Essays on Apoptosis

Introduction

Most of the world’s chronic diseases are preventable by long term dietary behavior. Out of the ten major causes of deaths for Americans, diet is a contributing factor to at least five of them. These diseases are such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes. A report by the Joint World Health Organization on diet made in 2003 revealed that, most of the world’s chronic diseases can be prevented by regular physical exercise and maintenance of a healthy weight. This finding is valid up to date. According to this report, a person’s genome determined their susceptibility to Continue reading...

Factors such as race, sex and age may be significant benchmarks in the analysis or understanding of epidemiological details such as incidence and mortality rates of oral cancer.1 For instance, the incidence and mortality rates in men are twice more than in women.1 Based on race, African American males have a higher incidence rate than White males.1 This also applies between a comparison between African American females and White females respectively.
Despite the occurrence of new cases of oral cancer, the overall incidence rate trend over the last 30 years has been declining.2 The incidence rate of oral cancer Continue reading...

Connective tissue growth factor induces collagen I expression in human lung fibroblasts through the Rac1/MLK3/JNK/AP-1 pathway

Many lung inflammatory diseases present pulmonary fibrosis as one of the symptoms, which is characterized by shortness of breath, chronic coughing and discomfort in the chest. It causes modifications of the lung tissues due to overgrowth, hardening and scarring. This occurs mainly due to deposition of collagen, an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, whose turnover is regulated by fibroblast. Fibroblast is an important cell regulator that is enlisted by a site of injury. This process is driven by release of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), platelet-derived growth factor, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-8/CXCL8.
Previously, fibroblast was thought to express no or very Continue reading...

A review of the article by Jankowska, et al., 2008, titled “Reduction of human chorionic gonadotropin beta subunit expression by modified U1 snRNA caused apoptosis in cervical cancer cells”
Jankowska, et al in their article published in the journal “Molecular Cancer” demonstrate the expression of hCG-beta in cervical cancer and examine the functional significance of hCG- in-vitro cervical cancer cells by making use of modified U1snRNA to silence the mRNA of hCG-. Silencing of the maturation of mRNA by use of a novel silencing technique results in inhibition of growth and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells.
Lipofectamine 2000 and Continue reading...

- Cell Culture and Cell Lines:
Three breast cancer cell lines: CAL120, EVSAT and MDA-MB-231, were cultured individually, in RRMI 1640 supplemented with 20% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS), 100U/ml Penicillin, 100U/ml Streptomycin and L-Glutamine. The cells were cultured and maintained in an incubator at 370C supplied with 5% CO2. For subsequent experiments, the cells were further cultured till confluence, in 6 well and 96 well plates using RPMI+20%FBS.
1.2 Treatment of Cells:
For treatment, 1x106 cells were seeded in 6 well culture plates, and incubated for 24 hrs. After 24 hours, the old media was replaced with Continue reading...

What is the evidence that convinces you Cancer Stem Cells are a subpopulation of tumour cells with distinct tumour‐initiating capacity?
What are cancer stem cells (CSCs)? They are cancer cells that have similar characteristics as normal stem cells. CSCs have the potential to give rise to other cells types, and thus are tumorigenic in nature. These cells can generate tumors via stem cell processes of self-renewal, as well as differentiation into different cells (Wang, Chiou & Wu, 2013). CSCs have been found to persist in tumors in the form of a district population and often cause relapse and Continue reading...

(Author)

Regulation of Xiap Protein in Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the breast. Two most commonly reported types of breast cancer are “ductal carcinoma” and “lobular carcinoma”. Ductal carcinoma is initiated in the lining of the milk ducts, which are thin tubes involved in carrying of milk from lobules of the breast to the nipple. Ductal carcinoma can be in the form of Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) as well as Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). IDC is the most commonly found type of breast cancer with nearly Continue reading...

Abstract

The primary aim of anticancer therapies is to induce the death of tumor cells. Cisplatin has done a good job in achieving this aim, which explains why it is the most commonly used adjuvant therapy of cancers. However, the success of applying CDDP and any other platinum compounds for cancer chemotherapy depends enormously on the ability to manage its side effects. This paper reviews the studies and literatures on cisplatin and some other similar platinum compounds. It presents its history and background, chemistry, mechanism of activity, as well as the side effects.

Introduction

The cisplatin has been described as a Continue reading...

DNA DAMAGE

1. Introduction
The p53 gene is a tumor suppressor gene that is activated whenever a cell is subjected to cell damage. The p53 gene determines whether a cell should survive a damage or should undergo apoptosis. These decisions are regulated by posttranslational modifications. Phosphorylation of the serine 46 residue is one such modification that is relevant to this study. However, it is unclear why a Ser46 phosphorylated p53 favors apoptosis over survival (Feng et al. 2006, p. 2812; Taira et al. 2014, p. 717).
Studies have shown that the elusive molecular mechanism of Ser46 phosphorylation of p53 induce apoptosis Continue reading...

Incident Action Plan

Incident Action Plan
In our day to day tasks, we are always exposed to potential hazards but most of us usually overlook these situations. Most people overlook the likelihood of injuring themselves or putting themselves in “harm’s way” in their daily tasks (Erickson, 1999). However simple or difficult a task may be, there is always a possibility of an incident or accident occurring if the task is not done in accordance with the safety measures and regulations in place. An emergency situation may happen at a time when it’s least expected to happen and hence it becomes Continue reading...

Introduction

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is from the papillomavirus family which infects the cells in the skin or the mucous membrane. HPV is a non-enveloped double stranded virus which carries its genetic code from early (E1-E7) and late (L1-L2) proteins. The early proteins promote viral replication while late proteins are responsible for structural support or capsids of proteins. Two viral oncogenes together with the non-structural early proteins (E6-E7) were associated to the transformation of the tumor from benign to malignant stage. The aforementioned proteins influence carcinogenesis by promoting both the retinoblastoma (Rb) and p53 proteins. These proteins regulate cell growth Continue reading...

Research Plan

Introduction
Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems incorporate pervasively in prokaryotic genomes that have also been suggested to perform a role in numerous critical cellular operations (Van, & Bast, 2009). These systems characteristically comprise of a two-gene operon encoding a toxic protein molecule which aims at an important cellular purpose and an antitoxin that connects to and hinders the toxin. Control of toxin action is attained via differential constancy of the stable toxin as well as the unstable antitoxin (Kamada & Hanaoka, 2005). In several occasions, the antitoxin also operates as a transcriptional autorepressor of the operon, whereby the degradation of the antitoxin leads Continue reading...

The title and abstract suggest that the paper is an attempt to show that in the cartilage growth plate, abnormal chondrocyte apoptosis is influenced by genetic background as well as deletion of CHOP. The research is interesting because it enables the discovery of whether whether the abnormal chondrocyte apoptosis that is seen in the mutant mice growth plate is CHOP-mediated. The research builds on the research done by Delot, King, Briggs, Wilcox & Cohn (1999) and Hecht et al. (2001), who demonstrate that type 3 recurring mutations are responsible for most of the Pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH) cases, which are believed to Continue reading...

Introduction

Antigen Presentation
Antigen presentation plays a pivotal role in the immune system through which pathogenic antigens are processed and coupled along with major histocompatibility complex (MHC), and presented to T cells for their effector response. Macrophages, B cells and dendritic cells are the primary antigen presenting cells (APC’s). Intracellular antigens generated by viruses, or some cytoplasmic bacterial antigens are digested by the host cells and coupled with MHC Class I by Transporter associated with antigen Processing complex (TAP), which transports them to the cell surface and presents to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (Germain, R 1994). These cells elicit Continue reading...

Cancer is the abnormal proliferation and differentiation of cells in an abnormal tissue incongruent with the growth pattern of normal cells that persists even after the stimuli that evoked the change is withdrawn. The cell cycle check points at G1, G2 and at the end of metaphase that prevent transmission of genetically damaged DNA fail to occur. Transmission of faulty DNA results in either an abnormal rate of cell division and multiplication or abnormally constituted daughter cells.
The genes affected are the normal regulatory genes including growth promoting proto-oncogenes-normal genes that are prone to becoming cancerous on mutation or Continue reading...

Abstract

The research paper deals with the problem of whether or not cannabis and cancer are interrelated. There are arguments provided in favor of cannabis stimulating the growth and proliferation of cancer and counterarguments, claiming that not only has marijuana consumption no negative impact on human health, but it also has the potential of being used for medical purposes for treating brain, breast, lung, prostate, blood, oral, liver, and pancreatic cancer inasmuch as it serves as a natural inhibitor of tumor growth as well as providing apoptosis of malign cells. Cannabis treatment may also be used as a legitimate, harmless Continue reading...

Discussion of the Dynamics of Endoplasmic Reticulum And Mitochondria

Introduction
The Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) of an organism forms an interconnected membrane network that extends from the outermost nuclear to the periphery cell wall. Mitochondria are a group of cell organelles that undergo fusion and fission at a constant rate. . In plants, daily regulation of energy is important for optimal growth thus mitochondria are important for integral regulation of the cellular responses for the survival of the plant. . In this paper, we are going to discuss the dynamics of ER and the mitochondria in plants by looking at the importance of Lat.B, AA and MV regulation energy in treated Continue reading...

Introduction:

The morality of genetic research can play out in many ways. Two broad fields of concern are that of genetically engineered organisms and the ethics involved in the use of human stem cells taken from zygotes and human embryos. Another issue is the patenting of the genome and how that affects medicines and the rights of people to “own” their own cells. Of special concern is that bio-engineering might escape and have long term adverse effects as the manipulated creations cross genetic structures with other biological elements in the environment. This paper will look at the general ethical concerns Continue reading...

Introduction:

The function of many living organisms is coupled with a vast array of cells .These units in turn serve as role playing agents for the fundamental physiology that determines the well being of organisms. However, variations in cellular environment are thought to regulate cell growth, division and survival. A network of molecular pathways or signaling events are interlinked with the cellular functions .Alterations in this specific functional aspect could lead to unnecessary complications which may lead to health abnormalities. In such context , the present description is concerned with highlighting about mTOR Signaling in Carcinogenesis.
mTOR stands for mammalian target Continue reading...

- Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure are some of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity with Australia being one of the country’s most greatly affected (McLean, Esclick & Coats, 2006). An area of interest in the pathology of heart failure is the significance that polymorphisms of adrenergic receptor genes have on the outcomes of patients with heart failure. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs that occur in the genes that encode for adrenergic receptors are known to have various physiological and functional consequences. Specifically, the β1-adrenergic receptors have a crucial role in the regulation of heart rate and Continue reading...

Targeted therapies that include small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies have considerably altered the cancer treatment over the past several years. These drugs are currently a part of therapy for several widespread malignancies, including colorectal, breast, pancreatic, and lung cancers, as well as leukemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma. The action mechanisms, as well as toxicities of targeted therapies, are different from the action mechanisms of traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy. Targeted therapies are usually better endured than traditional chemotherapy, although they are linked to a number of unfavorable effects, like cardiac dysfunction, acneiform rash, proteinuria, thrombosis, and hypertension. Small molecule inhibitors Continue reading...

Abstract:

Strokes are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. Key to prevention and control of strokes is a thorough understanding of their etiology and the pathophysiologic processes that occur. A review of the literature regarding cerebrovascular disease was undertaken to more fully understand the changes that lead to strokes. The causes are manifold and there are many risk factors that may lead to pathology causing a stroke.
The third leading cause of death in the United States is stroke, it is also the cause of significant neurologic disorders and morbidity. A pathological process involving the Continue reading...

1.0 Introduction
Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition caused by trisomy 21 (the presence of three copies of chromosome 21 rather than two). Although the actual cause of Down syndrome remains unknown, several risk factors increase the chances of a baby being born with the disorders. The primary risk factor, is the maternal, with about 80% of the cases of Down syndrome occurring in babies born by women above the age of 35. Other risk factors are genetic predisposition (indicated by siblings, another baby or parent with Down syndrome), immunologic problems, hormonal abnormalities, viral infection or x-rays. The Continue reading...

The epidermal growth factor belongs to the HER family receptor tyrosine kinases and it regulates cell differentiation and cell growth and interlinked with several human cancers. The signal transductions in the cells are controlled by EGFR. It is one of the oncogene which is involved in producing cancers via over expression of the ligands and the continuous activation and amplification of EGFR. The activity of the EGFR can be reduced by monoclonal antibodies against them. The activation of the EGFR is activated by binding of the transforming growth factor. The EGFR binds to receptor of HER family in order Continue reading...

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV is a retrovirus, which is a unique virus family consisting of RNA as the genetic material instead of DNA. This genetic material is surrounded by an envelope of lipoprotein. HIV differs structurally from other members of the family retrovirus. It is roughly spherical and has a diameter of around 120 nm.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus comprises of two copies of non-covalently joined positive single-stranded RNA enveloped by a conical capsid that consist of the p24 viral protein, which is typical of lentiviruses. Lysine tRNA is reverse transcriptase that is magnesium dependent and is involved in the Continue reading...

The lung cancer is of primary concern among western population in the western world by virtue of exaggerated rate of smoker compared to non smokers. The pathology of lung cancer comprises of genomic instability resulting in abnormalities over a long span. The variations occur at gene level via process called as gene silencing mediated methylation; amplification of DNA, sequence changes in DNA along with looses and gains of whole chromosome. The genetic alterations observed in cell lung cancer contain a loss of regions which are in turn part of the genome especially chromosomes 9p and 3p and it is Continue reading...

Abstract

Renal cell carcinoma is a devastating disease that oftentimes results in a poor prognosis because there are few effective chemotherapeutic options. The renal carcinoma cell line 769-P is an ideal in vitro model for investigating novel drug treatments for renal cell carcinoma. Two drugs that may potentially reduce renal cell carcinoma proliferation are Actinomycin D and phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate (PMA). Both of these drugs have been shown to inhibit cell proliferation in other in vitro models of cancer. This study examined the effects of Actinomycin D and PMA treatment on the proliferation of 769-P cells. Cell viability studies Continue reading...

Introduction

This essay looked at honey, providing a general description of the product and its historical applications and then exploring the methods of preparation that have been employed with honey. The paper then moves on to discuss the therapeutic benefits of honey and any possible toxic effects. The paper then looks at whether and why, as a naturopathic nutritionist, you would use or not use this product.

General description of honey

Honey is a food made by bees from the nectar of flowers (Orey, 2011). Honey is made and stored by bees inside honeycombs inside their hive, and the honey that humans eat comes Continue reading...

Cell Mediated Immunity

Cell mediated is one of the components of the immune response. it involves the expression of cells like natural killer cells, phagocytic cells and antigen-presenting cells. it also involves the release of various forms of cytokines. the varies ways by which cell mediated immunity protect the body includes the activation of macrophages and natural killer cells in order to empower them to destroy antigenic agents like pathogens. it also leads to the formation of substances that modulate the function of cells involved in cell-mediated immunity. In addition, cell-mediated immunity helps in protection of the body by leading to activation Continue reading...

Group B Streptococcus Testing

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Testing is a medical procedure that screens for the presence of the GBS bacteria in a pregnant woman’s body. It is important for this test to be performed because a GBS infection during pregnancy can cause neonatal meningitis, sepsis, or even death (Albouy-Llaty, Nadeau, Descombes, Pierre & Migeot, 2012). According to Mercer, Ramsey & Sibai (1995), 18 to 32 percent of congenital infections are caused by neonatal sepsis and can be a major cause of mortality and morbidity where 1.3 to 3 per 1000 neonates are affected by the early onset of Continue reading...

Introduction: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) based therapy is a novel treatment for type 2 Diabetes. GLP-1 receptor agonists and inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV improve glycemic control. GLP-1 exerts multiple effects including modulation of a-cell proliferation, apoptosis and exogenesis. Inhibition of gastric emptying and food Intake with stimulation of glucose uptake by adipocytes has also Been reported.

Beneficial effects of GLP-1 on myocardial and endothelial functions. However, the mechanisms underlying these various effects are not fully understood. Therefore, we examined whether the GLP-1 analog liraglutide protects human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) from the injurious effects of the proinflammatory cytokine Continue reading...

MicroRNAs are small, single-stranded, non-coding, 16–29 nucleotide RNA molecules comprising of an evolutionarily conserved class of endogenous ribo-regulators that regulate gene expression (Wiemer, 2007; Garzon et al., 2009). They were discovered in 1993 in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (Espinosa & Slack, 2006). Currently, 4167miRNAs are listed in the miRNA registry and 474 human miRNAs have been identified (Wiemer, 2007).
MicroRNAs are crucial for the development of vertebrates due to the fact that depletion of the components of the miRNA processing pathway, or interfering with maturation of miRNAs, is not compatible with life (Wiemer, 2007). Continue reading...

MicroRNAs are small, single-stranded, non-coding, 16–29 nucleotide RNA molecules (approximately 22 nucleotides in length) comprising of an evolutionarily conserved class of endogenous ribo-regulators that regulate (modulate) gene expression (Wiemer, 2007, p.1529; Zhang et al., 2006, p.9136; Garzon et al., 2009, p.168). They were discovered in 1993 in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (Espinosa & Slack, 2006, p.131). Currently, 4167 miRNAs are listed in the miRNA registry and 474 human miRNAs have been identified (Wiemer, 2007, p.1530).

The miRNA genes are dispersed across the genome in gene clusters or as single genes. At least 50% of the miRNA genes are in Continue reading...

"Are Protein-Protein interactions likely to be valid therapeutic targets for cancer therapy?"
In her paper entitled “Protein-Protein interactions and cancer: small molecules going in for the kill” Michelle Arkin raises questions regarding the grooved and linear regions that permit protein-protein bonds, the binding peptides also found in those regions, if those interfaces are tractable for small molecule discovery and what compounds might serve as bonding agents. Further investigation of compounds would include if they are active, inhibiting, and do they help further characterize the target. She documents tubulin and several others that have potential. Her conclusion confirms that those Continue reading...

1. Industry Overview-

The Australian internet industry has been following a trend of increase in growth for many years. In 2010 the Australian internet access market reached a value of $6.3 billion dollars and in the same year had 7.5 million users in Australia alone (Internet Access in Australia 2011, p.2). Predictions from the same source also indicate a continuing growth in this trend with the internet becoming an increasing part of private and personal use in Australia.
Product: It focuses that the right product should be developed for the market. The products may be a service, a good Continue reading...

Congestive heart failure

Congestive heart failure is by caused by amongst other reasons heart failure occurring due to either or both systolic and diastolic ventricular dysfunction. The use of the term “congestive heart failure” is used to imply that the patient in question is having some form of fluid overload. Congestive heart failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality accounting for a significant proportion of hospitalizations. Of further note is that its incidence increases with advancing age (Tansley, 2010, p.1396). Although the presenting signs and symptoms of CHF have remained the same over time, great advances have been made in Continue reading...

Introduction

The industries in conjunction with its subsidiaries function as voice and as an electronic interdealer broker. Its goal is to provide both the post trade risk and the information services. It engages in provision of diverse goods and services as well as being involved in offering post trade services and the shipping services. The information that is released by the industry encompasses numerous things that range from information that is relevant in securing goods and services offered by the industry all the way through to related educations services to the experts in the financial markets. Focusing on Continue reading...

1.0 Background of Immune Tolerance

The immune system is the natural defense that combats disease causing agents in the body[ CITATION Gre02 \l 1033 ] through an intricate and coordinated interactions of many classes of proteins and cells[ CITATION Len00 \l 1033 ].The immune system has a potential to destroy the body cells but in all vertebrates the system is capable of distinguishing “self” from “non-self” molecules. That way the immune system eliminates pathogens and molecules that are a threat to the integrity of the organism without “self-destructing”[ CITATION Len00 \l 1033 ]. The human body has several mechanisms of Continue reading...