 |
|
April 28, 2008 Update #70N |
 |
WILL EGCG DETER BREAST CANCER BY INDUCING ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES IN BREAST CELLS?
Background
An increasing number of studies suggest that
EGCG, abundant in green tea, is protective against breast cancer
but the mechanism is unclear. Also, EGCG is an important
antioxidant but it is unclear as to how it can be so effective
when it is present in such small concentrations inside cells.
The following study offers some clarification.
Note: Glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL), manganese
superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) are
natural antioxidizing enzymes in cells. Overall, they reduce
oxidative stress.
Featured Research Study
(-)-Epigallocatechin gallate induces Nrf2-mediated-antioxidant enzyme expression via activation of PI3K and ERK in human mammary epithelial cells.
Arch Biochem Biophys. 2008 Apr 6. Na HK, et.al.
Click Here for PubMed Abstract of Study
Study Highlights
Using a human breast cell line (MCF10A) the
study suggests that EGCG can act as a signal molecule to induce
antioxidant enzyme (e.g., GCL, MnSOD and HO-1) formation and
activity. It goes on to suggest that EGCG signals the transcription
factor Nrf2 that, in turn, signals increased activity in the cell's
genes responsible for antioxidant enzyme production.
Comments
This study forwards the possibility that EGCG
lowers intracellular oxidative stress, in part by increasing the
production of natural antioxidative enzymes in breast cells.
Ask your tea professional to guide you toward enjoyable tea options.
Ask your health professional to guide you toward viable health options.
Dr. Paul's Tea & Health Update, WWW.DRPAULSUPDATES.ORG, supports tea and health educational programs by bringing recent research studies into public awareness.
Copyright © 2008 Dr. Paul's School of Tea and Health, LLC. All rights reserved.
|  |
|
 |
|