In vitro genotoxicity of carcinogenic asarone isomers.

The present study focused on genotoxic properties of the carcinogenic phenylpropanoids α-asarone and ß-asarone, which are found in several herbs and spices, such as Acorus calamus or Acorus gramineus. Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects were determined in human liver carinoma HepG2 cells, in hamster lung fibroblast V79 cells and in human cytochrome P450 1A2 and human sulfotransferase 1C2 transfected V79 cells (tV79). The Alamar blue assay was used to measure cytotoxicity of both isomers prior to the identification of DNA damaging properties by single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). Furthermore, the phosphorylation status of the histone H2AX, as a response of DNA double strand breaks, was investigated in HepG2 cells by Western blot analysis and visualized by immunofluorescence microscopy. After 24 h of incubation a significant reduction of cell viability was found. Moreover, both asarone isomers induced DNA strand breaks in V79 cells after 1 h of incubation. In tV79 cells even more pronounced DNA damaging properties were exhibited, whereas in HepG2 cells the compounds were found to be less effective. Furthermore, in tV79 cells a significant increase of formamidopyrimidine-DNA-glycosylase-sensitive sites was observed. DNA strand breaks, induced by aA, were to some extent characterized as DNA double strand breaks. In summary, asarone-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity is strongly influenced by the cellular metabolic enzyme status and therefore, a contribution of their respective metabolites to in vitro toxicity can be suggested.

[94 inguinal hernias treated by interposition of a prosthesis using medial and preperitoneal approach]. / Nonante-quatre hernies de l'aine traitées par prothèse interposée par voie médiane en prépéritonéal.

Having chosen the utilization of a Teflon prosthesis, interposed in preperitoneal position by medial incision, in a series of 58 patients presenting 94 hernias, the authors wish to express a preference to this method for reoccurring and bilateral hernias. They underline the simplicity of the technique, its reduced morbidity, and they focus on the infrequency of reoccurrence in 47 patients reseen 6 months to 4 1/2 years in follow up. The authors have not observed a difference in the local results, recent and long term, after intervention using this technique under general or local-regional anesthesia. But they do appreciate however, a low percentage of general complications encountered in the group operated without general anesthesia, which thus permits an enlarged spectrum of indications for patients at risk. Previous operations by low midline incisions (prostatectomy, etc...) do not constitute a contra-indication.