How does the lectin Tarin exert its noted antitumoral and antimetastatic activity in preclinical models?
Answer
By modulating the COX-2 enzyme pathway
Tarin, identified as a specific lectin present in taro, exhibits significant biological activity demonstrated in cell and animal models, showing both antitumoral and antimetastatic effects while remaining non-toxic to healthy cells at effective concentrations. A key mechanism identified for this activity involves the modulation of the COX-2 enzyme pathway. The COX-2 pathway is frequently observed to be overactive or upregulated in tumor environments. By modulating this pathway, Tarin effectively contributes to a reduction in pro-tumorigenic inflammatory mediators, thereby helping to suppress tumor progression and the spread of cancer cells.

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