EGb 761, extracted from Ginkgo biloba leaves, has been proven to induce caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in oral cavity cancer cells. Since EGb 761 is a composition of various components, it is important to identify which components are responsible for its anticancer effects to reduce the total dosage and to avoid toxicity. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the effective compounds of EGb 761 that induce apoptosis in oral cavity cancer cells and to identify whether caspase-3 was involved in apoptosis of oral cancer cells by EGb 761 components. The results of cell proliferation assays on oral cavity cancer cells showed that kaempferol and quercetin significantly inhibited cellular proliferation at a concentration of 40 microM. Flow cytometry showed that the antiproliferative effects of each component were due to increased apoptosis. Kaempferol and quercetin induced apoptosis in various oral cancer cell lines (SCC-1483, SCC-25 and SCC-QLL1) and showed cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Caspase-3 activity assay revealed that induction of apoptosis by kaempferol and quercetin was caspase-3-dependent. In conclusion, the results suggest that kaempferol and quercetin, two components of EGb 761, effectively induce caspase-3-dependent apoptosis of oral cavity cancer cells and can be considered as possible anti-oral cavity cancer agents.
PurposeIn treating schwannoma patients, it is critical to determine the origin of the tumor to preserve nerve function. We evaluated the validity of preoperative imaging studies in distinguishing the neurological origin of the schwannomas of the head and neck, and the efficacy of intracapsular enucleation in preserving nerve function.Materials and MethodsIn 7 cases of schwannomas in the head and neck region, we predicted whether the tumor originated from the vagus nerve or the cervical sympathetic chain through imaging studies including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All patients were performed intracapsular enucleation, and the function of the vagus nerve and the sympathetic nerve was evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively.ResultsPreoperative imaging studies showed 6 cases where the tumor was located between the carotid artery and the internal jugular vein, and 1 case where the tumor was located posteriorly, displacing the carotid artery and the internal jugular vein anteriorly. At the time of operation, we confirmed schwannoma originating from the vagus nerve on the first 6 cases, and schwannoma originating from the sympathetic nervous system on the last case. All patients went through successful intracapsular enucleation, and of the seven schwannoma cases, 6 patients maintained normal postoperative neurological function (85.7%).ConclusionPreoperative imaging studies offer valuable information regarding the location and origination of the tumor, and intracapsular enucleation helped us to preserve the nerve function.
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