Download PDF
Br Homeopath J 1994; 83(04): 205-208
DOI: 10.1016/S0007-0785(05)80793-8
 
Copyright © The Faculty of Homeopathy 1994

Viscum album preparations inhibit DNA methylation by preventing DNA methyltransferase-induced methyl group transfer

J. Defize
,
A. Zwiers
,
G. Pals
,
J.B.A. Kipp
,
A.W. Eriksson
Subject Editor:
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
10 July 2018 (online)

    Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

Interactions between Viscum album (Iscador) and DNA were studied by amplification of specific human pepsinogen A gene promoter sequences by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Gel retardation assays showed no binding of Viscum album to these promoter sequences. Incubation of plasmid constructs consisting of human pepsigen A promoter fragments coupled to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene with Iscador had no effect on transcriptional activity. Promoter sequences incubated with Iscador became insensitive to methylation by specific DNA methyltransferases by destruction of DNA methyltransferase activity.

Keywords

Carcinogenesis - DNA methylation - Gastric chief cells - Pepsinogen A - Viscum album L. - Polymerase chain reaction