Anticancer activities of pomegranate extracts and genistein in human breast cancer cells.

Previous studies have demonstrated the anticarcinogenic activity of pomegranate extracts and genistein in a series of human cancer cells. In the present study, the potential anticancer effects of pomegranate extracts and genistein on inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in human breast cancer cells was investigated. Human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) were cultured as monolayers in complete RPMI 1640 medium. The cells were cultured for 48 hours to allow growth and achieve about 80% confluence in 48-well culture plates, and then exposed to the agents for 24 hours in single and combination treatments. Post-treatment growth rate and apoptosis induction were assessed by the use of a series of bioassays-lactate dehydrogenase and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (inner salt) for viability and cytotoxicity; acridine orange-ethidium bromide and terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assays for induction of apoptosis. Both pomegranate extracts and genistein had significant (dose- and time-dependent) cytotoxic and growth inhibition effects on MCF-7 cancer cells. Both growth inhibition and cytotoxicity were significantly higher (P < .01) in the combination treatments than in the single treatments with either agent. The data revealed that both drugs in single and in combination treatments induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Apoptotic induction in the combination treatments was significantly higher (P < .01) than in single treatments. Both pomegranate extracts and genistein inhibit the growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells through induction of apoptosis, with combination treatment being more efficacious than single treatments.

[Gastroesophageal reflux in infants. Value of orthostatism and ventral decubitus]. / Reflux gastro-oesophagien du nourrisson. Valeur de l'orthostatisme et du décubitus ventral.

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) may induce severe complications in infants: besides esophagitis numerous authors have established a relationship between GER and relapsing respiratory infections, between GER and apnea, cyanosis or bradycardia. This required a more precise estimation of the postural treatment than the clinical data of vomiting or the weight curve. Esophageal pH studies are considered to be the most valuable investigational technique in case of GER. It allowed us to study the importance of acid reflux in 43 patients under 1 year of age in different postures: 45 degrees upright in an infant-seat, horizontal prone and 30 degrees prone positions.