Another natural solution as a mechanism to prevent tumorigenesis and protect against lung cancer is suggested by a new study, highlighting the properties of sweet and sour fruit juice.
This fruit minimizes the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer
It is a fact that the active ingredients of various fruits minimize the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer, as several clinical studies have revealed. A more recent Japanese study reveals another fruit just as precious.
The Kiwi arguta (Actinidia arguta) or sarunashi belongs to the kiwi family. However, it differs in appearance from the kiwis we all know, because it is not covered by the hairy fibers on the outside. It is grown mainly in Japan, Korea, North China, and the Russian Far East.
Using an experimental mouse model, researchers from the Okayama Universityled by Dr. Sakae Arimoto-Kobayashi, associate professor at the Okayama University College of Pharmaceutical Sciencesshowed that the juice of this type of kiwi and his componentthe substance isoquercetin (isoQ)can contribute to prevention and reduction of lung cancer.
A very powerful sweet and sour fruit
This particular fruit is considered one of the richest sources of polyphenols and vitamin C. Previously, the researchers had demonstrated the inhibitory effect of sabahi juice on mutagenesis, when an organism’s genetic information is changed by mutation, inflammation, and tumor growth in the skin of mice. After identifying the components, they came up with the polyphenols as the driving force and, in particular, with the isoQ polyphenolic compound as a component with anticancer potential.
For the study, the researchers induced the growth of the tumors using nitrosamine ketone (NNK) derived from nicotine, a known carcinogen found in tobacco products. Then, through experiments, they investigated the effects of kiwi juice and isoQ on lung carcinogenesis in mice.
The results were encouraging: the number of tumor nodules by mouse lung in the group receiving NNK injections and oral doses of arguta kiwi juice was significantly lower than in the group that received only NNK injections. Besides, the oral administration of isoQ similarly reduced the number of nodules in the lungs of the mice.
The team then investigated the possible mechanism of action. The compounds NNK and MNNG are considered to be agents that cause mutations in DNA. Therefore, the team designed a series of experiments to study the effect of juice and isoQ on mutagenesis, mediated by NNK and MNNG, using the bacterial strain Salmonella typhimurium TA1535, which is commonly used to detect DNA mutations.
As expected, the kiwi juice reduced the mutagenicity of NNK and MNNG detected using the bacterial strain. However, when similar tests were performed with another strain lacking key DNA repair enzymes, S. typhimurium YG7108, the juice was unable to reduce the mutagenic effects of NNK and MNNG. Based on this critical observation, the researchers concluded that the juice appears mediate its antimutagenic activity by accelerating DNA repair.
Finally, with experiments in cells, the team showed that kiwi juice suppressed the activity of ‘Akt’, a key protein involved in cancer signalling.
In summary, the study demonstrates that lung carcinogenesis in mice is suppressed after oral intake of arguta kiwi juice.