Pecologix Political Ecology Blotter » health

Hamamelitannin from Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Displays Specific Cytotoxic Activity against Colon Cancer Cells

A. Cherson — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:56:10 +0000

Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) bark is a rich source of condensed and hydrolyzable tannins reported to exert a protective action against colon cancer. The present study characterizes different witch hazel tannins as selective cytotoxic agents against colon cancer. To cover the structural diversity of the tannins that occur in H. virginiana bark, the hydrolyzable tannins, hamamelitannin and pentagalloylglucose, together with a proanthocyanidin-rich fraction (F800H4) were selected for the study. Treatment with these compounds reduced tumor viability and induced apoptosis, necrosis, and S-phase arrest in the cell cycle of HT29 cells, with hamamelitannin being the most efficient. Owing to polyphenol-mediated H2O2 formation in the incubation media, the antiproliferative effect was determined in the presence and absence of catalase to rule out any such interference. The presence of catalase significantly changed the IC50 only for F800H4. Furthermore, at concentrations that inhibit the growth of HT29 cells by 50%, hamamelitannin had no harmful effects on NCM460 normal colonocytes, whereas pentagalloylglucose inhibited both cancerous and normal cell growth. Using the TNPTM assay, we identified a highly reactive phenolic position in hamamelitannin, which may explain its efficacy at inhibiting colon cancer growth.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/np200426k

Biofuels and City Air: A Marginal Beneficial Effect Unless Adopted by 26% or More Drivers

A. Cherson — Sat, 05 May 2012 00:26:24 +0000

If drivers switch from gasoline to biofuels, will it lessen the air pollution that shrouds cities around the world? Studies of auto emissions have indicated it might. But the first citywide air quality study of its kind, reported at the meeting, suggests that unless more than 26% of cars make the switch, it will have negligible effect.

doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.336.6079.292-c

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Older Dads Have Healthier Kids Than You Think

A. Cherson — Fri, 04 May 2012 20:30:46 +0000

Older fathers often get blamed for passing on genetic mutations to their children, causing some types of autism, schizophrenia, and other disorders. But new data presented at the meeting suggest that children of older fathers and grandfathers may inherit at least one advantage from aging patriarchs: longer telomeres, structures at the tips of chromosomes that may protect against aging and disease. And the effect is amplified over the generations: The paternal grandfather’s age is associated with longer telomeres in his grandchildren, researchers reported in a talk.

doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.336.6081.539

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Dietary protein lowers blood pressure

A. Cherson — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:43:32 +0000

Increased dietary protein intake decreases blood pressure in individuals with overweight and untreated hypertension, shows a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2012.33

Using biomarkers in sewage to monitor community-wide human health: Isoprostanes as conceptual prototype

A. Cherson — Thu, 03 May 2012 01:09:06 +0000

► New concept proposed for gauging the overall health of small-area human populations. ► BioSCIM uses Sewage Chemical-Information Mining to measure biomarkers in sewage. ► Real-time, low-cost assessment of community-wide heath is possible. ► Isoprostanes (biomarkers of oxidative stress) are identified as targets for BioSCIM. ► Panel of orthogonal biomarkers with complementary properties may broaden usefulness.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.02.038

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Cost-effectiveness of cardiovascular disease prevention and management in the developing world

A. Cherson — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:27:19 +0000

A team of researchers in collaboration with the WHO has identified a set of interventions for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) that are cost-effective in two developing regions—sub-Saharan Africa and South-East Asia.

doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nrcardio.2012.42