Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 on human colon adenocarcinoma cells.

AIMS: To investigate the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) on cell proliferation and apoptosis in human colon cancer cells. METHODS: Human colon cancer cell lines (HT-29) were cultured and incubated with various concentrations (0-320 mg/l) of EGb 761 solution for up to 72 h. Cell viability, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, expression of caspase-3, the mRNA levels of p53, and Bcl-2 were assessed. RESULTS: EGb 761 inhibited the growth of HT-29 cells in a time-dose-dependent manner. At 80 and 320 mg/L, EGb 761 increased the number of cells in the G0/G1 phase and reduced cells in the G2/M and S phase. EGb 761 treatment also increased the apoptosis ratio of the HT-29 cells. EGb 761 treatment was associated with an increase in caspase-3 activities, reduction in bcl-2 mRNA expression and elevation in p53 mRNA expression. CONCLUSION: EGb 761 inhibits the progression of human colon cancer cells. Its therapeutic effect may be related to enhanced caspase-3 activities, up-regulation of p53 and down-regulation of bcl-2 genes.

Unusual CT hyperattenuating dermoid cyst of cerebellum: a new case report and literature review.

Almost all intracranial dermoid cysts typically display low-density lesions on plain computerized tomography (CT) scans due to abundant lipids content. CT hyperattenuating dermoid cyst (CHADC) is very uncommon with only nine case reports in the literature update, which occurs exclusively in the posterior fossa. Moreover, CHADC with mural nodule is exceptionally rare, and only one such case was documented previously. Here, we report a new case of cerebellar CHADC with mural nodule in a 14-year-old male patient who presented with a 4-week history of dull headache and 5-day history of gait disturbance. With an average attenuation value of 89.9 Hounsfield units on CT scans, the lesion mainly displayed T1 hyperintensity, T2 hypointensity, and FLAIR hypointensity on magnetic resonance imaging. The patient underwent lesion gross total resection and symptomatic improvement, and final pathology was consistent with dermoid cyst. For further clarifying the mechanism of unusual CT hyperdensity, we sampled the cystic content and quantified its protein, calcium, and cholesterol, and our result suggested the high protein, high calcium, and low lipids in contents was the main mechanism of increased CT attenuation for CHADC.

Involvement of ROS/ASMase/JNK signalling pathway in inhibiting UVA-induced apoptosis of HaCaT cells by polypeptide from Chlamys farreri.

Polypeptide from Chlamys farreri (PCF), a novel marine active material isolated from gonochoric Chinese scallop C. farreri, has potential antioxidant activity and protective effect against ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The aim was to investigate whether PCF protects HaCaT cells from apoptosis induced by UVA and explore related molecular mechanisms. The results showed that PCF significantly prevented UVA-induced apoptosis of HaCaT cells. PCF not only strongly reduced the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, but also diminished expression of acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) and phosphorylated JNK in HaCaT cells radiated by UVA in a dose-dependent manner. Pre-treatment with ROS scavenger NAC, ASMase inhibitor desipramine or JNK inhibitor SP600125 was found to effectively prohibit UVA-induced apoptosis and desipramine markedly blocked phosphorylation of JNK. So it is concluded that PCF obviously protects HaCaT cells from apoptosis induced by UVA and protective effects may attribute to decreasing intracellular ROS level and blocking ASMase/JNK apoptotic signalling pathway.

[Effect of the tumescent infiltration solution temperature on body temperature].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of tumescent infiltration solution temperature on core body temperature after liposuction. METHODS: 15 healthy female subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups to receive tumescent infiltration solution at 25 degrees C as group A, or at 37 degrees C as group B. All subjects were under epidural anesthesia. Vital signs, including core temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure, were monitored immediately, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours and 8 hours after operation. RESULTS: The core body temperature immediately, 1 hour, 2 hours and 3 hours after operation were (35.8 +/- 0.5) degrees C, (35.8 +/- 0.5) degrees C, (36.0 +/- 0.5) degrees C, (36.1 +/- 0.5) degrees C in group A, and (36.5 +/- 0.4) degrees C, (36.5 +/- 0.3) degrees C, (36.5 +/- 0.3) degrees C, (36.6 +/- 0.4) degrees C in group B, showing a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.008, P = 0.008, P = 0.03, P = 0.033, respectively). There was no difference in body temperature 4 hours and 8 hours after operation and in heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure between the two groups (P > 0. 05). CONCLUSIONS: The tumescent infiltration solutions at room temperature (25 degrees C) can decrease the core body temperature and increase surgical risk. It might not be good for rehabilitation. It is recommended to use tumescent infiltration solution at body temperature (37 degrees C) in liposuction.