Efforts to prevent cancer are on the increase

Article Abstract:

More than 40 clinical trials, testing more than 20 agents, are being sponsored by the National Cancer Institute to assess chemoprevention, or the use of agents that could prevent cancer from developing. These agents include vitamins, high-fiber material such as wheat bran, other dietary components and various synthetic drugs. Five major groups of agents, based on their mechanism of action, are being tested. One group is the retinoids, of which vitamin A is a member, as well as its precursor beta-carotene. Foods rich in Vitamin A and beta-carotene may protect against the development of lung, skin, breast and cervical cancers. The retinoids induce cell maturation and inhibit cell proliferation, which occurs uncontrollably in cancer. The anti-oxidants, including vitamin E, comprise another group. They may protect against genetic changes or mutations and may prevent lung cancer. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, are being tested because they may inhibit cell proliferation, prevent mutation and inhibit the advancement of polyps in the colon to colon cancer. Another group are calcium-containing agents such as calcium carbonate and calcium lactate. Calcium binds to bile acids, which cause proliferation of intestinal cells and may prevent colon cancer. The last group are less familiar drugs, such as Oltipraz and difluoromethylornithine, which inhibit cell proliferation. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Testing, Cancer research, Prevention, Vitamin E, Cancer, Cancer prevention, Antioxidants, Antioxidants (Nutrients), Calcium, Calcium (Chemical element), Anti-inflammatory drugs, Anti-inflammatory agents, Retinoids

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A new guide to the human genome

Article Abstract:

The Human Genome Project has produced a new physical map of the human genome, which includes over 15,000 specific sequence markers, covering around 95% of the genome. The map, presented in Science, Dec 22, 1995, lays groundwork for sequencing the three billion bases that make up the genome.

Reports, Human genetics, Human Genome Project, Genomes

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