Nelfinavir induces liposarcoma apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by upregulating sterol regulatory element binding protein-1.

"HIV protease-induced lipodystrophy syndrome" is associated with the use of HIV protease inhibitors for treatment of HIV infection. In-vitro studies suggest that alteration of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 levels underlie its pathogenesis. We postulated that HIV protease inhibitors may represent a novel class of antiliposarcoma agents.

Socio-demographic profile and help-seeking behaviour of buprenorphine abusers in Singapore.

Introduction: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved buprenorphine or Subutex for the treatment of opiate dependence in October 2002. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist of the mu-opioid receptor; although initial animal research suggested a low abuse potential for buprenorphine, it was subsequently shown to have an abuse potential similar to that of morphine or hydromorphone. The objectives of this study were to establish the sociodemographic profile and help-seeking behaviour of buprenorphine abusers attending the deaddiction treatment clinics of the Community Addictions Management Programme.

Association between monoamine oxidase gene polymorphisms and smoking behaviour in Chinese males.

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is a critical metabolic enzyme of dopamine, which is a key neurotransmitter of the mesolimbic reward pathway in the human brain. Consequently, the gene encoding MAO is an important candidate gene in the genetics of smoking behaviour. We investigated the association between MAOA polymorphisms (a VNTR polymorphism and an EcoRV polymorphism) and smoking status.

Apoptosis of human gastric adenocarcinoma cells induced by beta-ionone.

Aim: To investigate the effect of beta-ionone on the growth and apoptosis of gastric adenocarcinoma cell line SGC-7901.

Methods: Using MTT, fluorescence dye (Hoechst-33258), transmission electron microscopy and the TUNEL assay, we examined growth and apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells treated with beta-ionone at various concentrations (i.e.

Relationship between dexamethasone-inhibited lysozyme activity in peripheral mononuclear leukocytes and the cortisol and glucocorticoid receptor response to dexamethasone.

The assessment of lysozyme activity in mononuclear leukocytes (MNLs) following the in vitro administration of dexamethasone (DEX) provides a measure of peripheral glucocorticoid sensitivity. The goal of the present study was to determine the relationship between the IC(50) of lysozyme activity following such challenge, and the cortisol response to oral administration of 0.50 mg DEX in 18 healthy subjects.