Effectiveness of Dermal Regeneration Templates in Managing Acute Full-thickness and Deep Dermal Burn Injuries: A Comparison with Split-thickness Skin Grafts.

Background: The therapeutic challenge of managing acute full-thickness burns is significantly ameliorated with the introduction of dermal regeneration templates (DRTs). However, an updated synthesis of evidence-based data on the efficacy and safety of different DRTs is required. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines aims to evaluate the role of various DRTs in comparison with split-thickness skin grafting in managing acute burn injuries after excision and debridement. A total of 28 randomized clinical trials were assessed, encompassing a wide array of DRTs. Results: The study outcomes pointed to the diverse effectiveness of DRTs, with Integra demonstrating peripheral nerve reinnervation potential and TransCyte promoting rapid re-epithelialization. Some DRTs showed scar formation and skin quality comparable to those of autologous skin grafts. In terms of wound infection, certain treatments, including TransCyte, exhibited a significantly low infection rate. The evaluation of scar quality suggested that various interventions produced acceptable or improved outcomes without hypertrophic scarring. Recovery rates after the interventions displayed a range, with certain treatments showing rapid recovery and satisfactory results. Conclusions: The current systematic review points to the potential benefits of DRTs in managing burn wounds. Further research is necessary to shed light on the long-term impacts of these interventions on wound healing, scar quality, and patient recovery.

Fears and misconceptions toward COVID-19 vaccination among Syrian population: A cross-sectional study.

Background and Aims: Despite the significant milestone of vaccine discovery, the spread of misinformation and pseudoscientific claims has resulted in an increasing number of people refusing vaccination in Syria. In this study, we aimed to explore fears and misconceptions towards COVID-19 vaccines among the Syrian population. Methods: We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study between January and May 2022, using a convenience sample of 10,006 participants aged at least 18 years and living in Syria. We administered a validated online/paper questionnaire and conducted face-to-face interviews. We used SPSS software (version 26) for statistical analysis, assessing our data using frequency and χ 2 tests, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The majority of the participants were female 6048 (60.4%), university degree holders 7304 (73%), and from urban areas 8015 (80.1%). Approximately half of the participants 5021 (50.2%) belonged to the medical sector (49% had concerns about the vaccine). Females, university degree holders, and participants with a history of symptomatic COVID-19 were more likely to have fears about the vaccines. The main concerns about the vaccines were the rapid development, fears of blood clots, and common side effects. The prevalence of some misconceptions was relatively high, such as the belief that the vaccine is an experiment or a secret plan to reduce the population. Reliable sources are crucial to fight misleading information on social media. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccine is key to controlling the spread, but acceptance rate is critical. High variability in vaccine acceptance and high vaccine hesitancy can affect the efforts to terminate the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the barriers associated with the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination will be the cornerstone to achieving maximum vaccination coverage. It is important to consider the reasons for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine when interpreting the results of any study on vaccine attitudes among the Syrian population.

A retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma involving the spleen and pancreas: a case report.

Retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma (CL) is a rare condition and accounts for 1% of all CL. It can be congenital in children associated with genetic disorders or acquired in adults with chronic diseases. Case presentation: In the present case, the girl complained of abdominal pain and dysuria. Clinical examinations showed a palpitated mass in her left pelvis; a radiology exam revealed a cystic mass infiltrating the spleen and pancreatic tail, reaching the pelvis. The mass, including the spleen and pancreatic tail, among the cystic compound was removed. The final diagnosis of benign CL was done based on a histopathology exam. A one-year follow-up showed no signs of recurrence. Clinical discussion: CL is usually asymptomatic. The retroperitoneal location of the mass delayed the diagnosis and allowed the mass to grow to a large size and compress nearby structures. The typical presentation of CL is usually a substantial, multichambers cystic mass. However, it could be easily misdiagnosed with other cystic tumors of the pancreas. Age-based differential diagnosis should be taken into consideration in children as abdominal mass can originate from gastrointestinal or genitourinary systems. Conclusion: The imaging features of CL are insufficient, and the final diagnosis depends on the histopathology exam. Furthermore, CL can mimic pancreatic cysts in its presentation and cite; therefore, it must be included in the diagnosing strategy whenever a retroperitoneal cyst is being investigated, as imaging features can be misleading. Surgical treatment of CL should be associated with long-term ultrasound follow-up to identify and manage recurrence early.

An unusual outbreak of dermatitis due to rodent mite infestation in an acute-care hospital.

We report an outbreak of dermatitis associated with Ornithonysus bacoti and Liponyssoides sanguineus infestation in an acute ambulatory care setting. Healthcare workers developed dermatitis prior to the identification of the outbreak. A collaborative team effort resulted in complete eradication.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Asthma in Children and Adolescents in Rabigh, Western Saudi Arabia.

The worldwide prevalence of asthma in children is variable. The different epidemiological definitions of asthma, the use of various methods of measurement, and the environmental variations between countries are responsible for such different prevalence rates. This study has been performed to identify the prevalence/risk factors of asthma in Saudi children/adolescents in Rabigh. A cross-sectional epidemiological survey has been conducted using the validated Arabic version of the "International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire". Data on the sociodemographic characteristics of participants and risk factors of asthma have also been collected. Three hundred and forty-nine Children/adolescents with an age range of 5-18 years have been randomly selected for an interview from public places and houses in different regions of Rabigh City. The prevalence rates of physician-diagnosed asthma, any wheezing, and wheezing in the last 12 months among children/adolescents (mean age: 12.22 ± 4.14 years) have remarkably increased in association with the rapidly developing industrialization of Rabigh from previously recorded rates of 4.9%, 7.4%, and 6.4% in the only study that has previously been conducted in Rabigh in 1998 to 31.5%, 23.5%, and 14.9%, respectively. The univariate analysis has detected some significant risk factors for asthma. However, in younger aged children (5-9 years), allergic rhinitis, associated chronic illnesses, and viral respiratory infection-induced wheezing have remained significant risk factors of any wheezing. Drug allergy, exposure to dust, and viral respiratory infection-induced wheezing have persisted as significant risk factors for wheezing in the last 12 months. Eczema in the family, exposure to perfumes/incense, and viral respiratory infection-induced wheezing have remained as significant risk factors of physician-diagnosed asthma. The results of this survey should be useful in future targeted preventive plans/measures with special attention to improving air quality to limit the progressive increase in asthma prevalence in Rabigh, as well as in other similar industrial communities.

Cystoid Macular Edema 18 Years after Anterior Chamber Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation.

We report a case of a 54-year-old female patient who underwent PAC-IOL implantation 18 years prior to presentation. The patient had a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 20/20 in the right eye (OD) postoperatively with normal eye exam on routine follow-up since then. The patient presented for acute onset decreased visual acuity in the right eye. BCVA was 20/60, and exam showed blunted macular reflex with no evidence of inflammation. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed CME. She was started on topical treatment (ketorolac 0.5%) OD four times daily. Three weeks later, the patient had a BCVA of 20/20 OD with a normal macular reflex and an OCT showing the resolution of the CME. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a CME 18 years post PAC-IOL implantation. The possible cause of this incidence could be related to subclinical intraocular inflammation. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the possibility of such a latent CME post-PAC-IOL implantation.

Lipid domain coarsening and fluidity in multicomponent lipid vesicles: A continuum based model and its experimental validation.

Liposomes that achieve a heterogeneous and spatially organized surface through phase separation have been recognized to be a promising platform for delivery purposes. However, their design and optimization through experimentation can be expensive and time-consuming. To assist with the design and reduce the associated cost, we propose a computational platform for modeling membrane coarsening dynamics based on the principles of continuum mechanics and thermodynamics. This model couples phase separation to lateral flow and accounts for different membrane fluidity within the different phases, which is known to affect the coarsening dynamics on lipid membranes. The simulation results are in agreement with the experimental data in terms of liquid ordered domains area fraction, total domains perimeter over time, and total number of domains over time for two different membrane compositions (DOPC:DPPC with a 1:1 M ratio with 15% Chol and DOPC:DPPC with a 1:2 M ratio with 25% Chol) that yield opposite and nearly inverse phase behavior. This quantitative validation shows that the developed platform can be a valuable tool in complementing experimental practice.

Corneal Haze Secondary to Corneal Collagen Cross-linking in Keratoconus Patients: Treatment and Outcomes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients presenting with mild-to-moderate corneal haze after undergoing corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) for keratoconus (KCN) and their response to a proposed standardized topical steroid-based treatment. METHODS: This study included 19 eyes of 14 patients presenting with corneal haze after undergoing CXL for KCN. Corrected distance visual acuity, corneal thickness and Kmax values by Pentacam® Scheimpflug tomography, as well as subjective corneal haze changes were evaluated before and after a topical steroid- and cyclosporine-based treatment. RESULTS: Visual acuity improved after the completion of the treatment by 0.043 logMAR (P = 0.017) and Kmax values decreased by 1.17D (P = 0.0024), while the corneal thinnest pachymetry remained stable. Data collected from the examiner's slit-lamp examination description revealed that seven eyes had a decrease in haze compared to 12 eyes with stable or no changes in the haze. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest an improvement in visual acuity and possible corneal flattening with decreasing Kmax after the completion of topical steroids with taper course treatment in patients suffering from corneal haze post-CXL. This paper also highlights the importance of postcross-linking anti-inflammatory treatment and close follow-up.

Experimental validation of a phase-field model to predict coarsening dynamics of lipid domains in multicomponent membranes.

Membrane phase-separation is a mechanism that biological membranes often use to locally concentrate specific lipid species in order to organize diverse membrane processes. Phase separation has also been explored as a tool for the design of liposomes with heterogeneous and spatially organized surfaces. These "patchy" liposomes are promising platforms for delivery purposes, however their design and optimization through experimentation can be expensive and time-consuming. We developed a computationally efficient method based on the surface Cahn-Hilliard phase-field model to complement experimental investigations in the design of patchy liposomes. The method relies on thermodynamic considerations to set the initial state for numerical simulations. We show that our computational approach delivers not only qualitative pictures, but also accurate quantitative information about the dynamics of the membrane organization. In particular, the computational and experimental results are in excellent agreement in terms of lipid domain area fraction, total lipid domain perimeter over time and total number of lipid domains over time for two different membrane compositions (DOPC:DPPC with a 2:1 M ratio with 20% Chol and DOPC:DPPC with a 3:1 M ratio with 20% Chol). Thus, the computational phase-field model informed by experiments has a considerable potential to assist in the design of liposomes with spatially organized surfaces, thereby containing the cost and time required by the design process.

Structure-Based Discovery and Bioactivity Evaluation of Novel Aurora-A Kinase Inhibitors as Anticancer Agents via Docking-Based Comparative Intermolecular Contacts Analysis (dbCICA).

Aurora-A kinase plays a central role in mitosis, where aberrant activation contributes to cancer by promoting cell cycle progression, genomic instability, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and cancer stemness. Aurora-A kinase inhibitors have shown encouraging results in clinical trials but have not gained Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. An innovative computational workflow named Docking-based Comparative Intermolecular Contacts Analysis (dbCICA) was applied-aiming to identify novel Aurora-A kinase inhibitors-using seventy-nine reported Aurora-A kinase inhibitors to specify the best possible docking settings needed to fit into the active-site binding pocket of Aurora-A kinase crystal structure, in a process that only potent ligands contact critical binding-site spots, distinct from those occupied by less-active ligands. Optimal dbCICA models were transformed into two corresponding pharmacophores. The optimal one, in capturing active hits and discarding inactive ones, validated by receiver operating characteristic analysis, was used as a virtual in-silico search query for screening new molecules from the National Cancer Institute database. A fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based assay was used to assess the activity of captured molecules and five promising Aurora-A kinase inhibitors were identified. The activity was next validated using a cell culture anti-proliferative assay (MTT) and revealed a most potent lead 85(NCI 14040) molecule after 72 h of incubation, scoring IC50 values of 3.5-11.0 µM against PANC1 (pancreas), PC-3 (prostate), T-47D and MDA-MB-231 (breast)cancer cells, and showing favorable safety profiles (27.5 µM IC50 on fibroblasts). Our results provide new clues for further development of Aurora-A kinase inhibitors as anticancer molecules.

Examining the Anti-Tumor Activity of Dp44mT-Loaded Nanoparticles In Vitro.

We have recently reported encapsulating an antitumor iron chelator, Dp44mT (Di-2-pyridylketone-4,4dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone), in nanoparticles (NPs) of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). In this paper, we examine the effectiveness of this nano-formulation, referred to as Dp44mT-NPs, against several cancer cell lines in vitro; specifically, we evaluate the cytotoxicity of this formulation in glioma (U87, U251), breast (MCF7), and colorectal (HT29) cancer cell lines. Cell viability results from treatment of glioma cells with Dp44mT-NPs for 24-72 hrs revealed that these NPs were highly toxic towards these malignant cells with very low IC50 values (<100 nM). Although addition of a PEG (poly(ethylene glycol)) layer to the surface of NPs reduced their toxicity in glioma cells, they remained highly toxic towards these cells (IC50 of 135-210 nM). Dp44mT-NPs were also toxic towards breast MCF7 and colorectal HT29 cells, but at higher dosages (IC50 >1 µM) compared to glioma cells. Addition of PEG to these NPs, again lowered their toxicity in these cells. Varying the percentage of PEG on NPs resulted in changes in their cytotoxicity, highlighting the necessity of further optimization of this parameter. This study, overall, demonstrates the therapeutic potential of Dp44mT-NPs against different malignant cells, with particularly promising results in highly-aggressive glioma tumor cells.

Assessment of Patient Radiation Dose during Conventional Diagnostic X-ray Examinations in Three Public Hospitals in Northern Jordan using TLDs.

This study aims to measure entrance surface doses during routine chest and abdomen x-ray examinations of adult and child patients. Radiation dose measurements were performed using thermoluminescent dosimeters TLD-100s in three major public hospitals in northern Jordan on a total of 100 patients. Wide variations in entrance surface doses were observed within and between hospitals, which might be attributed to significant variations of the selected exposure parameters. For adult patients, the results have shown that the majority of entrance surface dose values from both chest and abdomen examinations were within recommended values of diagnostic reference levels. For child patients, the mean entrance surface dose from chest examinations in three age groups were 0.131 mGy (0-1 y), 0.136 mGy (1-5 y), and 0.191 mGy (5-10 y). These values were considered relatively high compared to the European reference levels and published results in the literature. However, for abdomen examinations, entrance surface dose values were relatively lower than European reference levels. Patient effective doses were estimated using a PCXMC 2.0 Monte Carlo program. The results for both adults and children were found to be relatively lower than the values reported by international publications. Due to the wide variations of entrance surface dose and the higher radiation doses delivered to child patients, this study recommends implementing a quality assurance program in such hospitals to achieve optimization between good image quality and minimum dose according to the as low as reasonably achievable principle. Moreover, the results of this work will provide a useful base for establishing local diagnostic reference levels for chest and abdomen examinations in Jordan.

The effect of cycling hypoxia on MCF-7 cancer stem cells and the impact of their microenvironment on angiogenesis using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as a model.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among females. Hypoxia mediates cancer hallmarks and results from reduced oxygen level due to irregularities in tumor vascularization or when the tumor size prevents oxygen diffusion and triggers angiogenesis to compensate for low oxygen. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare subpopulation, able to self-renew and to give rise to tumor-initiating cells. It is proposed that CSCs' secretions help to recruit endothelial cells via angiogenic factors to establish tumor vascularization. In the tumor microenvironment, the effect of hypoxia on CSCs and the impact of their secretions on triggering angiogenesis and tumor vascularization remain questionable. In this study, three-dimensional (3D) CSCs derived from MCF-7 were directly exposed to repetitive long-term cycles of hypoxia to assess its effect on CSCs and then to evaluate the role of the hypoxic CSCs' (CSCsHYP) secretions in angiogenesis using (HUVECs) as a model for tumor neovascularization response. METHODS: CSCs derived from MCF-7 cell-line were expanded under repetitive, strictly optimized, long-term/continuous and intermittent hypoxic shots for almost four months to assess hypoxic effect on CSCs, sorted based on CD44+/CD24- biomarkers. Hypoxic phenotype of CSCsHYP was evaluated by assessing the acquired chemoresistance using MTT assay and elevated stemness properties were assessed by flow cytometry. To evaluate the effect of the secretions from CSCsHYP on angiogenesis, HUVECs were exposed to CSCsHYP conditioned-medium (CdM)-in which CSCs had been previously grown-to mimic the tumor microenvironment and to assess the effect of the secretions from CSCsHYP on the HUVECs' capability of tube formation, migration and wound healing. Additionally, co-culture of CSCsHYP with HUVECs was performed. RESULTS: CSCsHYP acquired higher chemoresistance, increased stemness properties and obtained greater propagation, migration, and wound healing capacities, when compared to CSCs in normoxic condition (CSCsNOR). HUVECs' tube formation and migration abilities were mediated by hypoxic (CSCs) conditioned media (CdM). DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates that chemoresistant and migrational properties of CSCs are enhanced under hypoxia to a certain extent. The microenvironment of CSCsHYP contributes to tumor angiogenesis and migration. Hypoxia is a key player in tumor angiogenesis mediated by CSCs.

Fabrication and Optimization of Dp44mT-Loaded Nanoparticles.

This paper describes the modulation of polymeric nanoparticle (NP) preparation to produce an optimal nanocarrier for delivery of the potent anti-tumor iron chelator, Di2-pyridylketone-4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT) towards application in cancer therapy. We have previously shown the potential of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs as a nano-carrier for delivery of Dp44mT to malignant cells. The focus of this study is to alter the fabrication parameters to improve the characteristics of these NPs as a delivery vehicle for Dp44mT. To this end, PLGA NPs encapsulating Dp44mT are fabricated using the nanoprecipitation method with systematic variations in (i) the amount of surfactant poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in aqueous phase, and (ii) the drug to polymer ratio in organic phase. The resultant NPs are characterized for size, surface potential, encapsulation efficiency, and drug release profile. Results of this study showed that increasing the PVA % (within the examined range of 0.5-4% w/v) and decreasing the Dp44mT to PLGA ratio (within the tested range of 0.0375-0.3: 1 mg/mL) both led to an increase in drug encapsulation efficiency. Focusing on the optimal PVA percentage, we found that the changes in drug to polymer ratio did not have a significant impact on the size distribution and surface potential of Dp44mT-NPs and these NPs remained in the desirable range of 80-120 nm. Lastly, the release of Dp44mT from NPs differed for different Dp44mT: PLGA ratios, providing a means to further optimize the NP formulation for future cancer treatment applications.

Nanoparticle-based delivery of an anti-proliferative metal chelator to tumor cells.

This paper describes the preparation and characterization of polymeric nanoparticles loaded with a potent anti-tumor metal chelator, Di-2-pyridylketone-4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT) for delivery to cancer cells. Metal chelators have been increasingly studied for their anti-cancer properties that rely on the high demand of neoplastic cells for iron. Dp44mT has previously shown great antiproliferative characteristics in several cancers including breast cancer and melanoma. To further expand the application of this highly cytotoxic agent for cancer treatment and to enable its specific delivery to malignant cells, here we apply nano-scale particles (NPs) of biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolide) (PLGA) for encapsulation of Dp44mT and evaluate its effectiveness in vitro. The results demonstrated that Dp44mT was efficiently encapsulated in PLGA particles. Resulting NPs were uniform in size and shape and had good colloidal stability. Moreover, Dp44mT encapsulation in PLGA enhanced the water solubility of this agent. Lastly, the present formulation showed high level of cytotoxicity in glioma cells. Together, these results show the potential of PLGA NPs as a nano-carrier for Dp44mT with no apparent impact on the anti-tumor activity of this compound.

The short musculoskeletal functional assessment (SMFA) score amongst surgical patients with reconstructive lower limb injuries in war wounded civilians.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The MSF programme in Jordan provides specialized reconstructive surgical care to war-wounded civilians in the region. The short musculoskeletal functional assessment score (SMFA) provides a method for quantitatively assessing functional status following orthopaedic trauma. In June 2010 the Amman team established SMFA as the standard for measuring patients' functional status. The objective of this retrospective study is to evaluate whether the SMFA scores can be useful for patients with chronic war injuries. METHODS: All patients with lower limb injuries requiring reconstruction were enrolled in the study. Each patient's SMFA was assessed at admission, at discharge from Amman and during follow-up in home country. In the analysis we compared patients with infected versus non-infected injuries as well as with both high and low admissions dysfunctional index (ADI). RESULTS: Among infected patients, higher ADI correlated with more surgeries and longer hospital stay. Infected patients with ADI >50 required an average of 2.7 surgeries while those with ADI <50, averaged 1.7 operations (p = 0.0809). Non-infected patients with ADI >50 required an average of 1.6 operations compared to 1.5 for those with ADI <50 (p = 0.4168). CONCLUSIONS: The ADI score in our sample appeared to be useful in two areas: (1) hospital course in patients with infection, where a high ADI score correlated with longer hospital stays and more surgeries, and (2) prognosis, which was better for non-infected patients who had high ADI scores. A scoring system that predicts functional outcome following surgical reconstruction of lower limb injuries would be enormously useful.

Synovial tissue in internal derangement of temporomandibular joint.

The aim of this study was to examine the changes of the synovial tissue in rabbit temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement (ID) models using light and electron microscope. Thirteen rabbits were included in our study. The right TMJ of all animals were used as the experimental group while the left ones as the control group. ID model was established by using elastic rubber rope to stretch anteriorly. Synovial tissues were collected and examined by light and electron microscope to observe microstructure and ultrastructure changes after establishing the model. CD34 was used to count small blood vessels. A paired t test was performed with SPSS 16.0 software package to compare the data of the experimental and the control side. The average number of small blood vessels in the experimental side was significantly greater than the control side both in the first and second week. Numerous synovial cells of type A and type B were detected under electron microscope, and type A cells shrunk after a period of time. This study is helpful to understand the development of the TMJ intra-articular adhesion.

Expression of VEGF-receptors in TMJ synovium of rabbits with experimentally induced internal derangement.

Our aim was to evaluate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) in the synovium of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) of rabbits with experimentally induced internal derangement. Internal derangement was experimentally induced in 52 rabbit TMJ, and established on the right side of TMJ while the left side was used as the control. Each joint and its control was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endoscopy. The synovial tissues on both sides were harvested after one, two, three, and four weeks. The expression of VEGFRs mRNA was investigated in the experimental joint and its control using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Internal derangement was successfully confirmed in 45 of the 52 of the experimental joints (87%) on the right side by MRI and endoscopy. In the first and fourth week, the VEGFR-2 mRNA expression was higher in the experimental joints than in the controls (P=0.008 and P=0.02). Meanwhile, the VEGFR-1 mRNA expression was up-regulated in the experimental group compared with the controls during the fourth week (P=0.02). However, we found no significant differences in VEGFR-3 mRNA expression in the two groups during the first and fourth weeks. During the second and third weeks, the mRNA expression of the three receptors did not differ significantly among the groups. Our data have shown increased expression of VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 mRNA in the synovium of rabbit TMJ with internal derangement, which indicates that VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 may have important roles in the processes of internal derangement and formation of adhesions.

Induced apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells by blocking of vascularr endothelial growth factor by siRNA

INTRODUCTION: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulates several cell functions including; proliferation, differentiation, permeability, vascular tone, and the production of vasoactive molecules. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potency of specific short-interfering RNA (siRNA) to suppress human VEGF expression by siRNA and investigate the effects of VEGF down-regulation on the cell proliferation and apoptosis of the human prostate cancer cell lines DU-145. METHODS: Transfection was performed using X-tremeGENE siRNA transfection reagent. At different time intervals, transfected cells were harvested and total RNA was extracted for RT-PCR. The VEGF content in supernatants were measured by ELISA. Inhibition of cell growth by hVEGF-siRNA was measured by using cell proliferation ELISA BrdU assay. Apoptotic cells were evaluated by using annexin-V-FITC apoptotic detection method. RESULTS: Transfection of hVEGF-siRNA resulted in statistically significant inhibition of hVEGF-mRNA that in turn caused a marked reduction in the expression of hVEGF. The cell growth was assessed every 24 h for 4 days after siRNA treatment resulted in a marked inhibition of cell proliferation as compared to scramble siRNA. The results of apoptosis showed that approximately 15 % of the cells treated with control-siRNA manifested evident apoptotic changes after 24 hpt, whereas DU-145 cells treated with hVEGF-siRNA significantly were positive, that is to say, 53 % at 72 hpt 23.9 ± 2.78 % (P < 0.001) and 13 ± 1.57 % at 96 hpt. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that siRNA are effective in eliciting the RNAi pathway in cancerous cells and that specific siRNA efficiently down-regulate VEGF expression. They could decrease VEGF production and induce apoptosis, which may also be linked to the inhibition of cancerous cell proliferation. Therefore, it can be concluded that siRNA-mediated suppression of VEGF represents a powerful tool against prostate cancer cell proliferation. VEGF down-regulation exerts a direct anti-apoptotic function in the DU-145 cell lines and promises the development of drugs for cancer therapy (AU)