Aspergillus fumigatus and Cylindrocarpon candidum fungi induced apoptosis in HepG 2 cell line through activation of caspases enzymes

Many investigations are now interested to discover naturally occurring compounds, which can be used for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Most natural products which may be used as adjuvant therapy or to reduce the side effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. More than 300 products obtained from microorganisms have antitumor activities. In the study we isolated N-[3-4-Dichlorophenyl] 2-Methyl, 2,3 Dihydroxypropio amide from Aspergillus fumigatus and 2.4.6. Triphenyl pyridine from Cylindrocarpon candidum and investigate the cytotoxic effect and apoptotic effect on HepG2 cell line. The results revealed high cytotoxic effect at the concentration of 400 micro g/ml for both N-[3-4-Dichlorophenyl] 2-Methyl, 2,3Dihydroxypropio amide and 2.4.6. Triphenyl pyridine and effect is increase with time of incubation. The apoptotic effect of both products were investigated by measurement the caspase enzymes, the results showed highest activity of caspase 3 and caspase 9. Also at concentration 400 micro g/ml in both products. From this data we observe that two isolated product have antitumor effect and this effect is related to the concentration of the products and incubation period. Also, the two products induce apoptosis through increase activation of caspase 3 and caspase 9 which lead to programmed of cell death. This study need to furthermore study on experimental animal to confirm our results

2'-Deoxycytidine as a potential biomarker for detection of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: 2'-deoxycytidine [Dcyd] is one of four major nucleosides found in the different normal body fluids due to dissolution of dead cells, and is increase in the presence of malignancy. Previous studies proved that it can be used as a marker for bladder cancer and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The aim of this study is to assess 2'Dcyd as a possible biological marker in hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]

Methods: four groups were evaluated for the level 2'-Dcyd as well as alpha-fetoprotein [AFP]; a control group [n = 20], 20 cases of chronic liver diseases [CLD], 20 cases of hepatitis C [HCV] 60 cases of HCC

Results: in the patients with HCC, 2'-Dcyd serum level was 8-fold higher than normal level. It was 3-fold higher in HCV group. A mild increase was noted in patients with chronic liver diseases. Levels >/= 0.14 of 2'-Dcyd had a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 90% for diagnosis of HCC. It also recorded a sensitivity and specificity of 90% for diagnosis of HCV

Conclusions: for diagnosis of HCC, 2'-Dcyd is no better than AFP, as it is elevated in viral hepatitis C. A combination of AFP and 2'-Dcyd could provide broader information in diagnosis and treatment decision