XIAP as a radioresistance factor and prognostic marker for radiotherapy in human rectal adenocarcinoma.

A differential responsiveness of patients to ionizing radiation is observed after preoperative radiotherapy for rectal adenocarcinoma that might be related, in part, to an apoptosis defect. To establish if proteins of the apoptotic cascades [pro-apoptotic: active caspase 3, 8, and 9 and DIABLO (direct inhibitor of apoptosis-binding protein with low pI); anti-apoptotic: XIAP (X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis)] are involved, we analyzed their profile in radioresistant (SW480) and radiosensitive (SW48) human colorectal cell lines. We demonstrated that, after irradiation, the SW48 cells increased the expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins, whereas the SW480 cells increased the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein XIAP.

Chronic crude garlic-feeding modified adult male rat testicular markers: mechanisms of action.

Background: Garlic or Allium sativum (As) shows therapeutic effects such as reduction of blood pressure or hypercholesterolemia but side-effects on reproductive functions remain poorly investigated. Because of garlic's chemical complexity, the processing methods and yield in preparations differ in efficacy and safety. In this context, we clarify the mechanisms of action of crushed crude garlic on testicular markers.

Status of the executioner step of apoptosis in human with normal spermatogenesis and azoospermia.

Objective: To localize the different proteins involved in the executioner step of apoptosis in the human testicular tissue: effector caspases (3, 6, and 7), caspase inhibitors called inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs, such as XIAP), and IAP inhibitors such as Smac/DIABLO and to investigate XIAP and Smac expression and activation of caspase-3 in azoospermia.

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: The Biology of Reproduction Center of Poissy and Inserm U407, France.

Differential effects of ionizing radiation and platinum-derivative chemotherapy on apoptotic pathways in testicular germ cells.

Purpose: The purpose here was to identify whether ionizing radiation and oxaliplatin triggered testicular germ cells apoptosis through different executionary pathways.

Materials And Methods: Adult male mice are treated with oxaliplatin (0.5 mg/kg, Ox) 4 h before being locally irradiated (0.