Antidepressant Sertraline Hydrochloride Inhibits the Growth of HER2+ AU565 Breast Cancer Cell Line through Induction of Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest.

BACKGROUND: Drug repurposing in oncology promises benefits to many patients through its ability to provide novel, and fast-tracked treatments. Previous studies have demonstrated that depression may influence tumor progression. Anti-proliferative activity of certain antidepressants, mainly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are reported in the literature. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to repurpose selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for the treatment of breast cancers, and it merits further validation and research. METHODS: Changes in cell morphology were studied using DAPI staining, while the Annexin V/PI method was employed for apoptotic analysis. The expression of specific genes involved in cancer progression was also analyzed via RT-PCR. Caspase-3 activation was measured through fluorometric assay. RESULTS: We have identified that sertraline hydrochloride significantly inhibited the growth of breast cancer cell in vitro. Preliminary mechanistic studies demonstrated that the cytotoxicity of sertraline hydrochloride was possibly through the induction of apoptosis, as inferred from enhanced nuclear fragmentation, flow cytometric data, and caspase-3/7 activation. Gene expression analysis also showed an increased expression of pro-apoptotic Bax, and a slight decrease in oncogene c-myc in the presence of sertraline hydrochloride. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our study suggest that sertraline hydrochloride, an antidepressant drug, can potentially be used for the treatment of breast cancer.

Biochemical and histopathological changes in livers of rats poisoned with aluminum phosphide and treated with carrot extract.

The experimental studies of Aluminum Phosphide (AP) poisoning in rats revealed several clinical and pathological signs such as hemorrhage, sinusoidal dilatation, bile stasis, centrilobular necrosis, Kupffer cell hyperplasia, infiltration by mononuclear cells, and fatty infiltration in the liver tissues. This paper aimed to show the impact of carrots on the toxic effect of AP on the livers of adult rats (female). To investigate some biochemical and histopathological changes effects of AP in rats, sixty white female rats were equally divided into four groups, the first group (G1) was administered orally with 3mg/kg/ body weight of AP, the second group (G2) was orally treated with AP and 10% carrot extract at the same time. The third group (G3) administrated 10% carrot extract only. The fourth (G4) group was the negative control and was treated with distilled water only. The experiments continued for a month at the animal house of the Veterinary Medicine College of Baghdad University. The results revealed that high levels of liver enzymes and bilirubin were induced in G1 with decreasing total protein levels. The pathological examination revealed the presence of marked proliferation of Kupffer cells in G1 livers. However, the G2 group showed slight infiltration of lymphocytes in sinusoids. The pathological changes in the livers of G3 group showed slight cloudy swelling in hepatocytes compared with the normal texture of hepatocytes in G4. The data of this experiment showed that treatment with carrot extract significantly decreases the elevation in the level of liver function enzymes in animal poisoned with AP. In addition, treatment with carrot extract reduces the severe damage in the hepatic tissue that occurred in rats treated with AP only. In general, it could be concluded that treatment with carrot extract provides a remedial effect against the hepatotoxicity that is resulted from exposure to AP.

Immature ginger reduces triglyceride accumulation by downregulating Acyl CoA carboxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-1 genes in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Background: Obesity is the underlying risk factor for major metabolism complications, including non-alcoholic-fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. The adipose tissue is a vital endocrine organ that plays a role in the synthesis and storage of lipid and, therefore, is a contributory factor to the development and progression of obesity. A growing interest in nutraceuticals suggests that natural products can alleviate the risk factors and may be effective in mitigating obesity. Aim: The objective of this study was to examine the underlying mechanisms of immature ginger on adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis in a 3T3-L1 cellular model. Methods: Ginger samples, extracted in 80% methanol, were dried and resuspended in DMSO at 50 µg/mL as stock solution. For analysis, the extracted samples were further diluted in media. Effects on adipogenesis were evaluated by determining lipid droplet and triglyceride accumulation, whereas effects on lipogenesis were determined by measuring triglyceride contents and fatty acid profile. The expression of key regulatory genes involved in adipogenesis and lipogenesis was also determined. Results: Our data indicate that the intracellular lipid accumulation decreased significantly by 15 or 25% on treatment with 25 or 50 µg/mL of ginger extract. Consistent with these data, significantly reduced triglyceride levels by 30 or 50% were observed on 25 or 50 µg/mL treatment with ginger extracts, respectively. In addition, ginger treatment significantly inhibited the differentiation-induced de novo lipogenesis and Δ9 desaturase activity. Furthermore, ginger treatment reduced adipogenesis genes, C/ebpß and C/ebpδ, expression by 47 or 64%, respectively, but significantly increased Pparγ expression by 60% and adiponectin by 75%. Ginger extracts had no effect on Fas genes but reduced lipogenesis genes, acyl CoA carboxylase (Acc) expression by two-fold, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxy kinase 1 (Pepck1) expression by 50%. Conclusion: Our findings suggest immature ginger can potentially inhibit lipogenesis pathways by limiting the channeling of glucose carbon in fatty acid synthesis by inhibiting the expression of ACC and glycerol production via inhibiting the expression of PEPCK, which consequently inhibits triglyceride formation.

Isolation and characterization of anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative compound, for B-cell Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. is native to Indo-Pak sub-continent and has high medicinal values in Ayureda. This plant has been used traditionally for the treatment of sciatica, rheumatism, chronic fever, diabetes, snakebite, dysentery, cachexia and cancer. Studies have shown many pharmacological properties such as anti-cancer efficacy against Dalton's ascetic lymphoma, cytotoxicity against T-cell leukemia, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-oxidant effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: Aim of the study was to explore the anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative potential of N. arbor-tristis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ethanol extract of fresh and uncrushed aerial parts of N. arbor-tristis was used in the present study. A new compound nyctanthesin A was isolated following a bioactivity-guided fractionation and chromatographic separations. Its chemical structure was elucidated through spectral studies including 1D, 2D-NMR experiments and HREIMS. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) generation from phagocytes were detected by chemiluminescence technique and Griess method, respectively. TNF-α and TGF-ß production was quantified by ELISA. Anti-lymphoma and cytotoxic activities were assessed by alamar blue and MTT assays, respectively. The transcription and protein expression level of Bcl-2, COX-2, p38 MAPK, PDL-1, NF-κB, c-Myc and PNF-κB was performed by qRT-PCR and protein blot assays, respectively. RESULTS: Petroleum ether insoluble fraction of the ethanol extract of fresh and uncrushed aerial parts of N. arbor-tristis revealed anti-inflammatory potential by inhibiting ROS. A previously undescribed compound nyctanthesin A was isolated from this fraction and characterized by UV, IR, NMR and HREIMS. It showed significant anti-inflammatory property by inhibiting ROS, NO and TNF-α production. The strong anti-proliferative effects on B- cell lymphoma cells, DOHH2 and Raji, revealed its anti-lymphoma potential along with non-toxic profile against BJ and NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells of normal origin. The qRT-PCR results showed marked inhibition of Bcl-2, COX-2, p38 MAPK, PDL-1, c-Myc, NF-κB, and PNF-κB at transcription level in DOHH2 cells with comparatively lesser but significant effects in Raji cells, where the expression of Bcl-2 gene was not affected. The protein expression of PNF-κB in DOHH2 cells was inhibited by 66% (P < 0.05) and COX-2 in both cell lines was inhibited by 50% (P < 0.05) at 60 µg/mL. A moderate non-significant inhibition of TGF-ß (∼20%) was observed in both cell lines at 100 µg/mL CONCLUSIONS: Scientific evidences reported here validate the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential of the plant.

Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Components in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Greens: A Review.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a nutrient-rich grain native to South America and eaten worldwide as a healthy food, sometimes even referred to as a "superfood". Like quinoa grains, quinoa greens (green leaves, sprouts, and microgreens) are also rich in nutrients and have health promoting properties such as being antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antiobesity, and cardio-beneficial. Quinoa greens are gluten-free and provide an excellent source of protein, amino acids, essential minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Quinoa greens represent a promising value-added vegetable that could resolve malnutrition problems and contribute to food and nutritional security. The greens can be grown year-round (in the field, high tunnel, and greenhouse) and have short growth durations. In addition, quinoa is salt-, drought-, and cold-tolerant and requires little fertilizer and water to grow. Nevertheless, consumption of quinoa greens as leafy vegetables is uncommon. To date, only a few researchers have investigated the nutritional properties, phytochemical composition, and human health benefits of quinoa greens. We undertook a comprehensive review of the literature on quinoa greens to explore their nutritional and functional significance to human health and to bring awareness to their use in human diets.

Phytochemical profile and anti-oxidation activity changes during ginger (Zingiber officinale) harvest: Baby ginger attenuates lipid accumulation and ameliorates glucose uptake in HepG2 cells.

We determined the phenolic content and anti-oxidation properties of ginger at different harvesting time and tested its effects on lipid droplet formation and glucose uptake in HepG2 cells. Ginger samples at different stages of maturity were harvested every two weeks starting from mid-October for 16 weeks. Our data indicate that ginger has the highest phenolic contents and superior anti-oxidation activity when harvested early (immature baby ginger); however, the concentration of phenolic contents and its anti-oxidation activity were progressively reduced up to 50% as ginger matures. Furthermore, the data indicate that baby ginger extract inhibits lipid accumulation and triglyceride content in oleic acid-induced HepG2 cells up to 20% in a dose-dependent manner. Baby ginger exhibited significant inhibition of α-amylase enzyme activity by 29.5% and ameliorated glucose uptake in HepG2 cell at similar level. Our results suggest that harvesting ginger at an appropriate (early) time may be beneficial for optimizing its biological active contents and qualitative properties. The data also suggest that a regular use of ginger can potentially lower incidences of obesity and diabetes.

Engineering of fluorescent or photoactive Trojan probes for detection and eradication of ß-Amyloids.

Trojan horse technology institutes a potentially promising strategy to bring together a diagnostic or cell-based drug design and a delivery platform. It provides the opportunity to re-engineer a novel multimodal, neurovascular detection probe, or medicine to fuse with blood-brain barrier (BBB) molecular Trojan horse. In Alzheimer's disease (AD) this could allow the targeted delivery of detection or therapeutic probes across the BBB to the sites of plaques and tangles development to image or decrease amyloid load, enhance perivascular Aß clearance, and improve cerebral blood flow, owing principally to the significantly improved cerebral permeation. A Trojan horse can also be equipped with photosensitizers, nanoparticles, quantum dots, or fluorescent molecules to function as multiple targeting theranostic compounds that could be activated following changes in disease-specific processes of the diseased tissue such as pH and protease activity, or exogenous stimuli such as, light. This concept review theorizes the use of receptor-mediated transport-based platforms to transform such novel ideas to engineer systemic and smart Trojan detection or therapeutic probes to advance the neurodegenerative field.

Nutraceuticals and Nutrition Supplements: Challenges and Opportunities.

The term "nutraceuticals" is derived from "nutrition" and "pharmaceuticals" and is used fornutrition products that are also used as medicine [1] [...].

Phytochemical profile and antioxidation activity of annona fruit and its effect on lymphoma cell proliferation.

Cancers of the lymphatic system are broadly classified into Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin types. Although lymphomas can be effectively treated with chemotherapy, this approach is associated with the risk of adverse side effects. High intake of certain vegetables and fruits is associated with a reduced risk of cancer development. We hypothesized that Annona fruit, which is rich in fibers and phytochemicals that are known to possess anticancer properties, can be effective in inhibiting lymphoma growth. The Annona fruit's fractions were extracted with water, methanol, or chloroform and then assayed for total phenolic, flavonoids, and tannins content; antioxidation activities; and inhibition of in vitro cell proliferation using the Ramos-1 lymphoma cells. The methanol fractions contained the highest phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins content, and antioxidation activity. However, the methanol extracts of skin, pulp, and seeds had a moderate whereas the chloroform extracts of pulp and seeds had strong effects on Ramos-1 cell proliferation. Our findings suggest that Annona fruits may be effective in the prevention or treatment of lymphoma.

Polyphenol-Enriched Plum Extract Enhances Myotubule Formation and Anabolism while Attenuating Colon Cancer-induced Cellular Damage in C2C12 Cells.

Preventing muscle wasting in certain chronic diseases including cancer is an ongoing challenge. Studies have shown that polyphenols derived from fruits and vegetables shows promise in reducing muscle loss in cellular and animal models of muscle wasting. We hypothesized that polyphenols derived from plums (Prunus domestica) could have anabolic and anti-catabolic benefits on skeletal muscle. The effects of a polyphenol-enriched plum extract (PE60) were evaluated in vitro on C2C12 and Colon-26 cancer cells. Data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA and we found that treatment of myocytes with plum extract increased the cell size by ~3-fold (p < 0.05) and stimulated myoblast differentiation by ~2-fold (p < 0.05). Plum extract induced total protein synthesis by ~50% (p < 0.05), reduced serum deprivation-induced total protein degradation by ~30% (p < 0.05), and increased expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) by ~2-fold (p < 0.05). Plum extract also reduced tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-induced nuclear factor κB (NFκB) activation by 80% (p < 0.05) in A549/NF-κB-luc cells. In addition, plum extract inhibited the growth of Colon-26 cancer cells, and attenuated cytotoxicity in C2C12 myoblasts induced by soluble factors released from Colon-26 cells. In conclusion, our data suggests that plum extract may have pluripotent health benefits on muscle, due to its demonstrated ability to promote myogenesis, stimulate muscle protein synthesis, and inhibit protein degradation. It also appears to protect muscle cell from tumor-induced cytotoxicity.

Dissociation of place preference and tolerance responses to sucrose using a dopamine antagonist in the planarian.

In rodents, sucrose has been found to elicit addictive-like behaviours like the development of tolerance and the association with cues present at the time of consumption. Furthermore, the neurochemical response to sucrose binges is equivalent to the one observed in response to the abuse of addictive substances like cocaine. The experiments reported here address the effects of sucrose on an invertebrate model, the Platyhelminth brown planarian. The animals exposed to a 10% sucrose solution in one context developed a conditioned place preference (CPP) which was subsequently extinguished in the absence of the rewarding agent. However, one exposure to sucrose per se sufficed to reinstate the CPP response, suggesting sucrose-induced CPP can be characterised as a standard Pavlovian response. The same training procedure led to the development of context-specific tolerance to the effects of sucrose. However, comparing animals treated with dopamine D1 antagonist (SCH-23390) with control animals showed that the establishment of CPP, but not the development of tolerance, is mediated by the dopamine reward system.

Distribution of Tocopherols and Tocotrienols in Guinea Pig Tissues Following Parenteral Lipid Emulsion Infusion.

BACKGROUND: Tocopherols and tocotrienols possess vitamin E activity and function as the major lipid-soluble antioxidants in the human body. Commercial lipid emulsions are composed of different oils and supply different amounts of vitamin E. The objective of this study was to measure all 8 vitamin E homologs within 4 different commercial lipid emulsions and evaluate their distribution in guinea pig tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The distribution of vitamin E homologs within plasma and guinea pig tissues was determined using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system. Lipid hydroperoxides in lipid emulsions were determined using a commercial kit (Cayman Chemical Company, Ann Arbor, MI), and malondialdehyde tissue levels were determined using an HPLC system. RESULTS: The lipid emulsions contained variable amounts of tocopherols, which were significantly different between emulsions. Tocotrienols were present at very low concentrations (≤0.3%). We found no correlation between the amount of vitamin E present in the lipid emulsions and lipid peroxidation. Hydroperoxides were the lowest with an olive oil-based emulsion and highest with a fish oil emulsion. The predominant vitamin E homolog in guinea pig tissues was α-tocopherol. No tissues had detectable levels of tocotrienols. Vitamin E levels (primarily α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol) were highly variable among organ tissues. Plasma levels were a poor reflection of most tissue levels. CONCLUSION: Vitamin E levels within different lipid emulsions and plasma/tissues are highly variable, and no one tissue or plasma sample serves as a good proxy for levels in other tissues. All study emulsions were well tolerated and did not significantly increase systemic lipid peroxidation.

Comparative study of the modulation of fructose/sucrose-induced hepatic steatosis by mixed lipid formulations varying in unsaturated fatty acid content.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in developed countries. NAFLD encompasses a spectrum of diseases, ranging from hepatic steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and liver failure. The etiology of NAFLD remains unclear but is thought to relate to increased fatty acid flux within the liver that results in toxic fatty acid metabolite production. One source of increased fatty acid flux is fructose/sucrose-induced hepatic lipogenesis. Current treatment for NAFLD encompasses dietary modifications. However, little scientific evidence exists on which to base many dietary recommendations, especially the intake of different types of carbohydrates and fats. We hypothesized that lipid mixtures of unsaturated fatty acids would inhibit lipogenesis and subsequent hepatic steatosis induced by high carbohydrate diets. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of different complex mixtures of fatty acids upon the development of fructose/sucrose-induced hepatic steatosis. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were randomized to normocaloric chow-based diets that varied in the type of carbohydrate (starch, sucrose, fructose). Animals in each carbohydrate group were further randomized to diets that varied in lipid type (no additional lipid, soybean oil, fish oil, olive/soybean oil, macadamia nut oil). These oils were chosen based upon their content of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acids, or omega-7 monounsaturated fatty acids. Fatty acid flux in the liver was determine by assessing hepatic lipid content (steatosis). We also assessed fatty acid levels in the plasma and liver of the animals, hepatic lipogenesis activity, hepatic stearoyl-CoA-1 desaturase activity, and hepatic elongase activity. RESULTS: Animals consumed similar amounts of the diets and maintained normal body weights throughout the study. Both sucrose and fructose induced hepatic lipogenesis and steatosis, with fructose being more potent. All mixed lipids similarly inhibited steatosis, limiting lipid content to levels found in the control (starch) animals. Lipogenesis and stearoyl-CoA-1 desaturase activity were increased in the sucrose and fructose groups. Levels of these enzymatic processes remained at baseline in all of the lipid groups. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to compare various complex lipid mixtures, based upon dietary oils with different types of long-chain fatty acids, upon development of sucrose/fructose-induced steatosis. Both carbohydrate source and lipid content appear important for the modulation of steatosis. Moderate intake of complex lipids with high unsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratios inhibited both lipogenesis and steatosis.

Modulation of endothelial cell integrity and inflammatory activation by commercial lipid emulsions.

BACKGROUND: Thrombosis and immune dysfunction are two important complications that result from the administration of parenteral nutrition. Endothelial cells within the vasculature are crucial components necessary for maintenance of normal coagulation and immune function. METHODS: We compared the effects of three commercial lipid emulsions (LEs; Intralipid®, ClinOleic® [or Clinolipid®], and Omegaven®) differing in the levels of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acids, and saturated fatty acids upon endothelial cell fatty acid composition using Gas chromatography, endothelial cell integrity by assessing measurement of apoptosis and necrosis using flow cytometry, endothelial cell inflammatory activation by assessing the induction of ICAM-1 by lipopolysaccharide [LPS]), and transcription factor activation (phosphorylation of NF-κB) using western blot analysis. RESULTS: Gas chromatographic analysis confirmed cellular uptake of the fatty acids within the LEs; furthermore, these fatty acid changes reflected the composition of the oils and egg phosphatides used in the manufacturing of these emulsions. However, the kinetics of fatty acid uptake and processing differed between LEs. Fish oil LE negatively impacted cell viability by doubling the percentage of apoptotic and necrotic cell populations quantified by flow cytometry using Annexin V/Fluorescein and propidium iodide. The soybean oil LE did not alter cell viability, while the olive oil-predominate emulsion improved cell viability. All LEs were capable of suppressing LPS-induced ICAM-1 expression; however, the fish oil LE was more potent than the other emulsions. Fish oil LE supplementation of cells also suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of NF-κB, while the soybean oil and olive predominant LE had no effect upon NF-κB phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS: Lipid emulsions are readily incorporated and stored in the form of triacylglycerols. Soybean oil-based, olive oil-predominant and fish-oil based LEs differentially affected endothelial cell integrity. Importantly, these three LEs were capable of suppressing endothelial cell inflammatory response despite their fatty acid content.

Tocopherol and tocotrienol homologs in parenteral lipid emulsions.

Parenteral lipid emulsions, which are made of oils from plant and fish sources, contain different types of tocopherols and tocotrienols (vitamin E homologs). The amount and types of vitamin E homologs in various lipid emulsions vary considerably and are not completely known. The objective of this analysis was to develop a quantitative method to determine levels of all vitamin E homologs in various lipid emulsions. An HPLC system was used to measure vitamin E homologs using a Pinnacle DB Silica normal phase column and an isocratic, n-hexane:1,4 dioxane (98:2) mobile phase. An optimized protocol was used to report vitamin E homolog concentrations in soybean oil-based (Intralipid®, Ivelip®, Lipofundin® N, Liposyn® III, and Liposyn® II), medium- and long-chain fatty acid-based (Lipofundin®, MCT and Structolipid®), olive oil-based (ClinOleic®), and fish oil-based (Omegaven®) and mixture of these oils-based (SMOFlipid®, Lipidem®) commercial parenteral lipid emulsions. Total content of all vitamin E homologs varied greatly between different emulsions, ranging from 57.9 to 383.9 µg/mL. Tocopherols (α, ß, γ, δ) were the predominant vitamin E homologs for all emulsions, with tocotrienol content < 0.3%. In all of the soybean emulsions, except for Lipofundin® N, the predominant vitamin E homolog was γ-tocopherol, which ranged from 57-156 µg/mL. ClinOleic® predominantly contained α-tocopherol (32 µg/mL), whereas α-tocopherol content in Omegaven® was higher than most of the other lipid emulsions (230 µg/mL). PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The information on the types and quantity of vitamin E homologs in various lipid emulsions will be extremely useful to physicians and healthcare personnel in selecting appropriate lipid emulsions that are exclusively used in patients with inadequate gastrointestinal function, including hospitalized and critically ill patients. Some emulsions may require vitamin E supplementation in order to meet minimal human requirements.

Inferior hypogastric plexus blockade versus acupuncture for the management of idiopathic chronic pelvic pain: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: To compare the clinical efficacies of inferior hypogastric plexus blockade and acupuncture in the management of idiopathic chronic pelvic pain (CPP). METHODS: The study included 117 patients with CPP. Group 1 included 62 patients who underwent inferior hypogastric plexus blockade and group 2 included 55 patients who underwent acupuncture. Pain level was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) immediately and at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: The preprocedure VAS score was 7.6 ± 0.15 in group 1 and 7.7 ± 0.24 in group 2 (p > 0.05). Pelvic pain decreased significantly in both groups after treatment, with pretreatment and posttreatment scores of 7.6 ± 0.15 and 2.2 ± 0.88, respectively, in group 1 (p < 0.0001) and 7.7 ± 0.24 and 4.7 ± 0.11, respectively, in group 2 (p < 0.0001). However, the decrease in pain scores throughout the clinical follow-up was significantly more in group 1 than in group 2 (p< 0.0001). Complete disappearance of symptoms was achieved in 72.6% of patients in group 1 compared to 54.5% of patients in group 2 (p = 0.3737). Patients who did not benefit from the treatment were significantly more in group 2 than in group 1 (25.5% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.0294). No complications were reported in both groups. CONCLUSION: The study results showed that inferior hypogastric blockade had a 72.6% success rate and showed a significantly higher effect on reducing pain intensity in a short period of time in the management of CPP, compared to acupuncture.

Enhanced anticancer properties of lomustine in conjunction with docosahexaenoic acid in glioblastoma cell lines.

OBJECT: Glioblastoma is a rapidly infiltrating tumor that consistently rematerializes despite various forms of aggressive treatment. Brain tumors are commonly treated with alkylating drugs, such as lomustine, which are chemotherapeutic agents. Use of these drugs, however, is associated with serious side effects. To reduce the side effects, one approach is to combine lower doses of chemotherapeutic drugs with other nontoxic anticancer agents. In this study, using glioblastoma cell lines, the authors investigated the anticancer effects of lomustine, alone and in combination with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid normally abundant in the brain and known for its anticancer potential. METHODS: Cells were cultured from 3 human-derived tumor cell lines (U87-MG, DB029, and MHBT161) and supplemented with either DHA or lomustine to determine the growth inhibitory potential using WST-1, a mitochondrial functional indicator. Human-derived cerebral cortex microvascular endothelial cells served as a normal phenotypic control. Cellular incorporation of DHA was analyzed by gas chromatography. Using flow cytometric analysis, the DHA and/or lomustine effect on induction of apoptosis and/or necrosis was quantified; subsequently, the DHA and lomustine effect on cell cycle progression was also assessed. Western blot analysis confirmed the role of downstream cellular targets. RESULTS: U87-MG growth was inhibited with the supplementation of either DHA (ED50 68.3 µM) or lomustine (ED50 68.1 µM); however, growth inhibition was enhanced when U87-MG cells were administered equimolar doses of each compound, resulting in nearly total growth inhibition at 50 µM. Gas chromatography analysis of the fatty acid profile in DHA-supplemented U87-MG cells resulted in a linear dose-dependent increase in DHA incorporation (< 60 µM). The combination of DHA and lomustine potently induced U87-MG apoptosis and necrosis as indicated by flow cytometric analysis. Activation of caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) was evident in lomustine-treated U87-MG cells, although this activation did not appear to be dependent on DHA supplementation. Additionally, lomustine-treated cells' growth arrested in the G2/M cell cycle stage, regardless of the presence of DHA. Similar to the U87-MG observations, the combination of DHA and lomustine resulted in growth inhibition of 2 additional human-derived glioblastoma cell lines, DB029 and MHBT161. Importantly, in primary human-derived cerebral cortex endothelial cells, this combination was only growth inhibitory (40.8%) at the highest dose screened (100 µM), which indicates a certain degree of selectivity toward glioblastoma. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these data suggest a potential role for a combination therapy of lomustine and DHA for the treatment of glioblastomas.

Characterization of lovastatin-docosahexaenoate anticancer properties against breast cancer cells.

Lovastatin (LOV) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), besides improving cardiovascular functions, are also known for their anticancer activities. However, use of these compounds for treating or preventing cancer is limited because of their efficacies. The approach pursued involved chemical linkage of these two chemotypes. A lovastatin-docosahexaenoate (LOV-DHA) conjugate was prepared and tested against selected breast tumor cells lines with differential expression of estrogen receptors (ER) and Heregulin-2 (Her-2). The LOV-DHA conjugate exhibited superior cytotoxic effects against ER(-)/Her-2(-) cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468), which were not observed with DHA or lovastatin alone, or in combination. Lovastatin supplementation arrested cells in the G0/G1 phase and enhanced expression levels of p21, whereas the conjugate did not demonstrate cell cycle arrest nor increased p21 expression. The LOV-DHA conjugate induced significant (P<0.05) apoptosis as low as 1 µM, whereas DHA and lovastatin were ineffective at this concentration. The growth inhibitory effects of lovastatin were reversed by the addition of mevalonate, whereas mevalonate had no effect on the LOV-DHA conjugate-induced growth inhibition in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, the LOV-DHA conjugates were stable in mouse serum and intracellularly in MDA-MB-231 cells. These data suggest that the LOV-DHA conjugate mediated its effects through a HMG-CoA reductase-independent pathway and exerted significantly (P<0.05) higher anticancer effects in breast cancer cells than lovastatin or DHA alone.

Antimicrobial activity of essential oils and five terpenoid compounds against Campylobacter jejuni in pure and mixed culture experiments.

The aim of this study was to examine the antimicrobial potential of three essential oils (EOs: tea tree oil, lemon myrtle oil and Leptospermum oil), five terpenoid compounds (α-bisabolol, α-terpinene, cineole, nerolidol and terpinen-4-ol) and polyphenol against two strains of Campylobacter jejuni (ACM 3393 and the poultry isolate C338), Campylobacter coli and other Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. Different formulations of neem oil (Azadirachta indica) with these compounds were also tested for synergistic interaction against all organisms. Antimicrobial activity was determined by the use of disc diffusion and broth dilution assays. All EOs tested were found to have strong antimicrobial activity against Campylobacter spp. with inhibitory concentrations in the range 0.001-1% (v/v). Among the single compounds, terpinen-4-ol showed the highest activity against Campylobacter spp. and other reference strains. Based on the antimicrobial activity and potential commerciality of these agents, lemon myrtle oil, α-tops (α-terpineol+cineole+terpinen-4-ol) and terpinen-4-ol were also evaluated using an in vitro fermentation technique to test antimicrobial activity towards C. jejuni in the microbiota from the chicken-caecum. EO compounds (terpinen-4-ol and α-tops) were antimicrobial towards C. jejuni at high doses (0.05%) without altering the fermentation profile. EOs and terpenoid compounds can have strong anti-Campylobacter activity without adversely affecting the fermentation potential of the chicken-caeca microbiota. EOs and their active compounds may have the potential to control C. jejuni colonisation and abundance in poultry.

Characterization of synergistic anti-cancer effects of docosahexaenoic acid and curcumin on DMBA-induced mammary tumorigenesis in mice.

BACKGROUND: The major obstacles to the successful use of individual nutritional compounds as preventive or therapeutic agents are their efficacy and bioavailability. One approach to overcoming this problem is to use combinations of nutrients to induce synergistic effects. The objective of this research was to investigate the synergistic effects of two dietary components: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid present in cold-water fish, and curcumin (CCM), an herbal nutrient present in turmeric, in an in vivo model of DMBA-induced mammary tumorigenesis in mice. METHODS: We used the carcinogen DMBA to induce breast tumors in SENCAR mice on control, CCM, DHA, or DHA + CCM diets. Appearance and tumor progression were monitored daily. The tumors were harvested 15 days following their first appearance for morphological and immunohistological analysis. Western analysis was performed to determine expression of maspin and survivin in the tumor tissues. Characterization of tumor growth was analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Otherwise all other results are reported as mean ± SD and analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc procedure. RESULTS: Analysis of gene microarray data indicates that combined treatment with DHA + CCM altered the profile of "PAM50" genes in the SK-BR-3 cell line from an ER⁻/Her-2⁺ to that resembling a "normal-like" phenotype. The in vivo studies demonstrated that DHA + CCM treatment reduced the incidence of breast tumors, delayed tumor initiation, and reduced progression of tumor growth. Dietary treatment had no effect on breast size development, but tumors from mice on a control diet (untreated) were less differentiated than tumors from mice fed CCM or DHA + CCM diets. The synergistic effects also led to increased expression of the pro-apoptotic protein, maspin, but reduced expression of the anti-apoptotic protein, survivin. CONCLUSIONS: The SK-BR-3 cells and DMBA-induced tumors, both with an ER⁻ and Her-2⁺ phenotype, were affected by the synergistic interaction of DHA and CCM. This suggests that the specific breast cancer phenotype is an important factor for predicting efficacy of these nutraceuticals. The combination of DHA and CCM is potentially a dietary supplemental treatment for some breast cancers, likely dependent upon the molecular phenotype of the cancer.