[Metformin reduces cisplatin-mediated apoptosis in gastric adenocarcinoma cells]

Metformin, a drug widely used for type 2 diabetes, may also have anti-cancer properties. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of metformin on cisplatin cytotoxicity in the gastric adenocarcinoma cells line [MKN45]. In this study, cells viability and apoptosis were measured using the [3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Moreover, the expressions of mammalian target of rapamycin, survivin and AKT genes were evaluated by RT-PCR. All experiments were performed in triplicate. The results showed that each of metformin and cisplatin separately reduced the viability of cancer cell, but in co-administration, metformin reduced the cytotoxicity of cisplatin. In co-administration, the survivin expression was increased followed by a reduction in cisplatin anti-cancer effect. Therefore, the antagonistic effect of drugs can be associated with survivin expression. The results also revealed that the anti-apoptotic effects of metformin co-administrated with cisplatin are associated with increased AKT expression. It seems that in gastric cancers, metformin is not an appropriate choice to make cells sensitive to cisplatin and the antagonistic effects of the two drugs should be considered when they prescribed in combination

[Changes of serum biochemistry in short term toxicity with lindane pesticide in broiler chickens]

Lindane is highly lipid soluble toxin and persist in the environment, Its bioaccumulation occurs in the food chain from the environment to animals and humans. In order to evaluate the effects of high doses of lindane on the weight and serum biochemical parameters, twenty five old Ross broiler chicks [30day] were divided into control and 4 treatment groups of 5 chickens each. The chickens of control group didn't receive any toxin but the other groups received diets containing 150, 300, 600 and 900 ppm, lindane respectively. At the end of seventh day, animals were weighed and exsanguinated. Liver and blood samples were collected. The chicken weight decreased significantly in response to 600 and 900 ppm lindane compared to control, 150 and 300 ppm groups. The kidneys were affected in all groups compared to the control. Serum uric acid increased significantly. Although malfunction of kidneys were more severe in 900ppm titan the other groups. In 900 ppm group increased activity of AST were significant comparing to control and another groups [p<0.05]. Comparing to control and all groups the activity of CPK in the 900ppm increased significantly [p<0.05]. The other parameters in seum such as total protein, albumin and globulin, triglyceride cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and VLDL Index of lipid peroxidation byTBARs method and also beta carotene and vitamine A in serum and liver were not significant. So for evaluating of toxic effects of short term lindane administration, initially suggest that measure kidneys test [specially uric acid] and muscle test [specially AST and CPK] and should be not that the weight measuring is very important