RESUMEN
Piperine, an active plant alkaloid from black pepper (Piper nigrum), has several pharmacological effects, namely antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which involve inhibiting molecular events associated with various stages of cancer development. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of action of piperine in relation to its potential anticancer effect on head and neck cancer cells. Parameters related to neoplastic potential and cytokine, protein and gene expression were investigated in head and neck cancer cell lines (HEp-2 and SCC-25) treated with piperine. The results of the tests indicated that piperine modified morphology and inhibited viability and the formation of cell colonies. Piperine promoted genotoxicity by triggering apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G2/M and S phases. A decrease in cell migration was also observed, and there was decreased expression of MMP2/9 genes. Piperine also reduced the expression of inflammatory molecules (PTGS2 and PTGER4), regulated the secretion of cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-8) and modulated the expression of ERK and p38. These results suggest that piperine exerts anticancer effects on tumor cells by regulating signaling pathways associated with head and neck cancer.
Asunto(s)
Alcaloides , Apoptosis , Benzodioxoles , Neoplasias de Cabeza y Cuello , Inflamación , Piperidinas , Alcamidas Poliinsaturadas , Transducción de Señal , Alcamidas Poliinsaturadas/farmacología , Benzodioxoles/farmacología , Piperidinas/farmacología , Piperidinas/uso terapéutico , Alcaloides/farmacología , Humanos , Línea Celular Tumoral , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Neoplasias de Cabeza y Cuello/metabolismo , Neoplasias de Cabeza y Cuello/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias de Cabeza y Cuello/patología , Neoplasias de Cabeza y Cuello/genética , Inflamación/metabolismo , Inflamación/tratamiento farmacológico , Inflamación/genética , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Citocinas/metabolismo , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
Autism is more frequently diagnosed in males, with evidence suggesting that females are more likely to be misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. Possibly, the male/female ratio imbalance relates to phenotypic and camouflaging differences between genders. Here, we performed a comprehensive approach to phenotypic and camouflaging research in autism addressed in two studies. First (Study 1 - Phenotypic Differences in Autism), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of gender differences in autism phenotype. The electronic datasets Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsychInfo were searched. We included 67 articles that compared females and males in autism core symptoms, and in cognitive, socioemotional, and behavioural phenotypes. Autistic males exhibited more severe symptoms and social interaction difficulties on standard clinical measures than females, who, in turn, exhibited more cognitive and behavioural difficulties. Considering the hypothesis of camouflaging possibly underlying these differences, we then conducted a meta-analysis of gender differences in camouflaging (Study 2 - Camouflaging Differences in Autism). The same datasets as the first study were searched. Ten studies were included. Females used more compensation and masking camouflage strategies than males. The results support the argument of a bias in clinical procedures towards males and the importance of considering a 'female autism phenotype'-potentially involving camouflaging-in the diagnostic process.
RESUMEN
Parenthood is among the developmental transitions that set major challenges for contemporary families. When there is a twin pregnancy, those challenges increase. Our aims in this study are understanding the parental experience in families with twins and identifying the factors which condition parental experience in such families. It is a literature review focusing on studies published between 2000 and 2012 based on reference data. The articles were analyzed considering the aims, participants, phases of data collection, tools used; and results achieved regarding the dimensions involved in parenting experiences faced by parents of twins. In the 19 studies identified, maternity was the main focus of research. Women with twin children showed lower scores on well-being, higher stress risks, exhaustion and depression. The experience of these families was different, more demanding and complex than singletons' parents. Understanding of this matter becomes crucial to contributing to better health for families.
La paternidad es una de las transiciones del desarrollo que plantea más desafíos a la familia contemporánea. En un embarazo gemelar estos retos son engrandecidos. Los objetivos del estudio fueron conocer la experiencia de la paternidad en familias con gemelos y analizar los factores que influyen en sus experiencias de paternidad. Para este propósito se analizaron artículos publicados entre 2000-2012 en bases de datos referencia. Los artículos fueron analizados teniendo en cuenta: objetivos, participantes, tiempo de recolección de datos, instrumentos utilizados y los resultados, atendiendo las variables que integran la experiencia de paternidad gemelar. En los 19 estudios identificados, la maternidad era el foco central de investigación. Las mujeres con gemelos han tenido resultados más bajos de bienestar, aumentando el riesgo de estrés, agotamiento y depresión. La experiencia de las familias fue diferente, más exigente y compleja que para otros padres. Comprender el tema es fundamental para maximizar la salud de la familia.
A parentalidade é uma das transições desenvolvimentais que mais desafios colocam à família contemporânea. Quando ocorre uma gravidez gemelar, esses desafios são exponenciados. Foi nosso propósito conhecer a experiência parental de famílias com gêmeos e identificar os factores que condicionam as suas experiências parentais. Para o efeito, procedemos à análise de artigos publicados entre 2000-2012 em bases de dados referenciais. Os artigos foram analisados tendo em conta: objetivos, participantes, momentos de recolha de dados, instrumentos e resultados obtidos, considerando as variáveis que integram a vivência da parentalidade em pais de gêmeos. Nos 19 estudos identificados, a maternidade foi o foco central das pesquisas. As mulheres com filhos gêmeos obtiveram scores mais baixos de bem-estar, aumentando o risco de estresse, exaustão e depressão. A experiência destas famílias foi diferente, mais exigente e complexa que nos pais com filhos singulares. Compreender esta problemática torna-se fundamental para potenciar ganhos em saúde na família.