New
York University Science Students Find Osteopontin - A Molecule Linked
to Asbestos Induced Cancers Including Pleural Mesothelioma
(January 7th, 2009)
 Science
students at the New York & Wayne Universities are currently
investigating a molecule called Osteopontin that has the ability
to reveal & expose early stages of Pleural mesothelioma. A blood
test conducted on the Osteopontin can confirm early stages of Pleural
mesothelioma, this study says, which is also published on the Oct.
13 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. Pleural Mesothelioma
occurs when Cancer hits the lining of the lungs, also known as the
'Pleura.'Through ages, over 7.5 million American workers have been
exposed to Asbestos either through occupational exposure or environmental
exposure. Furthermore, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
estimates another 1.3 million American workers are at risk of Asbestos
exposure, specifically in the building & construction industries.
Treatments in early stages of Cancer are much more effective as
opposed to if treatments are done on Cancer that has advanced to
higher stages. The Osteopontin blood test could help identify people
who have been exposed to Asbestos, and about to develop Pleural
mesothelioma in its early stages. Harvey Pass, M.D., Chief of Thoracic
Surgery & Oncology Dision in NYU Medicine School, Cardiothoracic
Surgery Department quotes, "The levels of a protein called
osteopontin rise dramatically in the early stage of this disease.
A rise in the level of this biomarker in workers with past asbestos
exposure may indicate to physicians that these people need to be
followed even more closely for the development of cancer."
The image on the left is of Glycoprotein, which is also known as
Osteopontin, infact Osteopontin derives its name from the Glycoprotein
cell. Glycoprotein is a mixture of protein and carbohydrates, and
was discovered in 1986. Further to its link in the development of
Pleural mesothelioma, Glycoprotein is linked with other types of
Cancer including stomach and ovarian cancer, melanoma, breast and
lung cancer. Glycoproteins are formed when sugar molecules (also
known as glyconutrients) form Sugar chains known as glycans, that
then bind with protein molecules (Osteopontins) to form Glycoproteins.
Osteopontin Blood Levels Study
The above mentioned study was conducted on 190 patients out of
which 69 had developed non-malignant asbestos related diseases such
as inflammation or scarring of the lungs. 45 were current smokers
with no previous known Asbestos exposure, and the remaining 76 patients
suffered from Pleural mesothelioma. People with Asbestos exposure
of less than 10 years showed the least amount of Osteopontin protein
while the protein was highest in people with 10 years or more of
Asbestos exposure. Levels of Osteopontin protein rose higher when
scarring or inflammation of the lungs, as detected on X rays were
done. Patients suffering from Pleural mesothelioma had the highest
level of Osteopontin protein, even in the early stages of the disease.
The scientists in this study have not yet determined what levels
of Osteopontin protein in the blood warrants a diagnosis test for
Pleural mesothelioma, and more research needs to be done in this
area. Dr. Harvey Pass adds, "What is crucial is that the marker
is very encouraging specifically in asbestos-related early-stage
disease."
Patients with Pleural mesothelioma in advanced stages often live
for only 9 - 12 months after diagnosis. Also, and unfortunately,
only 5% or lesser of mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with Cancer
in its early stages, 95% of new diagnosed cases are already in their
advanced stages. Dr. Pass quotes, "There are therapies that
will help patients live longer--I would really like to see more
patients found early. Early detection may find patients before they
suffer the ravages of the disease including shortness of breath
and pain. At this point in time, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy,
and new targeted therapies may help extend patients' lives."
For more information on this study, go to the New York University
- Langone Medical Center website @ http://www.med.nyu.edu
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