S-Allyl-L-Cysteine Affects Cell Proliferation and Expression of HS-Synthetizing Enzymes in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines.

S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC) is a sulfur compound present in fresh garlic. The reference literature describes its anticancer, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. Breast cancer is infamously known as one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies among women worldwide.

Analysis of biochemical parameters in an experimental model of chronic pancreatitis in rats.

Background: Despite advanced research and great progress in understanding the chronic pancreatitis (CP) pathogenesis, no current causal treatment for the condition is available. For preclinical studies, the existence of a well-characterized CP animal model is essential. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of chronic pancreatitis on the antioxidant enzymes activity in rat blood serum and on the level of glutathione (intracellular antioxidant) in rat pancreas.

Urinary excretion of asymmetric (ADMA) and symmetric (SDMA) dimethylarginine is positively related to nitric oxide level in tissues of normotensive and hypertensive rats.

Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the gaseous transmitters which play a very important role in the regulation of the circulatory system. Decreased NO availability is associated with hypertension, cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Endogenous NO is generated enzymatically by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) depending on the availability of the substrate, cofactors, or presence/absence of inhibitors, such as asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA).

Heart and kidney HS production is reduced in hypertensive and older rats.

The prevalence of hypertension increases with age, but the mechanisms linking this phenomenon are not well understood. Hydrogen sulfide (HS) may be involved in this process, as it plays a role in the cardiovascular system, affecting blood pressure and heart and kidney functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of hypertension and aging on sulfur-containing compounds metabolism in the hearts and kidneys of Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR) of different age groups.

Hypertension and Aging Affect Liver Sulfur Metabolism in Rats.

Hypertension and age are key risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Hydrogen sulfide (HS), a gaseous transmitter, contributes significantly to regulating arterial blood pressure and aging processes. This study evaluated the effects of hypertension and aging on the hepatic metabolism of sulfur-containing compounds, the activity of the enzymes involved in sulfur homeostasis, and the liver's ability to generate HS.

New aspects of antiproliferative activity of 4-hydroxybenzyl isothiocyanate, a natural HS-donor.

The effect of 4-hydroxybenzyl isothiocyanate (HBITC), a natural HS-donor from white mustard seeds (Sinapis alba), on the proliferation of human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and glioblastoma (U87MG) cells was studied and some aspects of the mechanism of its activity were suggested. The inhibition of both SH-SY5Y and U87MG cell proliferation was associated with an increase in the thiosulfate level, the number of cells with the inactive form of Bcl-2 protein, and with a decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential. Interestingly, HBITC results in downregulation of p53 protein and upregulation of p21 protein levels in SH-SY5Y cells.

Diversified β-2-adrenergic Receptor Expression and Action in Melanoma Cells.

Background/aim: Growing evidence links stress hormones with development and progression of various cancer types. The aim of this study was to assess susceptibility of cutaneous and uveal melanoma cells to adrenaline (AD).

Materials And Methods: The expression of β-2-adrenergic receptor in primary cutaneous (FM-55-P), primary uveal (92-1, Mel202) and metastatic cutaneous (A375) melanoma cells was estimated at mRNA, protein and cell surface levels.