Diarylpentanoid (1,5-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,4-pentadiene-3-one) (MS13) Exhibits Anti-proliferative, Apoptosis Induction and Anti-migration Properties on Androgen-independent Human Prostate Cancer by Targeting Cell Cycle-Apoptosis and PI3K Signalling Pathways

Diarylpentanoids exhibit a high degree of anti-cancer activity and stability in vitro over curcumin in prostate cancer cells. Hence, this study aims to investigate the effects of a diarylpentanoid, 1,5-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,4-pentadiene-3-one (MS13) on cytotoxicity, anti-proliferative, apoptosis-inducing, anti-migration properties, and the underlying molecular mechanisms on treated androgen-independent prostate cancer cells, DU 145 and PC-3. A cell viability assay has shown greater cytotoxicity effects of MS13-treated DU 145 cells (EC₅₀ 7.57 ± 0.2 µM) and PC-3 cells (EC₅₀ 7.80 ± 0.7 µM) compared to curcumin (EC₅₀: DU 145; 34.25 ± 2.7 µM and PC-3; 27.77 ± 6.4 µM). In addition, MS13 exhibited significant anti-proliferative activity against AIPC cells compared to curcumin in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Morphological observation, increased caspase-3 activity, and reduced Bcl-2 protein levels in these cells indicated that MS13 induces apoptosis in a time- and dose-dependent. Moreover, MS13 effectively inhibited the migration of DU 145 and PC-3 cells. Our results suggest that cell cycle-apoptosis and PI3K pathways were the topmost significant pathways impacted by MS13 activity. Our findings suggest that MS13 may demonstrate the anti-cancer activity by modulating DEGs associated with the cell cycle-apoptosis and PI3K pathways, thus inhibiting cell proliferation and cell migration as well as inducing apoptosis in AIPC cells.

Negative pressure wound treatment (NPWT) in vulva and groin wounds in gynaecologic oncology

Secondary healing of complicated vulvar and groin wounds is a major challenge due to its moist condition and at risk of contamination by colonic flora. Vacuum assisted closure is the controlled application of sub-atmospheric pressure to the local wound environment using a sealed dressing connected to a vacuum pump.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The NPWT consists of an open-pore polyurethane ether foam sponge, an adhesive cover, fluid collection system, and suction pump that generates negative pressure. Direct application of sponge to blood vessels, bone, nerves or intact skin is avoided. The dressing and tubing are changed every 48-72 hours.

RESULTS

Eight patients had NPWT following the vulva and/or groin surgery. Pain during removal of the sponge was the main adverse event requiring narcotic analgesia. All wounds healed completely. One patient is dead of disease progression. Others are alive without disease at four to 48 months.

CONCLUSION

Wound breakdown in vulvar and groin surgery is an infrequent occurrence because of the rarity of full radical excision for vulva cancer and infralevator pelvic exenterative surgery. The present experience with NPWT was favourable.