The Traditional Chinese Medicine formula, CHSGS, can disrupt stress-induced tumor susceptibility by restoring macrophage phagocytosis and reducing ovarian cancer risks.
The study examined the effect of CHSGS - a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula known for alleviating liver Qi stagnation symptoms - on stress-related ovarian cancer. Firstly, it sought to determine the association between macrophage phagocytosis - impaired due to psychological stress - and the degradation of Toll-like receptor 2 within cells. It used techniques like flow cytometry and co-immunoprecipitation. Then, it assessed how CHSGS affected tumor size and weight, how it influenced macrophage phagocytosis, and which of its active ingredients were the key players.
In this research, it was found that stress boosts a process called lipid peroxidation in macrophages, a type of white blood cell. This process calls in a function known as the E3 ubiquitin ligase MARCH6, and starts the degradation of Toll-like receptor 2. This disruption impairs the ability of the macrophages to phagocytize, or engulf other particles, potentially leading to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. When treated with CHSGS, however, this bond between the Toll-like receptor 2 and MARCH6 is interrupted, which notably reduces the degradation of the Toll-like receptor 2, and as a result, helps the macrophage defend against cancer cells. Among the active ingredients in CHSGS, baicalin, a flavonoid, appears to be particularly effective in preventing the stress-induced inhibition of the macrophages.
