Effects of a natural polyphenol on nicotine-induced pancreatic cancer cell proliferation.

Introduction: Resveratrol (-3, 4', 5-trihydroxystilbene), a phytoalexin derived from the skin of grapes and other fruits, has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Its anti-carcinogenic effects are closely associated with its antioxidant activity; thus, the use of resveratrol as a possible cancer chemo-preventive is considered to be an important area of investigation. In this study we have examined the inhibitory effects of resveratrol in nicotine induced proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells.

Attenuation of tissue oxidative stress by dietary restriction in rats on simulated microgravity.

Introduction: Physiologic alterations caused by oxidative stress can be assessed by measuring tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a biomarker for oxidative stress. The goal of this study is to determine the consequences of a twenty percent caloric restriction on the increased oxidative stress documented in tissues from rats exposed to simulated microgravity.

Materials/methods: Three groups of male SD rats (N=6 in each group) were used: Group 1, control; Group 2, food restricted (20% less food than control); and Group 3, food restricted with HLS.

Pressure hyperalgesia in hind limb suspended rats.

Introduction: Spaceflight and simulated microgravity often associate with pain and prediabetes. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced moderate insulinopenia rat models of prediabetes result in pressure hyperalgesia. The current study was designed to determine whether or not simulated microgravity induced by hind limb suspension (HLS) in rats lead to insulinopenia and pressure hyperalgesia.