Erlotinib combination with a mitochondria-targeted ubiquinone effectively suppresses pancreatic cancer cell survival

BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths.Increased activity of the epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)is often observed in pancreatic cancer,and the small molecule EGFR inhibitor erlotinib has been approved for pancreatic cancer therapy by the food and drug administration.Nevertheless,erlotinib alone is ineffective and should be combined with other drugs to improve therapeutic outcomes.We previously showed that certain receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors can increase mitochondrial membrane potential(Δψm),facilitate tumor cell uptake ofΔψm-sensitive agents,disrupt mitochondrial homeostasis,and subsequently trigger tumor cell death.Erlotinib has not been tested for this effect.AIM To determine whether erlotinib can elevateΔψm and increase tumor cell uptake ofΔψm-sensitive agents,subsequently triggering tumor cell death.METHODSΔψm-sensitive fluorescent dye was used to determine how erlotinib affectsΔψm in pancreatic adenocarcinoma(PDAC)cell lines.The viability of conventional and patient-derived primary PDAC cell lines in 2D-and 3D cultures was measured after treating cells sequentially with erlotinib and mitochondria-targeted ubiquinone(MitoQ),aΔψm-sensitive MitoQ.The synergy between erlotinib and MitoQ was then analyzed using SynergyFinder 2.0.The preclinical efficacy of the twodrug combination was determined using immune-compromised nude mice bearing PDAC cell line xenografts.RESULTS Erlotinib elevatedΔψm in PDAC cells,facilitating tumor cell uptake and mitochondrial enrichment ofΔψm-sensitive agents.MitoQ triggered caspase-dependent apoptosis in PDAC cells in culture if used at high doses,while erlotinib pretreatment potentiated low doses of MitoQ.SynergyFinder suggested that these drugs synergistically induced tumor cell lethality.Consistent with in vitro data,erlotinib and MitoQ combination suppressed human PDAC cell line xenografts in mice more effectively than single treatments of each agent.CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that a combination of erlotinib and MitoQ has the potential to suppress pancreatic tumor cell viability effectively.

Anlotinib in combination with Envolizumab plus Etoposide for the treatment of EX-SCLC:a case report

Background:Small cell lung cancer(SCLC)is an aggressive malignant tumor with strong immunosuppressive effects,characterized by rapid doubling time and poor prognosis.Currently,effective therapeutic options are urgently needed for Extensive-stage small-cell lung Cancer.Case description:In the present case,a combination therapy of anlotinib,envolizumab,and etoposide was administered to treat an 80-year-old female patient with extensive-stage SCLC accompanied by mediastinal lymph node and bone metastasis.After two cycles of treatment,the tumor lesions in the right lungs decreased from 5.04*3.44 cm to 1.65*1.42 cm.As of now,no significant mass is seen there and no serious adverse reactions in this patient.Until September 2023,she has survived for 18 months with no disease progression.Conclusions:Research shows that Alectinib,in combination with evolocumab plus etoposide,could be an original,viable therapeutic option for the treatment option of patients with extensive-stage SCLC.

Identification of a LMNA (c.646C>T) variant by whole-exome sequencing in combination with a dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) related gene filter in a family with familiar DCM

Dilated cardiomyopathy（DCM）is characterized by the dilated heart chambers and reduced systolic function in the absence of specific aetiology[1].Approximately one third of DCM cases are hereditary.In recent years,DCM concomitant with arrhythmias and sudden death resulting from gene mutation has been widely

STAGE IB, HA AND PROXIMAL IIB, CARCINOMA OF THE UTERINE CERVIX, TREATED BY IRRADIATION ALONE OR IN COMBINATION WITH SURGERY

This is a report of a nonrandomized comparison of treatment results of 139 patients with stage IB, HA and proximal IIB carcinoma of the uterine cervix treated by radiation alone and 113 treated with a combination of radiation and surgery. The five-year tumor free acturial survival for the patients with stage IB either with irradiation alone (RT) or combined with surgery (RS) was approximately 87%. For stage Ⅱ the tumor free actuarial five-year survival 79% with patients of RS, and 76% with RT. In the 113 patients treated with RS there were 18 (16%). In the 139 patients treated by RT there were 18 (13%) recurrences of pelvic, 4 local recurrences, 11 combined with parametrial, and free parametrial recurrences. There was no significant difference in the survival and recurrence rate of the patients treated with either method. Major complications were comparable in both groups (RT approximately 25% and RS approximately 10%), but 2/3 of those complications recovered without sequelae. The most frequent minor complication in the patients treated with RT was rectosigmoiditis.

A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPEUTICAGENTS IN COMBINATION WITH CHINESE HERBAL COMPOUNDS AS IMMUNOMODULATORS IN MOUSE S_(180)

The effect of the Chinese herbal compound (CHC) on solid sarcoma 180 (S180) in Swiss mice was studied either alone or in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5FU), cyclophosphamide (CYT) or mitomycin C (MMC). The preliminary results indicated that combination treatment seemed to possess better antitumor activity than chemotherapy alone. The treatment with CHC alone however had neither an obvious antitumor effect in tumor bearing mice nor toxicity in normal mice. These results show that CHC may stimulate organs of the immune system such as the spleen to be im-munomodulators and enhance the antitumor activity of some chemotherapeutic agents.

An Evaluation of Genotoxicity and Cytotoxicity of Melamine in Combination with Cyanuric Acid at Three Mass Ratios

Melamine in combination with cyanuric acid has been considered to be more toxic than either melamine or cyanuric acid alone. The objective of this study was designed to evaluate the combined genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of melamine （M） and cyanuric acid （C） at three mass ratios （1：1, 1：2, 2：1）. MC （1：1）, MC （1：2）, and MC （2：1） were evaluated for their potential genotoxic risk, at gene level by Ames test, and at chromosomal level by micronucleus test. In order to evaluate cytotoxicity in HEK-293 cells, the MTT assay was included. Western blot was also employed to investigate the renal injury molecule-1 （Kim-1） expression in HEK-293 cells exposed to MC. Neither genotoxicity at gene level nor at chromosomal level was observed for MC （1：1）, MC （1：2）, and MC （2：1）. Based on MTT assay, three ratios of MC at 82.5 and 165 μg/mL slightly inhibited viability of HEK-293 cells （P〈0.05）. MC （1：1） at 41.25 and 82.50 IJg/mL could elevate the Kim-1 expression in HEK-293 cells.

Degradation of chlorpyrifos alone and in combination with chlorothalonil and their effects on soil microbial populations

In practice, pesticides are usually applied simultaneously or one after another for crop protection, and this type of pesticide application often leads to a combined contamination of pesticide residues in the soil environment. A laboratory study was conducted to investigate the influence of chlorothalonil on chlorpyrifos degradation and its effects on soil bacterial, fungal, and actinomycete populations. Under the experimental conditions here, the half-lives of chlorpyrifos alone, and in combination with chlorothalonil, at the recommended and double dosages, were measured to be 3.24, 2.77, and 2.63 d, respectively. Chlorpyrifos degradation was not significantly altered by its combination with chlorothalonil. However, the inhibitory effect of chlorpyrifos on soil microorganisms was increased by its combination with chlorothalonil, and the increase was related to the levels of chlorothalonil added. Compared to those in the controls, the populations of bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes were significantly reduced by 44.1%, 61.1%, and 72.8%, respectively, on the first day after treatment （DAT） by chlorpyrifos alone. With the addition of chlorothalonil, the inhibition was increased to 55.2%, 79.3%, and 85,8% at the recommended dosage, and 86.0%, 94.1%, and 90.8% at the double dosage, at one DAT, respectively. The results suggested that combined effects should be taken into account to assess the actual impacts of pesticide applications.

Experimental study on antitumor effect of arsenic trioxide in combination with cisplatin or doxorubicin on hepatocellular carcinoma

INTRODUCTIONThe main component of a traditional Chinese drug 'Pishuang'. arsenic trioxide (As2O3), has obviously selective anti-tumor effect on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)in both in vitro and in vivo studies[1-5]. Due to limited effectiveness when any anti-carcinogen is used alone and obviously increased toxicity when the dose is raised, there is no exception for As2O3. Furthermore, combined chemotherapy contributes to improve therapeutic effectiveness, disperse toxicity and surmount drug-resistance,in which the combination of traditional Chinese and modern medicine has more advantages and characteristics. As a result,we made an experimental study on anti-tumor effect of As2O3in combination with cisplantin (PDD) or doxorubicin (ADM)on HCC. to investigate the possibility of AS2O3 in combination with PDD or ADM and nature of interaction between them,and to provide experimental basis for clinical application.

Toxicity and Carcinogenicity of Ozone in Combination with 4-(N-methyl-N-nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone and Dibutyl Phthalate in B6C3F1 Mice for 16 and 32 Weeks

Objective To evaluate the toxic and carcinogenic potential of ozone alone or in combination with 4-（N-methyl-N-nitrosamino）-1-（3-pyridyl）-1-butanone （NNK） and/or dibutyl phthalate （DBP）. Methods Male and female B6C3F1 mice were exposed, through inhalation, intravenous administration and diet, to 0.5 ppm of ozone, 1.0 mg/kg of NNK and 5000 ppm of DBP, individually and in combination for 16 and 32 weeks. Results No treatment-related death was seen, but significant differences in body and organ weights between control and treated mice were observed during the study. No incidence of lung tumor incidence was recorded in mice exposed to either ozone alone or combined treatment. Oviductal carcinomas were observed in female mice exposed to ozone or DBP alone for 16 weeks and ozone in combination with NNK and DBP for 32 weeks. Conclusion Although ozone alone and in conjunction with NNK and/or DBP does not induce lung cancer under our experimental conditions, they induce oviductal carcinomas in B6C3F1 mice.

Effects of hexahydrocurcumin in combination with 5-fluorouracil on dimethylhydrazine-induced colon cancer in rats

AIM:To investigate the effects of hexahydrocurcumin(HHC),and its combination with 5-fluorouracil(5-FU) on dimethylhydrazine(DMH)-induced colon cancer in rats.METHODS:Male Wistar rats weighing 100-120 g were used as subject models.Aberrant crypt foci(ACF),early preneoplastic lesions of colon cancer,were induced by subcutaneous injection of DHM(40 mg/kg) twice a week for two weeks.After the first DMH injection,rats were treated daily with vehicle(n = 12),curcumin(CUR)(50 mg/kg)(n = 12),HHC(50 mg/kg) orally(n = 12),and treated weekly with an intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU(50 mg/kg)(n = 12),or a combination of 5-FU plus CUR(n = 12) and HHC(n = 12) at the same dosage(s) for 16 wk.The total number of ACF and large ACF were assessed.Cyclooxygenase(COX)-1 and COX-2 expression were detected by immunohistochemistry in colon tissues.The quantitative data of both COX-1 and COX-2 expression were presented as the percentage of number of positive-stained cells to the total number of cells counted.Apoptotic cells in colon tissues were also visualized using the dUTP-biotin nick end labeling method.Apoptotic index(AI) was determined as the percentage of labeled nuclei with respect to the total number of nuclei counted.RESULTS:The total number of ACF was highest in the DMH-vehicle group(1558.20 ± 17.37),however,the number of ACF was significantly reduced by all treatments,5-FU(1231.20 ± 25.62 vs 1558.20 ± 17.37,P < 0.001),CUR(1284.20 ± 25.47 vs 1558.20 ± 17.37,P < 0.001),HHC(1086.80 ± 53.47 vs 1558.20 ± 17.37,P < 0.001),DMH-5-FU + CUR(880.20 ± 13.67 vs 1558.20 ± 17.37,P < 0.001) and DMH-5-FU + HHC(665.80 ± 16.64 vs 1558.20 ± 17.37,P < 0.001).Interestingly,the total number of ACF in the combined treatment groups,the DMH-5-FU + CUR group(880.20 ± 13.67 vs 1231.20 ± 25.62,P < 0.001;880.20 ± 13.67 vs 1284.20 ± 25.47,P < 0.001) and the DMH-5-FU + HHC group(665.80 ± 16.64 vs 1231.20 ± 25.62,P < 0.001;665.80 ± 16.64 vs 1086.80 ± 53.47,P < 0.001) were significantly reduced as compared to 5-FU or each treatment alone.Large ACF were also significantly reduced in all treatment groups,5-FU(111.00 ± 7.88 vs 262.20 ± 10.18,P < 0.001),CUR(178.00 ± 7.33 vs 262.20 ± 10.18,P < 0.001),HHC(186.60 ± 21.51 vs 262.20 ± 10.18,P < 0.001),DMH-5-FU + CUR(122.00 ± 5.94 vs 262.20 ± 10.18,P < 0.001) and DMH-5-FU + HHC(119.00 ± 17.92 vs 262.20 ± 10.18,P < 0.001) when compared to the vehicle group.Furthermore,in the DMH-5-FU + CUR and DMH-5-FU + HHC groups the formation of large ACF was significantly reduced when compared to CUR(122.00 ± 5.94 vs 178.00 ± 7.33,P < 0.005) or HHC treatment alone(119.00 ± 17.92 vs 186.60 ± 21.51,P < 0.001),however,this reduction was not statistically different to 5-FU monotherapy(122.00 ± 5.94 vs 111.00 ± 7.88,P = 0.217;119.00 ± 17.92 vs 111.00 ± 7.88,P = 0.619,respectively).The levels of COX-1 protein after all treatments were not different from normal rats.A marked increase in the expression of COX-2 protein was observed in the DMH-vehicle group.Over-expression of COX-2 was not significantly decreased by 5-FU treatment alone(95.79 ± 1.60 vs 100 ± 0.00,P = 0.198).However,over-expression of COX-2 was significantly suppressed by CUR(77.52 ± 1.68 vs 100 ± 0.00,P < 0.001),HHC(71.33 ± 3.01 vs 100 ± 0.00,P < 0.001),5-FU + CUR(76.25 ± 3.32 vs 100 ± 0.00,P < 0.001) and 5-FU + HHC(68.48 ± 2.24 vs 100 ± 0.00,P < 0.001) in the treated groups compared to the vehicle group.Moreover,CUR(77.52 ± 1.68 vs 95.79 ± 1.60,P < 0.001),HHC(71.33 ± 3.01 vs 95.79 ± 1.60,P < 0.001),5-FU + CUR treatments(76.25 ± 3.32 vs 95.79 ± 1.60,P < 0.001) and 5-FU + HHC(68.48 ± 2.24 vs 95.79 ± 1.60,P < 0.001) markedly decreased COX-2 protein expression more than 5-FU alone.Furthermore,the AI in all treated groups,5-FU(38.86 ± 4.73 vs 23.56 ± 2.12,P = 0.038),CUR(41.78 ± 6.92 vs 23.56 ± 2.12,P < 0.001),HHC(41.06 ± 4.81 vs 23.56 ± 2.12,P < 0.001),5-FU + CUR(49.05 ± 6.75 vs 23.56 ± 2.12,P < 0.001) and 5-FU + HHC(53.69 ± 8.59 vs 23.56 ± 2.12,P < 0.001) significantly increased when compared to the DMH-vehicle group.However,the AI in the combination treatments,5-FU + CUR(49.05 ± 6.75 vs 41.78 ± 6.92,P = 0.192;49.05 ± 6.75 vs 38.86 ± 4.73,P = 0.771) and 5-FU + HHC(53.69 ± 8.59 vs 41.06 ± 4.81,P = 0.379;53.69 ± 8.59 vs 38.86 ± 4.73,P = 0.245) did not reach significant levels as compared with each treatment alone and 5-FU monotherapy,respectively.CONCLUSION:The combined effects of HHC with 5-FU exhibit a synergistic inhibition by decreasing ACF formation mediated by down-regulation of COX-2 expression.

Ranibizumab alone or in combination with photodynamic therapy vs photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

AIMTo compare the efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) alone or in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT) vs PDT in patients with symptomatic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).METHODSA systematic search of a wide range of databases (including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) was searched to identify relevant studies. Both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCT studies were included. Methodological quality of included literatures was evaluated according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RevMan 5.2.7 software was used to do the Meta-analysis.RESULTSThree RCTs and 6 retrospective studies were included. The results showed that PDT monotherapy had a significantly higher proportion in patients who achieved complete regression of polyps than IVR monotherapy at months 3, 6, and 12 (All P&#x02264;0.01), respectively. However, IVR had a tendency to be more effective in improving vision on the basis of RCTs. The proportion of patients who gained complete regression of polyps revealed that there was no significant difference between the combination treatment and PDT monotherapy. The mean change of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline showed that the combination treatment had significant superiority in improving vision vs PDT monotherapy at months 3, 6 and 24 (All P&#x0003c;0.05), respectively. In the mean time, this comparison result was also significant at month 12 (P&#x0003c;0.01) after removal of a heterogeneous study.CONCLUSIONIVR has non-inferiority compare with PDT either in stabilizing or in improving vision, although it can hardly promote the regression of polyps. The combination treatment of PDT and IVR can exert a synergistic effect on regressing polyps and on maintaining or improving visual acuity. Thus, it can be the first-line therapy for PCV.

High Power Pulse Laser Reflection Sequence Combination with a Fast Steering Mirror

We propose and demonstrate a new approach for a high power pulse laser reflection sequence combination with a fast steering mirror(FSM). This approach possesses significant advantages for lasers combining with a variety of output power, wavelength, pulse duration, repetition rates and polarization. The maximum number of laser routes participating in combination principally depends on the FSM’s adjustment time of the step response, lasers’ repetition rates and pulse duration. A proof-of-principle experiment is performed with two 2-kW level pulsed beams. The results indicate that the combined beam has an excellent pointing stability with rms pointing jitter^8.5μrad. Meanwhile, a high combining efficiency of 98.6% is achieved with maintaining good beam quality.

Adeno-associated virus mediated endostatin gene therapy in combination with topoisomerase inhibitor effectively controls liver tumor in mouse model

AIM:rAAV mediated endostatin gene therapy has been examined as a new method for treating cancer.However, a sustained and high protein delivery is required to achieve the desired therapeutic effects.We evaluated the impact of topoisomerase inhibitors in rAAV delivered endostatin gene therapy in a liver tumor model. METHODS:rAAV containing endostatin expression cassettes were transduced into hepatoma cell lines.To test whether the topoisomerase inhibitor pretreatment increased the expression of endostatin,Western blotting and ELISA were performed.The biologic activity of endostatin was confirmed by endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation assays. The anti-tumor effects of the rAAV-endostatin vector combined with a topoisomerase inhibitor,etoposide,were evaluated in a mouse liver tumor model. RESULTS:Topoisomerase inhibitors,including camptothecin and etoposide,were found to increase the endostatin exPression level in vitro.The over-expressed endostatin, as a result of pretreatment with a topoisomerase inhibitor, was also biologically active.In animal experiments,the combined therapy of topoisomerase inhibitor,etoposide with the rAAV-endostatin vector had the best tumor- suppressive effect and tumor foci were barely observed in livers of the treated mice.Pretreatment with an etoposide increased the level of endostatin in the liver and serum of rAAV-endostatin treated mice.Finally,the mice treated With rAAV-endostatin in combination with etoposide showed the longest survival among the experimental models. CONCLUSION:rAAV delivered endostatin gene therapy in combination with a topoisomerase inhibitor pretreatment is an effective modality for anticancer gene therapy.

Comparison of the Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic and Hepatoprotective Effects of<i>Asparagus racemosus</i>Linn. in Combination with Gliclazide and Pioglitazone on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

In recent years, the popularity of medicinal plants as a remedy has been increased manifold due to having minimal adverse effects. The current study aimed to compare the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of the ethanolic extract of Asparagus racemosus (EEAR) Linn. alone and combinedly with conventional antidiabetic agents (gliclazide and pioglitazone) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in male Wister albino rats by the administration of single intra-peritoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg b.w.). Effect of oral administration of two different doses of EEAR (200 and 400 mg/kg b.w.), gliclazide (10 mg/kg b.w.) and pioglitazone (10 mg/70kg/b.w.) alone for 2 weeks and a combination of EEAR (200 mg/kg b.w.) with either gliclazide (10 mg/kg b.w.) or pioglitazone (10 mg/70kg/b.w.) for 2 weeks were examined on hypoglycemic activity on 0th, 5th, 10th and 14th day of treatment. After 2 weeks of treatment, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects were estimated by serum biochemical markers such as total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminases (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate trans-aminases (SGPT) and total protein (TP) with the help of commercially available kits. The survival rate, body weight and organ weight were also measured. Alloxan treatment resulted in persistent hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and liver dysfunction in rats. Treatment with EEAR at different doses improved hyperglycemia significantly (p th and 14th day of treatment in a dose-dependent mood when compared to the disease control rats, gliclazide treated rats and pioglitazone treated rats. The combination therapy significantly (p th, 10th and 14th day of treatment as compared to that of disease control rats, gliclazide treated rats and pioglitazone treated rats. Proposed adjunct therapy also markedly (p < 0.001;p < 0.01, p < 0.001) improved serum TG, HDL and LDL level with insignificant change in VLDL and TC level while comparing with groups receiving gliclazide treated rats and pioglitazone treated rats. Administration of different doses of EEAR markedly (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001;p < 0.05, p < 0.01;p < 0.05) reduced the activity of TC, TG, LDL, VLDL and HDL cholesterol levels in a dose-dependent approach with respect to that of gliclazide treated rats and pioglitazone treated rats. The effect of combination therapy significantly (p < 0.001;p < 0.001;p < 0.01, p < 0.001) decreased the SGOT, SGPT and TP hepatic enzyme levels when compared to disease control rats, gliclazide treated rats and pioglitazone treated rats indicated improvement in liver dysfunctions. Administration of different doses of EEAR noticeably (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001;p < 0.05, p < 0.01;p < 0.05, p < 0.01) reduced the liver enzymes level including SGOT, SGPT and TP in a dose-dependent manner as compared to the disease control rats, gliclazide treated rats and pioglitazone treated rats. The maximum survival rate (100%) was observed in rats of combination treated rats. No significant changes in the body weight and organ weight to body weight ratio were observed except the groups that were given combined therapy showed improvement in the liver and pancreas weight. Our study suggests that the EEAR potentiates the activity of gliclazide and pioglitazone in controlling blood glucose levels, modifies the lipid profile and improves in liver dysfunction on alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Synergistic effects of interferon-alpha in combination with chemoradiation on human pancreatic adenocarcinoma

AIM: To determine whether IFN-α is the agent that turns a slightly effective treatment (radiochemotherapy) into a potent therapy, we tested IFN-α for its synergistic properties.METHODS: Eight pancreatic carcinoma cell lines were treated with the single agents and combinations of these.The role of IFN-α regarding a) direct inhibitory effects; b)radio and chemosensitizing effects; c) anti-angiogenic properties and d) enhancement of immunogenicity was investigated.RESULTS: Our results show that IFN-α has direct inhibitory properties and some synergistic influence as determined by AnnexinV/PI stain and cell count. IFN-α is also able to prevent the increase in proliferation rate and VEGF secretion of CDDP resistant cells. Having taken the results from immunogenicity experiments together, we found cells that can be influenced by IFN-α but were less susceptible against T cells. Furthermore, high expression of MHC molecules, CD118, EGF-R and Fas was predictive for a good response.CONCLUSION: In conclusion, IFN-α has direct cytotoxic effects, acts as a radiosensitizer and circumvents tumor cell-regrowth after CDDP treatment. These mechanisms may be responsible for the good clinical outcome of CapRI.

Possible Chemosensitizing and Potent Anticancer Effects of D-Fraction in Combination with Vitamin C on Three Prevalent Urologic Cancer Cells

Chemotherapy is currently one of the most common therapeutic options for cancer patients despite the poor efficacy with considerable side effects. We then examined if D-fraction (DF), a bioactive mushroom extract, could potentiate (poor) anticancer effects of those drugs?in vitro. Three urologic cancers, prostate, bladder, and kidney cancers, were tested with various chemotherapeutic drugs and their combinations with DF. Compared to individual drugs alone, combinations of drugs and DF have improved anticancer activity, resulting in the significant (P < 0.05) cell viability reduction in all three cancer cells. As vitamin C (VC) has been postulated to potentiate the bioactivity of DF, this possibility was also examined. The specific combination of DF (300 μg/ml) and VC (200 μM) indeed led to the drastic (≥90%) viability reductions in all three cancer cells. To have a better understanding of such a profound viability reduction, the effect of DF/VC combination on cell cycle was examined next. Cell cycle analysis indicated that this combination induced a G1cell cycle arrest, which was also confirmed by the down-regulation of specific cell cycle regulators (CDK2, CDK4, and cyclin D1) detected on western blots. Moreover, it was crucial to address if the DF/VC-induced viability reduction could be also linked to apoptosis. Western blot analysis revealed that anti-apoptotic bcl-2 was down-regulated while pro-apoptotic Bax was up-regulated with DF/VC combination in all cancer cells, indicating induction of apoptosis. Therefore, the DF/VC combination could ultimately induce apoptosis, accounting for the severe cell viability reduction. In conclusion, DF appears to be a promising agent with chemosensitizing effect, enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs, and its combination with VC exhibits a potent anticancer effect, which is far superior to any combinations of drugs and DF tested in three prevalent urologic cancer cells.

Mutant Selection Windows of Azalomycin F5a in Combination with Vitamin K3 against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Azalomycin F5a, a 36-membered macrocyclic lactone isolated from several streptomyces strains, presented remarkable anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) activities. To improve its anti-MRSA potential and to evaluate the probability of MRSA resistant to it before development, the anti-MRSA activities of azalomycin F5a in combination with vitamin K3 were first evaluated using checkerboard assay. Then the minimal concentration inhibiting colony formation by 99% (MIC99) and mutant prevention concentration (MPC) of azalomycin F5a alone and in combination with vitamin K3 against MRSA were determined using agar plates with linear antimicrobial concentration decrease. The fractional inhibitory concentration indexes (FICIs) of 0.25 - 0.50 showed the synergistic activity of azalomycin F5a in combination with vitamin K3. The mutant selection windows (MSWs, MIC99-MPC) of azalomycin F5a alone against MRSA tested were 2.07 - 6.40 μg/mL, and the MPCs of azalomycin F5a in combination with vitamin K3 against MRSA tested were 1.60 - 3.20 μg/mL. These indicated that the MPCs of azalomycin F5a in combination could drop down to below its MIC99 alone. According to the hypothesis of MSW, the narrower MSWs of azalomycin F5a alone, even closed MSWs in combination with vitamin K3, together with their synergistic anti-MRSA activities, indicated that azalomycin F5a had a good potential to develop as a new antimicrobial agent.

A Prospective Study on the Efficiency of Ciprofloxacin in Combination with Chloramphenicol against Multiple Antibiotics Resistant <i>Klebsiella pneumonia</i>

Pneumonia is the single largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide and also a form of an acute respiratory infection that affects the lung. The purpose of the study was to develop a new approach to treat antibiotic-resistant K. pneumoniae infection. This study aimed in quest of a drug to combine with ciprofloxacin, a broad spectrum antibiotic frequently used to treat lung infections. Methodology: A total of 23 lung infection bacterial samples were collected and studied against 14 antibiotics of different classes. The disk diffusion method was performed to determine synergy screening, MIC value, and qualitative toxicity analysis of ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol combination. Results: After primary screening of antibiotic susceptibility, they were categorized into multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and pan drug-resistant (PDR) pathogens where 9 isolates were MDR, 5 were XDR and 3 isolates were PDR. Furthermore, they were trialed in combination ciprofloxacin along with other 7 drugs in disk diffusion to explore the synergistic effect. The combination of ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol were found to be synergic. Then the MIC test was done for the combination ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol. When the MIC result was generated, the MIC of the respective combination was analyzed. Furthermore, the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) was calculated and in accordance with the results of the FIC index, ciprofloxacin-chloramphenicol combination has shown value 0.4510 which revealed a synergistic effect against multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusion: Given these points, if the efficiency of this antibiotic can be accelerated from combination with other drugs, it might be lifesaving and cost effective as well.

Association rules analysis of Fufang Kushen injection in combination with traditional Chinese medicine or modern medications in treating Cervical cancer: real-world retrospective study

Objective: The present study aimed to analyze the association rules of Fufang Kushen injection in combination with other traditional Chinese medicine ( TCM) or modern medications in treating cervical cancer (CC) based on the electrical medical records extracted from real-world hospital information system. Methods: The clinicians’ prescriptions regarding to the combination of with TCM or modern medications were from hospital information system electronic medical data integration warehouse established by the Institute of Basic Medical Research of Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, which integrated the hospital information system data of 22 hospitals. The association rules of the drug characteristics were analyzed through Apriori algorithm. Results: A total of 839 patients with CC were included. We found that is often combined with prescriptions which could clear heat, remove toxicity, supplement Qi. also combined with chemotherapeutic drugs, immunomodulatory drugs, 5-HT receptor blockers, and glucocorticoids. The combination presents a specific law. Conclusion: Fufang Kushen injection combined with hepatoprotective drugs, immunomodulators and glucocorticoids is often used to treat cervical cancer.

Investigatory Study of Long Term Doses of <i>Costus afer</i>, Snail Slime, and Their Combination with a Standard Pharmaceutical Drug on Blood Glucose Level of Alloxan Induced Swiss Albino Rat

The Plant, Costus afer Ker Gawl. belongs to the family of Costaceae and has various uses where they exist. Their use in folk medicine and phytomedicine is in the treatment and management of variety of human ailment, like diabetes mellitus, abdominal problems etc. The search for new antidiabetic therapies has become increasingly urgent due to the development of adverse effects and resistance by the chemically synthesized drugs on one hand and effectiveness with low cost of the plant materials on the other hand. The investigations carried out is to determine the long term effects of Costus afer leaf methanol extract, snail slime and the combined Costus afer and snail slime extracts on blood glucose levels of alloxan induced diabetic Swiss albino rats treated orally for 21 days on graded dose of (100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg). From the determination, the snail slime showed positive effect on blood glucose lowering level but less effective when compared with similar dose of the Costus afer leaf methanol extract. The investigation indicated that there was 103 mg/dL and 87 mg/dL blood glucose reduction for the low dose of Costus afer and Snail slime respectively while the standard hypoglycemic drug (Glibenclamide, 5 mg/kg) used for comparison yielded a blood glucose level reduction of 103 mg/dL. Similarly, the high dose used in the study gave a blood glucose reduction of 99 mg/dL and 95 mg/dL for Costus afer leaf methanol extract and Snail slime respectively. The results obtained when alloxan induced rats was treated with C. afer leaf methanol extract, Snail slime extract, and combined C. afer and snail slime extracts was analysed using Statistix 8.0 American version. The result showed a dose dependent fashion and the difference obtained from the compared results was statistically significant at p 1]. Still to that, medicinal and pharmacological activities of medicinal plants are often attributed to the presence of the so called secondary plant metabolites. Hence this regenerative capacity of snail slime and the fact that diabetes is characterized by damage of the pancreatic beta cells, may give credit to the hypoglycaemic effect observed in Costus afer methanol leaf extract and snail slime for possible drug formulation for anti-diabetic remedy. Our findings may approve snail slime which is insoluble in both acid and alkaline medium, to act as a carrier of chemical and biological nanoparticles for medical and pharmaceutical use.