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Salmonella Infection in Chronic Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Cancer.
Zha, L, Garrett, S, Sun, J
Diseases (Basel, Switzerland). 2019;7(1)
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Salmonella is a group of bacteria that is normally associated with food poisoning. In 2% to 5% of people with Salmonella food poisoning, the bacteria remain in the body, leading to long-term infection, which has been linked to various health problems. This literature review looked at the link between Salmonella infection and the development of diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gall bladder cancer and colon cancer. The authors describe how long-term Salmonella infection plays a role in several biological processes, such as stem cell maintenance, host cell transformation, and gut dysbiosis. Leaky gut, dysbiosis and inflammation are induced by the bacteria and contribute to the development of cancer. The authors conclude that more studies are needed to further understand the relationship between Salmonella infections and the risk of colon cancer.
Abstract
Salmonella not only causes acute infections, but can also cause patients to become chronic "asymptomatic" carriers. Salmonella has been verified as a pathogenic factor that contributes to chronic inflammation and carcinogenesis. This review summarizes the acute and chronic Salmonella infection and describes the current research progress of Salmonella infection contributing to inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. Furthermore, this review explores the underlying biological mechanism of the host signaling pathways manipulated by Salmonella effector molecules. Using experimental animal models, researchers have shown that Salmonella infection is related to host biological processes, such as host cell transformation, stem cell maintenance, and changes of the gut microbiota (dysbiosis). Finally, this review discusses the current challenges and future directions in studying Salmonella infection and its association with human diseases.
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Beta Glucan: Supplement or Drug? From Laboratory to Clinical Trials.
Vetvicka, V, Vannucci, L, Sima, P, Richter, J
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2019;24(7)
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Beta glucans, β-1,3-glucans (glucans) are chains of sugars (polysaccharides) naturally occurring in the cell walls of plants such as cereals, bacteria and fungi. They are gaining attention not only as an important food supplement but also as an immunostimulant and potential drug. It has been known since prehistoric times that mushrooms have medicinal properties. Glucans effect various branches of the immune system and there are numerous animal and human studies showing remarkable activity against a wide variety of tumours. This paper represents an up-to-date review of glucans and their role in various immune reactions and the treatment of cancer. It also cites studies showing their potential use for wound healing and skin health, chronic respiratory problems in children, alleviation of allergic problems and reducing cholesterol levels. Additional lesser-known effects of glucan include improvements in colitis, obesity, or Lyme disease The authors conclude that glucans are an important immunomodulator. They believe that glucans will soon move from food supplement to widely accepted drug.
Abstract
Glucans are part of a group of biologically active natural molecules and are steadily gaining strong attention not only as an important food supplement, but also as an immunostimulant and potential drug. This paper represents an up-to-date review of glucans (β-1,3-glucans) and their role in various immune reactions and the treatment of cancer. With more than 80 clinical trials evaluating their biological effects, the question is not if glucans will move from food supplement to widely accepted drug, but how soon.
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Medical and Dietary Uses of N-Acetylcysteine.
Šalamon, Š, Kramar, B, Marolt, TP, Poljšak, B, Milisav, I
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland). 2019;8(5)
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N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant naturally found in plants of the Allium species such as onions. As well as having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it is also needed to make glutathione which is an important antioxidant in cells. NAC has been used as a drug since the 1960s and is a popular dietary supplement. NAC is considered safe but the results of clinical trials are controversial or incomplete. This aim of this review is to provide a balanced view of further uses of NAC as a dietary supplement. It discusses the antioxidant properties in relation to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and ageing; its medical uses, in the complementary treatment of cancer, as a sports supplement and as an anti-aging supplement. More information is needed on NAC and further clinical trials looking at its use in neurodegenerative diseases, addiction, and mental health disorders are underway. This may be relevant to the supplement users and may also help people suffering from chronic degenerative conditions.
Abstract
N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a plant antioxidant naturally found in onion, is a precursor to glutathione. It has been used as a drug since the 1960s and is listed on the World Health Organization (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines as an antidote in poisonings. There are numerous other uses or proposed uses in medicine that are still in preclinical and clinical investigations. NAC is also used in food supplements and cosmetics. Despite its abundant use, there are projections that the NAC global market will grow in the next five years; therefore, the purpose of this work is to provide a balanced view of further uses of NAC as a dietary supplement. Although NAC is considered a safe substance, the results among clinical trials are sometimes controversial or incomplete, like for many other antioxidants. More clinical trials are underway that will improve our understanding of NAC applicability.
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Potential of Mushroom Compounds as Immunomodulators in Cancer Immunotherapy: A Review.
Ayeka, PA
Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM. 2018;2018:7271509
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Edible mushrooms strengthen the immune system and are considered biological response modifiers (BRMs). This article reviews the research behind the use of mushroom compounds in cancer therapy. Beta-glucans from the cell walls of mushrooms are the major polysaccharide fraction that is responsible for immune modulating effects, through a number of mechanisms which are explored in this review article. Other important components include other polysaccharides, polysaccharide-protein complexes, agaritine, ergosterol, selenium, polyphenols, and terpenoids. Anti-cancer effects are mediated by stimulating lymphocytes, NK cells, and macrophages (all three specific immune cells), enhancing production of cytokines (immune messengers), inhibiting proliferation of cancer cells, promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death), and blocking angiogenesis (the development of blood vessels that feed the tumour), in addition to being cytotoxic to cancer cells. Medicinal mushrooms from which these compounds are derived and which have been researched for the treatment of various cancers include Ganoderma lucidum, G. tsugae, Schizophyllum commune, Sparassis crispa, Pleurotus tuberregium, P. rhinoceros, Trametes robiniophila Murill, Coriolus versicolor, Lentinus edodes, Grifola frondosa, and Flammulina velutipes, among others. Cancers in which benefits from medicinal mushrooms have been reported include breast, colorectal, cervical, skin, liver, ovarian, bladder, prostate, gastric, skin, lung, leukaemia, and stomach cancers.
Abstract
Since time immemorial, plants and their compounds have been used in the treatment and management of various ailments. Currently, most of conventional drugs used for treatment of diseases are either directly or indirectly obtained from plant sources. The fungal group of plants is of significance, which not only provides food directly to man but also has been source of important drugs. For instance, commonly used antibiotics are derived from fungi. Fungi have also been utilized in the food industry, baking, and alcohol production. Apart from the economic importance of the microfungi, macrofungi have been utilized directly as food, which is usually got from their fruiting bodies, commonly known as mushrooms. Due to their richness in proteins, minerals, and other nutrients, mushrooms have also been associated with boosting the immune system. This makes mushrooms an important food source, especially for vegetarians and immunosuppressed individuals including the HIV/AIDS persons. In complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs), mushrooms are increasingly being accepted for treatment of various diseases. Mushrooms have been shown to have the ability to stimulate the immune system, modulate humoral and cellular immunity, and potentiate antimutagenic and antitumorigenic activity, as well as rejuvenating the immune system weakened by radiotherapy and chemotherapy in cancer treatment. This potential of mushrooms, therefore, qualifies them as candidates for immunomodulation and immunotherapy in cancer and other diseases' treatment. However, a critical review on mushroom's immune modulating potential in cancer has not been sufficiently addressed. This review puts forward insights into the immune activities of mushroom associated with anticancer activities.
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Probiotics for prevention of radiation-induced diarrhea: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Liu, MM, Li, ST, Shu, Y, Zhan, HQ
PloS one. 2017;12(6):e0178870
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Acute radiation-induced diarrhoea is a potentially fatal side effect of radiotherapy for abdominal or pelvic cancers. The mechanisms are not yet known, but effects of the radiation on the microbiota may be a factor and probiotic treatment may therefore be beneficial. The authors of this meta-analysis looked at randomised controlled trials of probiotics in the prevention of radiation-induced diarrhoea with probiotics (there were not enough trials to evaluate probiotics for the treatment of radiation-induced diarrhoea). Only six studies qualified for inclusion into this meta-analysis, with a total of 917 patients (490 receiving probiotics, 427 controls). Compared with placebo, patients receiving probiotics had a significantly lower risk of developing diarrhoea, but there was no significant reduction in anti-diarrhoea medication use or Bristol scale stool form. Most studies did not report adverse events from probiotic treatment. The meta-analysis was limited by several factors: variety of bacterial strains, dosages and timings used, differences in cancer treatment (dose of radiotherapy, radiotherapy alone or with chemotherapy), variability of patient populations and diseases, and diagnostic criteria for diarrhoea.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiotherapy is commonly used for abdominal or pelvic cancer, and patients receiving radiotherapy have a high risk developing to an acute radiation-induced diarrhea. Several previous studies have discussed the effect of probiotics on prevention of radiation-induced diarrhea, but the results are still inconsistent. OBJECTIVE We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy of probiotic supplementation for prevention the radiation-induced diarrhea. METHODS Relevant RCTs studies assessing the effect of probiotic supplementation on clinical outcomes compared with placebo were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases (up to March 30 2016). Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 and H2, and publication bias was evaluated using sensitive analysis. RESULTS Six trials, a total of 917 participants (490 participants received prophylactic probiotics and 427 participants received placebo), were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with placebo, probiotics were associated with a lower incidence of radiation-induced diarrhea (RR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.34-0.88; P = 0.01; I2: 87%; 95% CI: 75%-94%; H2: 2.8; 95% CI: 2.0-4.0). However, there is no significant difference in the anti-diarrheal medication use (RR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.40-1.14; P = 0.14) or bristol scale on stool form (RR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.35-1.17; P = 0.14). CONCLUSION Probiotics may be beneficial to prevent radiation-induced diarrhea in patients who suffered from abdominal or pelvic cancers during radiotherapy period.
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A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial evaluating the effect of a polyphenol-rich whole food supplement on PSA progression in men with prostate cancer--the U.K. NCRN Pomi-T study.
Thomas, R, Williams, M, Sharma, H, Chaudry, A, Bellamy, P
Prostate cancer and prostatic diseases. 2014;17(2):180-6
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Green tea, pomegranate, curcumin and broccoli have been shown to have anti-cancer effects in pre-clinical studies. The aim of this double-blind placebo controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a combination of wholefood extracts from these foods in men with prostate cancer as evaluated by progression of PSA (prostate specific antigen), a prostate cancer marker, over a six months intervention period. There was a statistically and clinically significant reduction in PSA progression in the supplement group compared to the placebo group, and significantly more men in the supplement group had no PSA progression compared to placebo group. The number of adverse effects was not statistically significantly different between the two groups. No interactions were seen between the supplement and warfarin and blood pressure lowering medication. The authors conclude that this wholefood supplement offers significant short-term benefits, and encourage larger studies into longer term benefits.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polyphenol-rich foods such as pomegranate, green tea, broccoli and turmeric have demonstrated anti-neoplastic effects in laboratory models involving angiogenesis, apoptosis and proliferation. Although some have been investigated in small, phase II studies, this combination has never been evaluated within an adequately powered randomised controlled trial. METHODS In total, 199 men, average age 74 years, with localised prostate cancer, 60% managed with primary active surveillance (AS) or 40% with watchful waiting (WW) following previous interventions, were randomised (2:1) to receive an oral capsule containing a blend of pomegranate, green tea, broccoli and turmeric, or an identical placebo for 6 months. RESULTS The median rise in PSA in the food supplement group (FSG) was 14.7% (95% confidence intervals (CIs) 3.4-36.7%), as opposed to 78.5% in the placebo group (PG) (95% CI 48.1-115.5%), difference 63.8% (P=0.0008). In all, 8.2% of men in the FSG and 27.7% in the PG opted to leave surveillance at the end of the intervention (χ2 P=0.014). There were no significant differences within the predetermined subgroups of age, Gleason grade, treatment category or body mass index. There were no differences in cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, C-reactive protein or adverse events. CONCLUSIONS This study found a significant short-term, favourable effect on the percentage rise in PSA in men managed with AS and WW following ingestion of this well-tolerated, specific blend of concentrated foods. Its influence on decision-making suggests that this intervention is clinically meaningful, but further trials will evaluate longer term clinical effects, and other makers of disease progression.
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Efficacy of IP6 + inositol in the treatment of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: prospective, randomized, pilot clinical study.
Bacić, I, Druzijanić, N, Karlo, R, Skifić, I, Jagić, S
Journal of experimental & clinical cancer research : CR. 2010;29:12
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Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, ionising radiation, hormone therapy and supportive measures that aim to reduce the side effects of treatment. Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) is a naturally occurring compound which is important in regulating vital cellular functions and has been shown to have anticancer properties. The aim of this randomised, controlled pilot study was to evaluate if the combination of IP6+Inositol alongside traditional chemotherapy will increase efficacy and decrease side effects of chemotherapy, and improve the quality of life. 14 breast cancer patients were randomised to receive either IP6+inositol or vitamin C (control, amount not reported) for 6 months during chemotherapy. Patients receiving IP6+inositol had significantly better quality of life and functional status and significantly less side effects than the control group. Unlike the control group, patients on IP6+inositol had no drop in white blood cells and platelets (common side effects of chemotherapy). There was no difference in other blood tests and tumour markers between the groups. The authors conclude that IP6+ Inositol, used as an adjunctive therapy, may help ameliorating side effects of chemotherapy and preserve quality of life in breast cancer patients.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prospective, randomized, pilot clinical study was conducted to evaluate the beneficial effects of inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) + Inositol in breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with invasive ductal breast cancer where polychemotherapy was indicated were monitored in the period from 2005-2007. Fourteen patients in the same stage of ductal invasive breast cancer were involved in the study, divided in two randomized groups. One group was subjected to take IP6 + Inositol while the other group was taking placebo. In both groups of patients the same laboratory parameters were monitored. When the treatment was finished, all patients have filled questionnaires QLQ C30 and QLQ-BR23 to determine the quality of life. RESULTS Patients receiving chemotherapy, along with IP6 + Inositol did not have cytopenia, drop in leukocyte and platelet counts. Red blood cell counts and tumor markers were unaltered in both groups. However, patients who took IP6 + Inositol had significantly better quality of life (p = 0.05) and functional status (p = 0.0003) and were able to perform their daily activities. CONCLUSION IP6 + Inositol as an adjunctive therapy is valuable help in ameliorating the side effects and preserving quality of life among the patients treated with chemotherapy.