Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6): a novel treatment for pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND: Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) is a naturally occurring polyphosphorylated carbohydrate found in food sources high in fiber content. IP6 has been reported to have significant inhibitory effects against a variety of primary tumors including breast and colon. The effects of IP6 have not been evaluated in pancreatic cancer. We hypothesized that IP6 would significantly inhibit cell growth and increase the apoptotic rate of pancreatic cancer in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two pancreatic cancer cell lines (MIAPACA and PANC1) were cultured using standard techniques and treated with IP6 at doses of 0.5, 1.0, and 5.0 mm. Cell viability was measured by MTT at 24 and 72 h. Apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V-FITC and results calculated using FACS analysis. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA. RESULTS: Significant reductions (P < 0.01) in cellular proliferation were observed with all IP6 concentrations tested in both cell lines and at both time points. Reductions in cell proliferation ranged from 37.1 to 91.5%. IP6 increased early and late apoptotic activity (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of pancreatic cancer with the common dietary polyphosphorylated carbohydrate IP6 significantly decreased cellular growth and increased apoptosis. Our findings suggest that IP6 has the potential to become an effective adjunct for pancreatic cancer treatment. Further in vivo and human studies are needed to evaluate safety and clinical utility of this agent in patients with pancreatic cancer.     

Multimodality plaque ablation following failure of conventional wires and balloons to cross and to allow successful paclitaxel-eluting stent implantation of a chronic total occlusion

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) is one of the most challenging coronary lesions to be faced in the catheterization laboratory. This report of a patient with stable angina and a CTO illustrates the potential problems that may arise and must be overcome, and demonstrates the utilization of technologies including the Intraluminal wire.     

Preoperative computed tomography may fail to detect patients at risk for perilymph gusher

Perilymph gusher (PG) is a very rare occurrence that can lead to an adverse outcome during inner ear surgery. In the absence of a family history of X-linked mixed deafness syndrome, surgeons may have difficulty determining if a patient is at risk preoperatively. Radiographic imaging is often performed in an attempt to identify such a possibility, but there are few data to support the value of negative studies. We conducted a retrospective study of 3 cases of PG in which findings on preoperative high-resolution computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bone had been interpreted as normal. We reviewed these CTs to discern if they did in fact demonstrate any abnormalities that might have indicated a risk of PG, and we found that the original radiologist had missed a dilated internal auditory canal and a deformity of the cochlear modiolus in the affected ear of 1 of these patients. No abnormality was detected on review of the CTs of the other 2 patients. Therefore, we conclude that negative CT findings do not necessarily rule out a risk of PG.     

Views of breastfeeding difficulties among drop-in-clinic attendees

Breast-milk is the optimum form of nutrition for the first 6 months of life. However, breastfeeding rates in the UK are low and static compared to other European countries and those in the North-west of England in the UK are even lower. Of the women who initiate breastfeeding, many cease in the first month following the birth for reasons that might be avoided. To try and prevent this, UNICEF Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) 'Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding' state that maternity facilities should foster the development of support groups for breastfeeding women. The aim of the present study was to describe breastfeeding difficulties reported by women who attended the infant feeding clinic at a Women's Hospital in the North-west of England. During the study period, the clinic was attended mainly by primiparous mothers who were educated beyond 18 years of age and of higher socio-economic status. They presented with a variety of problems including baby not latching on, concerns about baby's weight gain/loss, sore nipples and advice about expressing milk in preparation for return to work. The women highlighted the importance of meeting other mothers and having someone to talk to who understood what they were going through. Inconsistent information/lack of detailed knowledge from health professionals was cited as contributing to breastfeeding difficulties. A number of women reported that expert hands-on, one-to-one support, was invaluable and many felt they were able to continue breastfeeding but without the support, they may have given up.     

COX-2 inhibition demonstrates potent anti-proliferative effects on bladder cancer in vitro

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to determine the in vitro effect of Rofecoxib and specific COX 1 and COX 2 inhibitors in regards to cell growth and apoptotic and necrotic activity. INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Rofecoxib (Vioxx) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) that selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The inducible isoform of COX-2 is overexpressed in many gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract tumors. We hypothesized that in vitro treatment with both COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors would significantly reduce cellular proliferation of bladder cancer cells by apoptotic pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two human bladder cancer cell lines were grown in culture using standard techniques and treated with Rofecoxib at doses ranging from 125 microg/well serially diluted down to 8.0 microg/well. Catechin (COX 1 inhibitor) and NS398 (COX 2 inhibitor) were used at doses of 50 and 100 microM. Cell viability was measured by MTT at 24 and 72 h. Apoptosis was evaluated by the Annexin V FITC Assay. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA. RESULTS: Rofecoxib, Catechin, and NS398 all exhibited significant inhibition of cell growth when compared to the nontreated controls. Significant changes in apoptotic activity were observed in all agents tested in both the T24 and the TCCSUP cells. CONCLUSIONS: Selective COX-2 inhibition, using the well-tolerated and commercially available Rofecoxib (VIOXX) and specific COX 1 and 2 inhibitors, reduced the growth of human bladder cancer in vitro by apoptotic mechanisms. Further in vivo and human studies are warranted to evaluate the safety and clinical utility of this agent in patients with bladder cancer.