The Libyan journal of medicine
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The aim of this study was to observe the impact of the mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (MST1-JNK) signaling pathway on apoptosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells induced by Taurine (Tau). Caco-2 and SW620 cells transfected with p-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-MST1 or short interfering RNA (siRNA)-MST1 were treated with Tau for 48 h. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and the levels of MST1 and JNK were detected by western blotting. ⋯ Silencing the MST1 gene could decrease the apoptotic rate of cancer cells, and Tau treatment could reverse this decrease. Blocking the JNK signaling pathway significantly reduced the Tau-induced apoptotic rate of CRC cells. Thus, the MST1-JNK pathway plays an important role in Tau-induced apoptosis of CRC cells.
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder associated with stress, which may appear by an educational context, given that students are exposed to demands in the academic environment during their education process that may lead to developing diseases. This study reports on the relationship between the IBS and academic stress and compares results of men and women. ⋯ Therefore, the recommendation is to implement educational programs aiming at self-care as well as gaining knowledge about academic stress-related factors and the physical responses that may result in repercussions with serious consequences for student life such as pain, disease and dropping out of school.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of music therapy under general anesthesia in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
Music therapy, an innovative approach that has proven effectiveness in many medical conditions, seems beneficial also in managing surgical patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate its effects, under general anesthesia, on perioperative patient satisfaction, stress, pain, and awareness. ⋯ Music therapy is a non-pharmacological, inexpensive, and non-invasive technique that can significantly enhance patient satisfaction and decrease patients' embarrassing experiences related to perioperative stress, pain, and awareness.
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The aim of the present comparative study was to compare some salivary characteristics between exclusive waterpipe smokers (EWPS) and non-smokers. 72 males (36 EWPS) were recruited. The volume of stimulated saliva was determined and divided by the duration of saliva collection. The pH was measured directly using a pH meter. ⋯ Statistically significant differences in the two groups' pH were observed from 30 to 160 µL of titrated up HCl. At 50 µL of titrated up HCl, the EWPS group compared to the non-smoker group had a significantly higher pH (4.79 ± 0.72 vs. 5.32 ± 0.79). To conclude, waterpipe tobacco smoking alters the buffering capacity but does not alter either salivary flow rates or the baseline pH and consistency.
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Nitrite has been found to protect liver graft from cold preservation injury. However, the cell signaling pathway involved in this protection remains unclear. Here, we attempt to clarify if the NOS pathway by using the NOS inhibitor, L-NAME (L-NG-Nitroarginine methyl ester). ⋯ Despite NOS inhibition by L-NAME, nitrite can still provide hepatic protection during cold I/R preservation. This suggests that nitrite acts through a NOS-independent pathway.