PBOX-15 induces apoptosis and improves the efficacy of oxaliplatin in human colorectal cancer cell lines.

An emerging new class of targeted therapeutic molecules against the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is a novel series of pyrrolo-1,5-benzoxa(thia)zepine compounds. A member of this family, pyrrolo-1,5-benzoxazepine-15 (PBOX-15), is a tubulin depolymerizing agent displaying a proapoptotic activity in a variety of human tumor cell types, including those derived from both solid and hematological malignancies, with minimal toxicity towards normal blood and bone marrow cells. In this study, we evaluated the PBOX-15-mediated effects in human colorectal cancer cell (CRC) lines.

A focus on Trotula dé Ruggiero: a pioneer in women's and children's health in history of medicine.

Trotula dé Ruggiero was the first female physician in history of medicine and her role at Medical School of Salerno. Her reputation in the Middle Ages was so important that her theoretical manuscripts were diffused in all European universities and laid the foundations for modern medicine. Of note, Trotula deepened medicine as an eternal dichotomy between art and science, narrative and evidence.

Pharmacological actions of statins: a critical appraisal in the management of cancer.

Statins, among the most commonly prescribed drugs worldwide, are cholesterol-lowering agents used to manage and prevent cardiovascular and coronary heart diseases. Recently, a multifaceted action in different physiological and pathological conditions has been also proposed for statins, beyond anti-inflammation and neuroprotection. Statins have been shown to act through cholesterol-dependent and -independent mechanisms and are able to affect several tissue functions and modulate specific signal transduction pathways that could account for statin pleiotropic effects.

Update on the endocannabinoid system as an anticancer target.

Introduction: Recent studies have shown that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) could offer an attractive antitumor target. Numerous findings suggest the involvement of this system (constituted mainly by cannabinoid receptors, endogenous compounds and the enzymes for their synthesis and degradation) in cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo.

Areas Covered: This review covers literature from the past decade which highlights the potential of targeting the ECS for cancer treatment.