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Yang P, Rhea PR, Conway T, Nookala S, Hegde V, Gagea M, Ajami NJ, Harribance SL, Ochoa J, Sastry JK, Cohen L. Human Biofield Therapy Modulates Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Stemness in Mouse Lung Carcinoma. Integr Cancer Ther 2021; 19:1534735420940398. [PMID: 32975128 PMCID: PMC7522816 DOI: 10.1177/1534735420940398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies have demonstrated that purported biofield therapy emitted from humans can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and suppress tumor growth in various cancers. We explored the effects of biofield therapy on tumor growth in the Lewis lung carcinoma and expanded mechanistic outcomes. We found biofield therapy did not inhibit tumor growth. However, the experimental (Ex) condition exposed tumors had a significantly higher percentage of necrosis (24.4 ± 6.8%) compared with that of the Control condition (6.5 ± 2.7%; P < .02) and cleaved caspase-3 positive cells were almost 2.3-fold higher (P < .05). Similarly, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes profiling showed that CD8+/CD45+ immune cell population was significantly increased by 2.7-fold in Ex condition (P < .01) whereas the number of intratumoral FoxP3+/CD4+ (T-reg cells) was 30.4% lower than that of the Control group (P = .01), leading to a significant 3.1-fold increase in the ratio of CD8+/T-reg cells (P < .01). Additionally, there was a 51% lower level of strongly stained CD68+ cells (P < .01), 57.9% lower level of F4/80high/CD206+ (M2 macrophages; P < .02) and a significant 1.8-fold increase of the ratio of M1/M2 macrophages (P < .02). Furthermore, Ex exposure resulted in a 15% reduction of stem cell marker CD44 and a significant 33% reduction of SOX2 compared with that of the Controls (P < .02). The Ex group also engaged in almost 50% less movement throughout the session than the Controls. These findings suggest that exposure to purported biofields from a human is capable of enhancing cancer cell death, in part mediated through modification of the tumor microenvironment and stemness of tumor cells in mouse Lewis lung carcinoma model. Future research should focus on defining the optimal treatment duration, replication with different biofield therapists, and exploring the mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiying Yang
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Patrea R Rhea
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tara Conway
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sita Nookala
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Venkatesh Hegde
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mihai Gagea
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nadim J Ajami
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Jewel Ochoa
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Lorenzo Cohen
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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2
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Rabelo AC, Borghesi J, Carreira ACO, Hayashi RG, Bessa F, Barreto RDSN, da Costa RP, Cantanhede Filho AJ, Carneiro FJC, Miglino MA. Calotropis procera (Aiton) Dryand (Apocynaceae) as an anti-cancer agent against canine mammary tumor and osteosarcoma cells. Res Vet Sci 2021; 138:79-89. [PMID: 34119813 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Our goal was to evaluate phytochemical characterization and the antitumor potential of Calotropis procera. The phytochemical constitution of the crude extract (CE) revealed the presence of flavonoids, glycosides and cardenolide. The MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of CE, methanolic (MF) and ethyl acetate fractions (EAF) of C. procera in canine osteosarcoma cells (OST), canine mammary tumor (CMT), and canine skin fibroblasts (non-tumor cell). Doxorubicin was also used as a positive control. Results showed that CE, MF and EAF promoted a decrease in the viability of OST and CMT cells and did not alter the fibroblasts viability. C. procera also decreased the number of cells, corroborating to the decrease in proliferation and the cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. It was also evaluated the cell morphology by light and fluorescence microscopy, being demonstrated a reduction in cytoplasmic and cell rounding characteristic of programmed cell death. Moreover, flow cytometry data demonstrated that CE treatment promoted increase of caspase-3 and p53, showing that the cell death was activated in OST cells. In addition, there was a decrease in CD31, VEGF, osteopontin and TGF-β after CE treatment, suggesting that CE exerts its antitumor effect by reducing angiogenesis and tumor progression in OST cells. Moreover, CMT cells showed a reduction in PCNA after treatment with MF and CE. Analyzing the data together, C. procera, especially CE, showed an antitumor potential in both OST and CMT cells, encouraging us to continue investigating its use in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana CarolinaSilveira Rabelo
- Laboratory of Stem Cell, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508 270, Brazil.
| | - Jéssica Borghesi
- Laboratory of Stem Cell, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508 270, Brazil
| | - Ana Claudia O Carreira
- Laboratory of Stem Cell, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508 270, Brazil; Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapy (NUCEL), School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05360-130, Brazil
| | - Rafael Gonçalves Hayashi
- Laboratory of Stem Cell, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508 270, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Bessa
- Laboratory of Stem Cell, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508 270, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo da Silva Nunes Barreto
- Laboratory of Stem Cell, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508 270, Brazil
| | - Romário Pereira da Costa
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos 13560-970, Brazil
| | | | - Fernando José Costa Carneiro
- Department of Chemistry, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Maranhão, Campus São Luís, Monte Castelo, Maranhão 65030-005, Brazil
| | - Maria Angélica Miglino
- Laboratory of Stem Cell, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508 270, Brazil
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Retraction Note to: External Qi of Yan Xin Qigong induces G2/M arrest and apoptosis of androgen-independent prostate cancer cells by inhibiting Akt and NF- B pathways. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:2573. [PMID: 33895982 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04163-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Yang P, Jiang Y, Rhea PR, Coway T, Chen D, Gagea M, Harribance SL, Cohen L. Human Biofield Therapy and the Growth of Mouse Lung Carcinoma. Integr Cancer Ther 2019; 18:1534735419840797. [PMID: 30947564 PMCID: PMC6475842 DOI: 10.1177/1534735419840797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofield therapies have gained popularity and are being explored as possible
treatments for cancer. In some cases, devices have been developed that mimic the
electromagnetic fields that are emitted from people delivering biofield
therapies. However, there is limited research examining if humans could
potentially inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and suppress tumor growth
through modification of inflammation and the immune system. We found that human
NSCLC A549 lung cancer cells exposed to Sean L. Harribance, a purported healer,
showed reduced viability and downregulation of pAkt. We further observed that
the experimental exposure slowed growth of mouse Lewis lung carcinoma evidenced
by significantly smaller tumor volume in the experimental mice (274.3 ± 188.9
mm3) than that of control mice (740.5 ± 460.2 mm3;
P < .05). Exposure to the experimental condition
markedly reduced tumoral expression of pS6, a cytosolic marker of cell
proliferation, by 45% compared with that of the control group. Results of
reversed phase proteomic array suggested that the experimental exposure
downregulated the PD-L1 expression in the tumor tissues. Similarly, the serum
levels of cytokines, especially MCP-1, were significantly reduced in the
experimental group (P < .05). Furthermore, TILs profiling
showed that CD8+/CD4− immune cell population was increased
by almost 2-fold in the experimental condition whereas the number of
intratumoral CD25+/CD4+ (T-reg cells) and CD68+
macrophages were 84% and 33%, respectively, lower than that of the control
group. Together, these findings suggest that exposure to purported biofields
from a human is capable of suppressing tumor growth, which might be in part
mediated through modification of the tumor microenvironment, immune function,
and anti-inflammatory activity in our mouse lung tumor model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiying Yang
- 1 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yan Jiang
- 1 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Patrea R Rhea
- 1 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tara Coway
- 1 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dongmei Chen
- 1 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mihai Gagea
- 1 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sean L Harribance
- 2 Sean Harribance Institute for Parapsychology, Inc., Sugarland, TX, USA
| | - Lorenzo Cohen
- 1 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Si W, Lyu J, Liu Z, Wang C, Huang J, Jiang L, Ma T. Cucurbitacin E inhibits cellular proliferation and enhances the chemo-response in gastric cancer by suppressing AKt activation. J Cancer 2019; 10:5843-5851. [PMID: 31737120 PMCID: PMC6843881 DOI: 10.7150/jca.31303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The incidence and mortality rate of gastric cancer has markedly declined over the past few decades, due to the progress and advances in the development of diagnostic and treatment regimens. However, there is still a large portion of patients who are first diagnosed during the advanced stage of gastric cancer when chemotherapy is needed. Unfortunately, resistance to chemotherapeutic agents is the most frequent occurrence during treatment, which indicates a need for the discovery of novel therapeutic anticancer drugs. Methods: The tumor-suppression effect of eight different cucurbitacins was evaluated in gastric cancer cell lines, and the Cucurbitacin E (CuE) showing the greatest effect was used in further studies to explore the mechanism and potential synergistic effect of Dox both in vitro and in vivo. Results: Compared with other cucurbitacins, CuE showed the greatest antiproliferative activity against the gastric cancer cell lines. Further investigations revealed that CuE suppressed the growth of gastric cancer cell lines through the induction of G2/M arrest and subsequent apoptosis by impairing AKt activation and reducing its expression in gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, our results indicate that CuE can significantly enhance the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin (Dox) both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: In summary, we present the first evidence of the efficacy of CuE for the inhibition of gastric cancer growth and the synergistic antitumorigenic effect of CuE and Dox, both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhang Si
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University (Shaoxing Municipal Hospital), Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jia Lyu
- Department of Urology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Zhengchuang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310014, China
| | - Chunyang Wang
- Genetron Health (Hangzhou) Medical Laboratory Co. Ltd, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Jingjing Huang
- Genetron Health (Hangzhou) Medical Laboratory Co. Ltd, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Liping Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310014, China
| | - Tonghui Ma
- Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310014, China
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6
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Gronowicz G, Secor ER, Flynn JR, Kuhn LT. Human biofield therapy does not affect tumor size but modulates immune responses in a mouse model for breast cancer. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE-JIM 2018; 14:389-99. [PMID: 27641610 DOI: 10.1016/s2095-4964(16)60275-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of human biofield therapy, an integrative medicine modality, on the development of tumors and metastasis, and immune function in a mouse breast cancer model. METHODS Mice were injected with 66cl4 mammary carcinoma cells. In study one, mice received biofield therapy after cell injection. In study two, mice were treated by the biofield practitioner only prior to cell injection. Both studies had two control groups of mock biofield treatments and phosphate-buffered saline injection. Mice were weighed and tumor volume was determined. Blood samples were collected and 32 serum cytokine/chemokine markers were measured. Spleens/popliteal lymph nodes were isolated and dissociated for fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis of immune cells or metastasis assays in cell culture. RESULTS No significant differences were found in weight, tumor size or metastasis. Significant effects were found in the immune responses in study one but no additional effects were found in study two. In study one, human biofield treatment significantly reduced percentage of CD4(+)CD44loCD25(+) and percentage of CD8(+) cells, elevated by cancer in the lymph nodes, to control levels determined by FACS analysis. In the spleen, only CD11b(+) macrophages were increased with cancer, and human biofield therapy significantly reduced them. Of 11 cytokines elevated by cancer, only interferon-γ, interleukin-1, monokine induced by interfer-γ, interleukin-2 and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 were significantly reduced to control levels with human biofield therapy. CONCLUSION Human biofield therapy had no significant effect on tumor size or metastasis but produced significant effects on immune responses apparent in the down-regulation of specific lymphocytes and serum cytokines in a mouse breast cancer model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Gronowicz
- Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Eric R Secor
- Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.,Hartford Healthcare, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT 06102-5037, USA
| | - John R Flynn
- Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Liisa T Kuhn
- Department of Reconstructive Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
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7
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Xu D, Li D, Lu Z, Dong X, Wang X. Type III TGF-β receptor inhibits cell proliferation and migration in salivary glands adenoid cystic carcinoma by suppressing NF-κB signaling. Oncol Rep 2015; 35:267-74. [PMID: 26531330 DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.4390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
It is known that the TGF-β superfamily receptors act as master regulators of cancer progression. However, alteration and role of type III TGF-β receptor (TβRIII, or betaglycan) as the most abundant of the TGF-β receptor has not been explored in salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Here, we reported that tumor biopsies and matched normal human salivary glands from patients with ACC were examined for the expression of TβRIII. The expression of TβRIII protein is significantly decreased in ACC patients based on immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. In vitro, a transient overexpression of TβRIII markedly induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, thereby inhibited cell viability and migration of ACC-M cells. Co-immunoprecipitation revealed that TβRIII, scaffolding protein-arrestin2 (β-arrestin2) and IκBα formed a complex. Transient overexpression of TβRIII decreased p-p65 expression and increased IκBα expression, which was abolished by knockdown of β-arrestin2. The present study defines TβRIII as a biomarker exerting antitumor action on ACC progression.Gene therapy of TβRIII may be a powerful new approach for ACC disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyang Xu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Duo Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyong Lu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Xingli Dong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
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8
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Jain S, Hammerschlag R, Mills P, Cohen L, Krieger R, Vieten C, Lutgendorf S. Clinical Studies of Biofield Therapies: Summary, Methodological Challenges, and Recommendations. Glob Adv Health Med 2015; 4:58-66. [PMID: 26665043 PMCID: PMC4654788 DOI: 10.7453/gahmj.2015.034.suppl] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofield therapies are noninvasive therapies in which the practitioner explicitly works with a client's biofield (interacting fields of energy and information that surround living systems) to stimulate healing responses in patients. While the practice of biofield therapies has existed in Eastern and Western cultures for thousands of years, empirical research on the effectiveness of biofield therapies is still relatively nascent. In this article, we provide a summary of the state of the evidence for biofield therapies for a number of different clinical conditions. We note specific methodological issues for research in biofield therapies that need to be addressed (including practitioner-based, outcomes-based, and research design considerations), as well as provide a list of suggested next steps for biofield researchers to consider.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamini Jain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego; and Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Diego; and Consciousness and Healing Initiative, San Diego (Dr Jain)
| | - Richard Hammerschlag
- Consciousness and Healing Initiative, San Diego; and The Institute for Integrative Health, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Hammerschlag)
| | - Paul Mills
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego; and Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Diego; and Center of Excellence for Research and Training in Integrative Health, University of California, San Diego (Dr Mills)
| | - Lorenzo Cohen
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston (Dr Cohen)
| | - Richard Krieger
- Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, California (Dr Krieger)
| | - Cassandra Vieten
- Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, California; and California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco (Dr Vieten)
| | - Susan Lutgendorf
- Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, California; and Departments of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Urology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Dr Lutgendorf)
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9
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Joshi AL, Roham PH, Mhaske R, Jadhav M, Krishnadas K, Kharat A, Hardikar B, Kharat KR. Calotropis procera extract induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in human skin melanoma (SK-MEL-2) cells. Nat Prod Res 2015; 29:2261-4. [PMID: 25623835 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2014.1001386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Calotropis procera (family: Asclepiadaceae) contains cardiac glycosides which are cytotoxic to cancer cells. The extracts of C. procera have been reported to be cytotoxic to many cancer cell lines and this is the first report against the human skin melanoma cells (SK-MEL-2). The SK-MEL-2 cells treated with C. procera methanolic extract (CPME) were analysed for growth inhibition and apoptosis. The exposure of phosphatidylserine in apoptotic SK-MEL-2 was analysed by using the Annexin-V FITC flow cytometry method. In CPME-treated SK-MEL-2 cells, 19.6% of apoptotic and 58.3% dead cells were observed. The 15.97% and 15.85% of early apoptotic cells were found at 20 μg/mL of the ouabain and paclitaxel, respectively. Active caspases, nuclear degradation confirmed apoptotic SK-MEL-2 cells in time- and dose-dependent manner. The cell cycle analysis shows that CPME treated cells halt at G2/M phase. Significant cytotoxic activity of CPME against SK-MEL-2 may be attributed to its high cardenolide content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna L Joshi
- a Deogiri College, Centre for Advanced Life Sciences , Aurangabad , Maharashtra 43100 , India
| | - Pratiksha H Roham
- a Deogiri College, Centre for Advanced Life Sciences , Aurangabad , Maharashtra 43100 , India
| | - Rooth Mhaske
- a Deogiri College, Centre for Advanced Life Sciences , Aurangabad , Maharashtra 43100 , India
| | - Mahadev Jadhav
- a Deogiri College, Centre for Advanced Life Sciences , Aurangabad , Maharashtra 43100 , India
| | - Kavitha Krishnadas
- a Deogiri College, Centre for Advanced Life Sciences , Aurangabad , Maharashtra 43100 , India
| | - Amol Kharat
- b Modern College of Pharmacy , Moshi, Pune 412105 , India
| | | | - Kiran R Kharat
- a Deogiri College, Centre for Advanced Life Sciences , Aurangabad , Maharashtra 43100 , India
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10
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Hsu CH, Lee CJ, Chien TJ, Lin CP, Chen CH, Yuen MJ, Lai YL. The Relationship between Qi Deficiency, Cancer-related Fatigue and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients. J Tradit Complement Med 2014; 2:129-35. [PMID: 24716125 PMCID: PMC3942915 DOI: 10.1016/s2225-4110(16)30086-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Qi (氣 qì) refers to the vital energy of the body in Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM). Qi deficiency (氣虛 qì xū) is the most common symptom in cancer patients according to the concept of TCM. We hypothesized that cancer patients with Qi deficiency suffer from poor quality of life (QOL) and fatigue. Method: Among the 256 registered cancer patients screened at our outpatient clinic, a total of 198 were enrolled. The inclusion criteria were (1) age between 18 and 70 years, (2) cancer diagnosis confirmed by the professional physician, (3) being Chinese, and (4) Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status rating (PSR) ≤ 3. The major outcome is the difference in QOL score in cancer patients with and without Qi deficiency. Results: The initial results showed statistically significant differences in WHO-QOL scores in physical, psychological, and social domains between the groups with and without Qi deficiency as well as the groups with and without cancerrelated fatigue (CRF). All patients with CRF present were also diagnosed as Qi deficient. In addition, among the patients with no CRF, 39.9% (69/173) were diagnosed as suffering from Qi deficiency, which led to poor QOL. Conclusions: The present study showed statistically significant difference in WHO-QOL scores in physical, psychological, and social domains between the groups with and without Qi deficiency as well as the groups with and without CRF. Cancer patients diagnosed with Qi deficiency or CRF have poor QOL. The concept of Qi deficiency in TCM might be applied to cancer health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Hua Hsu
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan ; Branch of Linsen and Chinese Medicine, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Lee
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Ju Chien
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan ; Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Branch of Rei-Ai, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Che-Pin Lin
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Branch of Rei-Ai, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan ; Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hung Chen
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan ; Branch of Linsen and Chinese Medicine, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Jen Yuen
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan ; Department of Nursing, Branch of Linsen and Chinese Medicine, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuen-Liang Lai
- School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan ; Department of Radiation Oncology and Palliative Care Center, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Abstract
The purpose of this report was to provide an in-depth review of responses from older adults residing in long-term care facilities receiving Healing Touch (HT) for pain management. Persistent pain is common in this population and, while the mainstay for pain management is analgesics, HT may provide supportive therapy. Twenty older adults from 5 facilities in the southwestern United States participated in the study, with 12 receiving the active intervention of HT and 8 receiving the control of presence care. A convergent mixed-methods approach was used in this secondary report, using the providers' descriptions of 84 HT sessions and quantitative findings to provide an in-depth within-case analysis. Outcome measures included quantitative measures of pain, daily living, and quality of life, as well as qualitative descriptors of the HT sessions. The findings suggest that the experience is highly varied and on a continuum from no perceived or noticeable benefit to a decrease in pain and improvement in other physiological and psychosocial symptoms. Therefore, HT may be beneficial for some older adults within long-term care facilities as an adjunct for chronic pain.
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12
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Yan X, Li F, Dozmorov I, Frank MB, Dao M, Centola M, Cao W, Hu D. External Qi of Yan Xin Qigong induces cell death and gene expression alterations promoting apoptosis and inhibiting proliferation, migration and glucose metabolism in small-cell lung cancer cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2012; 363:245-55. [PMID: 22160803 PMCID: PMC3567610 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-011-1176-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly malignant carcinoma with poor long-term survival. Effective treatment remains highly demanded. In the present study, we demonstrated that External Qi of Yan Xin Qigong (YXQ-EQ) exerted potent cytotoxic effect towards SCLC cell line NCI-H82 via induction of apoptosis. Global gene expression profiling identified 39 genes whose expression was altered by YXQ-EQ in NCI-82 cells. Among them, semi-quantitative RT-PCR and real-time qPCR analyses confirmed that the gene expression levels of apoptotic proteins death-associated protein kinase 2 and cell death-inducing DFFA-like effector b were upregulated, whereas that of oncoproteins DEK and MYCL1, cell migration-promoting proteins CD24 and integrin-alpha 9, and glycolytic enzyme aldolase A were downregulated. These findings suggest that YXQ-EQ may exert anticancer effect through modulating gene expression in a way that facilitates cancer cell apoptosis while represses proliferation, metastasis, and glucose metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yan
- The Institute of Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China. New Medical Science Research Institute, New York, NY 10107, USA
| | - Feng Li
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma, OK 73104, USA
| | - Igor Dozmorov
- Microarray Research Facility, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma, OK 73104, USA
| | - Mark Barton Frank
- Microarray Research Facility, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma, OK 73104, USA
| | - Ming Dao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Michael Centola
- Microarray Research Facility, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma, OK 73104, USA
| | - Wei Cao
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma, OK 73104, USA
| | - Dan Hu
- Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, HIM, Room 730, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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New insights on therapeutic touch: a discussion of experimental methodology and design that resulted in significant effects on normal human cells and osteosarcoma. Explore (NY) 2011; 7:44-51. [PMID: 21194672 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2010.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Our purpose is to discuss the study design and innovative approaches that led to finding significant effects of one energy medicine therapy, Therapeutic Touch (TT), on cells. In the original published studies, TT was shown to significantly increase human osteoblast DNA synthesis, differentiation, and mineralization; increase in a dose-dependent manner the growth of other human cell types; and decrease the differentiation and mineralization of a human osteosarcoma-derived cell line. A unique feature of the study's methodology and design that contributed to the success of the findings was that a basic level of skill and maturity of the TT practitioner was quantified for producing observable and replicable outcomes in a test administered to all TT practitioners. Only those practitioners that passed the test were selected for the study. (2) The practitioners were required to keep a journal, which appeared to promote their ability to stay centered and replicate their treatments over months of cell experimentation. (3) The origin of the cells that the practitioners were treating was explained to them, although they were blinded to cell type during the experiments. (4) Only early passage cells were used to maintain a stable cell phenotype. (5) Standard protocols for performing TT in the room were followed to ensure reproducible conditions. (6) Placebo controls and untreated controls were used for each experiment. (7) The principal investigator and technicians performing the assays were blinded as to the experimental groups, and all assays and procedures were well established in the laboratory prior to the start of the TT experiments. The absence of studies on the human biofield from mainstream scientific literature is also discussed by describing the difficulties encountered in publishing. These roadblocks contribute to our lack of understanding of the human biofield and energy medicine modalities in science. In conclusion, this report seeks to encourage well-designed, evidence-based studies on the human biofield and the therapeutic potential of the human biofield.
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Wei M, Wang Z, Yao H, Yang Z, Zhang Q, Liu B, Yu Y, Su L, Zhu Z, Gu Q. P27(Kip1), regulated by glycogen synthase kinase-3β, results in HMBA-induced differentiation of human gastric cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2011; 11:109. [PMID: 21439087 PMCID: PMC3078896 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-11-109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2011] [Accepted: 03/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is the second most common cause of global cancer-related mortality. Although dedifferentiation predicts poor prognosis in gastric cancer, the molecular mechanism underlying dedifferentiation, which could provide fundamental insights into tumor development and progression, has yet to be elucidated. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA), a recently discovered differentiation inducer, requires investigation and there are no reported studies concerning the effect of HMBA on gastric cancer. METHODS Based on the results of FACS analysis, the levels of proteins involved in the cell cycle or apoptosis were determined using western blotting after single treatments and sequential combinations of HMBA and LiCl. GSK-3β and proton pump were investigated by western blotting after up-regulating Akt expression by Ad-Akt infection. To investigate the effects of HMBA on protein localization and the activities of GSK-3β, CDK2 and CDK4, kinase assays, immunoprecipitation and western blotting were performed. In addition, northern blotting and RNase protection assays were carried out to determine the functional concentration of HMBA. RESULTS HMBA increased p27(Kip1) expression and induced cell cycle arrest associated with gastric epithelial cell differentiation. In addition, treating gastric-derived cells with HMBA induced G0/G1 arrest and up-regulation of the proton pump, a marker of gastric cancer differentiation. Moreover, treatment with HMBA increased the expression and activity of GSK-3β in the nucleus but not the cytosol. HMBA decreased CDK2 activity and induced p27(Kip1) expression, which could be rescued by inhibition of GSK-3β. Furthermore, HMBA increased p27(Kip1) binding to CDK2, and this was abolished by GSK-3β inhibition. CONCLUSIONS The results presented herein suggest that GSK-3β functions by regulating p27(Kip1) assembly with CDK2, thereby playing a critical role in G0/G1 arrest associated with HMBA-induced gastric epithelial cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wei
- Key Laboratory of Shanghai Gastric Neoplasms, Department of Surgery, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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15
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Mills PJ, Jain S. Biofield therapies and psychoneuroimmunology. Brain Behav Immun 2010; 24:1229-30. [PMID: 20656011 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2010.07.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2010] [Accepted: 07/17/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Mills
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, USA.
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Lutgendorf SK, Mullen-Houser E, Russell D, Degeest K, Jacobson G, Hart L, Bender D, Anderson B, Buekers TE, Goodheart MJ, Antoni MH, Sood AK, Lubaroff DM. Preservation of immune function in cervical cancer patients during chemoradiation using a novel integrative approach. Brain Behav Immun 2010; 24:1231-40. [PMID: 20600809 PMCID: PMC3010350 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2010.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2010] [Revised: 06/23/2010] [Accepted: 06/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients receiving chemoradiation for cervical cancer are at risk for distress, chemoradiation-related side-effects, and immunosuppression. This prospective randomized clinical trial examined effects of a complementary therapy, Healing Touch (HT), versus relaxation training (RT) and usual care (UC) for (1) supporting cellular immunity, (2) improving mood and quality of life (QOL), and (3) reducing treatment-associated toxicities and treatment delay in cervical cancer patients receiving chemoradiation. Sixty women with stages IB1 to IVA cervical cancer were randomly assigned to receive UC or 4 ×/weekly individual sessions of either HT or RT immediately following radiation during their 6-week chemoradiation treatment. Patients completed psychosocial assessments and blood sampling before chemoradiation at baseline, weeks 4 and 6. Multilevel regression analyses using orthogonal contrasts tested for differences between treatment conditions over time. HT patients had a minimal decrease in natural killer cell cytotoxicity (NKCC) over the course of treatment whereas NKCC of RT and UC patients declined sharply during chemoradiation (group by time interaction: p = 0.018). HT patients showed greater decreases in two different indicators of depressed mood (CES-D depressed mood subscale and POMS depression scale) compared to RT and UC (group by time interactions: p<0.05). No between group differences were observed in QOL, treatment delay, or clinically-rated toxicities. HT may benefit cervical cancer patients by moderating effects of chemoradiation on depressed mood and cellular immunity. Effects of HT on toxicities, treatment delay, QOL, and fatigue were not observed. Long-term clinical implications of findings are not known.
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Wang SC, Lu MC, Chen HL, Tseng HI, Ke YY, Wu YC, Yang PY. Cytotoxicity of calotropin is through caspase activation and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins in K562 cells. Cell Biol Int 2009; 33:1230-6. [PMID: 19732845 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellbi.2009.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2008] [Revised: 06/26/2008] [Accepted: 08/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Calotropin is one of cardenolides isolated from milkweed used for medicinal purposes in many Asian countries. Whereas calotropin possesses cytotoxicity against several cancer cells, the mechanisms of action remain unclear. We set out to evaluate the cytotoxic mechanism of calotropin on human chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells. Calotropin inhibited the growth of K562 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner by G(2)/M phase arrest. It upregulated the expression of p27 leading to this arrest by downregulating the G2/M regulatory proteins, cyclins A and B, and by upregulating the cdk inhibitor, p27. Furthermore, it downregulated anti-apoptotic signaling (XIAP and survivin) and survival pathways (p-Akt and NFkappaB), leading to caspase-3 activation which resulted in the induction of apoptosis. In all, calotropin exerted its anticancer activity on K562 cells by modulating the pro-survival signaling that leads to induction of apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Chung Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan
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Shao L, Zhang J, Chen L, Zhang X, Chen KW. Effects of external qi of qigong with opposing intentions on proliferation of Escherichia coli. J Altern Complement Med 2009; 15:567-71. [PMID: 19425820 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2008.0408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The existence and characteristics of external qi (EQ) in qigong therapy has long been subject to scientific debate and rigorous examination. The therapist's intent has played an important role in many studies. This study investigates the effect of EQ with opposing intentions on the proliferation of Escherichia coli. METHODS We performed two studies with the same design. In study 1, 75 5-mL tubes containing test samples (3 mL each) were randomly divided into three groups: control, promoted, and inhibited group (25 each). In study 2, three 96-well plates with test samples (200 microL each) were randomly designated as control, promoted, or inhibited. Test samples were placed 60 cm apart on a bench with control in the middle. A qigong therapist performed EQ with either promoting or killing intent for 15 minutes each on the treatment groups. After incubation for 24 hours, optical density of the E. coli samples was measured at 600 nm (OD(600)). RESULTS In the initial experiment of both studies, the OD(600) value of the promoted group was significantly higher than that of control (p < 0.05), while the OD(600) value of the inhibited group was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.01), suggesting that the healer's intent played a critical role in the effects of EQ on E.coli proliferation. However, subsequent experiments did not replicate the initial finding in either study and showed a pattern of declining effect. CONCLUSION A healer's intent may affect the proliferation of microbes with specificity and directivity, so future studies of bioenergy healing should take the role of intention into consideration. The circumstances surrounding replication of the results in such biofield studies need further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxiang Shao
- College of Chemistry and Life Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
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