jpans
Editor's Choice : Can Plants’ Ability for DNA Repair and Stress Defense be Used against Patients’ Circulating Tumor Cells?
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Abstract: Introduction: It was suggested that specific plants may reduce cancer's resistance to chemotherapy. Resistance inhibits apoptosis, as well as other fundamental anti-cancer protective mechanisms. Soy bean has been found to reduce cellular stress and repair DNA damage caused by drought or parasites, and can transfer this defense mechanism to other plant species as well. The aim of this study is therefore to conduct a systematic comparison of the effect of soy bean formulation (FSWW08) on gene expression in in vitro human breast cancer cell line, and in in vivo in blood circulating tumor cells (CTC), after oral consumption of FSWW08 by patients suffering from breast-, ovarian-, and prostate cancer. Method: In vitro gene expressions studies were conducted with the human breast cancer cell line BT-474 that was exposed to doxorubicin or FSWW08, either alone or in combination. Ovarian-, prostate-, and breast cancer patients received FSWW08 for 30 days. CTC were extracted from their blood according to an established protocol. Gene expression evaluations were conducted before and after treatment. Results: In vitro,the multi-drug resistance (MDR) protein was reduced by FSWW08, but was increased by doxorubicin. The combination of FSWW08 and doxorubicin, however, showed a protective effect against the increase of MDR in physiologic concentrations, increased, however, also in high experimental concentrations of both agents. The expression of several cancer-related protective genes, such as tumor suppressor factors p21, p38 and p53, was improved by FSWW08 in vitro and in vivo, which helped cell differentiation and new tissue formation. Additionally, the BAX/Bcl2 ratio was improved, in vitro, as well as gene expression of estrogen receptor beta, NF-κB, MAP kinase, c-JUN, and matrix metalloproteinase 9, together with an increase of VEGF expression in vivo in CTC. Conclusion: It was demonstrated that FSWW08 improved the gene functions related to DNA repair and stress in human blood CTC and resistance marker, in vitro, when applied in combination with doxorubicin. As such, larger in vitro and in vivo clinical studies that investigate single botanical compounds from other plants, are warranted. Keywords: Tp53, Tp21, Bax/Bcl2, MAP kinase, VEGF, CTC, circulating tumor cell, fermented soy, MDR protein, estrogen receptor beta, NF-κB, RT-PCR technique, human breast cancer cell line BT-474, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer. Download Full Article |
Editor's Choice : Effect of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Starch-Hydrocolloids Mixture on the Physical and Sensory Characteristics of Leavened Bread
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Abstract: During this study, different blends of taro starch-hydrocolloid were incorporated in yeast leavened bread and their effects were investigated. The specific volume, moisture content and slice shape of the bread were found to be improved by the addition of taro starch-guar gum blend. Taro starch-xanthan gum mixture was also found to be a good additive to improve specific volume, slice shape, crumb softness as well as sensory characteristics of bread. The study reveals taro starch-hydrocolloid blend can be utilized as a novel ingredient to improve the physical and sensory characteristics of leavened bread. Keywords: Taro starch, Hydrocolloids, Bread, Physical Properties, Sensory Properties.Download Full Article |
Editor's Choice : Cost Savings of Reduced Constipation Rates Attributed to Increased Dietary Fibre Intakes in Europe: A Decision-Analytic Model
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Abstract: Mounting evidence shows that functional constipation contributes to increased healthcare utilization, impairment in quality of life, and lost work productivity. Among those with functional constipation, relatively small dietary changes may alleviate symptoms and result in considerable constipation-related healthcare cost savings. The study objective was to estimate the economic impact of increased dietary fibre consumption on direct medical costs associated with constipation from a payer perspective. A decision-analytic spreadsheet model was created to perform the analysis. Literature searches identified sources for input parameters, including prevalence of functional constipation, dietary fibre intakes, proportion of the population meeting recommended intakes, and the percentage that would be expected to benefit from increased dietary fibre consumption. The model assumes that 25% of adults make no change in fibre intake, 25% increase intake by 3 g/day, 15% increase intake by 4 g/day, 25% increase intake by 5 g/day, and 10% increase intake by 11 g/day. A dose-response analysis of published data was conducted to estimate the percent reduction in constipation prevalence per 1 g/day increase in dietary fibre intake. Annual direct medical costs for constipation were derived from the literature and updated to 2014. Sensitivity analyses explored robustness of the model. Under base case assumptions, annual cost savings were estimated at ₤127,037,383 in the United Kingdom, €8,791,992 / ₤7,244,513 in Ireland, and €121,699,804 in Spain. Increasing dietary fibre consumption is associated with considerable cost savings, with these estimates being conservative given the exclusion of lost productivity costs in the model. Keywords: Constipation, public health, prevention, costs and cost analysis, dietary fibre.Download Full Article |
Editor’s Choice : Accuracy Assessment of Classical Isothermal Experiment in Drug Storage Period Studies
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Abstract: The purpose of this research was to assessment the effect of change of dissolved oxygen concentration on accuracy of classical isothermal experiment in ascorbic acid solution storage period studies. The experiments were performed at temperatures 35 ˚C, 40 ˚C, 45 ˚C and 50 ˚C, the apparent rate constant (kA) and the adjusted apparent rate constant (kA,A) were determined, respectively. By plotting lnkA and lnkA,A against 1/T resulted two lines, respectively. Then the apparent rate constant at 25 ˚C, kA,25˚C=5.168×10-4(mol×L-1×h-1) and the adjusted apparent rate constant at 25 ˚C, kA,A,25˚C=5.157×10-4(mol×L-1×h-1), was extrapolated, respectively. Both the calculated storage period of the experimented ascorbic acid solution were all 55h by kA,25˚C and kA,A,25˚C，respectively. The results suggested that the change of dissolved oxygen concentration has no effect on the accuracy of classical isothermal experiment in ascorbic acid solution storage period studies. Keywords: Classical isothermal experiment, accuracy, ascorbic acid, dissolved oxygen, storage period.Download Full Article |
