Magnetic resonance and fluorescence-protein imaging of the anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor efficacy of selenium in an orthotopic model of human colon cancer

Tumor progression and angiogenesis are intimately related. To understand the interrelationship between these two processes, real-time imaging can make a major contribution. In this report, fluorescent protein imaging (FPI) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were utilized to demonstrate the effects of selenium on tumor progression and angiogenesis in an orthotopic model of human colon cancer. GEO (well-differentiated human colon carcinoma) cells transfected with green fluorescent protein (GFP) were implanted orthotopically into the colon of athymic nude mice. Beginning at five days post implantation, whole-body FPI was performed to monitor tumor growth in vivo. Upon successful visualization of tumor growth by FPI, animals were randomly assigned to either a control group or a treatment group. Treatment consisted of daily oral administration of the organoselenium compound, methyl-selenocysteine (MSC; 0.2 mg/day × five weeks). Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI was performed to examine the change in tumor blood volume following treatment. CD31 immunostaining of tumor sections was also performed to quantify microvessel density (MVD). While T1- and T2-weighted MRI provided adequate contrast and volumetric assessment of GEO tumor growth, GFP imaging allowed for high-throughput visualization of tumor progression in vivo. Selenium treatment resulted in a significant reduction in blood volume and microvessel density of GEO tumors. A significant inhibition of tumor growth was also observed in selenium-treated animals compared to untreated control animals. Together, these results highlight the usefulness of multimodal imaging approaches to demonstrate antitumor and anti-angiogenesis efficacy and the promise of selenium treatment of colon cancer.     

Choledochocele with pancreas divisum:A rare cooccurrence diagnosed on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography

We report a case of a 42-year-old male with symptomatic choledochocele and incidental pancreas divisum diagnosed with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Small choledochocele is rare congenital malformation associated with non-specific symptoms and a delay in diagnosis. The coexistence of choledochocele and pancreas divisum is extremely rare with only two case reports published in literature. In both cases MRCP failed to diagnose any biliary or pancreatic abnormality. This case suggests that the patients with recurrent abdominal pain and pancreas divisum should not be presumed to be suffering from pancreatitis. Careful evaluated for additional anomalies in the biliary tree should be sought for refractory symptoms. MRCP is a useful one-stop-shop for diagnosing pancreatic and biliary ductal anomalies.     

Neem oil poisoning

We report an unusual case of neem oil poisoning in a previously normal 5 year old child. The child presented with refractory seizures and was having metabolic acidosis. Late neurological sequelae in the form of auditory and visual disturbances, and ataxia were present.     

Regulation of motility,invasion, and metastatic potential of squamous cell carcinoma by 1α,25‐dihydroxycholecalciferol

BACKGROUND:

The active metabolite of vitamin D 1α,25‐dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25D₃) has exhibited broad‐spectrum antitumor activity in xenograft animal models. However, its activity against metastatic disease has not been extensively investigated.

METHODS:

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or 1,25D₃‐resistant variant SCC‐DR cells were treated with 1,25D₃. Actin organization was examined by immunofluorescence assay. Cell migration was assessed by “wound” healing and chemotactic migration assays. Cell invasion was assessed by a Matrigel‐based invasion assay and in situ zymography. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2) and MMP‐9 expression and secretion were examined by immunoblot analysis and an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. E‐cadherin expression was assessed by flow cytometry, immunoblot analysis, and immunohistochemistry. Knockdown of E‐cadherin was achieved by small interfering RNA. An experimental metastasis mouse model was created by intravenous injection of tumor cells; and lung tumor development in the mice was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, gross observation, and histology.

RESULTS:

SCC cellular morphology and actin organization were altered by 10 nM 1,25D₃. 1,25D₃ inhibited SCC cell motility and invasion, which were associated with reduced expression and secretion of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9, and 1,25D₃ promoted the expression of E‐cadherin. These findings were not observed in SCC‐DR cells. Knock down of E‐cadherin rescued 1,25D₃‐inhibited cell migration. Intravenous injection of SCC or SCC‐DR cells resulted in the establishment of extensive pulmonary lesions in saline‐treated C3H mice. Treatment with 1,25D₃ resulted in a marked reduction in the formation of lung tumor colonies in mice that were injected with SCC cells, but not in mice that were injected with SCC‐DR cells.

CONCLUSIONS:

1,25D₃ suppressed SCC cell motility, invasion, and metastasis, partially through the promotion of E‐cadherin‐mediated cell‐cell adhesion. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.     

Isolated Ventricular Septal Rupture Caused by Non-Penetrating Trauma to the Chest

Cardiac injury following blunt trauma is an important cause of morbidity and mortality and is often unsuspected. Isolated chamber rupture and valvular injury are infrequent but recognized consequences of non-penetrating trauma. The diagnosis is generally based on clinical and ECG findings and is further confirmed on echocardiography. This report describes imaging findings of isolated ventricular septal rupture as seen on MDCT.     

Post-traumatic acquired polyonychia: a rare occurrence

The majority of nail disorders are usually acquired; few are of congenital origin. Trauma to the nail unit commonly leads to dystrophy or deformity of the nail, but a division of the nail matrix can result in acquired polyonychia (split nail). Herein we describe a case of a 50-year-old male who had trauma in childhood after which he developed two nails on the right thumb. Cutaneous examination and X-ray revealed a well-defined split nail plate on the thumb. Surgery was advised but patient declined any surgical intervention. We describe this case for its rare occurrence.