 |
|
Induction of apoptosis
Avemar's influence on apoptosis is one of the most important aspects of its effect mechanism. The balance between apoptosis (programmed cell death) and cell proliferation is of primary importance in the histological integrity of tissues. A decreased ratio of apoptosis is a typical feature of malignant transformation. Avemar increases the apoptosis of tumour cells, resulting in their death, yet, at the same time, does not influence the life cycle of normal cells.
Cell cycle studies revealed an increased ratio of sub-G1/S phase cells at the detriment of S phase cells (an indirect marker of apoptosis); this was also demonstrated through FACS analysis (flow cytometry). Caspase-3 protease-mediated cleavage of PARP (poly-(ADP-ribose)polymerase), a process leading to apoptosis, is enhanced by the use of Avemar, something attributable to Avemar's impairment of DNA repair.
Conclusions: Since apoptosis induction is the primary form of cell death (as opposed to necrosis), surrounding tissue is not exposed to the toxic substances normally released from necrotic cells. This may be one of the reasons for Avemar's lack of toxic side effects.
|
 |
|
 |
