Inhibitory effect of vitamin K1 on growth and polyamine biosynthesis of human gastric and colon carcinoma cell lines

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Tissue transglutaminase is involved in the inflammatory processes of active chronic gastritis

Since tissue transglutaminase-2 (TG2) can represent a marker of inflammation for some gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, we aimed to evaluate TG2 and inflammatory markers? mucosal content in gastric antrum biopsies to shed light on the histological and biochemical background of chronic gastritis inflammation. Fifty-one of 78 patients who underwent upper GI endoscopy (UGIE) for dyspeptic symptoms, had a gastric biopsy. The symptom profile was assessed by a GI symptom rating scale (GSRS) score. Thirty-five patients (69%) showed chronic gastritis. TG2, interleukin-6 (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-?, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 were evaluated in serum and the culture medium of gastric biopsies. TG2, IL-8, IL-10, TLR-4 and TNF-? were significantly higher in active chronic gastritis than in the inactive one and were linked to macrophage concentration. IL-6 was significantly lower in the active form of chronic gastritis than in the inactive one and negatively correlated with TG2. Lastly, IL-10 significantly correlated with the macrophage score. TG2 can exert an active role in chronic gastritis pathogenesis by cooperating with different markers of inflammation. It seems that TG2 can represent a possible therapeutic target for modulating inflammation and disease progression

Managing Symptom Profile of IBS-D Patients With Tritordeum-Based Foods: Results From a Pilot Study

In the past few years, increasing attention has been given to the pathologic role of specific foods in IBS, like wheat and other cereals. Recent literature describes IBS patients who may experience gastrointestinal (GI) and extra-GI symptoms precipitated by the ingestion of cereals. Tritordeum is a cereal of Spanish origin derived from the hybridization of durum wheat and wild barley. It is different from classic wheat for its gluten protein composition, with fewer carbohydrates and fructans and a higher content of proteins, dietary fibers, and antioxidants. This pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week diet with Tritordeum-based foods in substitution of other cereals on the profile of GI symptoms (evaluated by appropriate questionnaire) and the health of the GI barrier (assessed by sugar absorption test and different markers of integrity and functions) in 16 diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) patients. The diet with Tritordeum-based foods (bread, bakery products, and pasta) significantly reduced IBS-D patients' symptoms. This amelioration appears to occur through an overall improvement of the GI barrier, as demonstrated by the reduced intestinal permeability and the decreased levels of markers of intestinal mucosal integrity, mucosal inflammation, and fermentative dysbiosis

Vitamin K1 Exerts Antiproliferative Effects and Induces Apoptosis in Three Differently Graded Human Colon Cancer Cell Lines

Vitamin K1 has been demonstrated as having anticancer potentiality mainly in liver cancer cells. Beyond the reported mechanisms of cancer inhibition (cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis), a possible control by vitamin K1 on molecules affecting cell growth could be hypothesized. In the literature, few (if any) data are available on its antitumor effects on colon cancer cells. Therefore, the aims of the study were to investigate in three differently graded human colon cancer cell lines (Caco-2, HT-29, and SW480) the effects of increasing concentrations of vitamin K1 (from 10 μM to 200 μM) administered up to 72 h on (1) cell proliferation, (2) apoptosis with the possible involvement of the MAPK pathway, and (3) polyamine biosynthesis. Vitamin K1 treatment caused a significant antiproliferative effect and induced apoptosis in all the cell lines, with the involvement of the MAPK pathway. A concomitant and significant decrease in the polyamine biosynthesis occurred. This is the first study demonstrating a significant polyamine decrease in addition to the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects following vitamin K1 administration to colon cancer cell lines. Therapeutically, combinations of vitamin K1 with polyamine inhibitors and/or analogues may represent a suitable option for chemoprevention and/or treatment in future strategies for colorectal cancer management