Mesua ferrea stem bark extract induces apoptosis and inhibits metastasis in human colorectal carcinoma HCT 116 cells, through modulation of multiple cell signalling pathways / 中国天然药物

Considering the great potential of natural products as anticancer agents, the present study was designed to explore the molecular mechanisms responsible for anticancer activities of Mesua ferrea stem bark extract against human colorectal carcinoma. Based on MTT assay results, bioactive sub-fraction (SF-3) was selected for further studies using HCT 116 cells. Repeated column chromatography resulted in isolation of less active α-amyrin from SF-3, which was identified and characterized by GC-MS and HPLC methods. α-amyrin and betulinic acid contents of SF-3 were measured by HPLC methods. Fluorescent assays revealed characteristic apoptotic features, including cell shrinkage, nuclear condensation, and marked decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential in SF-3 treated cells. In addition, increased levels of caspases-9 and -3/7 levels were also observed in SF-3 treated cells. SF-3 showed promising antimetastatic properties in multiple in vitro assays. Multi-pathway analysis revealed significant down-regulation of WNT, HIF-1α, and EGFR with simultaneous up-regulation of p53, Myc/Max, and TGF-β signalling pathways in SF-3 treated cells. In addition, promising growth inhibitory effects were observed in SF-3 treated HCT 116 tumour spheroids, which give a hint about in vivo antitumor efficacy of SF-3 phytoconstituents. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that anticancer effects of SF-3 towards colon cancer are through modulation of multiple molecular pathways.

Baerveldt Tube Implantation After Bleb Dysesthesia: Case Report

PURPOSE: To report a case of bleb dysesthesia successfully treated after Baerveldt tube implantation. CASE SUMMARY: A 37-year-old woman presented with a history of persistent foreign body sensation and pain in the left eye. The patient was referred to our hospital and was diagnosed as having had plateau iris syndrome. Having shown no improvement with conservative management, she eventually received trabeculectomy in the left eye six months prior to her current presentation. Under the impression of bleb dysesthesia, she received artificial tears and a bandage contact lens. These, however, failed to alleviate her symptoms. She then had a compression suture of the bleb and bleb revision. These were performed sequentially but neither was effective. Finally, a Baerveldt tube implantation was performed successfully, and, three months later, bleb revision was performed using a donor sclera, which resulted in no further complaint of ocular discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: Bleb dysesthesia, although not a common postoperative complication, can occur after trabeculectomy and can be successfully treated with Baerveldt tube implantation. Patients should receive appropriate counseling and advice on bleb dysesthesia prior to undergoing trabeculectomy.

Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Children With Glaucoma

PURPOSE: To find the optimal parameter of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) analysis in optical coherence tomography (OCT) for diagnosing glaucoma in children. METHODS: The study was comprised of 127 eyes of 84 patients (aged 6 to 18 years) who visited our institute between March 2006 and February 2008. Subjects were classified into normal, glaucoma suspect and glaucoma groups, and each eye was scanned using Stratus 3.0 OCT. Routine ophthalmic examinations including fundus examination, visual field test and OCT RNFL analysis were performed. RESULTS: There were 55 normal eyes, 27 glaucoma suspect eyes and 45 glaucomatous eyes. The average RNFL thickness was the most useful parameter to differentiate between the glaucoma and non-glaucoma groups. The next most useful parameter was inferior average thickness, followed by superior RNFL thickness. The sensitivity and specificity of the new discriminant of the formula used were 78%, and 68.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In OCT analysis, the average RNFL thickness is the most useful parameter in the diagnosis of glaucoma in children. The new discriminant of the formula is useful in the diagnosis of pediatric glaucoma patients.