Brad L Upham

US Patent:

20030180400, Sep 25, 2003

Filed:

Feb 27, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/375401

Inventors:

Yasushi Nakamura - Kyoto, JP
Brad Upham - East Lansing MI, US
James Trosko - Okemos MI, US

Assignee:

Board of Trustees of MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY - East Lansing MI

International Classification:

A61K035/78

US Classification:

424/738000

Abstract:

A composition comprising a non-fiber organic extract of psyllium which is anti-tumorigenic is described. The composition both restores gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and inhibits anchorage independent growth of mammalian cells which have been transformed with the ras oncogene. The composition is a useful chemotherapy and chemopreventative agent. The composition was identified using a novel method for determining the anti-tumorigenic potential of a compound or composition.

US Patent:

20060228433, Oct 12, 2006

Filed:

Apr 27, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/412743

Inventors:

Yasushi Nakamura - Kyoto, JP
Brad Upham - East Lansing MI, US
James Trosko - Okemos MI, US

Assignee:

Board of Trustees of Michigan State University - East Lansing MI

International Classification:

A61K 36/68
A61K 31/56

US Classification:

424738000, 514169000

Abstract:

A method for restoring gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in the cells of a mammal, including humans. The method includes administering to mammals who have been determined to have a mutation in the ras gene a phytosterol to restore GJIC. The phytosterol can be β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, or mixtures of these phytosterols. Administering the phytosterol compound both restores gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and inhibits anchorage independent growth of mammalian cells which have a mutation in the ras gene.