Synthite Tea Extract and Long Pepper Extract Selectively Induce Cell Death and Improve the Efficacy of Chemotherapeutics in Prostate Cancer Cells
Standing
Undergraduate
Type of Proposal
Oral Research Presentation
Challenges Theme
Open Challenge
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Siyaram Pandey
Proposal
Prostate cancer is the third deadliest, most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in Canada. Current chemotherapies used for treatment are not selective, which results in severe negative side effects and decreased quality of life. Natural Health Products (NHPs) have been shown to have anti-oxidative properties and may be capable of selectively inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Synthite Tea Extract (STE) and Long Pepper Extract (LPE) were used individually and in combination to test for anti-cancer effects against prostate cancer cell lines DU-145 and PC-3. Additionally, testing using Tetramethylrhodamine Methyl ester (TMRM) and 2’,7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (H2DCFDA) will be done to understand the extracts’ mechanism of action and identify whether any positive or negative extract-extract interactions exist. The extracts will also be tested in combination with chemotherapies, specifically Taxol, to determine if their anti-oxidative properties interfere with the chemotherapy’s effectiveness. Quantitative and qualitative results gathered using Annexin V and propidium iodide (AVPI) for both extracts have shown anti-cancer effects by a reduction in live cancer cells post-treatment. Initial trials using STE and LPE in combination have also shown a synergistic effect and enhanced anti-cancer capabilities. Future experiments will incorporate cancerous stem cell staining with visualization through fluorescence microscopy, and ultimately, extract treatment using 3D cell culture analysis. STE and LPE are strong candidates for potential prostate cancer treatment with improved patient prognosis and quality of life as they are non-toxic. In addition, NHPs are cheaper than traditional chemotherapies, making them more accessible.
Grand Challenges
Viable, Healthy and Safe Communities
Synthite Tea Extract and Long Pepper Extract Selectively Induce Cell Death and Improve the Efficacy of Chemotherapeutics in Prostate Cancer Cells
Prostate cancer is the third deadliest, most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in Canada. Current chemotherapies used for treatment are not selective, which results in severe negative side effects and decreased quality of life. Natural Health Products (NHPs) have been shown to have anti-oxidative properties and may be capable of selectively inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Synthite Tea Extract (STE) and Long Pepper Extract (LPE) were used individually and in combination to test for anti-cancer effects against prostate cancer cell lines DU-145 and PC-3. Additionally, testing using Tetramethylrhodamine Methyl ester (TMRM) and 2’,7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (H2DCFDA) will be done to understand the extracts’ mechanism of action and identify whether any positive or negative extract-extract interactions exist. The extracts will also be tested in combination with chemotherapies, specifically Taxol, to determine if their anti-oxidative properties interfere with the chemotherapy’s effectiveness. Quantitative and qualitative results gathered using Annexin V and propidium iodide (AVPI) for both extracts have shown anti-cancer effects by a reduction in live cancer cells post-treatment. Initial trials using STE and LPE in combination have also shown a synergistic effect and enhanced anti-cancer capabilities. Future experiments will incorporate cancerous stem cell staining with visualization through fluorescence microscopy, and ultimately, extract treatment using 3D cell culture analysis. STE and LPE are strong candidates for potential prostate cancer treatment with improved patient prognosis and quality of life as they are non-toxic. In addition, NHPs are cheaper than traditional chemotherapies, making them more accessible.