The role of turmerones on curcumin transportation and P-glycoprotein activities in intestinal Caco-2 cells

The rhizome of Curcuma longa (turmeric) is often used in Asia as a spice and as a medicine. Its most well-studied component, curcumin, has been shown to exhibit poor bioavailability in animal studies and clinical trials. We hypothesized that the presence of lipophilic components (e.g., turmerones) in turmeric extract would affect the absorption of curcumin. The effects of turmerones on curcumin transport were evaluated in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. The roles of turmerones on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activities and mRNA expression were also evaluated. Results showed that in the presence of α- and aromatic turmerones, the amount of curcumin transported into the Caco-2 cells in 2 hours was significantly increased. α-Turmerone and verapamil (a P-gp inhibitor) significantly inhibited the efflux of rhodamine-123 and digoxin (i.e., inhibited the activity of P-gp). It is interesting that aromatic turmerone significantly increased the rhodamine-123 efflux and P-gp (MDR1 gene) mRNA expression levels. The effects of α- and aromatic turmerones on curcumin transport as well as P-gp activities were shown here for the first time. The presence of turmerones did affect the absorption of curcumin in vitro. These findings suggest the potential use of turmeric extract (including curcumin and turmerones), rather than curcumin alone, for treating diseases.     

How well do physicians recognize melanoma and other problem lesions?

The alarming increase in the incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma in the United States emphasizes the importance of its early detection and treatment. Early detection requires accurate clinical recognition of both malignant and precancerous skin lesions (dysplastic nevi). This study presents data on dermatologists' and nondermatologists' ability to diagnose skin lesions. A total of 105 nondermatologist physicians, from first-year residents to practicing physicians, and forty-eight dermatologists were asked to identify color slides or photographs of eleven cutaneous lesions, including malignant melanomas, dysplastic nevi, and innocuous lesions such as seborrheic keratoses and common moles. Diagnosis of cutaneous lesions was generally inaccurate among nondermatologists. Only 38% correctly identified four or more of the six melanomas as melanoma of any type, and 58% were unable to diagnose dysplastic nevi. Only 17% categorized their relevant training as excellent or good. Improved training in the diagnosis of skin lesions for practicing physicians and house staff is required if mortality from malignant melanoma is to be decreased in the United States.     

Unconventional therapies for cancer and cancer-related symptoms

A significant proportion of cancer patients try unconventional therapies and many use 'complementary' therapies, as adjuncts to mainstream care, for management of symptoms and to improve quality of life. A smaller proportion use 'alternative' therapies, which are typically invasive, biologically active, and commonly promoted as replacements for, rather than adjuncts to, mainstream therapy. Many alternative therapies, including high-dose vitamin C, the Di Bella regimen, and laetrile have been shown not to be effective. For others, such as metabolic therapy, evidence is extremely limited. Conversely, most complementary therapies are well studied and of proven benefit. There is evidence from randomised trials supporting the value of hypnosis for cancer pain and nausea; relaxation therapy, music therapy, and massage for anxiety; and acupuncture for nausea. Such complementary therapies are increasingly provided at mainstream cancer centres.     

Ear acupuncture for migraine

Allais G, Romoli M, Rolando S, Airola G, Castagnoli Gabellari I, Allais R, Benedetto C. Ear acupuncture in the treatment of migraine attacks: a randomized trial on the efficacy of appropriate versus inappropriate acupoints. Neurol Sci 2011; 32: S173–S5.     

Single acupuncture session does not decrease stress in women with phonotraumatic injuries

Kwong EY, Yiu EM. A preliminary study of the effect of acupuncture on emotional stress in female dysphonic speakers. J Voice 2010; 24: 719–23.