The chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin is widely used for treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) is an anti-apoptotic protein that is overexpressed in cancer cells and confers resistance to cisplatin. Thus, inhibition of Bcl-2 expression may enhance the cisplatin sensitivity of cancer cells. In this study, we report that the AU-rich element (ARE) binding protein tristetraprolin (TTP) inhibits the expression of Bcl-2 and enhances cisplatin sensitivity of HNSCC cells. Cisplatin-sensitive HNSCC cells express high levels of TTP and low levels of Bcl-2, while cisplatin-resistant HNSCC cells have low levels of TTP and high levels of Bcl-2. Inhibition of TTP expression using siRNA increases levels of Bcl-2 and decreases cisplatin sensitivity in HNSCC cells. On the contrary, overexpression of TTP decreases Bcl-2 expression and increases sensitivity to cisplatin. Together, the results of the present study suggest that TTP expression enhances cisplatin sensitivity in HNSCC cells by reducing levels of Bcl-2.
Infection control of the brain-dead donors (BDDs) is crucial to improve graft quality and ensure safety of the recipients. Sparse clinical data about infection of BDD in Korea poses difficulties in choice of antibiotics. We conducted this study to estimate the prevalence of infection and suitability of antibiotic treatment in BDDs. Methods: A retrospective analysis of BDDs between January 2009 and December 2013 was conducted. Types of microbes and prevalence of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO) by hospital stay were analyzed. Results: The most common site of infection was the respiratory tract, and seven (12.7%) patients had bacteremia. The overall prevalence of MDRO was 34.5%, although in BDDs with hospital stay more than 16 days that increased to 66.7%. Antibiotic treatment was used at least in days 6∼10 of the hospital stay. Conclusion: Infection control of BDDs is essential for transplantation. The development of MDRO and suitability of antibiotics need evaluation.
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