Suppression of beta-catenin mutation by dietary exposure of auraptene, a citrus antioxidant, in N,N-diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinomas in rats.

Alteration of beta-catenin expression in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) may play an important role in tumor progression by stimulating cell proliferation. We have previously reported that auraptene (AUR), an antioxidant agent isolated from citrus fruit, effectively inhibits chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of the inhibitory effects of dietary supplementation with AUR on N,N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-initiated hepatocarcinogenesis.

Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in oral squamous cell carcinomas: manifestation and localization of their activity.

Purpose: The process of invasion and metastasis is closely related to the prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of enzymes characterized by their ability to degrade extracellular matrix proteins and contribute to the tumor invasion and metastasis. Especially MMP-2 and MMP-9 are known to be related to destruction of basement membrane as collagenases.

Preventive effect of fermented brown rice and rice bran on N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine-induced esophageal tumorigenesis in rats.

Modifying effect of fermented brown rice by Aspergillus Oryzae (FBRA) during the initiation or post-initiation phase of N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA)-induced esophageal tumorigenesis was investigated in rats. Five-week-old male F344 rats were divided into 7 groups, and groups 1-5 were given subcutaneous injections of NMBA (0.5 mg/kg body weight/injection 15 times) for 5 weeks starting at 7 weeks of age.

Fragmented DNA transport in dendrites of retinal neurons during apoptotic cell death.

Movement of fragmented DNA in dendrites of retinal neurons during the apoptotic cell death was investigated. The time-course of the movement of fragmented DNA in dendrites of retinal neurons undergoing apoptotic cell death induced by intravitreal N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) injection were examined by in situ terminal dUTP-biotin nick end labeling of DNA fragments (TUNEL) method and fluorescence DNA detection technique by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). The inhibitory effect of axoplasmic transport inhibitor, vincristine was also tested on the NMDA-induced fragmented DNA transport.