Investigation of Antiproliferative Effects of Combinations of White and Black Garlic Extracts with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) on Caco-2 Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells.

Garlic is rich in bioactive compounds that are effective against colon cancer cells. This study tests the antioxidant and antiproliferative effects of cold-extracted white and black garlic extracts. Black garlic extracted in water (SSU) exhibits the highest antioxidant activity, phenolic content, and flavonoid content, while black garlic extracted in ethanol (SET) shows the lowest values. Caspase-3 activity is notably higher in the white garlic extracted in methanol (BME), white garlic extracted in methanol combines with 5-FU, black garlic extracted in ethanol (SET), black garlic extracted in ethanol combines with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and 5-FU treatments compare to the control group (p > 0.05). BME+5-FU displays the highest caspase-8 activity (p < 0.05). A decrease in NF-κB levels is observed in the SET+5-FU group (p>0.05), while COX-2 activities decrease in the BME, SET+5-FU, SET, and 5-FU groups (p>0.05). Wound healing increases in the BME, BME+5-FU, SET+5-FU, and 5-FU groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, aqueous black garlic extract may exhibit pro-oxidant activity despite its high antioxidant capacity. It is worth noting that exposure to heat-treated food and increased sugar content may lead to heightened inflammation and adverse health effects. This study is the first to combine garlic with chemo-preventive drugs like 5-FU in Caco-2 cells.

Vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium status of heifers grazing in Northern Cyprus.

Vitamin A, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) are essential components for the health and reproductive yield of dairy cows. In this study, it is aimed to profile the calcium, phosphorus and magnesium elements together with vitamin A, which are important components in cattle bred and reared in Northern Cyprus. To analyse these parameters, 260 clinically healthy animals, at least 30 from each region, were blood sampled from eight different regions (Nicosia, Gecitkale, Vadili, Famagusta, Iskele, Ziyamet, Morphou and Kyrenia) during both summer and winter seasons. Vitamin A, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus concentrations were measured from blood samples. Vitamin A levels increased significantly only in Nicosia and Ziyamet regions during the winter season, while there was no seasonal difference from the other regions. Calcium and phosphorus levels were higher in summer when compared with winter. Magnesium levels were significantly higher in winter than in summer. In the comparison between regions in summer and winter, the change in P and Mg values was significant, whereas Ca only showed inter-regional differences during winter. In conclusion, all the parameters found were within the expected ranges but affected by seasonal changes. Therefore, we think that calcium and phosphorus supplementation in winter and vitamin A and magnesium supplementation in summer will provide positive results on cattle.

Piperlongumine inhibits cell growth and enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells

Objective: To investigate whether piperlongumine can sensitize prostate cancer cells to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and trigger apoptosis in prostate cells.Methods: Human prostate cancer cell lines PC3, LNCaP, and VCaP were cultured with piperlongumine and TRAIL. Then, cell proliferation, migration, caspase activation, apoptotic protein expressions, and death receptor expressions were measured. Results: Piperlongumine inhibited cell proliferation at low doses (<10 μM) alone and in combination with TRAIL (25 ng/mL), induced apoptosis, and suppressed cyclooxygenase activation. Additionally, piperlongumine induced expression of death receptors which potentiated TRAIL-induced apoptosis in cancer cells but did not affect decoy receptors. Piperlongumine also downregulated tumor cell-survival pathways, inhibited colony formation and migration of cancer cells alone or in combination with TRAIL. The combination of piperlongumine with TRAIL was found to be synergistic. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that piperlongumine can sensitize cancer cells to TRAIL through the upregulation of death receptors and can trigger apoptosis with the downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins.

Antileukemic effects of piperlongumine and alpha lipoic acid combination on Jurkat, MEC1 and NB4 cells in vitro.

AIM OF STUDY: This research indicated to evaluate the effects of piperlongumine (PL), a biologically active alkaloid, and alpha lipoic acid (ALA), a naturally occurring cofactor existed in multienzyme complexes regulating metabolism on leukemia cells. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to oxidative stress, a state that has been observed in several hematopoietic malignancies, including acute and chronic myeloid leukemias. The importance of the association between oxidative stress and malignancy is not currently clear; however, there is evidence that tumor.derived ROS may promote cell survival, migration and metastasis, proliferation and even drug.resistance depending on the origin of the cancer. Increased oxidative stress in leukemic cells may represent a potential therapeutic target, although there are differing opinions on whether therapeutic strategies should aim to antagonize or further promote oxidative stress in leukemic cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of PL alone (5, 15, 30 µM) and in combination (30 µ M) with ALA (200 µ M) on Jurkat, NB4 and MEC1 leukemia cell lines were investigated through MTT, caspase-3 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activities. RESULTS: Inhibition of COX-2 and the induction of caspase.3 cleavage in Nb4 (acute promyelocytic leukemia) cells were found to be significant following PL application and synergistic effects with combination of ALA (inhibition of COX-2 as 23.74% and 3.55-fold increase of caspase-3). CONCLUSION: PL and ALA may have a potential value as a therapeutic agent for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Evaluation of proinflammatory cytokine and neopterin levels in women with papillary thyroid carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Papillary thyroid cancer is a disease that has been associated with chronic inflammation. The purpose of this study is to measure the production of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-8 and neopterin, which is a novel biomarker for cellular immune response in papillary thyroid cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The serum IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8 and neopterin values of 31 papillary thyroid cancer patients undergoing bilateral total thyroidectomy were measured before and 20 days after surgery. The values were compared with those of 39 healthy controls. RESULTS: Serum IL-1ß levels were similar across groups. IL-6 (p<0.001), IL-8 (p = 0.015) and neopterin levels (p = 0.002) were higher in presurgical samples and returned to normal following surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8, but not IL-1ß, were produced in greater amounts in papillary thyroid cancer. Serum neopterin seems to be a valid biological marker supporting the presence of papillary thyroid cancer.

Capsaicin inhibits cell proliferation by cytochrome c release in gastric cancer cells.

Capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) is the principal pungent component in hot peppers. The role of capsaicin in carcinogenesis is quite controversial. Although some investigators suspect that capsaicin is a carcinogen, co-carcinogen, or tumor promoter, others have reported that it has chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and chemosensitizing activities of capsaicin alone and on 5-flourouracil (5-FU)-treated gastric cancer cells. In this study, the gastric cancer cell line HGC-27 was used and capsaicin used as a chemosensitizer and 5-flourouracil (5-FU) was used as chemotherapeutic. Cytotoxicity and chemosensitizing activities were analyzed with MTT assay; supernatant levels of LDH and glucose were detected as biochemical markers of cell viability; cytochrome c and AIF were evaluated with western blot; and additionally, wound-healing assays were employed. Results suggested that capsaicin had significant anticancer abilities; such capsaicin were capable of causing multifold decreases in the half maximal inhibitory concentration IC50 value of 5-FU. The continuing controversy surrounding consumption or topical application of capsaicin clearly suggests that more well-controlled epidemiologic studies are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of capsaicin use. In summary, the present study demonstrated that capsaicin has the potential to be used for treating gastric carcinoma with 5-FU in vitro.

Effects of prenatal and postnatal exposure to GSM-like radiofrequency on blood chemistry and oxidative stress in infant rabbits, an experimental study.

We aimed to investigate the potential hazardous effects of prenatal and/or postnatal exposure to 1800 MHz GSM-like radiofrequency radiation (RFR) on the blood chemistry and lipid peroxidation levels of infant rabbits. A total of 72 New Zealand female and male white rabbits aged 1-month were used. Thirty-six female and 36 male were divided into four groups which were composed of nine infants: (i) Group 1 were the sham exposure (control), (ii) Group 2 were exposed to RFR, 15 min daily for 7 days in the prenatal period (between 15th and 22nd days of the gestational period) (prenatal exposure group). (iii) Group 3 were exposed to RFR 15 min/day (14 days for male, whereas 7 days for female) after they reached 1-month of age (postnatal exposure group). (iv) Group 4 were exposed to RFR for 15 min daily during 7 days in the prenatal period (between 15th and 22nd days of the gestational period) and 15 min/day (14 days for male, whereas 7 days for female) after they reached 1-month of age (prenatal and postnatal exposure group). Results showed that serum lipid peroxidation level in both female and male rabbits changed due to the RFR exposure. However, different parameters of the blood biochemistry were affected by exposure in male and female infants. Consequently, the whole-body 1800 MHz GSM-like RFR exposure may lead to oxidative stress and changes on some blood chemistry parameters. Studies on RFR exposure during prenatal and postnatal periods will help to establish international standards for the protection of pregnants and newborns from environmental RFR.

Fluoride and aluminum release from restorative materials using ion chromatography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the amounts of fluoride and aluminum released from different restorative materials stored in artificial saliva and double-distilled water. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cylindrical specimens (10 x 1 mm) were prepared from 4 different restorative materials (Kavitan Plus, Vitremer, Dyract Extra, and Surefil). For each material, 20 specimens were prepared, 10 of which were stored in 5 mL artificial saliva and 10 of which were stored in 5 mL of double-distilled water. Concentrations of fluoride and aluminum in the solutions were measured using ion chromatography. Measurements were taken daily for one week and then weekly for two additional weeks. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: The highest amounts of both fluoride and aluminum were released by the resin-modified glass ionomer cement Vitremer in double-distilled water (p<0.05). All materials released significantly more fluoride in double-distilled water than in artificial saliva (p<0.05). In artificial saliva, none of the materials were observed to release aluminum. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that storage media and method of analysis should be taken into account when the fluoride and aluminum release from dental materials is assessed.

Fluoride and aluminum release from restorative materials using ion chromatography

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the amounts of fluoride and aluminum released from different restorative materials stored in artificial saliva and double-distilled water. Material and METHODS: Cylindrical specimens (10 x 1 mm) were prepared from 4 different restorative materials (Kavitan Plus, Vitremer, Dyract Extra, and Surefil). For each material, 20 specimens were prepared, 10 of which were stored in 5 mL artificial saliva and 10 of which were stored in 5 mL of double-distilled water. Concentrations of fluoride and aluminum in the solutions were measured using ion chromatography. Measurements were taken daily for one week and then weekly for two additional weeks. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: The highest amounts of both fluoride and aluminum were released by the resin-modified glass ionomer cement Vitremer in double-distilled water (p<0.05). All materials released significantly more fluoride in double-distilled water than in artificial saliva (p<0.05). In artificial saliva, none of the materials were observed to release aluminum. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that storage media and method of analysis should be taken into account when the fluoride and aluminum release from dental materials is assessed.

The influence of 1800 MHz GSM-like signals on blood chemistry and oxidative stress in non-pregnant and pregnant rabbits.

PURPOSE: Environmental electromagnetic fields originate from man-made sources, such as mobile phones and base stations, and have led to increasing public concern about their possible adverse health effects. We aimed to investigate the possible effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) generated from these devices on oversensitive animals, such as pregnant rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, the effects of whole body 1800 MHz Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)-like RFR exposure for 15 min/day for seven days on blood chemistry and lipid peroxidation levels in both non-pregnant and pregnant New Zealand White rabbits were investigated. Thirteen-month-old rabbits were studied in the following four groups: Non-pregnant control, non-pregnant RFR-exposed, pregnant control and pregnant RFR-exposed. RESULTS: Lipid peroxidation, namely malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, did not change after RFR exposure. However, blood chemistry parameters, such as cholesterol (CHO), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), uric acid, creatinin and creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase-myocardial band isoenzyme (CK-MB) changed due to both pregnancy and RFR exposure. CONCLUSION: Our investigations have been shown that no indication for oxidative stress was detected in the blood of pregnant rabbits upon RF exposure at specific conditions employed in the present study. Minor changes in some blood chemistry parameters were detected but CK-MB and CK increases were found remarkable. Studies on RFR exposure during pregnancy will help establish international standards for the protection of pregnant women from environmental RFR.

Serum selenium, vitamin E, and sialic acids concentrations in lambs with white muscle disease.

The aim of this study was to determine the serum concentrations of selenium, vitamin E, and total- and lipid-bound sialic acid (LBSA) in lambs with white muscle disease (WMD) before and after treatment with a commercial preparation containing selenite and vitamin E. Fifteen lambs with WMD and ten control animals were used as research materials. Blood samples were collected from both groups before- and 1 month after treatment for Se analysis by fluorimetry, whereas vitamin E and sialic acid were measured by HPLC and spectrophotometry, respectively. Compared to controls, in the diseased animals, there was a significant increase of serum total sialic acid (TSA) and LBSA, together with significant decreases of serum Se and vitamin E concentrations (p < 0.001). One month after treatment, a reversal of trend was observed with decreases of TSA and LBSA and increases of Se and vitamin E concentrations. The TSA and LBSA levels, however, remained significantly higher than those of the controls, p < 0.05 and 0.001, respectively. The Se and vitamin E concentrations of the treated animals were the same as those of controls. This is the first study on total and LBSA concentrations in lambs with WMD, showing that these markers can be used in the prognosis of the disease.