Action of the natural compound gomisin a on Ca2+ movement in human prostate cancer cells.

Gomisin A is a dietary lignan compound isolated from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis and has many pharmacological properties, including hepato-protective, anti-diabetic, and anti-oxidative activities. However, the benefit of gomisin A is still not well understood. The action of gomisin A is diverse. However, the effect of gomisin A on Ca2+ signaling in prostate cancer cells is unknown. Ca2+ is a pivotal second envoy that triggers and regulates cellular processes such as apoptosis, fertilization, energy transduction, secretion, and protein activation. The goal of this study was to explore the action of gomisin A on [Ca2+]i and cytotoxicity in PC3 prostate cancer cells. Gomisin A at 100-200 µM provoked [Ca2+]i raises. 20% of the response was reduced by removing external Ca2+. The Ca2+ influx provoked by gomisin A was suppressed by 20% by store-caused Ca2+ entry suppressors: econazole, SKF96365, nifedipine; also by phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate and GF109203X. Without external Ca2+, gomisin A-caused [Ca2+]i raises were abolished by thapsigargin. In contrast, gomisin A suppressed the [Ca2+]i raises caused by thapsigargin. U73122 fell short to change gomisin A-caused [Ca2+]i responses. Gomisin A (20-100 µM) elicited cytotoxicity in a dose-associated fashion. Blockade of [Ca2+] elevations with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid/acetoxy methyl failed to inhibit cytotoxicity of gomisin A. Collectively, gomisin A evoked [Ca2+]i raises and provoked cytotoxicity in a Ca2+-dissociated fashion in prostate cancer cells.

Hydroxytyrosol [2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-ethanol], a natural phenolic compound found in the olive, alters Ca2+ signaling and viability in human HepG2 hepatoma cells.

Hepatotoma is the leading type of primary liver cancer in adults and third cause of death in the world. Hydroxytyrosol is a natural phenol existing in olive (Olea europaea L.). Hydroxytyrosol is the chief ingredient of olive oil, which was early deemed to be the most robust antioxidant in olive oil. Hydroxytyrosol is known to inhibit various types of cancer by different methods. This study was aimed to delineate the action of hydroxytyrosol on viability and [Ca2+]i in HepG2 hepatoma cells. Fura-2 was used to detect [Ca2+]i, and WST-1 assays were applied to explore cell cytotoxicity. Hydroxytyrosol elicited [Ca2+]i raises. Eliminating external Ca2+ diminished the Ca2+ signal by 30%. Hydroxytyrosol-evoked Ca2+ influx was diminished by 20% by three inhibitors of store-operated Ca2+ channels and by a protein kinase C activator and an inhibitor. In the absence of Ca2+, thapsigargin eradicated hydroxytyrosol-provoked [Ca2+]i raises. Suppression of phospholipase C (PLC) with U73122, a PLC inhibitor, did not inhibit hydroxytyrosol-elicited [Ca2+]i raises. Hydroxytyrosol reduced cell viability. This cytotoxic action was not reversed by preincubation with BAPTA/AM, a cytosolic Ca2+ binder. In sum, in HepG2 hepatoma cells, hydroxytyrosol elicited [Ca2+]i raises by provoking PLC-unrelated discharge of Ca2+ from ER and Ca2+ influx through PKC-sensitive store-operated Ca2+ entry. In addition, hydroxytyrosol elicited Ca2+-dissociated cytotoxicity.

Exploration of thioridazine-induced Ca2+ signaling and non-Ca2+-triggered cell death in HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Thioridazine, belonging to first-generation antipsychotic drugs, is a prescription used to treat schizophrenia. However, the effect of thioridazine on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and viability in human liver cancer cells is unclear. This study examined whether thioridazine altered Ca2+ signaling and viability in HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Ca2+ concentrations in suspended cells were measured using the fluorescent Ca2+-sensitive dye fura-2. Cell viability was examined by WST-1 assay. Thioridazine at concentrations of 25-100 µM induced [Ca2+]i rises. Ca2+ removal reduced the signal by 20%. Thioridazine (100 µM) induced Mn2+ influx suggesting of Ca2+ entry. Thioridazine-induced Ca2+ entry was inhibited by 20% by protein kinase C (PKC) activator (phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate) and inhibitor (GF109203X) and by three inhibitors of store-operated Ca2+ channels: nifedipine, econazole, and SKF96365. In Ca2+-free medium, treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor thapsigargin (TG) abolished thioridazine-evoked [Ca2+]i rises. On the other hand, thioridazine preincubation completely inhibited the [Ca2+]i rises induced by TG. Furthermore, U73122 totally suppressed the [Ca2+]i rises induced by thioridazine via inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC). Regarding cytotoxicity, at 30-80 µM, thioridazine reduced cell viability in a concentration-dependent fashion. This cytotoxicity was not prevented by preincubation with 1,2-bis (2-aminophenoxy) ethane-N, N, N', N'-tetraacetic acid-acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA/AM) (a Ca2+ chelator). To conclude, thioridazine caused concentration-dependent [Ca2+]i rises in HepG2 human hepatoma cells by inducing Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum via PLC-associated pathways and Ca2+ influx from extracellular medium through PKC-sensitive store-operated Ca2+ entry. In addition, thioridazine induced cytotoxicity in a Ca2+-independent manner.

Investigation of effect of tectorigenin (O-methylated isoflavone) on Ca2+ signal transduction and cytotoxic responses in canine renal tubular cells.

Tectorigenin, a traditional Chinese medicine, is isolated from the flower of plants such as Pueraria thomsonii Benth. It is an O-methylated isoflavone, a type of flavonoid. Previous studies have shown that tectorigenin evoked various physiological responses in different models, but the effect of tectorigenin on cytosolic-free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) and cytotoxicity in renal tubular cells is unknown. Our research explored if tectorigenin changed Ca2+ signal transduction and viability in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) renal tubular cells. [Ca2+]iin suspended cells were measured by applying the fluorescent Ca2+-sensitive probe fura-2. Viability was explored by using water-soluble tetrazolium-1 as a fluorescent dye. Tectorigenin at concentrations of 5-50 µM induced [Ca2+]irises. Ca2+ removal reduced the signal by approximately 20%. Tectorigenin (50 µM) induced Mn2+ influx suggesting of Ca2+ entry. Tectorigenin-induced Ca2+ entry was inhibited by 10% by three inhibitors of store-operated Ca2+ channels, namely, nifedipine, econazole, and SKF96365. In Ca2+-free medium, treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor thapsigargin inhibited 83% of tectorigenin-evoked [Ca2+]irises. Conversely, treatment with tectorigenin abolished thapsigargin-evoked [Ca2+]irises. Inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 inhibited 50% of tectorigenin-induced [Ca2+]irises. Tectorigenin at concentrations between 10 and 60 µM killed cells in a concentration-dependent fashion. Chelation of cytosolic Ca2+ with 1,2-bis (2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N, N, N', N'-tetraacetic acid/acetoxy methyl did not reverse tectorigenin's cytotoxicity. Our data suggest that, in MDCK cells, tectorigenin evoked [Ca2+]irises and induced cell death that was not associated with [Ca2+]irises. Therefore, tectorigenin may be a Ca2+-independent cytotoxic agent for kidney cells.

The exploration of effect of terfenadine on Ca2+ signaling in renal tubular cells.

Terfenadine, an antihistamine used for the treatment of allergic conditions, affected Ca2+-related physiological responses in various models. However, the effect of terfenadine on cytosolic free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) and its related physiology in renal tubular cells is unknown. This study examined whether terfenadine altered Ca2+ signaling and caused cytotoxicity in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) renal tubular cells. The Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2 was used to measure [Ca2+]i. Cell viability was measured by the fluorescent reagent 4-[3-[4-lodophenyl]-2-4(4-nitrophenyl)-2H-5-tetrazolio-1,3-benzene disulfonate] water soluble tetrazolium-1 (WST-1) assay. Terfenadine at concentrations of 100-1000 µM induced [Ca2+]i rises concentration dependently. The response was reduced by approximately 35% by removing extracellular Ca2+. In Ca2+-free medium, treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ) partly inhibited terfenadine-evoked [Ca2+]i rises. Conversely, treatment with terfenadine abolished BHQ-evoked [Ca2+]i rises. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) with U73122 inhibited 95% of terfenadine-induced Ca2+ release. Terfenadine-induced Ca2+ entry was supported by Mn2+-caused quenching of fura-2 fluorescence. Terfenadine-induced Ca2+ entry was partly inhibited by an activator of protein kinase C (PKC), phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate (PMA) and by three modulators of store-operated Ca2+ channels (nifedipine, econazole, and SKF96365). Terfenadine at 200-300 µM decreased cell viability, which was not reversed by pretreatment with the Ca2+ chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid-acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA/AM). Together, in MDCK cells, terfenadine induced [Ca2+]i rises by evoking PLC-dependent Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ entry via PKC-sensitive store-operated Ca2+ entry. Furthermore, terfenadine caused cell death that was not triggered by preceding [Ca2+]i rises.

Action of chlorzoxazone on Ca2+movement and viability in human oral cancer cells.

Chlorzoxazone is a skeletal muscle relaxant. However, the effect of chlorzoxazone on intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in oral cancer cells is unclear. This study examined whether chlorzoxazone altered Ca2+ signaling and cell viability in OC2 human oral cancer cells. [Ca2+]iin suspended cells was measured using the fluorescent Ca2+-sensitive dye fura-2. Cell viability was examined by water-soluble tetrazolium-1 assay. Chlorzoxazone (250-1000 µM) induced [Ca2+]irises in a concentration-dependent manner. Ca2+ removal reduced the signal by approximately 50%. Mn2+ has been shown to enter cells through similar mechanisms as Ca2+ but quenches fura-2 fluorescence at all excitation wavelengths. Chlorzoxazone (1000 µM) induced Mn2+ influx, suggesting that Ca2+ entry occurred. Chlorzoxazone-induced Ca2+ entry was inhibited by 20% by inhibitors of store-operated Ca2+ channels and protein kinase C (PKC) modulators. In Ca2+-free medium, treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor thapsigargin (TG) inhibited chlorzoxazone-evoked [Ca2+]irises by 88%. Conversely, treatment with chlorzoxazone-suppressed TG-evoked [Ca2+]irises 75%. Chlorzoxazone induced [Ca2+]irises by exclusively releasing Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) with U73122 did not alter chlorzoxazone-induced [Ca2+]irises. PLC activity was not involved in chlorzoxazone-evoked [Ca2+]irises. Chlorzoxazone at 200-700 µM decreased cell viability, which was not reversed by pretreatment with Ca2+ chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid/acetoxy methyl. In sum, in OC2 cells, chlorzoxazone induced [Ca2+]irises by evoking PLC-independent Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ entry via PKC-sensitive store-operated Ca2+ entry. Chlorzoxazone also caused Ca2+-independent cell death. Since [Ca2+]irises play a triggering or modulatory role in numerous cellular phenomena, the effect of chlorzoxazone on [Ca2+]iand cell viability should be taken into account in other in vitro studies.

Effects of timolol on Ca2+ handling and viability in human prostate cancer cells.

Timolol is a medication used widely to treat glaucoma. Regarding Ca2+ signaling, timolol was shown to modulate Ca2+-related physiology in various cell types, however, the effect of timolol on Ca2+ homeostasis and cell viability has not been explored in human prostate cancer cells. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of timolol on intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and viability in PC3 human prostate cancer cells. Timolol at concentrations of 100-1000 µM induced [Ca2+]i rises. The Ca2+ signal in Ca2+-containing medium was reduced by removal of extracellular Ca2+ by approximately 75%. Timolol (1000 µM) induced Mn2+ influx suggesting of Ca2+ entry. Timolol-induced Ca2+ entry was partially inhibited by three inhibitors of store-operated Ca2+ channels: nifedipine, econoazole and SKF96365, and by a protein kinase C (PKC) activator (phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate [PMA]) or an inhibitor (GF109203X). In Ca2+-free medium, treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor thapsigargin abolished timolol-evoked [Ca2+]i rises. Conversely, treatment with timolol abolished thapsigargin-evoked [Ca2+]i rises. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) with U73122 abolished timolol-induced [Ca2+]i rises. Timolol at concentrations between 200 and 600 µM killed cells in a concentration-dependent fashion. Chelation of cytosolic Ca2+ with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid/AM (BAPTA/AM) did not reverse cytotoxicity of timolol. Together, in PC3 cells, timolol induced [Ca2+]i rises by evoking Ca2+release from the endoplasmic reticulum in a PLC-dependent manner, and Ca2+ influx via PKC-regulated store-operated Ca2+ entry. Timolol also caused cell death that was not linked to preceding [Ca2+]i rises.

Effect of Captopril on Ca²âº Homeostasis and Cell Viability in Human Hepatoma Cells.

Captopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, induced different Ca²âº signaling responses in various cell models. However, the effect of captopril on Ca²âº homeostasis and cell viability in hepatoma cells is unknown. This study examined whether captopril altered Ca²âº homeostasis and viability in HepG2 human hepatoma cells. Intracellular Ca²âº concentrations in suspended cells were monitored by using the fluorescent Ca²âº-sensitive dye fura-2. Cell viability was examined by using 4-[3-[4-lodophenyl]-2-4(4-nitrophenyl)-2H-5-tetrazolio-1,3-benzene disulfonate] water soluble tetrazolium-1 (WST-1). Captopril at concentrations of 500-3000 µM induced [Ca²âº]i rises in a concentration-dependent manner. Ca²âº removal reduced the signal by approximately 15%. Mn²âº has been shown to enter cells through similar mechanisms as Ca²âº but quenches fura-2 fluorescence at all excitation wavelengths. Captopril (3000 µM)-induced Mn²âº influx indirectly suggested that captopril evoked Ca²âº entry. Captopril-induced Ca²âº entry was inhibited by 15% by a protein kinase C (PKC) activator (phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate, PMA) and an inhibitor (GF109203X) and three inhibitors of store-operated Ca²âº channels: nifedipine, econazole and SKF96365. In Ca²âº-free medium, treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca²âº pump inhibitor 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ) abolished captopril-evoked [Ca²âº]i rises. Conversely, treatment with captopril abolished BHQ-evoked [Ca²âº]i rises. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) with U73122 inhibited 70% of captopril-induced [Ca²âº]i rises. Captopril at concentrations between 150-550 µM killed cells in a concentration-dependent fashion. Chelation of cytosolic Ca²âº with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid/AM (BAPTA/AM) did not reverse captopril's cytotoxicity. Together, in HepG2 human hepatoma cells, captopril induced [Ca²âº]i rises and caused cell death that was not triggered by preceding [Ca²âº]i rises.

Exploration of Niflumic Acid's Action on Ca²âº Movement and Cell Viability in Human Osteosarcoma Cells.

Niflumic acid, a drug used for joint and muscular pain, affected Ca²âº signaling in different models. However, the effect of niflumic acid on Ca²âº homeostasis and Ca²âº-related physiology in human osteosarcoma cells is unknown. This study examined the effect of niflumic acid on cytosolic free Ca²âº concentrations ([Ca²âº]i) in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells. Intracellular Ca²âº concentrations in suspended cells were monitored by using the fluorescent Ca²âº-sensitive dye fura- 2. Cell viability was examined by using 4-[3-[4-lodophenyl]-2-4(4-nitrophenyl)-2H-5-tetrazolio- 1,3-benzene disulfonate] water soluble tetrazolium-1 (WST-1). In MG63 cells, niflumic acid at concentrations of 250-750 µM evoked [Ca²âº]i rises concentration-dependently. Niflumic acid-evoked Ca²âº entry was confirmed by Mn²âº-induced quenching of fura-2 fluorescence. This entry was inhibited by nifedipine, econazole, SKF96365, the protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate (PMA), but was not affected by the PKC inhibitor GF109203X. In Ca²âº- free medium, treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca²âº pump inhibitor thapsigargin (TG) inhibited niflumic acid-evoked [Ca²âº]i rises. Conversely, treatment with niflumic acid abolished TG-evoked [Ca²âº]i rises. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) with U73122 also partly reduced niflumic acid-evoked [Ca²âº]i rises. Niflumic acid killed cells at 200-500 µM in a concentration-dependent fashion. Chelating cytosolic Ca²âº with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid/ AM (BAPTA/AM) did not reverse niflumic acid-induced cytotoxicity. Collectively, our data suggest that in MG63 cells, niflumic acid induced [Ca²âº]i rises by evoking PLC-dependent Ca²âº release from the endoplasmic reticulum, and Ca²âº entry via PKC-sensitive store-operated Ca²âº entry. Niflumic acid also induced Ca²âº-independent cell death.

Factors associated with sex hormones and erectile dysfunction in male Taiwanese participants with obesity.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity has been receiving an increasing amount of attention recently, but investigations regarding the potential impact of obesity, sexual behaviors, and sex hormones on erectile dysfunction (ED) in men have not completely clarified the association. AIM: To identify the relationship between ED, sexual behavior, sexual satisfaction, sex hormones, and obesity in older adult males in Taiwan. METHODS: Data were obtained from a baseline survey of 476 older adult males (≧40 years old). Their demographic data, body mass index (BMI), sex hormones, sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, and ED status were assessed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), Sexual Desire Inventory (SDI), and Sexual Satisfaction Scale (SSS) were used to assess ED, sexual desire, and sexual satisfaction. RESULTS: In all, 476 men were available for analysis. The mean age of the sample was 51.34 ± 7.84 years (range 40 to 70 years). The IIEF total score had a mean of 19.44 ± 4.98; 264 (55.5%) subjects had ED, 250 (52.9%) were currently obese (BMI ≧27), and 297 (62.4%) had metabolic syndrome. The results showed an increased risk of ED among obese men and subjects with lower levels of sex hormones and lower sexual desire. Testosterone levels were lower in subjects with obesity (P < 0.001). Among the predictors of ED, obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.07-2.44, P = 0.021), abnormal high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (OR = 10.59, 95% CI = 4.70-23.87, P < 0.001), and lower serum full testosterone (OR = 3.27, 95% CI = 2.16-4.93, P < 0.001) were significantly independent factors. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the idea of a close relationship between low levels of sex hormones, sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, obesity, and ED, and also shows that low free testosterone and hs-CRP may predict ED, even in obese populations.

The effect of magnolol on Ca2+ homeostasis and its related physiology in human oral cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE: Magnolol, a polyphenol compound from herbal medicines, was shown to alter physiology in various cell models. However, the effect of magnolol on Ca2+ homeostasis and its related physiology in oral cancer cells is unclear. This study examined whether magnolol altered Ca2+ signaling and cell viability in OC2 human oral cancer cells. METHODS: Cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in suspended cells were measured by using the fluorescent Ca2+-sensitive dye fura-2. Cell viability was examined by 4-[3-[4-lodophenyl]-2-4(4-nitrophenyl)-2H-5-tetrazolio-1,3-benzene disulfonate] water soluble tetrazolium-1 (WST-1) assay. RESULTS: Magnolol at concentrations of 20-100 µM induced [Ca2+]i rises. Ca2+ removal reduced the signal by approximately 50%. Magnolol (100 µM) induced Mn2+ influx suggesting of Ca2+ entry. Magnolol-induced Ca2+ entry was partially suppressed by protein kinase C (PKC) regulators, and inhibitors of store-operated Ca2+ channels. In Ca2+-free medium, treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ) abolished magnolol-evoked [Ca2+]i rises. Conversely, treatment with magnolol abolished BHQ-evoked [Ca2+]i rises. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) with U73122 partially inhibited magnolol-induced [Ca2+]i rises. Magnolol at 20-100 µM decreased cell viability, which was not reversed by pretreatment with the Ca2+ chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid-acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA/AM). CONCLUSIONS: Together, in OC2 cells, magnolol induced [Ca2+]i rises by evoking partially PLC-dependent Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ entry via PKC-sensitive store-operated Ca2+ entry. Magnolol also caused Ca2+-independent cell death. Therefore, magnolol-induced cytotoxicity may not be involved in activation mechanisms associated with intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in oral cancer cells.

Apoptotic effect of cisplatin and cordycepin on OC3 human oral cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate apoptotic effects of cisplatin and cordycepin as single agent or in combination with cytotoxicity in oral cancer cells. METHODS: The influences of cisplatin (2.5 µg/mL) and/or cordycepin treatment (10 or 100 µmol/L) to human OC3 oral cancer cell line were investigated by morphological observation for cell death appearance, methylthiazoletetrazolium (MTT) assay for cell viability, flow cytometry assay for cell apoptosis, and Western blotting for apoptotic protein expressions. RESULTS: Data demonstrated that co-administration of cisplatin (2.5 µg/mL) and cordycepin (10 or 100 µmol/L) resulted in the enhancement of OC3 cell apoptosis compared to cisplatin or cordycepin alone treatment (24 h), respectively (P <0.05). In flow cytometry assay, percentage of cells arrested at subG1 phase with co-treatment of cordycepin and cisplatin (30%) was significantly higher than cisplatin (5%) or cordycepin (12%) alone group (P <0.05), confirming a synergistically apoptotic effect of cordycepin and cisplatin. In cellular mechanism study, co-treatment of cordycepin and cisplatin induced more stress-activated protein kinase/Jun terminal kinase (JNK), the expressions of caspase-7, and the cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) as compared to cisplatin or cordycepin alone treatment (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Cisplatin and cordycepin possess synergistically apoptotic effect through the activation of JNK/caspase-7/PARP pathway in human OC3 oral cancer cell line.

Midazolam induces apoptosis in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells through caspase activation and the involvement of MAPK signaling pathway.

PURPOSE: The present study aims to investigate how midazolam, a sedative drug for clinical use with cytotoxicity on neuronal and peripheral tissues, induced apoptosis in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. METHODS: The apoptotic effect and underlying mechanism of midazolam to MA-10 cells were investigated by flow cytometry assay and Western blotting methods. RESULTS: Data showed that midazolam induced the accumulation of the MA-10 cell population in the sub-G1 phase and a reduction in the G2/M phase in a time- and dose-dependent manner, suggesting an apoptotic phenomenon. Midazolam could also induce the activation of caspase-8, -9, and -3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase proteins. There were no changes in the levels of Bax and cytochrome-c, whereas Bid was significantly decreased after midazolam treatment. Moreover, midazolam decreased both pAkt and Akt expression. In addition, midazolam stimulated the phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase. CONCLUSION: Midazolam could induce MA-10 cell apoptosis through the activation of caspase cascade, the inhibition of pAkt pathway, and the induction of p38 and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase pathways.

Metabolic outcome for diabetes shared care program outpatients in a veterans hospital of southern Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the metabolic outcomes of the Diabetes Shared Care Program (DSCP) for Type 2 diabetes after completion of 1 year and 3 years of intervention. METHODS: Total 162 Type 2 diabetes (average age 67.14 years with 62.35% men and 37.65% women) in 2004 were referred to the diabetes educator for DSCP. Parameters related to diabetes among these patients were inquired, and biochemical data were compared before and after the DSCP by using SPSS 12.0 software. RESULTS: These patients had 3.1% emergency utilization rate and 1.9% hospitalization utilization rate; significant improvement in diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body weight after one year; and significant improvement in systolic blood pressure, DBP, body weight, total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDL-C) levels after three years. But only 4.84% and 8.87% met all the A1C, blood pressure, and LDL-C target values after the 1- and 3-year interventions, respectively. CONCLUSION: The A1C, blood pressure, and LDL-C achievement rate of DSCP in our hospital is low. DSCP is suggestive to patients with lower duration of diabetes, high baseline A1C, systolic blood pressure, DBP, LDL-C, and low baseline high-density lipoproteins cholesterol levels. Furthermore public health efforts are needed to control risk factors for vascular disease among diabetes.