Beta catenin is degraded by both caspase-3 and proteasomal activity during resveratrol-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells in a GSK3β-independent manner.

Increased activity of β-catenin, an important transcriptional activator for survival and proliferation-associated genes has been linked with many cancers. We examined whether β-catenin is a target of resveratrol and whether its degradation contributes to the pro-apoptotic effects of resveratrol. HeLa cells were exposed to 60 µM resveratrol for 48 h. Apoptosis was confirmed by measurement of annexin V externalization, caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation. Induction of apoptosis was observed as early as 12 h, when both caspase-3 activation and PARP (poly ADP ribose polymerase) cleavage occurred. Nuclear β-catenin levels remained unchanged for 48 h during resveratrol exposure. However, extranuclear cell lysate β-catenin underwent a decrease at a late stage of apoptosis namely at 36-48 h. Alterations in the phosphorylation status of Akt/GSK3β were not observed during resveratrol-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, inhibition of GSK3β activity which is largely responsible for β-catenin degradation failed to influence β-catenin stability. However, inhibition of caspase-3 activity prevented the decline in β-catenin levels at 36-48 h of resveratrol exposure. Lactacystin, a proteosomal inhibitor also prevented the degradation of β-catenin by resveratrol. In conclusion, resveratrol induced apoptosis in HeLa cells in an Akt/GSK3β-independent manner and down-regulated β-catenin levels during apoptosis through action of caspase-3 and proteasomal degradation, independent of GSK3β-mediated phosphorylation.

Transoral removal of ectopic maxillary third molar situated superiorly to maxillary antrum and posteroinferiorly to the floor of orbit.

Only few cases of ectopic third molar in relation to the roof of maxillary sinus and posteroinferior to the floor of the orbit have been reported in the literature. The diagnosis is usually done by plain‑film radiography. “Caldwell‑Luc” operation or endoscopic procedures have been used for the removal of such type of ectopic tooth. We report a case of 46‑year‑old female patient who presented with pain, swelling and watering of eye due to the ectopic tooth. The trans oral removal (via “Caldwell‑Luc” operation) of the ectopic maxillary third molar situated superior to maxillary antrum and posteroinferior to the floor of orbit has been described in this case without any complication.