Epigallocatechin gallate from green tea exhibits potent anticancer effects in A-549 non-small lung cancer cells by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and inhibition of cell migration.

PURPOSE: Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is considered as a rich source of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which has been shown to exert impressive pharmacological properties. The anticancer properties of EGCG have been extensively studied however, its anticancer activity has not been explored in lung cancer. The present study was therefore designed to evaluate the anticancer effects of EGCG against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line A-549 and normal human fibroblast FR-2 cells. METHODS: Cell viability was assessed by CCK8 assay, apoptosis by DAPI, annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) and flowcytometery and cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry. Cell migration capacity was investigated by wound-healing assay and protein expression was examined by Western blotting. RESULTS: The results revealed that EGCC could inhibit the proliferation of A-549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner and exhibited an IC50 of 25 µM against the IC50 of 100 µM against the normal human fibroblasts. Further evaluation revealed that EGCG exerts its anticancer effects via induction of apoptosis, modulation of Bax/blc-2 ratio and by triggering G2/M cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, EGCG could also inhibit the migration of A5-49 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, based on our results, we believe that EGCG could prove to be an important lead molecule for the treatment of lung cancer.

[Clinical observation of therapeutic effect of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effects and safety of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). METHODS: ECMO were initiated in 6 patients with ARDS, not responding to conventional mechanical ventilation. Oxygenation status, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) level, and fraction of inspired oxygen [FiO(2)] were compared before and after treatment with ECMO, while the adverse effects of ECMO were recorded. RESULTS: In 6 cases, pulse blood oxygen saturation [SpO(2)] was elevated (0.45-0.92 up to 0.94-1.00), PEEP level [cm H(2)O, 1 cm H(2)O=0.098 kPa] and [FiO(2)] were lowered [PEEP: 10.0-22.0 down to 4.0-15.0; FiO(2): 1.00 down to 0.30-0.60] after treatment with ECMO. Of 6 cases, 2 patients with severe influenza A/H1N1 pneumonia finally died of shock; 1 patient with severe influenza A/H1N1 pneumonia and 1 patient with Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumonia were withdrawn from ECMO treatment because of deterioration of the disease. One patient suffering from Cytomegalovirus pneumonia and another with Acinetobacter baumannii pneumonia were successfully discharged from hospital with recovery. The main complications were bleeding and hemolysis. CONCLUSIONS: ECMO could improve gas exchange, oxygenation and partially replace pulmonary function. Patients with ARDS should be treated with ECMO early if artificial ventilation treatment was unresponsive.