Transplant recipients are at significantly increased risk for developing non-melanoma skin cancer: compared to the general population, they have a 60-250 fold increased risk of developing aggressive, life- threatening squamous cell carcinoma. Indeed, it is estimated that 27% of Australian heart transplant recipients who'd survived greater than 4 years had squamous cell carcinoma as the cause of death. It is clear that the immunosuppression required to prevent rejection is a major factor in the increased skin cancer risk, and reducing these medications can be beneficial. However, any reduction in immunosuppression increases the risk of transplant rejection. Thus, any new preventive or treatment strategies must work in concert with the immunosuppressive medications. Black raspberries contain several anti-oxidants with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Indeed, our preliminary data indicate that topical black raspberry extracts (BRE) significantly inhibit UV-induced inflammation and carcinogenesis. We hypothesize that BRE inhibits inflammation through inhibiting oxidative pathways. This hypothesis will be tested in the following two Specific Aims.
In specific aim 1, we will determine the effects of BRE on neutrophils and the PI3K pathway in UVB-induced inflammation and carcinogenesis.
Specific Aim 2 will determine if BRE are able to reduce the exacerbated UVB-induced inflammation and carcinogenesis caused by cyclosporin. The results from these studies will provide basic mechanistic information on how topical BRE inhibit inflammation and carcinogenesis and begin to determine if BRE may be effective as a chemopreventive in transplant patients and other immunosuppressed individuals. ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31AT003996-01A1
Application #
7322070
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-IMM-L (29))
Program Officer
Khalsa, Partap Singh
Project Start
2007-08-01
Project End
2009-07-31
Budget Start
2007-08-01
Budget End
2008-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$38,492
Indirect Cost
Name
Ohio State University
Department
Surgery
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
832127323
City
Columbus
State
OH
Country
United States
Zip Code
43210
Duncan, F J; Martin, Jason R; Wulff, Brian C et al. (2009) Topical treatment with black raspberry extract reduces cutaneous UVB-induced carcinogenesis and inflammation. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2:665-72