Combined Therapeutic Effects of Vinblastine and Astragalus Saponins in Human Colon Cancer Cells and Tumor Xenograft via Inhibition of Tumor Growth and Proangiogenic Factors

Our previous study had demonstrated that Astragalus saponins (AST) could reduce the side effects of orthodox chemotherapeutic drugs, while concurrently promote antitumor activity. In the present study, we attempted to investigate the potential synergistic anticarcinogenic effects of AST and a vinca alkaloid vinblastine (VBL). Reduced expression of key proangiogenic and metastatic factors including VEGF, bFGF, metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-9 was detected in VBL-treated colon cancer cells, with further downregulation by combined VBL/AST treatment. Subsequently, VBL or AST decreased LoVo cell invasiveness, with further reduction when the drugs were cotreated. Significant growth inhibition and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase were achieved by either drug treatment with apparent synergistic effects. VBL-induced apoptosis was confirmed but found to be unrelated to induction of the novel apoptotic protein NSAID-activated gene 1. In vivo study in tumor xenograft indicates that combined VBL/AST treatment resulted in sustained regression of tumor growth, with attenuation of the neutropenic and anemic effects of VBL. In addition, downregulation of proangiogenic and proliferative factors was also visualized, with boosting effect by combined drug treatment. These findings have provided evidence that AST combined with adjuvant chemotherapeutics like VBL could alleviate cancer development through diversified modes of action, including the regulation of angiogenesis.     

SLEEP AND COGNITION IN PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

It is important that we identify factors that could lead to interventions to slow cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer's disease. One potentially modifiable factor in Alzheimer's disease is disturbed sleep. The effect of disturbed sleep on cognition is of profound importance in people with Alzheimer's disease because disturbed sleep may worsen memory complaints. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to provide an updated review of literature that describes the impact of disturbed sleep on cognition in healthy populations and discuss the implications that this relationship has for people with Alzheimer's disease and their formal and informal caregivers.