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Amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides, Aβ 1–42 (Aβ42) and Aβ43, in particular, have been implicated in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Rebamipide (REB), a gastrointestinal protective drug, can cross the blood-brain barrier after oral administration; however, the effects of REB on neuronal cells have not yet been reported. In this study, we investigated the effects of REB on Aβ43-induced cytotoxicity (monomers, 10 μM) in cultured SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Addition of REB (10–1000 nM) into the media partially ameliorated the reduced cell viability observed after Aβ43 treatment, which was determined by the MTT assay. REB reduced the levels of intracellular Aβ oligomers (100–150 kDa) that were formed from the exogenous addition of Aβ43 monomers. In addition, REB (30 nM) reduced endogenous Aβ42 secretion, which was analyzed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, REB enhanced the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α-converting enzyme/a disintegrin and metalloproteinase-17, neprilysin, matrix-metalloproteinase-14 (MMP-14)/membrane type-1 MMP, cyclooxygenase-2, and sirtuin 1, even in cells challenged with Aβ43. These results suggest that REB improves the cell viability by inducing genes that regulate Aβ levels and also genes that are cytoprotective. The secondary use of REB may have potential in the prevention of Aβ-mediated diseases, particularly AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertical partial laryngectomy is a well-established surgical procedure for early glottic cancers with acceptable functional and oncological outcomes. However, on a long-term basis, aspiration might be a serious problem with aging. Here we presented two cases of refractory aspiration pneumonia after vertical laryngectomy. Case 1: A 76-year old gentleman with a past history of malignant lymphoma treated by chemotherapy and radiotherapy had glottic cancer, which was treated by repeated vertical partial laryngectomies. Although glottic caner had been well controlled, he started to suffer from refractory aspiration pneumonia. Since his cervical skin was very thin and hard and his general condition was poor, we employed modified Kano's method for glottic closure. Case 2: A 87-year old Japanese male had a past history of glottic cancer treated by radiotherapy and vertical partial laryngectomy. He was repeatedly hospitalized for severe aspiration pneumonia. At the age of 87, he had second primary oropharyngeal cancer. Kano's method was simultaneously performed at the time of resection of oropharyngeal cancer. Postoperative courses were uneventful without sign of leakage in both cases. The patients started oral intake 2 weeks after the surgery. They have been alive without aspiration pneumonia and takes normal diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]