Anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects of garcinol from Garcinia indica on gallbladder carcinoma cells.

Garcinol, a natural histone acetyltransferase inhibitor, has been reported to exhibit significant anti-proliferative activity in various cancer cell types. However, no information is available about the anti-cancer effects of garcinol on gallbladder carcinoma cells (GBC). In this study, GBC cells (GBC-SD and NOZ) were treated by garcinol and subjected to Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), and GBC-SD cells were selected for further transwell chamber assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. Our results indicated that garcinol could significantly inhibit the growth of GBC cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It also inhibited the invasion of GBC-SD cells in a dose-dependent manner. Garcinol treatment decreased the activity of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and MMP9 by the downregulation of mRNA levels, and these two enzymes are critical to tumor invasion. Treatment with garcinol also decreased Stat3 and Akt activation in GBC-SD cells. Taken together, the effects of garcinol on GBC-SD cells may be associated with the suppression of Stat3 and Akt signaling pathways, which may contribute to inhibiting their downstream targets such as mRNA levels of MMP2 and MMP9.

Fu's subcutaneous needling: possible clinical evidence of the subcutaneous connective tissue in acupuncture.

OBJECTIVES: Recently it was reported that the loose connective tissue in the subcutaneous layer rapidly responded to mechanical forces evoked by acupuncture, massage, and normal physical movements. However, there were no clinical studies to substantiate these findings so far. Fu's Subcutaneous Needling (FSN) is the innovative needling strategy acting specifically in the subcutaneous layer. A single-blinded and randomized trial was designed to compare the immediate effects of FSN with different needling directions on myofascial trigger points (MTrP) in the neck. DESIGN: For simplicity, we chose two mutually perpendicular needle directions in this study. In one group, the needle was along the local muscle fibers and pointed to the MTrP (Along Group). In the other group, the needle was across the local muscle fibers and also pointed to the MTrP (Across Group). SUBJECTS: Forty-seven (47) patients were randomly divided into two groups: the Along Group (n = 22) and the Across Group (n = 25). There were no significant differences with respect to age, duration of pain, and gender between the two groups. INTERVENTIONS: FSN needles were inserted and swayed in the subcutaneous layer 200 times in 2 minutes. RESULTS: Before and after FSN treatment, patients were subjected to the assessment of the following three parameters: motion-related pain, pain under pressure, and the range of cervical movement. Three parameters were all reduced after the FSN intervention. There were no significant differences in variation of the three parameters between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Immediate effects of FSN on alleviating MTrP in the neck were not relevant to the needling directions.