A recent preclinical study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology has demonstrated the potential chemopreventive effects of a medicinal mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (GL), in the prevention of tobacco-smoking-induced lung carcinogenesis. Researchers investigated the effects of a GL-derived commercial product known as GLSF in vitro and in vivo using mouse models.
Tobacco smoke contains procarcinogens such as benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), which can lead to DNA mutations and lung cancer. Conventional therapies are limited, and there is a need for natural products with chemopreventive properties. GL is known to have anticancer and immunomodulating properties but has not been studied for lung cancer prevention.
In the study, GLSF was found to inhibit the transformation of non-tumorous human bronchial epithelial cells when exposed to B[a]P. In mouse models, GLSF reduced B[a]P-induced lung toxicity and decreased NNK-induced lung tumor development.
GLSF was shown to improve lung tissue histology, decrease lactate dehydrogenase activity, lower lipid hydroperoxide levels, and reduce inflammatory cell infiltration. It also decreased lung weight, tumor area, and the expression of inflammatory and angiogenesis markers. GLSF demonstrated promising preventive potential against lung cancer.
GLSF is a nutraceutical and has not been associated with severe adverse events. Future clinical studies are needed to confirm the findings and determine GLSF’s potential use in individuals at risk of developing lung cancer, such as heavy smokers.
In conclusion, this study suggests that GLSF may have chemopreventive properties against tobacco-smoking-induced lung carcinogenesis. Further research is required, but these promising results open avenues for future clinical trials.
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology (No URLs provided)