ABSTRACT
Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) has been used in Chinese medicine for two thousand years. The root of ginseng contains several saponins (ginsenosides) which are biologically active compounds. Individual ginsenosides suppress tumor cell growth, induce cell differentiation, regulate apoptosis and inhibit metastasis formation. The aim of this study was to evaluate its chemo-preventive effects in an animal test model, through its regulatory effects on apoptosis and the cell cycle.The expression of genes (Bcl-2, Bcl-x and Cyclin D1) which affect apoptosis were examined, in different organs of animals which had consumed a ginseng-containing diet in the presence of a known carcinogen (DMBA). The pattern of gene expression was determined by Q-RT-PCR. The increase of antiapoptotic gene expression after carcinogenic exposure was suppressed by consumption of ginseng which promoted apoptosis.The population is exposed to numerous physical and chemical insults in the modern environment and these include compounds which are known carcinogens. Research has shown that it is possible to interfere with the multi-step process of carcinogenesis through the use of compounds with chemo-preventive effects, such as the inhibition of the activation of antiapoptotic genes.These results support the efficacy of ginseng-containing diets and dietary supplements in the prevention of cancerous diseases.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/therapeutic use , Apoptosis/drug effects , Neoplasms/prevention & control , Panax , Phytotherapy , Plant Preparations/therapeutic use , 9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene , Animals , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology , Carcinogens , Cyclin D1/genetics , Cyclin D1/metabolism , Disease Models, Animal , Female , Gene Expression , Mice , Mice, Inbred AKR , Neoplasms/chemically induced , Neoplasms/genetics , Plant Preparations/pharmacology , Plant Roots , Powders , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism , bcl-X Protein/genetics , bcl-X Protein/metabolismABSTRACT
The H2 complex has an important role in determining susceptibility to viral and chemical leukemogenesis in inbred mice. This also applies to transplantable leukemias, within the syngeneic system. In this respect H2K is sensitive, H2d is relatively sensitive, and H2b is absolutely resistant to leukemia induction and transplantation. In our present study we investigated the effect of Cyclophosphamide, (a known chemical leukemogen) on onco/suppressor gene expression in CBA/Ca mice, very shortly after treatment with chemical carcinogen without any manifestation of tumour/leukemia symptoms. Here we describe, in a "short-term" experiment, the gene expression of Ha-ras, c-myc and p53 which was similar to the leukemia induction in a "long-term" experiment. H2K showed marked elevation in terms of onco/suppressor gene expression. H2b expression was modest and H2d turned out to be more or less silent. The results obtained from a short term gene expression investigation shows similarity to those obtained earlier from long term leukemia inducing experiments.
Subject(s)
H-2 Antigens/genetics , Haplotypes , Oncogenes , Animals , Female , Genes, myc , Genes, p53 , Genes, ras , Leukemia, Experimental/genetics , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred Strains , Species SpecificityABSTRACT
In vivo investigation of onco/suppressor gene effects may provide new findings concerning chemical carcinogenesis. In earlier studies we pointed out the carcinogenic potential of COPP and ABVD chemotherapeutical protocols in "long-term" experiments. In another follow up study we proved the connection between the early gene expression changes and the late consequences of COPP and ABVD treatment during, a one year latency period. CHOP protocol is containing both proved carcinogenic cyclophosphamide and highly mutagenic doxorubicyn. CHOP protocol in "short-term" experiments shows strong effect on Ha-ras oncogene expression.