ABSTRACT
It has been reported that activation of sphingomyelin pathway and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) inhibit the promotion of colon carcinoma. Ceramide, a metabolite of sphingomyelin, and indomethacin were shown to induce apoptosis in colon carcinoma cells. However, the mechanisms of ceramide- and indomethacin-induced apoptosis in the colon carcinoma cells are not clearly elucidated. Recent studys showed that indomethacin-induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells through the cyclooxygenase-independent pathways, and that may be mediated by generation of ceramide. In this study, we compared effects of ceramide and indomethacin on important modulators of apoptotic processes in HT29 cells, a human colon cancer cell line. Ceramide and indomethacin induced apoptosis dose- and time-dependently. Ceramide and indomethacin increased stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) activity, and decreased mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity. The expression of Bak was increased by the treatment of ceramide and indomethacin. The expression of other Bcl-2 related proteins (Mcl-1, Bcl-XL, Bax) which were known to be expressed in colon epithelial cells was not changed during the ceramide- and indomethacin-induced apoptosis. Our results suggest that ceramide and indomethacin share common mechanisms for induction of apoptosis in HT29 cells.
Subject(s)
Humans , Apoptosis , Cell Line , Colon , Colonic Neoplasms , Epithelial Cells , HT29 Cells , Indomethacin , Protein KinasesABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experience of Dan-Jeon breathing training and of Qi as a essential substance in forming human body. The sample consists of 7 participants who are Dan-Jeon Breathing training in a Training center, Pusan, Korea. They were asked open-ended questions in order for them to talk about their experiences. With permission of the subjects, the interviews were recorded and transcribed. 1. The purpose of Dan-Jeon Breathing The interview data was organized by themes into 4 categories: hope for health recovery, a concern about Dan-Jeon Breathing, seeking meaning of life, change of lifestyle. 2. The experience of Qi during Dan-Jeon Breathing training The interview data was organized by themes into 3 categories: an autonomic movement of body, spiritual experience, conviction of existence of Qi. 3. The change after Dan-Jeon Breathing training The interview data was organized by themes into 7 categories: physical health promotion, emotional relaxation, promoting brain function, positive attitude about life, love to others, investigation for self, improvement on Qi feeling.