orellana possess bioactive compounds.”
“Elevated tissue levels of prostaglandin E-2, produced by cyclooxygenase

(COX), are an early event in colorectal cancer (CRC). Data suggest the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as cancer preventives, in the inhibition of COX activity; however, side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pose unacceptable limitations. Ginger has been reported to have anti-inflammatory activities with significant CRC preventive potential. We investigated whether consumption of 2.0 g ginger daily regulated the level of two key enzymes BGJ398 in vitro that control prostaglandin E-2 production, COX-1 and NAD(+)-dependent 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH). Thirty participants at normal and 20 participants at increased risk for CRC were randomized and given 2.0 g/day ginger or placebo for 28 days. Flexible sigmoidoscopy was used to obtain colon biopsies at baseline and the end of the study. Tissue levels of COX-1 and 15-PGDH were assessed using western blotting. After ginger consumption, participants at increased risk for CRC VX-809 cell line had a significantly reduced colonic COX-1 protein level (23.8 +/- 41%) compared with the placebo group (18.9 +/- 52%; P=0.03). Protein levels of 15-PGDH in the colon were unchanged.

In participants who were at normal risk for CRC, neither protein levels of COX-1 nor 15-PGDH in the colon were altered by ginger consumption. Ginger significantly lowered COX-1 protein expression in participants at increased risk for CRC but not in those at normal risk for CRC. Ginger did not alter 15-PGDH protein expression in either increased

or normal-risk participants. Further investigation, in larger studies with a longer ginger intervention, is needed to examine the ability of ginger to impact tissue levels of prostaglandin. (C) 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.”
“Modern treatment of chronically photodamaged skin provides MEK activity new, minimally invasive methods for laser intervention, using fractional, non-ablative thermal energy for an induction of dermal remodeling. The clinical efficacy coupled with a minimum “”down time”" for the patient has directed the development of fractional ablative laser systems. Recently introduced systems are based on C0(2) and heated Er:YAG laser systems. The clinical efficacy has been tested on one prototype each and verified their effects at a microscopic level. Initial reports suggest the results are comparable to those achieved with fractional ablative systems. We review the current possibilities incorporating our personal experience. Systematic investigations of clinical outcomes with various system settings are still needed. The possible combination of ablative and non-ablative fractional technology may also lead to increased efficacy and safety of the procedure.