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University of Pennsylvania scientists develop cancer-fighting gum
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a bioengineered chewing gum designed to reduce the presence of microorganisms associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
The research, published in the journal Scientific Reports, utilizes the FRIL protein derived from lablab beans (Hyacinthus lablab). This protein works by binding to the surface of the human papillomavirus (HPV), causing the particles to aggregate and preventing them from entering human cells. In testing, the gum reduced HPV levels by approximately 93% in patient saliva and 80% in oral rinse samples.
When the bean extract is combined with the antimicrobial peptide protegrin-1, the gum also effectively targets bacteria. Specifically, levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum—two bacteria linked to poor prognosis in cancer patients—were reduced by more than 99%.
Researchers noted that, unlike traditional radiotherapy, this method does not appear to harm the beneficial natural microflora of the oral cavity. However, they emphasized that reducing microbial levels in samples is not a direct guarantee of cancer prevention for individuals.
Entities
FRIL protein · Henry Daniell · Human Papillomavirus (HPV) · Hyacinthus lablab · Scientific Reports · University of Pennsylvania · head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The FRIL protein binds to complex sugars on the surface of the human papillomavirus (HPV), causing the particles to aggregate so they cannot enter host cells. soha.vn · ordinacija.vecernji.hr · www.medonet.pl
- [● 3 SOURCES] In patient saliva samples, the gum reduced HPV levels by approximately 93%, and by 80% in oral rinse samples. soha.vn · ordinacija.vecernji.hr · www.medonet.pl
- [● 3 SOURCES] The gum utilizes the FRIL protein derived from lablab beans (Hyacinthus lablab) to act as an antiviral agent. soha.vn · ordinacija.vecernji.hr · www.medonet.pl
- [● 3 SOURCES] Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania developed a bioengineered chewing gum to target microbes linked to head and neck cancer. soha.vn · ordinacija.vecernji.hr · www.medonet.pl
- [● 3 SOURCES] The findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports. soha.vn · ordinacija.vecernji.hr · www.medonet.pl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Researchers cautioned that reducing microbial levels in samples is not equivalent to a guaranteed prevention of cancer in individuals. soha.vn
- [● 3 SOURCES] Combining the bean extract with the antimicrobial peptide protegrin-1 reduced levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum by over 99%. soha.vn · ordinacija.vecernji.hr · www.medonet.pl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Unlike radiotherapy, this approach does not appear to negatively impact the beneficial natural oral microflora. www.medonet.pl