HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - those taking black cohosh may want to read this!!!!

Lolly · 04-11-2006, 08:39 AM

Does black cohosh accelerate tumor metastasis via regulation of prostaglandin levels?
Erica Sparkenbaugh, PI: Dr. Vicki Davis Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Duquesne University

Since black cohosh is a natural supplement for reducing menopausal symptoms, many women believe it is safer than hormone replacement therapy regarding breast cancer risk. However, MMTV- neu mice treated with black cohosh had an increase in mammary tumor metastases compared to untreated mice. Since increased prostaglandin levels have been linked to metastatic disease, we will determine if levels of PGE 2 in mammary and tumor tissue of mice treated with black cohosh are increased compared with untreated mice. PGE 2 levels will be determined using a PGE 2 immunoassay designed for testing PGE 2 levels in serum, optimized for mammary and tumor tissue. PGE 2 levels will be normalized to total protein level. Increased levels of PGE 2 in mammary and tumor tissue are expected from the black cohosh treated mice. This study will determine if black cohosh increases mammary tumor metastasis by increasing PGE 2 levels. If so, women may be able take Cox-2 inhibitors with black cohosh to counteract this adverse effect.

04-11-2006, 08:39 AM	#3
Lolly Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,756	Another piece to the puzzle? Does black cohosh accelerate tumor metastasis via regulation of prostaglandin levels? Erica Sparkenbaugh, PI: Dr. Vicki Davis Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Duquesne University Since black cohosh is a natural supplement for reducing menopausal symptoms, many women believe it is safer than hormone replacement therapy regarding breast cancer risk. However, MMTV- neu mice treated with black cohosh had an increase in mammary tumor metastases compared to untreated mice. Since increased prostaglandin levels have been linked to metastatic disease, we will determine if levels of PGE 2 in mammary and tumor tissue of mice treated with black cohosh are increased compared with untreated mice. PGE 2 levels will be determined using a PGE 2 immunoassay designed for testing PGE 2 levels in serum, optimized for mammary and tumor tissue. PGE 2 levels will be normalized to total protein level. Increased levels of PGE 2 in mammary and tumor tissue are expected from the black cohosh treated mice. This study will determine if black cohosh increases mammary tumor metastasis by increasing PGE 2 levels. If so, women may be able take Cox-2 inhibitors with black cohosh to counteract this adverse effect.