Aquoeus Extract from Rhubarb Plant Inhibits Adenosine Deaminase Activity in Cancerous and Non Cancerous Human Gastric and Colon Tissues

Aim: Investigation of possible effects of rhubarb extract on adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity in cancerous and non cancerous human gastric and colon tissues to obtain information about possible mechanism of anti cancer action of rhubarb. Materials and methods: Cancerous and non cancerous human gastric and colon tissues removed from patients by surgical operations were used in the studies. The extracts were prepared in distilled water. Before and after treatment with the extracts, ADA activities in the tissue homogenates were measured. Results: ADA activity was found to be higher in gastric tissue compared with colon tissue, but no differences were found between ADA activities of cancerous and non cancerous tissues. It was found that rhubarb extract significantly inhibited ADA activity both in cancerous and non cancerous gastric and colon tissues. Conclusion: Our results suggest that aquoeus extract from rhubarb inhibits ADA activities in both gastric and colon tissues significantly. It is suggested that in addition to other proposed mechanisms, acumulated adenosine due to the inhibition of ADA enzyme might also play part in the anticancer properties of th

functional outcome in late adolescence/early adulthood of patients with autism spectrum disorder and its relationships with parental burnout and depression: A preliminary multi-center, cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study is to determine the functioning of adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) diagnosed in childhood and depression and burnout levels among their parents. A total of 261 adults with ASDs and their parents were recruited for the study. Both parents completed the Beck Depression and Maslach Burnout Inventories and reported the functioning of their adult offspring with ASDs. Only 5.4 % of our sample reported “good” or “very good” outcomes. The most common psychiatric comorbidities were intellectual disabilities and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Maternal burnout and depression scores were significantly elevated compared to those of fathers. There is an undeniable urgent need for more research to identify the needs of adults and families suffering from ASD. Modifications for those with ASD may have to be made for support in workplaces, achieving driving licenses, using public transportation and attendance at tertiary education