LP1.16 - Scientific Abstract Writing (Monday) by BMB team https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg en-us 2019-01-31 15:10:25 UTC 2019-02-19 14:10:00 UTC hello@padlet.com A diet rich in fruit and vegetables is believed to reduce the risk of chronic diseases including various cancers. We therefore decided to investigate the antiproliferative effects of Baldop apple juice on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, in order to explore new natural methods of chemoprevention. Cell viability assays and immunoblot analysis were performed on six apple cultivars; Baldop, Abbondanza red pulp, Abbondanza white pulp, Marchigiana pink pulp, Annurca white pulp and Bacci white pulp, in order to assess their antiproliferative effects on the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines.The results show that the polyphenol content of Baldop juice was higher than in other cultivars, and that antiproliferative activity was also higher, demonstrated by the cell viability assay results, which show that Baldop juice reduced growth of MCF-7 cells by 54.1%, and of MDA-MB-231 cells by 47.4%. The results of the immunoblot analysis show that ERK1/2 activity was inhibited in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, and that p21 was upregulated, suggesting that the antiproliferative effect is due to cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. The results also show that Baldop apple juice has a greater antiproliferative effect on MDA-MB-231 cells than MCF-7 cells, due to their greater replication rate.The findings therefore suggest that Baldop apples contain compounds which reduce the proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, suggesting that they could be used as a natural chemopreventive agent to reduce the risk of breast cancer. https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329003637 2019-02-07 22:01:00 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329003637 01498527 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329239201 Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women, and the incidence rate is increasing. It is much easier to prevent than cure, therefore there is increasing interest in chemoprevention techniques: use of chemical agents to prevent or slow cancer development. Daily apple intake has been linked to breast cancer prevention, but the molecular mechanisms of the anticancer properties are not fully understood. We aimed to examine the antiproliferative effects of the Baldop apple in MCF7 and MDA231 human breast cancer cell lines, with the expectation that it would have potential to be used in chemoprevention. Our results from a crystal violet colorimetric assay after 72 hours of treatment show that increasing concentrations of Baldop juice cause increasingly significant reductions in cell viability in both cell lines. The extent of this effect was much more dramatic in comparison to the 5 other types of apples analysed. Chemical analysis showed that the Baldop apple contains significantly higher polyphenol content than the other apples. Immunoblot analysis was used to determine how Baldop extract influenced protein expression of p21 and ERK1/2. After 24 hours of treatment with Baldop juice, p21 levels were significantly elevated in both cell lines, which is associated with cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase. ERK1/2 activity was inhibited by the treatment in both MCF7 and MDA231 cells, suggesting inhibition of signalling relating to the G2/M transition. Baldop juice results in accumulation of cells in the GM/2 phase, which inhibits proliferation of human breast cancer cells.]]> 2019-02-08 15:22:48 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329239201 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329436600 Given the limitations of currently available breast cancer treatments (surgery and chemotherapy) including potential toxicity and reduced efficacy after metastasis, prevention of cancer has become an important issue. Apples have reportedly shown potent anti-proliferative activity against human liver cancer HepG2 cells, human colon cancer Caco-2 cells and oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) (MCF-7) and triple-negative (MDA-MB-231) human breast cancer cell lines [19–22]. While the protective effects of apples have been attributed to their antioxidant activity the molecular mechanisms of the anticancer properties of apple phytochemical are not completely understood.  This study has focused on Baldop apples due to their marketability and good antioxidant activity [27]. The antiproliferative activity of ripe Baldop juice in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells was evaluated using a crystal violet assay and compared with other apple varities (Abbondanza red pulp, Abbondanza white pulp, Marchigiana pink pulp, Annurca white pulp and Bacci white pulp). Cells were incubated with treatments for 72 hours. Quantification of apple juice polyphenols and anthocyanins was also carried out. Total polyphenol content was highest in Baldop juice (1.996 mg/ml) whereas anthocyanins were most abundant in Abbondanza juice (136.7 μg/ml). Analysis of ERK1/2 activity, p21 levels and LC3B-II/LC3B-I ratio in breast cancer cells treated the same as above was found using SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. Finally, this study has found that Baldop juice strongly inhibits the proliferation of human breast cancer cells through accumulation in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, overexpression of p21 and inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) activity. 

]]> 2019-02-09 00:06:04 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329436600 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329505719 In the past decade, breast cancer has become more and more prominent among women in Western countries and there has been an increase in breast cancer diagnosis worldwide. Although surgeries and chemotherapy have proven to be effective treatments, they still have their limitations. Therefore, a more natural approach to prevent the disease has been on the rise, with dietary intervention becoming the most prominent issue. It is widely believed that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can prevent chronic diseases such as cancer. This study focuses on the Baldop apple, which contains a large concentration of polyphenols and shows impressive antioxidant activity. Our investigation was aimed to assess the antiproliferative nature of the Baldop apple in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells.  Immunoblots were used to investigate ERK1/2 andp21 levels, both of which are proteins associated with the G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and cell proliferation. Crystal Violet Assays (CVA) were used to investigate the antiproliferative activity of Baldop apple juice on the breast cancer cells. The CVA results show a significant dose-dependent decrease on the viability of cells for both cell lines. The Immunoblot results show an upregulation of p21 and inhibition of ERK1/2 activity in both cell lines. Thus, we can conclude that the high polyphenol content of the Baldop juice enables the overexpression of p21 and inhibition of ERK1/2 activity, leading to the accumulation of the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and thus results in the hindrance of cell proliferation in these breast cancer cells. 
 
]]> 2019-02-09 16:55:52 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329505719 Several studies have shown that fruits and vegetables, such as apples, are able to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Baldop apples contain especially high level of bioactive phytochemicals and phenolic compounds, as well as anti-oxidant activity which contribute to their anti-cancer properties. To investigate into the anti-proliferative activity of Baldop apples in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines, the cell viability of MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells treated with increasing concentration of Baldop and other kinds of apple juices were measured using crystal violet assay. Moreover, the expression of proteins involved in G2 cell cycle arrest and cell proliferation, in particular p21, ERK1/2, phosphorylated ERK1/2 and LC3B, was measured using immunoblot technique. Our results show that Baldop apples inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation via inhibition of ERK1/2 and upregulation of p21. The high level of anti-proliferative activity in Baldop apple is likely to be due to its large amount of polyphenol. Furthermore, Baldop apple anti-proliferative activity is found to be more effective against triple negative MDA-MK-231 cells than ER+ MCF7 cells. Overall, our studies provide an evidence that Baldop apple is a potent growth inhibitor of human breast cancer cells in vitro and therefore could be used as a natural agent to impede, arrest or reverse carcinogenesis. https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329531253 2019-02-09 21:25:55 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329531253 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329544864 Studies have shown that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of developing cancer. In recent years, there has been a big focus on preventing cancer rather than simply treating it, as cancer treatment poses difficulties and chemotherapy has several limitations. Apples have been shown to have antiproliferative properties that may prevent the development of cancer, which is in part due to their high antioxidant content. This study focuses on the antiproliferative effect of the Baldop apple, which contains high levels of antioxidants, in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, and the mechanisms that underlie this effect. In the study, we tested the antiproliferative effects of six types of apples. Of the different types of apples, the Baldof apple had the highest polyphenol content. We determined cell proliferation using the crystal violet assay, and found that the Baldof apple inhibited proliferation to a greater extent than the other apples because it exhibited the lowest cell viability. Furthermore, immunoblot analysis showed that the Baldof apple caused up-regulation of p21 and inhibition of ERK1/2, both of which are associated with cell cycle arrest in the G2 phase. Our results show that the high levels of polyphenol in the Baldof apple potently inhibits proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in vitro due to up-regulation of p21 and inhibition of ERK1/2. This suggests that the Baldop apple can be used as a chemopreventive measure against cancer.]]> 2019-02-10 01:22:00 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329544864 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329595828 Diets high in fruits and vegetables may reduce cancer, as suggested by epidemiological studies. We hypothesize that Baldop apple extract inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation through various effects that plant constituents may have on cancer cell proliferation. Anti-proliferative effects may be due to the protection against DNA damage or antioxidant properties, but the mechanisms are still unclear. Baldop apples have high polyphenol content, which inhibits proliferation by overexpressing p21 and inhibiting extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) activity. Through crystal violet assays, we found that Baldop juice inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. It reduced cell viability by 54.1% using a 2.5% v/v solution. We also found that p21 and ERK1/2 activity, which are involved in G2 cell cycle arrest and proliferation were significantly influenced by Baldop extracts. The p21 protein was time-dependent upregulated with 1.5-fold and 7-fold in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 respectively after 24 hours of treatment. FOr ERK1/2 activity, the maximum inhibition occured after 8 hours with 0.4-fold and 0.7-fold decrease in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 respectively. To assess autophagic activity, LC3B-II to LC3B-II ratio was measured, and found to be significantly different after 24 hours of treatment. This concludes that Baldop extract in vitro has anti-proliferative effects on breast cancer cells, and may suggest chemopreventative potential. ]]> 2019-02-10 13:58:22 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329595828 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329606163 Fruits and vegetables, most notably apples, are renowned for their high antioxidant levels and phytochemical content. A potential role in reducing risk of chronic diseases such as cancer has been suggested, however the mechanism in which phytochemical compounds contribute to this is not fully understood. We have shown Baldop apples exhibit significantly higher polyphenol levels than other apple pulps. Through a cell viability assay on both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines, we provide evidence that homogenized Baldop apple juice induces a dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation. Additionally, performing an immunoblot probing with anti-p21, ERK1/2 and phospho-ERK1/2 has suggested the high polyphenol content has an upregulatory effect on p21 whilst downregulating ERK1/2, stimulating cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. These findings provide a point of acceleration for the concept of chemoprevention, which aims to prevent cancer development before malignancy (post-diagnostic breast cancer treatments are limited in their toxicity and inefficiency, particularly if metastasis has occurred).]]> 2019-02-10 15:26:42 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329606163 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329606678 Diets including higher amounts of fruit and vegetables are widely believed to have beneficial effects in the prevention of diseases such as breast cancer. It has been observed in several studies that these effects may have scientific backing. The recently discovered Baldop apple may have particular anti-cancer properties due to a large presence of polyphenols showing high antioxidant activity. Our studies investigated the antiproliferative activity of Baldop apple extract on both MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines. Crystal violet assay results indicated a significant inhibition of cell proliferation via cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, correlated alongside overexpression of p21 in a time dependant manor and inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2. ERK1/2 activity was measured using a phospho-sensitive antibody, and inhibition was shown in both tested cell lines. Also, polyphenol content was found to be higher in Baldop juice than in other cultivars, with Baldop juice also having the highest amount of effect on cell viability. Furthermore, a larger effect on cell viability was observed in MDA-MB-231 than in MCF7. Overall, our studies indicate that the Baldop apple has a significant influence on cell viability when its constituents are used to treat human breast cancer cell lines in vitro. Its use as a natural product could be beneficial to reduce the risk of cancer and prevent its proliferation.]]> 2019-02-10 15:31:13 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329606678 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329609375 A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been associated with the prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer for several decades. This preventative effect may be due to non-nutrient plant constituents present in fruits and vegetables such as flavenoids and phenolic acids. Apples contain a large variety of these compounds and evidence has shown that apple extract can prevent breast cancer and its juice can reduce hyper proliferation in rat models yet the molecular mechanisms of the apple phytochemicals are unknown. We investigated whether the juice of the Baldop apple (a recently identified apple with a high polyphenol content) can suppress the proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines using crystal violet assays of cell samples treated with Baldop apple juice and western blot analysis of four proteins involved in the cell cycle: p21, ERK1/2, LC3B-l and LC3B-ll. We found that the Baldop apple has an anti-proliferative effect on both cell lines with a greater effect on MDA-MB-231 cells and this process involves the up-regulation of p21 and down-regulation of ERK1/2 which affect the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and lead to a decrease in proliferation. Therefore, the Baldop apple can form part of a chemopreventive diet which is an important way of tackling cancer due to the limitations and toxicities associated with the current treatments. ]]> 2019-02-10 15:52:56 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329609375 Breast cancer has taken the form of the most common cancer among women in the past decade which has led to many researches revolving around cancer treatment to emerge. Cancer is a life-threatening disease which is far easier to be prevented than curing it and several studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables play a crucial role in preventing or even reversing cancer. Apples contain incredible amounts of bioactive phytochemicals and have reportedly shown anti-proliferative activity against various cancer cell lines including breast cancer cells, however the mechanism through which it happens is still unclear. Therefore, our study has aimed to focus on the antiproliferative activity of a new apple cultivar, Baldop, on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. High polyphenol content in Baldop inhibits proliferation of breast cancer cells evaluated using Crystal Violet Assay. Furthermore, Immunoblot analysis shows that Baldop extract induces overexpression of p21 and inhibition of ERK1/2 activity in cancer cells which both are involved in cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase, suggesting that Baldop apple could possibly have a chemopreventive potential against breast cancer cells. b1901490 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329610008 2019-02-10 15:57:57 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329610008 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329610427 Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK with one person being diagnosed every 10 minutes. In recent years, there has been a shift from treatment to prevention and previous studies have shown that fruit and vegetables, particularly apples, can have protective effects against carcinogenesis due to their high polyphenol content as well as their high antioxidant activity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed protective effects are unclear. A recently identified apple coined the ‘Baldop’ apple was shown to have the highest polyphenol content than any other cultivars tested, promising interesting results. We then tested the Baldop juice’s proposed antiproliferative effect on cell cultures of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells using  a crystal violet assay which showed that Baldop juice significantly reduced cell proliferation in a dose dependent manner in  both cell lines. This effect was then shown to be linked via western blot to the overexpression of the p21 protein, a protein associated with cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, and the inhibition of ERK1/2, molecules involved in the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signal transduction cascade which is implicated in processes including but not limited to, cell cycle progression and proliferation, via the use of a phospho-sensitive antibody. We also found that Baldop juice seemed to have a larger effect on MDA-MB-231 cells and we believe this to be because of their higher replicative rate. These results show that Baldop juice has potential as a chemopreventative agent due to it’s growth inhibition of human breast cancer cells in vitro.

]]> 2019-02-10 16:01:16 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329610427 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329612237 Greater focus on prevention of cancer (chemoprevention), due in part to the increasing levels of diagnosis in the West, was inspired by the current limitations of contemporary treatments, namely surgery and chemotherapy. Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables have shown anti-cancer properties in the past and this study focuses on the anti-proliferative effects of a newly identified apple, the Baldop apple. Of note is the higher than usual levels of polyphenols in the apples, associated with anti-oxidant ability, indicate that these apples may have a potentially powerful preventative effect on human breast cancer cells. The effects of the Baldop apple extracts on MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cells were elucidated primarily via crystal violet assays and immunoblot analysis of proteins associated with proliferation and cell cycle regulation, namely ERK1/2, LC3B and p21. Results show that the Baldop apple extract has a powerful ability to inhibit proliferation of cancer cells in vitro, with cell viability decreasing in a dose-dependent fashion that far exceeds the modest effects of other commercially available apples. Immunoblot analysis of p21, ERK1/2, phospho-ERK1/2 and LC3B indicate that the Baldop apple extracts upregulate expression of p21, inhibit the activity of ERK1/2 and promote expression of LC3B which is involved with various autophagic processes. The Baldop apple displays potential for use as a potent chemopreventive agent due to its ability to induce cell cycle arrest in the G2/M transition, inhibition of cellular signaling involved with cell growth, and induction of autophagy, resulting in prevention of tumorigenesis.

]]> 2019-02-10 16:14:32 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329612237 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329612928 Apple juices are associated with the prevention of severe chronic diseases as a result of bioactive phytochemicals reducing hyperproliferation. The molecular mechanisms of anticancer properties of apple phytochemicals are not completely understood. Different cultivars of apples have different antiproliferative activity on breast cancer cell lines. To address this, quantification of different apple juices presented that the Baldop juice has the highest concentration of polyphenols and anthocyanins. This lead us to hypothesize that if MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines are treated with Baldop apple juice, cell viability will decrease because of the high polyphenol concentration which inhibits proliferation of breast cancer cells. A crystal violet assay presented a high antiproliferative activity of the Baldop juice through reduced MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell viability in a dose dependent manor compared to other juices. To understand why cell viability declined, an immunoblot was used to investigate anti-proliferative activity of the Baldop juice, using the proteins ERK1/2 and p21. Western blot analysis presented that p21 is upregulated which shows increased cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. A phospho-sensitive antibody revealed inhibition of ERK1/2, inhibiting the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signal transduction cascade preventing cell cycle proliferation, cell adhesion and cell migration. Overall, these findings provide molecular evidence that the Baldop juice declines proliferation of both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 and can be used as a chemo-preventive measure against breast cancer.
AB]]> 2019-02-10 16:19:21 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329612928 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329616504  
In the past decade breast cancer diagnosis has increased worldwide, such that breast cancers are now the most common form of cancer to affect women in Western countries. Surgical interventions and chemotherapy have shown to significantly reduce mortality, however such methods have limitations, as it is much easier to prevent cancer than cure it. As of such, the field of chemoprevention, the use of biochemical agents to prevent the progression of cancer, offers exciting routes into cancer treatment. Apples have been known to show a wide variety of bioactive phytochemicals that may prevent different types of cancers, hence this study focusses on the effect of the recently identified Baldop apple regarding antiproliferative activity in both MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells lines. Results from quantification of phytochemicals present in apples showed that the Baldop apple contained a much higher polyphenol content than the 5 other apple cultivars tested. Using a crystal violet assay it was found that Baldop extract markedly inhibited cell growth in each cell line. Immunoblot assays were used to determine p21 and ERK1/2 levels, as both proteins are involved in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Cells treated with Baldop extract were shown to increase fold expression of p21, a protein involved in cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and a decrease in ERK1/2 expression, a protein associated in cell cycle progression and proliferation. Hence it can be proposed that Baldop apple extract has the potential to be a chemopreventive agent. 
]]> 2019-02-10 16:47:09 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329616504 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329619549 Consumption of fruit and vegetables has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer development. Since chemoprevention is gaining success, we have decided to investigate whether or not certain types of apples have the ability to reduce breast cancer cell proliferation due to their high phytochemical contents. Cell Viability assays and Western blots were performed on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines in order to assess the effect of apple juice on cell proliferation. It was found that baldop apples are amongst the most effective at reducing proliferation rates of the two cancer cell lines. The antiproliferative qualities of baldop apple juice were demonstrated by a 54.1% growth inhibition in MCF-7 cells and 47.4% inhibition in MDA-MB-231 cells following cell viability assays. Western blot analysis showed a pathway for this antiproliferative effect: apple juice upregulated p21 protein, which leads to the arrest of the cell cycle in G2/M phase, hence the inhibition of cell growth. The apple juice also inhibited ERK1/2 activity, which is essential for a variety of cell processes. Various apple types demonstrated different strengths of the anti-proliferative effect, but they all followed the same molecular pathway. Baldop apples are very high in polyphenols and anthocyanin, which are likely to have been responsible for the cancer cell growth inhibition. This finding reveals a great potential for the field of chemoprevention, where naturally sourced chemicals obtained through a diet are used for prophylactic purposes against cancers. This method could save a third of the lives of cancer patients, whose deaths could have been prevented by a regular consumption of chemopreventative foods. ]]> 2019-02-10 17:06:11 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329619549 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329620646 It is estimated that diets rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains could prevent up to a third of all cancer deaths, thanks to the carotenoids, phenolic acids and flavonoids that can be found in these foods, especially in apples. Whole apple extract has been reported to prevent various types of cancer by protecting against DNA damage through its anti-oxidant properties. Here, we look at the ability of the Baldop apple antiproliferative effects in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. We demonstrate that the anti-oxidant polyphenol inhibits proliferation through accumulation in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, overexpressing p21 and inhibiting extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2. Both cell lines were treated using apple juice, the cell viability was assessed and an immunoblot analysis was performed. Cells treated with Baldop juice significantly reduced cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, p21 was found upregulated and ERK1/2 proteins involved in the progression of the G2 to M phase were inhibited. Together these results demonstrate that Baldop apple consumption is a good in vitro method of chemoprevention due to its high anti-proliferative properties of phytochemicals, catechins and procyanidins. 

]]> 2019-02-10 17:14:14 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329620646 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329657570 A balanced diet high in fruit and vegetables has been promoted by doctors and scientists for many years. Fruits such as apples have an anti-proliferation effect which helps to prevent the uncontrolled mitosis associated with cancerous cells, this has been suggested by in vitro studies. This study involved screening six apple types to assess their antiproliferative effect on the selected breast cancer cell lines: MCF7 and MDA-MB-231. The Baldop apple is of particular interest as it is has a reddish colour pulp and a sweet flavour, previous studies suggest it is high in antioxidants. The study aims to test if Baldop apple juice has a negative effect on the proliferation of MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, due to its high poly phenol content and the ability to over express p21 and inhibit signalling kinases. Baldop juice decreased cell growth in a dose dependent manner, with 54.1% inhibition of growth in MCF7 and 47.4% in MDA-MB-231 cells measured using a crystal violet assay. In comparison the Baldop apple appeared to decrease cell proliferation to a greater extent than the other apples tested. P21 was up-regulated in a time dependent manner and ERK1/2 activity was inhibited by Baldop juice, this was investigated using an Immunoblot Analysis. Bioactive compounds in apples appear to be linked to chemoprevention, suggesting a diet rich in fruit and vegetables co
uld decrease the number of breast cancer diagnoses. ]]> 2019-02-10 21:17:24 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329657570 Cancer treatments are indeed becoming more effective as techniques of chemotherapy and surgical interventions are discovered and refined. Yet it is indisputable that cancer prevention, or chemoprevention, is a much more simple concept than the idea of curing cancer itself. Such chemoprevention could be as simple as changing certain dietary intakes of an individual which can include increased consumption of fruits and vegetables containing antioxidants. In this study we conducted a series of experiments enquiring the “chemopreventive” characteristics of the Baldop apple. Using techniques such as Cell viability Assays and Immunoblot analyses, we discovered that the Baldop apple’s high polyphenol and anthocyanin content did in fact have an anti-proliferative effect on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. We demonstrated that the Baldop apple has the most effective anti-proliferating traits in comparison to a selected group of alternative apples including the Abbondanza and Marchigiana. We also discovered that polyphenols are most likely to have the greatest contribution to any apple’s chemopreventive qualities by mediating the upregulation of p21 cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor and inhibition of extracellular signal–regulated kinases 1 & 2 (ERK1/2). Overall the study suggests that consideration for dietary habits, in particular consumption of apples can in fact have a positive chemopreventive impact on an individual. https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329660214 2019-02-10 21:33:25 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329660214 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329672211 Bioactive phytochemicals, such as carotenoids, phenolic acids and flavonoids found in fruits and vegetables, act as antioxidants and have been associated with lower incidence of cancer.  Especially high content in phenolic compounds have apples and they have displayed anti-proliferative properties in several cancer cell lines, including MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells.  This study aims at identifying the molecular mechanisms of the antiproliferative activity of the Baldop apple – a new cultivar of apple with reddish pulp – in those cell lines.  After chemical analysis, a very high polyphenol content was detected in the Baldop juice.  Crystal violet assay was performed for both cell lines treated with increasing concentrations of Baldop juice.  The juice inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner in both cell lines.  Furthermore, the cells were tested for extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) activity and p21 levels via Immunoblot analysis.  There was upregulation of p21 and inhibition of ERK1/2 activity – indicated by decrease in phosphorylated ERK1/2 – illustrating arrest in G2 cell cycle and proliferation.  These results demonstrate that the Baldop apple may have a chemopreventive effect on human breast cancer, attributed to its very high polyphenol content. 

]]> 2019-02-10 22:56:07 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329672211 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329673369 Regarding the use of natural agents in chemoprevention, epidemiological studies have linked diets rich in fruits and vegetables to prevention and better prognosis of cancers [1-6]. Apples, rich in phytochemicals and antioxidant potential, have been reported to show anti-proliferative activity against human liver cancer HepG2 cells, colon cancer Caco-2 cells and both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines [19-22]. These effects are primarily attributed to apples' antioxidant qualities, while the anti-cancer properties of phytochemicals are not well understood. The recently discovered Baldop apples are rich in phytochemicals [27]. This study, therefore, focuses on investigating whether Baldop apple juice has an anti-proliferative effect on breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. 
Cell viability assay was used to explore the effect of the juice from six apple cultivars (Baldop, Abbondanza red pulp, Abbondanza white pulp, Marchigiana pink pulp, Annurca white pulp and Bacci white pulp) on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell viability, and found that Baldop juice reduced proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, and was the most effective. Interestingly, Baldop had the highest polyphenol content compared to the other cultivars. Immunoblot analysis of cells treated with Baldop juice showed upregulation of p21 and inhibition of ERK1/2 in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. This suggests Baldop juice induces cell arrest in the G2/M cell cycle phase [40]. The results also show Baldop juice treatment was more effective on MDA-MB-231 cells, perhaps due to their higher replication rate. Overall, this study demonstrates the possibility of using Baldop apples as a chemopreventative agent. 
]]> 2019-02-10 23:03:28 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329673369 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329673749 Epidemiological, in vivo and in vitro studies have linked apple’s bioactive phytochemicals with antiproliferative actions on liver, colorectal and breast cancer cell lines. Although the anti-cancer molecular mechanism of this fruit is still unknown, it has been suggested to be linked to its high levels of antioxidant. Here we describe that the Baldop apple type has high levels of polyphenols and anthocyanins, and these high concentrations of polyphenols, mainly, have been associated with significant decrease in cell proliferation of MCF-7 and triple negative MDA-MB-231 cell lines according to Crystal Violet Assay and cell counts. The decrease in cell viability was explained by a significant increase in p21 protein levels and inhibition of ERk1/2, suggesting a G2 cell cycle arrest. These results suggest the potential chemopreventive role against tumorigenesis of Baldop apple by inducing G2 cell cycle arrest in breast cancer cell lines, but especially in triple-negative cell line MDA-MB-231. ]]> 2019-02-10 23:06:15 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329673749 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329674092 The high presence of fruits and vegetables on diets reduces the development of chronic diseases. The interest of the study is focused on apples because of their bioactive phytochemical and their phenolic compounds high expressed levels among other fruits which have a antiproliferative effect on human breast cancer cells. 

The data obtained shows Baldop apple juice as the apple with  the highest polyphenol content  and anthocyanin among five other apple cultivars. Its antiproliferative effect was studied through a crystal violet assay, inhibiting cell growth in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 in a dose-response manner. In order to try to understand how it is altered the level of p21 and activity of ERK1/2 were evaluated because of their involvement in G2 cell cycle effect and cell proliferation through a phospho-sensitive antibody, showing p21 overexpression and ERK1/2 inhibition. It was also observed a bigger effect on MDA-MB-231 cells because of their higher replicative rate. 

These results state the effectiveness of chemoprevention through Baldop apples in vitro to reduce risk of cancer or its expansion.
]]> 2019-02-10 23:08:55 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329674092 In the past few years, the increasing levels of breast cancer diagnosis combined with the limitations of surgical interventions and chemotherapy, has lead to a greater focus on the prevention of cancer (chemoprevention). In particular, diets rich in fruits and vegetables have shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer due to their anti-proliferative activity. Our study looked at the anticancer characteristics of the Baldop apple due to its high polyphenol content and good antioxidant activity in comparison to other apples, two important characteristics known to decrease proliferation. To investigate its effect, cell viability assays were performed on MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines treated with Baldop juice. We found that Baldop juice significantly reduces cell proliferation in both cell lines in a dose-dependent matter. To further look at the mechanism of Baldop’s juice’s anti-proliferative activity, immunoblot analysis was performed on p21 and ERk1/2, two proteins involved in cell proliferation. Cell treated with Baldop juice lead to an upregulation of p21 and inhibition of ERk1/2, which induces G1 cell cycle arrest. Our findings indicate that Baldop apple could have a chemoproventive potential against tumorigenesis. https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329677345 2019-02-10 23:31:09 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329677345 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329679513 With breast cancer becoming the most common form of cancer among women in Western countries, chemoprevention, a cancer prevention method using natural or synthetic agents, has gained interest in attempt to impede carcinogenesis.  

 

Studies show fruit and vegetable rich diets could reduce risk of chronic diseases like breast cancer.  In particular, The protective effects of apples have been attributed primarily to their anti-oxidant properties, which, upon testing, showed anti-proliferative activity in human liver cancer HepG2 cells, human colon cancer Caco-2 cells and oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) (MCF-7) and triple-negative (MDA-MB-231) human breast cancer cell lines. The efficacy of apples was investigated due to their production of bioactive phytochemicals, including antioxidant polyphenols, studies of which suggest they help augment anti-proliferative activity against cancer cells. 

 

The antiproliferative activity of Baldop apple juice containing significant levels of these phytochemicals was tested on MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells, using cell viability assays to see how concentrations of the juice affected cancer cell death, and western blot in order to determine the expression of proteins involved in the G2 cell cycle arrest and cell proliferation, specifically, p21, ERK1/2, LC3B-l and LC3B-ll.

 

Results showed that Baldop apples induced inhibition of ERK1/2 activity and the upregulation of p21. Juice had a greater affect on MDA-MB-231 due to their higher replicative rate. Therefore, the Baldop apple with its high polyphenol content strongly inhibits proliferation of breast cancer cells.

]]> 2019-02-10 23:45:22 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329679513 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329683298 Several studies propose a link between a daily consumption of apples and prevention of different types of cancers, such as liver, colon and breast cancer. This is due to the apple’s high levels of bioactivative phytochemicals and consequently, to its significant antioxidant activity. 

However, the mechanism of action underlying the anticancer effects of apple phytochemicals is uncertain. To tackle this problem, six apple cultivars – Baldop, Abbondanza red pulp, Abbondanza white pulp, Marchigiana pink pulp, Annurca white pulp and Bacci white pulp – were screened to assess their antiproliferative activity on the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines.

It was found that Baldop apples contain considerable quantities of polyphenol, cause cells to accumulate in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, and significantly reduce cell proliferation by upregulating p21 and inhibiting extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) activity.

Overall, these results indicate that Baldop apples inhibit in vitro breast cancer cell proliferation and suggest that it contains chemopreventive properties – a potentially significant development for the prevention of cancer through dietary intervention.
]]> 2019-02-11 00:15:49 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329683298 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329693372 Non-nutrient constituents of fruit and vegetables have been proven to prevent the development of cancer. For this reason, a diet rich on these natural foods would reduce the risk of various types of tumours, including breast cancer, that has recently become the most common form of cancer among women in Western countries. 

Apples, thanks to their antioxidant properties, have shown potent anti-proliferative activity against several types of human cancers. This paper focuses on a newly identified family of sweet red apples, the Baldop apple. The very high polyphenol content of these apples has interesting potential health benefits.

This study aims to analyse the effect of Baldop apple juice on cell proliferation. In order to do this the juice of six different cultivars was analysed. A cell viability assay was performed. In this assay MCF7 and MDA231 cancer cells were treated in triplicates with increasing concentrations of the six different apple juices. Baldop juice proved to significantly reduce cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner.

Moreover, immunoblot analysis was used to investigate the level of p21 and the activity of ERK1/2, that are proteins involved in G2 cell cycle arrest and cell proliferation. Baldop apple proved to induce the inhibition of ERK1/2 activity and the upregulatio
n of p21.

The results clearly show that Baldop apple is a strong growth inhibitor of human breast cancer cells in vitro and consequently it could have a  chemopreventive potential against tumorigenesis in breast cancer cells.

]]> 2019-02-11 01:21:27 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329693372 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329696433 Fruits and vegetables, according to several studies, reduces the risk or delays the development of chronic diseases like cancer. Bioactive phytochemicals, like carotenoids which contribute to the protective effect, are abundant in apples. Daily apple intake has been related to cancer prevention and whole apple extract seems to prevent breast cancer in rats in a dose dependent manner. Studies have shown the cancer prevention potential based on the ability of the juice to reduce genotoxicity, hyperproliferation and development of aberrant crypt foci experimentally induced in a rat model by dimethylhydrazine. Anti-proliferative activity against human liver cancer (HepG2), human colon cancer (Caco-2), and estrogen receptor-positive (MCF-7) and triple negative (MDA-MB-231). Raw apple waste extract seems to protect against DNA damage and stop colon cancer cell invasion. This study focuses on Baldop apple which contains a respectable amount of polyphenols in the pulp that showed good antioxidant activity compared to red berries. Hence, the anti-proliferative activity in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells lines of Baldop juice were investigated. Baldop juice had the highest polyphenol content but anthocyanins were more abundant in Abbondanza Red juice. Baldop also showed an inhibited cell growth in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. When comparing these results to other juice cultivars, Baldop juice significantly reduced cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner for MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Baldop Juice also induced the inhibition of ERK1/2 activity and upregulated p21. The results suggest that Baldop apple can have chemopreventative potential against tumorigenesis in breast cancer cells.

]]> 2019-02-11 01:36:24 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329696433 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329696760
It is well known that high consumption of fruit and vegetables may lower the risk of various diseases and cancers, with numerous studies investigating it. In our particular interest, apples have a very high level of the antioxidants phytochemicals. Various studies have shown the antiproliferative effect of apple extract on multiple cancer cell lines. The following study aims to investigate whether juice from Baldop apples has an effect on cell viability of breast cancer cells. Cell viability assays were performed on embryo mouse fibroblasts, fetal lung, murine skin epidermal cells treated with after incubation with increased concentrations of apple juice for 2 hours. To investigate the proteins involved in the process, western blots were performed probing for p21, ERK1/2, phospho-ERK1/2 and LC3B.  We found that Baldop juice significantly reduced cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. p21 expression was increased after 24hr treatment while ERK1/2 expression was inhibited. The results provide a clearer foundation to advise towards a diet rich in fruits and vegetable. The study shows that the Baldop apples which contain a high level of  polyphenol do inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation. ]]> 2019-02-11 01:38:12 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329696760 hazircimehmet https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329743909 During the past decade, the most common form of cancer among women in the west has become breast cancer and diagnosed cases worldwide are on the increase.  The current treatments for cancer are effective, but carry limitations. Therefore, new methods are needed, such as chemoprevention. Diets rich in fruit and veg, especially apples may reduce the risk or delay the development of chronic diseases, including cancer. The purpose of this experiment is to evaluate the anti proliferative activity, in MCF-7 and MDA, of Baldop juice, as compared with the juice from 6 other apples. Cells were plated in 96 well plates, and treated with rising concentrations of apple juice in triplicate. After this, a crystal violet assay was performed to determine cell viability. From this, the IC50 value was calculated. Also, the proteins extracted from the cells were subjected to SDS-PAGE and to a nitrocellulose membrane where they were treated with chemiluminescence reagents. The results show that Baldop juice inhibited growth by 54.1% in MCF-7 cells and 47.4% in MDA cells in a dose dependent manner. Upon analysis of p21 levels, it was found that the level of p21 increased according to time, 1.5 fold in MCF-7 cells and 7.0 fold in MDA cells, 24 hours after treatment. Also, ERK1/2 activity was analyses using an pospho sensitive antibody, which revealed a 0.4 and 0.7 fold inhibition on MCF-7 and MDA cells respectively. Collectively these results show that Baldop apples do have chemopreventative properties that can help patients suffering with cancer.]]> 2019-02-11 07:24:59 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329743909 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329756730 The non-nutrient constituents of fruits such as carotenoids, phenolic acids and flavonoids could provide an alternative pathway for treatment of breast cancer in women. In this study, the Baldop apple was proven to significantly reduce MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cell viability. This is likely due to cell inhibition of mitosis at the G2/M phase, coupled with overexpression of p21, as well as inhibition of extracellular signal-mediated kinases ERK1/2. A Phospho-sensitive ERK1/2 antibody was used in an immunoblot to determine activity and revealed an inhibitor of ERK1/2 activity n MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. From this research we an conclude that the Baldop apple contains non-nutrient constituents (such as polyphenols) which demonstrate antiproliferative effects in cancer cells. Therefore whole juice from a new cultivar of apple with reddish pulp,called the Baldop apple, is a potent growth inhibitor of human breast cancer cells in vitro, and a possible prevention strategy against breast cancer development.]]> 2019-02-11 08:26:47 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329756730 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329764798 With the second highest level of antioxidant activity and content of phenolic compounds of all fruits, apples are believed, and even proven, to have preventive effects on chronic diseases and even cancers. Anti-proliferative properties of apple extracts against human liver cancer HepG2 cells, and human colon cancer colon Caco-2 cells, as well as estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) (MCF-7)and triple-negative (MDA-MB-231)human breast cancer cell lines have been described by in vitro studies. This study focuses in particular on a recently identified Baldop apple, which contain a significantly higher amount of polyphenols compared to other cultivars, which showed good antioxidant activity. This paper aims to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of the Baldop apple juice on both MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines . The juice is extracted by using a household juicer and then further centrifugation to remove all solid matter, before being filtered through a 0.45um membrane. Using crystal violet assay, MCF-7 cell proliferation is found to have been inhibited by 54.1%, and MDA-MB-231 cells by 47.4%. In addition, levels of p21 increased in both cell lines, and inhibition of ERK1/2 activity was found through use of a phospho-sensitive antibody. The results suggest that Baldop apples have a chemopreventive potential against tumorigenesis in breast cancer cells. ]]> 2019-02-11 08:59:19 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329764798 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329765452 In recent years, breast cancer has increased significantly, but its methods of prevention are becoming very popular. Chemoprevention, defined as the use of natural or synthetic agents to prevent carcinogenesis, has been associated with a diet rich in fruit and vegetables due to the phytochemicals they contain. Apples and, in particular the Baldop apple contain a large amount of anti-oxidants, including polyphenol, which have been shown to have anti-proliferative properties. This investigation aims at evaluating the anti-proliferative activity of the Baldop apple juice and determining its mechanism of action in the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. Cell viability assay was used to determine the effect of increasing apple juice concentrations on the viability of the breast cancer cells. Baldop juice decreased viability by 2.5% in MCF-7 cells and by 1.25% in MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner. A Western Blot analysis showed that p21, which is associated with the cell cycle arrest at the G2 phase was upregulated in both cell lines, while ERK1/2 was inhibited. Additionally, the analysis demonstrated an increase in the ratio of the LC3B-II, the autophagic-related form of the LC3B protein, to the LC3B-I, the non-lipidated form that is unlinked to the autophagic process. These results suggest that the Baldop apple has possible growth-inhibiting, as well as chemopreventive properties on human breast cancer cells, as the apple has a high polyphenol content and induces the overexpression of p21 and the inhibition of the ERK1/2 gene activity.]]> 2019-02-11 09:02:36 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329765452 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329765800 Given the]]> 2019-02-11 09:04:22 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329765800 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329765829 Apples, and other types of fruit have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes. The source of this protection is due to the non-nutrient component of the fruit, such as the cartenoids, phenolic acids, and flavenoids, and other bioactive phytochemicals. Experiments have shown that cancer greatly inhibits the proliferation of colon, liver, and triple-negative breast cancers. This effect has been attributed to the high level of anti-oxidants in apples protecting the body from reactive oxygen species, though the actual molecular mechanisms behind this are not understood. 

Our experiment focuses on the juice of the Baldop apple. We believe it's high polyphenol content will have an appreciable impact on the proliferation of MDA 231and MCF7 cell lineages. Our results showed it inhibited both cell lines, through accumulation in the G2 phase. It caused over-expression of p21, and inhibited ERK 1/2 activity.

]]> 2019-02-11 09:04:33 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329765829 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329771999 Nowadays, breast cancer treatments such as chemotherapeutic drugs and surgery have obvious limitations. Thus, awareness about diets that potentially contribute to breast cancer prevention has recently expanded in the West. Fruit and vegetable diets have been described to have some anti proliferate properties. This study specifically focuses on the Baldop apple, that has been known to have large concentrations of polyphenols and thus is potentially a powerful antioxidant. The experiments carried out in this study intended to assess whether Baldop apples actually possess antioxidant properties. Immunoblot protein analysis on proteins involved in G2/M like ERK1/2, p21 and LC3B as well as crystal violet assay was performed in MDA and MCF7 breast cancer cells, and that demonstrated that increased concentrations of Baldop apple juice increased cell viability by 1.25% in MDA cells and 2.5% in MCF-7 cells and that it also inhibited ERK1/2, over expressed p21 and LC3B. Such results suggest that the Baldop apple has empirically been proved to exhibit anti proliferative properties and thus is potentially a possible a cancer-preventing agent that could be used as a chemopreventive substance that could possibly have the potential to reduce breast cancer risk. More research and focus thus needs to be put to breast cancer prevention diets.

]]> 2019-02-11 09:32:32 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329771999 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329782113 Fruit and vegetable rich diets have shown to reduce the risk of severe chronic diseases such as different types of cancer and diabetes. The underlying mechanism is based on their non-nutrient components, in the case of apples it is due to their high level of antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds. 
Our experiment aims to bring some insight into the relatively unknown effects of these phytochemicals. We investigated six apple juices.  Between the six apples juices Baldop (a new variety of red apples) juice had the highest polyphenol content. We performed a cell viability assay that demonstrated that treating MCF-7 and MDA-231 cells with Baldop juice causes a decrease in cell viability and proliferation through the accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase. Through an immunoblot assay Baldop juice was shown to also cause the overexpression of p21
and inhibition of ERK1/2 activity.  ]]> 2019-02-11 10:10:19 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329782113 Feedback https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329791007 Good read, easy to follow and I feel you've done a lovely job at summarising the research paper. You covered the results obtained in the experiment well i like how you've included statistics too. Conclusive sentence at the end to tie it all up, lovely. Scientific vocabulary and language employed was good too. ]]> 2019-02-11 10:43:20 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329791007 Feedback https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329792846 Concise, clear summary of the context and aims of the paper. Covered all the technical areas and parameters of the experiment without going too in depth. Some sentences were a bit run-on/long, other than that it's pretty good. ]]> 2019-02-11 10:50:26 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329792846 Feedback https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329800384 - Would be preferable to use the full name of the cancer cell line, e.g. MDA-MB-231 as opposed to just MDA
- Baldop apple juice was compared to 5 other cultivars, not 6
- Analysis of the results is very nice. Direct numbers and figures taken from results and the different procedures are nicely outlined :)
- Perhaps a larger conclusion would be better]]> 2019-02-11 11:18:24 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329800384 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329800390 Well summarized in a clear and conciser manner. To mention the association of antioxidant activity with the compounds and a little more focus on the importance/function of the proteins of interest would complete the abstract.]]> 2019-02-11 11:18:26 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329800390 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329801995 In my opinion the abstract it’s really good overall. You followed the suggested structure. Maybe I would change a little bit the conclusion. Just paraphrase it better, demonstrate a possibility doesn’t sound good to me. Good jobbb ^.^]]> 2019-02-11 11:24:16 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329801995 PEER REVIEW https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329806200 Outline the importance of the study. 
How did they prove that the Baldop apple significantly reduced cell viability?
What do p21 and ERK1/2 do? (link them to the cell cycle arrest)
]]> 2019-02-11 11:38:11 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329806200 Feedback madelena_dash18 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329811201 This is very well done! It was clear and easy to follow along, and the reasoning behind the hypothesis is clearly stated. However, I found some sentences in the beginning to be grammatically incorrect. Also, the background information takes up about half the abstract, so I think it would be better if you shortened the abstract a bit and left more space for the conclusion and method, as this section seemed a bit rushed. But overall this was great work. ]]> 2019-02-11 11:57:13 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329811201 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329811530 Good explanation of the background content of how fruit and veg can prevent cancer. The method used is outlined, but more detail could be used. Expand on the conclusion of the study and the effect it has on future chemoprevention and why it is important. 

]]> 2019-02-11 11:58:34 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329811530 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329836498 The risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes have been suggested to be reduced by a diet of fruits and vegetables. This effect has been linked to the presence of non-nutrient plant constituents such as carotenoids and phenolic acids, which are abundant in apples. In rat models, apple constituents have demonstrated anticancer activity, preventing breast cancer with dose-dependency. In vivo studies show the ability of apple juice to decrease genotoxicity, hyperproliferation and development of aberrant crypt foci in a rat model by dimethylhydrazine. Apple extracts have also shown anti-proliferative activity against human liver cancer HepG2 cells, human colon cancer Caco-2 cells and estrogen receptor-positive and triple-negative human breast cancer cell lines. The anti-oxidant properties of apples allow protection against DNA damage, inhibiting colon cancer cells invasion. The Baldop apple, with a large amount of polyphenols exhibits good antioxidant activity. Baldop apple juice was therefore evaluated against MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines for antiproliferative activity. The results indicate that Baldop juice contains very high polyphenol content, thus strongly inhibiting proliferation of human breast cancer cells by accumulation in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, overexpressing p21 and inhibiting extracellular signal-regulated kinases ½ (ERK1/2) activity.

]]> 2019-02-11 13:24:34 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329836498 Feedback https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329897545 - The abstract should be written in one single paragraph.
- There is a nice introduction explaining why you study the topic. 
- The hypothesis is missing, remeber this is an important part of the abstract and the paper!
- Great explanation of the methods used and the data obtained, explaining the main proteins and mechanisms of action. 
- Clear conclusion explaining the results and their application.
- Overall its a good abstract that it is clearly explained and summarises the paper in a lovely way. ]]> 2019-02-11 15:11:27 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329897545 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329904528 Diets rich in fruits and vegetables plays a role in reducing thr risk or delaying the development of chronic diseases and cancer. Protective effects were mainly due to non-nutrient plant constituents such as carotenoids, phenolic acid and flavonoids, in which apples have the highest amount of the above constituents. Research showed that apples shown potent anti-poliferative activity against human liver cancer cells, colon cancer cells and breast cancer cells. The detailed molecular mechanims of anticancer properties of apple are still under investigstion. This study researched on Baldop apple which contains an appropriate amount of polyphenols that is comparably showing better antioxidant activity than other red berries. This experiment evaluate the antiproliferstive activity in both MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines by carrying out Crystal Violet Assay to study cell viability. Results showed that Baldop juice inhibits proliferation of human cancer cells and have chemopreventive potential against tumourgenesis in breast cancer cells.]]> 2019-02-11 15:22:11 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329904528 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329907339 Your abstract is very good and all of the necessary parts of an abstract are covered clearly and concisely. The conclusions could have been developed more to make a link to the Baldop apple being used as a chemopreventive :))]]> 2019-02-11 15:26:26 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329907339 Feedback https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329914448 Well done! The abstract gives an overview of the paper indicating the background of the research as well as the main findings. There are some parts that are quite unclear; for example this section, ‘Studies have shown the cancer prevention potential based on the ability of the juice to reduce genotoxicity, hyperproliferation and development of aberrant crypt foci experimentally induced in a rat model by dimethylhydrazine. Anti-proliferative activity against human liver cancer (HepG2), human colon cancer (Caco-2), and estrogen receptor-positive (MCF-7) and triple negative (MDA-MB-231). ’ Also outline to aim of the specific study more explicitly, what were they looking for?]]> 2019-02-11 15:36:26 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329914448 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329945469 This is a really good abstract, stuck to the word limit but mentions all the methods and the main results while having a good introduction to set the scence. Also mentioned the motivation behind the work!]]> 2019-02-11 16:21:09 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329945469 Feedback https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329949644 Great abstract describing the methods used and results. Hypothesis was clearly mentioned and the introduction is short and precise! however the there might be too much details (i.e specific genes and proteins involved)  mentioned in an abstract(?) ]]> 2019-02-11 16:27:46 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329949644 Feedback https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329993436 Great introduction into the themes and aims of the paper! While its good that you wrote the key results I would recommend not putting the exact measurements obtained (1.25% and 2.5%) in the abstract. You wrote a great conclusion and this is just nitpicking, but be careful about repeating words like "potential" and "possibly" and with sentence structure (last sentence). Very well done overall maybe just proofread?]]> 2019-02-11 17:38:28 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329993436 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329994895 This article has suggested that daily intake of apples has been associated with the prevention of breast cancer, and Baldop apple has shown good antioxidant activity. The aim of the experiment is to evaluate the activity in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines of the Baldop apple juice.

6 apple juice samples were prepared and centrifuged to perform a crystal violet assay and colorimetric assay to find the IC50 values of antiproliferative activity.

The results has shown that the total polyphenol content was higher in Baldop juice while the anthocyanins are less abundant. From CVA results, Baldop juice significantly reduced cell proliferation in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Both proteins are used to investigate the anti-proliferative activity of Baldop juice, which the two proteins are involved in G2 phase cell cycle.

In conclusion, there are links between the intake of fruits and vegetables and reduced risk of breast cancer and in vitro studies have found that anti-proliferative properties of phytochemicals derived from natural compounds. The whole juice of Baldop apple is proved to be a potent growth inhibitor of human breast cancer cells in vitro.

]]> 2019-02-11 17:40:48 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/329994895 Chemoprevention is an area of research that has been garnering interest. Previous studies have shown that diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk or delay the onset of chronic diseases including cancer. This study focuses on the chemopreventive properties of apples, which are known to have a rich selection of bioactive phytochemicals. We investigated the anti- proliferative activity of six apple cultivars in human breast cancer lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 in vitro through cell viability assays and immunoblot analyses. Cell viability assays were carried out through treatment of cells with apple juice and subsequent staining with crystal violet. The immunoblot analyses were carried out though the lysing of cells and probing with anti-p21, anti-phospho-ERK1/2 and anti-LC3B then subsequent probing with secondary antibodies. Results showed that Baldop apple juice, characterised by its high polyphenol content, markedly inhibited human breast cancer cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines through accumulation in G2/M phase of the cell cycle, the overexpression of p21 and inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) activity. These results suggest that Baldop apples could have chemopreventive ability against tumour formation in human breast cancer lines, providing a possibly pathway for the development of chemopreventive agents for future clinical use. https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/330045344 2019-02-11 19:08:06 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/330045344 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/330052513 Although breast cancer has become the most common form of cancer among women in Western countries, it is yet difficult to find perfectly cure the cancer by surgical interventions and chemotherapy. Thus, chemoprevention has aroused growing interest as a way of reducing mortality by breast cancer. With a rise in concerns of this, several studies have found a link between dietary consumption of vegetables and fruits in regarding to its effect in reducing the development of such diseases. Apples are known for their antioxidant activity and bioactive phytochemicals, which can potentially have a role in anticancer activity and anti-proliferative activity against ER+ MCF-7 cells. This study aims to investigate anti-proliferative effects in two breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 when induced by Baldop juice, using CVA and Immunoblot analysis. Each cell line was treated with increasing concentration of Baldop apple juice and other five different apple juice to compare with, following Quantification of polyphenols and anthocyanin in known volumes of juice. The level of p21 was measured to show the time-dependent upregulation of p21 by MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. Furthermore, we were able to prove inhibitory effect of ERK1/2 involved in G2 cell cycle arrest using phospho-sensitive antibody. This suggests ]]> 2019-02-11 19:19:38 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/330052513 Feedback https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/330214550 Clear and thorough description of experiments which makes for an easy read, also logically structured going from one experiment to the next. Great use of numerical analysis from the paper (not many have included this), and good summarising sentence at the end. Possibly quite a lengthy abstract (230 words), so you might want to condense it just a little although I don't think it's that necessary. Nice one.  ]]> 2019-02-12 07:39:15 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/330214550 Due to the toxic nature of chemotherapy and inefficient surgical intervention used in modern medicine to reduce mortality of cancer patients, chemoprevention has aroused the interest of scientists and doctors. Its fundamental idea is the use of chemicals of natural and synthetic origin to prevent the further development of cancer such as metastasis. Apples possess a plethora of bioactive phytochemicals which is connected to its antioxidant effect and therefore further investigated for their potential chemo preventative effect. Here we focus on the ability of the Baldop apple as a method of chemo prevention as the baldop apple is shown to contain a significant number of polyphenols which exhibits good antioxidant activity. The baldop apple was compared against 5 other commercial apples in terms of its anti-proliferative effect. Unsurprisingly, the baldop apple significantly reduced proliferation in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, the baldop apple was seen to strongly inhibited the proliferation of the breast cancer lines via the inhibition of both P21 over expression and ERK1/2 activity. Therefore, We propose that the baldop apple could be a potential candidate for chemoprevention due to its high polyphenol content. https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/330337326 2019-02-12 14:19:44 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/330337326 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/331383354 Your summary of the background research allows the reader to easily understand the significance and relevance of the study. The conclusions of the study are also extremely clear and well summarised.
I suggest you include more of the main methods/techniques used in experiments. It doesn't have to be super detailed, but it would be nice to have a 'link' between the aim of the experiment and the outcome.
(e-Module: Provides a brief summary of the paper highlighting the main findings and methodology).]]> 2019-02-14 16:32:52 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/331383354 Feedback https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/331539910 Good summary of the background and the research. The methods and aims are stated, and the results are well-explained. Even better if paraphrase some words and sentences because some of them are exactly repeated in the paper ]]> 2019-02-14 21:39:07 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/331539910 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/331817771 Recent epidemiologic studies suggest that the development of many chronic illnesses, including cancer, could be prevented by consuming balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. In particular, apples contain polyphenol antioxidants giving it anti-proliferative properties that prevent uncontrolled mitosis of cancerous cells. This study screens six apple types for their antioxidant content to assess their protective effect in vitroon two human breast cancer cell lines: MCF7 and MDA-MB-231. Of the six apple types, the Baldop apple containing the highest polyphenol content was further investigated using crystal violet assay and immunoblot. Our results show that Baldop apple juice is able to overexpress p21 and inhibit signalling kinases (ERK1/2) in the two selected cell lines, overall resulting in decreased cell growth in a dose dependent manner, with cell growth inhibited by 54.1% and 47.4% in MCF7 and MDA-MD-231 cells respectively measured using a cell viability assay. Results from immunoblot analysis showed inhibition of ERK1/2 and upregulation of p21 in a time-dependent manner by Baldop juice. Overall, results suggest that bioactive compounds have potent chemopreventative properties and consuming a diet high in fruits and vegetables could decrease breast cancer in humans. ]]> 2019-02-15 17:02:44 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/331817771 Feedback https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/331937448 That was a good abstract. It had a clear structure: background info-hypothesis/aim-methods and results. However a conclusion was missing. Why are these results important in terms of preventing/treating cancer? (what does the overexpression of p21 and inhibition of ERK1/2 mean?) There was still space left for a conclusion and a bit more detail. You could have also mentioned chemoprevention and how the results are related to that, as that seemed to be important in the paper. ]]> 2019-02-15 23:31:10 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/331937448 Great work! https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/332171407 I think this abstract was very well written, except for one typo - "Experiments have shown that cancer greatly inhibits the proliferation of colon, liver, and triple-negative breast cancers." 

I think it would also be a good idea to briefly mention what kinds of experiments were used to obtain said results and possibly point out that other apples were investigated?

It might just be me but I look for 3 things in an abstract - very shortly background, methods and results. You've got background and results very well summarized and simplified.]]> 2019-02-17 21:44:46 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/332171407 Feedback https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/332174444 Very good job at summarizing the paper. Maybe you could talk a bit more about what the results mean, but overall it was a really good abstract. It was concise and quite easy to follow.]]> 2019-02-17 22:13:13 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/332174444 Feedback https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/332186288 It is a very good abstract in general, short and direct conclusion, methods conducted were clearly listed, and background info of your experiment. However I think the first paragraph might not be suitable to include it because it does not really convey any background info. Nice try!]]> 2019-02-17 23:50:15 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/332186288 Feedback https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/332240762 Great abstract! You followed the structure from the module and explained everything well (I particularly like your explanation of the methods and results)]]> 2019-02-18 06:26:34 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/332240762 Feedback https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/332252401 Very good job at summarizing all the important bits of the paper. The methods and results were clearly outlined and easy to follow. Results were also explained very well in a concise way. Background of the experiment was also given. ]]> 2019-02-18 07:39:46 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/332252401 hazircimehmet https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/332256593 Good abstract, concise and easy to follow. Could talk more about the actual experimental procedure, and include some values to help explain the data. Also, some background information about cancer and preliminary data showing the effects of apples may have been beneficial. At the start, saying “this article” sounds abit funny. The abstract is written at the same time as the article and referring to it as “this article” makes it seem more like a review.]]> 2019-02-18 07:57:27 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/332256593 https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/332269937 A concise and straightforward abstract that presents all points really well. Really like how it is structured and easy to understand. Having the results of the study included helps conclude the abstract well. The general techniques eg CVA need not be mentioned.]]> 2019-02-18 08:53:32 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/332269937 Feedback https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/332679520 Good introduction of the paper, and into the gap of knowledge that the paper attempts to solve. 
Methods part could be developed a bit more, specially the p21, ERK1/2. I think that the up regulation of p21 and inhibition ERK1/2 is the explanation for the G2/M phase. 
Conclusion: good conclusion. Maybe state that the MDA cells showed more promising results than MCF7. ]]> 2019-02-19 14:05:41 UTC https://padlet.com/MedicalBiosciences/hrlni5jbbrbg/wish/332679520