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Abstract: Background: Despite increased experience in therapy, the overall outcome of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not improved because of the relative resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs in addition to local invasion and frequent regional lymph node metastases. Quercetin (Qu) is a principal flavonoid compound and an excellent free-radical-scavenging antioxidant that promotes apoptosis. Limited reports regarding the molecular or cellular role of Qu in anticancer properties on OSCC have been presented. This study was conducted to clarify the efficacy of Qu on OSCC in vitro and further to evaluate the possible mechanism(s). Methods: Cultured OSCC cells (SCC-25) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were treated with different concentrations of Qu. Cell viability and cell colony-forming potential were detected with the MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and colony growth assays. Cell-cycle analysis and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion were tested using the micropore chamber assay. Results: Cell viability and colony-forming potential were decreased in a dose-dependent manner following Qu treatment. Qu also dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of SCC-25 cells via both G1 phase cell cycle arrest and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. In addition, Qu also decreased the abilities of migration and invasion of SCC-25 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Qu effectively inhibits cell growth and invasion/migration of SCC-25 cells in vitro. The cellular and molecular mechanisms are via cell cycle arrest accompanied by mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Our findings suggest that Qu may have potential as a new chemopreventive agent or serve as a therapeutic adjuvant for OSCC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the benefits of the intraoral approach for removal of the submandibular gland (SMG) by comparing it with the usual method of the transcervical approach. Sixteen patients who required SMG resection for benign disorders were divided into two surgical groups who underwent surgery via the intraoral ( n = 8) or transcervical ( n = 8) approach. The intraoral approach (IOA) consisted of an incision on the floor of mouth from the caruncle of Wharton's duct to the retromolar trigone while the transcervical approach (TCA) consisted of an incision along the natural skin crease overlying the gland. The operation time, hospital stay, complications, and cosmetic appearance were compared between groups. The mean operation time of the IOA group was significantly longer than that of the TCA group, but decreased gradually with surgical experience. The mean hospital stay of the IOA group was significantly shorter than that of the TCA group. Most patients (88 %) of the IOA group experienced sensory defects of the lingual nerve, but these symptoms were temporary. No lasting complications were noted in the IOA group; however, one patient of the TCA group had permanent paralysis of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve. The incision scars were invisible owing to the location on the mouth floor in the IOA group, whereas they were apparent even on the natural skin crease of the neck in the TCA group. In conclusion, the SMG can be removed safely and effectively by IOA with the avoidance of an external scar and of injury to the marginal mandibular nerve. We suggest that the IOA be substituted for the TCA as the primary procedure for removal of the SMG in suitably selected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite development in therapeutic strategies, such as neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), the prognosis of colorectal cancer remains relatively poor. Cancer stem cells (CSC) with several characteristics can lead to therapeutic resistance. CD133 has been identified as a putative CSC marker in colorectal cancer; however, its functional role still needs elucidation. We verified the role of CD133 with emphasis on expression location and correlated the results of CD133 with clinical outcome in colorectal cancer. Methods: We used immunohistochemistry to investigate the expression of CD133 in samples from 157 patients with colonic adenocarcinoma and from 76 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma who received neoadjuvant CCRT. We also correlated the expression location of CD133 with the clinicopathological parameters and prognosis. Results: CD133 protein was variably overexpressed in colorectal cancer tissues and was present in three locations: apical and/or endoluminal surfaces, cytoplasm, and lumen. Cytoplasmic CD133 expression level correlated significantly with tumor local recurrence ( P = 0.025) and survival of patients with colorectal cancer ( P = 0.002), and correlated inversely with tumor regression grading ( P = 0.021) after CCRT in patients with rectal cancer. Conclusions: The expression of CD133 in the cytoplasm is closely associated with local recurrence and patient survival, and may provide a reliable prognostic indicator of tumor regression grading in patients with rectal cancer after CCRT. Cytoplasmic CD133 expression may also help identify the surviving cancer cells in areas with nearly total regression after CCRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims: Ultra-low dose naloxone has been shown to restore the antinociceptive effect of morphine in pertussis toxin (PTX)-treated rats by suppressing spinal microglia activation and inhibiting inflammatory cytokine expression. This study was further investigated the mechanism by which ultra-low dose naloxone promotes analgesia in pertussis toxin-treated rats. Main methods: Male Wistar rats were implanted with an intrathecal (i.t.) catheter and injected either saline or PTX (1μg). Four days later, rats randomly received either saline, or ultra-low dose naloxone, or recombinant rat interleukin-10 (rrIL-10) (1μg) injection followed by saline or morphine (10μg) 30min later. In some experiments, mouse anti-rat IL-10 antibody (10μg) was injected intrathecally into PTX injected rats daily on days 4, 5, 6, and 7. On day 7, ultra-low dose naloxone was given 1h after antibody injection with or without subsequent morphine injection. Key findings: PTX injection induced notable thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. Injection of ultra-low dose naloxone preserved the antinociceptive effect of morphine in PTX-treated rats and associated an increasing of IL-10 protein expression. Intrathecal injection rrIL-10 alone or in combination with morphine, not only reversed mechanical allodynia but also partially restored the antinociceptive effect of morphine; injection of anti-rat IL-10 antibody attenuated the effect of morphine plus ultra-low dose naloxone on mechanical allodynia and completely inhibited the antinociceptive effect of morphine. Significance: These results indicate that intrathecal ultra-low dose naloxone induces IL-10 expression in spinal neuron and microglia, which suppresses PTX-induced neuroinflammation and restores the antinociceptive effect of morphine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 322-331 Background: To clarify the efficacy of grape seed procyanidin (GSP) on antiproliferative effects related to p53 functional status of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) for its chemoadjuvant potential. Methods: We used GSP to investigate SCC-25 cells with wild-type p53 gene and OEC-M1 cells with mutant p53 gene for the assessment of antiproliferative effects including cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration and invasion potential, and alterations of associated oncoproteins involved in cellular and molecular events. Results: The findings suggest that GSP on OEC-M1 cells leads to cell cycle arrest by increasing the expression of p21Cip1/p27Kip1 protein without functioning mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, whereas GSP on SCC-25 cells inhibits cell proliferation via both G1-phase arrest and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner as a result of alterations of Bcl-2. GSP also inhibits the migration and invasion of both cells, which are associated with the suppression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP-2 and MMP-9. Conclusion: Antiproliferative effectiveness of GSP is closely associated with the p53 status of OSCC cells. GSP displays chemoadjuvant potential via cell cycle blockage and apoptotic induction. Our findings clearly suggest that GSP may play a role as a novel chemopreventive or therapeutic agent for OSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of head and neck cancers in patients with an initial presentation of deep neck infection is unclear and may be underestimated. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the incidence of head and neck cancers initially manifested as deep neck infection. Also, the possible risk factors and pathophysiology are discussed. This study was a retrospective medical chart review in a tertiary referral center. A total of 81 consecutive patients admitted with a diagnosis of deep neck infection over a 46-month period were analyzed. The demographic data, physical examinations, laboratory findings, radiographic studies, and pathology report were analyzed. Among the 81 deep neck infection patients, head and neck cancers were histologically demonstrated in four patients (4.9%) with the initial symptom of a painful neck mass. The incidence of head and neck cancer initially manifested as deep neck infection was found to increase in patients aged over 40 years (6.7%; 3/45 vs. 2.8%; 1/36). A detailed history of all patients with deep neck infection should be taken. Furthermore, endoscopic examination, thyroid examination and routine pathological examination should be performed, especially in those aged over 40. Also, careful explanation to the patient and his/her family about the possibility of underlying head and neck cancer (incidence 1-5%) may be needed. If the neck swelling diminishes, but does not disappear completely after full course of antibiotics, repeated fine needle aspiration, endoscopy, or image study should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]