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Metronomic chemotherapy (MC) was initially described as an antiangiogenic therapy more than 15 years ago. Over the past few years, additional data have highlighted the impact of MC on the microenvironment beyond angiogenesis, with, most importantly, a potential impact on the immune system. Here, we review and reappraise the fact that MC might be able to directly kill cancer cells. Although long neglected, this question is of critical importance both fundamentally and clinically, especially when considering future associations with immunotherapies., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Anemia in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is multifactorial. Iron deficiency, either definite or relative (defect in iron utilization), exists in RA patients with anemia. Intravenous iron therapy is indicated in severe and symptomatic cases or those with conditions precluding use of oral iron, but its safety and long-term efficacy have not been well-established. Forty severe anemic (hemoglobin < 9 g/dL) RA patients with or without demonstrable bone marrow iron stain were enrolled in this study. Fractionated administration of intravenous iron saccharate was undertaken and the median follow-up time was 1 year. All patients exhibited significant elevations of hemoglobin 3 months after treatment, which were more pronounced in the nonstainable iron marrow subjects {median (interquartile range): 3.8 (2.9-4.8) g/dL versus 2.9 (2.0-3.0) g/dL, p < 0.01}. Thereafter, hemoglobin remained at a plateau level that lasted during the observation period. Throughout the whole course, none of the cases exhibited side effects or flare up of disease activities. The use of intravenous iron saccharate, preferably administrated in a fractionated way, is effective in the correction of severe anemia in RA patients, especially those with nonstainable iron marrow.

The effects of baicalein on the human hepatoblastoma G2 (Hep G2) cell line were investigated in this study. By an SRB viability assay, we demonstrated that baicalein reduced the viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The apoptotic features such as chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation were observed in the baicalein-treated cells. During the process of apoptosis, we noticed a sequential dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim) and an apparent redistribution of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol in baicalein-treated cells. Furthermore, the mitochondrial Bcl-2 protein represented a dramatic change in response to baicalein treatment. Altogether, our data suggested that the effect of baicalein on apoptosis of the human Hep G2 cell line was induced by mitochondrial dysfunction and Bcl-2 regulation.

Unlabelled: Exercise is associated with intensity-dependent immune disturbances. Leukocyte mitochondrial alterations and apoptosis may contribute to this phenomenon., Purpose: To investigate the effects of different intensities of aerobic exercise (AE) on leukocyte mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP) and the propensity of apoptosis., Methods: Blood samples were collected from 12 subjects who performed AE for 3 consecutive days (35% maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max)). Leukocyte MTP and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. The subjects performed two additional sessions of AE of higher intensities (60% and 85% VO2max) with an intervening 4-wk washout period. The measurements were repeated during each session., Results: Leukocyte MTP declined during daily, repetitive AE at an intensity of 60% and 85% VO2max. Similar changes were not found during a more moderate AE (35% VO2max). Leukocytes increased their propensity of apoptosis a period (3-5 d) after the start of the AE., Conclusion: High-intensity AE has accumulative effects on the mitochondrial energization status and vitality of peripheral blood leukocytes. Leukocyte MTP is a potentially applicable indicator for monitoring immune distress due to overtraining.