Therapeutic efficacy and safety results of 177Lu-PSMA therapy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients: first experience of a developing South Asian Country

OBJECTIVE

Metastatic castration resistant-prostate cancer (mCRPC) is deadly condition that remains incurable despite various therapies. Initial studies have shown promising results with Lutetium-177 prostate-specific membrane antigen ( 177 Lu-PSMA) therapy for advanced prostate cancer. However, most of the published efficacy and safety data is retrospective. The purpose of the study was to prospectively evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety results of 177 Lu-PSMA therapy in mCRPC patients after 2 cycles.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients of mCRPC, treated with standard care treatment were enrolled for 2 cycles of 177 Lu-PSMA therapy. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, Visual Analogue Score (VAS) and Analgesic Quantification Scale (AQS) for efficacy and hemoglobin, total leukocyte, platelets and serum creatinine for toxicity were recorded pre and post-therapy. Paired sample t-test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Treated patients with mean PSA level of 157 ng/ml received mean dose of 6.84 GBq of 177 Lu-PSMA. For PSA, partial response (PR) was seen in 11/25 (44%), stable disease (SD) in 8/25 (32%) and progressive disease (PD) in 6/25 (24%) patients. Grade 1 and 2 hemoglobin toxicity was seen in 5/25 (20%) and 6/25 (24%) patients respectively. No patient developed grade 3 or 4 bone marrow toxicities. Grade 1 and 2 nephrotoxicity was seen in 1 patient each. Statistically significant difference was seen in ECOG, VAS and AQS scores ( P  < 0.001). No significant nephrotoxicity was observed ( P  = 0.558).

CONCLUSION

Efficacy and safety of 177 Lu-PSMA therapy after 2 cycles have shown significant PSA response and pain palliation in heavily pretreated mCRPC patients.

Diagnostic value of strain elastography and shear wave elastography in differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions

BACKGROUND

Conventional B-mode breast ultrasonography, though the primary modality to determine benign or malignant nature of a solid breast lesion, sometimes encounters overlapping sonographic morphological features in a single lesion. Elastography leads to improvement by evaluating the structural aspects and characterization of the lesion as benign or malignant on the basis of multi-parametric assessment.

OBJECTIVE

Determine the role of strain elastography (SE) and shear wave elastography (SWE) in differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions.

DESIGN

Cross sectional SETTING: Radiology department of hospital PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients meeting inclusion criteria referred to our hospital for ultrasonography followed by biopsy or surgical excisions were examined with B-mode ultrasonography and by both strain and shear wave elastography.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Mean values of SE and SWE in benign and malignant breast lesions, determination of cutoff using AUC curves and sensitivity and specificity of both techniques.

SAMPLE SIZE

One hundred breast lesions from 95 consecutive patients.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) strain elastography ratio in the overall patient population was 4.1 (2.0). Cutoff for benign vs. malignant lesions was 2.86 on the ROC curve. The AUC was 0.911 (95%CI; 0.835-0.988: SE, 0.039) with a sensitivity of 95.8% and a specificity of 89.3%. For the SWE kPa values, the ROC curve showed the AUC was 0.929 (95% CI, 0.870-0.988; SE: 0.030, P<.001). Assigning 45.3 as a cut off value provided a sensitivity of 95.8% with a specificity of 85.7%; the positive predictive value was 94.5% and the negative predictive value was 89.6%. The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category alone was able to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions with a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity 100% keeping the cut off value between 4a and 4b. The area under the ROC curve was 0.979. Combining the three (BI-RADS + SE + SWE) distinguished benign vs. malignant lesions with a sensitivity up to 100% and specificity up to 96.3%.

CONCLUSION

Combining SE and SWE as a complementary tool with conventional B-mode ultrasonography has a significant potential for better characterization of solid breast lesions and decreasing unnecessary biopsies of BI-RADS IVa lesions.

LIMITATIONS

Single institution study.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

None.

Strain Elastography for Differentiation between Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules

OBJECTIVE

To find out the diagnostic accuracy of strain elastography in differentiating between benign and malignant thyroid nodules taking cytology as a gold standard.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

Radiology Department, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology (INMOL), Lahore, Pakistan, from February to July 2019.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 110 patients aged 18-80 years of either gender having one or more solid nodules, in thyroid lobe on conventional ultrasound examination, were included. Patients with cystic nodules, nodules that constitute more than 75% volume of thyroid lobe and thyroid nodules with peripheral calcification were excluded. All the patients then underwent strain ultrasound elastography with high-resolution unit equipped with a linear array probe which was centered at 7.5 MHz. Sonoelastographic findings were correlated with cytology.

RESULTS

Overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of sonoelastography in differentiating between benign and malignant thyroid nodules taking cytology as gold standard was 90.0%, 90.0%, 91.53%, 88.24% and 90.0%, respectively. Optimal cutoff to differentiate between malignant and benign nodules for elasticity strain using ROC curve was 2.57. Area under the curve (AUC) was found to be 0.933 (0.879-0.987) p<0.001.

CONCLUSION

Sonoelastography is the non-invasive modality of choice with high diagnostic accuracy in differentiating between malignant and benign nodules. Key Words: Sonoelastography, Strain elastography, Thyroid nodule, Benign, Malignant, Sensitivity, Specificity.

Acute Side Effects with High Dose Rate Computed Tomography-guided Three-dimensional Brachytherapy in Carcinoma Cervix

OBJECTIVES

To determine the frequency and grades of acute side effects with three-dimensional brachytherapy in carcinoma cervix using RTOG/EORTC acute radiation morbidity scoring criteria.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

Department of Radiotherapy, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology (INMOL), Lahore, Pakistan from July 2016 to September 2017.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 55 histologically proven patients of squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, aged between 16-70 years, were included. Patients with previous radiotherapy in pelvic area, inflammatory bowel diseases and known diabetics, were excluded. All patients were given a radiation dose of 7 Gray in 4 insertions through 3-dimensional conformal brachytherapy planning. Acute vaginal, gastrointestinal, and genitor-urinary side effects of brachytherapy were assessed.

RESULTS

Mean age of the patient population was 47.09 ±13.10 years (Range: 21-68). Mean time to presentation was 5.65 ±2.32 months and mean tumor size was 3.67 ±1.47 cm. Majority, i.e. 18 (32.7%) patient presented in stage III. Most of the patients, 26 (47.3%), had ECOG-2 performance status. Grade-1 genitourinary toxicity was significantly high (p <0.001). In lower gastrointestinal toxicity, Grade-1 was the highest being 54.5%. Conversely, vaginal toxicities of grade-2 and 3 were most commonly seen. Stratification of acute side effectswith respect toage, stage and tumor size revealed no significant association except in mucosal membrane toxicity, which was affected by tumor size (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Three-dimensional brachytherapy in carcinoma cervix is a safe and tolerable procedure with minimal acute side effects. Key Words: Cervical cancer, Brachytherapy, Acute toxicities, Computed tomography.

Early postoperative recurrences for colon cancer: Results from a Pakistani rural cohort

Objectives

We conducted this study to determine the factors associated with early postoperative recurrence in colon cancer patients treated with curative intent.

Methods

All consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for colon cancer between January 2014 and December 2016 were reviewed. All patients received either adjuvant chemotherapy or follow-up at the Bannu Institute of Nuclear Medicine Oncology and Radiotherapy (BINOR). The patients lived in rural areas of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Results

We enrolled 72 patients, 28 of whom experienced a postoperative recurrence within 2 years (early recurrence). In univariate analysis, postoperative early relapse was significantly correlated with advanced age (>60 years, p = 0.030), nodal status (p = 0.012), pathological stage (p = 0.013), number of nodes removed (p < 0.001), and perineural invasion (p = 0.044). In multivariate analysis, age more than 60 years (p = 0.031) and fewer than 12 lymph nodes removed (p = 0.003) were independent predictors for early recurrence. The liver was the most common site of recurrence (42.8%) in this study.

Conclusion

Our results showed that advanced age and the removal of fewer than 12 lymph nodes during surgery were significant predictors for early postoperative recurrence. Identification of high-risk patients during follow-up with enhanced therapeutic modalities can improve disease-free survival.

THE Role of Preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen in recurrence of resectable colorectal carcinoma

In colorectal carcinoma, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a recommended marker for surveillance after curative resection. The aim of the present study was to determine the association of preoperative CEA with recurrence of colorectal carcinoma in our population. The study included 55 patients with all operable stages of colorectal adenocarcinoma treated during the 2012-2014 period, evaluated retrospectively and followed-up for recurrence for 2 years. Data on the baseline (preoperative) CEA levels were retrieved from patient files. On data analysis, SPSS 16.0 was used. In patients with normal preoperative CEA, the rate of recurrence was significantly low (p=0.008) and the likelihood of no recurrence 1.55-fold greater as compared to patients with raised initial CEA levels (p=0.028). In patients with raised preoperative CEA, the risk of recurrence was 5.26-fold greater as compared to those with normal CEA levels (p=0.028). A significant weak positive correlation (r_s=0.297) was found between raised CEA and recurrence. A highly significant (p=0.002) moderate positive correlation was recorded in patients aged <50 and moderate positive correlation of borderline significance in males (r_s=0.324, p=0.058). Sensitivity was 94.4% and specificity 32.4% in predicting recurrence. Accordingly, preoperative elevated CEA showed a significant weak positive correlation with recurrence while normal preoperative CEA moderately decreased the likelihood of recurrence.

Smokeless tobacco use and risk of oral cavity cancer

Background/aim

Smokeless tobacco has been associated with oral cavity cancer for several decades. The incidence of oral cavity cancer is higher in some parts of the world especially South and South-East Asia including Pakistan. The aim of current study was to evaluate the risk of oral cavity cancer among smokeless tobacco users in our country.

Materials and methods

A case-control study was conducted between November 2016 and September 2017. Patients diagnosed with oral cavity cancer receiving treatment were included as cases and the attendants of various cancer patients visiting the hospital during the study period were included in the study as controls. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated and all reported P-values were considered significant at < 0.05.

Results

The crude OR for the “ever smokeless tobacco users” among cases and controls came out to be 4.98 (95%CI; 2.76–9.01). The OR for snuff users among cases and controls was 4.82 (95%CI; 2.37–9.80) and that for betel leaf users was 4.42 (95%CI; 1.66–11.91) after adjusting for smoking and age.

Conclusion

Our study provided strong evidence for snuff and betel leaf to be independent risk factors for oral cavity cancer.

Peripherally administered KP-10 prevents development of insulin-induced hypoglycemic shock in diabetic rhesus monkeys

AIM

This study investigated whether kisspeptin-10 (KP-10) prevents diabetic rhesus monkeys from insulin-induced hypoglycemic shock.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six adult male rhesus monkeys were used, six in each group. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (45 mg/kg b.w.; single dose i.v.). Groups were as: saline control, insulin alone, pre-insulin (treated with KP-10, 30 min before insulin), post-insulin (treated with KP-10, 30 min after insulin), treated with premix dose of KP-10 (50 μg) and insulin, and the group treated with the kisspeptin antagonist P234 (50 μg). Following an overnight fast, each animal was subjected to respective treatment, and blood glucose concentrations were recorded every 30-min interval for 3 h.

RESULTS

Intergroup comparisons demonstrated that treatment with KP-10 prior to insulin administration and kisspeptin-insulin premix treatment allowed blood glucose levels to rise to significantly higher levels (p < 0.001) by 180 min in diabetic and healthy animals compared to treatment with insulin alone. However, intragroup comparisons revealed a significant decrease in blood glucose level in diabetic animals only. Treatment with P234 antagonist followed by insulin administration abolished the preventive action of kisspeptin, whereby blood glucose decreased significantly (p < 0.001) in both diabetic and healthy animals. KP-10 post-insulin treatment, however, remained ineffective and led, instead, to significantly decreased glucose concentrations by 180 min in both diabetic and healthy animals when compared to animals treated with insulin alone.

CONCLUSIONS

KP-10 bears therapeutic potential to prevent hypoglycemic shock that may sometimes occur during intensive insulin therapy. Several pharmacological aspects of its interaction with insulin and other drugs, however, remain to be investigated.

Epidemiology and Treatment Outcomes of Sinonasal Tumors: A Single Institute's Experience in Pakistan

OBJECTIVE

To find the epidemiology and risk factors of sinonasal tumors and treatment outcomes in squamous cell carcinoma.

STUDY DESIGN

An observational study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

The Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Lahore (INMOL), Lahore, from May 2016 to March 2017.

METHODOLOGY

All histopathologically proven cases of paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity were selected from the hospital record for epidemiological analysis. Survival outcomes of patients with squamous cell histopathology were determined, which is commonly occurring type. Relevant information was obtained from patient record and telephone communication. The data were analysed using SPSS V.20.

RESULTS

Sinonasal malignancies are rare, making (n=81) 0.2% of all registered tumors; out of which, 46 (56.7%) had squamous cell histology. Median age was 50.0 years (IQR: 60.7-40.0) with male predominance (1.7:1). Most of patients presented at advanced stage, T3/ T4 in more than two-thirds of cases, and associated with nodal metastasis in 43.5% of squamous cell carcinoma. In patients with squamous cell histology, median disease-free survival was 19.00 months (SE: 1.65, 95% CI, 15.75 - 22.25), median overall survival remained 34.00 months (SE: 1.84, 95% CI, 30.00 - 38.00). Nodal status had significant effect (p<0.001) on survival. Radiotherapy had significant effect on improved survival (p=0.001) and distant metastasis remained negative prognostic factor (p=0.001). Disease stage was also significantly associated with overall survival (Log Rank 0.014). Tumour size, surgery, chemotherapy, and chemoradiotherapy were not significantly associated with survival. Cumulative survival at 1, 2, and 3 years was 87%, 48% and 29%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Sinonasal malignancies are rare, advanced stage is common, and radiotherapy improves overall survival.

Sonographically guided metalic clip placement for tumour localization in early breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the outcome of sonographically-guided indigenous low-cost metallic clip placement for tumour localisation in patients of early breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. .

METHODS

The prospective analytical study was conducted at the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology, Lahore, Pakistan, from May 2016 to December 2017, and comprised biopsy-proven breast cancer cases. Under sonographic guidance, metallic clips were placed as markers within the lesions before their scheduled preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The procedure was performed using an 18 gauge lumbar puncture needle and 25 gauge needle by a locally devised simple and cost-effective technique. Post-procedure mammography was performed to confirm the location of clips within the lesions and to evaluate its role in imaging assessment of treatment response after neo adjuvant chemotherapy. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

There were 30 women with a mean age of 40.43+11.35 years (range: 21-60 years). These women had 32 lesions with a mean size of 26.72+9.85mm (range: 8-58mm). Breast conserving surgery was performed on 28(87.5%) lesions and negative margins were achieved in all these cases. Modified radical mastectomy was performed on 4(12/5%) non-responding lesions. No complication was noted in association with metallic clip placement, and the clips were easily visualised on mammograms without causing any interference with treatment response.

CONCLUSIONS

Sonographically-guided metallic clip placement by a simple indigenously devised technique before neoadjuvant chemotherapy was found to be a well-tolerated, safe and cost-effective method for accurate preoperative localisation of tumour bed and to assess response to therapy.

Nanoparticles as a Carrier System for Drug Delivery Across Blood Brain Barrier

Brain, the centre of the nervous system and an integral part the body, is protected by two anatomical and physiological barriers- Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) and Blood-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier (BCSFB). Blood-Brain Barrier is a very complex and highly organized multicellular structure that shields the brain from harmful substances and invading organisms from the bloodstream and thus offering protection against various brain diseases and injuries. However, it also impede the effective delivery of drug to the brain, thus, preventing treatment of numerous neurological disorders. Even though various traditional approaches such as Intra-Cerebro-Ventricular (ICV) injection, use of implants, disruption of BBB and use of prodrugs have achieved some success in overcoming these barriers, researchers are continuously working for promising alternatives for improved brain drug delivery. Recent breakthroughs in the field of nanotechnology provide an appropriate solution to problems associated with these delivery approaches and thus can be effectively used to treat a wide variety of brain diseases. Thus, nanotechnology promises to bring a great future to the individuals with various brain disorders. This review provides a brief overview of various brain drug delivery approaches along with limitations. In addition, the significance of nanoparticles as drug carrier systems for effective brain specific drug delivery has been highlighted. To show the complexity of the problems to be overcome for improved brain drug delivery, a concise intercellular classification of the BBB along with general transport routes across it is also included.

Disease Characteristics and Treatment Outcome of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors Treated with Platinum-Based Regimens

OBJECTIVE

To determine the disease characteristics of testicular germ cell tumor, biochemical/radiological response to chemotherapy and common toxicity profile.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology (INMOL), Lahore, from January 2010 to December 2013.

METHODOLOGY

Fifty-one patients with histologically proven testicular germ cell tumor, who fulfilled the pre-defined eligibility criteria, were selected. Presenting symptoms and disease stage were studied. Patients were staged according to the AJCC 2010 staging criteria and prognosis was classified according to the IGCCCG Classification of Metastatic Germ Cell Cancer. Initial chemotherapy treatment was based upon the International Germ Cell Consensus Classification, 1997. Patients were also evaluated for chemotherapy-induced toxicity based on Common Toxicology Criteria version 4. SPSS version 16.0 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Main presenting symptoms included testicular pain (37.3%), testicular swelling (25.5%), and abdominopelvic pain (11.8%). Most of the patients had mixed germ cell histology (p <0.001) and presented with advanced disease stage. Out of 51 patients, 41 (80.3%) achieved complete clinical remission after first line chemotherapy. All patients having complete response achieved 2-year survival and 37 (90.2%) had no evidence of recurrent disease. Four patients with recurrent disease achieved complete remission with second line chemotherapy. Five (9.8%) had partial response after first line chemotherapy while 2 (3.9%) progressed on treatment. All patients developed alopecia, 21 (41.1%) experienced other toxicities which were managed symptomatically and with minor dose modifications.

CONCLUSION

Many patients with germ cell tumors presented with pain, and in an advanced stage, with mixed histology. Overall response rate was 90.2% with platinum-based chemotherapy.

Studying the efficacy of escalated dose conformal radiation therapy in prostate carcinoma - Pakistan experience

BACKGROUND

Our objective in this study was to evaluate the role and benefits in terms of local toxicity and biochemical disease-free survival (bDFS) following escalated-dose conformal radiation therapy in prostate adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

The study population was composed of 53 patients with histologically proven T1b-T4, NO, MO prostate adenocarcinoma, having any Gleason score with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) of less than 50 ng/mL at diagnosis, given escalated dose EBRT (74 Gy) during the period between January 2011 and December 2013, retrospectively and evaluated for a period of 2 years post-radiation. Patients were followed up for a period of 2 years, beginning after completion of escalated dose external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for biochemical failure as defined in ASTRO consensus committee guidelines 1996 and investigated for gastrointestinal, genitourinary skin toxicity.

RESULTS

Out of 53 patients, 35 showed no biochemical failure at the end of 2 years following the completion of definitive escalated dose conformal radiotherapy while 18 were observed to have biochemical relapse. Acute gastrointestinal grade 1 toxicity was found in 26 patients, grade 2 in 24, and grade 3 only in 3 patients. Late gastrointestinal grade 0 toxicity was found in 16 patients, grade 1 in 28, grade 2 in 7 and grade 3 only in 2 patients. Grade 1 acute genitourinary toxicity was the highest in frequency observed in 28 of the total population followed by grade 2 in 21, grade 0 and grade 3 each, only in 2 patients. Late genitourinary Grade 0 toxicity was observed in 32 patients, grade 1 in 19, grade 2 and 3 only in 1 patient of the total population, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our data were comparable to international studies of dose escalation using 3D and beneficial as compared to conventional radiation therapy delivered by 2D in terms of biochemical failure rate and treatment related toxicity.

Synthesis of Some Novel Derivatives of 2-(9H-purin-6-ylsulfanyl) Acetohydrazide as Potential Antithyroid Agents

Some novel derivatives of 2-(9<em>H</em>-Purin-6-ylsulfanyl)acetohydrazide were synthesized by reacting it with respective aldehydes in ethanol. The antithyroid effect of these compounds was ascertained <em>in vitro</em> by studying their complexation with iodine spectrophotometrically. <em>In vivo</em>, the hormonal as well as histological variations in male Wistar rats demonstrated significant antithyroid potential (p ≤ 0.05) of these compounds.

Efficacy and Toxicity of Concurrent Chemoradiation in Inoperable Oral Carcinoma in Pakistani Population

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of concurrent chemoradiation in patients with locally advanced inoperable squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity in terms of local control and toxicity.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology (INMOL), Lahore, from January 2008 to December 2013.

METHODOLOGY

Sixty-nine patients with locally advanced inoperable oral cavity cancer, registered in INMOL hospital from January 2008 to December 2013 who fulfilled a pre-defined eligibility criteria, were enrolled in the study. Concurrent chemoradiation protocol consisted of conventional fractionation delivering 70 Gy with weekly Cisplatin (50 mg/m2) during the course of radiation. Tumor response was calculated by RECISTcriteria version 1.1 along with the median overall survival and disease-free survival. Acute treatment related toxicities were graded as (G).

RESULTS

Thirty-six (52.17%) patients showed complete response; while 19 (27.54%), 8 (11.59%) and 6 (8.7%) were observed with partial response, stable and progressive disease, respectively. Treatment response was significant (p<0.001) in terms of responders vs. non responders to treatment. Median overall survival was 18.00 months; whereas, median disease-free survival remained 14.00 months. Main toxicities included mucositis (G3 and G4, 71%), xerostomia (G2 and G3, 82.5%), vomiting (G3 and G4, 51%), myelosuppression (G3 and G4, 26.2%), dermatitis (G3 and G4, 49.2%), and fatigue (G3 and G4, 57.9%).

CONCLUSION

Platinum based CCR Tremained effective for inoperable oral cancer patients.

Inhibitory effect of 2-(piperidinoethoxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzo(b)pyran (K-1) on human primary endometrial hyperplasial cells mediated via combined suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and PI3K/Akt survival pathway

Endometrial hyperplasia is a precursor to the most common gynecologic cancer diagnosed in women. Apart from estrogenic induction, aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signal is well known to correlate with endometrial hyperplasia and its carcinoma. The benzopyran compound 2-(piperidinoethoxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2H-benzo (b) pyran(K-1), a potent antiestrogenic agent, has been shown to have apoptosis-inducing activity in rat uterine hyperplasia. The current study was undertaken to explore the effect of the benzopyran compound K-1 on growth and Wnt signaling in human endometrial hyperplasial cells. Primary culture of atypical endometrial hyperplasial cells was characterized by the epithelial cell marker cytokeratin-7. Results revealed that compound K-1 reduced the viability of primary endometrial hyperplasial cells and expression of ERα, PR, PCNA, Wnt7a, FZD6, pGsk3β and β-catenin without affecting the growth of the primary culture of normal endometrial cells. The β-catenin target genes CyclinD1 and c-myc were also found to be reduced, whereas the expression of axin2 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitor Dkk-1 was found to be upregulated, which caused the reduced interaction of Wnt7a and FZD6. Nuclear accumulation of β-catenin was found to be decreased by compound K-1. K-1 also suppressed the pPI3K/pAkt survival pathway and induced the cleavage of caspases and PARP, thus subsequently causing the apoptosis of endometrial hyperplasial cells. In conclusion, compound K-1 suppressed the growth of human primary endometrial hyperplasial cells through discontinued Wnt/β-catenin signaling and induced apoptosis via inhibiting the PI3K/Akt survival pathway.

The anti-proliferative effect of 2-[piperidinoethoxyphenyl]-3-[4-hydroxyphenyl]-2H-benzo(b) pyran is potentiated via induction of estrogen receptor beta and p21 in human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells

In an effort to develop novel therapeutic agents for endometrial cancer, benzopyran derivatives synthesized at our institute display significant inhibitory activity on cellular growth in uterine cancer cells. The current study was undertaken to demonstrate and explore the estrogen receptor (ER) subtype mediated mechanism of action of benzopyran derivative 2-[piperidinoethoxyphenyl]-3-[4-hydroxyphenyl]-2H-benzo(b) pyran (K-1) in human endometrial cancer cells. K-1 competitively inhibited the estradiol binding to human ERα and ERβ and showed growth inhibitory activity in human endometrial Ishikawa, HEC1B and primary endometrial adenocarcinoma cells. Transient transactivation assays carried out in COS-1 cells have demonstrated the diminished ERα-ERE mediated- and induced the ERβ-ERE mediated-transactivation triggered by compound. It also induced ER-mediated transactivation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI) p21(WAF-1) in both COS-1 cells and in Ishikawa cells. ERβ inducing effects of compound were blocked by ICI182,780. In endometrial adenocarcinoma cells, it induced ERβ and p21 expression significantly whereas the expression of fos, jun and ERα were significantly reduced. In addition, compound promoted ERα-β heterodimerization as observed in Ishikawa cells. These results demonstrate that the benzopyran compound suppressed the cellular growth via ERβ agonism, induction of p21 and via promoting the ERα-β heterodimerization, in addition to its antagonistic effects exerted on ERα, in human endometrial cancer cells. The study suggests that the dual action of benzopyran molecule may be of significant therapeutic value in ERα/β-positive cases of endometrial cancer.

Effect of an anti-thyroid drug, 2,8-Dimercapto-6-hydroxy purine on reproduction in male rats

This histomorphological study is designed to evaluate the peripheral action of 2,8-Dimercapto-6-hydroxypurine (an antithyroid drug) on male reproductive system. The drug was administered as i.p. injection for 21 days to investigate its role on morphology of intratesticular cells and plasma testosterone level. Adult male rats (n=12), divided into three groups i.e. control, dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and 2,8-Dimercapto-6-hydroxypurine treated groups and treated with saline, DMSO and 2,8-Dimercapto-6-hydroxypurine for 21 consecutive days respectively. Blood samples were collected at day 1, 7, 14 and 21 and analyzed by using EIA systems. All the animals were scarified on 22nd day and testicular tissues were studied by histomorphpological assesment. 2,8-Dimercapto-6-hydroxypurine caused a significant decrease (P<0.0001) in mean testicular cell population, testicular cell diameter and resulted in arrested spermatogenesis. A significant decrease (P<0.0001) was observed in mean Sertoli and Leydig cell population and diameter in treated group. Similarly a significant decrease was observed in plasma testosterone levels at days 1, 7 and 14 (P<0.05) and further decrease by day 21 (P<0.01) of drug treatment. The present study suggests that 2,8-Dimercapto-6-hydroxypurine is a negative modulator of reproductive system as it suppressed the plasma testosterone level and proliferation of different testicular cell types in adult male rats.

2,3-Diaryl-2H-1-benzopyran derivatives interfere with classical and non-classical estrogen receptor signaling pathways, inhibit Akt activation and induce apoptosis in human endometrial cancer cells

OBJECTIVES

The present study was undertaken to explore the mechanism of anti-proliferative action of benzopyran compound D1 (2-[piperidinoethoxyphenyl]-3-phenyl-2H-benzopyran) and its hydroxy-(D2) and methoxy-(D3) derivatives in Ishikawa and human primary endometrial adenocarcinoma cells.

METHODS

Transcriptional activation assays were performed using luciferase reporter system and cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). The stage of cell cycle was determined by flow-cytometry and real time analysis of cyclinE1 and cdc2 genes. The apoptotic effects were measured by AnnexinV/PI staining and TUNEL. The expression of PCNA, cyclinD1, pAkt, XIAP, cleaved caspase-9, -3, PARP, Bax and Bcl2 were determined by immunoblotting. The caspase-3 activity and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by colorimetric assay.

RESULTS

All three compounds inhibited E(2)-induced ERE- and AP-1-mediated transactivation and proliferation in endometrial adenocarcinoma cells dose-dependently. Compound D1 caused the arrest of cells in the G(2) phase while D2 and D3 caused arrest in G(1) phase of the cell cycle. All compounds interfered with Akt activation, decreased XIAP expression leading to an increased cleavage of caspase-9, -3, PARP, increased Bax/Bcl2 ratio and caspase-3 activity.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that benzopyran derivatives inhibit cellular proliferation via modulating ER-dependent classical and non-classical signaling mechanisms, interfere with Akt activation and induce apoptosis via intrinsic pathway in endometrial adenocarcinoma cells.

Neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrophotometry for the analysis of fresh, pasteurised and powder milk

This study shows the application of semi-absolute k 0 instrumental neutron activation analysis (k 0-INAA), epithermal neutron activation analysis (ENAA) and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) for the determination of 21 elements (Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Hf, I, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sc Sr, and Zn) in different types of milk samples. The ENAA was required for the determination of iodine, AAS for Cu, Ni and Pb and the rest of the elements were measured by k 0-INAA. Thirteen elements (Br, Ca, Cl, Cs, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P, Rb, Sr and Zn) were identified in all milk samples. Ni was detected in eleven and Pb in two samples. Concentrations of most of the elements were within the ranges of the world reported data. The data was further explored by principal component analysis to find relationships between samples and elements.

6-Benzyl-sulfanyl-9H-purine

The phenyl ring of the title compound, C₁₂H₁₀N₄S, a purine derivative, is oriented at a dihedral angle of 76.65 (6)° with respect to the purine ring system. An inter­molecular N—H⋯N hydrogen bonds stabilizes the crystal structure.

Determination of natural radioactivity in building materials used in the Karachi area by γ-ray spectrometry and INAA

Samples of sand, stone and manufactured building materials collected from Karachi area have been analyzed for the primordial natural radionuclides 238U, 232Th and 40K using γ-ray spectrometry. The uranium and thorium contents have also been determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The specific activities in these materials, having a radium equivalent activity less than 370 Bq kg–1, when evaluated for radiological effects show that all materials meet the external γ-ray dose limitation of 1.5 mSv y–1. The γ-ray spectrometric and INAA techniques complemented each other well in this study.

Fission spectrum averaged cross section measurements of some neutron threshold reactions of relevance to medical radionuclide production

A resume is given of radiochemical measurements of nuclear reaction cross sections relevant to the production of some medically important radionuclides carried out at PINSTECH during the last decade. Systematic studies on fission neutron spectrum averaged cross sections of several threshold reactions, like (n, 2n), (n, p) and (n, α), on titanium, ruthenium, europium and dysprosium for the production of 45Ti, 96Tc, 153Sm and 153Gd are described.

Trace elements evaluation of some medicinal herbs by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Instrumental neutron activation analysis has been used for the analysis of seven varieties of medicinal herbs generally used by the people of South Asian region. Twenty-one trace elements (essential, toxic and non-essential) were determined. This data should not only be helpful in establishing the base-line values in these medicinal herbs but also in correlating their role as therapeutic agents. A comparison of our data with literature values shows variation in trace element contents of same species of different origin which can be attributed to ecological and geographical variations to some extent; however an exact interpretation demands further extensive investigations.

Measurement of fission neutron spectrum averaged cross sections of some threshold reactions on europium: small scale production of no-carrier-added153Sm in a nuclear reactor

Employing the activation technique in combination with radiochemical separations and high-resolution γ-ray spectroscopy fission neutron spectrum averaged cross sections were measured for several (n, 2n), (n, p) and (n, α) reactions on isotopes of europium. Our measurements constitute the first systematic studies. Of special interest was the investigation of153Eu(n, p)153Sm reaction for the production of no-carrier-added153Sm in a nuclear reactor. Using 100% enriched153Eu target, 97.21 MBq153Sm per batch can be produced which is, however, not sufficient for medical application.

Radiochemical neutron activation analysis of trace impurities in high purity titanium and tungsten

Rapid radiochemical neutron activation analysis (RNAA) procedures were developed and employed to the determination of 36 trace impurities in high purity titanium and tungsten. Anion–exchange column chromatography procedures were developed for the sequential group chemical separation of various elements, which helped in reducing the spectral interferences and improving the sensitivity of the method. The procedure is simple and requires a very short time to separate the elements in three groups for radiometric assay. To determine very low contents of uranium and thorium, 239Np and 233Pa as activation products were separated using anion–exchange and coprecipitation methods. The impurity contents were found to be low; therefore, their deleterious effects would be negligible.

Quantitative analysis of ancient Chinese ceramic using k 0-instrumental neutron activation analysis

IAEA-CU-2006-06 (ancient Chinese ceramic) has been analyzed by k 0-INAA and the results for 31 elements are reported. Measurement on Si was done via the (n,p) reaction. The results of 23 elements are within ±10% of the target values and for 2 elements data are reported as information values. The results produce lower relative deviation if compared with the mean reported concentration values submitted by the laboratories participating in the proficiency test. The analysis involves full peak efficiency calibration of the HPGe detector for all counting geometries and characterization of neutron flux at the irradiation channel by determining thermal to epithermal flux ratio and epithermal flux shape factor using Au and Zr flux monitors. The u-score is less than 1 for majority of the elements.

Fission neutron spectrum averaged cross sections of some threshold reactions on titanium: production feasibility of 45Ti in a nuclear reactor

Systematic studies on fission neutron spectrum averaged cross sections of some threshold reactions like (n, 2n), (n, p) and (n, α) on titanium were carried out using the activation technique in combination with radiochemical separations and high-resolution γ-ray spectroscopy. Special attention was paid to the formation 45Ti via the 46Ti(n, 2n)45Ti reaction since 45Ti labeled compounds are potentially important radiopharmaceuticals. At a fast flux neutron density of 7.5 × 1013 cm−2 s−1 and using 100% enriched 46Ti target, 8.58 MBq saturation activity of 45Ti per batch can be produced. Due to rather low activity and low specific activity the procedure is not feasible from medical application point of view.

Measurement of natural radioactivity and dose rate assessment of terrestrial gamma radiation in the soil of southern Punjab, Pakistan

Activity concentrations of (226)Ra, (232)Th, (40)K and (137)Cs in soil samples collected from the most populous area of southern Punjab of Pakistan have been measured by gamma-ray spectrometry. The measured activity concentrations for these radionuclides are compared with the reported data from different other countries and it is found that measured activity concentrations are comparable with the worldwide measured average values reported by the UNSCEAR. Subsequently assessed radiological effects show that the mean radium equivalent activity (Ra(eq)) is 96.7 +/- 15.2 Bq kg(-1) and air absorbed dose rate (D) is 46.1 +/- 7.3 nGy h(-1). The values of internal and external radiation hazard indices are found to be less than unity. The annual effective radiation dose is calculated to be 0.28 +/- 0.05 mSv, which is well below the limit of 1.0 mSv y(-1) recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection, for the general public.

Measurement of natural radioactivity in bottled drinking water in Pakistan and consequent dose estimates

Natural radioactivity was determined in 11 different brands of commonly sold bottled drinking water in the federal capital Islamabad and Rawalpindi city of Pakistan using gamma spectrometry technique. Mean concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and (40)K were found to be 11.3 +/- 2.3, 5.2 +/- 0.4 and 140.9 +/- 30.6 mBq l(-1), respectively. The annual cumulative effective doses due to all three natural radionuclides for different age groups of 1-5 y, 5-10 y, 10-15 y and adults (>or=18 y) were estimated to be 4.0, 3.4, 3.1 and 4.1 microSv y(-1), respectively. Among the three natural radionuclides, annual effective doses for all age groups from 226Ra were significant. Children in the age group of 1-5 y appeared to be at risk with respect to the annual effective doses from 226Ra as compared to the other age groups. Results obtained in this study are compared with the reported values from other countries of the world and it was observed that measured activity concentrations of three natural radionuclides in the bottled drinking water were lower than these values. Annual estimated effective doses for all four age groups from the intake of natural radionuclides in bottled drinking water were also found below the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended limit of 0.1 mSv y(-1) as well as the average radiation dose of 0.29 mSv y(-1) received per head worldwide due to ingestion of natural radionuclides assessed by UNSCEAR (2000).

Determination of natural radioactivity in building materials used in the Rawalpindi/Islamabad area by gamma-ray spectrometry and instrumental neutron activation analysis

Samples of sand and manufactured building materials collected from the Rawalpindi/Islamabad area have been analyzed for the primordial natural radionuclides 238U, 232Th and 40K using gamma-ray spectrometry. The uranium and thorium contents have also been determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The specific activities of these radionuclides in the samples are compared with those of the world averages for soil. The comparison shows that, of the nine samples analyzed, only the three brick samples have higher activities than the world averages for soil. The specific activities in these materials, having a radium equivalent activity of less than 370 Bq kg-1, when evaluated for radiological effects show that all materials meet the external gamma-ray dose limitation of 1.5 mSv y-1. The gamma-spectrometric and INAA techniques complemented each other well in this study.

A spirostanol glycoside from Cestrum nocturnum

A new steroidal saponin named nocturnoside A has been isolated from the methanolic extract of the fresh leaves of Cestrum nocturnum and has been characterized by 13C NMR spectroscopy to be 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1----3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1----2)-beta-D- glucopyranosyl((3----1)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl)(1----4)-beta-D- galactopyranosyl) (25R)-spirost-5-ene-2 alpha,3 beta-diol.