pomegranate extract, other polyphenol from bright colored fruits/veges may interfere

Lani · 07-29-2011, 08:01 AM

with herceptin, other antiher2 therapies

Breast Cancer (Auckl). 2011;5:143-54. Epub 2011 Jul 12.
Delphinidin Inhibits HER2 and Erk1/2 Signaling and Suppresses Growth of HER2-Overexpressing and Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cell Lines.
Ozbay T, Nahta R.
Source
Departments of Pharmacology.
Abstract
Delphinidin is a polyphenolic compound found in many brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Delphinidin is also the major bioactive component found in many dietary supplements that are currently consumed as complementary cancer medicine including pomegranate extract. The purpose of the current study was to determine the in vitro biological effects of delphinidin on established breast cancer cell lines of varying molecular subtypes in comparison to non-transformed breast epithelial cells. We examined cell proliferation, apoptosis, and growth inhibition in response to delphinidin using a tetrazolium salt-based assay, DNA fragmentation assay, and anchorage-independent growth assay. In comparison to vehicle control, delphinidin inhibited proliferation (P < 0.05), blocked anchorage-independent growth (P < 0.05), and induced apoptosis (P < 0.05) of ER-positive, triple negative, and HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cell lines with limited toxicity to non-transformed breast epithelial cells. MAPK signaling was partially reduced in triple negative cells and ER-negative chemically transformed MCF10A cells after treatment with delphinidin. In addition, delphinidin induced a significant level of apoptosis in HER2-overexpressing cells in association with reduced HER2 and MAPK signaling. Since delphinidin is often consumed as a complementary cancer medicine, the effect of delphinidin on response to specific HER2-targeted breast cancer therapies was examined by proliferation assay. Results of these drug combination studies suggested potential antagonism between delphinidin and HER2-directed treatments. In summary, the data presented here suggest that single agent delphinidin exhibits growth inhibitory activity in breast cancer cells of various molecular subtypes, but raise concerns regarding potential drug antagonism when used in combination with existing targeted therapies in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer.

PMID: 21792311

pibikay · 07-31-2011, 01:49 AM

Thanks Lani

ElaineM · 07-31-2011, 09:21 PM

It is hard to figure out what to eat and what not to eat with all the different studies. I guess there are alot of factors to consider when reading about these studies.
I found a different opinion. See link below.

http://foodforbreastcancer.com/foods/pomegranates

http://foodforbreastcancer.com/artic...rvivors-eat%3f

Lani · 08-01-2011, 05:45 AM

What I posted was not opinion, but science. That does not make it true in people or at all dosages.

In a petri dish these effects were noted and only due to one component of pomegranate extract (which may contain many different active ingredients, some of which may act in the same and some in opposing ways)

Posting the article was not to imply that the answer is known as to whether pomegranates are good or bad for her2+ bc, but rather to raise the question that they may interfere with the good herceptin may be doing.

I agree that all kinds of opinions are out there. That is why it is nice that someone is trying to objectify nutritional ingredients actions--especially as there is no drug company money to help them do the research.

ElaineM · 08-01-2011, 11:04 AM

There are often different scientific opinions which makes life interesting for consumers trying to do the right thing and eat the right foods. It is good that we have access to more than one opinion about things, so we can make good choices for ourselves.
I will continue to eat a little pomegrande in moderation. In any case it is certainly better for me than junk food.

ElaineM · 08-01-2011, 11:46 AM

Phytochemicals in Pomegranates Stop Growth of Breast Cancer Tumors in Study
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/ma...iclekey=109833
Pomegranate seed may cause breast cancer cells to self-destruct
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Rese...-self-destruct
Maybe it depends on what kind of breast cancer a person has (ER+ or Her2+ or inflammatory etc. etc.).
I wonder if our dietician Tanya has some information about this topic? Feel free to participate Tanya and anyone else who has information on this topic.

Jackie07 · 08-01-2011, 12:23 PM

Began to wonder if the classification of 'Cold' and 'Hot' in Chinese herbal medicine has anything to do with cell proliferation.

Each herbal formula also has notations on when it is supposed to be given. Certain herbs are never given to patients right after a surgical procedure. Some 'mild' types are OK for all patients (including healthy persons), others would specify 'not for pregnant women' or 'not for children' or 'not for certain stages' of a disease.

A 'strong' (usually 'hot' type of) medicine given to a patient in certain 'weak' state can kill instead of heal the patient. I wondered if those observations fit modern scientific findings.

ElaineM · 08-01-2011, 08:08 PM

Good point Jackie. I am going to look in my book on Chinese medicine. If I don't find anything there I can ask my naturopath on Wednesday. He also has a degree in Chinese medicine in addition to a degree in naturopathic medicine. He is licensed in both.
Nice photo of your father. Many more birthdays to him !!