Effects of N-acetyl-L-cysteine and ascorbic acid on mutagen-induced chromosomal sensitivity in patients with head and neck cancers

Article Abstract:

In certain syndromes, fragility of chromosomes is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Gene instability, demonstrated by chromosomal fragility, exists in varying degrees in the general population. This genetic instability only becomes apparent when genes are exposed to carcinogens (cancer causing agents). There is evidence that some dietary factors are negative risk factors for the development of cancers of the head and neck. Specifically, eating fish, green vegetables, and fresh fruit has been shown to reduce the risk of laryngeal cancer. Consuming ascorbic acid (naturally found in fruits) may decrease an individual's sensitivity to gene mutation. A study was undertaken to determine the protective effect of a drug, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), and a dietary factor, ascorbic acid, in preventing mutations caused chromosomal breakage. Laboratory experiments were undertaken using lymphocytes (white blood cells) obtained from patients with head and neck cancer, and using lymphocytes from healthy controls. Analysis was performed to determine the toxicities of different dosages and the preventive effects of NAC and ascorbic acid. Both agents were effective in diminishing mutation caused chromosomal breakage in lymphocytes. In freshly cultured lymphocytes, the NAC decreased the number of chromosomal breaks within each cell from 23 to 73 percent; ascorbic acid reduced these breaks from 21 to 58 percent. These laboratory results show the effect of both NAC and ascorbic acid in preventing chromosomal mutations. Differences in the incidence of head and neck cancer among groups of patients with different dietary habits may possibly be explained by this finding. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Genetic aspects, Vitamin C, Cocarcinogens, Carcinogens

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Serologic determinants of survival in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Article Abstract:

It has been reported that certain proteins circulating in the blood may reflect factors involved in the progression of head and neck cancers. An initial study of C1q-binding macromolecules (C1qBM) found that elevated levels of this protein in the blood were related to a lack of response to induction chemotherapy, and were thus predictive of a high probability of death from cancer. Patients with advanced disease have been found to have high blood levels of serum IgA (an immunoglobulin). A study was undertaken of 103 previously untreated patients to determine if analysis of C1qBM and/or immunoglobulins, including IgA, independent of standard staging techniques, could be helpful in predicting survival. Neither the level of serum immunoglobulins nor C1qBM correlated with the primary cancer site, stage of disease or size of tumor. Comparison of IgA with C1qBM showed these to be independent variables. Multivariate analysis indicated that both C1qBM and IgA levels contributed significantly, beyond staging, in predicting survival of patients with advanced disease. This blood analysis provided no additional information on patients with early disease. It is concluded that combined serologic analysis of C1qBM and IgA can predict survival in patients with advanced squamous cell cancer of the head and neck. It is recommended that patients with advanced disease be evaluated serologically before treatment is given. Such analysis may assist in planning the treatment. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Prognosis, Macromolecules, Immunoglobulin A

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Young adults with head and neck cancer express increased susceptibility to mutagen-induced chromosome damage

Article Abstract:

There is an increase in the incidence of cancer of squamous cells, which are flat, scaly epithelial cells that line the body cavities and outer skin surface. A factor contributing to the increasing incidence of squamous cell carcinoma may be genetic sensitivity to cancer-causing agents in the environment. The sensitivity of chromosomes, the genetic material of the cells, to mutating agents was examined in 20 people with squamous cell carcinoma. Their lymphocytes, cells that fight disease, were exposed to bleomycin, an agent that breaks the thread-like chromosomes. In comparison with normal individuals and patients with non-squamous cell cancer, there were more bleomycin-induced chromosome breaks in patients who had squamous cell cancer of the head and neck. Chromosome breaks were greater in non-smokers and patients less than 30 years of age. These results show that chromosome sensitivity to environmental cancer-causing agents may be a risk factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Research, Analysis, Causes of, Physiological aspects, Squamous cell carcinoma, Precancerous conditions, Mutagens, Human chromosome abnormalities, Bleomycin

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