Medicinal properties of Angelica archangelica root extract: Cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells and its protective effects against in vivo tumor development / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Although Angelica archangelica is a medicinal and aromatic plant with a long history of use for both medicinal and food purposes, there are no studies regarding the antineoplastic activity of its root. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and antitumor effects of the crude extract of A. archangelica root (CEAA) on breast cancer.@*METHODS@#The cytotoxicity of CEAA against breast adenocarcinoma cells (4T1 and MCF-7) was evaluated by a 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Morphological and biochemical changes were detected by Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide (PI) and annexin V/PI staining. Cytosolic calcium mobilization was evaluated in cells staining with FURA-4NW. Immunoblotting was used to determine the effect of CEAA on anti- and pro-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and Bax, respectively). The 4T1 cell-challenged mice were used for in vivo assay.@*RESULTS@#Using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, angelicin, a constituent of the roots and leaves of A. archangelica, was found to be the major constituent of the CEAA evaluated in this study (73 µg/mL). The CEAA was cytotoxic for both breast cancer cell lines studied but not for human fibroblasts. Treatment of 4T1 cells with the CEAA increased Bax protein levels accompanied by decreased Bcl-2 expression, in the presence of cleaved caspase-3 and cytosolic calcium mobilization, suggesting mitochondrial involvement in breast cancer cell death induced by the CEAA in this cell line. No changes on the Bcl-2/Bax ratio were observed in CEAA-treated MCF7 cells. Gavage administration of the CEAA (500 mg/kg) to 4T1 cell-challenged mice significantly decreased tumor growth when compared with untreated animals.@*CONCLUSION@#Altogether, our data show the antitumor potential of the CEAA against breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Further research is necessary to better elucidate the pharmacological application of the CEAA in breast cancer therapy.

Pseudocholangiocarcinoma Sign: Management of Portal Cavernoma Biliopathy with Fully-Covered Self-Expandable Metal Stent

No abstract available.

Recent advancement in the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

The etiology, assessment and the pharmacotherapy of patients with Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting are reviewed. In the clinical practice of oncology, adverse drug reactions due to chemotherapy have become almost synonymous with the treatment themselves. The low therapeutic index of chemotherapy and the predictable and common adverse events with cancer treatments means that these events are seen as an un-avoidable component of treatment. Supportive care therapies are critical to the physical and emotional well being of the patient with cancer, which increases the chance, that chemotherapy and radiation can be administered at the optimal dose and on schedule. Approximately 70% to 80% of patients who receive chemotherapy; experience nausea and vomiting [N and V], which can disrupt their lives in numerous ways. The emetogenicity of the chemotherapy regimen greatly affects the patient's risk for developing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting [CINV]. In addition to established and emerging pharmaco logical approaches to managing CINV, many complementary and integrated modalities may be the options. Progress in CINV management must include a better understanding of its etiology and focus on prevention

Pheochromocytoma - an institutional experience

The present study envisages evaluating the clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, with particular reference to pharmacological and anesthetic considerations, and outcome in patients with pheochromocytoma. A retrospective study. The study was conducted at the Department of Surgery, Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Manipal, India from January 1, 1996 to December 31, 2003. Seventeen patients diagnosed to have pheochromocytoma were included for this study. Our assessment of age at presentation, sex, presenting complaints with details of hypertension [HT], diagnostic tests, surgical procedure and follow-up was based on patient records. Peak incidence was observed in 40-50 years age group, with male preponderance. All the patients had diastolic HT of more than 100 mm of Hg at presentation. Systolic blood pressures [SBP] were between 150 mm Hg to 230 mm Hg, with mean of 170 mm Hg; nine patients presented with persistent HT and seven had paroxysmal HT. One patient infact presented with hypotension due to septic shock and was incidentally detected to have an adrenal tumor. Computed tomography [CT] scan and urinary levels of vanillylmandelic acid [VMA] were mainstay of diagnosis. These patients had adequate preoperative control of HT. All patients underwent exploration of the tumor by an extraperitoneal approach. 70% tumors were on the right and 30% were on the left side. Histopathologically, all the tumors were benign except for one, which was malignant. An average of three to five units of blood transfusion was required and mean operating time was 4.5 hours. Six patients had extensive intra-operative blood pressure [BP] fluctuation, but were adequately managed by the anesthetic team. One patient with post-operative pulmonary edema died in our series; rest all the patients are on regular follow-up, till date and doing well. Pheochromocytoma is an important cause of endocrine HT. Elevated urinary VMA is diagnostic of this tumor with imaging studies used to localize the tumor. Adrenalectomy results in complete cure of HT with an excellent long-term outcome

Ichthyofauna from the Emas National Park region: composition and structure

The relationship between habitats and the ichthyofauna composition in the Parque Nacional das Emas (PNE) and adjacent areas (the Araguaia and Sucuriú rivers) are provided and could be applied in determining the Park's future zoning. Samples of the ichthyofauna and limnological parameters were obtained during both dry (September 1999) and wet (December 1999) seasons. Ichthyofauna collections resulted in the capture of 4,740 specimens of 22 species. The most abundant species in the Araguaia River during the two sampling seasons were Astyanax sp. 2 and Hasemania sp. In the Sucuriú River and PNE, Astyanax scabripinnis cf. paranae and Hoplias aff. malabaricus were the most frequent species. The largest number of species and diversity index were recorded for the Araguaia River. However, sound management policies require more detailed studies on the fish communities of the Cerrado biome.

Com o objetivo de obter informações básicas para o futuro zoneamento do Parque Nacional das Emas (PNE), foram realizadas amostragens ictiofaunísticas e de parâmetros limnólógicos durante o período de seca (setembro/1999) e de chuvas (dezembro/1999) em estações de coletas localizadas no interior do Parque e em áreas adjacentes (rios Araguaia e Sucuriú). Foram capturados 4.740 indivíduos, distribuídos em 22 espécies. Entre as espécies mais abundantes destacam-se Astyanax sp. 2 e Hasemania sp. no rio Araguaia e Astyanax scabripinnis cf. paranae e Hoplias aff. malabaricus no rio Sucuriú e PNE. A maior diversidade de espécies foi constatada para o rio Araguaia. Entretanto, para que medidas de manejo possam ser tomadas de forma criteriosa, estudos ecológicos mais detalhados das comunidades de peixes do cerrado devem ser conduzidos.

Proctossigmoidectomia via perineal no tratamento do prolapso retal

The most used surgical technic for treatment of rectal prolapse is the rectal promontofixation by laparotomy. In the last years, the perineal rectossigmoidectomy has been widely performed again, as alternative for old pacients, particulary for these who have other severe diseases. We've studied 14 pacients operated on perineal rectosigmoidectomy (Altemeier procedure ), 13 women and only 01 man. There were 50% constipated ,also 14,2% had chronic diarrhoea and 64,2% were incontinent. The medium age was of 72,2 years, 64,2% had manual anastomosis and 35,8% mechanic and 42,9% had posterior anal repair (Parks) at the same surgical time. The pacients were hospitalized for 3,8 days (mean time), there were no imediate or recent complications and just 01 recurrence (7,1%). As wehad good results, low morbimortality and acceptable recurrence, we have performed that technique more usually, specially for old patients.

A técnica cirúrgica mais utilizada no tratamento do prolapso retal é a sacropromontofixação do reto por via abdominal, porém nos últimos anos a proctossigmoidectomia via perineal tem sido retomada como alternativa para pacientes idosos com comorbidades. Revisamos 14 casos operados pela proctossigmoidectomia via perineal (cirurgia de Altemeier), sendo 13 mulheres e 1 homem. Destes pacientes havia 50% de obstipados, 14,2% tinham diarréia crônica e 64,2% eram previamente incontinentes. Idade média de 72,2 anos, 64,2 % com anastomose manual e 35,8% mecânica, além de 42,9% com reparo anal posterior no mesmo tempo operatório. O tempo médio de internação foi de 3,8 dias, não houve complicações imediatas ou precoces e apenas ocorreu recidiva em 01 paciente, 7,1%. Pelos bons resultados, baixa morbi-mortalidade e recidiva aceitável e de acordo com a literatura nos encorajamos à utilização desta técnica para correção do prolapso retal .

Eficácia e segurança de um novo sistema matricial para liberaçäo transdérmica de stradiol comparativamente ao sistema clássico de reservatório / An open, randomized assessment of the efficacy and safety of two transdermal estradiol patches for relief of climacteric symptoms

Estudo comparativo, aberto, randomizado, foi conduzido em 10 centros da América Latina (oito no Brasil, um na Argentina e um no Chile), para avaliar a eficácia e segurança de dois sistemas transdérmicos para liberação de estradiol. Um total de 182 pacientes foi aleatoriamente distribuído para receber o sistema matricial (Climaderm-Wyeth-Ayerst) ou sistema clássico do tipo reservatório (Estraderm TTS 50 - Ciba-Geigy). Os sistemas foram aplicados na região inferior do abdome em áreas alternadas, durante seis ciclos consecutivos de 28 dias. Os sistemas liberavam aproximadamente, 50gr de estradiol por dia. Em ambos os grupos houve, em relação ao pré-tratamento, decréscimo significativo do número diário de fogachos nos ciclos de um a seis, porém houve, em relação ao sistema matricial, melhora significativa nos ciclos 4 (p = 0,033) e 6 (p = 0,046). Houve também diferença significativa entre os grupos com relação à fraqueza nos ciclos 2 (p = 0,019) e 3 (p + 0,015), fadiga no ciclo 2 (p = 0,033), interrupções do sono no ciclo 6 (p + 0,048), nervosismo no ciclo 3 (p = 0,045) e escore total nos ciclos 2 (p = 0,030) e 3 (p = 0,041), a favor do sistema matricial e 18 ( 21,2 por cento) do grupo medicado com o sistema reservatório abandonaram o tratamento

Ultra-sonografia seriada do endométrio e da endocérvice durante o ciclo menstrual normal da mulher / Serial ultrasonography of the endometrium and endocervix during the normal menstrual cycle of women

Os relatos ultra-sonográficos do endométrio humano säo, em sua maior parte, obtidos de pacientes com esterilidade conjugal, nulíparas, fazendo uso de drogas indutoras da ovulaçäo. Essas pesquisas, geralmente, näo se acompanham do estudo histológico da cavidade uterina e preocupam-se, sobretudo, com o período ovulatório. Há, contudo, controvérsias na interpretaçäo das imagens. OBJETIVO. Estudas a ultra-sonografia do endométrio, no decorrer do ciclo menstrual normal. MÉTODOS. Os autores selecionaram 15 mulheres, eumenorréicas, multíparas, que näo faziam uso de drogas indutoras da ovulaçäo, DIU ou contra-conceptivos hormonais. todas foram examinadas no primeiro, no sétimo, no décimo-quarto eno vigésimo-primeiro dia do ciclo menstrual. Confrontaram-se os achados ecográficos com os resultados histológicos. RESULTADOS. Avaliaram a imagem ultra-sonográfica do endométrio em 66.66 por cento das mulheres no primeiro dia do ciclo. Em todas elas, no sétimo, décimo-quarto e vigésimo-primeiro dia essa imagem também pôde ser identificada e apreciada. Verificaram, durante o ciclo, aumento progressivo da espessura da imagem endometrial, de forma linear. O halo hipoecóico teveincidência progressiva, atingindo 93,33 por cento no vigésimo-primeiro dia do ciclo. CONCLUSÄO. As alteraçöes cíclicas do endométrio foram demonstradas pela ultra-sonografia. As modificaçöes endocervicais também foram detectadas. Todavia, säo menos exuberantes do que as observadas no endométrio

Action of estrogen alone on the number of lysosomes in the rat endometrial epithelium

In order to determine the possible variations in the number of lysosomes in the glandular epithelium of endometrial cells of rats under estrogen action alone, the following groups of rats were studied: I, rats in estrous phase; II, oophorectomized rats; III, oophorectomized plus estrogen treated rats. Lysosomes were visualized by Gomori's method for acid phosphatase and counted by two researchers. The results obtained were statistically significant, with higher values in oophorectomized plus estrogen treated rats than in oophorectomized animals. Rats in estrous phase also presented a higher number of lysosomes than those of oophorectomized and not treated with estrogen

Patologia associada ao leiomioma uterino: revisäo de 600 casos / Pathology associated with uterine leiomyoma: review of 600 cases

Foram analisadas 600 pacientes com leiomioma uterino (LU), atendidas na Escola Paulista de Medicina, que se submeteram a terapêutica cirúrgica entre 1976 e 1987. O exame histopatológico das peças cirúrgicas confirmou a presença de neoplasia benigna e, na maioria das vezes, surpeendeu outras patologias associadas. Estudaram-se também, como grupo controle, 150 úteros (de histerectomias), procurando-se conhecer a freqüência dessas entidades patológicas associadas em näo portadoras de LU. As principais associaçöes encontradas foram: cervicite crônica, adenomiose, cistos foliculars, alteraçöes tubárias - congestäo, edema e processo inflamatório -, pólipos uterinos, hiperplasia endometrial, endometriose, neoplasias do ovário e do endométrio. A coexistência dessas condiçöes patológicas ocorreu em 71,17% dos casos. O leiomioma é a neoplasia mais freqüente do útero e da pelve (18,19). A coexistência do tumor com outras entidades patológicas é pouco citada na literatura, assim como suas possíveis inter-relaçöes. Por causa da alta freqüência do leiomioma na populaçäo, poder-se ia associa-lo, apenas de forma fortuita, a outras entidades nosológicas do trato genital. Interessados em saber se haveria patologias secundárias ao leiomioma ou coexistência meramente casual, e também se as associaçöes teriam o mesmo denominador comum, fizemos o presente estudo