You Are What You Eat or Drink... – The Chemo-preventive Effects of Some Polyphenols and Coffee

Type of Abstract (select): Paper presentation

Abstract (max. 250 words):
Our study investigated the cancer-preventive properties of several plant extracts. These included green tea (Camellia sinensis), a blend of polyphenols from blackberries (Rubus fruticosus), blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum) with added resveratrol, extract from Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra), and coffee (Coffea arabica). We focused on their impact on the expression of certain microRNAs and the mTOR gene in the liver, spleen, and kidneys of mice exposed to the carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). Our findings revealed that these extracts generally reduced the DMBA-induced elevation of these genes, with some variations among the different extracts and organs. For instance, the Chinese bayberry extract did not affect miR-132 in the liver, and the polyphenol mix didn't impact miR-132 in the kidneys. In the group given coffee extract, significant reductions were noted in miR-9-3 and mTOR in the liver, miR-134 in the spleen, and miR-124-1 in the kidney. The results align with existing literature indicating that DMBA can stimulate inflammatory and proliferative pathways, involving molecules like TNF, IL1, IL6, NF-κB, RAS, and MYC. The plant extracts studied appeared to counteract these effects, showing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They inhibited the DMBA-activated pathways, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, and simultaneously promoted the expression of tumor suppressor genes like PTEN and SIRT.


Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
Joe Petersburger (József L. Szentpéteri) is a multidisciplinary scientist and artist. He is originally a behavioral scientist. His reportages predominantly on Hungary were published three times as feature stories on the pages of National Geographic Magazine. His scientific research topics include animal behavior, taxonomy, evolution, biochemistry, virology, and food science.