N-substituted benzamides inhibit NFκB activation and induce apoptosis by separate mechanisms

Benzamides have been in clinical use for many years in treatment against various disorders. A recent application is that as a sensitizer for radio- or chemotherapies. We have here analysed the mechanism of action of N-substituted benzamides using an in vitro system. We found that while procainamide was biologically inert in our system, the addition of a chloride in the 3′ position of the benzamide ring created a compound (declopramide) that induced rapid apoptosis. Furthermore, declopramide also inhibited NFκB activation by inhibition of IκBβ breakdown. An acetylated variant of declopramide, N-acetyl declopramide, showed no effect with regard to rapid apoptosis induction but was a potent inhibitor of NFκB activation. In fact, the addition of an acetyl group to procainamide in the 4′ position was sufficient to convert this biologically inactive substance to a potent inhibitor of NFκB activation. These findings suggest two potential mechanisms, induction of early apoptosis and inhibition of NFκB mediated salvage from apoptosis, for the biological effect of N-substituted benzamides as radio- and chemo-sensitizers. In addition it suggests that N-substituted benzamides are potential candidates for the development of anti-inflammatory compounds using NFκB as a drug target. © 1999 Cancer Research Campaig

The Role of Extension Nutrition Education in Student Achievement of Nutrition Standards in Grades K - 3: A Descriptive Evaluation of a School-Based Program

This article reports the results of a descriptive evaluation of the impact of an in-school Extension nutrition education program in a small, very rural county. The evaluation focused on understanding the nature of the role the Extension educator plays in delivering nutrition education, the impact of the program on student learning and achievement of nutritional benchmarks, and the value of the collaboration between the schools and Extension. Results indicate that the Extension nutrition program is a valuable resource for schools in the county and that the program supports student achievement of nutrition education standards