Valproic acid inhibits human hepatocellular cancer cells growth in vitro and in vivo.

Background: Valproic acid (VPA) a histone deacetylase inhibitor has been shown to inhibit the growth of a variety of cancer cells. We examined the effect of VPA in human hepatocellular cancer cells (HuH7) in vitro and in vivo. We hypothesized that VPA may be able to modulate Notch-1 signaling in hepatic carcinoma cells, with antitumor effects.

Beneficial effects of N-acetyl cysteine on pancreas and kidney following experimental pancreatic ischemia-reperfusion in rats.

Objective: To evaluate the protective effects of N-acetyl cysteine on the pancreas and kidney after pancreatic ischemia reperfusion injury in a rat model.

Methods And Materials: Pancreatic ischemia reperfusion was performed in Wistar rats for 1 hour. Revascularization was achieved followed by 4 h of reperfusion.

Timing-dependent protection of hypertonic saline solution administration in experimental liver ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Background: During liver ischemia, the decrease in mitochondrial energy causes cellular damage that is aggravated after reperfusion. This injury can trigger a systemic inflammatory syndrome, also producing remote organ damage. Several substances have been employed to decrease this inflammatory response during liver transplantation, liver resections, and hypovolemic shock.

Statin pretreatment in experimental acute pancreatitis.

Context: Some authors have found beneficial effect of statins in certain inflammatory conditions, but the effect of statins on acute pancreatitis is not yet defined.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of simvastatin on an experimental model of mild and severe acute pancreatitis.

Animals: One hundred and one Wistar rats with cerulein or taurocholate-induced acute pancreatitis were used in this study.