Fluoxetine regulates cell growth inhibition of interferon-α.

Fluoxetine, a well-known anti-depression agent, may act as a chemosensitizer to assist and promote cancer therapy. However, how fluoxetine regulates cellular signaling to enhance cellular responses against tumor cell growth remains unclear. In the present study, addition of fluoxetine promoted growth inhibition of interferon-alpha (IFN-α) in human bladder carcinoma cells but not in normal uroepithelial cells through lessening the IFN-α-induced apoptosis but switching to cause G1 arrest, and maintaining the IFN-α-mediated reduction in G2/M phase.

Endovascular salvage for contained rupture of gastroduodenal artery aneurysm presented with obstructive jaundice.

Gastroduodenal artery (GDA) aneurysms are rare but lethal conditions when ruptures develop. Most common clinical presentation are gastrointestinal hemorrhage and abdominal pain. Obstructive jaundice is unusual.

Fluoxetine a novel anti-hepatitis C virus agent via ROS-, JNK-, and PPARβ/γ-dependent pathways.

More than 20% of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients receiving interferon-alpha (IFN-α)-based anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy experienced significant depression, which was relieved by treatment with fluoxetine. However, whether and how fluoxetine affected directly the anti-HCV therapy remained unclear. Here, we demonstrated that fluoxetine inhibited HCV infection and blocked the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid accumulation in Huh7.

Rosiglitazone regulates anti-inflammation and growth inhibition via PTEN.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist has anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. However, the mechanisms by which PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone interferes with inflammation and cancer via phosphatase and tensin homolog-(PTEN)-dependent pathway remain unclear. We found that lower doses (<25  μ M) of rosiglitazone significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-(LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) release (via inducible nitric oxide synthase, iNOS), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production (via cyclooxygenase-2, COX-2), and activation of Akt in RAW 264.

Blockade of reactive oxygen species and Akt activation is critical for anti-inflammation and growth inhibition of metformin in phosphatase and tensin homolog-deficient RAW264.7 cells.

Context: Metformin is widely used for treatment of type 2 diabetes and has a potential application on the treatment of inflammation and cancer. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) plays a critical role in cancer cell growth and inflammation; however, precise mechanisms remain unclear.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms of how PTEN regulates metformin against cell growth and inflammation.

Evaluation of the appropriate age range of colorectal cancer screening based on the changing epidemiology in the past 20 years in taiwan.

Introduction. According to the recommendation of the United States Preventative Services Task Force, most countries provide average-risk screening for colorectal cancers (CRCs) between the ages of 50 and 75 years. However, the age range of screening should be modified because of an increasing life span.

Ethnic-specific prevalence of hepatitis B/C virus infection in Pin-Jen, Taiwan.

Objectives: The study aimed to estimate prevalence rate of hepatitis B/C virus infection by three ethnic groups including Hakka, Minnan, and Mainlander in Taiwan where there was a high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods: We enrolled a total of 5007 people aged 30 years or older who participated in Li-Shin Out-Reaching Neighboring Screening (LIONS) project in 2004-2005 in Pin-Jen township of Taoyuan county. The ethnic group was classified in the current study by using the criteria on the basis of the ethnicity of mother of participants.

Marked elevation of liver transaminases after high-dose fluvastatin unmasks chronic hepatitis C: safety and re-challenge.

The statins, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, have emerged as the drugs of choice for patients with dyslipidemia and have been shown to reduce major cardiovascular adverse events in large-scale clinical trials for both primary and secondary prevention. Statins are generally safe; however, the results of clinical trials do demonstrate possibilities of significant adverse effects in liver and muscle. Moreover, the numbers from the trials may not reflect the real situation in daily practice because individuals at increased risk for hepatotoxicity are usually deliberately and carefully excluded in clinical trials.

Therapeutic plasma exchange in patients with hyperlipidemic pancreatitis.

Aim: To clarify the effectiveness of plasma exchange by comparing the mortality and morbidity before and after the intervention of plasma exchange.

Methods: Plasma exchange has been available as an optional therapy for hyperlipidemic pancreatitis since August 1999 in our hospital. The patients were assorted into 2 groups (group I: before August 1999 and group II: after August 1999).