All-trans retinoic acid induces DU145 cell cycle arrest through Cdk5 activation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), the active form of vitamin A, plays an important role in the growth arrest of numerous types of cancer cells. It has been indicated that cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) activity can be affected by ATRA treatment. Our previous results demonstrate the involvement of Cdk5 in the fate of prostate cancer cells. The purpose of this study is to examine whether Cdk5 is involved in ATRA-induced growth arrest of the castration-resistant cancer cell line DU145 through up-regulating Cdk inhibitor protein, p27. METHODS: DU145 cells were treated with ATRA, and cell proliferation, protein expression, and protein localization of Cdk5/p27 were examined. Cell proliferation and cell cycle distribution were also determined under Cdk5 inhibition induced by inhibitor or knockdown. RESULTS: ATRA treatment inhibited DU145 cell proliferation and significantly increased p27 expression through Cdk5 up-regulation. Immunocytochemical data showed that a Cdk5 inhibitor reduced ATRA-triggered nuclear distribution of p27 in DU145 cells. The proliferation inhibition and G1 phase accumulation of DU145 cells were significantly increased by ATRA treatment, whereas Cdk5 inhibitor and siRNA could reverse these effects. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that ATRA induced growth inhibition in castration-resistant prostate cancer cells through activating Cdk5 and p27. We hope this finding will increase the knowledge of prostate cancer treatment and can be applied in patients' nutritional control in the future.

Deformable three-dimensional model architecture for interactive augmented reality in minimally invasive surgery.

BACKGROUND: Surgical procedures have undergone considerable advancement during the last few decades. More recently, the availability of some imaging methods intraoperatively has added a new dimension to minimally invasive techniques. Augmented reality in surgery has been a topic of intense interest and research. METHODS: Augmented reality involves usage of computer vision algorithms on video from endoscopic cameras or cameras mounted in the operating room to provide the surgeon additional information that he or she otherwise would have to recognize intuitively. One of the techniques combines a virtual preoperative model of the patient with the endoscope camera using natural or artificial landmarks to provide an augmented reality view in the operating room. The authors' approach is to provide this with the least number of changes to the operating room. Software architecture is presented to provide interactive adjustment in the registration of a three-dimensional (3D) model and endoscope video. RESULTS: Augmented reality including adrenalectomy, ureteropelvic junction obstruction, and retrocaval ureter and pancreas was used to perform 12 surgeries. The general feedback from the surgeons has been very positive not only in terms of deciding the positions for inserting points but also in knowing the least change in anatomy. CONCLUSIONS: The approach involves providing a deformable 3D model architecture and its application to the operating room. A 3D model with a deformable structure is needed to show the shape change of soft tissue during the surgery. The software architecture to provide interactive adjustment in registration of the 3D model and endoscope video with adjustability of every 3D model is presented.

Comparison of robot-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy with traditional laparoscopic adrenalectomy - 1 year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy offers distinct benefits to patients and has now become the gold standard for the removal of adrenal lesions. Nonetheless, the procedure poses a challenge for surgeons in regards to the maneuverability of instruments, the two-dimensional operating field and the counterintuitive movements. This study reports our experience using the Zeus robotic surgical system in laparoscopic adrenalectomy compared with traditional laparoscopic adrenalectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2003 to February 2005, a total of 12 patients were prospectively enrolled to receive robot-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy (RALA) or traditional laparoscopic adrenalectomy (TLA). The time necessary for robotic setup and operation was recorded, as well as complications, technical problems, postoperative hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality. RESULTS: Five RALA procedures and seven TLA were successfully completed. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, body mass index, and tumor size. Resection times were longer in the RALA group (168.0 +/- 30.7 min vs. 131.4 +/- 29.0 min, p = 0.05). There were no perioperative complications. There was neither postoperative mortality nor morbidity at the time of discharge and during one year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: RALA is as safe and technically feasible as TLA, It provides a real benefit for the surgeon with the three dimensional view, a comfortable sitting position, the elimination of the surgeon's tremor, and increased degrees of freedom of the operative instruments compared with TLA. However, patient outcomes and operative costs should be evaluated further.