RESUMO
The expression of several genes involved in apoptosis and cell cycle control can be regulated by steroid hormones and related agents via their nuclear receptors. Members of the bcl-2 gene family participate in the regulation of apoptosis in a diverse range of cell types and are implicated in the development of hormone refractory prostate cancer and resistance to anti-cancer therapy. The aim of this study, therefore, was to examine the expression of several nuclear receptors in relation to the expression of apoptosis and cell cycle related proteins in a series of patients with early hormone refractory prostate cancer. Analysis of protein expression revealed only a weak association between Bcl-2 and AR. Bax positivity and p27Kip1 expression were significantly more frequent in the AR-positive tumors, whereas RXRbeta expression was more frequently observed in the AR-negative group. The expression of AR, Bax and p27Kip1 was inversely related, and the expression of RXRbeta directly related, to Gleason pattern status. These results suggest that the immunophenotype of early hormone refractory prostate cancer may be different to that seen in more advanced stage disease. Androgen withdrawal therapy employing anti-androgens may elicit different signalling pathways that may be dependent on ARstatus and ARsensitivity.
Assuntos
Apoptose , Proteínas Musculares , Neoplasias da Próstata/química , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas c-bcl-2 , Receptores Citoplasmáticos e Nucleares/análise , Proteína Quinase CDC2/análise , Humanos , Imuno-Histoquímica , Masculino , Proteínas dos Microfilamentos/análise , Hiperplasia Prostática/metabolismo , Neoplasias da Próstata/patologia , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas/análise , Receptores Androgênicos/análise , Receptores do Ácido Retinoico/análise , Proteína X Associada a bcl-2RESUMO
Monitor provides an insight into the latest developments in pharmaceutical science and technology through brief synopses of recent presentations, publications and patents, and expert commentaries on the latest technologies. There are two sections: Progress summarizes the latest developments in pharmaceutical process technology, formulation, analytical technology, sterilization, controlled drug delivery systems and regulatory issues; Profiles offers expert commentary on emerging technologies, novel processes and strategic, organizational and logistic issues underlying pharmaceutical R&D.
RESUMO
Developments in polymers and associated clean-room extrusion and moulding techniques give manufacturers greater scope to maximize a product's performance and durability through careful selection of materials with optimal characteristics. This article considers the selection criteria for materials for different types of tubing applications and evaluates suitable polymers for each.
Assuntos
Materiais Biocompatíveis/uso terapêutico , Equipamentos e Provisões , Polímeros , Desenho de Equipamento , Segurança de Equipamentos , Equipamentos e Provisões/normas , Humanos , Polímeros/químicaRESUMO
The study assessed the effectiveness of electrosleep therapy in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and sleep difficulties in a small, heterogenous sample of psychiatric inpatients. A double-blind format was employed, one group receiving active treatment while the other received simulated treatment. The results showed active electrosleep to be no better than placebo in bettering quality of sleep or in lessening symptoms of depression or anxiety.