A cyclopalladated complex interacts with mitochondrial membrane thiol-groups and induces the apoptotic intrinsic pathway in murine and cisplatin-resistant human tumor cells

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Systemic therapy for cancer metastatic lesions is difficult and generally renders a poor clinical response. Structural analogs of cisplatin, the most widely used synthetic metal complexes, show toxic side-effects and tumor cell resistance. Recently, palladium complexes with increased stability are being investigated to circumvent these limitations, and a biphosphinic cyclopalladated complex {Pd₂[<it>S_(-)</it>C², N-dmpa]₂(μ-dppe)Cl₂} named C7a efficiently controls the subcutaneous development of B16F10-Nex2 murine melanoma in syngeneic mice. Presently, we investigated the melanoma cell killing mechanism induced by C7a, and extended preclinical studies.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>B16F10-Nex2 cells were treated <it>in vitro </it>with C7a in the presence/absence of DTT, and several parameters related to apoptosis induction were evaluated. Preclinical studies were performed, and mice were endovenously inoculated with B16F10-Nex2 cells, intraperitoneally treated with C7a, and lung metastatic nodules were counted. The cytotoxic effects and the respiratory metabolism were also determined in human tumor cell lines treated <it>in vitro </it>with C7a.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Cyclopalladated complex interacts with thiol groups on the mitochondrial membrane proteins, causes dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and induces Bax translocation from the cytosol to mitochondria, colocalizing with a mitochondrial tracker. C7a also induced an increase in cytosolic calcium concentration, mainly from intracellular compartments, and a significant decrease in the ATP levels. Activation of effector caspases, chromatin condensation and DNA degradation, suggested that C7a activates the apoptotic intrinsic pathway in murine melanoma cells. In the preclinical studies, the C7a complex protected against murine metastatic melanoma and induced death in several human tumor cell lineages <it>in vitro</it>, including cisplatin-resistant ones. The mitochondria-dependent cell death was also induced by C7a in human tumor cells.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The cyclopalladated C7a complex is an effective chemotherapeutic anticancer compound against primary and metastatic murine and human tumors, including cisplatin-resistant cells, inducing apoptotic cell death via the intrinsic pathway.</p

Bauru School of Dentistry Tele-Health League: an educational strategy applied to research, teaching and extension among applications in tele-health

Tele-health is more than an innovative alternative; it is an excellent tool that enables access to health and education in health, making it possible to minimize distances, optimize time and reduce costs. Based on these advantages, some Brazilian Universities have used these actions in strategies of education, research and extension, aiming at the application of Tele-health in Brazil. In that way, the Bauru School of Dentistry - University of São Paulo (FOB-USP) has applied the use of information and communication technologies in health by means of a "Tele-Health League" (TL), in order to diagnose, prevent and treat diseases, in addition to educate the population and health services. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to introduce the characteristics of the Tele-Health League of FOB-USP, as well as the development of its projects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Tele-Health League consisted as a Diffusion Course approved by the Provost of Culture and Academic Extension of the University of São Paulo. It is composed as a large group enclosing professoriate coordinator, academician principal, contributing professors and league members, those, diversified between undergraduates students, graduated, health employees, technology and information areas. The participant members are evaluated by the presence frequency (minimum of 85%), and by the performance of tests and paperwork about the theoretical content provided. RESULTS: In four years of activities, the TLFOB-USP obtained a high satisfaction index (90%), an increased number of vacancies due to the interest to become a member, more commitment of the professors of the University and the accomplishment of association with other Brazilian leagues. It is emphasized that the approval percentage of the course results in approval from approximately half of its members. Also, it is important to identify and repair the causes related to the quitting of some members. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the TLFOB-USP members, adjoining to the professor's participants, develop projects in Tele-helth, in Tele-aid and Tele-education areas, thus resulting in the involvement of the University and the community

Oral Lichen Planus

This study aimed to characterize the clinical profile of patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and to evaluate the efficacy of topical, systemic and/or intralesional corticosteroids in the management of symptomatic cases. Fifty-two patients with OLP, 33 females and 19 males, aged from 17 to 75 year(mean 49.7 years) were studied. Information regarding the clinical forms, sites of involvement, patients’ medical history and habits were recorded. Diagnosis of OLP was made using clinical criteria alone in 32 cases, while biopsy examination was required in the remaining 20. Symptomatic lesions were seen in 29 patients, who were treated with corticosteroid. Asymptomatic cases (23) were only clinically monitored. The forms of OLP found in this study were reticular (47%), atrophic (24%), erosive (21%) and plaque-like (8%). The buccal mucosa was the site predominantly affected. Systemic diseases were found in 17 patients (seven diabetic and ten with hypertension) but these data lacked statistical significance (p > 0.05) when compared with a control group of age and gender matched patients without any type of mucocutaneous disease. A habit of tobacco and/or alcohol use was reported by 11.5% of the patients, most of them with the reticular form of the disease. Topical corticosteroid therapy alone was effective in producing relief of symptoms in 18 of the 29 patients, although some relapses occurred after discontinuation. For lesions non-responsive to topical treatment, intralesional injection and/or short-term use of systemic corticosteroids were used. Este estudio estuvo dirigido a caracterizar el perfil clínico de pacientes con liquen plano oral (LPO) y a evaluar la eficacia de los corticoesteroides tópicos, sistémico y/o intralesionales en el tratamiento de casos sintomáticos. Cincuenta y dos pacientes con LPO –33 hombres y 19 mujeres – de 17 a 75 años de edad (49.7 años de edad promedio) fueron sometidos a investigación. Se recogió información con respecto a las formas clínicas, sitios de incidencia, así como la historia médica y hábitos de los pacientes. La mucosa bucal fue el sitio predominantemente afectado. Se encontraron enfermedades sistémicas en 17 pacientes (siete diabéticos y diez hipertensos) pero estos datos carecían de significación estadística (p > 0.05) cuando se les comparaba con los de un grupo control de pacientes correlacionados de acuerdo con su edad y género sin ningún tipo de enfermedad mucocutánea. El hábito de fumar tabaco y/o consumir alcohol fue reportado por el 11.5% de los pacientes, la mayoría de los cuales presentaban la enfermedad en su manifestación reticular. La terapia tópica de corticoesteroides sólo fue eficaz en producir alivio en 18 de los 29 pacientes, aunque algunas recidivas tuvieron lugar tras la descontinuación. Para las lesiones que no respondían al tratamiento tópico, se recurrió a la inyección intralesional y/o al uso a corto plazo de corticoesteroides sistémicos

O cuidado de enfermagem no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca: um estudo de caso El cuidado de enfermería en el postoperatorio de cirugía cardiaca: un estudio de caso. The nursing care after cardiac surgery: a case study

Os objetivos deste estudo foram descrever as necessidades do paciente no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca identificadas pelos enfermeiros e discutir o cuidado de enfermagem com base em tais necessidades. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritivo-exploratória, de natureza qualitativa, desenvolvida na Unidade Cardiointensiva do Hospital Federal dos Servidores do Estado no Rio de Janeiro. Os dados foram coletados em 2008, por meio de entrevista e observação participante, e analisados mediante a análise de conteúdo. Os dados mostraram uma enfermagem preocupada com o cuidado técnico à beira do leito, porém, desprovida de maior interação com o paciente e sua família. Conclui-se que a adoção plena do processo de enfermagem como metodologia de trabalho contribuirá para uma assistência de melhor qualidade, pautada nas orientações necessárias para cada caso, e para uma melhor informação sobre cuidado envolvendo pacientes, familiares e equipe de enfermagem.<br>El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir las necesidades del paciente en el postoperatorio de cirugía cardíaca, según la percepción de los enfermeros, y discutir la atención de enfermería en el postoperatorio de cirugía cardiaca después de las necesidades identificadas. Estudio descriptivo-exploratorio, cualitativo, desarrollado en la Unidad Cardio-Intensiva del Hospital Federal de los Servidores del Estado, en Rio de Janeiro. Los datos fueron recogidos en 2008, por medio de entrevistas y observación participante, y fueron analizados por medio del análisis de contenido. Los datos muestran una enfermería preocupada con la atención técnica a la cabecera del paciente, sin embargo, carece de una mayor interacción con el paciente y su familia. Se concluye que la adopción plena del proceso de enfermería como la metodología de trabajo contribuirá para mejorar la calidad de la asistencia, basada en la orientación necesaria para cada caso, contribuyendo para una mejor información sobre la atención que envuelve los pacientes, familiares y el personal de enfermería.<br>The aim of this study was to describe the needs of patients after cardiac surgery identified by the nurses and discuss nursing care based on these findings. A descriptive, exploratory qualitative approach was developed at the cardiac intensive care unit of the Hospital Federal dos Servidores do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Data collection occurred in 2008, using interview and participant observation techniques and data analysis followed content analysis procedure. Findings show a nursing care compromised with technical care and procedures but devoid the interaction with the patient itself and their family. As conclusion we suggest the adoption of the nursing process as methodology of work to improve quality and contributing to enrich information about patient's care, their family and the nursing team