Prof. Antonio Giordano available to comment on recently published research from
Green Tea Compound Aids Tumor-Suppressing, DNA-Repairing Protein
An antioxidant found in green tea may increase levels of p53, a natural anti-cancer protein, known as the “guardian of the genome” for its ability to repair DNA damage or destroy cancerous cells. Published today in Nature Communications, a study of the direct interaction between p53 and the green tea compound, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), points to a new target for cancer drug discovery.
“This is a very interesting study, considering that the major components of green tea include a family of polyphenols, of which EGCG is very abundant and biologically very active, and the fact that it is able to modulate p53.” says Antonio Giordano, M.D., Ph.D., Director and Founder of Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO) at Temple University. “This opens up a series of interesting opportunities in precision medicine by targeting a signalling pathway which could have potential for therapy as a pharmacological target.”
“For example, a novel combination treatment in which EGCG acts in a synergic way with a known drug, making it more effecient and successful at treating, not only in cancer, but perhaps any pathology in which the tumor suppressor gene is involved,” says Giordano.
“With each new finding in this area, it becomes more and more evident how maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important. In our food there is the potential for naturally present substances with important pharmacologic properties which can complement our body’s natural defences, and even make cancer treatment more effective,” Giordano concludes.
Recent Studies Involving p53 from SHRO
Other Precision Medicine and Food Research from SHRO
Olive Leaf Extract to Fight Breast Cancer
Citrus Extracts Protect Against Agricultural Fungus Toxin OTA
Potential of Turmeric and Curcumin Against Cancer
Citrus Extract Reduces Diabetic Nephropathy
Tomato Extract Inhibits Stomach Cancer
