How cannabis can slow tumour growth revealed

Washington, July 15 (ANI): A new study has revealed how the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis could reduce tumour growth in cancer patients.

According to the study by researchers at University of East Anglia, the findings, suggest the existence of previously unknown signaling platforms which are responsible for the drug's success in shrinking tumours, which could help develop a synthetic equivalent with anti-cancer properties.

The team used samples of human cancer cells to induce tumours in mice. They then targeted the tumours with doses of the cannabis compound THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). They found that two cell receptors in particular were responsible for the drug's anti-tumour effects.

Dr Peter McCormick, from UEA's school of Pharmacy, said that THC, the major active component of marijuana, has anti-cancer properties and this compound is known to act through a specific family of cell receptors called cannabinoid receptors. However, it was unclear which of these receptors were responsible for the anti-tumour effects of THC.

McCormick added that they have found that these effects are mediated via the joint interaction of CB2 and GPR55 - two members of the cannabinoid receptor family and their findings help explain some of the well-known but still poorly understood effects of THC at low and high doses on tumour growth.

The scientists said that by identifying the receptors involved they have provided an important step towards the future development of therapeutics that can take advantage of the interactions they have discovered to reduce tumour growth.

The research uses an isolated chemical compound and using the correct concentration is vital.

However, the scientists also warned that cancer patients should not use cannabis to self-medicate, but they hope that the research will lead to a safe synthetic equivalent being available in the future.

The study was published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

How stress leads to obesity revealed

Washington, July 16 : A new study has revealed the process that can disrupt the process of fat tissue development due to stress.

The study showed that adenosine, a metabolite released when the body was under stress or during an inflammatory response, stopped the process of adipogenesis, when adipose (fat) stem cells differentiated into adult fat cells.

The findings indicated that the body's response to stress, potentially stopping the production of fat cell development, might be doing more harm than good under conditions of obesity and/or high levels of circulating blood fat.

The process is halted due to a newly identified signaling from an adenosine receptor, the A2b adenosine receptor (A2bAR) to a stem cell factor, known as KLF4, which regulates stem cell maintenance. When A2bAR is expressed, KLF4 level is augmented, leading to inhibition of differentiation of fat stem cells. The correlation between these two factors leads to an interruption of fat cell development, which could result in issues with fat storage within the cells and it getting into the bloodstream.

Katya Ravid, DSc/PhD, said that it might seem counterintuitive, but the body needs fat tissue in order to function properly, and certain biochemical cellular processes were necessary for this to happen.

He further explained, however, the study indicated that a dysfunction resulting from stress or inflammation could disrupt the process of fat tissue development, which could have a negative impact on processes dependent on proper fat cell homeostasis.

Fish Oil Supplements usage may improve memory

Washington, July 16 (ANI): A new study has revealed that regular use of fish oil supplements (FOS) reduces incidence of cognitive decline and it may improve memory.

The study examined the relationship between FOS use during the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) and indicators of cognitive decline.

Lori Daiello, principal investigator, PharmD, of the Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders Center at Rhode Island Hospital said that at least one person was diagnosed every minute with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and despite best efforts they have not yet found a cure for this pervasive and debilitating disease.

He further added that they are now researching ways to prevent AD or slow cognitive decline in normal aging, howerver, the positive findings on cognitive testing and brain MRI were only observed in persons who did not carry the best-studied genetic risk factor for AD, APOE-4 so more research would be needed.

It was estimated that more than 5 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer's disease, which was most common form of dementia and was the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.

The study is published online in advance of print in the journal Alzheimer's and Dementia