TOKYO, August 24, 2021 / PRNewswire / – In a recent study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, researchers at Juntendo University show that essential oils made from lemon verbena can inhibit the growth of skin cancer
Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer with a low survival rate. In addition, patients often become resistant to currently available forms of chemotherapy and no longer respond to treatment. New forms of therapy for melanoma are therefore being scrutinized. In a partnership between Juntendo University and An-Najah National University, a group of researchers recently showed that oils from lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) were useful in this regard.
Aloysia citrodora essential oils (ALOC-EO) have been shown to have anti-cancer properties in breast cancer models. To investigate similar effects in skin cancer, the team first used melanoma cells. When the cells were incubated with ALOC-EO, a suppression of their growth was actually observed. Melanoma cell growth now depends on an intracellular protein known as ERK1 / 2. Upon close examination of ERK1 / 2, it was found that it was blocked after ALOC-EO treatment. Similar observations were made in mouse models of melanoma.
Another critical, but fatal, characteristic of melanoma is its ability to move to distant organs in the body. Therefore, the effects of ALOC-EO on tumor migration were next examined. Indeed, cells treated with ALOC-EO showed a reduced migration potential. Molecules that prevent cells from attaching to a surface (and thereby allowing them to migrate) were also reduced after ALOC-EO treatment.
One cellular pathway that regulates certain types of melanoma is called the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). When the heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF), a signaling protein, binds its partner (EGFR), a chain of events is set in motion that ultimately leads to uncontrolled cell growth, the classic cancer characteristic. However, it has been found that ALOC-EO hinders the retention of these partners. The EGFR pathway is also responsible for the resistance cancer cells develop when treated with chemotherapy drugs. Upon contact with these drugs, melanoma cells secretly begin to produce more EGFR and HB-EGF. However, when mice were treated with chemotherapy drugs in conjunction with ALOC-EO, this mechanism was negated. ALOC-EO not only prevented the growth and spread of skin cancer, but also kept the drug resistance developed by melanoma cells in check.
“In summary, our study shows that ALOC-EO blocks EGFR and ERK1 / 2 signaling, with preclinical efficacy as monotherapy or in combination with myelosuppressive drugs in melanoma,” the researchers conclude. Although further research is needed into these effects, the use of ALOC-EO could facilitate the treatment of skin cancer. Maybe more time for us in the sun. “
background
Melanoma and EGFR signaling: Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF) is a protein that is essential for physiological functions such as wound healing and organ development. Recent evidence has established the increased presence of HB-EGF and its binding partner, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), in various forms of cancer. The signals triggered by the interlocking of these two molecules are responsible for the uncontrolled growth and movement of cancer cells. HB-EGF and EGFR are present in skin cells, making them a key player in melanoma progression.
Given the importance of EGFR signaling to tumor growth, therapeutics for various cancers that specifically target players in this pathway are being explored.
reference
Yousef Salama, Nidal Jaradat, Koichi Hattori, Beate Heissig. Aloysia Citrodora Essential Oil inhibits melanoma cell growth and migration by targeting HB-EGF-EGFR signaling. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22 (15), 8151, July 2021.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22158151
Mission statement
The mission of Juntendo University is to strive for progress in society through education, research and health care, guided by the motto “Jin – I exist as you exist” and the principle “Fudan Zenshin – Continuously Moving Forward”. The spirit of “Jin”, which is the ideal of all those who gather at Juntendo University, means to be kind and considerate to others. The principle of “Fudan Zenshin” conveys the founders’ conviction that educational and research activities can only thrive in an environment of free competition. Our academic environment enables us to develop outstanding students into health care professionals who patients can believe in, scientists who are capable of innovative discoveries and inventions, and global citizens who are ready to serve society.
History of the University of Juntendo
Juntendo was originally founded as a Dutch medical school in 1838, at a time when Western medical education was not yet anchored as a normal part of Japanese society. By founding Juntendo, the founders hoped to create a place where people could come together with the common goal of helping society through the forces of medical education and practice. Their endeavors led to the establishment of the Juntendo Hospital, the first private hospital in Japan. The institution’s experience and perspective as a college and clinical practice venue has enabled Juntendo University over the years to play an integral role in shaping Japanese medical education and practice. In the course of this, the focus of the institution has also expanded, which now consists of six Bachelor and three Graduate courses as well as medicine. Today Juntendo University continues to pursue innovative approaches in education and research on an international level with the aim of transferring the results to society.
additional Information
Juntendo University
2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421 JAPAN
Email: release@juntendo.ac.jp
Website: https://www.juntendo.ac.jp/english/
Research: https://www.juntendo.ac.jp/english/research.html
View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/juntendo-university-research-aromatherapy-in-medicine-essential-oils-prove-to-be-effect-against-skin-cancer -301361252.html
SOURCE Juntendo University
