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Health News Archive 460 - Cancer
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Resveratrol Kills Cancer Cells

Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have discovered how resveratrol, the component derived from red wine, is able to kill cancer cells. Past studies also have revealed that resveratrol exhibits anti-cancer activity. But the mechanism behind its actions was not understood.

The researchers treated human cancer cells with resveratrol and found that resveratrol starves cancer cells by blocking the action of nuclear factor- kappa B (NF-kB), a key protein that feeds the cells. NF-kB is found in the nucleus of all cells and turns on genes responsible for cell survival. Resveratrols actions on NF-kB caused the cancer cells to self-destruct, a process known as apoptosis.

The researchers point out that in clinical trials resveratrol is being used in conjunction with other cancer therapies. Their current study may explain why resveratrol as an adjunct cancer therapy in these studies has resulted in a great deal of success.

According to the researchers, because NF-kB can control inflammatory responses, NF-kB inhibitors like resveratrol may help control or prevent a number of other diseases. Researchers suspect that resveratrols ability to inhibit NF-kB may be the reason why studies have shown this nutrient may prevent heart disease, arthritis and autoimmune diseases.

Source: Fan Yeung, et al. The Journal of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO), May 20 online edition found at: http://embojournal.npgjournals.com.

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