Lycopene differentially induces quiescence and apoptosis in androgen-responsive and -independent prostate cancer cell lines

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Lycopene has been credited with a number of health benefits including a decrease in prostate cancer risk. Our study investigates the molecular mechanism underlying anti-cancer activity of lycopene-based products in androgen-responsive (LNCaP) and androgen-independent (PC3) cells. METHODS: The effect of lycopene-based agents on prostate cancer growth and survival were examined using proliferation assays, bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and flow cytometric analysis of cellular DNA content. Biochemical effects of lycopene treatment were investigated by immunoblotting for changes in the absolute levels and phosphorylation states of cell cycle regulatory and signalling proteins. RESULTS: LNCaP and PC3 cells treated with the lycopene-based agents undergo mitotic arrest, accumulating in G0/G1 phase. Immunoblot screening indicated that lycopene's antiproliferative effects are likely achieved through a block in G1/S transition mediated by decreased levels of cyclins D1 and E and cyclin dependent kinase 4 and suppressed Retinoblastoma phosphorylation. These responses correlated with decreased insulin-like growth factor-I receptor expression and activation, increased insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 expression and decreased AKT activation. Exposure to lycopene at doses as low as 10 nM for 48 h induced a profound apoptotic response in LNCaP cells. In contrast PC3 cells were resistant to apoptosis at doses up to 1 microM. CONCLUSIONS: Lycopene exposure can suppress phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent proliferative and survival signalling in androgen-responsive LNCaP and androgen-independent PC3 cells suggesting that the molecular mechanisms for the cytostatic and cytotoxic actions of lycopene involve induction of G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. This study supports further examination of lycopene as a potential agent for both the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.     

Neurozirkulatorische und biomechanische Übereinstimmung bei Counterstrain-Tenderpunkten an der unteren Extremität

In the field of osteopathic manipulative medicine, differentiating which manipulative method to apply requires the proper understanding of what the practitioner hopes to accomplish. The practitioner’s choice of manipulative methods should correspond to the neurocirculatory and biomechanical problem that underlies the somatic dysfunction. Classic counterstrain manipulative medicine approach requires the practitioner to press over anatomically consistent locations in the body to determine if somatic dysfunction is present. These specific areas where tenderness (nociceptive response) can be found are called tender point locations. To determine if tenderness is present, the practitioner presses the tissue with just enough force to blanch under their fingernail. In otherwise normal tissues, this force is not sufficient to elicit a tenderness response. However, a tender point exists if the patient recognizes tenderness to the applied force. This represents somatic dysfunction associated with the tender point site. Classic counterstrain methodology has not depended on specifically testing for motion restriction nor does the nomenclature of tender points specifically identify the neurocirculatory or biomechanical disturbance that underlies the somatic dysfunction. These differences exist in the lower extremities, which can lead to potential misinterpretations of the underlying problem and therapeutic approach required to treat the somatic dysfunction. This article reviews these discrepancies in order to advance the counterstrain model to be more inclusive with the neurocirculatory and biomechanical issues that are present with injuries to the lower extremities in order to improve treatment outcome and communication between healthcare practitioners in the rehabilitative process.     

The differential contribution of B and T lymphocytes to susceptibility to marek's disease in RPL line-7 chickens

The nature of genetically determined resistance or susceptibility to Marek's disease (MD) has been investigated further in the two histocom-patible chicken strains RPL line-6 (resistant) and line-7 (susceptible). Experiments involving the chemical ablation of host bursa cells and reconstitution with bursa cells from the opposing line failed to transfer susceptibility to the acute cytolytic stage of the disease or to lym-phoma formation. In contrast, transfer of line-7 thymi into neonatally thymectomised line-6 chickens rendered the recipients susceptible to lymphoma formation, as previously reported. However, a detailed study of the pathogenesis of the disease in these thymus transplant recipients suggested that their enhanced susceptibility was due not to the increased sensitivity of donor lymphocytes to infection with MD virus, but rather to their greater susceptibility to malignant transformation by the virus.     

Feasibility and morbidity of reversal of Hartmann''s

OBJECTIVE: Reversal of Hartmann's is a major surgical procedure and associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. METHOD: This study retrospectively analysed the data at a single centre over an eight-year period to assess the clinical results and morbidity of reversal of Hartmann's. RESULTS: One hundred and ten Hartmann's procedures were performed during the period. Only 66 (61%) of patients had a reversal. Advanced age and comorbidity were the primary reasons for not reversing. Complications among the 66 patients (36 males and 30 females) who underwent reversal occurred in 26 (41%). There were no deaths. Patients who underwent reversal were ASA 2 (60%), ASA 3 (25%) and ASA 4 (4.6%). Univariate analysis demonstrated a significant association between complications following reversal and ASA grade (P =0.01), and hypertension (P = 0.03) There was no correlation between the patient variables and anastomotic leakage. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant influence of hypertension, smoking and ASA grade on complications. CONCLUSIONS: About 40% of patients who undergo Hartmann's procedure will not have a reversal. Reversal is a feasible operation for selected patients, but there is a high complication rate.     

Pneumothorax preceding pulmonary blastoma in a child

Serial plain radiographic, ultrasound and CT findings of an unusual case of pulmonary blastoma are described with a review of the literature.     

Cranial ultrasound assessment of gestational age in low birthweight infants.

The anatomical features of the cerebral hemispheres of 97 infants were studied by ultrasonography. A scoring system was devised based on anatomical and ultrasound appearances and compared with gestational age calculated from the date of the mother''s last period. There was a significant positive correlation between gestational age and ultrasound score. Cranial ultrasonography is an accurate and reproducible method of assessing gestational age in low birthweight infants.