Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the major and most potent polyphenol compound of green tea that has been shown to have anticancer effects against various types of cancers. In this study, in addition to the EGCG compound, a synthetic derivative, the peracetate of EGCG (EGCG-P), was used to investigate the inhibitory effects on growth of androgen-independent prostate cancer in vivo. The advantage of EGCG-P is that it may act as a prodrug, leading to higher bioavailability than EGCG itself. The aim of our study was to compare the differences between EGCG and EGCG-P on their inhibitory effect on androgen-independent prostate cancer, CWR22R, xenograft model in nude mice. The mice were administrated daily with solvent dimethyl sulfoxide, EGCG, and EGCG-P separately through intraperitoneal injection for 20 days. Tumor volume and body weight of nude mice were recorded daily. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were also measured before and after the treatment. The effects of both EGCG and EGCG-P on tumor cell proliferation were assessed by immunohistochemical (IHC) method using antibodies against Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. The apoptotic effect was evaluated by IHC against B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma-2 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay by in situ apoptosis detection kit. Moreover, the potential suppression of angiogenesis by EGCG and EGCG-P on prostate cancer was examined by IHC against CD31. Our results revealed that treatment of EGCG and EGCG-P compounds suppressed the growth of CWR22R xenografts without causing any detectable side effects in nude mice. The suppression of growth of the tumor was correlated with the decrease of serum PSA level together with the reduction in tumor angiogenesis and an increase in apoptosis on prostate cancer cells. The results showed that treatment of EGCG and EGCG-P inhibited tumor growth and angiogenesis while promoting apoptosis of the prostate cancer cells in vivo. Our results suggest that EGCG-P may be a more stable and useful compound for increasing the therapeutic anticancer effects in androgen-independent prostate cancer.

Objective Previous reports have documented the benefits of exercise on the well-being of renal patients. However, fewer than 50% of our end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients engage in regular exercise. To promote exercise, we implemented a home-based exercise program. The aim of the program was to reduce barriers to exercise by helping patients to exercise at their convenience and without the need to travel. The effect of the program was evaluated 3 months after implementation. Patients and Methods Each study participant received a videotape that demonstrated 30 minutes of low-capacity aerobic exercise. Participants were advised to exercise by following the demonstration on the videotape. Encouragement was given over the telephone. Self-reports on practice were recorded in a log book that was also provided. The effect of the program was evaluated by comparing outcomes data before, and 3 months after, implementation of the program. Outcomes assessment included functional mobility (timed “Up & Go” test), muscle flexibility (“Sit & Reach” test), physical capacity (“Six-Minute Walk”), and quality of life [Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF)]. Results The program began with 72 participants. Over time, 39 dropped out. The remaining 33 participants included 11 men and 22 women with a mean age of 52.8 ± 9.8 years. They exercised 3 – 7 times weekly. Significant improvements were observed in the timed “Up & Go” ( p = 0.003) and “Sit & Reach” ( p < 0.001) tests. Improvements in the “Six-Minute Walk” ( p = 0.130) and in KDQOL-SF scores for emotional well-being ( p = 0.456), pain ( p = 0.100), burden of kidney disease ( p = 0.061), and general health ( p = 0.085) were statistically insignificant. Conclusions Physically, patients with ESRD benefit from home-based low-capacity aerobic exercise. A home-based program provides an alternative to outdoor and group exercise. In view of a high drop-out rate, intensive promotion and encouragement should be considered to achieve a positive outcome.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract