The researchers unexpectedly found that developed to combat anemia nanoparticles of iron are effective in the treatment of cancer.
With the results of a new study can be found in the publication Nature Nanotechnology.
The article is about an experiment with nanoparticles of iron. Representing Stanford University Heike Daldrup-link (Heike Daldrup-Link and colleagues were surprised to find that these nanoparticles are effective weapons against cancer.
Originally, scientists did not set a goal to find a cure for cancer: they considered what side effects occur when using ferumoxytol created on the basis of nanoparticles of iron. The study was conducted on mice.
During the experiment, the professionals noticed that the drug has the unusual effect on macrophages – cells of the immune system of animals and humans, the ability to capture and digest bacteria, the remains of dead cells and other foreign or toxic to the body particles. The term “macrophages” entered the Russian and the French scholar Ilya Mechnikov.
The discovery prompted the scientists to consider: how effective is the test drug in facing cancer. Were used three groups of mice, whose bodies previously implanted malignant tumor. The first group experienced the nanoparticles, which were anti-cancer drug.
The second group were given an injection with empty nanoparticles. The remaining mice were used as control group.
To scientists ‘ surprise, and filled with “empty” nanoparticles exerted the same anti-cancer effect. They forced the macrophages attack and destroy cancer cells. The use of nanoparticles of iron, among other things, helped to prevent the emergence of metastases in organs of living beings.
Scientists attribute the “miraculous” impact of nanoparticles because they change the electrical properties of the membranes of the cells of the immune system. The latter allows macrophages to “see” the disguised cancer cells.
Clinical trials of drugs for cancer patients can be carried out very soon. Earlier, another group of researchers came to the conclusion that the ancient Chinese drug “Kushen is a effective cure against cancer.
