The In-Vitro Effect of Homeopathically Prepared Rubus idaeus and 680 nm Laser Irradiation on Cervical Cancer Cells.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer (CC) is the second leading cancer in women and is the most common in those aged 15 to 44 years. Medicinal plant extracts have been used as homeopathic preparations for health benefits. Rubus idaeus (RI) is used to treat disorders of the female genital tract and produces cytotoxic effects. However, the use of homeopathically prepared RI in combination with low level laser therapy has not previously been explored. AIM: The study aims to investigate the in-vitro effects of homeopathically prepared RI alone and in combination as a potential photosensitizer with Low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) at fluencies of 5, 10, and 15 J/cm2. METHODS: HeLa CC cells were treated with RI (D3, D6, and 30cH homeopathic preparations). Cells were then treated with RI IC50 and 680 nm laser diode at 5, 10, and 15 J/cm2 fluencies, and the results compared with untreated control cells. Trypan blue viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) proliferation assays were used to analyze the cellular dose-responses along with inverted microscopy, Hoechst staining and Annexin-V/PI staining. RESULTS: RI D3 alone demonstrated an ability to reduce cellular viability to 59% and also to reduce ATP levels. The subsequent combined treatment protocol of RI D3 with all fluencies of laser demonstrated an increase in cellular ATP and increased LDH levels compared with the control. CONCLUSION: The increased ATP and LDH levels observed in the combined treatment protocol of 680 nm laser and RI D3 at fluencies of 5, 10 and 15 J/cm2, show that the Warburg effect might have been induced in the CC cells - an increase in glucose uptake and the preferential production of lactate, even in the presence of oxygen. More research, including work on other cell lines, needs to be conducted to identify if RI and perhaps a different wavelength of laser irradiation could have potential in inducing cell death in cancer cells.

Evaluation of Therapeutic Potential of Selected Plant-Derived Homeopathic Medicines for their Action against Cervical Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Plant-derived homeopathic medicines (HMs) are cheap and commercially available but are mechanistically less explored entities than conventional medicines. PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of selected plant-derived HMs derived from Berberis aquifolium (BA), Berberis vulgaris (BV), Mentha piperita (MP), Curcuma longa (CL), Cinchona officinalis (CO), Thuja occidentalis (TO) and Hydrastis canadensis (HC) on cervical cancer (CaCx) cells in vitro. METHODS: We screened the mother tincture (MT) and 30C potencies of the above-mentioned HMs for anti-proliferative and cytotoxic activity on human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative (C33a) and HPV-positive CaCx cells (SiHa and HeLa) by MTT assay. Total phenolic content (TPC) and the free-radical scavenging activity of each HM was also determined using standard assays. Phytochemicals reportedly available in these HMs were examined for their potential inhibitory action on HPV16 E6 by in silico molecular docking. RESULTS: All tested MTs induced a differential dose-dependent cytotoxic response that varied with cell line. For C33a cells, the order of response was TO > CL > BA > BV > HC > MP > CO, whereas for SiHa and HeLa cells the order was HC > MP > TO > CO > BA > BV > CL and CL > BA > CO, respectively. 30C potencies of all HMs showed an inconsistent response. Further, anti-CaCx responses displayed by MTs did not follow the order of an HM's phenolic content or free radical scavenging activity. Analysis revealed anti-oxidant content of BA, BV and HC had the lowest contribution to their anti-CaCx activity. Using in silico modeling of molecular docking between the HPV16 E6 protein crystallographic structures (6SJA and 4XR8) and main phytochemical components of BV, BA, HC, CL and TO, their potential to inhibit the HPV16 E6 protein carcinogenic interactions was identified. CONCLUSION: The study has shown a comparative evaluation of the potential of several plant-derived MTs and HMs to affect CaCx cell line survival in vitro (through cytotoxicity and free radical scavenging) and their theoretical molecular targets in silico for the first time. Data demonstrated that MTs of BA and BV are likely to be the most potent HMs that strongly inhibited CaCx growth and have a strong anti-HPV phytochemical constitution.

Apoptotic and autophagic death union by Thuja occidentalis homeopathic drug in cervical cancer cells with thujone as the bioactive principle.

OBJECTIVE: "Multi-targeting" drugs can prove fruitful to combat drug-resistance of multifactorial disease-cervical cancer. This study envisioned to reveal if Thuja homeopathic mother tincture (MT) and its bioactive component could combat human papillomavirus (HPV)-16-infected SiHa cervical cancer cells since it is globally acclaimed for HPV-mediated warts. METHODS: Thuja MT was studied for its antiproliferative and antimigratory properties in SiHa cells followed by microscopic determination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) staining and loss in mitochondrial membrane potential (MtMP) by rhodamine 123 (Rh123) staining. Apoptosis and autophagy inductions were studied by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining and immunoblot analyses of marker proteins. The bioactive component of Thuja MT detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was studied for antiproliferative and antimigratory properties along with in silico prediction of its cellular targets by molecular docking and oral drug forming competency. RESULTS: Thuja MT showed significant antiproliferative and antimigratory potential in SiHa cells at a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 17.3 µL/mL. An increase in DCFDA fluorescence and loss in Rh123 fluorescence prove that Thuja MT acted through the burst of ROS and loss in MtMP respectively. AO/EB-stained cells under the microscope and immunoblot analyses supported Thuja-induced cellular demise via dual pathways-apoptosis and autophagy. Immunoblots showed cleavage of caspase-3 and poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) along with upregulation of Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B)-II, and p62 proteins. Hence, the apoptotic cascade followed a caspase-3-dependent pathway supported by PARP-1 cleavage, while autophagic death was Beclin-1-dependent and mediated by accumulation of LC3BII and p62 proteins. Thujone, detected as the bioactive principle of Thuja MT, showed greater anti-proliferative and anti-migratory potential at an IC50 of 77 µg/mL, along with excellent oral drug competency with the ability for gastrointestinal absorption and blood-brain-barrier permeation with nil toxicity. Molecular docking depicted thujone with the strongest affinity for mammalian target of rapamycin, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, and protein kinase B followed by B-cell lymphoma 2, murine double minute 2 and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, which might act as upstream triggers of apoptotic-autophagic crosstalk. CONCLUSION: Robust "multi-targeting" anticancer potential of Thuja drug and thujone for HPV-infected cervical cancer ascertained its therapeutic efficacy for HPV infections.

[Effect of centipede extract on cervical tumor of mice and its mechanism].

UNLABELLED: To study the anti-tumor activity of centipede extract on cervical tumor of mice and its mechanism. METHODS: The tumor-bearing mice were treated with centipede extract from two solvents [ether (CE) and alcohol (CA)] at different comcentration. The mice' life span, tumor inhibition rate and immune function were estimated. RESULTS: No mice died in CE and CA treatment groups and the tumor inhibition rate was 52.85% and 33.65% respectively. Observed the tumor tissue slices with light microscope and found infiltration of tumor cells in striated muscle in the control group but centipede treatment groups had massive necrosis and apoptosis. Karyopyknosis and apoptotic tumor cells were observed in the treatment groups under transmission electron microscopy. Compared with control group, the expression of Bax increased, the expressions of Bcl-2 and Survivin decreased, but the content of VEGF, the indexes of thymus and spleen had no significant change in treatment groups. The number of CD3+ T lymphocytes had no significant change while the ratio of CD4+ and CD8+, the number of CD19+ B lymphocytes decreaed in the CE group. The numbers of CD3+ and CD4+ lymphocytes decreased in the CA group. The pathological examine indicated no obvious change in the tissue slices of mice's liver and kidney, manifested the concentrations of CE and CA between the article's had no visible side effect. CONNCLUSION: The two extracts (CE and CA) can suppress the growth of cervical tumor and its mechanism may be related to Bax and Caspase-3 medicated the mitochondrial signal transit pathway.

Intravesical Instillation of Kangfuxin Liquid Combined with Thrombin and Epidermal Growth Factor for Radiation-induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis in Patients with Cervical Cancer: A report of 34 cases.

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of intravesical instillation treatment of Kangfuxin liquid (KFL) combined with thrombin and epidermal growth factor (EGF) for radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) in patients with cervical cancer. A total of 34 patients with radiation-induced HC of grade 2-4 were treated with intravesical instillation of KFL combined with thrombin and EGF until the complete disappearance of hematuria and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Gentamicin was added if white blood cells were detected and bacterial culture was positive in the urine. All patients were followed up for 2 years to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the treatment regimen. Patients with and without recurrent hematuria (n = 3, 9% and n = 31, 91%, respectively) were completely recovered from hematuria and LUTS by intravesical instillation treatment for 6-22 days. No adverse event was reported during the treatment and the 2-year follow-up for all patients. Thus, intravesical instillation of KFL combined with thrombin and EGF is an effective and safe therapeutic regimen for radiation-induced HC of grade 2-4 in patients with cervical cancer.

Complementary Medicine Use and Uptake of Cancer Screening Among US Adults: A Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background: Cancer screenings can considerably reduce cancer mortality. There is limited information on the association between complementary medicine use and adherence to recommended cancer screenings. In this study, the potential associations between uptake of cancer screening and consultations with complementary medicine practitioners or mind-body medicine use are examined. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis of the 2017 National Health Interview Survey of a population-based sample (n = 26 742; response rate = 80.7%). Age- and sex-related risk groups for breast cancer (women 45 years and older), cervical cancer (women 21 years and older), and colorectal cancer (45 to 85 years) were analyzed in 2018. Prevalence of complementary medicine use in the past 12 months as well as prevalence of cancer screening uptake in the past 12 months were calculated. Results: At least one complementary medicine approach was used by 32.4% of participants. Controlling for sociodemographic and clinical variables, individuals who consulted a chiropractor or naturopath or who used mind-body medicine approaches were more likely to take up Pap smear test (odds ratio = 1.20-1.35), mammography (odds ratio = 1.22-1.38), and/or colorectal cancer screening (odds ratio = 1.18-1.37). Those consulting a homeopath were more likely to take up Pap smear test (odds ratio = 1.33). No association was found between consultations of practitioners of chelation therapy or traditional medicine and cancer screening uptake. Conclusion: Complementary medicine use seems to be associated with a better adherence to cancer screening. Individuals who consulted a chiropractor or naturopath or who used mind-body medicine approaches were more likely to take up the recommended screening.

Aspectos clínicos do câncer durante o período gestacional: desafios diagnósticos e terapêuticos / Clinical aspects of cancer during the gestational period: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges

O câncer é uma das maiores causas de morte em mulheres na idade reprodutiva e ocorre em aproximadamente 0,05% a 0,1% das gestações. Os cânceres ginecológicos, de mama, tireoide e hematológicos são os mais comuns na gravidez. O obstetra é o principal médico para investigar sintomas que podem estar relacionados à malignidade. O diagnóstico pode ser dificultado devido à sobreposição de sintomas da gravidez, como náusea, vômitos, aumento do útero e das mamas, dor abdominal, além da limitação para uso de exames de imagem e alterações comuns em exames laboratoriais. O risco e o benefício do diagnóstico e o tratamento para o bem-estar materno e fetal devem ser avaliados com cuidado pelos profissionais envolvidos. Este artigo tem como objetivo realizar uma revisão sobre quando suspeitar e como investigar os principais cânceres na gestação.(AU)

Cancer is the major cause of death in women on reproductive age and occurs in approximately 0.05% to 0.1% of pregnancies. Gynecological, breast, thyroid and hema- tological cancers are the most common in pregnancy. The obstetrician is the primary physician to investigate symptoms that may be related to malignancy. The diagnosis can be difficult due to the overlap of pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, enlargement of the uterus and breasts, abdominal pain, in addition to the limitation for the use of imaging tests and common changes in laboratory tests. The risk and be- nefit of diagnosis and treatment for maternal and fetal well-being should be carefully assessed by the professionals involved. This article aims to conduct a review on when to suspect and how to investigate the main cancers in pregnancy.(AU)

Auto preenchimento da ficha clínica no rastreamento do câncer de colo de útero: percepções da mulher / Auto fill in clinical sheet no trace of cervical cancer: women's perceptions

Objetivo: descrever a percepção das mulheres frente ao auto preenchimento de um novo modelo de ficha clínica da consulta de enfermagem no controle do câncer do colo de útero. Método: Estudo qualitativo, com 20 mulheres, em uma unidade de atenção primária à saúde de um município da Zona da Mata Mineira em 2012 e 2013. Resultados: O estudo revelou a adesão de 100% de autopreenchimento da ficha clínica. A idade das participantes variou de 20 a 67 anos, com média de 43 anos, 60% destas eram casadas. Grande maioria relatou uma percepção positiva em relação ao autopreenchimento da ficha clínica, tendo esta adesão de 100%. Conclusão: Devido à grande aceitação do autopreenchimento da ficha clínica na consulta de rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero, esta se tornou uma estratégia para estimular a adesão a este atendimento. O que demonstra a necessidade de incorporar novas práticas para aumentar a adesão das mulheres que não realizam esta consulta, seja por aspectos subjetivos relacionados a sentimentos negativos ou devido a exposição da sua história, do seu corpo e de sua vida sexual...

Objective: to describe the perception of women regarding a new self-reported medical record model for nurse appointments for cervical cancer control. Method: qualitative study with 20 women in a primary health care unit in a town in Zona da Mata, Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 2012 to 2013. Results: the study revealed a 100% adoption of self-reported medical records. The age of participants ranged from 20 to 67 years, mean 43 years, 60% of them married. A vast majority reported a positive perception of self-reporting in medical records, with a 100% adherence. Conclusion: Due to the high acceptance of self-reporting in medical records at cervical cancer screening appointments, it has become a strategy to encourage the adoption of this service. This demonstrates the need to incorporate new practices to increase the participation of women who do not seek cervical cancer screening appointments, either due to subjective aspects related to negative feelings or because of exposure of their history, body, and sex life. Descriptors: Clinical record; Uterine cervical neoplasms; Women's health; Primary care nursing...

Objetivo: describir la percepción de las mujeres frente al relleno automático de un nuevo modelo de ficha clínica de consulta de enfermería en el control del cáncer cervicouterino. Método: estudio cualitativo con 20 mujeres en una unidad de atención primaria a la salud en un municipio de la Zona da Mata de Minas Gerais, 2012 a 2013. Resultados: el estudio reveló la adhesión del 100% al relleno automático de las fichas clínicas. La edad de las participantes estuvo entre 20 a 67 años, con el promedio de 43 años, el 60% de ellas eran casadas. La inmensa mayoría reportó una percepción positiva en relación al relleno automático de las fichas clínicas, con adhesión del 100%. Conclusión: Debido a la gran aceptación del relleno automático de la ficha clínica en la consulta de rastreo del cáncer de cuello uterino, esto se ha convertido en una estrategia para fomentar la adhesión a este servicio. Esto demuestra la necesidad de incorporar nuevas prácticas para aumentar la adhesión de las mujeres que no llevan a cabo esta consulta, ya sea por aspectos subjetivos relacionados con los sentimientos negativos o debido a la exposición de su historia, su cuerpo y su vida sexual.Descriptores: Ficha clínica; Neoplasias del cuello uterino; Salud de la mujer; Enfermería de atención primaria...

Citología vaginal o Papanicolau / Vaginal cytology or Pap

Según el Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía, durante 2010 uno de los principales tumores malignos que afectó a la población femenina adulta (de 20 años y más) en México fue el cervicouterino (9.7%). El método diagnóstico para cualquier alteración histopatológica es la citología vaginal, que es reconocido porprogramas de control y prevención del cáncer como una de las pruebas que ha reducido la incidencia y mortalidad provocadas por este padecimiento, gracias a su pronta detección. Es por ello la relevancia de este estudio y la reiteración en la exploración continua de tejidos sensibles. (AU)

According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography in Mexico during 2010, one of the major malignancies affecting the adult female population (20 years and over) is the cervical (9.7%). The method for any alteration histopathological diagnosis is the vaginal cytology, as it is recognized by control programs and cancer prevention as one of the tests has reduced the incidence and mortality caused by this disease, thanks to early detection. That is why the importance of this study and repeated in continuousexploration of sensitive tissues. (AU)

Citología vaginal o papanicolau / Vaginal cytology or pap

Según el Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía, durante 2010 uno de los principales tumores malignos que afectó a la población femenina adulta (de 20 años y más) en México fue el cervicouterino (9.7%). El método diagnóstico para cualquier alteración histopatológica es la citología vaginal, que es reconocido porprogramas de control y prevención del cáncer como una de las pruebas que ha reducido la incidencia y mortalidad provocadas por este padecimiento, gracias a su pronta detección. Es por ello la relevancia de este estudio y la reiteración en la exploración continua de tejidos sensibles.

According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography in Mexico during 2010, one of the major malignancies affecting the adult female population (20 years and over) is the cervical (9.7%). The method for any alteration histopathological diagnosis is the vaginal cytology, as it is recognized by control programs and cancer prevention as one of the tests has reduced the incidence and mortality caused by this disease, thanks to early detection. That is why the importance of this study and repeated in continuousexploration of sensitive tissues.

Aplicación del Interferón en el tratamiento de la infección por virus del papiloma humano / Aplication of interferon in the treatment of human papillomavirus infection

Los virus del papiloma humano producen alteraciones en el epitelio escamoso. Son varios los tipos que se relacionan con lesiones premalignas y malignas del cérvix uterino. Actualmente en el mundo, con el objetivo de eliminar la infección por papiloma humano, se han utilizado diversos tipos de tratamiento y varios especialistas del Hospital Docente Ginecoobstétrico de Guanabacoa, ante la elevada incidencia del virus en un grupo de mujeres de edad mediana decidieron evaluar la utilidad del interferón como alternativa de tratamiento. Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, longitudinal de 72 pacientes con papiloma virus humano, diagnosticado histológicamente, de ellas a 36 se les trató con un comprimido sublingual homeopático de 100 mg de interferón alfa recombinante durante 24 semanas y el resto se consideró grupo control, sin interferón. Ambos grupos recibieron vitaminoterapia. En todas las enfermas se evaluaron factores de riesgo y la confiabilidad de los medios diagnósticos utilizados. La correlación cito-colposcopic tuvo un alto porcentaje. La respuesta al tratamiento se consideró buena en el grupo estudiado por lo que el interferón en la forma empleada pudiera ser una alternativa de tratamiento en la infección por virus del papiloma humano