Breadcrumbs

Active nutrients: a synergistic attack to malignant mesothelioma

SUMMARY OF THE RESEARCH PROJECT
FUNDED BY THE BUZZI UNICEM FOUNDATION

PROJECT LEADER:
Bruno Burlando (PhD)

SITE:
University of Eastern Piedmont “Amedeo Avogadro”

PROJECT STATUS:
Completed

RESEARCH SUMMARY:
The purpose of this project is to study active nutrients that are known to have anticancer properties. For example, ascorbate (vitamin C) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) are plant derivatives present in a variety of food (fruit, green tea, etc.), which have anti-oxidant properties and may be able to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Researchers have discovered that a combination of ascorbate and ECGC has synergistic cytotoxic activity against malignant pleural mesothelioma cells.   This project analyzed the pathways through which ascorbate and EGCG can act as anti-oxidant and cytotoxic agents through the extracellular production of H2O2.  
Researchers are investigating the utility of a combination of active nutrients to fight against the in vivo growth of mesothelioma, induce apoptosis and fight against the invasion of cancer, preserving the functionality of the organism affected by the disease. 
Researchers in this project expect to achieve the following:

  • Evaluate the therapeutic potential of active nutrients used as treatment in a preclinical study in a murine xenograft model
  • Characterize the mechanism of action of the treatment and its main targets
  • Evaluate the translational possibilities of combination treatments confirmed by the project