Aqueous Ocimum gratissimum extract induces cell apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has exhibited a poor overall survival rate of only six to ten months, and the urgency of the development of more effective novel agents is ever present. In this line of research, we aimed to investigate the effects and inhibitive mechanisms of aqueous Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract (OGE), the extract of Ocimum gratissimum, which is commonly used as a therapeutic herb for its numerous pharmacological properties, on malignant HCC cells. Our results showed that OGE decreased the cell viability of HCC SK-Hep1 and HA22T cells in a dose-dependent manner (from 400 to 800 µg/mL), while there is little effect on Chang liver cells. Moreover, cell-cycle analysis shows increased Sub-G1 cell count in SK-Hep1 and HA22T cells which is not observed in Chang liver cells. These findings raise suspicion that the OGE-induced cell death may be mediated through proteins that regulate cell cycle and apoptosis in SK-Hep1 and HA22T cells, and further experimentation revealed that OGE treatment resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in caspase 3 and PARP expressions and in CDK4and p-ERK1/2expressions. Moreover, animal tests also exhibited decreased HCC tumor growth by OGE treatment. We therefore suggest that the inhibition of cell viability and tumor growth induced by OGE may be correlated to the alteration of apoptosis-related proteins.

MZF-1/Elk-1/PKCα is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) is a key signaling molecule in human cancer development. As a therapeutic strategy, targeting PKCα is difficult because the molecule is ubiquitously expressed in non-malignant cells. PKCα is regulated by the cooperative interaction of the transcription factors myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF-1) and Ets-like protein-1 (Elk-1) in human cancer cells.

Methods: By conducting tissue array analysis, herein, we determined the protein expression of MZF-1/Elk-1/PKCα in various cancers.

Results: The data show that the expression of MZF-1/Elk-1 is correlated with that of PKCα in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but not in bladder and lung cancers. In addition, the PKCα down-regulation by shRNA Elk-1 was only observed in the HCC SK-Hep-1 cells. Blocking the interaction between MZF-1 and Elk-1 through the transfection of their binding domain MZF-1_60-72 decreased PKCα expression. This step ultimately depressed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition potential of the HCC cells.

Conclusion: These findings could be used to develop an alternative therapeutic strategy against patients with the PKCα-derived HCC.

Attenuation of Oxidative Stress-Induced Cell Apoptosis in Schwann RSC96 Cells by Ocimum Gratissimum Aqueous Extract

Objectives: Cell transplantation therapy of Schwann cells (SCs) is a promising therapeutic strategy after spinal cord injury. However, challenges such as oxidative stress hinder satisfactory cell viability and intervention for enhancing SCs survival is critical throughout the transplantation procedures. Ocimum gratissimum, widely used as a folk medicine in many countries, has therapeutic and anti-oxidative properties and may protect SCs survival. Methods: We examined the protective effects of aqueous O. gratissimum extract (OGE) against cell damage caused by H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in RSC96 Schwann cells. Results: Our results showed that the RSC96 cells, damaged by H₂O₂ oxidative stress, decreased their viability up to 32% after treatment with different concentrations of up to 300 μM H₂O₂, but OGE pretreatment (150 or 200 μg/mL) increased cell viability by approximately 62% or 66%, respectively. Cell cycle analysis indicated a high (43%) sub-G1 cell population in the H₂O₂-treated RSC96 cells compared with untreated cells (1%); whereas OGE pretreatment (150 and 200 μg/mL) of RSC96 cells significantly reduced the sub-G1 cells (7% and 8%, respectively). Furthermore, Western blot analysis revealed that OGE pretreatment inhibited H₂O₂-induced apoptotic protein caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage, as well as it reversed Bax up-regulation and Bcl-2 down-regulation. The amelioration of OGE of cell stress and stress-induced apoptosis was proved by the HSP70 and HSP72 decrease. Conclusion: Our data suggest that OGE may minimize the cytotoxic effects of H₂O₂-induced SCs apoptosis by modulating the apoptotic pathway and could potentially supplement cell transplantation therapy.

Association of Serum Cytokines, Human Growth Hormone, Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF)-I, IGF-II and IGF-Binding Protein (IGFBP)-3 with Coronary Artery Disease

The roles that serum cytokines, human growth hormone (h-GH), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, IGF-II and IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-3 play in coronary artery disease (CAD) are not completely clear. A total of 80 participants comprising 20 patients with stable angina (SA), 20 patients with unstable angina (UA), 20 patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and 20 healthy control subjects were recruited during the period January 2010 to August 2010. Blood samples were drawn from all participants on admission and one week later in MI patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We found that MI patients had significantly lower levels of IGF-I, IGF-II and IGFBP-3, and significantly higher levels of h-GH, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α) and IL-10 than controls. Furthermore, patients with SA or UA had higher levels of TNF-α and lower levels of IGF-II than control subjects. Moreover, h-GH, IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3 and IL-6 levels returned to within normal range in MI patients one week after PCI. Our preliminary findings suggest that TNF-α and IGF-II are potential biomarkers of early CAD. Furthermore, h-GH, IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP- 3 and IL-6 might be predictors of and potential modifiable targets for MI.

Ocimum gratissmum aqueous extract reduces plasma lipid in hypercholesterol-fed hamsters

Objectives: Hyperlipidemia is a significant risk factor in the development of atherosclerosis and related diseases which are major health problem in many developed and developing countries that can lead to fatality due to the changes in lifestyle and dietary habits in this modern age. Methods: In the present study, the Ocimum gratissimum aqueous extract (OGE) was tested for the lowering effect on the serum lipid level of male hamsters on a high-fat (12%) and high-cholesterol (0.2%) diet (HFCD). Results: The results showed that the levels of serum high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerols (TG) were increased in the HFCD group (113±11, 259±87, 629±175 and 625±262, respectively), as compared to the control normal diet group (51±8, 19±5, 77±16 and 101±44, respectively). When co-treated with various doses (10 and 20 mg/kg) of the OGE or rosuvastatin, the rats exhibited the restoration of normal serum LDL-C, TC, and TG levels. Conclusion: Therefore, we suggest that the Ocimum gratissimum aqueous extract may have the potential function of lowering serum lipid in rats.

Inhibitory effect of liposome-encapsulated anthocyanin on melanogenesis in human melanocytes

CONTEXT

Melanin plays an important role in preventing ultraviolet (UV) light-induced skin damage. Overexposure to UV radiation can lead to the formation of free radicals and trigger inflammation and hyperpigmentation of the skin. Anthocyanin can combat excessive free radicals in the body and can reduce the occurrence of inflammation. However, anthocyanin molecules are unstable and highly susceptible to degradation.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to elucidate the effects of liposome-capsulated anthocyanin (LCA) from Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. on melanogenesis in human A375 melanocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of LCA with various doses (5-50 mg/mL) on cell viability, melanin content, tyrosinase activity, expression of the tyrosinase and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) were measured.

RESULTS

Anthocyanin exhibits scavenging activity on DPPH radical with the inhibitory rate of 11 and 24% at 20 and 50 mg/mL concentration treatment, respectively, and inhibitory effects on melanin production by 8, 14, 23 and 30% at 5, 10, 20 and 50 mg/mL concentration treatment, respectively. However, LCA has enhanced DPPH scavenging activity (64 and 76% at 20 and 50 mg/mL concentration treatment, respectively) and inhibitory effects against melanin synthesis (23, 35, 43 and 60% at 5, 10, 20 and 50 mg/mL concentration treatment, respectively). Moreover, anthocyanin-inhibited melanin synthesis occurs through the inhibition of tyrosinase enzymatic activity and suppression of the protein expression of tyrosinase and MITF.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Liposome encapsulation increases the stabilization of anthocyanin and the inhibition of melanogenesis. Our findings indicate that LCA may be suitable as a photoprotective agent for the skin.

KHC-4 anti-cancer effects on human PC3 prostate cancer cell line

A bicyclic chemical structure, such as that found in flavonoids, was discovered to have anti-cancer activity. Further synthetic structural modification created a series of 2-phenyl-4-quinolone analogs, especially KHC-4, with the same bicyclic chemical structure. This new structure was reported to have stronger anti-cancer activity. In KHC-4 treatments for 72 h on human prostate cancer PC3 cells, cytotoxic effects (IC(50) =0.1 μM) increased dose dependently, causing Cdk1/cyclin B1 complex activity mannered cell cycle and proliferation. KHC-4 treatments suppressed Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL protein levels and upregulated Bax. At the same concentration, pro-caspase 9 protein was cleaved to an activated form, leading to cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the MMP-2 protein levels also decreased through KHC-4 treatment in PC3. In conclusion, KHC-4 presents great prostate cancer therapeutic effects for cell proliferation inhibition, induction of apoptosis and protection against tumor migration.

Expression of protein kinase Cα and the MZF-1 and elk-1 transcription factors in human bladder transitional cell carcinoma cells

In a recent study on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we have shown that the transcription factors Myeloid Zinc Finger-1 (MZF-1) and Ets-like-protein 1 (Elk-1) are significantly related to protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) expression. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation of the expression of PKCα with the expression of Elk-1 and MZF-1 in various differentiated urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) cell lines: 5637, BFTC905, TSGH8301, HT1376 and HT1197 cells. The malignant potential in the five TCC cell lines was examined by using cell proliferation/migration/invasion assay and the protein and mRNA levels of PKCα, ElK-1 and MZF-1 were examined by Western blot and RT-PCR analysis. The results showed that the rate of cell proliferation in the TSGH8301 cell line was higher than that in other cell lines, while there were obvious signs of cell migration and invasion in 5637, BFTC905 and HT1376 cells, and no sign in TSGH8301 and HT1197 cells. The resulting expression levels of Elk-1 and PKCα were the highest in 5637 cells, but the MZF-1 expression observed in all five cell lines showed no significant difference. To determine whether a correlation exists between PKCα and Elk-1, a shRNA knockout assay was performed and the results showed that the reduction of Elk-1 expression in 5637 cells did not result in the decreased PKCα expression. Therefore, although the findings showed elevated expression of Elk-1 and PKCα in 5637 cells, the regulator of PKCα in bladder cancer cells is yet to be determined.

MR imaging of congenital or developmental neuropathic strabismus: common and uncommon findings

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

High-resolution MR imaging enables direct imaging of the ocular motor nerves. The aim of this study was to assess the various causes of congenital or developmental neuropathic strabismus by using high-resolution MR imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

High-resolution MR imaging was performed to evaluate the ocular motor nerves (CNIII, CNIV, CNVI) in 247 consecutive patients with suspected congenital or developmental neuropathic strabismus. These MR images, along with those obtained from conventional MR imaging of the brain and the orbit, were evaluated.

RESULTS

MR imaging abnormalities were found in 112 patients: ocular motor nerve abnormalities in 98 patients (88%), orbital abnormalities in 9 patients (8%), and brain abnormalities in 5 patients (4%). Ocular motor nerve abnormalities were CNIV aplasia (63%), CNVI aplasia or hypoplasia (21%), CNIII aplasia or hypoplasia (3%), and combined CNIII aplasia and CNVI hypoplasia (1%). Orbital abnormalities were EOM hypoplasia (7%), EOM hypertrophy (1%), and fibrotic mass (1%). Brain abnormalities were periventricular leukomalacia (4%) and periventricular heterotopia (1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Various MR imaging abnormalities were associated with congenital and developmental neuropathic strabismus. The most common abnormality was CNIV aplasia.

Expression of protein kinase C isoforms in cancerous breast tissue and adjacent normal breast tissue

The role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the carcinogenesis of human breast tissue has been studied at the molecular level for more than two decades. In this study, we employed Western blotting to determine the presence of PKC isoforms in cancerous and normal breast tissues. The results indicate significant expression of a conventional PKC (PKCα) and two atypical PKCs (PKC ζ and λ/ι) in both breast tumors and adjacent normal breast tissue. For the α,ζ and λ/ι isoforms, the expression of individual isoforms was higher in the breast tumors than in the adjacent normal breast tissue. Although the correlation coefficient was low, significant linear correlation was found among the activities of the isoforms. The data suggest a potential new direction in cancer chemotherapy, namely the blockage of the signal transduction pathway of specific PKC isoforms.

Expression of protein kinase C α and the MZF-1 and Elk-1 transcription factors in human breast cancer cells

Recently, our research into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has shown that the transcription factors Myeloid Zinc Finger-1 (MZF-1) and Ets-like-protein 1 are related to protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) expression. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation of the expression of PKCαwith the expressions of Elk-1 and MZF-1 in various differentiated breast cancer cell lines: MDA- MB-231, Hs57BT, SKBR3, MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7. The malignant potential in the five lines of breast cancer cells was examined by using a cell proliferation/migration/invasion assay and the protein and mRNA levels of PKCα, ElK-1 and MZF-1 were examined by Western blot and RT-PCR analysis, re- spectively. The results showed that there were obvious signs of migration and invasion of cells in MDA- MB-231 and Hs57BT cells, little signs of cell migration and invasion in MDA-MB-468 cells, and no sign in SKBR3 and MCF-7 cells. Moreover, the highest expression levels of PKCα, Elk-1 and MZF-1 were also observed in MDA-MB-231 and Hs57BT cells when compared to the other breast cancer cell lines. These findings confirm that elevated expression of PKCαin breast cancer cells may be correlated with the potential of cell migration and invasion, and suggest an association between the expression of PKCα and the expression of the transcription factors Elk-1 and MZF-1.

JNK suppression is essential for 17β-Estradiol inhibits prostaglandin E2-Induced uPA and MMP-9 expressions and cell migration in human LoVo colon cancer cells

Background

Epidemiological studies demonstrate that the incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer in women are lower than in men. However, it is unknown if 17β-estradiol treatment is sufficient to inhibit prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-induced cellular motility in human colon cancer cells.

Methods

We analyzed the protein expression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), matrix metallopeptidases (MMPs), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and the cellular motility in PGE2-stimulated human LoVo cells. 17β-Estradiol and the inhibitors including LY294002 (Akt activation inhibitor), U0126 (ERK1/2 inhibitor), SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor), SP600125 (JNK1/2 inhibitor), QNZ (NFκB inhibitor) and ICI 182 780 were further used to explore the inhibitory effects of 17β-estradiol on PGE2-induced LoVo cell motility. Student's t-test was used to analyze the difference between the two groups.

Results

Upregulation of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and matrix metallopeptidases (MMPs) is reported to associate with the development of cancer cell mobility, metastasis, and subsequent malignant tumor. After administration of inhibitors including LY294002, U0126, SB203580, SP600125 or QNZ, we found that PGE2 treatment up-regulated uPA and MMP-9 expression via JNK1/2 signaling pathway, thus promoting cellular motility in human LoVo cancer cells. However, PGE2 treatment showed no effects on regulating expression of tPA, MMP-2, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, -2, -3 and -4 (TIMP-1, -2, -3 and -4). We further observed that 17β-estradiol treatment inhibited PGE2-induced uPA, MMP-9 and cellular motility by suppressing activation of JNK1/2 in human LoVo cancer cells.

Conclusions

Collectively, these results suggest that 17β-estradiol treatment significantly inhibits PGE2-induced motility of human LoVo colon cancer cells.

Protein kinase C alpha location and the expression of phospho-MEK and MDR1 in hepatitis virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma biopsies

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the function of protein kinase C (PKC) alpha in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Histoimmunopathologic techniques were used to determine the localization and/or expression of PKCalpha, phospho-mitogen-acrivated protein kinase (MEK) and multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) in HCC biopsies. Expression of PKCalpha, phospho-MEK and MDR1 was significantly increased in the region of HCC location compared with the non-tumor location. The HCC tissues were classified as cytosolic type, where PKCalpha was deposited in the cytoplasm in > 50% of cells, or membranous type for others. The results showed that the higher expression levels of phospho-MEK and MDR1 in HCC location were significantly associated with those patients whose cells were of the membranous type. Moreover, the expression of MDR1 in HCC location was also significantly associated with the phospho-MEK, and was significantly higher in the patients with anti-HCV negative readings. The results indicate that elevated expression of MDR1 in HCC patients with non-HCV infection may be mediated through PKC signaling pathway.

Protein kinase C alpha location and the expression of phospho-MEK and MDR1 in hepatitis virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma biopsies

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the function of protein kinase C (PKC) alpha in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Histoimmunopathologic techniques were used to determine the localization and/or expression of PKCalpha, phospho-mitogen-acrivated protein kinase (MEK) and multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) in HCC biopsies. Expression of PKCalpha, phospho-MEK and MDR1 was significantly increased in the region of HCC location compared with the non-tumor location. The HCC tissues were classified as cytosolic type, where PKCalpha was deposited in the cytoplasm in > 50% of cells, or membranous type for others. The results showed that the higher expression levels of phospho-MEK and MDR1 in HCC location were significantly associated with those patients whose cells were of the membranous type. Moreover, the expression of MDR1 in HCC location was also significantly associated with the phospho-MEK, and was significantly higher in the patients with anti-HCV negative readings. The results indicate that elevated expression of MDR1 in HCC patients with non-HCV infection may be mediated through PKC signaling pathway.

BNIP3 induces IL6 and calcineurin/NFAT3 hypertrophic-related pathways in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells

Ischemia/reperfusion injury causes cardiomyocyte apoptosis, ventricular remodeling, leading to a dilated heart. Hypoxia is one of the causes involved in ischemia damage, and BNIP3 is a hypoxia-inducible marker and also a sensor to induce mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Recent reports discussed ablating BNIP3 can restrain cardiomyocytes apoptosis and post-infarction remodeling. BNIP3 is a crucial therapeutic target. However, the BNIP3-induced hypertrophy aspect is rarely investigated. Here, we transiently transfected BNIP3 plasmids into H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells to evaluate the molecular signaling and hypertrophy markers using Western blot. We measured the cell size change using actin staining. We disclose that BNIP3 overexpression induced an increase in cell size, activated the pathological-related hypertrophy signaling pathways, such as IL6-MEK5-ERK5, IL6-JAK2-STAT1/3, calcineurin/NFAT3 and p38β MAPK resulting in the fetal genes, ANP and BNP expressing. Concluding above, BNIP3 acts as a pathological hypertrophy inducer, which might be a potential therapeutic target for heart damage prevention.

Therapeutic effects of cantharidin analogues without bridging ether oxygen on human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Previous research indicates that cantharidin, norcantharidin and their analogues exhibit anticancer activity due to their inhibition of cancer cell lines such as HL60, HT29 and L1210. The anticancer activities of cantharidin, norcantharidin and their analogues involve the suppression of serine/threonine protein phosphatases (PPs) activity. However, cantharidin is not suitable for cancer therapy because of its high cytotoxicity in vitro (IC(50) = 21 microM in primary cultured rat hepatocytes). In this study, synthetic cantharidin analogues with a structure of aminothiazole compounds 3-9 and a structure of anhydride compounds 10-12 were screened for anticancer activities and cytotoxic effects on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell (HCC) lines HepG2, Sk-Hep1, and primary cultured rat hepatocytes. Experimental results indicated that compounds 3-9 did not perform as expected with regard to anticancer activity and exhibited lower cytotoxicity. Compound 10 promoted apoptosis in HepG2 (IC(50) = 62 microM) and SK-Hep1(IC(50) = 151 microM) cell lines. Compounds 11 and 12 had anticancer potential similar to that of compound 10. After treatment with compounds 3-12, primary cultured rat hepatocytes exhibited no cytotoxicity (IC(50) > 200 microM). By investigating the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of these analogues as a whole, this study suggests that the anhydride ether oxygen such as in cantharidin, norcantharidin and compounds 10-12 may be correlated with HCC survival suppression. The results further suggest that the elimination of bridging ether oxygen on the ring, such as in compounds 10-12, can decrease cytotoxicity.

Leu27IGF2 plays an opposite role to IGF1 to induce H9c2 cardiomyoblast cell apoptosis via Galphaq signaling

This study examines the role of IGF2/mannose 6-phosphate receptor (IGF2R) signaling in the signaling transduction regulation and cell apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells. However, it is difficult to recognize the distinct activation of IGF2 signaling without interfacing with IGFI receptor (IGF1R) after exposure to IGF2. Leu27IGF2, an analog of IGF2 that interacts selectively with the IGF2R, was used to specifically activate IGF2R signaling in this study. DNA fragmentation and TUNEL assay revealed that in contrast to IGF1 treatment preventing angiotensin II and AG1024-induced cell apoptosis, Leu27IGF2 appears to synergistically increase apoptosis in those cells. We further found cell apoptosis induction and an increase in the active form of caspase 3 in the treatment of cells with Leu27IGF2, but not IGF1. To detect the interaction between IGF2R and Galphaq using the immunoprecipitation assay, we found that IGF2R could directly interact with Galphaq and after treatment with Leu27IGF2 the binding ability of Galphaq to IGF2R had increased. This sequentially resulted in the phosphorylation of phospholipase C-beta, a key downstream modulator of Galphaq, on serine 537. Moreover, disruption of the Galphaq protein by small interferon RNA reduced the cell apoptosis induced by Leu27IGF2. Our findings demonstrate that IGF2R activation appears to induce cell apoptosis via Galphaq-deriving signaling cascades and its effect is completely different from IGF1R survival signaling.

The activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 induced by protein kinase C alpha in decidualization

This study investigated the protein kinase C (PKC) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in the development of deciduomata in pseudo-pregnant and pregnant rats. The results showed that the expression of MMP-2 was significantly increased from day 2 to day 5 in pseudo-pregnancy and from day 7 to day 9 in pregnancy. To further investigate the correlation between MMP-2 and protein kinase C alpha (PKC alpha), the expression of MMP-2 in the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-treated organotypic culture of decidual tissue was determined. The results showed that the active form of MMP-2 was significantly increased in the TPA-treated cultures. Moreover, this response was inhibited by the PKC inhibitor H7, the PKC alpha specific inhibitor Gö-6976 and the translation inhibitor cycloheximide, but not by the transcription inhibitor actinomycin D or the replication inhibitor mitomycin C. In addition, TPA also reversed the MMP-2 expression after by progesterone pretreatment in the primary decidual cells. These findings indicate that PKC alpha may play an important role in the regulation of the MMP-2 expression during decidualization.

Proliferation- and migration-enhancing effects of ginseng and ginsenoside Rg1 through IGF-I- and FGF-2-signaling pathways on RSC96 Schwann cells

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the proliferation- and migration-enhancing effects of ginseng and its component, ginsenoside (Rg1) on RSC96 Schwann cells. We investigated the molecular signaling pathways, which include: (1) survival signaling, IGFs-IGFIR-Akt-Bcl2 and proliferative signaling, cell cycle factors and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, (2) migrating and anti-scar signaling, FGF-2-uPA-MMPs.We treated RSC96 cells with different concentrations (100, 200, 300, 400, 500 microg ml(-1)) of ginseng and its constituent, Rg1 (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 microg ml(-1)). We observed a proliferative effect in a dose-dependent manner by PCNA western blotting assay, MTT assay, and wound healing test. Furthermore, we also found in the results of western blotting assay, ginseng and Rg1 enhance protein expression of IGF-I pathway regulators, cell cycle controlling proteins, and MAPK signaling pathways to promote the cell proliferation. In addition, ginseng and Rg1 also stimulated the FGF-2-uPA-MMP 9 migrating pathway to enhance the migration of RSC96 Schwann cells. Using MAPK chemical inhibitors, U0126, SB203580, and SP600125, the proliferative effects of ginseng and Rg1 on RSC96 cells were identified to be MAPK signaling-dependent. On the basis of the results, applying appropriate doses of ginseng and Rg1 with biomedical materials would be a potential approach for enhancing neuron regeneration.

Iron status and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with haemodialysis versus patients with ischaemic heart disease

AIM

The study aimed to investigate whether imbalanced iron status in patients with haemodialysis coexisted with abnormal lipid profile, higher inflammatory status and altered growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor (GH-IGF)-I axis and to compare these biochemical markers with patients with ischaemic heart disease.

METHODS

Serum samples for biochemical and immunological analyses were collected from 74 normal subjects, 138 patients with ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and 115 patients on haemodialysis (HD).

RESULTS

Compared with normal subjects, lower serum iron, lower total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and higher ferritin in HD patients coexisted with decreases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total bilirubin as well as increases in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), interleukin (IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-10. Decreased IGF-I and increased GH were found in HD patients whereas unchanged GH-IGF axis were found in IHD patients. Compared with IHD, much higher ferritin, lower TIBC, lower bilirubin and higher LDH levels were found in HD patients.

CONCLUSION

Imbalanced iron status in patients on HD coexisted with abnormal lipid profiles, increased anaerobic activity and higher inflammatory status, which suggests that imbalanced iron status in HD patients may play a deleterious role in cardiovascular pathophysiology. Altered GH-IGF axis found in HD patients was more obvious than in IHD patients. This may imply that the GH-IGF axis system is modulated or adapted by HD.

Cardiac Fas-dependent and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in ovariectomized rats

BACKGROUND

Very limited information has been published regarding cardiac apoptosis in menopausal women or in those after bilateral oophorectomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether cardiac Fas-dependent (type I) and mitochondria-dependent (type II) apoptotic pathways are activated in ovariectomized rats.

METHODS

Thirty-two female Wistar rats at 6-7 months of age were randomly divided into sham-operated group (Sham) and bilateral ovariectomized group (OVX). Two months after the operation, the cardiac characteristics, myocardial architecture, and two major apoptotic pathways in the excised left ventricle from rats were measured by histopathological analysis, Western blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and positive TUNEL assays.

RESULTS

The whole heart weight, the left ventricular weight, the ratios of whole heart weight to tibia length, and the ratios of left ventricle to tibia length were significantly increased in OVX relative to Sham. Abnormal myocardial architecture, enlarged interstitial spaces, more minor cardiac fibrosis, and more cardiac TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells were observed in OVX. The key components of Fas-dependent apoptosis (TNF-alpha, Fas ligand, Fas death receptors, Fas-associated death domain (FADD), activated caspase 8, and activated caspase 3) and key components of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis (Bad, Bax, Bax-to-Bcl2 ratio, cytosolic cytochrome c, activated caspase 9, and activated caspase 3) were significantly increased in OVX hearts.

CONCLUSIONS

The absence of female ovaries will activate the cardiac Fas-dependent and mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathways, which might provide one of possible mechanism for developing heart failure in post-menopause women.

p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway is involved in protein kinase Calpha-regulated invasion in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Protein kinase Calpha (PKCalpha) has been suggested to play an important role in tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis. In this study, we investigated the signal pathways selectively activated by PKCalpha in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells to determine the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) in PKCalpha-mediated HCC migration and invasion. A stable SK-Hep-1 cell clone (siPKCalpha-SK) expressing DNA-based small interfering RNA (siRNA) PKCalpha was established and was then characterized by cell growth, migration, and invasion. The expression of PKCalpha was decreased in siPKCalpha-SK, and cell growth, migration, and invasion were reduced. These changes were associated with the decrease in p38 MAPK phosphorylation level, but not in c-jun-NH(2)-kinase-1/2 (JNK-1/2) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK-1/2). This phenomenon was confirmed in the SK-Hep-1 cells treated with antisense PKCalpha olignucleotide. The p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 or dominant negative p38 mutant plasmid (DN-p38) was used to evaluate the dependency of p38 MAPK in PKCalpha-regulated migration and invasion. Attenuation of cell migration and invasion was revealed in the SK-Hep-1 cells treated with the SB203580 or DN-p38, but not with ERK-1/2 inhibitor PD98059 or JNK-1/2 inhibitor SP600125. Overexpression of constitutively active MKK6 or PKCalpha may restore the inactivation of p38 and the attenuation of cell migration and invasion in siPKCalpha-SK. Similar findings were observed in the stable HA22T/VGH cell clone expressing siRNA PKCalpha. This study provides new insight into the role of p38 MAPK in PKCalpha-mediated malignant phenotypes, especially in PKCalpha-mediated cancer cell invasion, which may have valuable implications for developing new therapies for some PKCalpha-overexpressing cancers.

Measurement of ocular torsion using iterative optical flow

This work represents a new method for measuring ocular torsion using optical flow. Feature points are obtained from reference and current image, and the relative optical flows of each point are calculated. The feature points are selected according to the strength of corner on the signature of iris. This method is robust and effective in calculation.

Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced cellular hypertrophy and MMP-9 activity via different signaling pathways in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the pathogenesis of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy caused by periodontitis pathogens. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.

METHODS

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activities and cellular morphology were measured by gelatin zymography and immunofluorescence after P. gingivalis-medium treatment with or without SB203580 (p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade [p38] inhibitor), U0126 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase [MAPKK] inhibitor), LY294002 (phosphoinositide 3-kinase [PI3K] inhibitor), cyclosporin A (CsA; calcineurin inhibitor), SP600125 (c-Jun N-terminal kinase [JNK] inhibitor), proinflammatory interleukin (IL)-1, or anti-inflammatory IL-10 in cultured cardiomyoblast H9c2 cells.

RESULTS

P. gingivalis medium increased MMP-9 activities and cellular sizes (+87%) of H9c2 cells, whereas Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans medium and Prevotella intermedia medium had no effects. The increased activity of MMP-9 treated with P. gingivalis medium was not mediated through p38, extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK), PI3K, calcineurin, and JNK signaling pathways and was not inhibited by IL-10. However, the hypertrophy of H9c2 cells induced with P. gingivalis medium was reduced by administration of SB203580 (-37%), U0126 (-35%), LY294002 (-49%), CsA (-49%), and SP600125 (-24%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that P. gingivalis medium elevated MMP-9 activity and induced cardiomyoblast hypertrophy. However, P. gingivalis-induced H9c2 cell hypertrophy was mediated through p38, ERK, PI3K, calcineurin, and JNK signaling pathways, which are in a totally different regulatory pathway from P. gingivalis-elevated MMP-9 activity. These findings provide evidence that P. gingivalis infection activated multiple factors via different pathways to induce the development of hypertrophy of H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells.

Porphyromonas gingivalis-related cardiac cell apoptosis was majorly co-activated by p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Little is known about the pathogenesis of apoptosis caused in cardiac tissues by periodontitis pathogens. The purpose of this study was to determine the related effect of periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis on cardiac cell apoptosis.

METHODS

DNA fragmentation, nuclear condensation and activated apoptotic caspases were measured by agarose gel electrophoresis, nuclear DAPI (4',6-diamidine-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride) stain and western blotting analysis following the surrounding medium of P. gingivalis and/or pre-administration of SB203580 (p38 inhibitor), U0126 [mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) inhibitor], LY294002 [phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor], cyclosporine A (CsA: calcineurin inhibitor), and Sp600125 [c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor] in cultured cardiac H9c2 cells.

RESULTS

The surrounding medium of periodontal pathogen P. gingivalis increased DNA fragmentation, nuclear condensation and the activated apoptotic caspase-3, -8, and -9 proteins in H9c2 cells. DNA fragmentation and nuclear condensation of H9c2 cells treated with P. gingivalis medium were completely blocked by SB203580 plus U0126 and were decreased after pre-administration of SB203580 only, U0126 only, LY294002, CsA, but were increased by Sp600125.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the development of cardiac cell apoptosis can be directly induced by P. gingivalis medium. Porphyromonas gingivalis-related H9c2 cell apoptosis was mainly co-activated by p38 and ERK pathways and may be involved in death receptor-dependent (caspase 8) and mitochondria (caspase 9)-dependent apoptotic pathways. Porphyromonas gingivalis-related cardiac cell apoptosis was also partially mediated by PI3K or calcineurin signaling pathways, whereas the JNK pathway might play a protective role in P. gingivalis-related cardiac cell apoptosis.

Second-hand smoke-induced cardiac fibrosis is related to the Fas death receptor apoptotic pathway without mitochondria-dependent pathway involvement in rats

Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke has been epidemiologically linked to heart disease among nonsmokers. However, the molecular mechanism behind the pathogenesis of cardiac disease is unknown. In this study, we found that Wistar rats, exposed to tobacco cigarette smoke at doses of 5, 10, or 15 cigarettes for 30 min twice a day for 1 month, had a dose-dependently reduced heart weight to body weight ratio and enhanced interstitial fibrosis as identified by histopathologic analysis. The mRNA and activity of matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2), representing the progress of cardiac remodeling, were also elevated in the heart. In addition, we used reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting to demonstrate significantly increased levels of the apoptotic effecter caspase-3 in treated animal hearts. Dose-dependently elevated mRNA and protein levels of Fas, and promoted apoptotic initiator caspase-8 (active form), a molecule of a death-receptor-dependent pathway, coupled with unaltered or decreased levels of cytosolic cytochrome c and the apoptotic initiator caspase-9 (active form), molecules of mitochondria-dependent pathways, may be indicative of cardiac apoptosis, which is Fas death-receptor apoptotic-signaling dependent, but not mitochondria pathway dependent in rats exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS). With regard to the regulation of survival pathway, using dot blotting, we found cardiac insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-1 receptor mRNA levels to be significantly increased, indicating that compensative effects of IGF-1 survival signaling could occur. In conclusion, we found that the effects of SHS on cardiomyocyte are mediated by the Fas death-receptor-dependent apoptotic pathway and might be related to the epidemiologic incidence of cardiac disease of SHS-exposed nonsmokers.

17beta-estradiol reduces cardiac hypertrophy mediated through the up-regulation of PI3K/Akt and the suppression of calcineurin/NF-AT3 signaling pathways in rats

This study was designed to determine the effects of 17beta-estradiol (E2) in overcoming the cardiac over-loading and cardiac fibrosis in rats. E2 (100 ng/kg) or oil was applied in female Sprague-Dawley rats with or without bilateral ovariectomy and with or without coarctation of the abdominal aorta after 4 or 8 days. By post-operative day 4, the heart weight, the left ventricular weight, the latent form of MMP-2 in rat hearts with or without the ovary intact had significantly increased while these changes were reversed after E2 treatment. Although animals with the ovaries intact overcame the hypertrophic effects and the consumption of MMP-2, these effects were not restored in ovariectomized animals in which more fibrosis could be found by day 8. Among the IGF-I signaling, the levels of IGF-I, the activities of PI3K-Akt for cardiomyocyte survival, and MEK-ERKs for non-cardiomyocyte proliferation pathways had significantly increased by day 4. These increasing trends were enhanced by E2 treatment. However, down-regulation was only observed on day 8 in ovariectomized animals. Similarly, elevated expressions of the steady-state mRNA of IGF-I, IGF-IR, and Cox vb were observed on day 4 in animals with the ovaries intact and these expressions were enhanced by E2 treatment. In contrast, down-regulation on day 8 in ovariectomized animals was not enhanced by E2. The calcineurin/NFAT-3 pathway was suppressed on day 4 but was elevated on day 8 in ovariectomized animals. These findings indicate that signaling pathways may be plausible mechanisms for the cardiac protective effects of E2 administration.

Protective effects of baicalein on tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced hepatic toxicity in rat hepatocytes

Baicalein (BAL), a main flavonoid constituent of Scutellaria radix, was studied for its inhibitory effects on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative damage in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes. In a preliminary study, baicalein revealed effective antioxidant properties in a test of its capacity to quench the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH). Further investigations showed that baicalein, at the concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 microM, decreased the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) induced by 30 min of pretreatment with t-BHP (1.5 mM) in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes. Baicalein also attenuated t-BHP-induced mitochondrial depolarization as determined by a retention test of rhodamine 123 and DNA repair synthesis as evidenced by unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS). In addition, baicalein decreased the 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) content which acts as a DNA damage marker. The sum of the results suggests that the protective effect of baicalein against the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of hepatocytes induced by t-BHP is due to its ability to quench free radicals.

Protective effect of baicalin on tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced rat hepatotoxicity

Baicalin (BA) is a flavonoid compound purified from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi that is used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Baicalin was studied for the mechanism of its inhibitory effects on the tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced cytotoxicity and lipid peroxidation in rat liver system. Baicalin expressed an antioxidant property by its capacity for quenching the free radicals of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Further investigations using the t-BHP-induced cytotoxicity in rat primary hepatocytes demonstrated that baicalin, at the concentrations of 2-220 microM, significantly decreased the leakages of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) induced by 30 min treatment of t-BHP(1.5 mM). Baicalin also attenuated the t-BHP-induced depletion of glutathione (GSH) and high level of DNA repaired synthesis. An in vivo study in rats showed that pretreatment with baicalin (i.p.) at concentrations of 0.5 and 5 mg/kg for 5 days before a single i.p. dose of t-BHP (0.1 mmol/kg) significantly lowered the serum levels of hepatic enzyme markers (ALT and AST) and reduced oxidative stress in the liver. Histopathological evaluation of the rat livers revealed that baicalin reduced the incidence of liver lesions induced by t-BHP including hepatocyte swelling, leukocyte infiltration, and necrosis. Based on the results described above, we speculate that baicalin may play a chemopreventive role via reducing oxidative stress in living systems.

Inhibitory effect of berberine on tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced oxidative damage in rat liver

Berberine, a main protoberberine component of Coptidis Rhizoma, was studied for the mechanism of its inhibitory effects on the tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced cytotoxicity and lipid peroxidation in rat liver. In the preliminary study, berberine expressed an antioxidant property by its capacity for quenching the free radicals of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Further investigations were conducted using t-BHP-induced cytotoxicity in rat primary hepatocytes and hepatotoxicity in rats to evaluate the antioxidative bioactivity of berberine. The results in rat primary hepatocytes demonstrated that berberine, at the concentrations of 0.01-1.0 mM, significantly decreased the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) induced by 30 min treatment of t-BHP (1.5 mM). Berberine also attenuated the t-BHP-induced depletion of glutathione (GSH) and induced a high level of DNA repair synthesis. The in vivo study showed that the intraperitoneal pretreatment with berberine (0.5 and 5 mg/kg) for 5 days before a single dose of t-BHP (0.1 mmol/kg) significantly lowered the serum levels of hepatic enzyme markers (ALT and aspartate aminotransferase) and reduced oxidative stress in the liver. The histopathological evaluation of the livers revealed that berberine reduced the incidence of liver lesions, including hepatocyte swelling, leukocyte infiltrations, and necrosis induced by t-BHP. These results lead us to speculate that berberine may play a chemopreventive role via reducing oxidative stress in living systems.

Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy mutations in Korean patients with multiple sclerosis

Several different mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sites for mutations of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) have been reported to be present in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). To further study this association of LHON and MS in the Korean population, we tested 20 MS patients for the presence of mtDNA mutations at nucleotide (nt) 11778 in all 20 patients, and at nt 14484, nt 3460 and nt 15257 in 15, 12 and 12 patients, respectively. However, none of the MS patients exhibited any pathogenic LHON mtDNA mutations. In conclusion, we found no evidence for any association between MS and the LHON mutation in the Korean population.

Adult lymphoblastic lymphoma in Taiwan: an analysis of treatment results of 26 patients

Lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) frequently affects young adults and usually presents with a mediastinal mass as well as bone marrow involvement. Although the frequency of LBL in the Far East is higher than that of Western countries, no reports regarding treatment of this disease have as yet been reported. We herein report our treatment experience and verify the efficacy of the Stanford/Northern California Oncology Group (NCOG) protocol for this disease and recommend treatment strategies for LBL patients. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of adult LBL patients treated in our hospital from 1986 to 1996. Twenty-seven patients were diagnosed to have LBL. These patients' ages ranged from 17 to 73 years old with a median of 23. Nineteen patients had an initial stage IV disease. Of the 23 cases in which immunological studies were performed, 20 proved to be of T cell lineage, 1 of B cell type, and the other 2 lacked both T and B markers. Three major chemotherapeutic regimens including prednisone, methotrexate, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, etoposide-mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone (ProMACE-MOPP), cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunomycin, vincristine, prednisone (CHOP), and the Stanford/NCOG protocol were used to treat 3, 6, and 15 patients, respectively. Two other patients were treated with two different chemotherapeutic regimens, respectively. One patient was excluded for analysis because of initial treatment by surgery. The complete response (CR) rates with ProMACE-MOPP, CHOP, and the Stanford/NCOG regimens were 0%, 17%, 80% and median overall survival 9, 8.5, and 15 months, respectively. Five patients with stage II-III diseases achieved long-term disease-free survival of 11-36 months with the Stanford/NCOG protocol with a median follow-up of 24 months. Four patients in late stage or relapse received allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Two of them obtained long-term disease-free survival. Two other patients in CR were treated with high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) supported with autologous BMT and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT), respectively. The patient receiving HDCT with autologous PBSCT died of LBL relapse 6 months after transplantation. The other patient undergoing HDCT with autologous BMT died of fulminant hepatitis 5.5 months after transplantation. The median overall survival of all these 26 patients was 12 months. B symptoms and treatment without the Stanford/NCOG protocol were found to have significantly negative impacts on both patients' overall and progression-free survivals. Our results suggest that the Stanford/NCOG protocol may be an effective chemotherapy for adult LBL and may provide long-term remission for patients in an early stage of disease. For those patients with LBL in an advanced stage or in relapse, HDCT with allogeneic or autologous BMT is probably the treatment of choice.

Stromelysin gene transfer into cultured human trabecular cells and rat trabecular meshwork in vivo

PURPOSE

To determine whether stromelysin gene can be introduced into and expressed in the cultured human trabecular cells as well as in the rat eye in vivo through means of a recombinant replication-deficient adenovirus.

METHODS

Stromelysin cDNA was obtained by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with mRNA extracted from the cultured human trabecular cells after induction with interleukin 1alpha. Adenovirus vector that contains stromelysin cDNA was constructed by cotransfection of pJM17 and pDeltaA.CMV-str into the 293 cells. The expression of stromelysin in the cultured human trabecular cells was assayed by Western blot and zymography. The expression of stromelysin in the trabecular meshwork of the rat eyes was detected by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The constructed adenovirus vector contained stromelysin cDNA, but no E1 region. Western blot and zymogram revealed that the stromelysin could be expressed and that it possessed enzymatic activity in cultured human trabecular cells. In situ hybridization and immunostaining of the stromelysin showed that the complete form of stromelysin was expressed in the trabecular meshwork, the iris, and the uveoscleral outflow pathway of the rat eye.

CONCLUSIONS

Stromelysin, a functional gene, can be transferred in vivo into rat eyes and in vitro into cultured human trabecular cells using a replication-deficient adenovirus vector. This shows the possibility of gene therapy in glaucoma.

Studies on anthracenes. 2. Synthesis and cytotoxic evaluation of 9-acyloxy 1,8-dichloroanthracene derivatives

The synthesis and cytotoxic evaluation of 9-acyloxy 1,8-dichloroanthracene derivatives are described. The system selectively reduces the carbonyl group flanked by the peri substituents of the anthracenediones to give the corresponding 1,8-dichloro-9(10H)-anthracenone. Simple acylation of anthracenone occurred with appropriate acyl chlorides in CH2Cl2 with a catalytic amount of pyridine to give the 9-acyloxy-1,8-dichloroanthracene derivatives. Considerable interest has developed in the mechanism of how anthracenones achieve this desirable selectivity. These compounds were evaluated in vitro for their ability to inhibit the growth of human oral epidermoid carcinoma cells (KB cell line), human cervical carcinoma cells of ME 180 (GBM 8401) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, respectively, as compared to mitoxantrone. The in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of 9-acyloxy 1,8-dichloroanthracenes against these above cell lines revealed for most of the compounds a cytotoxic potency lower than that of mitoxantrone. The most active compounds were thus selected for further in vitro biological evaluation and structural modification.

Different risks of symptomatic brain necrosis in NPC patients treated with different altered fractionated radiotherapy techniques

PURPOSE

To report our observation of excessive temporal lobe necrosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients treated with 160 cGy b.i.d. radiotherapy technique. During the same period, patients treated with 120 cGy b.i.d. have not shown a similar tendency. Our experience may be useful for designing unconventional radiotherapy regimens for NPC patients.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

During the period from October 1991 to January 1998, 81 M0, previously untreated NPC patients completed altered fractionated radiotherapy. Seventy patients were treated with the hyperfractionated technique, and 11 were treated using the accelerated-hyperfractionated scheme. Hyperfractionated radiotherapy was delivered using 120 cGy b.i.d. separated by 6-h intervals throughout the course. A minimum tumor dose of 8000 cGy was the standard dose over an 8-week period. With the accelerated-hyperfractionated scheme, 160 cGy was given twice daily, also with an interval of 6 h. The minimum tumor dose ranged between 6840 and 7640 cGy, with 7 of the 11 patients receiving 7000 cGy. The arrangement of portals was the same for both regimens. The follow-up period for patients alive was from 32 to 102 months with a median of 61 months for the hyperfractionated patients. For the accelerated-hyperfractionated group, it ranged from 67 to 82 months with a median of 72 months. No patient was lost to follow-up.

RESULTS

At the time of analysis, 49 of the 70 patients in the hyperfractionated group were alive. In the accelerated group, 8 of the 11 patients were alive. The estimated radiation dose to the temporal lobe for the hyperfractionated group was 6000-7440 cGy with a median of 7080 cGy. For the accelerated-hyperfractionated group, the dose range was 4480-6700 cGy with a median of 6400 cGy. Of the 70 patients treated with hyperfractionated radiotherapy, none developed symptomatic brain necrosis, despite the higher total dose to the temporal lobe in general. In contrast, 3 of the 11 (27%) patients irradiated using the accelerated-hyperfractionated regimen suffered from temporal lobe necrosis at 16, 19, and 40 months after completion of radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

An excessive incidence of temporal lobe necrosis was noted when an accelerated-hyperfractionated regimen with 160 cGy b.i.d. was used in NPC patients with a median brain dose of 6400 cGy. There has been no such event in patients treated using a hyperfractionated regimen with 120 cGy and a median brain dose of 7000 cGy. The real causes of this discrepancy are not known. However, a high sensitivity of the human brain to a change in fraction size may play a role.

Studies on anthracenes. 3. Synthesis, lipid peroxidation and cytotoxic evaluation of 10-substituted 1,5-dichloro-9(10H)-anthracenone derivatives

The synthesis of a series of 1,5-dichloro-9(10H)-anthracenones bearing O-linked and N-linked substituents in the 10-position are described. Previous studies have shown that 9-acyloxy 1,5-dichloroanthracenes and 9-acyloxy 1,8-dichloroanthracenes displayed a potential cytotoxic effect. These results have encouraged us in further investigation of potential anthracenone derivatives. Therefore, a series of 10-substituted 1,8-dichloro-9(10H)-anthracenone derivatives were synthesized. These compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the growth of human oral epidermoid carcinoma cells (KB cell line), human cervical carcinoma cells of ME 180 (GBM 8401) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, respectively. Compounds 3c and 4c of this series compare favorably in the KB cellular assay with mitoxantrone. Compound 4c showed combined inhibitory action against KB, GBM and CHO cell growth, respectively. In addition, redox property of the compounds for the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in model membranes was determined. Compounds 4b and 4d exhibited stronger antioxidant activity than ascorbic acid, (+)-alpha-tocopherol and mitoxantrone, respectively.

Comparison between anisometropic and strabismic amblyopia using functional magnetic resonance imaging

AIMS

To assess calcarine activation with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in patients with anisometropic and strabismic amblyopia.

METHODS

14 amblyopes (eight anisometropic and six strabismic) were studied with fMRI using stimuli of checkerboards of various checker sizes and temporal frequencies. While T2* weighted MRI were obtained every 3 seconds for 6 minutes, patients viewed the stimuli monocularly with either the amblyopic or sound eye.

RESULTS

Amblyopic eyes showed reduced calcarine activation compared with contralateral sound eyes in fMRI in all subjects. The calcarine activation from amblyopic eyes in anisometropic amblyopes was more suppressed at higher spatial frequencies, while that from amblyopic eyes in strabismic amblyopes was more suppressed at lower spatial frequencies.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that fMRI is a useful tool for the study of amblyopia in humans. The calcarine activation via amblyopic eyes because of anisometropia or strabismus has different temporospatial characteristics, which suggests differences in the neurophysiological mechanisms between two types of amblyopia.

Studies on anthracenes. 1. Human telomerase inhibition and lipid peroxidation of 9-acyloxy 1,5-dichloroanthracene derivatives

The synthetically useful approaches to 9-acyloxy 1,5-dichloroanthracene derivatives are reported. The system selectively reduces the carbonyl group flanked by the peri substituents of the anthracenediones to give the corresponding 1,5-dichloro-9(10H)-anthracenone. Simple regioselective acylation of anthracenone is applied with appropriate acyl chlorides in CH2Cl2 with catalytic amount of pyridine to give the novel 9-acyloxy 1,5-dichloroanthracene derivatives. Considerable interest has developed in the mechanism of how anthracenone achieves this desirable selectivity. In an attempt to understand the mechanism of this reaction, solid-state structures of anthracene derivatives have been obtained. In addition, the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in model membranes was determined as was their ability to inhibit the telomere-addition function of the human telomerase enzyme together with their inhibition of the Taq polymerase enzyme. In contrast to (+)-alpha-tocopherol, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3g, and 3i do not enhance lipid peroxidation in model membranes. Implications for 9-acyloxy 1,5-dichloroanthracene analogues as potential anticancer agents are discussed.

Binocularity and spatial frequency dependence of calcarine activation in two types of amblyopia

OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND

Strabismus and anisometropia early in life frequently causes monocular amblyopia. Activation of the visual cortex is compared between the two types of amblyopia to elucidate differences in the pathogenetic mechanism of the disease.

METHODS

Using an EPI gradient echo sequence in 1.5T MRI, calcarine activation by monocular viewing of checkerboard patterns with reversal was examined in terms of binocularity of the activation and dependence on the spatial frequency of the stimuli.

RESULTS

First, the proportion of voxels activated by both normal and amblyopic eye monocular stimulations is lower in the strabismic group than in the anisometropic group. Second, the activation by higher-spatial-frequency stimuli is reduced in the anisometropic group, but not in the strabismic group.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings from the human visual cortex are consistent with the view proposed based on animal research that the loss of binocular interaction and the undersampling of high-spatial-frequency components of visual stimuli are each one of the underlying changes in strabismic and anisometropic amblyopia, respectively.

A randomized comparison of prism adaptation and augmented surgery in the surgical management of esotropia associated with hypermetropia: one-year surgical outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To compare motor and sensory 1-year surgical outcomes in patients with hypermetropic esotropia, managed with either augmented surgery based on the average of the near deviation with and without correction or preoperative prism adaptation.

METHODS

Forty-three patients with hypermetropic esotropia without distance-near disparity entered a randomized prospective evaluation of augmented surgery (group A, 27 patients) versus prism adaptation (group P, 16 patients). The formula for augmenting the amount of the rectus muscle recession was based on the average of the near deviation with and without correction in group A and the prism-adapted angle of deviation in group P. During prism adaptation, 9 of 16 patients in group P responded to prism. Motor and sensory outcomes of the Worth 4-dot test at 6 and 0.33 m and the Titmus stereotest were evaluated 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Postoperative deviations of 8 PD or less at distance were achieved in 24 of 27 patients (89%) of group A and in 7 of the remaining 8 patients (88%) of prism responders and in all 7 prism nonresponders (100%) in group P. No significant difference existed between groups A and P, as well as between the prism responders and prism nonresponders in group P in terms of near and distance deviation 1 year after surgery. The sensory outcomes improved over time in group A and prism responders.

CONCLUSION

There were no significant differences in the surgical outcomes between each group. However, the small sample size may limit the power to detect any statistically significant differences.

Spontaneous resolution of infantile esotropia

PURPOSE

To report the spontaneous resolution of infantile esotropia in 3 patients.

METHODS

The clinical histories and the results of ophthalmologic examinations in 3 patients with infantile esotropia were reviewed and analyzed with reference to the literature.

RESULTS

All 3 patients with infantile esotropia were diagnosed with 25 to 30 PD of esotropia before the age of 6 months. All of them had insignificant refractive errors. Against medical advice, they were not brought in for follow-up examinations. At the age of 34 months to 59 months, the esotropia of the patients had changed into exophoria, esophoria less than 4 PD, or orthophoria. All patients eventually showed dissociated vertical deviation and overaction of the inferior oblique muscles. Of the 2 cooperative patients, 1 consistently identified Titmus stereograms with 3000 seconds of arc and fused Worth 4 dots at near and at distance. The other patient could not identify stereo targets and suppressed one eye on Worth 4 testing at distance, though she showed no suppression at near.

CONCLUSION

In these cases, infantile esotropia with a relatively small angle may spontaneously resolve without any treatment. However, all these patients showed poor stereoacuity, dissociated vertical deviation, and overaction of the inferior oblique muscles.

A case of Marcus Gunn jaw winking and pseudo inferior oblique overaction

PURPOSE

To report the association of Marcus Gunn jaw-winking phenomenon and pseudo inferior oblique overaction.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 21-year-old woman presented with right eyelid elevation on the chewing movement since infancy. Examination showed that both Marcus Gunn jaw-winking phenomenon and pseudo inferior oblique overaction coexist in this patient.

CONCLUSION

The association of Marcus Gunn jaw winking and pseudo inferior oblique overaction in one patient is reported. This coexistence in our case may provide some support to the existing concept that both phenomena are caused by an ocular aberrant innervation.