Tanshinone IIA induces cytochrome c-mediated caspase cascade apoptosis in A549 human lung cancer cells via the JNK pathway.

Tanshinone IIA (TSIIA), a natural diterpene quinone in the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Dan-Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), has extensively exerted antitumor activity in cellular and animal models. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor effects of TSIIA remain largely unknown. The in vitro effects of TSIIA on apoptosis were investigated in A549 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells.

Parasympathetic and substance P-immunoreactive nerve denervation in atrial fibrillation models.

Background: Recent studies demonstrated that atrial fibrillation (AF) induced heterogeneous sympathetic hyperinnervation and baroreflex impartation, but the changes of vagal and afferent nerve are not clear.

Methods: Six dogs underwent atrial pacing at 600 beats/min (AF group). All paced dogs developed sustained AF by 5 weeks of pacing.

[Effect of cisplatin on the expression of Pokemon gene: experiment with different human lung cancer cells].

Objective: To investigate the correlation between Pokemon gene and cisplatin mechanism.

Methods: Human lung adenocarcinoma cells of the lines A549 and AGZY83-a, human lung squamous carcinoma cells of the line HE-99, and human giant cell lung cancer cells of the line 95D were cultured and cisplatin was added into the medium. Other lung cancer cells of the above mentioned lines were cultured in the medium without cisplatin and were used as control groups.