Scrophularia amplexicaulis increases anti-cancer potential of doxorubicin in gastric cancer cells

Increased drug resistance has reduced efficiency of chemotherapic drugs such as Doxorubicin (Dox). Scrophularia amplexicaulis (Scr) is one of the most important medicinal plants in Iran that has anti-cancer activity. The aim of this study was to investigate a novel approach to enhance therapeutic efficacy of Dox (as a chemotherapeutic agent) by co-administration of Scr (as a bioactive herbal compound) in gastric cancer treatment. In the present study, effects of Dox, Scr, and their combinations (Scr-Dox) were evaluated on viability and proliferation of two gastric cancer cell lines (AGS and MKN28). Moreover, morphological changes, invasion, migration, colony formation, and apoptosis rate in the treated cancer cells were evaluated. Expression of BAX, BCL2, SAMC, SURVIVIN, CASP9, P53, MMP9, and MMP2 in the treated cancer cells and untreated controls were evaluated by Real-Time PCR method. Treatments of cancer cells by Scr, Dox, and Scr-Dox significantly decreased proliferation, invasion, migration, and colony formation of gastric cancer cells. Treatments of cancer cells by Scr, Dox, and Scr-Dox significantly increased apoptosis rate as well as decreased cells mobility through modification of apoptosis- and metastasis-related genes expression. However, anti-cancer activity of Scr-Dox combination was significantly more than Scr and Dox treatments alone. In general, we demonstrated that Scr-Dox combination therapy exerts more profound anti-cancer effects on AGS and MKN28 cell lines than Scr and Dox monotherapy.

Impact of anti-obesity medication initiation and duration on weight loss in a comprehensive weight loss programme

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the impact of anti-obesity medication (AOM) initiation, usage and duration on weight loss in a 72-week precision obesity programme. The type of AOM, diet and exercise plan was chosen based upon an individual's biological and psychosocial needs. The 72-week study duration allowed for a fair investigation of the downstream impact of delayed versus early AOM initiation.

METHODS

Participants, aged ≥18 years with body mass index ≥30 kg m-2, enrolled from 1 March 2015 to 1 April 2017, were included. Subgroups were assigned by AOM usage (users versus non-users, early [before 8 weeks] versus delayed [after 8 weeks] AOM initiation and short [<6 months] versus long [≥6 months] AOM duration). Primary endpoints included change in baseline weight at 72 weeks and proportions achieving ≥5%, ≥10% and ≥15% weight loss. Outcomes were compared between subgroups.

RESULTS

Mean age and body mass index (N = 129) were 45.0 ± 14.0 years and 37.0 ± 6.0 kg m-2, respectively; 67% were female. At week 72, AOM users (N = 71) achieved significantly greater mean percentage reduction in baseline weight than non-users (N = 58). On average, baseline weight decreased by 14.04 ± 6.2% in users versus 10.9 ± 6.8% in non-users (P = 0.008); 84% and 94% of non-user and AOM users lost >5% weight loss (P = 0.006). A higher proportion of users lost ≥15% of weight (45.1% vs. 19.0%; P < 0.001). Mean percentage reduction in weight was greater for early versus delayed starters (-17.60 ± 5.3% vs. -13.95 ± 5.5%; P = 0.024), and longer AOM usage trended towards increased weight loss.

CONCLUSION

Early initiation of AOM may enhance weight loss.