The onus of cannabinoids in interrupting the molecular odyssey of breast cancer: A critical perspective on UPRER and beyond

Cannabinoids, commonly used for medicinal and recreational purposes, consist of various complex hydrophobic molecules obtained from Cannabis sativa L. Acting as an inhibitory molecule; they have been investigated for their antineoplastic effect in various breast tumor models. Lately, it was found that cannabinoid treatment not only stimulates autophagy-mediated apoptotic death of tumor cells through unfolded protein response (UPR^ER) activated downstream effectors, but also imposes cell cycle arrest. The exploitation of UPR^ER tumors as such is believed to be a major molecular event and is therefore employed in understanding the development and progression of breast tumor. Simultaneously, the data on clinical trials following administration of cannabinoid is currently being explored to find its role not only in palliation but also in the treatment of breast cancer. The present study summarizes new achievements in understanding the extent of therapeutic progress and highlights recent developments in cannabinoid biology towards achieving a better cure of breast cancer through the exploitation of different cannabinoids.     

Balloon Cinch Deformity during Angioplasty Procedures: An Indication for Impending Rupture

Percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTA) is a commonly performed procedure for hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction including thrombosis. While PTA is generally safe, balloon rupture during the procedure is a potential complication. Because such a rupture can cause damage to the blood vessel, indication of an imminent balloon rupture might help avoid such a complication. This analysis reports on six PTA procedures that were complicated by balloon rupture. All cases demonstrated terminal (caudal/cranial) cinch deformation. There was a loss of sharp terminal tapering and its replacement with banana silhouette before the balloon rupture. Importantly, the contour deformation and balloon rupture occurred at a pressure that was lower than the rated burst pressure. The cinch deformity can be used as an indication for impending balloon rupture. We suggest deflation of balloons that demonstrate shape deformations to avoid vascular injury.     

Coadministration of liposomal methylglyoxal increases the activity of amphotericin B against Candida albicans in leukopoenic mice

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of a combination of liposomal amphotericin B (Lip-Amp B) and Methylglyoxal (Lip-MG) against Candida albicans in the leukopoenic mice. The antifungal efficacy of Lip-Amp B or Lip-MG or a combination of Lip-Amp B and Lip-MG was evaluated by the analysis of the survival rate and the fungal load in the treated mice. The immune-stimulatory effect of Lip-MG on macrophages was evaluated by analysing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. C. albicans infected mice treated at the doses of 1 and 2?mg/kg of Lip-Amp B showed 20% and 50% survival rates, respectively. Whereas the mice treated with free Amp B at the same doses died within 40?days of treatment. Interestingly, C. albicans infected mice treated with a combination of Lip-Amp B and Lip-MG had 70% survival rate on day 40 postinfection. Moreover, treatment of macrophages with Lip-MG increased their fungicidal activity and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-1β. These findings suggested that co-treatment with Lip-Amp B and Lip-MG had a synergistic effect and could be effective against C. albicans in immunocompromised subjects.     

Sialoblastoma of the parotid gland

A 3 year-old girl presented with a 6- months history of facial swelling in the region of cheek. Physical examination revealed a firm, non-tender, non- erythematous, mobile, 3 × 3 cm mass in the right cheek. Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the mass demonstrated significiant mitotic activity, slight pleomorfism and atypical cells. A transoral incisional biopsy was also done for accurate diagnosis and the tumor was diagnosed as sialoblastoma. After performing superficial parotidectomy, the tumor was excised with large margins. No adjuvant treatment was given and no recurrence has been noted after 6 months. Despite the rareness of the disease, pathologists and otolaryngologists should always consider the possibility of sialoblastoma of salivary glands in childhood and it can be best described as locally agressive with malignant potential.     

Myeloperoxydase Expression in The Pathogenesis of Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are benign mucosal protrusions that expand into the nasal cavity. There are no any etiological factors that may explain the pathogenesis of nasal polyps but currently inflammation continues to be the major factor. As a result of inflammation, neutrophils become activated and migrate to the inflammatory area and form their bactericidal effects by producing free oxygen radicals. The objective of our study is to investigate the expression of myeloperoxydase enzyme, which is usually an indicator of leukocyte infiltration and is responsible in the formation of free oxygen radicals in polyp tissues and to determine its role in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps.