Milk-Derived Proteins and Peptides in Head and Neck Carcinoma Treatment

Abstract

Research investigating milk-derived proteins has brought to light the potential for their use as novel anticancer agents. This paper aims to systematically review studies examining the effectiveness of milk-derived proteins in the treatment of head and neck cancer. A systematic literature search of Medline, Evidence-Based Medicine, and Web of Science databases including papers published from all dates was completed. Inter-rater reliability was high during the title, abstract, and full-text screening phases. Inclusion criteria, exclusion criteria, and data extraction were based on the PICOS tool and research questions. Reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis criteria. Eligible in vitro and in vivo studies (n = 8/658) evaluated lactoferrin, α-lactalbumin, and its complexes, such as HAMLET, BAMLET and lactalbumin-oleic acid complexes, as well as lactoperoxidase, whey, and casein. Their effectiveness in the treatment of head and neck cancer cells lines found that these compounds can inhibit tumour growth modulate cancer gene expression, and have cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. However, the exact mechanisms by which these effects are achieved are not well understood. Systematically designed, large, optimally controlled, collaborative studies, both in vitro and in vivo, will be required to gain a better understanding of their potential role in the treatment of head and neck cancer.

Causal association between tea consumption and head and neck cancer: a Mendelian randomization study

“…40 Additionally, milk-derived proteins (such as lactoferrin, whey protein, and casein) have been reported to inhibit tumor growth and regulate the expression of cancer-related genes and tumor cytotoxicity. 41…”

“…40 Additionally, milk-derived proteins (such as lactoferrin, whey protein, and casein) have been reported to inhibit tumor growth and regulate the expression of cancerrelated genes and tumor cytotoxicity. 41 Our study had several advantages. We analyzed all published GWAS of phenotypes related to tea intake and head and neck tumors from multiple anatomical sites using multiple data sources.…”

Role of Hemidesmosomes in Oral Carcinogenesis: A Systematic Review

“…A total of 26 studies were included in the systematic review for quality assessment. The Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) risk of bias tool, which is designed for both human and animal studies, was used for assessment [14]. The OHAT tool consists of 11 questions and each question has 4 possible answers (definitely low, probably low, probably high and definitely high).…”

Hunting for Novel Routes in Anticancer Drug Discovery: Peptides against Sam-Sam Interactions

“…Interestingly, different plant-based industrial food products and by-products (e.g., soybean, wheat germ, hemp seeds, rice bran, sesame bran, wheat bran, and rapeseed) are recognized sources of peptides with antioxidant activity, whereas milk and the marine environment are known providers of antimicrobial peptides [ 6 ]. In addition, peptides with anticancer activity can be obtained from milk [ 39 ]. Indeed, different milk proteins like casein, lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin, α-lactalbumin, and its complexes (i.e., HAMLET (Human Alpha-lactalbumin Made LEthal to Tumor cells), BAMLET (Bovine Alpha-lactalbumin Made LEthal to Tumor cells)), have garnered attention for the ability to block tumor growth, their effects on cancer gene expression, and their cytotoxic activity against certain cancer cells [ 39 ].…”

“…In addition, peptides with anticancer activity can be obtained from milk [ 39 ]. Indeed, different milk proteins like casein, lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin, α-lactalbumin, and its complexes (i.e., HAMLET (Human Alpha-lactalbumin Made LEthal to Tumor cells), BAMLET (Bovine Alpha-lactalbumin Made LEthal to Tumor cells)), have garnered attention for the ability to block tumor growth, their effects on cancer gene expression, and their cytotoxic activity against certain cancer cells [ 39 ]. For example, HAMLET shows anticancer activity against different types of tumors as revealed in studies conducted in animal models of bladder cancer, glioblastomas, and intestinal cancer and on humans (i.e., skin papilloma and bladder cancer) [ 39 ].…”