by MTT, soft agar, cell cycle and Annexin V analysis. Potential candidate proteins were screened via in vitro kinase assay and Western blotting. mTOR knockdown cell lines were established by lentiviral infection with shmTOR. The effect of 2,6-DMBQ on tumor growth was assessed using gastric cancer patient-derived xenograft models. Results 2,6-DMBQ significantly reduced cell growth and induced G1 phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. 2,6-DMBQ reduced the activity of mTOR in vitro. The inhibition of cell growth by 2,6-DMBQ is dependent upon the expression of the mTOR protein. Remarkably, 2,6-DMBQ strongly reduced patient-derived xenograft gastric tumor growth in an in vivo mouse model. Conclusions 2,6-DMBQ is an mTOR inhibitor that can be useful for treating gastric cancer. It has therapeutic implications for gastric cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyin Zu
- The Pathophysiology Department, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- The Pathophysiology Department, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China
| | - Xiaomeng Xie
- The Pathophysiology Department, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China
| | - Bingbing Lu
- The Pathophysiology Department, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China
| | - Kyle Laster
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China
| | - Kangdong Liu
- The Pathophysiology Department, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.,The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.,The Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- The Pathophysiology Department, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China. .,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China. .,The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China. .,The Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China. .,International joint research center of cancer chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Dong Joon Kim
- The Pathophysiology Department, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China. .,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China. .,The Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
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9
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Zheng ZY, Xie G, Li L, Liu WL. The joint effect of ultrasound and magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles on the yield of 2,6-dimethoxy-ρ-benzoquinone from fermented wheat germ: Comparison of evolutionary algorithms and interactive analysis of paired-factors. Food Chem 2020; 302:125275. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.125275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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10
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Hung HS, Bau DT, Yeh CA, Kung ML. Evaluation of cellular uptake mechanisms for AuNP-collagen-Avemar nanocarrier on transformed and non-transformed cell lines. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2019.123791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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11
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Enzyme Treatment Alters the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Water Extract of Wheat Germ In Vitro and In Vivo. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11102490. [PMID: 31623257 PMCID: PMC6835500 DOI: 10.3390/nu11102490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Wheat germ is rich in quinones that exist as glycosides. In this study, we used Celluclast 1.5L to release the hydroxyquinones, which turn into benzoquinone, and prepared the water extract from enzyme-treated wheat germ (EWG). We investigated whether enzyme treatment altered the anti-inflammatory activity compared to the water extract of untreated wheat germ (UWG). UWG inhibited the production of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and interleukin (IL)-12 and induced the production of IL-10 and heme oxygenase (HO)-1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. Enzyme treatment resulted in greater inhibition of iNOS and IL-10 and induction of HO-1 compared to UWG, possibly involving the modulation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, activator protein 1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2). Mice fed UWG or EWG had decreased serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and increased serum IL-10 levels after intraperitoneal injection of LPS, with UWG being more effective for IL-10 and EWG more effective for TNF-α. Hepatic HO-1 gene was only expressed in mice fed EWG. We provide evidence that enzyme treatment is a useful biotechnology tool for extracting active compounds from wheat germ.
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12
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Gobbetti M, De Angelis M, Di Cagno R, Polo A, Rizzello CG. The sourdough fermentation is the powerful process to exploit the potential of legumes, pseudo-cereals and milling by-products in baking industry. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2019; 60:2158-2173. [DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2019.1631753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Gobbetti
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Maria De Angelis
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Raffaella Di Cagno
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Andrea Polo
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
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13
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Baig MH, Adil M, Khan R, Dhadi S, Ahmad K, Rabbani G, Bashir T, Imran MA, Husain FM, Lee EJ, Kamal MA, Choi I. Enzyme targeting strategies for prevention and treatment of cancer: Implications for cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 56:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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14
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Zhurakivska K, Troiano G, Caponio VCA, Dioguardi M, Arena C, Lo Muzio L. The Effects of Adjuvant Fermented Wheat Germ Extract on Cancer Cell Lines: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10101546. [PMID: 30347664 PMCID: PMC6213720 DOI: 10.3390/nu10101546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE; trade name AVEMAR) is a natural compound derived from industrial fermentation of wheat germ. Its potential anticancer properties has emerged from recent studies. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the data available in the scientific literature concerning the in vitro activity of FWGE on malignant cells. A systematic review of English articles in electronic databases has been performed. The primary outcomes of the review regarded types of cancer cell lines subjected to the investigation and the main results concerning cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis observed within the studies. Sixteen articles were included in the final qualitative analysis. Various types of cancer cells treated with FWGE have been analyzed, showing mainly cytotoxic effects, alteration of the cell cycle, antiproliferative effects, and induction of apoptosis. FWGE can be a promising drug component in cancer treatment; however, further in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary to prove its effectiveness and safety in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khrystyna Zhurakivska
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Troiano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | | | - Mario Dioguardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Claudia Arena
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Lo Muzio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
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15
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Boukid F, Folloni S, Ranieri R, Vittadini E. A compendium of wheat germ: Separation, stabilization and food applications. Trends Food Sci Technol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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16
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Johnsen JI, Dyberg C, Fransson S, Wickström M. Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets in neuroblastoma. Pharmacol Res 2018; 131:164-176. [PMID: 29466695 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranical tumor of childhood and the most deadly tumor of infancy. It is characterized by early age onset and high frequencies of metastatic disease but also the capacity to spontaneously regress. Despite intensive therapy, the survival for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma and those with recurrent or relapsed disease is low. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop new therapies for these patient groups. The molecular pathogenesis based on high-throughput omics technologies of neuroblastoma is beginning to be resolved which have given the opportunity to develop personalized therapies for high-risk patients. Here we discuss the potential of developing targeted therapies against aberrantly expressed molecules detected in sub-populations of neuroblastoma patients and how these selected targets can be drugged in order to overcome treatment resistance, improve survival and quality of life for these patients and also the possibilities to transfer preclinical research into clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Inge Johnsen
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Cecilia Dyberg
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susanne Fransson
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin Wickström
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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17
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Barisone GA, O’Donnell RT, Ma Y, Abuhay MW, Lundeberg K, Gowda S, Tuscano JM. A purified, fermented, extract of Triticum aestivum has lymphomacidal activity mediated via natural killer cell activation. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190860. [PMID: 29304125 PMCID: PMC5755921 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) affects over 400,000 people in the United States; its incidence increases with age. Treatment options are numerous and expanding, yet efficacy is often limited by toxicity, particularly in the elderly. Nearly 70% patients eventually die of the disease. Many patients explore less toxic alternative therapeutics proposed to boost anti-tumor immunity, despite a paucity of rigorous scientific data. Here we evaluate the lymphomacidal and immunomodulatory activities of a protein fraction isolated from fermented wheat germ. Fermented wheat germ extract was produced by fermenting wheat germ with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A protein fraction was tested for lymphomacidal activity in vitro using NHL cell lines and in vivo using mouse xenografts. Mechanisms of action were explored in vitro by evaluating apoptosis and cell cycle and in vivo by immunophenotyping and measurement of NK cell activity. Potent lymphomacidal activity was observed in a panel of NHL cell lines and mice bearing NHL xenografts. This activity was not dependent on wheat germ agglutinin or benzoquinones. Fermented wheat germ proteins induced apoptosis in NHL cells, and augmented immune effector mechanisms, as measured by NK cell killing activity, degranulation and production of IFNγ. Fermented wheat germ extract can be easily produced and is efficacious in a human lymphoma xenograft model. The protein fraction is quantifiable and more potent, shows direct pro-apoptotic properties, and enhances immune-mediated tumor eradication. The results presented herein support the novel concept that proteins in fermented wheat germ have direct pro-apoptotic activity on lymphoma cells and augment host immune effector mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo A. Barisone
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Robert T. O’Donnell
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Yunpeng Ma
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Mastewal W. Abuhay
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Kathleen Lundeberg
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Sonia Gowda
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Joseph M. Tuscano
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Northern California Healthcare System, Mather, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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18
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Imir NG, Aydemir E, Şimşek E. Mechanism of the anti-angiogenic effect of Avemar on tumor cells. Oncol Lett 2017; 15:2673-2678. [PMID: 29434991 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Avemar, a derivative of fermented wheat germ extract, is a non-toxic and natural compound that is used as a dietary supplement by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Avemar has numerous biological activities, and several recent studies have reported that it may also have metastatic and anti-angiogenic effects. In the present study, the mechanism of the anti-angiogenic effect of Avemar on human cancer cells was investigated. The human cell lines NCI-N87 (gastric tubular adenocarcinoma), PC3 (prostate carcinoma), HeLa (endocervical adenocarcinoma) and A549 (lung adenocarcinoma) were treated with various doses (400, 800, 1,600 and 3,200 µg/ml) of Avemar, and the changes in mRNA and protein levels of two important markers of angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), were assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and ELISA. VEGF and Cox-2 protein and mRNA levels were significantly lower in Avemar-treated cells than in untreated cells. The data suggest that Avemar may exert an anti-angiogenic effect on cancer cells. Thus, it is suggested to medical doctors as a potential agent for the anti-angiogenic treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilüfer Gülmen Imir
- Department of Biology Education, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07058, Turkey.,Life Sciences Institute, Department of Biology, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07058, Turkey
| | - Esra Aydemir
- Department of Biology, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07058, Turkey
| | - Ece Şimşek
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Antalya School of Health, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07058, Turkey
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19
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Gan RY, Li HB, Gunaratne A, Sui ZQ, Corke H. Effects of Fermented Edible Seeds and Their Products on Human Health: Bioactive Components and Bioactivities. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2017; 16:489-531. [DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ren-You Gan
- Dept. of Food Science and Engineering, School of Agriculture and Biology; Shanghai Jiao Tong Univ.; Shanghai 200240 China
- School of Biological Sciences; The Univ. of Hong Kong; Pokfulam Road Hong Kong
| | - Hua-Bin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health; Sun Yat-sen Univ.; Guangzhou 510080 China
| | - Anil Gunaratne
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences; Sabaragamuwa Univ. of Sri Lanka; P.O. Box 02 Belihuloya Sri Lanka
| | - Zhong-Quan Sui
- Dept. of Food Science and Engineering, School of Agriculture and Biology; Shanghai Jiao Tong Univ.; Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Harold Corke
- Dept. of Food Science and Engineering, School of Agriculture and Biology; Shanghai Jiao Tong Univ.; Shanghai 200240 China
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20
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Zheng ZY, Guo XN, Zhu KX, Peng W, Zhou HM. Artificial neural network - Genetic algorithm to optimize wheat germ fermentation condition: Application to the production of two anti-tumor benzoquinones. Food Chem 2017; 227:264-270. [PMID: 28274431 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.01.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Methoxy-ρ-benzoquinone (MBQ) and 2, 6-dimethoxy-ρ-benzoquinone (DMBQ) are two potential anticancer compounds in fermented wheat germ. In present study, modeling and optimization of added macronutrients, microelements, vitamins for producing MBQ and DMBQ was investigated using artificial neural network (ANN) combined with genetic algorithm (GA). A configuration of 16-11-1 ANN model with Levenberg-Marquardt training algorithm was applied for modeling the complicated nonlinear interactions among 16 nutrients in fermentation process. Under the guidance of optimized scheme, the total contents of MBQ and DMBQ was improved by 117% compared with that in the control group. Further, by evaluating the relative importance of each nutrient in terms of the two benzoquinones' yield, macronutrients and microelements were found to have a greater influence than most of vitamins. It was also observed that a number of interactions between nutrients affected the yield of MBQ and DMBQ remarkably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Yi Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Food Safety and Quality Control, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiao-Na Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Food Safety and Quality Control, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ke-Xue Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Food Safety and Quality Control, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Food Safety and Quality Control, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hui-Ming Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Food Safety and Quality Control, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Yang MD, Chang WS, Tsai CW, Wang MF, Chan YC, Chan KC, Lu MC, Kao AW, Hsu CM, Bau DT. Inhibitory Effects of AVEMAR on Proliferation and Metastasis of Oral Cancer Cells. Nutr Cancer 2016; 68:473-80. [PMID: 27007465 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2016.1153668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Oral cancer is keeping its 4th rank on the death causing cancers among Taiwan males, and its metastatic and recurrent rates remain high and a life-threatening issue to the citizens. Fermented wheat germ extract (AVEMAR) is used in clinical cancer nutritional therapy in gastrointestinal cancers but not in oral cancer yet. In this study, the potential of AVEMAR to inhibit tumor proliferation and metastasis of oral cancer was first investigated. Antiproliferative activity of AVEMAR was determined in human oral squamous carcinoma SCC-4 cells by MTT methodology. Wound-healing migration, transwell invasion, and Western blotting assays were carried out to examine the in vitro antimetastatic effects and involved signaling molecules for AVEMAR in oral cancer cells. AVEMAR at 0.2-1.6 mg/ml significantly inhibited the cell viability with IC50 values of 1.19 and 0.98 mg/ml for 24-h and 48-h treatment. Furthermore, AVEMAR could induce cell apoptosis and inhibit the migration and invasion of metastatic SCC-4 cells at a similar dose range. Notably, AVEMAR suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA), but not MMP-1 or MMP-9, in SCC-4 cells. These results strongly support the antiproliferation and in vitro antimetastatic capacity of AVEMAR which may extend its contributions from cancer nutrition supplements to preventive agent for oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Due Yang
- a Terry Fox Cancer Research Laboratory, China Medical University Hospital , Taichung , Taiwan, R.O.C.,b Department of Clinical Nutrition , China Medical University Hospital , Taichung , Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Shin Chang
- a Terry Fox Cancer Research Laboratory, China Medical University Hospital , Taichung , Taiwan, R.O.C.,c Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University , Taichung , Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chia-Wen Tsai
- a Terry Fox Cancer Research Laboratory, China Medical University Hospital , Taichung , Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ming-Fu Wang
- d Department of Food and Nutrition , Providence University , Taichung , Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yin-Ching Chan
- d Department of Food and Nutrition , Providence University , Taichung , Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Kung-Chi Chan
- d Department of Food and Nutrition , Providence University , Taichung , Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Meng-Chun Lu
- a Terry Fox Cancer Research Laboratory, China Medical University Hospital , Taichung , Taiwan, R.O.C.,b Department of Clinical Nutrition , China Medical University Hospital , Taichung , Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ai-Wen Kao
- e Department of Internal Medicine , National Cheng Kung University , Tainan , Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chin-Mu Hsu
- a Terry Fox Cancer Research Laboratory, China Medical University Hospital , Taichung , Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Da-Tian Bau
- a Terry Fox Cancer Research Laboratory, China Medical University Hospital , Taichung , Taiwan, R.O.C.,c Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University , Taichung , Taiwan, R.O.C.,f Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering , Asia University , Taichung , Taiwan, R.O.C
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22
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Zheng Z, Guo X, Zhu K, Peng W, Zhou H. The optimization of the fermentation process of wheat germ for flavonoids and two benzoquinones using EKF-ANN and NSGA-II. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra27004a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bi-objective optimization of wheat germ fermentation using EKF-ANN combined with NSGA-II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Food Safety and Quality Control
- School of Food Science and Technology
- Jiangnan University
- Wuxi 214122
| | - Xiaona Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Food Safety and Quality Control
- School of Food Science and Technology
- Jiangnan University
- Wuxi 214122
| | - Kexue Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Food Safety and Quality Control
- School of Food Science and Technology
- Jiangnan University
- Wuxi 214122
| | - Wei Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Food Safety and Quality Control
- School of Food Science and Technology
- Jiangnan University
- Wuxi 214122
| | - Huiming Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Food Safety and Quality Control
- School of Food Science and Technology
- Jiangnan University
- Wuxi 214122
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23
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Park E, Kim HO, Kim GN, Song JH. Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Adipogenic Effects of Ethanol Extracts from Wheat Germ and Wheat Germ Fermented with Aspergillus oryzae. Prev Nutr Food Sci 2015; 20:29-37. [PMID: 25866747 PMCID: PMC4391538 DOI: 10.3746/pnf.2015.20.1.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Most of the wheat germ in cereal grains is removed during the milling process. Various physiological effects have been reported for bioactive substances in wheat germ such as phenolic acids and flavonoids. In this study, the anti-oxidant and anti-adipogenic effects of ethanol extracts from wheat germ (WGE) and wheat germ fermented with Aspergillus oryzae (F-WGE) were investigated in HepG2 and 3T3-L1 cells. The anti-oxidant activity of F-WGE was demonstrated by a dose-dependent increase in the enhanced scavenging capacity of hydroxyl radicals and Cu2+-chelating activity compared to WGE. WGE and F-WGE treatment at doses between 10 and 400 μg/mL did not affect the viability of HepG2 and 3T3-L1 cells. Intracellular ROS levels from Cu2+-induced oxidative stress were significantly decreased by F-WGE treatment in HepG2 cells compared to WGE. Lipid accumulation was increased in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by 100 μM Fe2+ treatment, but the accumulation was strongly inhibited by 100 μg/mL of WGE and F-WGE treatment. These results suggest that changes in bioactive substances during the fermentation of wheat germ can potentiate scavenging activities against transition metal-induced oxidative stress and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Therefore, we propose that F-WGE is a novel food materials and provided scientific evidences for its efficacy in the development of functional foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Euna Park
- Department of Nursing, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Korea
| | - Hae Ok Kim
- Department of Nursing, Kyungnam University, Gyeongnam 631-701, Korea
| | - Gyo-Nam Kim
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungnam University, Gyeongnam 631-701, Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Song
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungnam University, Gyeongnam 631-701, Korea
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24
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Zhang JY, Xiao X, Dong Y, Wu J, Yao F, Zhou XH. Effect of fermented wheat germ extract with lactobacillus plantarum dy-1 on HT-29 cell proliferation and apoptosis. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2015; 63:2449-2457. [PMID: 25658135 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5b00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the anticarcinogenic activities of aqueous extract of fermented wheat germ with Lactobacillus plantarum dy-1 (LFWGE). The anticarcinogenic activities, including antiproliferative effects and the induction of apoptosis, were studied in human HT-29 colon cancer cells. The 2,6-dimethoxybenzoquinone and total phenol contents in LFWGE were determined by HPLC and the Folin-Ciocalteu method. In addition, some functional proteins were separated and purified by gel filtration chromatography. There were 21 proteins identified by LC-MS/MS. The sugars isolated from LFWGE did not possess any anticarcinogenic activity. The results of an MTT assay showed high antiproliferative effects of LFWGE. In addition, LFWGE attenuated the progression from the G0-G1 to the G2-M phase of the cell cycle, and LFWGE-induced cell apoptosis was associated with the activation of caspase-3. LFWGE and its major bioactive ingredients inhibited the proliferation of HT-29 cells via apoptosis and thus may be a potential anticarcinogenic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yan Zhang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University , 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
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25
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Wang CW, Wang CK, Chang YJ, Choong CY, Lin CS, Tai CJ, Tai CJ. Preclinical evaluation on the tumor suppression efficiency and combination drug effects of fermented wheat germ extract in human ovarian carcinoma cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2015; 2015:570785. [PMID: 25815037 PMCID: PMC4359848 DOI: 10.1155/2015/570785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) is a nutrient supplement and a potential antitumor ingredient for developing an integrated chemotherapy with standard chemotherapeutic drugs for treating ovarian cancer patients. In this study, we evaluated the tumor suppression efficiency of FWGE in human ovarian carcinoma cells, SKOV-3 and ES-2, and found the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) to be 643.76 μg/mL and 246.11 μg/mL after 48 h of FWGE treatment. FWGE treatment also induced programmed cell death by activating the caspase-7 cleavage in both SKOV-3 and ES-2 cells, but only caspase-3 and poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase cleavages were activated in SKOV-3 cells. Moreover, FWGE exhibited combination drug effects with cisplatin and docetaxel in SKOV-3 and ES-2 cells by enhancing the cytotoxicity of both drugs. In conclusion, we found that FWGE not only suppressed cell growth but also induced caspase-3-related and caspase-7-related cell death in human ovarian carcinoma cells. FWGE treatment further enhanced the cytotoxicity of cisplatin and docetaxel, suggesting that FWGE is a potential ingredient in the development of adjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin or docetaxel for treating ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Woei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Kai Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, 252 Wu Hsing Street, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, 252 Wu Hsing Street, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jia Chang
- Cancer Research Center, Taipei Medical University and Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University and Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yen Choong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Shian Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Jeng Tai
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, 252 Wu Hsing Street, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Jei Tai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, 252 Wu Hsing Street, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Traditional Herbal Medicine Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
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26
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Fermented wheat germ extract induced cell death and enhanced cytotoxicity of Cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil on human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:121725. [PMID: 24454483 PMCID: PMC3881523 DOI: 10.1155/2013/121725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Due to the difficulties of early diagnosis, curative treatments are not available for most patients. Palliative treatments such as chemotherapy are often associated with low response rate, strong adverse effects and limited clinical benefits for patients. The alternative approaches such as fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) with anti-tumor efficacy may provide improvements in the clinical outcome of current therapy for HCC. This study aimed to clarify antitumor efficacy of FWGE and the combination drug effect of FWGE with chemotherapeutic agents, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) in human HCC cells, HepG2, Hep3B, and HepJ5. The present study indicated that FWGE exhibited potential to suppress HepG2, Hep3B, and HepJ5 cells, with the half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of FWGE were 0.494, 0.371 and 1.524 mg/mL, respectively. FWGE also induced Poly (Adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase (PARP) associated cell death in Hep3B cells. Moreover, the FWGE treatment further enhanced the cytotoxicity of cisplatin in all tested HCC cells, and cytotoxicity of 5-Fu in a synergistic manner in HepJ5 cells. Collectively, the results identified the anti-tumor efficacy of FWGE in HCC cells and suggested that FWGE can be used as a supplement to effectively improve the tumor suppression efficiency of cisplatin and 5-Fu in HCC cells.
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27
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Rizzello CG, Mueller T, Coda R, Reipsch F, Nionelli L, Curiel JA, Gobbetti M. Synthesis of 2-methoxy benzoquinone and 2,6-dimethoxybenzoquinone by selected lactic acid bacteria during sourdough fermentation of wheat germ. Microb Cell Fact 2013; 12:105. [PMID: 24215546 PMCID: PMC3831755 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2859-12-105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last decade, several studies described the promising cytotoxic activity of fermented wheat germ towards cancer cell lines and during in vivo clinical trials. Recent data suggested that the antiproliferative, antimetastatic and immunological effects of this preparation are mainly attributed to quinones. This study aimed at exploiting the potential of sourdough lactic acid bacteria fermentation to release 2-methoxy benzoquinone, and 2,6-dimethoxybenzoquinone, which are naturally present in wheat germ as glycosylated and non-physiologically active form. RESULTS Preliminarily, forty strains of lactic acid bacteria, previously isolated from wheat germ, were in vitro screened based on β-glucosidase activity. Lactobacillus plantarum LB1 and Lactobacillus rossiae LB5 were selected based on the highest enzyme activity and on technology features. These strains were used in combination to ferment wheat germ. Raw wheat germ, without bacterial inoculum, was subjected to the same incubation and used as the control. The sourdough fermented wheat germ was characterized based on microbiological, physico-chemical and biochemical features. During incubation, the release of the non-glycosylated and physiologically active 2-methoxy benzoquinone, and 2,6-dimethoxybenzoquinone was almost completed during 24 h. Compared to the control, the concentration of the above bioactive compounds increased almost 4 and 6-folds. Both raw wheat germ (control) and sourdough fermented wheat germ were ex vivo assayed for the anti-proliferative activity towards various cell lines of germ cell tumor, colon carcinoma and ovarian carcinoma. While no effect was found for the raw wheat germ, the sourdough fermented preparation markedly and variously affected the human tumor cell lines. The values of IC50 ranged from 0.105 ± 0.005 to 0.556 ± 0.071 mg/ml, with a median value of IC50 of 0.302 mg/ml. CONCLUSIONS These results are comparable to those found for other well-known pharmaceutical preparations, and may disclose the use of the sourdough fermented wheat germ as an ingredient, nutritional supplement and/or anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Giuseppe Rizzello
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Thomas Mueller
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Rossana Coda
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Franziska Reipsch
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Luana Nionelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - José Antonio Curiel
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Marco Gobbetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy
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Characterizing the efficacy of fermented wheat germ extract against ovarian cancer and defining the genomic basis of its activity. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2012; 22:960-7. [PMID: 22740002 DOI: 10.1097/igc.0b013e318258509d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Most women with advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer (OVCA) ultimately develop chemoresistant recurrent disease. Therefore, a great need to develop new, more active, and less toxic agents and/or to optimize the efficacy of existing agents exists. METHODS In this study, we investigated the activity of Avemar, a natural, nontoxic, fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE), against a range of OVCA cell lines, both alone and in combination with cisplatin chemotherapy and delineated the molecular signaling pathways that underlie FWGE activity at a genome-wide level. RESULTS We found that FWGE exhibited significant antiproliferative effects against 12 human OVCA cell lines and potentiated cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Pearson correlation of FWGE sensitivity and gene expression data identified 2142 genes (false discovery rate < 0.2) representing 27 biologic pathways (P < 0.05) to be significantly associated with FWGE sensitivity. A parallel analysis of genomic data for 59 human cancer cell lines matched to chemosensitivity data for 2,6-dimethoxy-p-benzoquinone, a proposed active component of FWGE, identified representation of 13 pathways common to both FWGE and 2,6-dimethoxy-p-benzoquinone sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm the value of FWGE as a natural product with anticancer properties that may also enhance the activity of existing therapeutic agents. Furthermore, our findings provide substantial insights into the molecular basis of FWGE's effect on human cancer cells.
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Mueller T, Voigt W. Fermented wheat germ extract--nutritional supplement or anticancer drug? Nutr J 2011; 10:89. [PMID: 21892933 PMCID: PMC3179707 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2891-10-89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2011] [Accepted: 09/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) is a multisubstance composition and, besides others, contains 2-methoxy benzoquinone and 2, 6-dimethoxy benzoquinone which are likely to exert some of its biological effects. FWGE interferes with anaerobic glycolysis, pentose cycle and ribonucleotide reductase. It has significant antiproliferative effects and kills tumor cells by the induction of apoptosis via the caspase-poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase-pathway. FWGE interacts synergistically with a variety of different anticancer drugs and exerted antimetastatic properties in mouse models. In addition, FWGE modulates immune response by downregulation of MHC-I complex and the induction of TNF-α and various interleukins. Data in the F-344 rat model provide evidence for a colon cancer preventing effect of FWGE. Clinical data from a randomized phase II trial in melanoma patients indicate a significant benefit for patients treated with dacarbazine in combination with FWGE in terms of progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Similarly, data from studies in colorectal cancer suggested a benefit of FWGE treatment. Besides extension of OS and PFS, FWGE improved the quality of life in several studies. Conclusion In conclusion, available data so far, justify the use of FWGE as a non-prescription medical nutriment for cancer patients. Further randomized, controlled and large scale clinical studies are mandatory, to further clarify the value of FWGE as a drug component of future chemotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Mueller
- University of Halle, Department of Internal Medicine, Oncology/Hematology and Hemostaseology, Halle/Saale, Germany
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