The Inhibitory Effect of Epigallocatechin Gallate on the Viability of T Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells is Associated with Increase of Caspase-3 Level and Fas Expression

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most prevalent cancer in children. Novel components to help struggle aggressive malignancies and overcome some side effects of conventional treatments could be a promising strategy. Epigallocatechingallate (EGCG), have attracted the attention of scientists for prevention or treatment of some cancers. Jurkat cells were incubated with the different concentrations of EGCG (30–100 µm) for 24, 48, and 72 h and cell viability was investigated using MTS test. Apoptosis and the level of caspase 3 alterations were evaluated using flowcytometry and expression of Fas by Real Time PCR. EGCG decreased viability of cells with an inhibition concentration (IC50) of 82.8 ± 3.1, 68.8 ± 4 and 59.7 ± 4.8 μM in 24,48 and 72 h. 50, 70 and 100 µM concentrations of EGCG induced apoptosis in about 31, 40 and 71% of the cells, respectively. The mean value of caspase 3 positive cells in the presence of 50, 70 and 100 µm concentrations of EGCG was 19.3 ± 2.9, 29.5 ± 3.1 and 61.2 ± 3.4 respectively compared to 7.8 ± 1.1 in control with a significant difference at 100 µm concentration. Treatment with EGCG for 48 h enhanced the expression of Fas reaching to a significant level at 100 µM concentration. EGCG is effective in decrease cell viability, apoptosis induction and enhancement of caspase 3 and Fas expression level in jurkat cells. A comprehensive understanding of molecular events and pharmacokinetics of the component and experiments in animal models are required for dose determination and its interaction with other components of combination chemotherapy

First evidence of the presence of adenovirus type 8 in myocardium of patients with severe idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Previous studies have detected adenovirus and cytomegalovirus (CMV) in cardiac tissue of patients with myocarditis. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the frequency of these viruses, which may be involved in the development of severe dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Myocardial tissue from of 23 cardiac transplant candidates with acute idiopathic DCM below the age of 40 years were analyzed by amplification of adenovirus and CMV DNA and subsequent sequencing. Adenovirus was detected in four (17.4%) and CMV in one (4.3%) of the patients. All controls were negative for the presence of both viruses. Our study shows that myocardial infection with adenovirus may play an important role in the pathogenesis of severe DCM and suggests that vaccination against adenovirus might be helpful in decreasing the prevalence of severe idiopathic DCM. This is the first study in which adenovirus type 8 has been detected in the hearts of patients with DCM

Etrolizumab versus infliximab in the treatment of induction phase of ulcerative colitis: A systematic review and indirect comparison

Objectives: There is still a need to develop new effective medications for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, particularly for patients who are intolerant or resistant to first line therapies. This article compared the efficacy and safety of etrolizumab and infliximab in moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. Methods: This meta-analysis was performed according to the PRISMA statement protocol. A systematic literature search of three major bibliographic databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Cochran) was performed until June 30, 2018. This review included studies that evaluated the efficacy of etrolizumab or infliximab in ulcerative colitis and were placebo controlled randomized trials. Pooled data from each treatment were indirectly compared using Bucher's method. Results: Seven trials were sufficiently homogeneous to be used for indirect comparison of the induction phase of the treatment. There were no significant differences in clinical remission and serious adverse events between etrolizumab and infliximab. Moreover, adverse events of etrolizumab were significantly less than those of infliximab. However, further trials are required to compare other parameters of efficacy such as the clinical response and mucosal healing of etrolizumab with infliximab in anti-TNF alpha naïve patients

The effect of sodium valproate on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic recurrent disease with incomplete treatment options. The current article evaluated the effect of sodium valproate on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Rats were randomly distributed into six groups including Sham group, colitis control group, sodium valproate treatment groups (50, 100 and 300 mg/kg, i.p.) and dexamethasone-treatment group. Dexamethasone was used as a reference drug. Colitis was induced by intracolonic instillation of 2 mL of 3% acetic acid solution. The efficacy of sodium valproate was evaluated by macroscopical and histopathological scoring systems, hematocrit measurement as well as biochemical analysis including myeloperoxidase (MPO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines assessment. Sodium valproate, particularly with doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg significantly improved weight loss, and macroscopic damage, reduced ulcer area, colon weight, microscopic colitis index and elevated hematocrit level. Biochemical experiments showed elevated levels of colonic MPO activity, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in colitis control group. Treatment with sodium valproate at the doses of 100 and 300 mg/Kg) decreased the MPO activity and colonic concentrations of IL-1 beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. The results provide evidence that sodium valproate has a protective effect in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis which might be due to its anti-inflammatory activities, and it may be useful in patients with ulcerative colitis

The effect of theophylline on acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis in rats

Background: Ulcerative colitis is a relapsing inflammatory disorder of the colon. There is a need to explore the new treatments for this disorder. Theophylline, a competitive inhibitor of phosphodiesterase, is shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effect of theophylline on ulcerative colitis has not yet been investigated. The present study evaluated the effect of theophylline on acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Materials and methods: Colitis was induced by instillation of 2 ml of acetic acid solution (3%). Colon samples were evaluated grossly and microscopically and assayed for myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and proinflammatory cytokine concentrations. Results: Treatment with theophylline at the doses of 20 and 50 mg/kg attenuated acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis as shown by improvement in body weight loss, macroscopic score, ulcer area, hematocrit and histopathological score. Theophylline treatment also reduced MPO activity and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) concentrations in inflamed colon. Conclusion: Theophylline has a protective effect in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis which might be due to its anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, theophylline has the potential to be used for successful treatment of ulcerative colitis. (C) 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved