"Regulation of Gene Transcription by Botanicals: Novel Regulatory Mechanisms."
The ability of cells to control the expression of genes is important for cell survival. Nutrients can alter the gene expression that controls levels of bioactive proteins. Herbs alter gene activity in various ways. Gene transcription, the most important, is the initial step in gene expression.
The pregnane X receptor (PXR receptor) is the target of many herbs. It is a cell’s chemical receptor that binds steroids, toxic bile acids, environmental toxins and prescription drugs. The PXR receptor is activated by hyperforin from St. John’s Wort (SJW), an anti-depressant, and Guggulsterone, an Ayurvedic medication, which alters cholesterol and bile acid metabolism.
Hyperforin is a component of St. John’s Wort that can alter gene expression, resulting in herb-drug interactions. Hyperforin activates gene transcription in the same chemical pathway by which 60% of prescription drugs are metabolized. This increases the breakdown of drugs, causing low blood levels of some drugs.
Soy and red clover, containing isoflavones, were the first foods found to be “endocrine disruptors”, which block normal estrogen activity. For example, sheep that eat clover may have abnormal estrous cycles. Isoflavones are considered to be phytoestrogens, increasing estrogen activity and are important for bone metabolism, cancer and reproduction. The specific gene expression produced depends on the concentration of the isoflavone. Isoflavones bind receptors with less strength than does estradiol.
Resveratrol, from grape peels, grape seeds and wine, is a nuclear receptor activator as well as an anti-oxidant. These two effects may produce the beneficial effects of resveratrol in protecting the brain after a stroke.
The proteolytic (breaking down of protein) activity of the proteosome may alter transcription by altering the half-life and the environment of transcription factors and co-factors. The proteosome is a barrel-shaped structure of many layers of polypeptides with various enzyme activities. The proteosome has a pore by which chemicals enter. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in green tea inhibits the protein destruction by the proteosome. This alters transcription factor stability in the nucleus of a cell. Since cancers depend on proteosome activity, the amount of EGCG found in the blood of green tea drinkers is enough to stop growth of tumor cells.
Nutritional chemicals are activators of sirtuins, which increase life spans of certain animals. Sirtuins are deacetylation enzymes. Sirtuins are one way that foods can alter gene activity and sirtuin activating chemicals include the stilbenes resveratrol, butein and piceatannol and the flavones luteolin and quercitin. Resveratrol increases sirtuin activity in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and increases the cell life span by 70%.
CONCLUSION: Three ways that biologics alter gene function and cell function are as follows: (1) Activation of nuclear receptors. (2) Inhibition of the proteasome. (3) Activation of sirtuins. Various nutritional agents are listed that alter gene function in beneficial ways, which improve cellular health.
NOTE: Gene transcription is the process of transcribing the information in DNA to RNA so that proteins for the body can be made from the appropriate amino acids. Gene expression refers to the production of a specific protein from a specific section of DNA.
Receptors are specific proteins on cell walls, in cytoplasm or on a cell nucleus that can bind a specific chemical. The Pregnane X receptor of the nucleus is able to sense foreign chemicals and initiate the process of detoxification.
Peroxisomes are tiny structures in cells for fatty acid metabolism and to rid the cell of harmful peroxides.
Read about the chemicals from food, polyphenols, which can change the genetics of cancer.
PMID: 16011469.
Summary #206.
St. John’s Wort.
Green tea.
Soy products and Isoflavone.
Resveratrol.
Bioflavonoids.
Quercitin.
To order the above products call 415-863-0620 and ask for "supplements". Delivery by UPS available.
You are entering the portion of the website of Rainbow Grocery Cooperative, Inc., that is here "to strive to offer education", as stated in our Mission Statement. Here we are reporting on scientific studies that are about the value of nutritional supplements and whole foods for our health. We will attempt to report on the latest studies regarding the supplements and foods sold at Rainbow Grocery. The summaries of the articles are our own. These summaries are not intended to promote any particular product or food that Rainbow sells, but only to provide information about them.
You are your own best doctor. Study as much as you can. Consult with your doctor. Find one open to alternatives if your doctor isn't. Make your own decisions and take responsibility for your own health. We hope this information will help you make your decisions.
We can't and don't intend to prescribe for you. We can't and don't intend to provide medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Don't disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Nothing in this website is intended to create a health practitioner-patient relationship. Reliance on the information provided on this website is solely at your own risk. In using this web site you agree that neither Rainbow Grocery Cooperative, Inc. nor any other party is or will be liable or otherwise responsible for any decision made or any action taken or any action not taken due to your use of any information presented at this web site.
Advertencia sobre el uso de los resúmenes de estudios médicos publicados en este portal:
Usted está entrando a la parte del portal de Internet de la Cooperativa de Rainbow Grocery, Inc. cuyo fin es “procurar ofrecer elementos educativos” tal como lo establece nuestra Declaración de Principios. Lo que aquí se reporta son estudios científicos sobre el valor nutricional de suplementos y alimentos completos para la salud. Trataremos de incluir los estudios más recientes sobre suplementos y productos alimenticios que se expenden en Rainbow Grocery. Los resúmenes de los artículos han sido elaborados por nosotros. Pero su inclusión no tiene como fin promover productos específicos que se venden en Rainbow, sino sólo proporcionar información sobre los mismos.
Usted es su mejor doctor. Estudie e infórmese tanto como le sea posible. Consulte a su médico. Busque uno de mente abierta a alternativas si el actual no lo es. Tome sus propias decisiones y hágase responsable de su salud. Esperamos que la información aquí presentada le ayude a tomar las mejores decisiones.
No podemos ni es nuestra intención ofrecer recetas o proporcionar asesoría médica. Usted siempre debe consultar con su médico u otro proveedor profesional de servicios de salud cuando tenga preguntas relacionadas con su salud. No ignore los consejos profesionales de su médico, ni deje de buscarlos en base a lo que haya leído en nuestro portal.
Nada en este portal tiene la finalidad de crear una relación paciente-profesional de la salud. El uso de la información aquí presentada es bajo su cuenta y riesgo. Al usar este portal, usted acepta que ni la Cooperativa de Rainbow Grocery, Inc. ni tercera partes son responsables de forma alguna por cualquier decisión tomada o acción ejecutada en base al uso de la información presentada en este portal.
