Biology-QA/14

Part A
B.1
Petrochemical supplements and its role in preventing the progression or occurrence of chronic disease has gain lo of significance in past few years and it is mainly due to the increase in the number of peoples using the vitamin and mineral supplements to avoid such diseases. However, there is no such concrete evidence which could justify the intake of these supplements to cure or prevent these diseases. In recent studies it is shown that over half of the American population is taking mineral and vitamin supplements in expectation of feeling better and in order to prevent some common illnesses despite the evidence being against of such perceptions. So the main question which arises from the findings is that ‘is the intake of the vitamin and mineral supplements is healthful or is it really a wishful thinking or a myth’?
What is petrochemical?

According to Harvard professional on nutrition petrochemicals are a huge group of plant based compounds derived in order to protect from the diseases. The occurrence of these chemical compounds in plant is natural. They are responsible for the narcoleptic properties in plants and are also responsible for the color of the specific plant and fruit.
There are various types of petrochemicals which are found in different plans and fruits. Phenol acids, flavoring and aligns are the types of petrochemicals found in plants and fruits. Flavoring are considered to be the most vital petrochemical found in these plant based derivatives. These flavoring provide different chemical compounds which can be useful for the body in terms of their properties fighting against certain diseases.
Is flavoring and other petrochemical supplements are helpful in prevention for occurrence of chronic diseases?
The main aim of this essay is to provide an insight based on evidences that these minerals and vitamins supplements are responsible for prevention in occurrence and progression of the chronic diseases such as cancer, cardio vascular diseases and diabetes. With the discovery of French paradox previously it was indicative that certain flavoring and petrochemical are responsible for low mortality rates in Mediterranean region. The phenomenon was studied extensively after the discovery of the French paradox and it was concluded that the intake of petrochemical is not entirely responsible for the low mortality rates and in fat it is inversely related with the mortality rate occurring due to chronic cardio vascular diseases.
Over the years due to lack of studies and research on the topic it is perceived that the intake of petrochemicals as food supplements is beneficiary more in the terms of good health and prevention and cure of chronic diseases. However, with recent developments and more extensive researches it is clear that the myth is not entirely true and also the mechanistic study of the same has produced enough evidence for the same.
Epidemiological studies over the years have suggested that the consumption of a diet consists of high intakes of fruits and vegetables are responsible for a reduced risk of coronary diseases. However, till now there is not enough evidence which can ably support this concept. From the reports it is conclusive that a whole food based diet is far better and helpful than eating supplements. Vegetables and fruits are vital sources of a diverse variety of many beneficial agents such as minerals, vitamins, fiber and petrochemicals. Supplements may be rich in petrochemicals compounds but may not be comprised of fiber or required vitamins hence it cannot be termed as full source of dietary supplement against a whole food based diet. And in addition to this it must also be considered that eating a whole food based diet provides exercise for other body organs such as mouth and teeth. It also sparks digestive system which is essential in order to have a good metabolism. If we see from public health view supplements can never be as beneficial as whole food based diet. The process of eating a food based diet is entirely different from just having a supplement. The process itself is beneficial in many aspects and can provide additional benefits to the body.
There are many petrochemicals have been identified in plant based foods which have several biological functions and which are specifically designed in a way by nature to fight against different anomalies. Hence, it is advisable for the individuals to eat a diverse variety of plant based fruits which will help them to derive optimum benefits from the vegetables and fruits they consume.
What must be the recommended intake then of the petrochemicals?

There is a lack of data on the advisable food composition which can be beneficial. Without a true understanding of the metabolism and absorption of petrochemical compounds researchers have not created any dietary plan or reference intake for these chemical compounds. Hence, a recommended intake for the same is not available.
Conclusion

Supplementation is not recommended because there is lack of study materials on the long term effects of the pharmacological doses of the plant based chemical compounds on individual health. There is also a lack of understanding between food and health and it is very complex. With all the evidence it is clear that a balanced diet is essential and beneficiary in long term health issues and food supplements may reduce the interactions between eating a whole food based diet and its benefits.

B.2
As researchers are ceaselessly working towards developing new anti cancer drugs everyday with new vigor and practice, it becomes important to see in what direction does the research is heading with its new dimensions. As we have reviewed the articles from the anal magazine and read about in nitro anti cancer effects of the prescribed PMs. Yes, in nitro anti cancer effects of the prescribed PMs do warrant animal studies as one cannot generalize the whole study process being done in a controlled and sterile conditions.
PMs

Hepatocyte is one of the most frequently occurred liver cancers found in children and the mortality rate is over 50% in this case. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non receptor from the super family of tyro sine kinase and is very vital in many aspects of cancer progression and development. It has been found in many kid related tumors and also in adult carcinoma. In this PMF we have deployed both in viva and in nitro approach to inhibit the FAK molecules to spread by apoptosis. FAK is mainly activated by the by the tyro sine kinase 397 residue which increases the expression of inhibitor of proteins in apoptosis.
In nitro effects Cancer specimens and cell line of the specimen
Paraffin induced Hepatocyte specimens and formalin fixed specimens were taken from one of the leading medical institutions after the required approval. The institute was really helpful for the procurement of the specimen and they removed the need of asking for consent as the specimens were already taken for further treatment and diagnosis. All these cell lines were used in Dulbecco’s modified medium eagles with 10% of FBS.
The entire procedure was then taken through the in nitro processes. Antibodies and reagents were used for the cell line. Western blot analysis was used for anti bodies. The process was carried out with mouse monoclonal anti FAK and rabbit poly clonal anti phosphor FAK. The in vitro process was proved to be successful as researchers have found the presence of FAK expression in 24 specimens out of all 28 specimens who were taken for examinations. FAK was further phosphorylated in all the 28 tumor specimens. A stain score was then calculated for al these specimens and the median score for all these specimens were 33.7. However, the numbers were too small to be taken into consideration but despite that it has provided enough room for the in vivo analysis of the cell line. And it was also not the prime goal of the research and with the current score when matched up with previous research the whole scene and score was found to be relevant. In the process we were able to find the cell line of human Hepatocyte. Hence, when we reviewed the literature we were able to reach to the conclusion that the entire process requires in vivo analysis as research only on cell lines will not provide ample proof of the remedy prescribed by the PMFs. In the process we have seen that several isolated molecules were taken as specimens to carry out the in vitro test. However, on the basis of tests on isolated cells it cannot be said that the remedy obtained from the process is entirely full proof and can be carried out on humans. The process shown enough promise but it has first to be carried out on animals in order to establish a strong relationship between the remedy and its applications. The entire procedure was then taken through the in vitro processes. Antibodies and reagents were used for the cell line. Western blot analysis was used for anti bodies. The process was carried out with mouse monoclonal anti FAK and rabbit polyclonal anti phosphor FAK.
The paradigm of such tests which includes the extension of cells through some chemical methods cannot be fully trusted and they must be tested on animals before being tested on humans. This may sound unethical but it has t be done in this way. An in vitro test only provides an insight into a possibility which cannot be guaranteed as the implications of the same is not tested yet on any living organism. Hence the testing must be carried out on animals after the in vitro PMFs.
Clinical trials are another aspect which must be utilized in order study the effect of the tests. The vitality of tests must be checked as they can act as a major breakthrough in terms of providing that vital aspect of treatment which many are waiting for.
 
Part C
 
C.1
Foods and vegetables have always been considered as important source of preventing many diseases. As we always have heard the most popular proverb ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’. This sums up the general views in terms of the vitality of fruits and vegetable in our diet and we must include a high intake of fruits and vegetables in our diet.In the recent developments it is found that Penelope from tomato can be helpful in prevention of the formation and development of many types of cancers which includes prostate cancer and colon cancer. Recent experimental studies have shown that Penelope may decrease the growth of many cultured cancer cells and prevent prostate parthenogenesis in tested animal models. Many metabolites from Penelope has been identified which can be helpful in preventing the occurrence of cancer. However, it is quite difficult at this juncture to say anything concrete as there is a need of some more very controlled clinical trials to further state the role of Penelope in curing and preventing cancer.
Epidemiological studies in the recent past has cited that individuals consuming a rich tomato diet which has high concentration levels of Penelope has shown lower risk in terms of some types of cancers. It is due to the fact that Penelope molecules contains anti tum oral activity in many types of cancers.
Mechanisms of tumor prevention by tomato Penelope

Following are the potential mechanisms of cancer prevention by tomato Penelope:
1. It increases redo activity.
2. It inhibits invasion and metastasis
3. It decreases cholesterol effects
4. It regulates transcription
5. It enhances gap functional communication
6. It enables the induction of second phase of enzymes (phase 2)
7. It enables modulation of expression of cytokine
8. It shows interference of growth factor in signalling
9. It inhibits apoptosis induction
Despite all these vital antioxidants effects of tomato Penelope in nitro, there is however a very limited support for in viva antioxidant role of tomato Penelope and it is because of many factors which includes the lack of studies on the topic, the problem in finding out the adequate methods for the testing of antioxidant activity and due to metabolism and stability of Penelope molecules.
Ginger extracts from ginger has also been identified as a possible antioxidant and anti inflammatory agent to fight against cancer. It is helpful in fighting against many forms of cancers such as tumors in colons, pancreas and breast ovaries. In many a recent studies conducted by many researchers Ginger has shown antioxidant, anti tumor and anti inflammatory properties.
Ginger has always been considered as an important spice, traditional medicine for several human diseases and its usage dates back to ancient period. Ginger has Phenol compounds known as Ginger which is possesses anti carcinogenic properties along with anti inflammatory and anti oxidant activity. It inhibits the activation of NF-Kb which can be induced by diverse factors. As we all know cancer is directly linked with oxidative stress and inflammation so any chemical compound which shows antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties can act as a anti carcinogenic agent. It is known for curing many common ailments like diarrhea, nausea and common cold. It also is known to have chemo preventive properties.
Ginger is comprised of two groups of compounds which are volatile and non volatile chemicals. It has 6-gingerol and engineering which helps in curing stomach upsets. However, Ginger are identified as the most active chemical compound in the ginger.
Anti cancer or tumor properties of Ginger or ginger

The presence of Ginger as the most active chemical compound in ginger is the major factor why ginger is considered to be anti cancer. Due to this ginger is a highly potent anti androgenic activity in vivo and in nitro. The main mechanism of Ginger involved in chemo preventive properties and anti cancer agent is through diverse pathways which includes the inhibitions of certain chemical compounds through MAP-NF-Kb. A genuine anti cancer drug is extracted from ginger and it activates apoptosis via mitochondrial release of cancer cells.
Gingerol is also effective against ovaries cell cancer in vivo. Ginger and shoals are also effective against skin cancer and pancreatic cancer. The mechanism works clinically and provides required impetus for the treatment of cancer.
Tea extract and its vital component biotechnological (EGCG) are widely identified as possessing anti cancer properties. It is found in many experimental studies. Recent studies have shown that EGCG and the integration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have shown signs of the cure in cervical cancers.
EGCG is the water ex tractable fraction of tea and it contains various polyphonic chemical compounds which are known as catechist. It is the most potent compound found in tea and over the years with many researches it has shown the expression of possessing many anti cancer properties which can help in preventing cancer.
In past studies it was evident that EGCG has helped in the inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor. This receptor belongs to receptor tyro sine kinase super family. However, the overall mechanism of EGCG meditation is not fully understood yet.
 
C.2

In vitro study of the anti cancer PMFs has always been considered to spark controversies. However, in the recent past it has also been vital in identifying many anti inflammatory and anti oxidants in plant based treatment through its extensive PMFs.
In vitro PMFs do warrant animal studies as one cannot summarize and relate the studies with the humans on the basis of some research on animals and cells. Cells studies is altogether a different thing and every individual possess different characteristics which is unique and hence generalizing the whole population on the basis of some sub par population will not yield accurate result.
The PMFs described in the articles were of standard valuation and have contributed significantly in identifying several anti cancer agents through their extensive models. The tryphan blue dye exclusion assay is the most used test to test the viability of cells. However the testing is done under control and sterile environment and thus the result which is expected from the test can be enhanced through measured inputs. One cannot generalize the in vitro anti cancer effects done under controlled and sterile environments on a population which is living outside of such context.
The paradigm of such tests which includes the extension of cells through some chemical methods cannot be fully trusted and they must be tested on animals before being tested on humans. This may sound unethical but it has t be done in this way. An in vitro test only provides an insight into a possibility which cannot be guaranteed as the implications of the same is not tested yet on any living organism. Hence the testing must be carried out on animals after the in vitro PMFs.
Clinical trials are another aspect which must be utilized in order study the effect of the tests. The vitality of tests must be checked as they can act as a major breakthrough in terms of providing that vital aspect of treatment which many are waiting for.
Ca 2+ controls many cellular processes which also include tumorigenesis like apoptosis, proliferation, gene transcription and angiogenesis. Many cancers are linked with down ward or upward regulation of ca2+ pumps or channels.
Many studies has reviewed and identified the apoptotic pathway governed by 1,25(oh)2d3 with rise in ca2+ and calpain activation caspase 12 activation resulted in apoptosis. The differences between the signalling of ca2+ between normal cells and breast cancer can be utilized to subdue the further search in terms of selective anti tumour vitamin D which can be effective in treatment of cancers which are drivers to the induction of ca2+ and meditated apoptosis.
In order to prevent and cure obesity the induction of medical apoptosis is the latest finding. The removal of adipocytes through the method of apoptosis will yield significant results as it will help in reducing excessive body fat and will help in long term weight loss programme. In the past studies we have seen that a lasting rise in intracellular ca2+ has sparked apoptosis in many cell types through ca2+ activation which is dependent on the proteases and where the apoptosis effect of PMFs in tumour cells is exhibited through signalling ca2+. This paper reports that PMFs induce apoptosis in mature mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes via activation of Ca(2+)-dependent calpain and Ca(2+)/calpain-dependent caspase-12.
Treatment of adipocytes with PMFs evoked, in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion, sustained increase in the basal level of intracellular Ca(2+). The increase in Ca(2+) was associated with induction of apoptosis and activation of mu-calpain and caspase-12. Apoptosis-inducing activity of hydroxylated PMFs was significantly higher than that of the corresponding nonhydroxylated compounds. These results demonstrate that the apoptotic molecular targets activated by PMFs in adipocytes are Ca(2+)-dependent calpain and caspase-12. The findings obtained provide rationale for evaluating the role of PMFs in the prevention and treatment of obesity.
Phenolic chemical compounds and polyphenols are also identified as possible source of PMFs to treat obesity. The structure is derived from flavones nucleus which is generally consists of 3 Phenolic rings.

References

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