ABSTRACT
Destructive effects of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is enhanced by many cellular mechanisms including activation of fibrosis, inflammation and tumor invasion. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the therapeutic effects of iCRT14, ß-catenin blocker, on HCC. In addition, the molecular effects of iCRT14 will be investigated on inflammation, fibrosis and tumor invasion pathways. After inducting HCC in rats, hepatic tissues were used for determination of the expression of ß-catenin, nuclear factor (NF)κB, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)9, transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 and integrin-ß6. Hepatic tissues were stained with hematoxylin/eosin and with anti-Ki67. Results revealed that iCRT14 significantly increased the survival percent of HCC rats, reduced both α-fetoprotein and average number of nodules. In parallel, hepatic sections from HCC rats stained with hematoxylin/eosin revealed vacuolated cytoplasm and necrotic nodules, which were attenuated by treatment with iCRT14. Finally, treating HCC rats with iCRT14 resulted in reduction of the expression of NFκB, TNF-α, IL-1ß, TGF-ß1, MMP9, FGF-2 and integrin-ß6. In conclusion, iCRT14 treatment exhibited antitumor effects against HCC through impairing ß-catenin signaling pathway. iCRT14 suppressed liver tissue inflammation, fibrosis and angiogenesis, possibly via reducing expression of NFκB, TNF-α, IL-1ß, TGF-ß1, MMP-9, FGF-2.
Subject(s)
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Cell Movement/drug effects , Inflammation Mediators/metabolism , Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/drug therapy , Pyridines/pharmacology , Pyrroles/pharmacology , Thiazolidinediones/pharmacology , beta Catenin/antagonists & inhibitors , Animals , Cytokines/genetics , Cytokines/metabolism , Fibroblast Growth Factor 2/genetics , Fibroblast Growth Factor 2/metabolism , Fibrosis , Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/chemically induced , Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/metabolism , Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology , Male , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/genetics , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism , Neoplasm Invasiveness , Neovascularization, Pathologic , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Thioacetamide , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/genetics , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism , Wnt Signaling Pathway , beta Catenin/metabolismABSTRACT
The chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes is associated with long-term damage, dysfunction, and failure of different organs. Lack of patient education and knowledge about these complications can worsen the quality of a patient's life. Hence, more efforts are needed to improve patient's education especially in rural areas. Aim. Our objective is to explore the association between demographic variables and the knowledge of self-care practices in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods. We used observational cross-sectional descriptive study using a validated self-administered questionnaire in both Arabic and English languages as well. A descriptive correlation design analyzed the questionnaire completed by a convenience sample meeting the inclusion criteria. Results. A total of 100 patients met the inclusion criteria for the analysis out of 3251 patients who completed the questionnaire. The study population has low moderate knowledge in diabetes, moderate knowledge in self-care practices, and good knowledge about complications of nephropathy and cardiovascular disease. No significant association between demographic variables. However, better knowledge observed in male (p = 0.028) and self-care practices with female (p = 0.020). Further, educational status is significantly influencing the knowledge of diabetic patients. Conclusion. The study emphasizing irrespective of demographic variable and the importance of patient education to achieve well glycemic control.
