Anticancer effects of punicalagin and 5-fluorouracil on laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: an <i>in vitro</i> study

The purpose of this study was to assess the apoptotic effects of punicalagin alone and in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (Hep-2) cell line. Hep-2 cells were cultured and divided into four groups: Group 1 received no therapy and served as control, Group 2 received 5-FU only, Group 3 received punicalagin only, and Group 4 received a combination of 5-FU and punicalagin. After 48 hours of incubation, cellular changes were examined under an inverted microscope. The methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay, caspase-3 gene level, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level were assessed. The control group showed the highest mean value of cancer cell proliferation rate (1.595±0.58), followed by the punicalagin group (1.263±0.447), then the 5-FU group (0.827±0.256), while the combination group showed the lowest proliferation rate (0.253±0.111). The combination group showed the highest mean value of caspase-3 concentration (3.177±0.736), followed by the 5-FU group (1.830±0.646), and punicalagin group (0.741±0.302), while the control group showed the lowest mean value (0.359±0.117). Regarding VEGF levels, the control group had a statistically significant higher mean value, followed by the punicalagin and 5-FU groups, and finally, the combination group which showed the lowest value. Punicalagin exerts an anticancer effect through anti-proliferative action and induction of apoptosis on Hep-2 cell line. Combining punicalagin with 5-FU potentiates its anti-proliferative, apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic actions. It, further, helps in mitigating the putative side effects of 5-FU by reducing the dose required for its therapeutic effects

Evaluation of transmasseteric anteroparotid approach to mandibular subcondylar fractures

Introduction: Different techniques employing, retromandibular, preauricular, or submandibular incisions have been used for the treatment of subcondylar and condylar fractures. The approaches listed above may lead to some disadvantages which include limited visibility, facial nerve damage, and problems associated with the parotid gland. Study objective: Clinically, case studies were performed to evaluate the efficacy of P-TMAP approach for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of condylar and subcondylar fractures. The study comprised of 7 people within the condylar and subcondylar fractures group who were treated by ORIF. We analyzed the administrative hours, accessibility, and medical review on perioperative complications. A CT scan was done to confirm the site where condylar fractures were reduced. Findings: Visibility and accessibility were good. The patients underwent careful anatomical alignment and stabilization. These reported complications were limited and only lasted temporarily. The facial nerve (buccal branch) palsy of one patient was the only adverse event that was reported, and it resolved spontaneously in 3 months. No case of Frey's syndrome and sialocele was spotted. Conclusion: The P-TMAP method is an effective way of access for closing the reduction and fixing the condylar fractures. It facilitates retention, transference, relocation, and fixation of the condyle.&nbsp

Evaluation of distraction osteogenesis of membranous onlay bone graft: An experimental animal study

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the changes of membranous bone onlay grafting in the mandible of dogs after application of distraction osteogenesis. Materials and Methods: Twenty adult Mongrel dogs were divided into four groups; each with five dogs.&nbsp; A 3–4 cm zygomatic arch membrane onlay graft were secured on the lateral side of the mandible. Vertical osteotomy was performed after 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks for Groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. One week after osteotomy, distraction osteogenesis was initiated at a rate of 1 mm/day for ten days using an external apparatus. The apparatus remained for six weeks to stabilize the bone. Radiographs were taken at 2, 4, and 6 weeks post-distraction, and the dogs were euthanized six weeks after distraction for analysis. Results: The results showed new bone formation between the distracted mandibular segments in all dogs. Groups II, III, and IV showed new bone formation beneath the onlay graft, but this was not observed in Group I. In Group IV, the onlay graft partially reabsorbed, but the newly formed bone had a near-normal cortical structure.&nbsp