6-Methoxy Podophyllotoxin induces Apoptosis via inhibition of TUBB3 and TOPIIA Gene expressions in 5637 and K562 Cancer cell lines

Objective: Podophyllotoxin [PTOX], a natural compound in numerous plants, contains remarkable biological properties that include anti-tumor, anti-viral such as anti-human im-munodeficiency virus [HIV] activities. In order to avoid its adverse effects, various compounds have been derived from PTOX. 6-methoxy PTOX [MPTOX] is one of the natural PTOX derivatives with an extra methoxy group. MPTOX is mostly isolated from the Linum species. This study has sought to determine the biological effects of MPTOX on cancer cell lines, 5637 and K562

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, we treated the 5637 and K562 cancer cell lines with MPTOX in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry and viability rate was analyzed by the MTT assay. Expressions of the tubulin [TUBB3] and topoisomerase II [TOPIIA] genes were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction [PCR]

Results: Treatment with MPTOX led to significant induction of apoptosis in cancer cells compared to control cells. Gene expression analysis showed reduced levels of TUBB3 and TOPIIA mRNA following MPTOX treatment

Conclusion: MPTOX inhibited TUBB3 and TOPIIA gene expression and subsequently induced cell death through apoptosis. These results suggested that MPTOX could be considered a potential anti-tumor agent

Mortality resulting from poisoning with depilatory agent in patients who referred to Loqman Hakim hospital

Traditional depilatory agent has been rarely used as a means of suicidal attempt in Iran. Its complications arise from its corrosive effect, and systemic arsenic intoxication. This study was conducted to assess intoxication and mortality rate with depilatory agent in 1370-1382. In this retrospective study we collected published statistics from poisoning department of Loqman Hakim hospital and analized the patients' registries. The number of poisoned patients' referred to Loqman Hakim hospital increased from 12000 in 1370 to 24000 in 1382. Meanwhile the relative frequency of poisoned patients with depilatory agent in comparison to all of the poisoning in mentioned time was decreased [0.6% in 1370 to 0.4% in 1382]. 97% of patients used it for suicide attempt. During these years mortality rate from poisoning increased from 0.99% in 1370 to 1.27% in 1382, but mortality rate from depilatory agent decreased from 22% to 5.7%. After 1377 no case of surgery has been observed as a treatment whereas during previous years about 20% of patients need surgery. Elimination of arsenic from depilatory agent caused in decreasing of complications [Including surgical intervention] and mortality rate among the poisoned with this substance