Under a licensing agreement between Brassica Protection Products, LLC (BPP) and the Johns Hopkins University, Drs. Paul Talalay (a coauthor on Abstract #2597) and Fahey are entitled to shares of royalty received by the University on sales of products described in this article. Drs. Talalay and Fahey own BPP stock, which is subject to certain restrictions under University policy. Drs. Talalay and Fahey are unpaid consultants to the company. Dr. Talalay's son is the Chief Executive Officer of BPP and owns BPP stock. The terms of this arrangement are being managed by the Johns Hopkins University in accordance with its conflict of interest policies.

PLANT DERIVATIVE MAY PROTECT AGAINST LIVER CANCER
(Embargoed for Release until 1 PM, ET, Tuesday, November 1, 2005)
Abstract #2497

A new study shows that a synthetic version of a plant extract prevents mold toxin-induced liver cancer in rats. The extract, a derivative of oleanolic acid, is a building block of many plants, including herbs, and has known anti-inflammatory effects.

Recently created by chemists at Dartmouth College, the man-made version of oleanolic acid used in the study is dubbed CDDO-Im*. Investigators at Johns Hopkins teamed up with the Dartmouth chemists to determine whether the compound could help flush out of the body chemicals that trigger the development of liver cancer.

The researchers used rat models that simulate precancerous liver tumors caused by a carcinogen called aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is produced by microscopic molds found on dietary staples, such as corn and peanuts. It also is known to cause liver cancer in people infected with hepatitis B.

"We know that aflatoxin can't be eliminated from our environment, b
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Contact: Vanessa Wasta
wastava@jhmi.edu
410-955-1287
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
1-Nov-2005