Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 26, 2024 13 hours, 48 minutes ago
Medical News: Glioblastoma, a type of aggressive brain cancer, remains one of the most challenging conditions to treat effectively. Patients diagnosed with glioblastoma often face a poor prognosis, with survival rates rarely extending beyond 15 months despite advancements in surgical and therapeutic interventions. Conventional treatments, such as surgical removal, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, struggle to overcome barriers like the blood-brain barrier, which prevents many drugs from reaching the tumor site. In this context, natural remedies, particularly essential oils derived from plants, are gaining attention for their potential to complement or enhance existing treatments.
A recent breakthrough study conducted by researchers from Southwest University and Chongqing Industry Polytechnic College in China explores how essential oils extracted from citrus peels may serve as a novel tool against glioblastoma. This
Medical News report delves into the details of their research and findings, making the information accessible to all readers.
The Power of Citrus Peels
Citrus fruits are widely appreciated for their health benefits and refreshing aroma. However, their peels, often discarded as waste, harbor a treasure trove of bioactive compounds. Citrus peel essential oils (CPEOs) are rich in substances such as D-limonene, α-pinene, and β-myrcene, which have shown promise in combating various diseases, including cancer. The researchers investigated five types of citrus peel oils, derived from different varieties of citrus fruits grown in China. These oils were analyzed for their chemical composition and their effects on glioblastoma cells.
The Methodology Behind the Study
The study utilized a well-established glioblastoma cell line known as U251 to evaluate the effects of the citrus peel oils. The oils were extracted through steam distillation, and their chemical profiles were analyzed using advanced techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Key compounds, including D-limonene and α-pinene, were identified in varying concentrations among the different oils.
The oils’ ability to inhibit cancer cell growth was assessed using several laboratory techniques. These included measuring cell viability, analyzing cell migration, examining changes in the cell cycle, and observing indicators of programmed cell death, specifically a process called calcicoptosis.
What is Calcicoptosis?
Calcicoptosis is a newly identified form of cell death triggered by an overload of calcium ions within cells. This condition disrupts the mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of cells, leading to excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and, ultimately, cell death. By inducing calcicoptosis, researchers believe they can target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells, as cancer cells are often more susceptible to such mechanisms.
Key Findings of the Study
The study revealed several significant findings:
-Potent Inhibition of Glioblastoma Cells: Among the five oils tested, two - extra
cted from XingLuBiXiYou (XLB) and RongAnJinDan (RA) citrus varieties - demonstrated the strongest ability to inhibit glioblastoma cell growth. These oils showed a dose-dependent effect, meaning higher concentrations led to greater inhibition of cancer cell proliferation.
-Cell Cycle Arrest: The oils effectively arrested glioblastoma cells in the G1/G0 phase of the cell cycle. This phase is critical for cell growth and DNA replication, and its disruption prevents cancer cells from dividing and spreading.
-Induction of Apoptosis and Calcicoptosis: Both oils triggered apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, in glioblastoma cells. They also induced calcicoptosis by increasing intracellular calcium levels, which caused mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS accumulation. This dual mechanism underscores the oils’ potential to attack cancer cells on multiple fronts.
-Suppression of Antioxidant Defenses: Glioblastoma cells rely on antioxidant systems to survive the oxidative stress caused by their rapid growth. The oils inhibited key antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD), tipping the balance toward oxidative stress and cell death.
-Impact of Major and Minor Compounds: While D-limonene emerged as a major contributor to the oils’ anticancer effects, minor compounds likely played a synergistic role. This highlights the complexity and potential of using whole essential oils rather than isolated components.
Conclusions and Future Prospects
This study sheds light on the potential of citrus peel essential oils as a natural, effective, and low-resistance treatment option for glioblastoma. By leveraging mechanisms such as calcicoptosis and oxidative stress, these oils could complement existing therapies or even lead to the development of new standalone treatments.
However, it is important to note that these findings are based on laboratory studies using cell cultures. Further research, including animal studies and clinical trials, is essential to confirm the safety and efficacy of these oils in human patients. Additionally, the researchers emphasized the need to optimize extraction methods and identify the most effective combinations of compounds to maximize therapeutic benefits.
The Study Findings Were Published in the Peer-Reviewed Journal: Antioxidants
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/14/1/11
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Medical News.
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/repurposed-cancer-drugs-offer-hope-for-glioblastoma-treatment
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