Coumarins, which occur naturally in the plant kingdom, are diverse class of secondary metabolites. With their antiproliferative, chemopreventive and antiangiogenetic properties, they can be used in the treatment of cancer. Their... more
Coumarins, which occur naturally in the plant kingdom, are diverse class of secondary metabolites. With their antiproliferative, chemopreventive and antiangiogenetic properties, they can be used in the treatment of cancer. Their therapeutic potential depends on the type and location of the attachment of substituents to the ring. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the effect of simple coumarins (osthole, umbelliferone, esculin, and 4-hydroxycoumarin) combined with sorafenib (specific inhibitor of Raf (Rapidly Accelerated Fibrosarcoma) kinase) in programmed death induction in human glioblastoma multiforme (T98G) and anaplastic astrocytoma (MOGGCCM) cells lines. Osthole and umbelliferone were isolated from fruits: Mutellina purpurea L. and Heracleum leskowii L., respectively, while esculin and 4-hydroxycoumarin were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA). Apoptosis, autophagy and necrosis were identified microscopically after straining with specific fluorochr...
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Background: Regardless of contemporary improvements in cancer treatment, the results of drug treatment are not always efficacious. Thus, the development of novel approaches that affect cancer cell-specific metabolic pathways is needed.... more
Background: Regardless of contemporary improvements in cancer treatment, the results of drug treatment are not always efficacious. Thus, the development of novel approaches that affect cancer cell-specific metabolic pathways is needed. Since much evidence has shown that tumor cell proliferation and motility are stimulated by glutamate via activation of its receptors, use of antagonists to these receptors may be the key to control cancer cell progression. Riluzole noncompetitive metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1) antagonist, commonly used to treat patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has shown some antineoplastic properties against melanoma, breast and prostate cancer. Yet little is known about its molecular mode of action. Aims: The current study aims at evaluating the abilities of Riluzole to inhibit proliferation of several cancer cell lines, as well as resolve the mechanism of its action. Method: We demonstrated antiproliferative and antimigrative properties...
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The percentage of people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases is constantly increasing, because of that searching for substances able to prevent or inhibit neuronal death sseems to be reasonable. Because of the high popularity the... more
The percentage of people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases is constantly increasing, because of that searching for substances able to prevent or inhibit neuronal death sseems to be reasonable. Because of the high popularity the search of new neuroprotective agents we started from Cantharellus cibarius. Neuroprotective properties of C. cibarius polysaccharides fractions was investigated in different models of neurodegeneration including trophic stress, excitotoxicity and andoxidative stress. Fractions influence on neurons viability was examined using Neurite Outgrowth Staining, MTT and LDH tests, while antioxidant capacity was determined by commercial antioxidant assays. Performed studies revealed beneficial effect of C. cibarius fractions (CC2a, CC3) on neurons viability and neurite outgrowth in normal and different stress conditions. Both tested fractions have shown antioxidant capacity and effectively neutralize the negative changes induced by glutamatergic system activato...
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Glutamate receptors are widely expressed in different types of cancer cells. α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptors are ionotropic glutamate receptors which are coupled to intracellular signaling pathways that... more
Glutamate receptors are widely expressed in different types of cancer cells. α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptors are ionotropic glutamate receptors which are coupled to intracellular signaling pathways that influence cancer cell survival, proliferation and migration. Blockade of AMPA receptors by pharmacologic compounds may potentially constitute an effective tool in anticancer treatment strategies. Here we investigated impact of the AMPA receptor antagonist CFM-2 on the expression of the protein survivin, which is known to promote cancer cell survival and proliferation. We show that CFM-2 inhibits survivin expression at mRNA and protein levels and decreases viability of cancer cells. Using a stably transfected cell line which overexpresses survivin, we demonstrate that over-expression of survivin enhances cancer cell viability and attenuates CFM-2-mediated inhibition of cancer cell growth. These findings point towards suppression of survivin expression...
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Numerous studies indicate the crucial role of natural killer (NK) cells in the prevention of tumor growth and inhibition of their metastasis, which suggests the possibility of their use in cancer treatment. This therapeutic strategy... more
Numerous studies indicate the crucial role of natural killer (NK) cells in the prevention of tumor growth and inhibition of their metastasis, which suggests the possibility of their use in cancer treatment. This therapeutic strategy required finding a selective NK cell stimulator that, upon administration, did not disturb organism homeostasis, unlike natural activators (interleukin-2 or interleukin-12). Because the majority of anticancer agents derived from Basidiomycetes are able to stimulate lymphocytes, we describe the influence of Boletus edulis RNA on a human NK cell line (NK92). Our studies showed that a B. edulis RNA fraction was not toxic against NK92 cells. Furthermore, the tested fraction significantly stimulated NK92 cell proliferation and their cytotoxicity against tumor cells. We demonstrate here, to our knowledge for the first time, that B. edulis RNA enhances NK cell activity and possesses immunomodulatory potential.
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In the present study, ergosterol peroxide and ergosterol were isolated for the first time from fresh fruit bodies of Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca (False Chanterelle). The substances were characterized mainly by spectroscopic methods (¹H-NMR,... more
In the present study, ergosterol peroxide and ergosterol were isolated for the first time from fresh fruit bodies of Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca (False Chanterelle). The substances were characterized mainly by spectroscopic methods (¹H-NMR, (13)C-NMR, DEPT-45, DEPT-90, DEPT-135, 2D-NMR). In our study, a new specific thin layer chromatographic method was developed for determination of ergosterol and ergosterol peroxide in H. aurantiaca extract. The method is based on the separation of n-hexane extract on silica gel (Silica Gel G) TLC plates using the optimized solvent system toluene/ethyl acetate (3:1; v/v). The main advantages of the developed method are the simplicity of operation and the low cost. The in vitro study results revealed the antiproliferative properties of ergosterol peroxide against LS180 human colon cancer cells. The described effect was attributed both to altered mitochondrial activity and decreased DNA synthesis. Additionally, in the same concentration range the inve...
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Kynurenic acid is an antagonist of ionotropic glutamate receptors. It has been found that glutamate antagonists inhibit proliferation of different human tumor cells. Since the hyperplasia of synovial fibroblasts is one of the most... more
Kynurenic acid is an antagonist of ionotropic glutamate receptors. It has been found that glutamate antagonists inhibit proliferation of different human tumor cells. Since the hyperplasia of synovial fibroblasts is one of the most striking features of inflammatory arthritis, the main goals of this study were detection and quantification of kynurenic acid in synovial fluid obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and determination of its effect on proliferation of synoviocytes in vitro. Presence of kynurenic acid was determined by HPLC in all 58 samples of synovial fluid. The mean concentration was 15.89 pmol/ml. Kynurenic acid inhibited synoviocyte proliferation with the IC50 value of 5.9 mM. In subthreshold concentration of 0.3 mM it enhanced antiproliferative action of celecoxib and nimesulide. In conclusion, the presence of kynurenic acid in synovial fluid was documented in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Its potential role as an endogenous substance, controlling synoviocyte proliferation can be suggested.
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Despite the large popularity of the Boletus edulis mushroom, little is known about its influence on human health and the possibilities of its therapeutic use.
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Research Interests: Cancer, Confocal Microscopy, Humans, Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and 8 moreBenzodiazepines, Memantine, Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase, Anticancer, Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC), Cell Proliferation, Glutamate Receptor, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
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The hyperplasia of synovial fibroblasts is considered to be essential for the evolution of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previously, we reported that anti-rheumatic drugs, both COX inhibitors and disease-modifying... more
The hyperplasia of synovial fibroblasts is considered to be essential for the evolution of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previously, we reported that anti-rheumatic drugs, both COX inhibitors and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs inhibit proliferation of synoviocytes in vitro. The presented study investigates the effect of anti-epileptic drugs on the viability and proliferation of synovial fibroblasts in vitro. Experiments were conducted on human synoviocytes derived from an RA patient and rabbit synoviocytes cell line HIG-82. Cell proliferation and viability were assessed by means of BrdU assay and MTT assay, respectively. The IC50 value (the concentration of drug necessary to induce 50% inhibition) together with confidence limits was calculated. Carbamazepine inhibited proliferation of human fibroblasts and viability of HIG-82 with IC 50 values of 86 µM and 82 µM, respectively. Diphenylhydantoin, valproate and phenobarbital inhibited viability of HIG-82 cells with the IC50 values of 110, 500 and 1031 µM, respectively. Based on these findings, it can be suggested that anti-epileptic drugs may have a disease-modifying effect on rheumatoid synovial proliferation.
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Research Interests: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cell line, In Vitro, Animals, Benzodiazepines, and 14 moreEuropean, Methotrexate, Diclofenac, Cell Proliferation, Pyrazoles, Naproxen, Cell Survival, Confidence Limit, Minimum inhibitory concentration, Glutamate Receptor, MTT assay, Synovial membrane, Sulfonamides, and Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences
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Growth of human leiomyomas can probably be initiated as a response to injury, in a way similar to the development of keloids. Among many bioactive molecules, which are implicated in tissue repair, a pivotal role is attributed to... more
Growth of human leiomyomas can probably be initiated as a response to injury, in a way similar to the development of keloids. Among many bioactive molecules, which are implicated in tissue repair, a pivotal role is attributed to matricellular proteins. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of tenascin-C (TNC), thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), SPARC/osteonectin and tenascin-X (TNX) in human uterine leiomyomas and normal myometrium. Immunostaining was performed on 33 pairs of paraffin-fixed sections and 9 cell-lines derived from uterine leiomyomas and normal myometrium. Fifteen (45.5%) leiomyomas investigated were positive for TNC, whereas all normal myometrial samples were immunonegative (χ²=19.41; p<0.001). Immunostaining for TSP-1 was observed in 20 (60.6%) uterine fibroids and in 12 (36.4%) control samples (χ²=3.88; p<0.05). The expression of SPARC/osteonectin protein was more frequently found in leiomyomas than in normal myometrium, but this difference was not significant. Apart from one fibroid culture and one myometrial culture, all the others revealed strong TNC immunostaining. Expression of TSP-1 and SPARC/osteonectin was weak to moderate in all established cell-lines. None of the tissues or cell lines investigated showed positive staining for TNX. In conclusion, TSP-1 and TNC are likely to play important roles in the pathogenesis of uterine leiomyomas, presumably affecting cell proliferation and/or extracellular matrix deposition.
Research Interests: Humans, Female, Clinical Sciences, Middle Aged, Osteonectin, and 5 moreAdult, Leiomyoma, Myometrium, Tenascin, and Thrombospondin
Quercetin, one of the major flavonoids, exhibits many beneficial effects on human organism as antihistamine, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antiviral drug. It is recommended as supplement of healthy diet but still the... more
Quercetin, one of the major flavonoids, exhibits many beneficial effects on human organism as antihistamine, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antiviral drug. It is recommended as supplement of healthy diet but still the knowledge of its beneficial effect on normal cells is not satisfactory. We decided to examine the effect of flavonoid on neurons morphology and their susceptibility to cell death. Fractal analysis of rat neurons revealed that 24 hours long incubation with quercetin diminished neuronal arborisation in cortical neurons. Neurons also appeared to be very sensitive to cell death after flavonoid treatment in concentration dependent manner. Over 50% of cells died after incubation with 15 mu/ml of flavonoid while 1 mu/ ml of quercetin induced cell death only in 5%. Staining with Hoechst 33342 and propidium ioidide revealed the two types of cell death: apoptosis and necrosis. The number of apoptotic cells was comparable with necrotic ones. These results suggest toxic effect of quercetin on neurons what should be taken into consideration in further studies on using quercetin as therapeutic agent.
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2-Oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH) of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle is often implied to be inactive in cancer, but this was not experimentally tested. We addressed the question through specific inhibition of OGDH by succinyl... more
2-Oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH) of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle is often implied to be inactive in cancer, but this was not experimentally tested. We addressed the question through specific inhibition of OGDH by succinyl phosphonate (SP). SP action on different cancer cells was investigated using indicators of cellular viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS), metabolic profiling and transcriptomics. Relative sensitivity of various cancer cells to SP changed with increasing SP exposure and could differ in the ATP- and NAD(P)H-based assays. Glioblastoma responses to SP revealed metabolic sub-types increasing or decreasing cellular ATP/NAD(P)H ratio under OGDH inhibition. Cancer cell homeostasis was perturbed also when viability indicators were SP-resistant, e.g. in U87 and N2A cells. The transcriptomics database analysis showed that the SP-sensitive cells, such as A549 and T98G, exhibit the lowest expression of OGDH compared to other TCA cycle enzymes, associated with hi...
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Summary The aims of the study were determining the median cytotoxicity indicate (IC 50 ), nature of cell death (apoptosis/ necrosis), assessment and morphology of changes observed in FAO cell line culture of hepatocytes subjected to... more
Summary The aims of the study were determining the median cytotoxicity indicate (IC 50 ), nature of cell death (apoptosis/ necrosis), assessment and morphology of changes observed in FAO cell line culture of hepatocytes subjected to ionophore antibiotics, salinomycin and lasalocid, incubations. INVTTOX recommended MTT, NRU and KB cytotoxicity tests were used to research mitochondrial, protein synthesis and cell proliferation.
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2-(2,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)thieno-1,3-thiazin-4-ones are a group of new compounds with potential anticancer activity. This type of derivatives was poorly investigated in the area of synthesis and biological activities. In the present study... more
2-(2,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)thieno-1,3-thiazin-4-ones are a group of new compounds with potential anticancer activity. This type of derivatives was poorly investigated in the area of synthesis and biological activities. In the present study the antiproliferative action of the most active derivative BChTT was described. The aim of biological evaluation was to investigate the ability of the compound to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and identify mechanism involved in its action on the molecular level. BChTT inhibited the proliferation of lung cancer A549, colon cancer HT-29 and glioma C6 cells in the concentration-dependent manner. It was not toxic to normal cells including skin fibroblasts, hepatocytes and oligodendrocytes in the antiproliferative concentrations. BChTT decreased the DNA synthesis in the treated cancer cells and induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. Moreover, the ability of the compound to activate p38 kinase and decrease cyclin D1 expression was estimated. Participation of p38 kinase in the antiproliferative action of the compound was confirmed by the analysis of BChTT activity in the cells with the p38 silenced gene. The obtained results may suggest the ability of the tested derivative to inhibit cancer cells proliferation by induction of p38-mediated cyclin D1 downregulation.
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The anticancer activity of ethanol extract isolated from Goji berry (EEGB) on T47D human breast cancer cell line has been reported. Cell viability and cell proliferation were examined with the use of BrdU, MTT and NR methods. Induction of... more
The anticancer activity of ethanol extract isolated from Goji berry (EEGB) on T47D human breast cancer cell line has been reported. Cell viability and cell proliferation were examined with the use of BrdU, MTT and NR methods. Induction of apoptosis was assessed by propidium iodide and Hoechst 33342 staining. Expression of genes involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle control and regulation of transcription was estimated using Western blotting analysis. EEGB inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells in a time-, and dose-dependent manner. The study confirmed the lack of EEGB cytotoxic activity to normal human skin fibroblasts. Western blot analysis demonstrated an increase in pro-apoptotic and a decrease in anti-apoptotic proteins' expression in cells treated with the extract. Anticancer activity and lack of toxicity against normal cells indicate a chemopreventive potential of Goji berries in breast cancer treatment.
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The cytoprotective effect of silibinin in course of cytotoxicity induced by lasalocid had been measured in rat hepatoma FaO cell line. In the course of the study, MTT test (cellular metabolism), coomassie brillant blue binding test - CBB... more
The cytoprotective effect of silibinin in course of cytotoxicity induced by lasalocid had been measured in rat hepatoma FaO cell line. In the course of the study, MTT test (cellular metabolism), coomassie brillant blue binding test - CBB (total cellular proteins), and LDH release test (membrane integrity) were applied. In addition, changes in the cell morphology after 24 h treatment were observed by light microscopy. The effective concentrations, EC50 were quantified for each compound alone, whereas the nature of their co-action was assessed by isobologram plotting. Lasalocid EC50 ranged from 4 to 10 μM and microphotographs showed significant morphological changes of the cells after 24 h exposure. Silibinin EC50 ranged from 40 to 42 μM for MTT and CBB assays, and 63 μM for LDH assay, and no significant morphological changes occurred. When lasalocid EC50 was used in combination with silibinin in 1-250 μM concentrations, the EC50 values were plotted at 36 μM and 72 μM in MTT and LDH a...
The aim of the work was to determine monensin, narasin hepatotoxicity and the nature of cell death. Rat hepatocyte model cell line (FAO) was used to investigate two ionophore antibiotic cytotoxic effects estimated by MTT, NRU and KB tests... more
The aim of the work was to determine monensin, narasin hepatotoxicity and the nature of cell death. Rat hepatocyte model cell line (FAO) was used to investigate two ionophore antibiotic cytotoxic effects estimated by MTT, NRU and KB tests approved by INVITTOX. Additionally, the apoptotic/necrotic nature of cell death was determined by propiodine iodide and HO 342 staining of the cultured hapatocytes. IC50 indices for monensin and narasine estimated by using the MTT test during a 24 hour incubation period were at a level of 0,027 ± 0,001 µM and 0,037 ± 0,001 µM, respectively. However, an incubation period of 48 hrs yielded an equal value - 0,02 µM - for both ionophores. Contrary to the MTT test, NRU and KB estimations demonstrated lower IC50 values for narasine than for monensin. These results correlated to in-vivo acute toxicity and LD50 indices in rats (data from references). The apoptotic nature of hepatocyte death dominated in the cultures. The article also discussed the mechanis...
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We reported the synthesis and characterization of a series of azolo- and azino[1,3]thiazinones containing the 2,4-dihydroxyphenyl substituent. The compounds were prepared by a new one-step reaction of aryl-modified... more
We reported the synthesis and characterization of a series of azolo- and azino[1,3]thiazinones containing the 2,4-dihydroxyphenyl substituent. The compounds were prepared by a new one-step reaction of aryl-modified sulfinylbis[(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)methanethione]s and the corresponding aminoazolo(azino)carboxamides. Their chemical structures were confirmed by IR, NMR: (1)H, (13)C, HSQC, and EI-MS spectral data. The compounds inhibited proliferation and viability of lung cancer A549, colon cancer HT-29, and glioma C6 cells in a structure- and concentration-dependent manner. The activity of some analogues was below 10 μmol dm(-3) (IC50). Glioma C6 cells were the most sensitive to tested compounds. Generally, the derivatives were not toxic for the skin fibroblast HSF culture. Moreover, some of them exerted a protective effect on the treated normal cells. Evaluation of compound properties in silico showed that they possess significant drug-like characteristics and most of them display a ...
The discovery of anticancer activity of glutamate antagonists provides new challenges for cancer biologists and the pharmaceutical industry. One crucial issue to resolve is determining whether glutamate antagonists exert similar... more
The discovery of anticancer activity of glutamate antagonists provides new challenges for cancer biologists and the pharmaceutical industry. One crucial issue to resolve is determining whether glutamate antagonists exert similar anticancer activityin vivo. It will be important to decipher the molecular pathways that glutamate antagonists utilize to limit tumor growth, invasiveness, and migration. The electrophysiological and binding properties of glutamate
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Despite recent improvements in treatment strategies, the results of chemotherapy in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx are not satisfactory. Thus, the development of new approaches which influence specific... more
Despite recent improvements in treatment strategies, the results of chemotherapy in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx are not satisfactory. Thus, the development of new approaches which influence specific metabolic pathways are needed. In the last decade, evidence has emerged implicating a role for glutamate as a signal mediator in tumors. The presence of glutamate receptor subunits in two laryngeal cancer cell lines (RK33 and RK45) was evaluated by means of end-point PCR, real-time PCR, and immunocytochemistry. Glutamate receptor subunits are differentially expressed in laryngeal cancer cell lines. In addition, we show that selected ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists and metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 antagonist inhibit proliferation of laryngeal cancer cells. Glutamate antagonists also affected activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 in tumor cells. Signaling through glutamate receptors may influence growth of laryngeal cancer ce...
Research Interests: Cancer, Confocal Microscopy, Humans, Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and 8 moreBenzodiazepines, Memantine, Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase, Anticancer, Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC), Cell Proliferation, Glutamate Receptor, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
Parthenolide is a major sesquiterpene lactone derived from feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) with known anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, the anticancer potential of this compound was suggested. In this study, we determined the effect... more
Parthenolide is a major sesquiterpene lactone derived from feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) with known anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, the anticancer potential of this compound was suggested. In this study, we determined the effect of parthenolide on proliferation of three human cancer cell lines: human lung carcinoma (A549), human medulloblastoma (TE671), human colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro. Cell proliferation was assessed by means of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The IC(50) value (the concentration of drug necessary to induce 50% inhibition) together with confidence limits was calculated. Parthenolide inhibited proliferation of all three types of cancer cells (A549, TE671, HT-29) and HUVEC with the following IC(50) values (in muM): 4.3, 6.5, 7.0 and 2.8, respectively. Thus, the antiproliferative potential of parthenolide was confirmed.
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Amidrazones ñ hydrazones of acid amides as well as their derivatives have not been widely applied as therapeutics so far, although they exhibit significant biological activities eg antibacterial [1], antituberculitic [2, 3], antitumorus... more
Amidrazones ñ hydrazones of acid amides as well as their derivatives have not been widely applied as therapeutics so far, although they exhibit significant biological activities eg antibacterial [1], antituberculitic [2, 3], antitumorus [4], antibacillary [5]. Amidrazones are also used for ...
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4BrABT (2-(4-Bromophenylamino)-5-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole) is a compound known for its interesting in vitro anticancer profile. 4BrABT inhibited proliferation and motility of several cancer cell lines in concentrations... more
4BrABT (2-(4-Bromophenylamino)-5-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole) is a compound known for its interesting in vitro anticancer profile. 4BrABT inhibited proliferation and motility of several cancer cell lines in concentrations which were not toxic to normal cells. A major problem associated with cancer chemotherapy, but also caused by environmental factors such as pesticides, is neurotoxicity. Therefore, the aim of the presented study was an in vitro evaluation of the neuroprotective activity of this compound. 4BrABT activity (1-100 μM) was tested in cultures of mouse neurons, rat astrocytes and rat oligodendrocytes. A possible protective action of the compound in different neurodegenerative models, as serum deprivation (SD), excitotoxicity (presence of 500 μM glutamate in culture medium), as well as cisplatin toxicity (astroglia--50 μM and oligodendroglia--100 μM) was investigated. Cell viability in the tested cultures was assessed with the use of LDH and MTT methods. Moreov...
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Cancer chemoprevention is defined as the application of natural or synthetic agents to suppress or reverse cancer development and progression. In this field especially diet derived compounds have recently attracted researchers'... more
Cancer chemoprevention is defined as the application of natural or synthetic agents to suppress or reverse cancer development and progression. In this field especially diet derived compounds have recently attracted researchers' attention as potential therapeutics generally exerting low toxicity compared with regular drugs. This review presents a survey of recent findings concerning the most promising dietary chemopreventive agents such as green tea polyphenols (i.e. catechins), long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, glucosinolates/isothiocyanates, vitamins (i.e. vitamin D and folate) and minerals (i.e. calcium and selenium). Molecular targets involved in intrinsic pathways affected by these natural compounds are also shortly discussed.
Basidiomycete mushrooms represent a valuable source of biologically active compounds with anticancer properties. This feature is primarily attributed to polysaccharides and their derivatives. The anticancer potential of polysaccharides is... more
Basidiomycete mushrooms represent a valuable source of biologically active compounds with anticancer properties. This feature is primarily attributed to polysaccharides and their derivatives. The anticancer potential of polysaccharides is linked to their origin, composition and chemical structure, solubility and method of isolation. Moreover, their activity can be significantly increased by chemical modifications. Anticancer effects of polysaccharides can be expressed indirectly (immunostimulation) or directly (cell proliferation inhibition and/or apoptosis induction). Among the wide range of polysaccharides with documented anticancer properties, lentinan, polysaccharide-K (PSK) and schizophyllan deserve special attention. These polysaccharides for many years have been successfully applied in cancer treatment and their mechanism of action is the best known.
Surgical procedures using synthetic implants are currently considered as the most efficient therapy for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Insertion of the tape or mesh causes enhanced collagen synthesis... more
Surgical procedures using synthetic implants are currently considered as the most efficient therapy for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Insertion of the tape or mesh causes enhanced collagen synthesis that largely affects the biomechanical property of the implant. This process is significantly modulated by estrogens and improper wound healing and treatment failure may result in hypoestrogenism. The aim of the study was to assess the rate of collagen type II synthesis by pubocervical fascia fibroblasts cultured with polypropylene meshes in the presence of estrogens and tamoxifen. Fibroblasts were obtained from pubo-cervical fascia sampled from a 52-year-old premenopausal woman who underwent surgical treatment for SUI and cultured with monofilament or multifilament polypropylene meshes in the presence of 17B-estradiol, estriol, daidzein or tamoxifen. The cultures were run for 216 hr and the media were replaced every 72hr N-terminal propeptide of type...
Research Interests: Humans, Female, Fascia, Tamoxifen, Middle Aged, and 3 morePolypropylenes, Estradiol, and fibroblasts
Aqueous extract of Inonotus obliquus was hydrolyzed in dilute hydrochloric acid. The products were extracted applying organic solvents, and separated chromatographically on a silica gel-packed column. Eluted fractions were analyzed by... more
Aqueous extract of Inonotus obliquus was hydrolyzed in dilute hydrochloric acid. The products were extracted applying organic solvents, and separated chromatographically on a silica gel-packed column. Eluted fractions were analyzed by means of GC-MS. The presence of hydrocarbons, alcohols, phenols and various carbonyl compounds in analyzed fractions has been detected and quantified. Preliminarily experiments on the influence of certain separated samples on the proliferation of A549 human lung carcinoma cells were performed. Therefore, we hypothesize that the major antiproliferative effects are related to the presence of benzaldehyde, which is a benzyl alcohol metabolite formed in situ in the cells culture with the yield moderated by the presence of trace amounts of "high molecular mass compounds".