Abstract 2221: Reducing cancer disparity among indigenous people by locally prepared Whey protein isolates having selective cytoprotective ability against chemotherapy induced bone marrow stem cell toxicity

Abstract

Abstract Background: Cancer disparity is a major problem for the indigenous people living in the rural area of Kamrup district of Assam, a remote north eastern state of India. Often, rural people are prescribed with expensive dietary supplements during chemotherapy by urban for profit medical centers, increasing disparity, as per a study conducted by KaviKrishna Telemedicine Care (KTC) (1). We seek to reduce cancer disparity by using locally available diet/nutrition of Sualkuchi-Hajo cultural complex, including the whey protein prepared by indigenous healers practicing Vedic Jiva Upakara Cikitsha Tantra (Vejiupacita) (2,3). However, the efficacy of the indigenous Vejiupacita Whey protein is not clearly known. Here we have performed pre-clinical and clinical studies to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Vejiupacita Chena Pani (VCP) whey protein in reducing cancer chemotherapy induced bone marrow stem cell niche toxicity. Methods: Using a previously described pre-clinical model of cisplatin and busalphan induced BM stem cell niche toxicities (4), the cytoprotective activity of VCP Whey protein was evaluated. Commercially available whey proteins Ensure plus, and Immunocal were used for comparisons. Next, the indigenous cancer patients (n=55) of KaviKrishna Telemedicine Care taking the whey protein (20 gm twice daily for three months of chemo and or radiation) were monitored for hemoglobin, total blood count as well as Glasgow prognostic score (ratio of serum albumin and CRP) and ECOG performance score. Third, using a Vejiupacita based Sahasa-ojash scale of well being (3) patient's quality of life was evaluated. Results: In the pre-clinical model of cisplatin-induced BM toxicity in black 6 mice (n=10 in each group), the VCP whey protein exerted cytoprotection of BM stem cells similar to Immunocal but 2-fold higher protection compared to Ensure plus. Serum glutathione and squalene level was significantly increased only in the VCP whey protein group. The hypoxic niche of CD271+ MSCs showed enhanced stem cell niche protection. Notably, VCP and Immunocal whey protein treatment increased the hypoxic BM stem cell niche defense against cisplatin-induced toxicity. Next, 34/55 patients taking the VCP whey protein (20 gm/twice daily for three months) showed increased hemoglobin level, increased total blood count, and increased weight gain. The Sahasa-ojash scale showed significant improvement in quality of life compared to the period when they did not take whey proteins in a manner similar to Glasgow prognostic score, and ECOG performance score. Conclusion: The Vejiupcita based whey protein concentrate therapy exerts cytoprotection against chemotherapy induced toxicity.