Targeting Inflammation in Ovarian Cancer Through Natural Antioxidants,Potential Therapeutic and Preventive Implications

There is extensive experimental data to supportthe hypothesis that Reactive oxygen species (ROS)accumulation is one of the major underlying mechanismfor carcinogenesis. Many forms of cancer are associatedwith excessive accumulation of ROS including ovariancancer. It is now well understood that ROS productionshould be scavenged by antioxidant defence mechanism/DNA damage response of the human body to maintainnatural homeostasis (Kruk and Aboul-Enein, 2017).Dysregulation of this balance leads to many inflammatorydiseases including the high risk of developing cancer. HighROS concentration is associated with accumulation ofmutations which over the years leads to development ofcancer. Metabolic pathways including aerobic oxidationin mitochondria respiratory are the major source of ROSwhich in turn effect different signalling pathways (Krukand Aboul-Enein, 2017).     

A rare case of malignant urinary bladder paraganglioma with distant metastases demonstrated by 18F-FDG PET/CT

Urinary bladder paragangliomas are rare tumors, with malignant ones being still rarer. Demonstration of metastases by imaging is crucial, as histological examination of primary cannot reliably distinguish between benign and malignant tumors. We describe a rare case of a patient with malignant urinary bladder paraganglioma in whom 18F-FDG PET/CT was useful in detection of regional lymph nodal and distant metastases. In addition, 18F-FDG PET/CT suggested an easily accessible site of biopsy to confirm the metastatic disease.     

Common peroneal nerve palsy secondary to peroneus longus abscess: case report

Muscle abscess presenting as nerve palsy is rare and has not been previously reported in the common peroneal nerve (CPN). The objective of this case report is to describe the diagnosis and treatment of an uncommon presentation of peroneal abscess in the leg of an otherwise healthy man. We present a case of CPN palsy in a 50-year-old immunocompetent man with no other comorbid medical condition secondary to peroneus longus abscess. The diagnosis was suggested by magnetic resonance imaging examination and confirmed by intraoperative findings. After surgical drainage of the abscess, the patient made a complete recovery. A review of the literature confirms that peroneus longus abscess giving rise to CPN palsy has not been described. Early diagnosis and surgical drainage of the compressing abscess can produce a favorable outcome.     

Herbal antioxidant in clinical practice: A review

Antioxidant-the word itself is magic. Using the antioxidant concept as a spearhead in proposed mechanisms for staving off so-called "free-radical" reactions, the rush is on to mine claims for the latest and most effective combination of free-radical scavenging compounds. We must acknowledge that such "radicals" have definitively been shown to damage all biochemical components such as DNA/RNA, carbohydrates, unsaturated lipids, proteins, and micronutrients such as carotenoids (alpha and beta carotene, lycopene), vitamins A, B₆, B₁₂, and folate. Defense strategies against such aggressive radical species include enzymes, antioxidants that occur naturally in the body (glutathione, uric acid, ubiquinol-10, and others) and radical scavenging nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, and E, and carotenoids. This paper will present a brief discussion of some well- and little-known herbs that may add to the optimization of antioxidant status and therefore offer added preventive values for overall health. It is important to state at the outset that antioxidants vary widely in their free-radical quenching effects and each may be individually attracted to specific cell sites. Further evidence of the specialized nature of the carotenoids is demonstrated by the appearance of two carotenoids in the macula region of the retina where beta-carotene is totally absent.     

Novel investigational therapies for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension

Introduction: Despite the development of new therapies, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has a median survival of 6 – 7 years. This is likely because the currently approved therapies affect predominantly pulmonary vasoconstriction. The past two decades have witnessed greater insights into the pathogenesis of PAH, from the role of inflammation to molecular signaling and epigenetics. Multiple pharmacological agents targeting these newly identified pathways are currently being investigated in preclinical and early clinical studies.

Areas covered: Herein, the authors review the modalities targeting recently identified molecular targets in PAH. These include: prostaglandin receptor agonists, agents that alter the cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathways, vasoactive peptides, receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, Rho-kinase inhibitors, serotonin pathway inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, agents that alter nitric oxide signaling, various cardiac medications, mitochondrial metabolism modifying agents, epigenetic agents and cell-based therapies. The authors also address the gaps in the knowledge and explain why certain agents may or may not be promising PAH pharmacotherapeutics.

Expert opinion: Newer agents target multiple pathways including vasoconstriction, cellular proliferation and inflammatory response. And while only a few of the current investigational drugs will likely be further developed, the authors expect that the next two decades will bring some major breakthroughs in PAH management.