Neonatal jaundice is associated with increased risks of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract and concomitant urinary tract infection.

The link between neonatal jaundice and urinary tract infection (UTI) remains debated, with congenital kidney and urinary tract anomalies (CAKUT) potentially playing a role. This population-based study aimed to analyze the correlations between neonatal jaundice, CAKUT, and concomitant UTI. The study cohort consisted of 2,078,122 live births from 2004 to 2014. We linked several population-based datasets in Taiwan to identify infants with unexplained neonatal jaundice and their mothers. The primary outcome was the rate of CAKUT occurring within 3 years after delivery, and the presence of concomitant UTI during neonatal jaundice hospitalization. Infants with neonatal jaundice had a significantly higher risk of CAKUT (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-1.39) during early childhood. Among the subtypes of CAKUT, obstructive uropathy, vesicoureteral reflux and other CAKUT were associated with an increased risk of neonatal jaundice. Infants who underwent intensive phototherapy, had a late diagnosis (> 14 days of postnatal age) or underwent a prolonged duration of phototherapy (> 3 days) exhibited a higher risk of concomitant UTI compared to other infants with jaundice. Our findings indicate a notable association between neonatal jaundice and increased risks of UTIs in the context of CAKUT. This study underscore the importance of vigilant monitoring and timely interventions for neonates presenting with jaundice, while acknowledging the complexity and variability in the progression of CAKUT and its potential connection to UTIs.

Activation of multiple apoptotic pathways in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by the prenylated isoflavone, osajin.

Osajin is a prenylated isoflavone showing antitumor activity in different tumor cell lines. The underlying mechanism of osajin-induced cancer cell death is not clearly understood. In the present study, the mechanisms of osajin-induced cell death of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells were explored. Osajin was found to significantly induce apoptosis of NPC cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Multiple molecular effects were observed during osajin treatment including a significant loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, release of cytochrome c into the cytosol, enhanced expression of Fas ligand (FasL), suppression of glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa (GRP78), and activation of caspases-9, -8, -4 and -3. In addition, up-regulation of proapoptotic Bax protein and down-regulation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein were also observed. Taken together, osajin induces apoptosis in human NPC cells through multiple apoptotic pathways, including the extrinsic death receptor pathway, and intrinsic pathways relying on mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Thus, osajin could be developed as a new effective and chemopreventive compound for human NPC.

Antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects of the ethanolic extract of Phellinus igniarius (Linnearus: Fries) Quelet.

AIM OF THIS STUDY: Phellinus igniarius (Linnearus: Fries) Quelet (Phellinus igniarius) has been used in oriental countries for treatment of various diseases including cancer. However, it is unclear how Phellinus igniarius exerts anticancer effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study the ethanolic extract from the fruiting body of Phellinus igniarius (EEPI) was used to evaluate the antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects in human hepatocarcinoma SK-Hep-1 cells and rat heart vascular endothelial cells (RHE cells). RESULTS: We found that EEPI inhibited the proliferation of both cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, and the IC50 values at 48 h were 72 and 103 microg/ml for SK-Hep-1 cells and RHE cells, respectively. EEPI at non- or sub-cytotoxic concentrations (25-100 microg/ml) markedly inhibited the migration and invasion of SK-Hep-1 cells. EEPI added at 25 microg/ml significantly decreased the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) (49%, p<0.01) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (13%, p<0.05) in SK-Hep-1 cells. EEPI at 25 microg/ml completely inhibited matrigel-induced tube formation in RHE cells. Importantly, EEPI (25 or 50 microg/ml) in combination with oxaliplatin (Oxa) or 5-flurouracil (5-FU) synergistically inhibited the proliferation of SK-Hep-1 cells. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate the antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects of EEPI in vitro and the potential of EEPI as an adjuvant for chemotherapy.