International journal of colorectal disease
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Int J Colorectal Dis · Aug 2011
Elevated expression of c-fos in central nervous system correlates with visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): a new target for IBS treatment.
Although visceral hypersensitivity is a major pathophysiological feature of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), its molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. c-fos is a well-established marker of cell activation. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that norepinephrine (NE) system is dysregulated in IBS; however, very little is known on its mechanism. It is our hypothesis that elevated expression of c-fos in central nervous system (CNS) correlates with visceral hypersensitivity in rat model of IBS. Furthermore, we explored the changes of NE system in IBS patients. ⋯ Elevated expression of c-fos in CNS might be one of key mechanisms in etiology of IBS. Therefore, regulation of CNS activation could be a major targeting effect when treating IBS patients.
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Int J Colorectal Dis · Aug 2011
Meta AnalysisOverall and KRAS-specific results of combined cetuximab treatment and chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis.
This study compared the efficacy and toxicities of cetuximab combined with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The influence of KRAS mutation status on the outcomes was also investigated. ⋯ The use of cetuximab in addition to chemotherapy was a valid alternative for patients with mCRC. Benefit of cetuximab was only limited to patients with wild-type KRAS tumors.