Effects of phytoestrogen extracts isolated from flax on estradiol production and ER/PR expression in MCF7 breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

In this study, we tested the effects of crude extracts from flax (Linum usitatissimum) on the production of estradiol and expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in human breast cancer MCF7 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Isoflavone and lignan extracts from flax plant Linum usitatissimum were obtained, using different extraction methods. Breast carcinoma cells (MCF7) were incubated with various concentrations of the isolated extracts. Untreated MCF7 cells were used as controls. Supernatants were removed at designated times and tested for estradiol with an ELISA method. Furthermore, the effect of phytoestrogen extracts on the production of ERa and ERbeta as well as on PR was examined.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Production of estradiol is elevated in MCF7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner after stimulation with isoflavone and lignan extracts from Linum usitatissimum. Expression of ERalpha is up-regulated after stimulation with lower concentrations of lignan extracts from flax plants, unchanged at median concentrations and down-regulated at high concentrations. Expression of ERbeta is down-regulated in a concentration-dependent manner.

Cystic duct closure by sealing with bipolar electrocoagulation

A bipolar electrosurgical device was found to provide safe division and effective closure of the cystic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Background:

Cystic duct leakage after cholecystectomy is not uncommon and is a potentially serious complication. The aim of this study was to assess a bipolar sealing system (LigaSure^®) for closure of the cystic duct.

Methods:

The records from consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed in 2 hospitals with closure of the cystic duct with LigaSure after informed consent were recorded and complications and morbidity registered. The records were compared with those of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with closure of the cystic duct with clips during the same period.

Results:

During the study period, 218 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed; 102 of these were performed with the LigaSure. One patient was excluded due to violation of the protocol. We experienced no cases of cystic duct leakage, but in one patient, bile leakage from the gallbladder bed was observed probably due to a small aberrant duct.

Conclusion:

The LigaSure system was safe and effective for closure and division of the cystic duct in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Inhibiton of RET and JAK2 signals and upregulation of VEGFR3 phosphorylation in vitro by galectin-1 in trophoblast tumor cells BeWo

BACKGROUND

Galectin-1 (gal-1), a member of the mammalian beta-galactoside-binding proteins, binds to cell surface glycoproteins (Mucin-1) on trophoblast cells. Although it has been demonstrated that gal-1 induces cell differentiation processes in these cells, no information on its signal transduction processes is available so far. As tyrosine phosphorylation is a major mechanism that controls multiple biological processes including cell differentiation, survival and proliferation, the aim of this study was to examine which human receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) were phosphorylated in trophoblast cells by gal-1.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BeWo choriocarcinoma cells were incubated for 24h in the absence (controls) and presence of 60microg/ml galectin-1. With the RayBio Human RTK Phosphorylation Antibody Array 1, the relative levels of phosphorylation of different human RTKs could be detected simultaneously. The signal intensities were compared and quantified with the Quantity One Version 4.5.2 program. Gal-1-treated and non-treated cells were incubated with antibodies against REarranged during Transfection (RET) and phosphorylated RET(Y905). Staining reaction was performed with the avidin-biotinylated peroxidase complex (ABC) reagent.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that gal-1 inhibited RET and Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) signals and upregulated Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3) signal in BeWo cells. We also showed the downregulation of phosphorylation on RET phosphotyrosine residue 905 in BeWo cells with phosphorylation specific antibodies and immunocytochemistry.

CONCLUSION

Out of a number of 71 different RTKs, the stimulation of BeWo cells with gal-1 showed a significant alteration of signal intensity in only 3 RTKs: JAK2, RET and VEGFR3. Our data suggest that phosphorylation of these RTKs could be involved in cell differentiation processes that could be responsible for the already known effect of gal-1 on BeWo cells, the inhibition of proliferation.

Transport properties and atomic structure of ion-beam-deposited W, Pd and Pt nanostructures

We investigate the atomic structure and transport properties as a function of temperature (T) and applied magnetic field (H) of ion-beam-induced deposition (IBID) of tungsten, palladium and platinum micrometer and nanometer sized thin films and wires. The samples show a non-metallic behavior due to the low metallic content. Electron diffraction at room temperature reveals that the samples are amorphous (W, Pt) and polycrystalline (Pd). The temperature and magnetic field dependence of the samples reveal a behavior similar to that found in disordered or granular conductors. The resistivity rho decreases with T following a function of the type rho(T) = a-bT(alpha)+cT(-beta) (alpha,beta > or = 0) and the magnetoresistance of all samples shows a scaling of the form [rho(H,T)-rho(0,T)]/rho(0,T) = f(H/C(T)), with a temperature-and sample-dependent parameter C(T).

Laparoscopic colonic surgery in Denmark 2004-2007

OBJECTIVE

Laparoscopic colonic surgery was introduced about 15 years ago and has together with the evidence-based 'fast-track' methodology improved early postoperative outcome. The purpose of this study was to asses the organization and early outcome after laparoscopic colonic surgery in Denmark from 2004 to 2007.

METHOD

Based upon the National Patient Register, all laparoscopic colonic operations performed in Denmark between January 2004 and December 2006 were analysed regarding number of hospital departments and procedures, hospital stay, readmissions and mortality.

RESULTS

One thousand one hundred and forty-nine laparoscopic colonic resections without simultaneous stoma formation were performed in the study period. Twenty-five departments performed the procedures but only four departments performed more than 100 procedures. The median length of primary stay was 4 days (mean 7.7 days). One hundred and twenty-five (10.9%) patients were re-admitted within 30 days and total length of stay (primary plus readmissions) was a median of 5 days (mean 8.5 days). Thirty-day mortality was 2.6% and hospital mortality 3.5%.

CONCLUSION

This nationwide study has shown an increased implementation of laparoscopic colonic surgery but probably performed in too many low volume departments. Laparoscopic colonic surgery should be monitored and further advances secured by adjustment of perioperative care to fast-track care.

Ultrasound of the acute abdomen performed by surgeons in training

AIM

Ultrasound has a well-established role in the diagnostic assessment of acute abdominal pain where some ultrasonically easily-accessible organs account for several diagnostic possibilities. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether surgeons without ultrasound experience could perform valid abdominal ultrasound examinations of patients referred with acute abdominal pain.

METHODS

Patients referred with acute abdominal pain had an ultrasound examination by a surgeon in training as well as by an experienced consultant radiologist whose results served as the gold standard. All participating surgeons were without any pre-existing ultrasound experience and received one hour of introduction to abdominal ultrasound.

RESULTS

Thirty patients underwent 40 surgeon performed and 30 radiologist performed ultrasound examinations. Regarding gallstone and cholecholecystitis the sensitivity, specificity and kappa-agreement of the surgeon performed ultrasound examination was 1.00 (0.77-1.00), 0.96 (0.79-0.99), 0.94 (0.3-1.00) and 0.40 (0.12-0.77), 0.97 (0.83-0.99), 0.44 (0.00-0.96); respectively. Visualization of the common bile duct was poor having 73% non-diagnostic surgeon-performed ultrasound examinations.

CONCLUSION

Surgeons in training without pre-existing ultrasound experience and only a minimum of formal ultrasound education can perform valid and reliable ultrasound examinations of the gallbladder in patients admitted with acute abdominal pain.