PNC-27 Side Effects
PNC-27 is a peptide that contains amino acid residues of the p53 protein, which acts as a tumor suppressor. Its primary function is to induce necrosis of tumor cells, resulting in a reduction in tumor mass and its activity. Studies indicate that the peptide can demonstrate this ability in any malignancy, but its potential is most pronounced in epithelial ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, and acute myeloid leukemia. FNC-27 binds to HDM-2 receptors localized on tumor cells, causing their necrosis, which results in an improvement in the patient's overall condition, a reduction in the likelihood of spread to surrounding organs, and potentially even a complete recovery. Scientists assume that the peptide can be used in combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, cytostatics, or alone, yielding beneficial results.
About the Peptide
PNC-27 is considered an antineoplastic peptide primarily because its chemical formula contains amino acid residues of the P53 protein, which independently acts as a tumor suppressor. Many years of research determined that HDM-2 receptors are expressed on the cell membranes of both solid and non-solid tumors. Upon binding, the peptide causes cell necrosis, which, in time, leads to a reduction in tumor size and prevents the formation of metastases.
The antitumor effect of the peptide has been primarily studied in acute myeloid leukemia. This diagnosis represents a severe form of malignancy that develops and progresses rapidly, spreading to surrounding healthy tissues. It is essential to react as quickly and effectively as possible to save the patient's life. The disease affects the bone marrow, which is responsible for producing all blood elements and is located within the trabeculae of the spongy bone. It is characterized by the formation of abnormal myeloid cells that subsequently disrupt the normal production of blood cells. Patients with this diagnosis have symptoms such as bleeding, spontaneous bruising, anemia, weakness, night sweats, and fever.
Based on scientific research, it has been determined that PCN-27 can limit malignancy, reduce disease symptoms, and thus increase the chance of survival. The primary advantage of treatment with this peptide is the potential to prevent the spread of malignancy. Since leukemia is a malignancy that spreads through the bloodstream, there is a high probability of rapid metastasis, which later significantly complicates treatment.
Epithelial ovary cystadenocarcinoma is another form of malignancy where the effect of PNC-27 has been studied through clinical trials. The disease most often begins with the formation of cysts on the ovaries (one or more), which do not burst on their own and do not respond to therapy but remain. Since they sometimes do not cause intense symptoms, patients discover the cyst late, and it begins to alter malignantly. The consequences can be sterility, metastases to distant organs, or even death. Symptoms include a tense abdomen, back pain, or mild menstrual cycle disorders. Using similar mechanisms of action, the peptide can limit the tumor mass and prevent its spread. The peptide can act equally effectively on malignancies that are resistant to chemotherapy, a common occurrence with this diagnosis.
Another case where the fundamental effect of the peptide has been established is colorectal cancer. This disease is limited exclusively to the large intestine but has a high ability to metastasize. The symptoms are noticeable, but they typically appear only when the disease has most likely already spread and include the presence of fresh blood and mucus in the stool, abdominal cramps, and pain, as well as vague and prolonged diarrhea. As a result, patients become anemic and tired with significant weight loss. PNC-27 has demonstrated beneficial effects, and specific scientific studies have reported similar effects in both older and younger populations.
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action is generally similar for all cancers that this peptide affects, and research shows that there are many of them. PNC-27 binds to HDM-2 receptors that are consistently expressed either on the cell membrane or in a malignant cell. Crucially, the binding occurs exclusively on cancer cells, while healthy ones remain intact. The reason is simply the absence of receptors.
After binding, the peptide causes the wall to disintegrate, creating pores in the membrane itself, thus destroying the balance between intracellular and extracellular contents. An imbalance in homeostasis can occur when water and other substances enter the cell, causing it to burst. In such an environment, the cancer cannot continue its division and metabolism, and its cells ultimately die. This type of cell death is designated as necrosis (caused by a threat to the cell's vitality). However, more rarely, apoptosis (programmed cell death) can also occur when the body itself provides information about the unification because it recognizes that further disruption of its functions is impossible.
The difference between the tumors on which the effect has been studied the most is only reflected in the variations of the cells where HDM-2 receptors are expressed. In acute myeloid leukemia, these are the largest CD44+ cells, whose mass destruction prevents further tumor spread, and the disease gradually enters a phase of remission. With the reduction of abnormal myeloid cells, the normal production of erythrocytes, lymphocytes, leukocytes, and other blood elements generally returns. As a result, the patient is no longer anemic, and his immunity and strength are restored.
In ovarian cystadenocarcinoma, the target cells of the peptide are mucinous cells of epithelial origin, which are mainly formed by the persistence of cysts. Sometimes, these carcinomas can reach serious dimensions, even if this is not characteristic of the malignant type of tumor. The effect of PNC-27 reduces the tumor volume, and its cells proliferate less, which impairs their activity. If complete healing occurs, the patient's fertility can be restored, and painful symptoms can be reduced.
The efficacy of the peptide in colorectal cancer is crucial, as this diagnosis is becoming increasingly common, and an adequate therapy has not yet been found. Since the most common type is adenocarcinoma, the cells that express HDM-2 receptors are mainly of epithelial origin, and the mechanism of action stays the same.
Structure
The chemical formula of this compound consists of
- one hundred and eighty-eight carbon atoms,
- two hundred and ninety-three hydrogen atoms,
- fifty-three nitrogen atoms,
- forty-four oxygen atoms,
- one sulfur atom.
These atoms occupy a specific arrangement in space, and the molecular weight of this compound is averaged.
Side Effects
Injection Site Reaction
One of the most common applications of PNC-27 is the use of subcutaneous injections. Such a method always carries a slight risk of side effects, including redness, pain, swelling, or skin reactions at the injection site. Such cases are common, but the symptoms typically pass quickly and do not have any lasting consequences. It is rare for any medical intervention to be necessary. If symptoms persist or worsen over time, it is essential to consult a doctor. To avoid the occurrence of such reactions, patients are advised to change the injection site frequently.
Symptoms of Loss of Tolerance to the Drug
After the first few treatments, symptoms of drug withdrawal may occur, including headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These side effects typically subside after the first few injections and rarely recur. Patients seldom consult a doctor because even if symptoms occur, they are not intense. If a person already has a gastrointestinal disease that increases the intensity of symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to determine additional therapy or adjust the optimal dose.
Safety
Results of scientific studies indicate that the PNC-27 peptide is entirely safe for use. To achieve its beneficial effects and minimize unwanted effects, the peptide should be used according to the indications and under the supervision of a physician. The maximum dose should never be exceeded or changed independently. PNC-27 will undoubtedly remain a subject of future research.