J Hepatol. 2007 Feb 27; [Epub ahead of print]  Links
Prevention of hepatocarcinogenesis with phosphatidylcholine and
menaquinone-4: In vitro and in vivo experiments.Sakakima Y, Hayakawa
A, Nagasaka T, Nakao A.
Department of Surgery II, Nagoya University School of Medicine, 65
Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We examined whether phosphatidylcholine inhibited
growth of hepatic cancer, as previously shown for menaquinone-4
(vitamin K2). METHODS: Growth inhibitions by phosphatidylcholine and/
or menaquinone-4 and apoptosis induction by phosphatidylcholine were
evaluated in vitro using human hepatic cancer cell lines (Hep-3B, Hep-
G2, HuH-7, and Alexander). Effects of these agents were then
investigated in male Sprague-Dawley rats against hepatocarcinogenesis
induced by diethylnitrosamine plus phenobarbital. All rats were killed
to examine livers to evaluate inhibitory potential macroscopically and
immunohistochemically using an antibody to the marker of
carcinogenesis, glutathione S-transferase and apoptotic induction by
phosphatidylcholine using TUNEL staining. Blood samples were obtained
by cardiac puncture. RESULTS: In vitro, phosphatidylcholine and
menaquinone-4 each inhibited cancer cell growth and
phosphatidylcholine induced apoptosis dose-dependently. Moreover,
exposure to both together synergistically inhibited growth in Hep-3B.
In vivo, diets containing phosphatidylcholine with or without
menaquinone-4 significantly reduced the numbers of macroscopic hepatic
tumor nodules and the extent of abnormally immunoreactive foci
conserving hepatic function on serum examinations compared with
controls given only the carcinogens. Moreover, phosphatidylcholine
supplementation induced apoptosis on TUNEL staining of liver sections.
CONCLUSIONS: Given together, phosphatidylcholine and menaquinone-4 may
exhibit synergy against hepatocarcinogenesis conserving hepatic
function that could benefit patients at high risk for hepatocellular
carcinoma.

PMID: 17399847 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Phosphatidylcholine, or PC, is a naturally occurring, integral
component of the cellular membrane, adding fluidity and strength. This
polar lipid molecule also plays a significant role in the healthy
transport and metabolism of lipids and lipid carrier molecules. These
roles help maintain healthy cellular function. PC also serves as a
source of choline, a significant precursor of the neurotransmitter
acetylcholine and an important factor in maintaining healthy liver
function. Pure Encapsulations PC is derived from soy lecithin, a
source that is rich in polyunsaturated acids, as opposed to animal-
derived sources, which tend to be much higher in saturated fatty
acids. In a multi-center, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled
trial conducted in Germany, investigators reported that
polyunsaturated PC helped support liver health by promoting healthy
plasma alanine aminotransferase activity and was well tolerated.
Another randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial suggested
that oral lecithin supplementation may help support healthy hepatic
fat metabolism by providing a source of choline. Animal studies also
report that soybean PC may promote healthy lipid metabolism at the
hepato-billiary level. Additional animal studies indicate that PC
promotes healthy liver and pancreatic antioxidant activity.
Furthermore, one study indicated that PC supported intestinal function
by helping to maintain healthy collagenase activity within the colon.
PC has also been studied in the context of cognitive support and
moderating stress. A long-term double-blind placebo controlled trial
suggested that high dose soy lecithin may reduce mild memory loss
associated with aging. A more recent animal study provided data
indicating that oral lecithin supplementation helped support plasma
choline levels, which was linked to an adaptogenic effect when the
animals were exposed to various stresses.*

Who loves ya.
Tom

Jesus Was A Vegetarian!
http://jesuswasavegetarian.7h.com

Man Is A Herbivore!
http://tinyurl.com/a3cc3

DEAD PEOPLE WALKING
http://tinyurl.com/zk9fk