Exploring Biodiversity for Prevention and Control of Cancer and other Non-Communicable Diseases using Indigenous Environmental Resources: An Interdisciplinary Research

ABSTRACT

Background: An interdisciplinary research of public health, biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences is neededfor integrating qualitative and quantitative researches undertaken. It hence requires focus on public beneficencefor non-communicable diseases. Purpose: To study anticancer activities of soil samples of Central India andits stability for applied public health use. Material and Methods: Screening on Actinomycetes isolates obtainedfrom rural and urban farm soils illustrating arginase production was conducted from equated soil samples ofgeo-representative localities and adjoining areas of Bhopal, India. Enrichment Technique (CDSEA) was usedfor detection of extracellular production of L-arginase and their anticancer activities using MTT 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay along with characterization and probioticproperties of selected isolate. Results: L-Arginase activity quantified by ornithine (21.06-117.92 U/mg) wasfound in isolates BRD-21, KAR-73, BHA-162, BAR-199, ARH-210, HAB-228. Urea release (15.88 – 59.79 U/mg protein) depicted L- arginase activity in crude enzyme samples. It shows noticeable anticancer activity.Morphological and biochemical characterization of these isolates revealed metabolic diversity. Isolate KAR 73produced collagenase (specific activity 57.8 U/mg), L-asparaginase (specific activity 116 U/mg) and L-arginasewith tolerance to higher temperature (45°C) and salt concentration (2-8% w/v). Equal concentrations ofcrude L- arginase from these isolates inhibited growth and proliferation of colorectal adenocarcinoma celllines (19.99%-38.65%) under in-vitro conditions. Conclusion: Arginine depletion through arginase activity isevidenced for potential effectiveness in cancer treatment especially adenocarcinomas and squamous cellcarcinoma. It is useful for wider public health purposes: