COX-derived prostanoid pathways in gastrointestinal cancer development and progression : novel targets for prevention and intervention

Arachidonic acid metabolism through cyclooxygenase (COX) pathways leads to the generation of biologically active eicosanoids. Eicosanoid expression levels vary during development and progression of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. COX-2 is the major COX-isoform responsible for G.I. cancer development/progression. COX-2 expression increases during progression from a normal to cancerous state. Evidence from observational studies has demonstrated that chronic NSAID use reduces the risk of cancer development, while both incidence and risk of death due to G.I. cancers were significantly reduced by daily aspirin intake. A number of randomized controlled trials (APC trial, Prevention of Sporadic Adenomatous Polyps trial, APPROVe trial) have also shown a significant protective effect in patients receiving selective COX-2 inhibitors. However, chronic use of selective COX-2 inhibitors at high doses was associated with increased cardiovascular risk, while NSAIDs have also been associated with increased risk. More recently, downstream effectors of COX-signaling have been investigated in cancer development/progression. PGE 2, which binds to both EP and PPAR receptors, is the major prostanoid implicated in the carcinogenesis of G.I. cancers. The role of TXA 2 in G.I. cancers has also been examined, although further studies are required to uncover its role in carcinogenesis. Other prostanoids investigated include PGD 2 and its metabolite 15d-PGJ2, PGF 1α and PGI 2. Targeting these prostanoids in G.I. cancers has the promise of avoiding cardiovascular toxicity associated with chronic selective COX-2 inhibition, while maintaining anti-tumor reactivity.A progressive sequence from normal to pre-malignant to a malignant state has been identified in G.I. cancers. In this review, we will discuss the role of the COX-derived prostanoids in G.I. cancer development and progression. Targeting these downstream prostanoids for chemoprevention and/or treatment of G.I. cancers will also be discussed. Finally, we will highlight the latest pre-clinical technologies as well as avenues for future investigation in this highly topical research field. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.

Study on effects of extracted probiotics from microbial flora of digestive system on growth indices in beluga (Huso huso) and Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus)

Isolation of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) was carried out from gastro intestinal tract of beluga and Persian sturgeon at international sturgeon research institute and PCR has been used for bacteria Identification. Two species of LAB including Enterococcus seriolicida and Leuconostoc mesenteroides were isolated from Gastrointestinal tract (GI) of persian sturgeon in this study and the counts of Leu. mesenteroides (4.63×102 CFU/gr of GI) was significantly higher than other species. Lactobacillus curvatus, Lactococcus raffinolactis, Lactococcus lactis and Streptococcus sp. were also isolated from GI of beluga and maximum counts was belonged to Lb. curvatus (4.63×102 CFU/gr of GI) in this species. Dominant species were lyophilized and adding to the water since start of mix feeding of sturgeon with different counts including 2×109, 5×109 and 9×109 CFU/gr of live food, 4 times a day. The results revealed that the maximum and minimum growth rate and protease, amylase, and lipase activity in beluga was gained by using of Lb. curvatus with total viable count of 9×10 9 CFU/gr of live food and Leu. mesenteroides with total viable count of 9×109 CFU/gr of live food. According to the results of this study, the maximum and minimum growth rate and protease, amylase, and lipase activity in Persian sturgeon was gained by using of Leu. mesenteroides with total viable count of 2×10 9 CFU/gr of live food and Lb. curvatus with total viable count of 9×109 CFU/gr of live food. Histological study showed that gastrointestinal development was same during larva rearing in control and other treatments but the size of liver was bigger in treatments that received nonspecific LAB in both species. According to the results, positive effects of using dominant specific LAB bacteria for larviculture of sturgeon has been proved in this study.

Apo-14 is required for digestive system organogenesis during fish embryogenesis and larval development

Apo-14 is a fish-specific apolipoprotein and its biological function remains unknown. In this study, CagApo-14 was cloned from gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) and its expression pattern was investigated during embryogenesis and early larval development. The CagApo-14 transcript and its protein product were firstly localized in the yolk syncytial layer at a high level during embryogenesis, and then found to be restricted to the digestive system including liver and intestine in later embryos and early larvae. Immunofluorescence staining in larvae and adults indicated that CagApo-14 protein was predominantly synthesized in and excreted from sinusoidal endothelial cells of liver tissue. Morpholino knockdown of CagApo-14 resulted in severe disruption of digestive organs including liver, intestine, pancreas and swim bladder. Moreover, yolk lipid transportation and utilization were severely affected in the CagApo-14 morphants. Overall, this data indicates that CagApo-14 is required for digestive system organogenesis during fish embryogenesis and larval development.

The digestive system in the cephalopode

Three species of cephalopod molluacs collected from the waters in and around cochin area of the Arabian Sea, of south India formed the subject of the present study. The Species are loligo duvauceli, _Sepia_ aculeata and sepiella inermis, their food and feeding habits, morphology and histology of the gut as well as the physiology of digestion have been described

From probiotics to prebiotics and a healthy digestive system

Ingestion of probiotics can be recommended as a preventative approach to maintaining intestinal microflora balance and thereby enhance 'well-being'. Undoubtedly, probiotic bacteria will vary in their efficacy. The literature indicates positive results in over 50 human trials with prevention/treatment of infections the most frequently reported. In theory increased levels of probiotics may induce a 'barrier' influence against common pathogens. Mechanisms of effect are likely to include the excretion of acids (lactate, acetate), competition for nutrients and gut receptor sites, immuno-modulation and the formation of specific antimicrobial agents. An alternative, or additional, approach is the prebiotic concept. This takes the view that probiotics are present indigenous to the gut and that a rational approach towards increasing their numbers would be to consume food ingredients (carbohydrates) that have a selective metabolism in the lower gut. A prebiotic is 'a nondigestible food ingredient that beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon that can improve the host health.' In particular, the ingestion of fructo-oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides, and lactulose has shown to stimulate bifidobacteria in the lower gut.

Ontogenesis and functional morphology of the digestive system of the freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium amazonicum (Decapoda: Palaemonidae)

The appropriate feeding regime for larvae and post-larvae of crustacean decapods is essential for successful larval culture. Reports on the development and morphology of the mouthparts and foregut of these crustaceans have aided in the selection of appropriate larval foodstuffs and consequently increased larval survival and growth rate during development. In the present study, the functional morphology of foregut and mouthparts was investigated in larvae and post-larvae of the freshwater prawn M. amazonicum (Heller, 1862). From observations gathered on both the outer and inner feeding apparati the first stage larvae have obligatory lecithotrophy and feeding behaviour is initiated after molting to the second stage. The foregut of the larvae undergoes diverse morphological changes during larval development and the larval foregut of this species is primarily a mixing organ due to the absence of gastric mills and similar structures. After metamorphosis into post-larvae, drastic morphological changes occur in the foregut and mouthparts to adapt the animals to feed on the greater diversity of foods that are available in their new benthic habitat.

On the morphology of the digestive system of two Moomorium ant species

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Mortality from respiratory system cancer among Illinois residents, 1969-71 and 1979-81 : a vital statistics special report /

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Recent trends in mortality from respiratory system cancer among Illinois residents : a vital statistics special report.

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Ontogeny of Solea senegalensis: digestive system and nutritional aspects

Tese de dout., Faculdade de Ciências do Mar e Ambiente, Univ. do Algarve, 2003

Chemotherapy for upper gastrointestinal tumours

The aim of this review is to identify current chemotherapy treatment for tumours of the oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, and liver. The role of both neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and palliative chemotherapy regimens will be discussed. This review will be of interest to oncologists in clarifying current issues regarding chemotherapy, and to physicians in other medical specialties, to increase their general understanding of benefits and drawbacks of chemotherapy in this patient group.