हिंदी
Benefits of berries have been long known, They help in digestion and weight loss along with possessing other health benefits. But the news here is that they possess anti cancer properties as well!
The pigments that give berries different colours are known as anthocyanins. The researchers from the University of Eastern Finland disclosed that these pigments increase the function of the enzyme sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) in cancer cells. Regulation of this enzyme could open up new avenues for cancer treatment in future.
Ageing causes changes in sirtuin function, and these changes contribute to the development of various diseases. Sirtuin 6 is a less well-known enzyme that is also linked to glucose metabolism.
Another study also found cyanidin anthocyanin in berries.
Study’s lead author Minna Rahnasto-Rilla said, “The most interesting results of our study relate to cyanidin, which is an anthocyanin found abundantly in wild bilberry, blackcurrant and lingonberry.”
Cyanidin increased SIRT6 enzyme levels in human colorectal cancer cells, and it was also discovered to decrease the expression of the Twist1 and GLUT1 cancer genes, while increasing the expression of the tumour suppressor FoXO3 gene in cells.
The researchers also designed a computer-based model that predict how different flavonoid compounds in plants can regulate the SIRT6 enzyme.
The findings indicate that anthocyanins increase the activation of SIRT6, which may play a role in cancer pathogenesis.
