As a result of the research conducted by Turkish scientists on which components in filter coffee prevent cancer, 15 new microRNA chains were detected in coffee that suppress the reproduction of liver cancer cells.
THE EFFECT OF COFFEE IN PREVENTION OF CANCER RESEARCHED
At LÖSEV LÖSANTE Children’s and Adult Hospital, Gastroenterology Specialist Assoc. Dr. As Murat Kantarcıoğlu’s project, Prof. Dr. Emin Kurekci, Prof. Dr. Kamil Can Akçalı, Assoc. Dr. Dilara Fatma Akın Honey, Exp. Dr. Emel Bayrak, Dr. Dr. Serpil Taşdelen, Specialist Dr. Ustun Ezer, Dr. Biologist Pınar Akpınar Oktar, Dr. Biologist Serpil Yanbakan, Exp. Chemist Gülşen Yıldırım, METU Research Assistant Seçkin Öztürk, Biologist Zeynep Büşra Özer and Chemist Deniz Yurtsever Sarıca conducted a research on the effect and benefits of coffee in preventing cancer.
THE RESEARCH TAKED TWO YEARS
The results of the research, which lasted about 2 years, were published in the Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology, a national peer-reviewed publication, on October 19, “Coffee Derived Exosome-Like Nanoparticles: Are They Hidden Heroes?” (Coffee-Derived Exosome-Like Nanoparticles: Are They The Secret Heroes?).
As a result of the research signed by 13 scientists and supported by institutions such as Ankara University Biotechnology Institute, METU, Anadolu University and the Turkish Gastroenterology Association, it was revealed for the first time which components in filter coffee, whose benefits against cancer were expressed, provide this effect.
EFFECT OF MICRNAS ON LIVER CANCER CELLS
In the study, “exosome”-like carriers, which are defined as “natural cell vesicles responsible for the communication between cells in the human body so that the cells can work harmoniously” in coffee, were visualized with the help of electron microscope, and 15 new microRNA chains were detected. It has been shown in research that these microRNAs suppress the reproduction of liver cancer cells.
The results of this study are aimed to shed light on new treatment methods against liver cancer and Alzheimer’s disease in the coming years.
“WE DEFINED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE WORLD”
LÖSANTE Child and Adult Hospital Exosome Working Group President Prof. Dr. Emin Kürekçi told Anadolu Agency (AA) that not only humans but also plant and animal cells communicate with each other, and that this communication is achieved through nanometric-sized cargo molecules called “exosomes”.
Expressing that the microRNAs in the exosome-like carriers in filter coffee were revealed for the first time, and thus it was determined which substances in coffee could take place in the mechanism of killing cancer cells, Kürekçi said:
“Until now, the DNA of coffee has not been fully sequenced in the world. However, there was no comprehensive information about coffee exosomes. In order to detect this, firstly, exosomes were isolated using the ‘size exclusion method’ that we developed in our research laboratory. Then, microRNA in these exosomes was isolated. We have defined the genetic material of these animals, which is the first time in the world.
As a result of the research, we determined that coffee exosomes caused the death of liver cancer cells when applied in concentrated form. Of course, in order to do this against cancer cells in daily life, a very intense coffee drinking is needed, so no one can drink 20 cups of coffee a day. Our main goal is to carry this work forward and to turn these components in coffee into a treatment tool, a medicine against cancer. After the preparations of our teacher Murat Kantarcıoğlu, we will continue our work in this direction.”
IT IS KNOWN TO PROTECTIVE EFFECT AGAINST CANCER
prof. Dr. Kurekçi said that in the research, filter coffee obtained from the “Coffea Arabica” plant was subjected to a special roasting process and applied experimentally.
Expressing his thanks to all the experts and institutions who contributed to the project, Kürkçi emphasized that they are very happy and proud to bring the research to the scientific world.
Kürkçi said, “Coffee’s protective effect against many diseases and cancer is known. Based on our study and previous studies, we recommend healthy individuals to drink 3-4 cups of unsweetened filter coffee a day. This recommendation is of course for stomach problems and heart health. applicable to individuals who do not have a problem.” he said. (AA)