Chromatin modifying agents - the cutting edge of anticancer therapy

Chromatin modifying compounds are emerging as the next generation of anticancer therapies. By altering gene expression they could be able to correct uncontrolled proliferation and, in certain cases, aberrant apoptotic pathways, which are hallmarks of malignant cells. The modulation of gene expression is regulated via chromatin remodelling processes that include DNA methylation and chromatin modifications. The identification of aberrant methylation of genes and dysregulated histone acetylation status in cancer cells provides a basis for novel epigenetic therapies. Currently available chromatin modifying agents, a group that includes DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors, exert anticancer effects by reactivating tumour suppressor genes, inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis. It is anticipated that massive parallel sequencing will identify new epigenetic targets for drug development.     

Critical Appraisal on the Role and Outcome of Emergency Colectomy for Uncomplicated Right-sided Colonic Diverticulitis

Background Emergency colectomy is well accepted for treating complicated right-sided colonic diverticulitis. However, the role of colectomy for uncomplicated diverticulitis is not well defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term and long-term surgical outcome of uncomplicated right-sided diverticulitis in our locality. Patients and Methods Retrospective chart review of patients operated for right-sided diverticulitis over a 20-year period was conducted. Recurrent attacks of right-sided diverticulitis, re-operation rate and re-hospitalisation rate were the long-term parameters of interest. An updated telephone interview was carried out for all surviving patients. Results Seventy-four patients (35 males and 39 females), median age 35.5 (range 16–70) years, were operated for uncomplicated diverticulitis. Thirty patients underwent colectomy, whereas the others underwent appendectomy with diverticulectomy (n = 8) or appendectomy alone (n = 36). All short-term parameters were less favourable for the colectomy group, including higher complication rate, slower return of gastrointestinal function, higher requirement of parenteral analgesic and longer hospital stay. Without colectomy, only 2 patients developed recurrent diverticulitis necessitating hospitalisation, both of whom resolved on conservative treatment. On the other hand, 1 patient required re-operation after colectomy because of intestinal obstruction. The overall re-hospitalisation rate was comparable between the colectomy and the non-colectomy group (16.7% vs. 13.6%). Conclusions Emergency colectomy can eradicate suspicious lesions and eliminate risk of recurrent diverticulitis but at the expense of higher morbidity rates. As the natural course of uncomplicated right-sided colonic diverticulitis is usually benign, conservative treatment with minimal surgery may be a better therapeutic option.     

地西泮-聚羟基丁酸酯-羟基戊酸酯共聚物缓释微球制备与性质

目的 :探索以新型生物可降解材料聚羟基丁酸酯 羟基戊酸酯共聚物 (PHBV)为载体的地西泮药物中长期缓释微球制备工艺 ;方法 :以溶剂蒸发法制备微球 ,用扫描电镜SEM观察微球表面及内部横断面形态结构 ;结果 :微球的平均粒径为 3 0 .5μm ,平均载药量 (1 8.66± 0 .2 3 ) % ,包封率 (80 .85± 1 .0 1 ) %。体外释放第一天呈突释效应 ,而后药物释放基本符合零级动力学过程 .其释放曲线方程为 Q =2 0 .55 2 .3 99t,r=0 .9569;结论 :开发与研制PHBV为载体的中长期缓释微球具有较好应用前景。