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Apr 2023
Through T-cell engineering, researchers at the California South University (CSU) Cancer Research Institute (CRI) have shown that tumor growth can be stopped in a variety of cancers and prevented from spreading to other tissues. Findings from this study are the result of decades of research by Professor Ph.D. A. Heidari and our team of CSU, who discovered a protein called AH that can inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells in several different ways. They become in the tissues of the body. The T cells were armed with MDA-7/AH to target cancer more widely. The engineering of T cells to produce MDA-7/AH causes cancer cells to be destroyed regardless of the expression of the target molecules. The tumor site is often very hostile to immune cells. It was found in the research that MDA-7/AH can help T cells proliferate and increase the number of cancer cells. The T cells were armed with MDA-7/ AH to target cancer more widely. The engineering of T cells to produce MDA-7/AH causes cancer cells to be destroyed regardless of the expression of the target molecules. The tumor site is often very hostile to immune cells. We discovered that MDA-7/AH can help T cells proliferate and increase the number of cancer cells.
Oct 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5526.jmid-21-3900
In this theoretical discovery of a law of Life, there is MATHEMATICS (Geometry, Bits and Numbers) that UNIFY 3 universes as complementary as ATOMIC MASS, WAVES, and INFORMATION (DNA, RNA and Amino Acids). The discovery of a simple numerical formula for the projection of all the atomic mass of life-sustaining CONHSP bioatoms leads to the emergence of a set of Nested CODES unifying all the biological, genetic and genomic components by unifying them from bioatoms up to 'to whole genomes. In particular, we demonstrate the existence of a digital meta-code common to the three languages of biology that are RNA, DNA and amino acid sequences. Through this meta-code, genomic and proteomic images appear almost analogous and correlated. The analysis of the textures of these images then reveals a binary code as well as an undulatory code whose analysis on the human genome makes it possible to predict the alternating bands constituting the cariotypes of the chromosomes. The application of these codes to perspectives in astrobiology, cancer, and specifically in INFORMATION THEORY with the emergence of binary codes and regions of local stability (voting process), whose fractal nature we demonstrate, is illustrated. PREFACE by Professor Luc Montagnier Addendum by Robert Friedman M.D After the discovery of the DNA double helix structure allowing both the stable storage of genetic information and its transfer through messenger RNA to protein synthesis organelles themselves structured by RNA most abundant in cells, the ribosomal. This wonder of nature exists in ALL living beings from the virus to humans and is based on two codes, the linear sequence of nucleotides and that derived from codons where three nucleotides allow with a certain flexibility - synonymous codons - the choice in the twenty amino acids. But we are missing a third CODE the one governing at multicellular beings from the rotifer to human, the stabilized modulation of gene expression in a nutshell the differentiation of cells from the single cell of the fertilized egg. It is logical to think that this program which begins as soon as fertilization is written in the DNA. We are also prone to associate it with non-coding DNA sequences although they control gene expression. I introduce here the notion developed by Jean-Claude Pérez of mathematical harmony, a higher order present in all living beings and whose existence it finds in genomes, including those of viruses. Thus the natural evolution of variants of the genome of coronavirus Covid 19 tends towards increasingly long Fibonacci series. It remains to determine the Who, the How and the Why of such developments. I will bet with my mathematician colleague that waves and fractals play a role. Luc Montagnier ADDENDUM Jean-claude has given scientists a strong new direction for research. He has identified a unified field of science guided by the Golden Ratio and Fibonacci Sequence. By identifying an overall guiding principle that makes possible fractal-like nesting at all levels of biological manifestation, future researchers can begin with the "whole" instead of the "parts". If we know that complex systems are organized at varying levels by the Golden Ratio and Fibonacci Sequence, we can look for those universal patterns first and then fill in the gaps with small details to complete the picture. It's like having an overall view of a crossword puzzle before beginning to assemble the individual pieces. Without an overarching vision and guiding principle, completing the puzzle is infinitely more difficult. Once scientists and researchers realize and begin using this "SECRET IN HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT," their discoveries will be orders of magnitude more fruitful. Robert Friedman M.D
Feb 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-19-3143
Emergence of various nanoscale drug carrier platforms as Drug Delivery Systems (DDS) has revolutionized the field of medicine.Nonetheless, theside-effects due to non-specific distribution of anticancer therapeutics in normal, healthy tissues remain to be a prime pitfall in curing cancers. Therefore, to achieve a better therapeutic efficacy, the use of a target-specific delivery, combined with a stimuli-responsive nanocarrier system, particularly pH-sensitive nanosystems offer an attractive strategy. Targeted drug delivery through pH-sensitive nanosystems offer the potential to enhance the therapeutic index of anticancer agents, either by increasing the drug concentration in tumor cells and/or by decreasing the exposure in normal host tissues. Therefore, nanoscale-based drug delivery through pH-sensitive nanosystems seem to be a boon for treating gynaecological cancers (as well as other cancers) without side-effects or with least harm to normal healthy tissues.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-18-2183
This paper reviews the state of cancer research in the post-mutation era. It presents cancer as a highly complex disease viewed differently by scientists from various research fields. Histopathologists considered cancer as a disease of cell differentiation, cancer cell biologists overestimated the causal role of accumulated DNA mutations. More recently molecular biologists have focused on driver genes and driver mutations, regulatory gene networks and deregulation of the genomic balance between unicellular and multicellular gene sets (UG/MG balance). From a developmental biological standpoint, there is a clear analogy between the reproductive life cycles of cancer and protists. The key player of both analogous life cycles is the polyploid cyst, the atavistic cyst-like structure aCLS (PGCC). In the analogy to protists, we assume that the first aCLS initiating cancer originates from a mitoticly blocked cell (cell of origin of cancer, protoprecursor) that escapes death entering an atavistic reproductive process of polyploidisation and depolyploidisation; it forms the atavistic cyst-like structure aCLS and numerous daughter cells (microcells). The microcell progeny develops a multi-lined cell lineage containing stem cells as well as somatic and reproductive cells and clones. Subsequent aCLSs are formed sequentially by committed daughter cells or occasionally by stressed somatic cells. Accordingly, cancer initiation occurs by genomic changes leading to the amitotic cell state and reactivation of an atavistic life cycle. In humans, atavistic life cycles and hyperpolyploidisation (n >16) are mostly repressed by stable gene regulatory networks – but not in cancer. The permanent UG/MG gene conflict and robust ancient surveillance mechanisms trigger a cascade of molecular lesions leading to genomic heterogeneity and aberrant cancer cell states.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-2108.jcc-25-5657
Viral infections contribute to a significant proportion of human cancers, with human papillomavirus (HPV) being one of the most well-established oncogenic viruses. This review summarizes HPV biology, transmission, classification, molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis, epidemiology of HPV-associated cancers, and current and emerging preventive and therapeutic approaches. particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, drives malignant transformation through the E6 and E7 oncoproteins, which disrupt tumor suppressor pathways p53 and Rb. Prophylactic vaccination programs have demonstrated remarkable success in reducing HPV-related disease burden, but disparities in coverage remain. Cutting-edge strategies such as CRISPR/Cas9 and RNA-based therapeutics offer promising avenues for treating established infections. Integrating these biomedical advances with robust public health initiatives is essential to ultimately eliminate HPV-associated cancers worldwide (Figure1).
May 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-8572.joa-25-5504
Introduction Angiosarcoma is a rare malignant tumour from fast-evolving and aggressive vascular endothelial cells that accounts for 1% of all sarcomas. The sinus location of angiosarcoma is exceptional. The clinical polymorphism of this tumour may cause a delay in diagnosis. Risk factors are not always understood. However, a history of radiation therapy for locoregional cancer and/or lymphedema is most commonly found. The prognosis remains bleak with an overall five-year survival of 35 to 40%. Objectives The authors discuss the diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic modalities and difficulties of this tumour. Observation: The authors report a case of maxillary sinus angiosarcoma confirmed by radio-induced secondary CD34 immunohistological staining in a 40-year-old man having a history of hemangioendothelioma treated with conservative endoscopic surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy 15 months earlier. Discussion This lesion is rare in the ENT sphere and may be confused with a benign tumor in its early stages. Only histological examination with immunohistochemistry can confirm the diagnosis (factor VIII, CD34 and CD31 antigens). Treatment consists of a wide resection followed by radiotherapy, hence the need for early diagnosis in the metastatic phase, first-line treatments include doxorubicin or paclitaxel weekly. Conclusion Radio-induced angiosarcoma is a rare malignant tumour, it occurs in patients who have received conservative treatment and radiation therapy for nasosinusitis cancers. Angiosarcomas of the nasal passages remain a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to their local and general aggressiveness.
Sep 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-24-5212
From an academic and clinical point of view, stem cell therapy represents one of the most promising advances in modern medicine, with the ability to partially induce the regeneration of acutely injured or chronically damaged tissues. Stem cell research provides new opportunities for the treatment of various conditions, among them diabetes mellitus, HIV, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative illnesses. Stem cell therapy is currently not FDA-approved in the US (except for certain blood cancers). While bioethics and religion have mostly discussed the source of cells, i.e., embryonic cells that require the destruction of embryos versus adult tissue for research purposes, we also discuss the controversies with regard to currently offered therapies, and marketing of unapproved procedures from a scientific, clinical, and religious viewpoint.
Mar 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-2108.jcc-23-4838
Among the reproductive cancers cervical cancer has special place, because the second most frequent cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide. The studies suggested that the PI3K/mTOR/AKT signaling pathway is associated with certain reproductive tumors. A lot of research is ongoing for understanding this pathway evidence of its role in promoting tumorigenesis and recent progress in the development of therapeutic agents that targeted PI3K/AKT. In this a single-arm study included 34 Azerbaijan population woman with HPV-negative cervical tumors. The core genes of PAM signaling pathway were analyzed using RT-PCR method. Our preliminary results suggested that tumorgenesis of HPV-negative cervical cancer patients approximately 25% associated with dysregulation of PAM signaling pathway reason which are core genes alteration. The overall survival times in the PAM-active and PAM-stable patients were not significantly varies. However, the main factor for overall survival times were treatment strategy: both PAM-active and PAM-stable patients who received radiation therapy alone had a shorter overall survival than patients who received radiation plus chemotherapy. The patients with alteration of ATK1 and mTOR genes in PAM signaling pathway had poor prognosis then patients with PIK3CA and PTEN mutation
Jul 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-450X.jom-23-4654
Background Nearly 40% of the adult population in the United States are considered obese by current standards, which equates to approximately 93 million people. Obesity is a chronic disease that is linked to more than 40 other diseases, including hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and at least 13 distinct types of cancers. The direct and indirect costs of obesity have been estimated at up to $210 billion annually. Local Problem In Cumberland County, North Carolina, 34% of the adult population was considered obese. The aim of this quality improvement study was to increase effective care (screening, patient engagement, and referral to treatment) in adult patients with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m2 to 75% within 90 days. Methods A rapid cycle plan-do-study-act framework was used to evaluate four focus areas concurrently over 8 weeks with a small test of change completed in each 2-week cycle. Interventions An expanded screening with a checklist, shared decision-making tools (SDMTs), and a referral to treatment checklist were implemented. Activities from the team engagement plan were initiated. Results The effective care of patients increased by 42 percentage points while engaging both the patients and the staff. Conclusions Utilizing standardized communication, SDMTs, checklists, and management plans improved effective care while motivating and enabling patients to take control of their care and make sustainable lifestyle changes that enhance overall health.
Dec 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-22-4351
Molecular imaging is a new method in examining physiological studies in molecular dimensions. Among the various methods that have been introduced for this purpose, the magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) method has made it possible to more accurately study the activities of the brain region as well as tumors in different parts of the body. MRS imaging is a type of non– invasive imaging technique that is used to study metabolic changes in the brain, stroke, seizure disorders, Alzheimer's disease, depression and also metabolic changes in other parts of the body such as muscles. In fact, since metabolic changes in the human body appear faster than anatomical and physiological changes, the use of this method can play an important role in the early detection and diagnosis of cancers, infections, metabolic changes and many other diseases. (Graphical Abstract) Graphical Abstract. CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) radiation source for magnetic resonance biospectroscopy in metabolic and molecular imaging and diagnosis of cancer.
Oct 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5518.jcci-22-4323
Introduction Primary sarcomas of the breast are <0.1% of all malignant tumours of the breast. To date, there are 13 major breast sarcoma series in English literature. This study adds to these series characterizing primary breast sarcoma among Philippine patients. Methods All breast biopsies from the pathology records of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) were searched for breast sarcoma cases from January 2000 to December 2010. Metaplastic carcinomas and phyllodes tumors were excluded. Results There were 52 patients (45 female, 7 male) ranging in age 25-83 years (median 46 years). Majority had lump, ten cases with pain. No history of previous cancer was given. No history of prior radiation was found. Histopathological diagnoses were spindle cell sarcoma (n=13), fibrosarcoma (n=6), liposarcoma (n=6), MPNST (n=5), stromal sarcoma (n=5), angiosarcoma (n=4), MFH (n=4), leiomyosarcoma (n=3), rhabdomyosarcoma (n=3), chondrosarcoma (n=2), and synovial sarcoma (n=1). Tumors were with grade 1 (n=18), grade 2 (n=8), and grade 3 (n=10). Necrosis was noted in 6 cases. Simple mastectomy was done in 19 cases (37%), MRM in 31 cases (59%), while 2 far advanced had no surgery (3%). None had adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The duration of follow-up for 45 patients ranged from 1 – 117 months, excluding those who were lost to follow-up. All 15 deaths were due to progressive disease. Recurrences were observed in 9 patients. The disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was 73%and 75%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, DFS and OS were significantly correlated with size (HR=113.63; p=0.019 and HR=77.36; p=0.037), grade (HR=20.73 ; p=0.003andHR= 39.57; p= 0.004), and having a histology of angiosarcoma (HR=35.20 ; p=0.005and HR= 50.74; p=0.007), respectively. Conclusion Sarcoma remains an important clinical entity among primary breast cancers.
Mar 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-22-4121
Introduction Genomic mutations in TP53 gene in association with etiological risk factors have been associated with oral carcinogenesis. Herein, we screened for genomic variants of TP53 predisposing to oral cancers in Senegalese patients. Methodology 88 patients with confirmed diagnostic were recruited after informed consent. Blood samples were collected from each patient to perform DNA extraction, PCR amplification of all coding exons of TP53 followed by Sanger Sequencing of PCR products. Nucleotide sequences were analysed with Genalys software. 94 blood donors with no cancer diagnosis were also recruited as controls for association study between the most common variants identified in patients and predisposition to oral cancers. Results Sequence analysis showed that 52.27% of patients carry at least one mutation in TP53. Eleven genomic variants were identified, 7 variants already reported in databases and 4 new variants. The most recurrent variants in this study already reported as cancer-related variants were Pro72Arg (rs1042522; Arginine frequency estimated at 31.26%) and a 16 bp insertion in intron 3 (rs59758982; allelic frequency estimated at 26.25%). Haplotype analysis between these variants showed a strong linkage disequilibrium (D’ = 0.999, r2 = 0.153 and p-value < 0.05). However, association study did not find any significant association with susceptibility to oral cancer (p-value > 0.05). Conclusion Our study highlighted that despite the absence of association between the two most common cancer-related variants in Senegalese patients diagnosed with oral cancer, their strong LD suggested that they could be transmitted together in a common haplotype which may be implicated in oral carcinogenesis.
Oct 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-21-3908
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a menace in the global public health system. According to GLOBOCAN reports, colorectal cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in the world with more than 1.9 million cases and 935,000 deaths in 2020 alone. Diet plays a key role in exposing humans to environmental carcinogens and anti-carcinogens, consequently mitigating or aiding in the development of various cancers. CRC is most prevalent in western countries with a high intake of saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, and processed meat. CRC was an extremely rare disease in Africa some decades ago, but the situation is fast changing. The traditional African diet consists of leafy, roots and cruciferous vegetables, fruits, roots, tubers and plantains, legumes, whole grains, and spices, all of which have been shown to possess protective effects against CRC. However, the effect of urbanization has contributed to the shift of dietary choices among the African population to consuming more ultra-processed foods with high levels of unhealthy components that have originated from colorectal cancer prevalent regions. This review evaluates the current nutritional challenges of the African diet to colorectal cancer and the potential roles of the traditional African diets and lifestyle modification in the prevention and management of colorectal cancer.
Oct 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3418
Isolation methods that employ readily-available inexpensive supplies on the open market, which are reliable, as well as economical, such as nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAAT) based on microfluidic technology in low-resource research settings (LRRS) that meets the ASSURED guidelines are essential to develop a noninvasive diagnostic colon cancer screen in stool using micro(mi)RNA molecules. A combination of a microfluidic-based MiRNA stool test with a reliable rolling circle amplification/detection method applied to the quantification of miRNA molecules, result in an affordable sensitive and specific isothermal method for the noninvasive quantitative detection of miRNAs in LRRS. Scientists and engineers have become interested in miRNAs, and they have intensified their efforts to apply emerging simple detection tools to the important bioanalytical challenge of quantifying these small 18-26 nt long molecules. Some of the proposed approaches incorporate novel material, such as simple centrifuges and methods based on microfluidic technology, while others utilize the interesting biological properties of these molecules, such as forming branched RCA structures, allowing for the detection of these biomarker molecules at an attomolar "aM" concentration level, using low cost extraction and isothermal amplification methods in LRRS. We have been interested in studying colorectal cancer (CRC) because it is the 3rd most common malignancy worldwide, and stool can be obtained noninvasively from the patients. We have focused in this research on colon cancer (CC) because it is more common in the USA than rectal cancer (RC). The innovation of our approach lies in the exploratory use of an affordable, quantitative miRNA profiling in noninvasive stool samples in LRRS, whose extracted fragile total RNA is stabilized shortly after excretion from stool by commercially available kits, so it does not ever fragment, followed by quantitative standardized analytical tests that are neither labor intensive, nor require expensive instrumentation, in order to develop apanel of novel miRNA genes for the noninvasive diagnostic screening of early left and right sporadic colon cancers, more economically, and with higher sensitivity and specificity than any other colon cancer screening test currently available on the market. To show the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the proposed quantitative miRNA test using simple methodologies in LRRS,the miRNA results are to be correlated with FOBT, colonoscopy, and pathology data. Standardization establishes test’s performance criteria (sample selection, optimal sample running conditions, preservation and storage), in order to ensure that the assay will perform the same way in any laboratory, by any trained personnel, anywhere in low-resource laboratory settings worldwide.
Jun 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-3123
Isolation methods that employ readily-available inexpensive supplies on the open market, which are reliable, as well as economical, such as nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAAT) based on microfluidic technology in low-resource research settings (LRRS) that meets the ASSURED guidelines are essential to develop a noninvasive diagnostic colon cancer screen in stool using micro(mi)RNA molecules. A combination of a microfluidic-based MiRNA stool test with a reliable rolling circle amplification/detection method applied to the quantification of miRNA molecules, result in an affordable sensitive and specific isothermal method for the noninvasive quantitative detection of miRNAs in LRRS. Scientists and engineers have become interested in miRNAs, and they have intensified their efforts to apply emerging simple detection tools to the important bioanalytical challenge of quantifying these small 18-26 nt long molecules. Some of the proposed approaches incorporate novel material, such as simple centrifuges and methods based on microfluidic technology, while others utilize the interesting biological properties of these molecules, such as forming branched RCA structures, allowing for the detection of these biomarker molecules at an attomolar "aM" concentration level, using low cost extraction and isothermal amplification methods in LRRS. We have been interested in studying colorectal cancer (CRC) because it is the 3rd most common malignancy worldwide, and stool can be obtained noninvasively from the patients. We have focused in this research on colon cancer (CC) because it is more common in the USA than rectal cancer (RC). The innovation of our approach lies in the exploratory use of an affordable, quantitative miRNA profiling in noninvasive stool samples in LRRS, whose extracted fragile total RNA is stabilized shortly after excretion from stool by commercially available kits, so it does not ever fragment, followed by quantitative standardized analytical tests that are neither labor intensive, nor require expensive instrumentation, in order to develop apanel of novel miRNA genes for the noninvasive diagnostic screening of early left and right sporadic colon cancers, more economically, and with higher sensitivity and specificity than any other colon cancer screening test currently available on the market. To show the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the proposed quantitative miRNA test using simple methodologies in LRRS,the miRNA results are to be correlated with FOBT, colonoscopy, and pathology data. Standardization establishes test’s performance criteria (sample selection, optimal sample running conditions, preservation and storage), in order to ensure that the assay will perform the same way in any laboratory, by any trained personnel, anywhere in low-resource laboratory settings worldwide.
May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-20-3353
In recent decades was observed a gradual increase in the detection of thyroid nodules in the adult population. Given the increase in prevalence of nodules, a similar trend to the growth in the incidence of thyroid cancers was found. The reasons for this increased incidence for thyroid cancer are controversial. Increased incidence is caused by an improvement in diagnostic techniques or does not result from an overdiagnosis, but represents a real increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer? Whatever the reality, the fact of an increased incidence of thyroid cancer for certain involves problems to global health which in any case must be evaluated and corrected.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-20-3269
Abdominal obesitywith a big belly is one of the worse type of morbid obesity that is associated with different health failure outcomes. Central obesity leads to an increased risk of health complications such as metabolic syndrome, hypertension, insulin resistance,type 2 diabetes, heart disease and various cancers. Abdominal obesity also can specifically cause to spinal nerve pain and backache. Depression and disability are other subsequent hazards of central fatness. More importantly ,excessive central body fat ultimately contributes in all-causes of early mortality. In regards to this, individuals with abdominal obesity is urgently needed to reduce central obesity using behavior modifications. Changes in diet and performing some exercise in everyday living are essential steps.
Feb 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5518.jcci-20-3217
Small cell carcinoma of the prostate is a rare and highly aggressive subtype of prostate cancers. In this case report, we evaluated a patient applied our outpatient clinic with acute urinary retention, whose pathology reported as pure small cell carcinoma of the prostate. A 73-year-old male patient was admitted to our outpatient clinic with acute urinary retention. Digital rectal examination was normal. The PSA value was 1.81 ng/dl. Prostate size was 101 cc. Open prostatectomy was performed. The pathology of the patient was reported as pure small cell prostate carcinoma. Four cycles of etoposide and cisplatin chemotherapy were administered to the patient. The patient died 13 months later after the first diagnosis. We evaluated the pathological and clinical findings of small cell carcinoma of the prostate.
Oct 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-7669.ject-19-3040
Many lay people along with some so called “key opinion leaders” have a common slogan “There's no answer for cancer”. Again, mistake delays proper treatment and make situation worse, more often. Compliance is crucial to obtain optimal health outcomes, such as cure or improvement in QoL. Patients may delay treatment or fail to seek care because of high out-of- pocket expenditures. Despite phenomenal development, conventional therapy falls short in cancer management. There are two major hurdles in anticancer drug development: dose-limiting toxic side effects that reduce either drug effectiveness or the QoL of patients and complicated drug development processes that are costly and time consuming. Cancer patients are increasingly seeking out alternative medicine and might be reluctant to disclose its use to their oncology treatment physicians. But there is limited available information on patterns of utilization and efficacy of alternative medicine for patients with cancer. As adjuvant therapy, many traditional medicines shown efficacy against brain, head and neck, skin, breast, liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder, prostate, colon and blood cancers. The literature reviews non-pharmacological interventions used against cancer, published trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
Aug 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-19-2973
Head and Neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most prevalent and lethal cancer globally. The incidence of tobacco-induced HNC is gradually increasing in low and middle income countries. Among the various causative factors associated with HNCs, tobacco and alcohol play synergistic effect and are frequently associated with the risk of HNC. Tobacco-induced HNCs show distinct genetic and epigenetic alterations leading to different clinical outcomes in comparison to HPV-infected HNCs. Tobacco-induced HNCs are often associated with tumor aggressiveness, poor prognosis and low or nil prevalence of HPV infection. Apart from carcinogenic effects of these causative factors (use of tobacco products, alcohol intake and HPV or EBV infections), recent studies show that exposure to these factors alter/disrupt the regulation of non-coding RNAs including the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Altered lncRNA regulation is brought about by signalling networks that regulate cellular differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and inflammatory pathways which play key functions in the genesis of different cancers including HNCs. There are numbers of studies supporting the emerging role of lncRNAs in development of HNC; however, reports connecting lncRNAs expression and addiction habits in HNC are still preliminary and sparse. Therefore, identification and characterization of lncRNAs that are differentially expressed upon exposure to risk-factors can serve as unique therapeutic targets and potential biomarker(s) for effective treatment of HNC subtypes. In this short review, we briefly reviewed the emerging role of lncRNAs in tobacco and alcohol induced HNCs.
Nov 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-18-2428
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are the most prevalent and aggressive type of cancers. Genetic, epigenetic, environmental and viral risk-factors are associated with HNC carcinogenesis. Persistent infection of oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) represent distinct biological, molecular and epigenetic entities in HNCs. There are three main epigenetic mechanisms that regulate transcription, these are DNA methylation, histone modifications and alteration in non-coding RNA networks, which can dissected to identify innovative and accurate epigenetic biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of HNC patients. Due to the lacunae of accurate distinctive biomarkers for the definite diagnosis of HNC, the identification of predictive epigenetic markers is necessary that might modify or increase HNC patient’s survival. In this mini review, we briefly summarize the current knowledge of different epigenetic biomarkers in HNC.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-9181.ijnr-18-2195
Objectives: An association between the measles virus and Hodgkin lymphoma has been disclosed by our laboratory in Beer-Sheva, starting in 2003. We question the refutation of our study and the absence of interest among experts. Methodology: It was based on immunohistochemistry with commercial, as well as experimental anti-measles antibodies. It relied also on RT-PCR and in situ hybridization evidence of measles virus RNA. Key Results: At this stage (2004), the link between the virus and the lymphoma was essentially descriptive. The first and last response to our challenge appeared in 2007, in the form of doublet articles, in the same issue of a major cancer journal. The two European research groups responding, rejected categorically our findings by proposing different arguments. Major Conclusion: As reservations to these reactions became soon apparent, a series of papers from our laboratory were published. These articles concerned the evidence of a relationship between the measles virus and additional categories of cancers. Different malignancies in which this virus was not expressed at all, were also described. A further study suggested a mechanism by which the measles virus may activate lymphomagenesis in classic Hodgkin lymphoma. To our dismay, and in spite of repeated calls to verify the various results, no further response was obtained from international experts.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-18-2116
Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are versatile materials with a broad range of applications in various fields such as cancer therapy, drug delivery. In this work, cytotoxic and apoptotic activities of silver nanoparticles was evaluation against lung (A549) and colon (HT-29) cell lines. The cytotoxic activity of nanoparticles was performed by MTT assay, while their apoptotic activity was tested through TUNEL method. The results of MTT of A549 have illustrate that fifty percent of cells destruction in concentrations more than 250 µg/ml of Ag-NPs. Apoptotic results of nanoparticles have shown more than fifty percent of apoptosis on A549 cell line. HT-29 display full apoptosis at concentrations more than 500 µg/ml. It seems that synthesized Ag-NPs by using P. farcta extract can be candidate as anti-cancer agent in treatment many cancers through creating or discovering new drug forms
Nov 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-17-1744
Aim: Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the world. Cell adhesion molecules play an important role in the progression of various cancers. It has been shown that the high level expression of some Cell adhesion molecule could be a new diagnostic factor for several cancers. Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1(VCAM1) is a cell surface glycoprotein that is expressed in the endothelium activated by cytokine. Generally, VCAM-1 expression level is very poor in normal adult tissue endothelial cells. According to the above explanation, this study was conducted to investigate the expression of VCAM-1 in tumoral tissues and adjacent normal tissues in Iranian colorectal cancer patients to its relation with clinicopathological Features in patients with cancer. Methods: In this study, 60 tumoral tissues and 39 adjacent normal tumor tissues were evaluated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Conclusion: A significant correlation was found between VCAM-1 expression level and the stage, lymph nodes involvement, tumor progression factor of cancer and sex. Interestingly, VCAM-1 expression not observed in tumors with stage0. No association was seen between VCAM-1 expression and other clinical features such as age, size of the tumor, metastasis and the number of lymph nodes. These findings suggest that VCAM-1 expression level may reflected disease progression and elevation in VCAM-1 has prognostic significance in patients with colorectal carcinoma.
Jul 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-1716.jn-17-1499
Non-small cell lung cancer is a major health problem worldwide. Surgery is still the mainstay of treatment especially in early stages of the disease. Despite the fact that surgery is the potentially curative treatment, the recurrence and mortality rates are still high specifically with more advanced stages of cancer. Heparin has been suggested to have a positive impact on the outcome of various cancers through its anticoagulants properties and; in some instances; due to their antitumor activity. Recently, the molecular mechanisms of tumor cell spreading have been recognised. Metastasis is a complex process that could be therapeutically affected wherever certain extra-cellular matrix proteins could play an important role in prevention of tumor cell migration and invasion. Experimental studies have shown decreased metastases development after heparin use in rat models. We have reviewed the literature to study the role of anticoagulants in cancer patients in general and in patients with Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) specifically.
Jul 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-15-817
Objective: To examine whether having metabolic syndrome (MS) among seniors is associated with using anti-depression medication. Methods: A total of 1366 (617 men and 749 women) individuals aged 60+ years from the NHANES 2007/08 survey who had no reported heart disease and/or cancers but had information on prescribed medications in previous month were included in this analysis. All subjects were categorized into three prescribed drug use status, ie, none (group 1); no anti-depressants (group 2); and with anti-depressants (group 3). MS was defined with the criteria of the ATP III. Results: Over 80% of individuals reported taking prescribed medications with 6% of men and 16% of women respectively having used anti-depressants. About 36% of men and 40% of women respectively were considered to have MS. Results from multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that in comparing to group 1, the odds ratios (95% CI) of MS was 2.73 (1.96, 3.82) for group2 and 2.25 (1.07, 4.69) for group 3, respectively. Both group 2 and 3 had a similar metabolic risk profile, in comparing to group 1, they had higher odds of having diabetes and high level of blood pressures. Conclusion: Seniors with medications are more likely to be with MS, diabetes, and high level blood pressures. However, the observed the cardio-metabolic risk association seems similar between seniors using anti-depressant drugs and using other prescribed medications.
Mar 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-7061.jcrc-15-899
Missed cancers have been reported at higher frequencies in the right colon despite optical colonoscopy screening. The purpose of this study was to determine if there are regional differences in haustral fold height between the ascending, transverse, and descending colon using CT colonography (CTC). 50 supine CTC datasets from 50 asymptomatic, adult patients were analyzed (NCI-CBIIT instance of the National Biomedical Imaging Archive). At least 5 consecutive, pairs of unobscured haustral folds in each colonic segment were necessary to be included in this study. Of an initial 201 patients, 151 were excluded due to suboptimal colonic distension, retained fluid, tortuosity, and diverticulosis. For each dataset, the heights of the non-dependent haustral folds were measured in the ascending, transverse, and descending colon on 2D multiplanar reformations. Differences in mean HFHs were assessed using a hierarchical generalized linear mixed model. A total of 2079 colonic folds were measured: 625 in the ascending colon (including the cecum), 687 in the transverse colon, and 767 in the descending colon. The mean number of folds measured per segment was 6.87 ± 2.11. Mean HFHs were significantly taller in the ascending colon (14.62 ± 5.47 mm) than in the transverse (9.49 ± 3.65mm) or descending (6.53 ± 3.12mm) colon; mean HFHs were also significantly taller in the transverse than the descending colon, (P<0.0001, for all comparisons). In conclusion, taller colonic haustral folds are present in the proximal colon and may contribute to more frequently missed lesions (e.g. polyps) in the right colon by conventional, optical colonoscopy.
Jun 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4372.jesr-14-607
Cancer is influenced by the ability of cells to maintain circadian rhythms in molecular and metabolic processes. Disturbance of the underlying circadian timing mechanism in circadian clock cells leads to a higher frequency and more rapid progression of cancer. Cancer stem cells with properties of embryonic and somatic stem cells have been implicated as tumor initiators in several types of cancers. Although tumors are reported to have disorganized circadian rhythms, evidence of in vitro circadian rhythms in cancer stem cells of gliomas was recently presented. The possibility and consequences of circadian clocks functioning in cancer stem cells within tumors is examined, and the possible benefits to these cells from circadian timing is discussed in relation to cancer treatments.
May 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4496.jtc-14-395
Background: Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) is a rare malignancy, accounting for less than 3% of all thyroid cancers and causes significant morbidity and mortality. MTC is often due to an underlying mutation of the RET proto-oncogene, which can result in additional endocrinopathies that must be screened for pre-operatively. The project aim was to determine if surgical training background influenced patient pre-operative evaluation for MTC. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing thyroidectomy for MTC at a single academic institution. Patients were analyzed based on who performed the initial operative procedure, a surgeon with specific endocrine surgery training or a surgeon without. Results: From 1994 to 2011, 37 patients with MTC were identified. Thirty percent were managed by an endocrine surgeon and 70% by a non-endocrine surgeon. A complete thyroid work-up was done for all the patients managed by an endocrine surgeon vs. 38.5% of the non-endocrine surgeon patients (p<0.01). Appropriate preoperative endocrine screening was performed in 91% of the endocrine surgeon patients vs. 50% of the non-endocrine surgeon patients (p= 0.03). RET mutation genetic testing was done for all endocrine surgeon patients vs. 85% of non-endocrine surgeon patients (p= 0.30). Conclusion: Endocrine trained surgeons recognize and appropriately manage the complexity of MTC and associated endocrinopathies, more often than surgeons without an endocrine surgery background. This may result in optimized management of these patients.
Jan 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-7061.jcrc-13-375
Colorectal polyps were traditionally classified as hyperplastic or adenomatous polyps. Adenomatous polyps were thought to be the precursor lesions of most of the colorectal cancers, but later serrated lesions were recognized as precursors of nearly one-third of colorectal cancers. Serrated lesions are a distinct group of polyps with special morphologic and histologic properties and a different carcinogenesis pathway to colorectal cancers. They are pale, flat or depressed lesions which may result in failure of detection on colonoscopy. So the endoscopist should be aware of these lesions and should follow the patients according to the surveillance guidelines.
Dec 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-14-598
Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide and its prevalence can be reduced by changes to lifestyle and diet. Fermentation of dietary fibre by the gut microbiota and formation of short chain fatty acids, in particular butyrate, is widely thought to play a role in preventing development of the disease. Despite butyrate’s known pro-apoptotic effects, a subpopulation of cancer cells is able to overcome these anti-neoplastic effects of colonic luminal butyrate to proliferate and establish tumours in vivo. In this study, a time course analysis of HT29 and HT29-BR cells treated with butyrate was conducted and global gene expression analysis was used to identify novel mechanisms associated with butyrate-induced apoptosis and in the acquisition of butyrate resistance. Bioinformatic analysis of the data identified deregulated O-GlcNAcylation activity and disruption to gene transcription by BRD4 as possible factors involved with butyrate-induced apoptosis. EGF signalling was identified as being potentially involved in the acquisition of butyrate resistance. Furthermore, the expression of the minichromosome maintenance protein family was significantly reduced in the HT29-BR cell line reflecting disruptions to the DNA replication process. Together, this may confer a unique survival advantage for cells with acquired butyrate resistance.
Feb 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-13-346
Targeting cell metabolism is a therapeutic approach which has been used for the treatment of cancers with high levels of proliferation. Inhibition of metabolic processes in cancer cells has shown synergy with current therapeutic options to reduce refractory disease and relapse. In contrast, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a disease where expansion of the malignant clone results from a combination of enhanced cell survival coupled with low level proliferation. The purpose of this article is to highlight how further research is needed to determine whether targeting cell metabolism may be a viable therapeutic strategy in this disease. We discuss how lymphocyte doubling time (LDT) remains a robust prognostic indicator used in the current clinical management of CLL, and how recognition of CLL as a proliferative disease has led to a greater understanding of the importance of energy-generating processes in its pathobiology. We summarize what is currently known about normal B cell metabolism and consider whether there is evidence of the Warburg effect in CLL cells. Finally, we speculate on how CLL cells may exploit protective mechanisms such as autophagy during times of metabolic stress and how they might influence or be influenced by metabolic characteristics of the microenvironment.