An evidence-based systematic review of spearmint by the natural standard research collaboration.

An evidence-based systematic review of spearmint (Mentha spicata, Mentha viridis) including written and statistical analysis of scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.

Enhancement of sphingosine kinase 1 catalytic activity by deletion of 21 amino acids from the COOH-terminus.

Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) responds to a variety of growth factor signals by increasing catalytic activity as it translocates to the plasma membrane (PM). Several studies have identified amino acids residues involved in translocation yet how SphK1 increases its catalytic activity remains to be elucidated. Herein, we report that deletion of 21 amino acids from the COOH-terminus of SphK1 (1-363) results in increased catalytic activity relative to wild-type SphK1 (1-384) which is independent of the phosphorylation state of Serine 225 and PMA stimulation.

Sphingosine kinase 1 localized to the plasma membrane lipid raft microdomain overcomes serum deprivation induced growth inhibition.

Several studies have demonstrated that sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) translocates to the plasma membrane (PM) upon its activation and further suggested the plasma membrane lipid raft microdomain (PMLRM) as a target for SphK1 relocalization. To date, however, direct evidence of SphK1 localization to the PMLRM has been lacking. In this report, using multiple biochemical and subcellular fractionation techniques we demonstrate that endogenous SphK1 protein and its substrate, D-erythro-sphingosine, are present within the PMLRM.

Natural products as inhibitors of carcinogenesis.

Background: Although carcinogenesis and cancer have been studied intensively for > 50 years, the rates of cancer incidence and mortality remain high. The most successful approach for reducing these rates has been primary prevention. For individuals at a high risk of developing cancer owing to certain genetic, environmental and occupational factors, cancer chemoprevention is a logical approach.