Ivory Tower: LPU, Kashmir varsity achieve milestone in colorectal cancer research
Researchers at Lovely Professional University (LPU), in collaboration with the University of Kashmir, have announced achieving a milestone in cancer research by developing an in-vivo colorectal cancer (CRC) rat model.
The model provides a robust platform for testing new chemopreventive agents, understanding the molecular basis of CRC, and exploring potential therapeutic interventions.
“The development of the CRC rat model is a pioneering effort that has opened new avenues for the cancer research and will allow in-depth studies on the mechanisms of colorectal cancer development, progression and metastasis, which were previously not possible within our facilities,” the research team said.
The implications of the development are profound as it sets the stage for future research projects that can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment and prevention.
Umer Majeed Khaja, a research scholar at the Department of Zoology, LPU, carried out the pioneering work under the supervision of Dr Showkat Ahmad Ganie, Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Kashmir; and Dr Reena Singh, Associate Professor, LPU.
The research titled, ‘Studies on the Ameliorative Potential of Rheum Webbianum Rhizome Extracts on 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-Induced Colorectal Cancer and Associated Hepatic and Haematological Abnormalities in Swiss Albino Rats’, has made noteworthy contributions to the field of cancer research. DMH is a well-established colon carcinogen. The work has received international recognition and has been accepted for publication in the prestigious Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Elsevier.
Several experts have appreciated the research as a valuable contribution to ethnopharmacology and cancer research, highlighting its comprehensive investigation, use of both in-vitro and in-vivo CRC models. They have also appreciated promising findings on the chemopreventive potential of Rheum webbianum (RW) extracts. The study investigates the chemopreventive potential of RW rhizome extracts on DMH-induced colorectal cancer in Swiss albino rats.
The findings demonstrated the ameliorative potential of RW rhizome extracts on colorectal cancer and associated hepatic and haematological abnormalities, highlighting its potential as a natural chemopreventive agent, the statement added.
Adhering to the guidelines of the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee, Umer’s work has been supported by the Department of Zoology and faculty members such as Prof Fayaz Ahmad. The teams have acknowledged the efforts of Dr Chirag Chopra, Assistant Professor at the School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, LPU, for his inputs and support during the research work. Both LPU and University of Kashmir have termed it a significant step in cancer research and treatment innovation.
Amritsar