Inhibition of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma by Manilkara zapota L.stem bark in Swiss albino mice

Objective:To evaluate the antitumor activity of Manilkara zapota(M.zapota) L.stem bark against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma(EAC) in Swiss albino mice.Methods:The in vivo antitumour activity of the ethyl acetate extract of stem bark of M.zapota L.(EASM) was evaluated at 50,100 and 200 mg/kg bw against EAC using mean survival time.After administration of the extract of M.zapota,viable EAC cell count and body weight in the EAC tumour hosts were observed.The animal was also observed for improvement in the haematological parameters(e.g.,heamoglobin content,red and white blood cells count and differential cell count) after EASM treatment. Results:Intraperitoneal administration of EASM reduced viable EAC cells,increased the survival lime,and restored altered haematological parameters.Significant efficacy was observed for EASM at 100 mg/kg dose(P<0.05).Conclusions:It can be concluded that the elhyl acetate extract of stem bark of M.zapota L.possesses significant antitumour activity.

Evaluation of antitumour activity of Calotropis gigantea L.root bark against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice

Objective:To investigate experimentally the possible antitumor effect of methanol extract(ME) of Calotropis gigantea L.(C.gigantean) root bark and its petroleum ether(PEF) and chloroform(CF) soluble fractions against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma(EAC) in Swiss albino mice.Methods:The effects of ME(10 and 20 mg/kg),PEF(40 and 80 mg/kg) and CF(20 and 40 mg/kg) on the growth of EAC and life span of EAC bearing mice were studied.Hematological profile and biochemical parameters(SAI.P,SGPT and SCOT) were also estimated.Results:Results of in vivo study showed a significant decrease in viable tumor cell count and a significant increase of life span in the ME and CF treated group compared to untreated one.The life span of ME and CF treated animals was significandy(P【0.05) increased by 43.90%(20 mg ME/kg) and 57.07%(40 mg CF/kg).ME and CF brought back the hematological parameter more or less normal level.ME and CF also restored the altered levels of serum alkaline phosphatase(SALP) and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase(SGOT).Conclusions:Methanol extract(ME) of C.gigantea root bark and its chloroform soluble fraction(CF) possesses significant antitumor activity.

Bioassay of Eucalyptus extracts for anticancer activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma(eac) cells in Swiss albino mice

Objective:To evaluate the antineoplastic activity of Eucalyptus extract(EUE) against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma(EAC)in Swiss albino mice.Methods:Preliminary examination of four plant extracts(namely Eucalyptus,Costus,Azadirachla.Feroniai has been done by observing the reduction ability of number of EAC cells in previously inoculated Swiss alliino mice.Among them as EuE showed maximum capability,the whole study has been conducted with EuE only. Important parameters viz.enhancement of life span,reduction of average tumor weight etc.have been studied.In addition the effects of EuE on hematological parameters in both normal and EAC inoculated mice have been measured.Effect of EuE on normal peritoneal cells has also been studied.Results:EuE reduced tumor burden remarkably.It reduced the tumor growth rate and enhanced the life span of EAC bearing mice noticeably.It reversed back the hematological parameters towards normal,reduced the Irasplanlability of EAC cells and enhanced the immunomodulatory effects in mice.The host toxic effect of EuE in mice is minimum and mostly reversible with time.All such data have been compared with those obtained by running parallel experiments with bleomycin at dose 0.3 mg/kg(i.p.).Conclusions:The Eucalyptus extract may be considered as a potent anticancer agent for advanced researches.

High circulating D-dimers are associated with ascites and hepatocellular carcinoma in liver cirrhosis

AIM: To measure plasma D-dimer levels in cirrhotic patients with and without ascites, assessing the effect of ascites resolution in D-dimer concentration. METHODS: Seventy consecutive cirrhotic patients (M = 44, F = 26, mean age 65 years, SD ± 13), observed from October 2005 to March 2006 were enrolled. Circulating D-dimer levels were measured using a latex-enhanced, immunoturbidimetric test. In patients with ascites (n = 42) the test was repeated after ascites resolution. RESULTS: Ascites was present in 42 patients (group A) and absent in 28 (group B). Group A patients had more advanced liver disease. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was diagnosed in 14 patients and was more frequent in group B. Above normal range D-dimers were found in 45/70 patients. High D-dimers were more frequent in group A than in group B (P = 0.001). High D-dimers were associated with presence of HCC (P = 0.048) only in group B. After ascites resolution, obtained in all patients, mean D-dimer values decreased in those 34 patients with high basal levels (P = 0.007), returning to normal in 17. CONCLUSION: In patients with liver cirrhosis, ascites and HCC are the main factors associated with increased fibrinolytic activity.

Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma against the Diaphragm: Is Artificial Ascites Necessary?

Purpose: To evaluate the utility of artificial ascites induction for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of peridiaphragmatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through retrospective cohort analysis comparing characteristics and complications of peridiaphragmatic HCC without the use of artificial ascites to non-peridiaphragmatic HCC. Materials and Methods: IRB approval was obtained. From September 2003 to December 2008, 150 consecutive patients with hepatic tumors received percutaneous RFA. 110 patients had presumed HCC, and of those 21 had lesions abutting the diaphragm. Of the remaining 89 patients with non-peridiaphragmatic HCC lesions, 21 were randomly selected for the comparison group. RFA volume, major and minor complication rates, pain, technical success, and recurrence rates were compared between the two groups. Results: There was no statistical difference in RFA volume (P = 0.962), overall major complication rate (P = 0.343) and minor complication rate (P = 0.118) between the two groups. However, the peridiaphragmatic group that underwent RFA with a clustered-needle demonstrated a statistically significant higher proportion of major complications compared to the non-peridiaphragmatic clustered-needle group (P = 0.033). There was no statistical difference in pain severity (P = 0.8802) or pain location (P = 0.15). There was no statistical difference in technical success rates (P = 1), local tumor progression rates (P = 1), or time to local tumor recurrence (P = 0.67). Conclusion: Artificial ascites induction for RFA of HCC lesions adjacent to the diaphragm may not be necessary, although clustered electrode technique should be avoided in this location as they present with a higher complication rate.

Caffeic acid and protocatechuic acid modulate Nrf2 and inhibit Ehrlich ascites carcinomas in mice

Objective:To assess the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2(Nrf2)modulatory effect of caffeic acid and protocatechuic acid and determine the anti-tumor activity of these phenolic compounds against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma growth in mice.Methods:Antioxidant activity of protocatechuic acid and caffeic acid was assessed using ferric reducing antioxidant power(FRAP)and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH).Nrf2 activation potential of phenolic compounds was tested by quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction,and luciferase complementation reporter assays.In vivo efficacy was tested using the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma model.Results:FRAP and DPPH radical scavenging assays showed that caffeic acid and protocatechuic acid were more potent compared with cinnamic acid and benzoic acid.Luciferase complementation reporter assays identified caffeic acid and protocatechuic acid as the activators of Nrf2.Both caffeic acid and protocatechuic acid upregulated the expression of Nrf2 target genes heme oxygenase-1(HO-1),glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit(GCLC),and glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit(GCLM)and the activity of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1)when tested on HCT-116 cells using a cell-based assay system at 9 h.In addition,intraperitoneal administration of caffeic acid and protocatechuic acid to Ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing mice suppressed tumor growth and angiogenesis.Conclusions:Caffeic acid and protocatechuic acid can modulate Nrf2 and inhibit Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells.

Antitumor activity of Aponogeton undulatus against Ehrilich ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice

Objective:To investigate in vitro antioxidant and in vivo antitumor activity of the crude methanolic extract of Aponogeton undulatus(MAU) along with its various organic fractions.Methods:Aponogeton undulatus leaves were successively extracted using methanol(MAU)and then fractionated by chloroform,ethyl acetate(EAU) and water.The total antioxidant capacity,lipid peroxidation inhibition assay.1.1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) free radical scavenging assay and ferrous reducing power assessment were used to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the crude extract and its organic fractions.The in vivo antitumor activity is evaluated against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma(EAC) cell bearing in Swiss albino mice.Results:EAU showed the highest antioxidant capacity as(175.80±0.41)mg/g,IC_(50)value of DPPH scavenging activity was(38.84±0.02)μg/mL and also exhibited maximum lipid peroxidation inhibition activity with the IC_(50) value of(42.52±0.32)μg/mL than other fractions.The results demonstrate that reducing power of the extract was concentration dependent.In addition,EAU was administered at 50.100 and 200 mg/kg body weight respectively to EAC cell bearing mice and a significant(P<0.05)decrease in tumor volume,packed cell volume and viable cell count and also increased the life span(17.52% .42.53% and 62.05% ).Hematological profiles were restored to normal levels in MAU treated mice as compared to EAC control mice.Conclusions:The results were found to be significant and confirmed that the Aponogeton undulatus has remarkable antitumor activity with antioxidant potential.

THE INHIBITORY EFFECT OF EXTRACT OF CAMELLIA SINENSIS AND EXTRACT OF CAMELLIA PTILOPHYLLA CHANG ON DNA POLYMERASE OF EHRLICH ASCITES CARCINOMA CELLS

Objective: To detect the effect of extract of Camellia Sinensis (ECS) and extract of Camellia Ptilophylla Chang (ECPC) on DNA polymerase (Pol) of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells Methods: Referring to the method of K Ono, Pol was extracted from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells in mice Pol α, β, and γ were separated by phosphocellulose column chromatography and were identified The effect of ECPC and ECS on Pol was studied Results: ECPC and ECS were shown to inhibit the activity of Pol α, β, and γ IC 50 values of ECS on Pol α , β, and γ were 10 2μg/ml, 9 9μg/ml and 28 9μg/ml respectively IC 50 values of ECPC on Pol α, Pol β and Pol γ were 5 6μg/ml, 15μg/ml and 14 7μg/ml respectively The modes of inhibition of ECPC on Pol α, Pol β and Pol γ were noncompetitive with respect to template DNA The Ki values of ECPC on Pol α , β, and γ were 2 68±0 12μg/ml, 2 24±0 12μg/ml , 2 56±0 18μg/ml Conclusion: ECPC and ECS were shown to have inhibitory effect on DNA polymerase of tumor cells The mode of inhibition of ECPC on Pol α, Pol β and Pol γ were noncompetitive with respect to template DNA

Acanthus ilicifolius plant extract prevents DNA alterations in a transplantable Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing murine model

AIM: To investigate the chemopreventive efficacy of the Indian medicinal plant Acanthus ilicifolius L Acanthaceae in a transplantable Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)- bearing murine model. METHODS: Male Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups: Group A was the untreated normal control; Group B was the EAC control mice group that received serial, intraperitoneal (ip) inoculations of rapidly proliferating 2 x 105 viable EAC cells in 0.2 mL of sterile phosphate buffered saline; Group C was the plant extract-treated group that received the aqueous leaf extract (ALE) of the plant at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg body weight by single ip injections, once daily for 10, 20 and 30 consecutive days following tumour inoculation (ALE control); and Group D was the EAC + ALE- treatment group. The chemopreventive potential of the ALE was evaluated in a murine model by studying various biological parameters and genotoxic markers, such as tumour cell count, mean survival of the animals, haematological indices, hepatocellular histology, immunohistochemical expression of liver metallothionein (MT) protein, sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs), and DNA alterations.RESULTS: Treatment of the EAC-bearing mice with the ALE significantly (P < 0.001) reduced viable tumour cell count by 68.34% (228.7 x 106 ± 0.53) when compared to EAC control mice (72.4 x 106 ± 0.49), and restored body and organ weights almost to the normal values. ALE administration also increased (P < 0.001) mean survival of the hosts from 35 ± 3.46 d in EAC control mice to 83 ± 2.69 d in EAC + ALE-treated mice. Haematological indices also showed marked improvement with administration of ALE in EAC-bearing animals. There was a significant increase in RBC count (P < 0.001), hemoglobin percent (P < 0.001), and haematocrit value (P < 0.001) from 4.3 ± 0.12, 6.4 ± 0.93, and 17.63 ± 0.72 respectively in EAC control mice to 7.1 ± 0.13, 12.1 ± 0.77, and 30.23 ± 0.57 respectively in EAC + ALE-treated group, along with concurrent decrement (P < 0.001) in WBC count from 18.8 ± 0.54 in EAC control to 8.4 ± 0.71 in EAC + ALE. Furthermore, treatment with ALE substantially improved hepatocellular architecture and no noticeable neoplastic lesions or foci of cellular alteration were observed. Daily administration of the ALE was found to limit liver MT expression, an important marker of cell proliferation with concomitant reduction in MT immunoreactivity (62.25 ± 2.58 vs 86.24 ± 5.69, P < 0.01). ALE was also potentially effective in reducing (P < 0.001) the frequency of SCEs from 14.94 ± 2.14 in EAC control to 5.12 ± 1.16 in EAC + ALE-treated group. Finally, in comparison to the EAC control, ALE was able to suppress in vivo DNA damage by abating the generations of ‘tailed’ DNA by 53.59% (98.65 ± 2.31 vs 45.06 ± 1.14, P < 0.001), and DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) by 38.53% (3.14 ± 0.31 vs 1.93 ± 0.23, P < 0.01) in EAC-bearing murine liver. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that, ALE is beneficial in restoring haematological and hepatic histological profiles and in lengthening the survival of the animals against the proliferation of ascites tumour in vivo. Finally, the chemopreventive efficacy of the ALE is manifested in limiting MT expression and in preventing DNA alterations in murine liver. The promising results of this study suggest further investigation into the chemopreventive mechanisms of the medicinal plant A. ilicifolius in vivo and in vitro.

The Effect of Seeds and Fruit Pulp of <i>Adansonia digitata</i>L. (Baobab) on Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma

The anti-tumor effect of Adansonia digitata on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells (EAC) is still novel talk. This study is focusing on the role of the extracts of seeds and the fruit pulp of Adansonia on the antioxidants activity and the molecular changes of pro-apoptic and anti-apoptic genes expression before and after the treatment of EAC cells bearing mice. Adult female BALB/C mice were used in this study;subgrouped randomly into four groups: control group (non-tumorized);EAC tumorized group, mice was i.p. inoculated with 2.5 × 106 of EAC cells;EAC+ extract of seeds group, tumorized mice was inoculated with 2.5 × 106 of EAC cells and i.p. administered with the extract of Adansonia seeds (300 mg/kg b. wt.);EAC+ fruit pulp group, tumorized mice was inoculated with 2.5 × 106 of EAC cells and i.p. administered with the extract of Adansonia fruit pulp (300 mg/kg b. wt.). The antioxidant enzymes were inhibited in EAC cells and in ascetic fluid of tumorized mice. Also the oxidative stress was increased significantly in EAC cells bearing mice. The liver was affected with the transplantation of EAC cells as reflected by the imbalance in the antioxidants and oxidants in the EAC cells bearing mice. Moreover, the molecular changes in p53 and B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2) genes expression were recorded in EAC cells bearing mice. The extracts of adansonia have a promising role as antioxidant action due to their antioxidant effect as they ameliorate the imbalance in antioxidants and oxidants balance. The plant extract has anti-apoptosis role by restoring the P53 and Bcl-2 genes expression. Also the plant has antitumor action as they restore tumor markers levels such as α-l-fucosidase and arginase to the normal levels.

Assessment of the Safety of Olmesartan in Combination with Sorafenib in Mice Bearing Ehrlich’s Ascites Carcinoma

Sorafenib was the first multikinase inhibitor to be approved for use in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Olmesartan medoxomil used in treatment of hypertension and was reported to inhibit angiogenesis in several models. The present study was designed to assess the safety of a combination of sorafenib plus olmesartan compared to monotherapies in mice bearing Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma cell line. Mice were divided to seven groups, 1) normal mice, 2) Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma control, 3 - 5) olmesartan (3, 10, 30 mg/kg/day), respectively, 6) sorafenib (30 mg/kg/day) and 7) the combination group: mice received olmesartan (30 mg/kg/day) plus sorafenib. All drug treatments continued for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, a complete blood count was performed and kidney and liver functions were estimated. The combination therapy produced a non-significant change in most of the measurements of complete blood count and liver enzymes when compared to normal animals. On the other hand, the combined therapy significantly increased blood urea nitrogen when compared to normal group but did not change the serum creatinine level. Concomitant administration of olmesartan with sorafenib did not significantly augment the toxicity of the later. Therefore;olmesartan might be a safe candidate with sorafenib in treatment of cancer if clinical data proved the benefit of this combination.

Cytotoxic Effect of Propolis Nanoparticles on Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Bearing Mice

Background and objective Previous studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer effects of propolis. However, its use is limited because of its poor bioavailability. In the present study, the major objective was to improve propolis bioavailability using a nanosuspension formulation. The cytotoxic effect of propolis nanosuspension (PRO-NS) on the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in female Swiss albino mice was investigated in comparison to the free propolis. Materials and methods A propolis-loaded nanosuspension was formulated by applying solvent-antisolvent nano-precipitation technique. The prepared PRO-NS was characterized for average particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential. Also, the morphology of the nanosuspension particles was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, PRO-NS cytotoxicity was tested using EAC bearing mice. The anticancer activity of Pro-NS was assessed by studying tumor volume, life span, viable and non-viable cell count, antioxidant, biochemical estimations and proliferation of EAC cells. Results The results revealed that propolis nanoparticles were relatively spherical in shape with rough surface. The tumor bearing mice treated with PRO-NS showed increased life span and inhibited tumor growth and the proliferation of EAC cells in comparison to the free propolis (p Conclusions Our results indicate that PRO-NS has a strong inhibitory activity against growth of tumors in comparison to free propolis. The anti-tumor mechanism may be mediated by preventing oxidative damage, immune-stimulation and induction of apoptosis.

Leukemoid Reaction and Malignant Ascites in a Renal Carcinoma with Sarcomatoid Differentiation. Unusual Case Report and Literature Review

Renal cell carcinoma represents the 16th cause of death by cancer. It is one of the most frequent kidney tumors. This tumor could behave as a good mimicker, and is frequently associated with paraneoplastic syndromes. Metastases to peritoneum, mesentery or omentum are very rare. Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma is a high-grade undifferentiated component that can be found in any subtypes of renal cell carcinoma, and is associated with an aggressive behavior and a poor prognosis. We present the case of a 59-year-old male, diabetic patient, with nephron preserved left nephrectomy through lumbotomy seven years ago, upper pole renal carcinoma, admitted to the emergency department with indeterminate shock. He underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy and then open surgery due to findings where a greater omentum subtotal infarction. Omentum microscopic examination resulted in vaguely differentiated neoplasia, with sarcomatoid like cells, highly positive to CD10 inmunolabeling. Even though renal cell carcinomas have unusual clinical presentations, this case is unique because of the convergence of extremely rare manifestations such as the combination of malignant ascites, peritoneal carcinomatosis, and contralateral suprarenal gland metachronous metastases at the major omentum with paraneoplastic syndrome type leukemoid reaction;which have not been reported previously in literature.

Ascites and alpha-fetoprotein improve prognostic performance of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging

AIM: To assess how ascites and alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) added to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer(BCLC) staging predict hepatocellular carcinoma survival.METHODS: The presence of underlying cirrhosis, ascites and encephalopathy, Child-Turcotte-Pugh(CTP) score, the number of nodules, and the maximum diameter of the largest nodule were determined at diagnosis for 1060 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma at a tertiary referral center for liver disease in Egypt. Demographic information, etiology of liver disease, and biochemical data(including serum bilirubin, albumin, international normalized ratio, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, and AFP) were evaluated. Staging of the tumor was determined at the time of diagnosis using the BCLC staging system; 496 patients were stage A and 564 patients were stage B. Patients with mild ascites on initial ultrasound, computed tomography, or clinical examination, and who had a CTP score ≤ 9 were included in this analysis. All patients received therapy according to the recommended treatment based on the BCLC stage, and were monitored from the time of diagnosis to the date of death or date of data collection. The effect of the presence of ascites and AFP level on survival was analyzed.RESULTS:At the time the data were censored,123/496(24.8%)and 218/564(38.6%)patients with BCLC stages A and B,respectively,had died.Overall mean survival of the BCLC A and B patients during a three-year follow-up period was 31 mo[95%confidence interval(95%CI):29.7-32.3]and 22.7mo(95%CI:20.7-24.8),respectively.The presenceof ascites,multiple focal lesions,large tumor size,AFP level and CTP score were independent predictors of survival for the included patients on multivariate analysis(P<0.001).Among stage A patients,18%had ascites,33%had AFP≥200 ng/m L,and 8%had both.Their median survival in the presence of ascites was shorter if AFP was≥200 ng/m L(19 mo vs 24 mo),and in the absence of ascites,patients with AFP≥200 ng/m L had a shorter survival(28mo vs 39 mo).For stage B patients,survival for the corresponding groups was 12,18,19 and 22 mo.The one-,two-,and three-year survival rates for stage A patients without ascites and AFP<200 ng/m L were94%,77%,and 71%,respectively,and for patients with ascites and AFP≥200 ng/m L were 83%,24%,and 22%,respectively(P<0.001).Adding ascites and AFP≥200 ng/m L improved the discriminatory ability for predicting prognosis(area under the curve,0.618vs 0.579 for BCLC,P<0.001).CONCLUSION:Adding AFP and ascites to the BCLC staging classification can improve prognosis prediction for early and intermediate stages of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Peritoneovenous shunt for intractable ascites due to hepatic lymphorrhea after hepatectomy

A peritoneovenous shunt has become one of the most effi cient procedures for intractable ascites due to liver cirrhosis.A case of intractable ascites due to hepatic lymphorrhea after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma that was successfully treated by the placement of a peritoneovenous shunt is presented.A 72-year-old Japanese man underwent partial resection of the liver for hepatocellular carcinoma associated with hepatitis C viral infection.After hepatectomy,a considerable amount of ascites ranging from 800-4600 mL per day persisted despite conservative therapy,including numerous infusions of albumin and plasma protein fraction and administration of diuretics.Since the patient's general condition deteriorated,based on the diagnosis of intractable hepatic lymphorrhea,a subcutaneous peritoneovenous shunt was inserted.The patient's postoperative course was uneventful and the ascites decreased rapidly,with serum total protein and albumin levels and hepatic function improving accordingly.For intractable ascites due to hepatic lymphorrhea after hepatectomy,we recommend the placement of a peritoneovenous shunt as a procedure that can provide immediate effectiveness without increased surgical risk.

Cyathula prostrata:A potent source of anticancer agent against daltons ascites in Swiss albino mice

Objective:To evaluate the anticancer activity of the methanolic extract of Cyathula prostrata in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma(EAC)-bearing mice with methotrexate as positive control in the advanced stage of tumorigenesis.Methods:EAC was induced in swiss albino mice by injecting10~6 cell/mL of tumor cell suspension intraperitoneal.The methanolic extract of Cyathula prostrata effect on the tumor cell viability,DNA fragmentation and MTT assay were carried out.Results:Methanolic extract attenuated percentage increased in the cell survival lime when compared to control group.However,the effect was less than that of methotrexat.Methotrexat and the extracts reversed the tumor-induced alterations in UNA fragmentation and MTT assay.Conclusions:The present study suggests that the methanol extract of Cyathula prostrata has significant anticancer activity and that is comparable to that of methotrexate.

THE SENSITIVITY OF EHRLICH ASCITIC CARCINOMA CELLS TO THE EMPERIPOLESIS OF THYMUS LYMPHOCYTES

In mixed lymphocyte-tumor all culture in vitro, the ability of thymus lymphocytes adhering to tumor cells was found to be essentially consistent with its emperipolesis index, though not synchronous. Tumor cells at different progressive stages and in the mixed cultures with or without Con A stimulation also varied in the sensitivity to lymphocyte adhesion and emperipolesis. Tumor adhesiveness anl emperipolesis of theymus lymphocytes and their PNA-, PNA+ subgroups were shown to be different significantly from splenic lymphocytes. Thymosin exhibited certain promotive effect on lymphocyte-tumor adhesion and emperipolesis.

Pure laparoscopic hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma with chronic liver disease

Pure laparoscopic hepatectomy is a less invasive procedure than conventional open hepatectomy for the resection of hepatic lesions. Increases in experiences with the technique, in combination with advances in technology, have promoted the popularity of pure laparoscopic hepatectomy. However, indications for usage and potential contraindications of the procedure remain unresolved. The characteristics and specific advantages of the procedure, especially for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients with chronic liver diseases,are reviewed and discussed in this paper. For cirrhotic patients with liver tumors, pure laparoscopic hepatectomy minimizes destruction of the collateral blood and lymphatic flow from laparotomy and mobilization, and mesenchymal injury from compression. Therefore, pure laparoscopic hepatectomy has the specific advantage of minimal postoperative ascites production that leads to lowering the risk of disturbance in water or electrolyte balance and hypoproteinemia. It minimizes complications that routinely trigger postoperative serious liver failure. Under adequate patient positioning and port arrangement, the partial resection of the liver in the area of subphrenic space, peri-inferior vena cava area or next to the attachment of retro-peritoneum is facilitated in pure laparoscopic surgery by providing good vision and manipulation in the small operative field.Furthermore, the features of reduced post-operative adhesion, good vision, and manipulation within the small area between the adhesions make this procedure safer in the context of repeat hepatectomy procedures.These improved features are especially advantageous for patients with liver cirrhosis and multicentric and/or metachronous HCCs.

Laparoscopic liver resection for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Accumulation of experiences and technological advances after the first report of laparoscopic liver resection(LLR) are now revealing the characteristics and specific advantages of this approach, especially for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients with chronic liver diseases(CLD). Inlaparoscopic approach, there are minimum needs for:(1) laparotomy and dissection of the attachments and adhesion which may cause destructions in the collateral blood and lymphatic flows; and(2) compression of the liver which may cause parenchymal damage for the liver resection(LR). These are especially beneficial for the patients with CLD. LLR results in minimal postoperative ascites and the other complications, which could potentially lead to lowering the risk of fatal liver failure. These characteristics of LLR facilitate surgical treatment application to the patients of HCC with background CLD. Laparoscopic approach also results in improved vision and manipulation in a small operative field under several conditions, including the cases where it is necessary to perform repeat LR between adhesions. These characteristics make LLR safer and more accessible to the repeat treatment, such as multicentric and metachronous lesions in the cirrhotic liver. These advantages of LLR indicate it is a superior method than open LR under certain conditions in patients of HCC with background CLD.

Perspective of laparoscopic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

Liver resection(LR) for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in patients with chronic liver disease(CLD) is associated with high risks of developing significant postoperative complications and multicentric metachronous lesions, which can result in the need for repeated treatments. Studies comparing laparoscopic procedures to open LR consistently report reduced blood loss and transfusionsrequirements, lower postoperative morbidity, and shorter hospital stays, with no differences in oncologic outcomes. In addition, laparoscopic LR is associated with reduced postoperative ascites and a lower incidence of liver failure for HCC patients with CLD, due to the reduced surgery-induced parenchymal injury to the residual liver and limited destruction of the collateral blood/lymphatic flow around the liver. Finally, this procedure facilitates subsequent repeat LR due to minimal adhesion formation and improved vision/manipulation between adhesions. These characteristics of laparoscopic LR may lead to an expansion of the indications for LR. This editorial is based on the review and meta-analysis presented at the 2nd International Consensus Conference on Laparoscopic Liver Resection in Iwate, Japan, in October 2014(Chairperson of the congress is Professor Go Wakabayashi from the Department of Surgery, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine), which is published in the Journal of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Sciences.