Inhibitory effects of isopropyl-2-(1,3-dithietane-2-ylidene)-2- [N-(4-methylthiazol-2-yl)carbamoyl]acetate (YH439) on benzo[a]pyrene-induced skin carcinogenesis and micronucleated reticulocyte formation in mice

Regulation of Nrf2, NF-kappaB, and AP-1 signaling pathways by chemopreventive agents

The inhibition of carcinogenesis by chemopreventive agents has been demonstrated in many tumorigenesis animal models. The chemopreventive mechanisms of those phytochemicals have been investigated extensively, though mostly in in vitro cell culture systems. The cellular signaling cascades mediated by transcription factors, including nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), and activator protein-1 (AP-1), have been shown to play pivotal roles in tumor initiation, promotion, and progression processes. Thus, as demonstrated by previous substantive mechanistic studies, they appear to be ideal targets for cancer chemoprevention. In this review, we discuss the current progress and future challenges on our understanding of the molecular mechanisms in cancer chemoprevention by phytochemicals, focusing on the regulation of Nrf2, NF-kappaB, and AP-1 signaling pathways.

Using fluorescence for improvement of the quantitative analysis of micronucleus in cell culture

The micronucleus test is of unquestionable importance, being widely used in studies with several purposes. Standardization of the technique has been proposed by several groups mainly when in vivo assays are performed. In cell cultures the staining method that predominates is the Feulgen's reaction, since it is specific for DNA. In this work, we evaluated the use of two fluorescent stains, SYTOX green and propidium iodide, in substitution for the Feulgen's reaction. Based on the results we concluded that the fluorescence microscopy allows the reliable detection of micronuclei, presenting the following advantages: the technique is easy and fast to perform, it avoids acid treatments; the fluorescence is long lasting; micronucleus counting becomes easier and more reliable by the use of RNAase treatment; the technique is more sensitive to detect the smallest micronuclei.

Garlic and onions: their effect on eicosanoid metabolism and its clinical relevance

Garlic (Allium sativum) and onion (Allium cepa) are among the oldest of all cultivated plants. Additionally, both plants have been used as medicinal agents for thousands of years. Both garlic and onion have been shown to have applications as antimicrobial, antithrombotic, antitumor, hypolipidaemic, antiarthritic and hypoglycemic agents. In recent years, extensive research has focussed on the beneficial and medicinal properties of garlic and onions. In particular, the use of these agents in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer is an area of considerable investigation and interest.