T-bet is a critical transcription factor that regulates differentiation of Th1 cells from CD4(+) precursor cells. Since T-bet directly binds to the promoter of the IFN-γ gene and activates its transcription, T-bet deficiency impairs IFN-γ production in Th1 cells. Interestingly, T-bet-deficient Th cells also display substantially augmented the production of IL-2, a T cell growth factor. Exogenou...

background: regarding the strong differentiation and anti-leukemic activity of dendrostellera lessertii extract, an active agent with similar capabilities was isolated from the crude extract of the plant leaves. the aim of this study was to determine whether the anti-proliferative effect observed for this compound, is differentiation-dependent among the drug-treated cells, using u937 cells. met...

A novel role of the dihydroorotatedehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibitor leflunomide as a potential anti-melanoma therapy was recently reported (Nature 471:518-22, 2011). We previously reported that leflunomide strongly activates the transcriptional activity of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR). We therefore tested whether the AhR regulates the anti-proliferative effects of leflunomide in melanoma. ...

The recent search for new anti-cancer drugs focuses more on natural compounds from the regular human diet because these compounds rarely exhibit severe side-effects yet efficiently act on a wide range of molecular targets involved in carcinogenesis. One promising compound, which is now being tested in clinical studies, is the tomato-derived carotenoid lycopene. This review summarizes the curren...

Title of Document: ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIPROLIFERATIVE PROPERTIES OF SELECTED GRAPE SEED EXTRACTS Raquel Zorah Bloom, Master of Science, 2009 Directed By: Associate Professor Dr. Liangli Yu Nutrition and Food Science This study examined chardonnay, muscadine, concord, and ruby red grape seed oil and flour extracts for antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties. The extracts were tested for tot...

Introduction: Previous studies have demonstrated cytotoxic effects of Ferula assa-foetida. In the present study, anti-proliferative effect this plant on two species cancer cells related to pancreatic (MIA PaCa-2) and ovarian (SKOV-3) was investigated.