GSE, JNK activation and apoptosis

I saw some articles on the cell death effects of Grape Seed Extract (GSE) on Jurkat cells through increased activation of JNK enzymes in these leukemic T-cells. This peaked my interest, so I did a little more research on JNK activation in HCL and GSE.

Based on research by Kamiguti, Harris, Cawley, et al, (University of Liverpool School of Cancer Studies) it appears that HCL cell survival is in large part "determined by the balance between the potential proapoptotic effects of p38/JNK and the antiapoptotic ones of ERK." In layman's terms, ERK is an enzyme in HCL that tries to keep it alive, and JNK is an enzyme that tries to help it die; the balance between the two enzymes plays a large role in whether the cells live (antiapoptotic) or die (proapoptotic). (Apoptosis = cell death by suicide -- typically through the TP53 tumor suppressor gene, but other genes and proteins can also induce it).

Their research showed that another family of enzymes known as PKC was present in HCL and helped increase ERK and decrease p38/JNK. By using PKC inhibitors in conjunction with 2-CdA chemotherapy, they improved the chemo's effectiveness.

Getting to the point: By activating JNK enzymes in HCL, the ERK to JNK ratio will favor HCL cell death. Prior studies of GSE in Jurkat cells as well as prostate cancer show that GSE is highly effective in activating JNK enzymes and inducing apoptosis in those cell lines. This suggests that a natural remedy like GSE may hold promise for being an effective proapoptotic agent in HCL. I hope some universities will realize the potential of GSE for JNK activation in HCL and investigate it further.

Drawback: GSE is a potent blood thinner; thus, regular use of GSE could cause excessive bleeding in individuals with Thrombocytopenia or anyone taking blood thinners; hence, taking GSE directly without medical supervision could be extremely dangerous and possibly lethal for anyone with clinical HCL.

Additional Note: Aloe-Emodin, found in Rhubarb and Aloe, is also a pronounced JNK activator and apoptosis agent. Rhubarb is also a known blood thinner which could cause spontaneous bleeding in individuals with Thrombocytopenia or clinical HCL.