Low-power laser irradiation inhibits arecoline-induced fibrosis:an in vitro study

Oral submucous fibrosis(OSF) is a potentially malignant disorder that is characterized by a progressive fibrosis in the oral submucosa. Arecoline, an alkaloid compound of the areca nut, is reported to be a major aetiological factor in the development of OSF. Low-power laser irradiation(LPLI) has been reported to be beneficial in fibrosis prevention in different damaged organs.The aim of this study was to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of LPLI on arecoline-induced fibrosis. Arecolinestimulated human gingival fibroblasts(HGFs) were treated with or without LPLI. The expression levels of the fibrotic marker genes alpha-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF/CCN2) were analysed by quantitative realtime reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and western blots. In addition, the transcriptional activity of CCN2 was further determined by a reporter assay. The results indicated that arecoline increased the messenger RNA and protein expression of CCN2 and α-SMA in HGF. Interestingly, both LPLI and forskolin, an adenylyl cyclase activator, reduced the expression of arecoline-mediated fibrotic marker genes and inhibited the transcriptional activity of CCN2. Moreover, pretreatment with SQ22536, an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor, blocked LPLI's inhibition of the expression of arecoline-mediated fibrotic marker genes. Our data suggest that LPLI may inhibit the expression of arecoline-mediated fibrotic marker genes via the c AMP signalling pathway.

Factors associated with seeking western or Chinese medical treatment for fertility among women with breast cancer in Taiwan

OBJECTIVE: To examine and describe the use of Western and Chinese Medicine for pregnancy preparation among women with breast cancer after cancer-related treatment in Taiwan.METHODS: Women of reproductive age(20-49years) women who were treated for breast cancer from January 2011 through June 2015 in a Taiwan Residents city participated in the study. Of 306 eligible study participants, interviews were completed in197(64%). Participants were asked about sociodemographic variables, disease and treatment characteristics, their desire for fertility, and their use of Western or Chinese Medicine.RESULTS: The proportions of women who planned to use Western or Chinese Medicine to help achieve pregnancy were 17.3% and 14.7%, respectively. The result of binary logistic regression showed that current employment and lack of children were factors predictive of the use of Western Medicine. Younger age and the use of Chinese Medicine before treatment were predictors of using Chinese Medicine. While the desire for fertility preservation was related to the use of Western Medicine,the desire for pregnancy was related to the use of Chinese Medicine.CONCLUSION: Various characteristics guided the women's decisions to use Western or Chinese Medicine. Health care providers should learn patients' preferences for fertility preservation and provide appropriate advice, referring them to safe providers of their desired method of fertility treatment.