No abstract

For targeted gastric carcinoma therapy, hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified layer-by-layer nanoparticles (NPs) are applied for improving anticancer treatment efficacy and reducing toxicity and side effects. The aim of this study was to develop HA-modified NPs for the co-loading of irinotecan (IRN) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). A novel polymer–chitosan (CH)–HA hybrid formulation (HA–CH–IRN/5-FU NPs) consisting of poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and IRN as the core, CH and 5-FU as a shell on the core and HA as the outmost layer was prepared. Its morphology, average size, zeta potential and drug encapsulation ability were evaluated. Human gastric carcinoma cells (MGC803 cells) and cancer-bearing mice were used for the testing of in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo antitumor efficiency of NPs. HA–CH–IRN/5-FU NPs displayed enhanced antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo than non-modified NPs, single drug-loaded NPs and drugs solutions. The results demonstrate that HA–CH–IRN/5-FU NPs can achieve impressive antitumor activity and the novel targeted drug delivery system offers a promising strategy for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health problem and third most common deaths in western world. Dietary interventions together with modified dietary style can prevent the CRC in humans. Xanthohumol (XHA), a polyphenol isolated from Humulus lupulus L. contains many beneficial effects. The aim of the study is to analyze the effect of XHA on Azoxymethane (AOM)‐induced experimental CRC in rats. Levels of MDA were increased and enzymic antioxidants levels were decreased in AOM‐induced rats. However, these levels were reversed upon XHA treatment. Further, the mRNA expressions of iNOS and COX‐2 were also downregulated in XHA treated rats compared to AOM‐induced rats. Further, we found that administration of XHA suppressed the wnt/β‐catenin signaling together with modulation of apoptotic proteins Bax, Bcl‐2, and caspase 3. We conclude that XHA can able to quench the free radicals, inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis, thus it can be a chemopreventive/therapeutic agent against CRC.

Our findings suggested that maternal coffee consumption during pregnancy was not significantly associated with the occurrence of total NTD or the spina bifida subtype of NTD.

Purpose To evaluate the effect of dezocine on the postoperative ratio of Th1/Th2 cytokines in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. Patients and Methods Sixty patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy were randomly divided into two groups (n=30): dezocine group (Group D) and sufentanil group (Group S). They received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) after the operation with either dezocine 0.8 mg/kg (Group D) or sufentanil 2 µg/kg (Group S). Both groups also received ondansetron 8 mg diluted to 100 mL with saline. The primary outcome was the Th1/Th2 cytokines ratio at predetermined intervals, 30 min before the induction of general anaesthesia and 0, 12, 24 and 48 h after surgery. The secondary endpoints were patients’ pain scores, measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS) at predetermined intervals (0, 12, 24 and 48 h after surgery), and side effects at follow-up 48 h after surgery. Results The Th1/Th2 cytokines ratio in Group D was significantly higher than Group S ( P <0.05) 12, 24 and 48 h after the operation. There were no significant differences in VAS pain scores between groups at 0, 12, 24 and 48 h after surgery ( P >0.05). Compared to Group S, the incidence of postoperative nausea, vomiting and lethargy was significantly lower in Group D ( P <0.05). Conclusion Dezocine increases the ratio of Th1/Th2 cytokines, relieves postoperative pain and causes fewer side effects in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.