Extracts from aquatic plants found in lakes in eastern Poland have shown promising biological activity against cancer cells in laboratory research conducted by scientists from the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin.
Researchers from the university’s Department of Molecular Biology are investigating plants found in the Łęczna-Włodawa Lake District as part of a project searching for new substances that could potentially be used in cancer prevention.
The team has analysed extracts from more than 20 species of aquatic plants. Plant material collected in the field was subjected to detailed phytochemical analysis to determine its content of valuable chemical compounds before being tested on biological cancer models.
Researchers studied the effects of the extracts on cell lines representing various types of cancer and analysed the molecular mechanisms involved.
“We are primarily interested in chemopreventive activity, that is, one that does not destroy existing cancer cells, but prevents their development by modulating key biological processes leading to carcinogenesis,” explains Professor Maciej Masłyk, Director of the Institute of Biological Sciences at the Catholic University of Lublin.
The initial results are promising, according to the researchers.
“Most of the extracts we have tested demonstrate strong biological activity against cancer cells. Importantly, not only cytotoxic effects are being analysed, but also their impact on processes such as cell proliferation, oxidative stress, cell cycle regulation, and regulation of signalling pathways associated with neoplastic transformation,” the university said in a press release.
The researchers said that in the future these results may contribute to the development of new cancer prevention strategies, including dietary supplements or medications that support the body's defence against the development of the disease.
The research focuses on chemoprevention, which aims to reduce the risk of cancer or delay its onset.
“Unlike traditional anticancer therapies, which are used after the disease is diagnosed, chemoprevention focuses on reducing the risk or delaying its onset. This may be particularly important in high-risk populations,” the university said.
The project, “Exploration of the aquatic areas of the Lublin Voivodeship for new chemopreventive substances”, brings together hydrobiology, molecular biology, chemistry and medicine.
It is financed from the state budget, with funds allocated by the Minister of Education and Science through the “Science for Society II” programme. The funding amounted to PLN 1 million. (PAP)
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