Extract from mistletoe, Viscum album L., reduces Hsp27 and 14-3-3 protein expression and induces apoptosis in C6 rat glioma cells.

Extracts of mistletoe (Viscum album) are intensively used in complementary medicine, but their mechanisms are not fully understood in most cases, and the effects on metabolism have not been investigated in detail. However, some biologically active natural products are well known to provoke unexpected cellular responses. They reduce overexpression of heat shock proteins (Hsps) in cancer cells. The aim of the current study was to determine whether methanolic extract of V. album, which possesses antioxidant activity, has an effect on expression levels of Hsp27 and 14-3-3 proteins in a C6 glioma cell line. For the first time, the apoptosis-inducing effect of this extract was also determined via caspase-3 activation in the cells. Overexpression of Hsps was induced by heat shock at 42°C for 1 h. Expression levels of Hsp27 and 14-3-3 proteins were determined using Western blot analysis. The apoptosis-inducing effect was also evaluated via caspase-3 activation in C6 glioma cells. Pretreatment of the cells with a nontoxic dose (100 µg/mL) of V. album extract before heat shock significantly reduced expression levels of Hsp27 (73%) and 14-3-3ß (124%), 14-3-3γ (23%), and 14-3-3ζ (84%) proteins. Pretreatment with the extract before heat shock increased apoptosis via caspase-3 activation (60%) in C6 glioma cells. This result suggested that the methanolic extract of V. album downregulates expression of Hsp27 and 14-3-3 chaperone proteins and induces apoptosis, which warrants further exploration as a potential bioactive compound for cancer therapy.

External cystic rectal duplication: an unusual presentation of rectal duplication cyst.

Duplications of gastrointestinal tract are rare anomalies, and rectal duplications account for five percent of the alimentary tract duplications. We present an unusual case of rectal duplication, which was located externally in a newborn female, and discuss the types of distal hindgut duplications.

Antiviral activity of Sanicula europaea L. extracts on multiplication of human parainfluenza virus type 2.

The antiviral activity of Sanicula europaea L. extracts against human parainfluenza virus type 2 (HPIV-2) was examined. The extract prepared from the leaves of the plant and a fraction separated from the crude extract with gel filtration chromatography were found to inhibit HPIV-2 replication without any toxic effect on Vero cells. The acidic fraction obtained from the crude extract of S. europaea leaves was found to be the most active fraction with plaque inhibition assay at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Unfortunately, antiviral activity was not detected in the molecules purified from the crude ethanol extract of Sanicula leaves.

Intracranial meningiomas. Analysis of 344 surgically treated cases.

The authors present 344 (230 females, 114 males) surgical cases of intracranial meningioma. A total of 370 interventions (344 primary procedures, 10 reexplorations for neurologic deterioration, 16 operations for recurrence) were made. Mean follow-up was 38 months. The overall evaluation revealed that 306 (88.95%) patients were completely normal or in a better condition than before operation. 18 (5.23%) were in a worse condition after operation and 20 (5.81%) died. Results suggested that complications and mortality were mostly related to localization and large volume; we also still have problems with aggressive and malignant meningiomas.

Anterior pontine hydatid cyst: case report.

We report a rare case of anterior pontine hydatid cyst. Diagnosis was established on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings preoperatively and was confirmed during surgery and by laboratory findings of cyst fluid, and section of cyst wall. A classical suboccipital craniectomy was performed, followed by an approach through the floor of the fourth ventricle. After a failed attempt at the Dowling technique, we punctured the cyst, aspirated the contents, then extirpated the cyst membrane. The patient survived suffering only minor morbidity. The surgical technique and pontine myelotomy are discussed.

Saniculoside N from Sanicula europaea L.

Extracts from the aerial parts of Sanicula europaea L. were investigated for their anti-HIV activity, and the 50% ethanolic extract was shown to exhibit the highest activity. A new triterpene saponin glycoside, 21 beta-(angeloyloxy)-3-O-[beta-D-arabinopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta- D-glucopyranosyl (1-->3)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl propyl ester]-3 beta,15,16,22 alpha,28 beta-pentahydroxy-delta(12)-oleanene, saniculoside N (1), in addition to the known phenolic acids, rosmarinic acid (2), and caffeic acid (3) were isolated as major components. Rosmarinic acid was established as the principal active substance.

Spinal extradural metastasis from a medulloblastoma.

Medulloblastoma metastasising extraxially is a rare entity. The mechanisms that cause such spread are not fully understood. We present a patient who developed a low thoracic metastasis three years after surgical removal of a posterior fossa medulloblastoma. A spinal metastasis penetrated the dura, thus becoming extradural and from this tumour a completely extradural lumbal metastasis developed. Simultaneous local recurrences of systemic metastases were not noted.

Association of von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis and aqueduct stenosis.

We present 6 patients with a definite diagnosis of von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis. All of them had aqueductal stenosis and hydrocephalus requiring surgical intervention because of clinical signs of increased intracranial pressure confirmed by pressure measurements.

Tension pneumocephalus after transsphenoidal surgery: case report.

The authors present a patient who underwent transsphenoidal surgery for a pituitary adenoma and afterward developed late, severe rhinorrhea and tension pneumocephalus. The patient was treated conservatively.

Intracerebral hemorrhage and hematoma in Behçet's disease: case report.

The authors describe a patient with Behçet's disease who suffered from intracerebral hemorrhage 2 1/2 years after the initial diagnosis. There is strong evidence that this situation is not merely a coincidence; rather, these two abnormalities have a cause and effect relationship.

Craniopharyngioma of the cerebellopontine angle. Case report.

The authors report a case of craniopharyngioma presenting in the right cerebellopontine angle. The tumor was removed totally. The purpose of this report is to record this very unusual localization of a craniopharyngioma.