Search

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a major health problem worldwide. Recently, cancer stem cell (CSC) biomarkers were examined due to their impact on tumorigenesis and recurrence. In the present study, we aimed to examine the expression of CSC markers: CD133 and CD44 in tobacco-induced OSCC and oral submucosal fibrosis (OSMF) patients and we simultaneously evaluated their association with clinicopathological changes. A total of 60 cases (OSCC) and 60 controls (OSMF) were enrolled in the study with tobacco-based habits. Tumor appearance grade wise was characterized in OSMF and OSCC groups. Clinicopathological parameters were analyzed in OSCC cases only. The extent of positive staining was scored 0-4. The results indicated that the tobacco intake habits (chewing, smoking or both) have significant effects on OSCC and OSMF changes. In maximum subjects (29) of OSCC cases, tumour appearance was in grade III with no such change in OSMF. IHC results showed 83 % subjects were positive for CD44 and CD133 in OSCC cases, while 72 % were positive for CD44 and 76% for CD133 in the OSMF group. In the OSCC group the significant clinicopathological changes were observed such as tumour size in the range of 3-4 cm, T-3 staging, N-1 node involvement, enhanced metastasis and well differentiated pathological grade. In the OSCC group, high IHC score of 3 and 4 were observed in 81% of CD133 and 80.4% of CD44 positive subjects with tumor size of 3 to 4 cm, 74% of CD133 and 84% of CD44 positive individuals in the N-1 stage, 81.2% of CD133 and 85.7% of CD44 positive subjects at T-3 stage and 80.4% of CD133 and 66.6% of CD44 positive individuals with enhanced metastasis. These results clearly indicated clinicopathological changes in the OSCC group with parallel high expression of CD44 and CD133, these results showed the diagnostic relevance of CSC markers in the OSCC and OSMF subjects.

The aggressive tumour known as oral cancer can metastasize, produce a high fatality rate, and infect nearby tissue. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, for example, are common treatment options that, when used in clinical settings, have both minimal drawbacks and major side effects. Currently, oral therapeutic medication delivery using targeted drug administration is proving to be effective. In recent years, an effective alternative therapy known as “nanomedicine,” or using nanoplatforms to deliver drugs for the treatment of cancer, has evolved. Thanks to the use of nanoplatforms, drug delivery to the tumour site can be done precisely and with minimal drug degradation in the body. As a result, the drug's toxicity is diminished, its concentration at the tumour site is elevated, and its distribution to other organs is kept to minimum. We present a contemporary review of the development medication delivery targeted for the treatment of oral cancer in this article different oral delivery systems, including as cyclodextrins, liposomes, hydrogel-based forms, and nanolipids are highlighted and explored. Biomimetic systems, such as therapeutic vitamins, proteins, exosomes, and virus-like particles, with a focus on cancer treatment, are also described. The study concludes with a brief analysis of future applications for nanoplatforms in the treatment of oral cancer.

Among the widest range of prevalent forms of cancer is oral carcinoma, which can develop anywhere in the mouth or even on the lips. Although there have been many advances in cancer treatment, the expected lifespan for OSCCs have indeed increased marginally. The load of OSCC is anticipated to increase in the near future, yet there is no sign of relief in view. Tumorigenesis is just one of the many physiological processes that can be controlled by microRNAs, a class noncoding endogenous RNAs. Several fibrosis disorders have been linked to miR- 21, and it has been utilised to distinguish oral and tongue cancer from healthy individuals. Studies empirically highlighted the significance of these transcripts as a predictor for prediction and diagnosis in OSCCs. Therefore, the present review summarizes the expression levels of miRNAs in OSCCs and evaluates their functioning in the progression or suppression of cancer. miR-21 can be considered as a prospective candidate for their translational use in OSCCs for early diagnosis prognosis surveillance and tailored treatment which should undergo further validation.

Background: As situation regarding carcinoma cervix is still alarming in rural population of India, the management of HPV infection and other risk factors contributing to the development of cervical cancer might play a great role in checking the incidence of the disease. Methods: Rural cervical cancer screening is in progress since May 2013 in the western rural region of Lucknow through camp approach and till date, follow up is available in 264 of the totals 498 Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions of Cervix (SIL) showing regression (204) and persistence of the lesions (60). The risk factors including HPV infection have been studied in detail at different stages of follow up in these two groups. Results: Number of risk factors as obvious showed decline in the regressed cases with subsequent follow up which was lacking in the persistent group. Individually, young age factor showed decline with subsequent follow up while multiparity has been found prominent risk factors in both the groups at all stages of follow up. It was seen that the regression rate was high in women above the age of 30 years with multiparity. The decrease in number of vaginal discharge and erosion cervix cases was also found associated with regression of SIL. Conclusion: The risk factors can predict the biological behavior of SIL towards the progression or regression of the lesions and lead to the better management of any cancer screening program. This will also reduce the follow up burden and treatment costs and will thus enhance the overall acceptability at rural level.

Introduction: This study was undertaken with aim to create awareness among rural women regarding hazards and risk factors of carcinoma cervix and offering single screening for early detection of the disease. This was essential as majority of the rural women were illiterate and have poor personal genital hygiene. Materials and Methods: The present screening program was planned through organizing camps by counseling and motivating 100 women from each village for undergoing Pap smear examination. During last 7 years, a total of 186 camps have been organized in three Blocks of Lucknow, India and 2949 of the 5286 women attending the camps underwent Pap test. findings were analyzed in these 2949 women in relation to different risk factors of the disease. Results: The squamous lesions of cervix (SIL) were seen in 498 cases (16.8%) while atypical squamous epithelial changes of unknown significance (ASCUS) were observed in only 234 (8.2%). The SIL incidence was found high for all risk factors of cervical cancer like young age, and vaginal discharge. Candida was found more common and associated with inflammatory and SIL conditions of cervix. Conclusions: The organization of rural cervical cancer screening programs through camp approach and offering single examination of cervical smears in rural women may prove very effective in the detection of large number of SIL cases, the adequate treatment of which will check the progression of the disease and minimize the incidence of carcinoma cervix and associated mortality in rural India. Keywords: Rural cervical cancer screening, Inflammation, Precancer, Risk factors, STDs, Camp approach.

Ajwa dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) have been described in traditional and alternative medicine to provide several health benefits, but their mechanism of apoptosis induction against human triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells remains to be investigated. In this study, we analyzed the phytoconstituents in ethanolic Ajwa Dates Pulp Extract (ADPE) by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and investigated anticancer effects against MDA-MB-231 cells. LC–MS analysis revealed that ADPE contained phytocomponents belonging to classes such as carbohydrates, phenolics, flavonoids and terpenoids. MTT assay demonstrated statistically significant dose- and time-dependent inhibition of MDA-MB-231 cells with IC50 values of 17.45 and 16.67 mg/mL at 24 and 48 h, respectively. Hoechst 33342 dye and DNA fragmentation data showed apoptotic cell death while AO/PI and Annexin V-FITC data revealed cells in late apoptosis at higher doses of ADPE. More importantly, ADPE prompted reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in ADPE treated MDA-MB-231 cells. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that ADPE induced cell arrest in S and G2/M checkpoints. ADPE upregulated the p53, Bax and cleaved caspase-3, thereby leading to the downregulation of Bcl-2 and AKT/mTOR pathway. ADPE did not show any significant toxicity on normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells which suggests its safe application to biological systems under study. Thus, ADPE has the potential to be used as an adjunct to the mainline of treatment against breast cancer.

Introduction : oral submucosal fibrosis (OSMF) is related to juxta epithelial inflammatory response followed by a fibroelastic change of the lamina propria, with epithelial atrophy leading to stiffness of the oral mucosa, causing trismus and inability to eat. Methods and Materials: The suitability standards for studies were: Research Articles that studied the metabolic activities in oral submucous fibrosis mainly caused by some carcinogenic substances or chemicals which may present in tobacco, alcohol, cigarettes, pan-masala etc Reference list of selected articles and reviews on the topic also were searched. studies were extracted, A total of 90-100 studies were extracted, using the keywords oral submucous fibrosis, oral potentially malignant lesion and diagnosis, collagen synthesis etc., Results: cancer risk among these patients, periodic biopsies of suspicious regions of the oral mucosa are essential for the early detection and management of high?risk oral premalignant lesions and prevention of cancer. Conclusion: OSMF is hardly recognized and is poorly understood across the globe. significant improvement in management, nor reduction in its high malignant transformation rate. Better integration of medical and dental services, especially in developing countries, may reduce patients’ suffering and improve their life quality.

OBJECTIVE Micronuclei counts were performed in cervical smears with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix (LSIL) to assess its potentiality as tumour marker in cervical carcinogenesis. METHODS The cases studied were from the ongoing rural cervical cancer screening in west Lucknow, India. Micronuclei counts were performed in the cervical smears of 100 LSIL cases, and the number of cells with micronuclei was defined as micronucleated cells (MNC) and the number of micronuclei per 1000 cells as MNC score. Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing was also done in 100 LSIL cases by GeneNav qPCR test. RESULTS A high MNC score was found in 20 of the 100 LSIL cases while the counts were low in the remaining 80. Persistence of LSIL was seen in 19 of the 20 LSIL cases with high MNC score while only six cases of the 80 cases with low MNC score showed persistence. The persistence of LSIL was very high in cases with high MNC score. The multiple high-risk HPV types such as 18, 31, 33 and 35 were seen in 12 of the 100 LSIL cases and a high positivity rate was seen in women with high MNC score. The persistence of LSIL was also higher with HPV positivity. CONCLUSION The study revealed correlation between high MNC score, persistence of LSIL and HPV positivity. Hence, MNC score can prove to be very useful in discriminating high-risk LSIL cases that are less likely to regress and possibly may progress to high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or carcinoma.

Background: AgNOR pleomorphism has been widely used for its diagnostic importance in differentiating premalignant and malignant lesions of different human neoplasms. However, an evaluation of its potential for discriminating cases of high-risk squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix (SIL) has been rarely attempted. Aim: The tumor marker potential of AgNOR pleomorphism counts was assessed by correlating high and low mean counts in low-grade SIL (LSIL) cases with persistence or regression of the lesion and HPV positivity. Materials and Methods: The 115 LSIL cases selected for the study were registered from the ongoing cervical cancer screening of the rural population of Lucknow West. Silver nitrate staining for AgNOR counts and HPV DNA testing were done in all 115 cases. Results: The AgNOR counts in the 115 LSIL cases revealed low counts in 92 and high counts in 23 cases. Follow-up, available in 107 cases, revealed persistence of the lesion in 21 of the 23 cases with high counts and in 4 of the 84 cases with low counts. HPV positivity showed a strong correlation with high counts. Persistence of LSIL was also more frequent with high AgNOR counts and in HPV-positive cases. Conclusions: The study showed a correlation of high mean AgNOR counts with HPV positivity and persistence of LSIL.

Ajwa dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) are used by traditional therapeutic practitioners for several health benefits but most remain to be scientifically validated. In this study, we evaluated the apoptosis-inducing effect of ethanolic extract of Ajwa date pulp (ADP) on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HepG2 cells. High performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed the presence of polysaccharide β-D-glucan in ADP extract. Treated HCC cells revealed morphological characteristics of apoptosis under phase contrast microscopy. MTT assay demonstrated significant (p viz. CHEK2, ATM and TP53. Interestingly, ADP extract did not display any significant effect on normal cell line Vero. This study provides validation that ADP extract can be considered as a safe and natural potential drug candidate against human liver cancer.

Background:Ajwa date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) has been described in traditional and alternative medicine to provide several health benefits including anticholesteremic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective and anticancer effects, but most remain to be scientifically validated. In the present study, we evaluated the anticancer effects of the ethanolic extract of Ajwa Dates pulp on human triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. MethodsAjwa Dates Pulp Extract (ADPE) was phytochemically characterized using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The in vitro cytotoxicity of ADPE at various concentrations viz. 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22 and 25 mg/mL were evaluated against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells at 24 and 48 h. The apoptosis effect was examined by Hoechst 33342 and AO/PI-double-stain using fluorescence microscopy. The proportion of apoptotic cells, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and cell cycle phase distribution were estimated using flow cytometry. Apoptosis-related protein expression was determined using western blot analysis. ResultsLC-MS analysis showed that ADPE contained phytocomponents belonging to chemical classes such as carbohydrates, phenolics, flavonoids and terpenoids. Phase contrast microscopy analysis revealed various morphological variations in ADPE treated cells. MTT assay demonstrated statistically significant dose- and time-dependent inhibitions of MDA-MB-231 cells with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 17.45 and 16.67 mg/mL at 24 and 48 h, respectively. Hoechst 33342 dye and DNA fragmentation data showed apoptotic cell death while AO/PI and Annexin V-FITC data revealed cells in late apoptosis at higher doses of ADPE. More importantly, Ajwa date extract prompted ROS induced alterations in MMP in ADPE treated MDA-MB-231 cells. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that ADPE induced cell arrest in S and G2/M checkpoints. In addition, ADPE upregulates p53, Bax and cleaved caspase-3, thereby leading to downregulation of bcl-2 protein and Akt/mTOR pathway. ConclusionsThe results of the present study indicate that ADPE exerts significant anticancer effects on MDA-MB-231 cells via the induction of apoptosis and suppression of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Therefore, ADPE has the potential to be used as an adjunct to the main line of treatment against breast cancer and can be further studied as a potential lead in breast cancer treatment.

Context: In India, lung carcinoma is the fifth-most common tumor and second-most common tumor in the males as per the Indian Council of Medical Research registry of 2002. It has been seen that ALDH1 expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the presence of marker was linked to a more tumorigenic potential in the in vivo assessment and shorter disease-free survival in NSCLC patients with platinum treatment. Aims: Hence, our objective was to detect association of cancer stem cell (CSC) marker aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) with clinicopathological profile in lung carcinoma patients. Settings and Design: This is a Pilot study. Subjects and Methods: It was a Pilot study where biopsies from 55 fresh previously untreated lung cancer patients visiting the Pulmonary Medicine Department of Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital Lucknow and King George's Medical University were taken for 18 months November 2014–April 2016, after taking proper informed consent from them. Paraffin blocks were taken and stained by hematoxylin and eosin (Sigma) to make the histopathological diagnosis and immunohistochemistry was done for detection of CSC marker ALDH1 (Daco). Statistical Analysis Used: The statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 15.0 Statistical Analysis Software. The values were represented in number (%) and mean ± standard deviation. Results: Expression of stem cell marker ALDH1 with the staging of the tumor was observed in 62.5% of Stage I, 80% of Stage II, 94.1% of Stage III, and 100% of Stage IV cases. Statistically, there was a significant association between ALDH1expression and stage of disease (P < 0.001). Diagnostic efficacy of ALDH1 expression in the detection of any positive clinical stage, it was found to be 88.6% sensitive and 90.9% specific. Conclusions: Strong ALDH1 expression correlates with higher stage of lung carcinoma making it a prognostic marker needing in-depth study.

Background: In the life of a woman, after 40 years of age, onset of menopause occurs during which hormonal imbalances take place. The present study is aimed at finding out cytopathological changes in the cervical epithelium associated with this hormonal disturbance. Materials and Methods: Cervical cancer screening program is in progress under auspices of Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, since May 2013, in the villages of Lucknow West through camp approach. Till September 2017, 140 camps have been organized and 2440 women attending the camp have been cytologically examined. Out of these, 1534 women were perimenopausal, 165 premenopausal, and 441 postmenopausal. The cytopathological changes have been studied in these three categories of women in relation to different predisposing factors to the cervical carcinogenesis. Results: The squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) rate was higher with onset of menopause in the premenopausal women. The SIL rate was higher with nulliparity in these women as well as in the postmenopausal women and also with different gynecological symptoms and clinical lesions of the cervix. The SIL changes associated with HPV and HSV were also higher in them. Conclusion: A high SIL rate found with onset of menopause may be the outcome of gradual estrogen withdrawal in the premenopausal women. Hence, cytological evaluation is mandatory in women between 41 and 45 years of age to rule out any occurrence of cervical cytopathology.

Introduction: There is likelihood of development of premalignant changes in the cervix in the teenagers due to early sexual activity. This assumes importance under rural conditions in India where majority of marriage of girls are performed at young age below 20 years. Aim: The present cytological study was carried out in the three cohorts of rural girls- adolescents (16-20 years), young adult girls (21-25 years) and adult women (26-30 years) to see the effect of early increasing sexual exposure. Materials and Methods: The study cases were derived from the cervical cancer screening which is in progress in the rural population of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Of the 1185 study cases, 97 were adolescents, 338 young adult girls and remaining 750 were adult women. Results: The Atypical Squamous Cell Changes of Unknown Significance (ASCUS) were found higher in the adolescents than in young adult girls and adult women while Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions of cervix (SIL) rate was almost equal in the three cohorts. Follow-up revealed progression of ASCUS to Low grade SIL (LSIL) almost equal in the three groups while the persistence of SIL was higher in the young adult girls and adult women. The gynaecological symptoms especially vaginal discharge was more common in the last two groups than in adolescents but the SIL rate was higher with all symptoms in the adolescents. The cervical lesions were more common in the young girls and adult women and SIL rate was higher with different cervical lesions. The majority of adolescents were nulliparous with high SIL rate while in the young adult girls and adult women, the SIL incidence showed rising trend with increasing parity. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of cytological screening of all the rural young girls and adult women specially who reveal cervical lesions or are symptomatic. This will yield large number of pre-cancerous cases, timely treatment of which will check the progression of SIL to malignancy

Background: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most frequent biliary tract cancer, with high morbidity and poor prognosis, and shows early metastasis and invasiveness. No reliable biomarkers are available for detection of GBC progression. Aim: To investigate the immunohistochemical expression of Oct-4 and CD133 in malignant and nonneoplastic lesions of gallbladder and to analyze the clinical significance of the expressions related to clinicopathological parameters. Settings and Design: This is a prospective case control study, conducted in medical college background. Materials and Methods: A total of 103 cases of gallbladder were grouped into malignant lesions (n = 48) and nonneoplastic lesions (simple epithelial hyperplasia; n = 35 and chronic cholecystitis; n = 20). All tissue samples were evaluated for expression of Oct-4 and CD133 using immunohistochemistry in an effort to elucidate the correlation between their expressions with clinicopathological parameters. Statistical Analysis: The final score was calculated by multiplying the intensity to the percentage of positive cells. The scores ≥2 were considered as positive. Results: Significant positive correlation of higher expression levels of Oct-4 and CD133 were observed in malignant as compared to nonneoplastic lesions of gallbladder (P < 0.0001). High expression of Oct-4 and CD133 were significantly associated with tumor grading (Oct-4, P = 0.04; CD133, P = 0.02), staging (Oct-4, P = 0.03; CD133, P = 0.02), and liver metastasis (Oct-4, P = 0.01; CD133, P = 0.007). Significantly reduced survival was observed with high expression of Oct-4 (P = 0.002). No significant correction was observed between CD 133 and survival. Conclusion: This study revealed that high expression level of Oct-4 may provide a new insight for the prognosis of the disease in terms of clinical staging and grade.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct-4), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and body mass index (BMI) as independent prognostic biomarkers for prediction of urinary bladder cancer (UBC) outcomes. With the advancement in prognostic biomarker discovery, tumor recurrence is difficult to accurately predict in UBC. UBC is costly to treat due to the requirement of frequent invasive follow-up sessions. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to evaluate good prognostic biomarkers for UBC surveillance. Methods: We studied 39 UBC tissue samples. Oct-4 protein expression was evaluated semiquantitatively by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Complete blood count data and body weight as well as the height of the patients were retrieved and recorded before the date of the first transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). The follow-up period was 48 months for recurrence-free survival (RFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: Oct-4 expression profile was found to be significantly associated with gender ( p = 0.028), tumor grade ( p = 0.038), tumor stage ( p = 0.003), lymph node status ( p = 0.029), recurrence ( p = 0.004), progression ( p = 0.011), and treatment modality ( p = 0.016). Tumor grade and progression were found significant with NLR values (tumor grade, p = 0.006; progression, p = 0.038) and BMI (tumor grade, p = 0.036; progression, p = 0.014). Moreover, BMI was also significantly associated with UBC recurrence ( p = 0.014). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed poor prognosis with both high Oct-4 expression (RFS, p = 0.001; PFS, p = 0.004; OS, p = 0.014) and high NLR values (RFS, p = 0.049; PFS, p = 0.004; OS, p = 0.005). Patients with high BMI too had poor RFS ( p = 0.025) and poor PFS ( p = 0.032). Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression analysis, indicated Oct-4 as an independent prognostic biomarker for RFS (HR = 0.240, 95% CI, 0.072–0.804, p = 0.021). Conclusions: We conclude that the expression profile of Oct-4 will be beneficial in prediction of UBC recurrence, and could have profound implications on the development of new therapeutic targets for UBC treatment.

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that regulate multiple cellular processes during cancer progression, identified to be involved in tumorgenesis of several cancers including cancers of digestive system. However its role in gallbladder inflammatory disease (GID) and gallbladder cancer (GBC) has not been well documented. The present study was aimed to investigate the clinical significance of hsa-miRNA-335-5p (miR-335) in GBC and GID. Subjects and Methods: This prospective case control study, conducted from July 1, 2014 to December 1, 2017 in Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, India, evaluated miR-335 expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Hundred tissue samples GID (control; n=50) and GBC (case; n=50) were studied. Relative quantification of target miR-335 expression was examined using the comparative cycle threshold method. Their expression was correlated with different clinicopathological parameters. Fishers’ exact test, Student’s t-test, and Chi-square test were used as appropriate for data analysis. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to calculate overall and disease-free survival rate. Two sided P

Urinary bladder cancer is the most common cancer of urinary tract. The exact etiology of urinary bladder cancer is unknown. However, exposure to various risk factors may change the susceptibility as well as patho-physiological outcome of disease among individuals. The fundamental event in cancer development is loss of genomic integrity as experimental studies dictate that genetic changes either in germ line genes or somatic genetic alteration must occur for tumor initiation as well as propagation in later stages of tumor development. Conventionally clinical and pathological methods are used for the diagnosis and clinical outcome of urinary bladder cancer. However, the prognostic ability of these methods is limited because these methods are invasive, expensive and have major complications after procedure. Therefore, the biggest challenge in front of urologist and researchers is to develop relevant protocol that is cost effective, more sensitive and a non-invasive method for diagnosis. In this chapter, we have reviewed the molecular markers and associated possible benefits of detection, surveillance and prognostication of disease as well as investigating the molecular profile of individual patient which can guide clinician into a new era of improving prediction of natural history of tumor and providing a more personalized and tailored intravesical and systemic treatment to that particular patient.

Objective: Squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity is one of the most common cancers of Indian subcontinent with the 5-year survival rate of 50% despite the recent advances in the treatment. The aim of the present study was to study cancer stem cell markers CD133 and Oct-4 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients and their correlation with clinicopathological variables. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study which included 50 cases of histopathologically proven squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity. Expression of CD133 and Oct-4 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and their expression was correlated with various clinicopathological and demographic parameters. Results: CD133 expression was seen in 20.6% cases of clinical Stage I–II and in 79.4% of clinical stage of III-IV OSCC patients, the difference being statistically significant with the P = 0.048. There was no statistically significant association between CD133 expression and any other clinicopathological or demographic variable. Oct-4 was expressed only in one case. Conclusions: CD133 expression was significantly seen higher in Stage III–IV tumors, the stem cells may be responsible for the aggressiveness of the OSCCs and these stem cells can be potential prognostic markers and targets for the future targeted therapy.

In view of funding crunches and inadequate manpower in cytology in developing countries like India, single lifetime screening for cervical cancer has been suggested. In this study, an attempt was made to identify high risk groups of women for this screening to make it more effective for early detection. Cytological data were derived from the ongoing routine cervical cytology screening program for women attending Gynaecology Out Patient Department of Queen Mary's Hospital of K.G.Medical University, Lucknow, India during a span of 35 years (April 1971 - December 2005). Cervical smears in a total of 38,256 women were cytologically evaluated. The frequencies of squamous intraepithelial lesions of cervix (SIL) and carcinoma cervix were found to be 7.0% and 0.6%, respectively, in the series. Predisposing factors related to cervical carcinogenesis were analyzed in detail to establish the most vulnerable groups of women for single life time screening. The incidence of SIL and carcinoma cervix was found to be maximal in women above the age of 40 years irrespective of parity and in multiparous women (with three or more children) irrespective of age. The incidence of cervical cytopathologies was significantly higher in symptomatic women, the frequency of SIL being alarmingly higher in women complaining of contact bleeding and that of carcinoma cervix in older women with postmenopausal bleeding. It is consequently felt that single life time screening must include the three groups of women delineated above. Such selective screening appears to be the most economical, cost effective and feasible approach to affordably control the menace of cervical cancer in developing countries like India.

Background: Wild-type p53 nuclear phosphoproteins are critical cell cycle regulatory tumor-suppressor gene. Genetic mutation of p53 gene is common in several head–neck cancers, usually associated with smoking and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. In India, instead of HPV, tobacco/pan masala chewing is more commonly associated with oral cancer. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate p53 codon 72 gene polymorphism and expression of p53 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in oral lesions as a risk factor for its association with malignancy. Materials and Methods: A total of 41 cases of oral lesions comprising 6 cases of leukoplakia and 35 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), between 30 and 60 years age and tobacco/pan masala chewers were taken. Molecular analysis of p53 codon 72 gene polymorphism was performed by polymerase chain reaction – restriction fragment length polymorphism for Arg/Arg, Arg/Pro, and Pro/Pro. Tissue expression of p53 was done by IHC. Results: Genotype frequencies of 35 carcinoma cases of p53 Arg/Arg, Arg/Pro, and Pro/Pro were 23%, 57%, and 20%, respectively, and six leukoplakia cases of p53 Arg/Arg and Arg/Pro genotype were 50% and 50%, respectively. By IHC for expression of p53 out of 35 cases of OSCC biopsies, 17 (48.57%) had weak staining, 14 cases (40%) showed evidence of p53 protein staining, and four cases (11.42%) showed negative staining. Among six cases of leukoplakia, 3 (50%) showed weak staining and 3 (50%) showed negative results. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that there is no significant association between p53 codon 72 gene polymorphism with OSCC and leukoplakia associated with tobacco/pan masala chewing.

Introduction: Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are very common in the sexually active young Indian women particularly in rural areas because of poor genital hygiene. Aim: The present study was carried out to compare the prevalence of different STDs in the urban and rural population of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Materials and Methods: The present prospective observational study was conducted in 2369 rural women attending camps in 126 villages of West Lucknow between May 2013 and March 2017 undergoing cervical cancer screening and in 38,478 urban women attending Gynaecology Outpatient Department (OPD) of KG Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, between April 1971 to November 2005 in which the data were collected retrospectively. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 18.0 and the results were subjected to chisquare test. Results: The incidence of Candida albicans was higher in rural women (4.7%) as against 1.1% seen in urban cohorts. The trend was reverse with Trichomonas vaginalis, the incidence being high (2.9%) in the Urban women than 1.0% in the rural group. The viral STDs were rarely seen in both the groups ranging from 0.1% to 0.6%. Association of Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (SILs) of the cervix with non-viral STDs was more pronounced in rural women than in their urban counterparts while this was very high with viral STDs in both the groups. All the STDs except HSV were commonly seen in younger sexually active women between 21-30 years. Leucorrhoea was commonly associated with all STDs in both groups but the incidence was almost double in rural women. Conclusion: All the STDs examined were commonly seen in younger women between 21-30 years mostly with symptoms of leucorrhoea. Hence, cytological screening is felt mandatory in such women to rule out any STD infection.

Objective: Cytological screening was carried out in rural women of Lucknow West, India, through a camp approach to detect cervical cancer in its preinvasive phase and to see whether the primitive living conditions in the villages have any effect on the incidence of precancer and carcinoma of the cervix and the associated predisposing factors of cervical carcinogenesis. Study Design: During a span of 4 years (May 2013 to March 2017), a total of 135 camps were organized under the auspice of Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital (Lucknow, India). Only 4,269 (31.2%) out of 13,500 women who were motivated and counseled attended the camp and 2,369 (55.1%) of them underwent a Pap smear examination. Results: The incidence of squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix (SIL) was found to be very high (18.2%) in the 2,369 women who were screened, but the majority of them were of a low grade. The SIL incidence was very high for all predisposing factors like gynaecological symptoms, age, and clinical lesions of the cervix. However, the SIL rate showed a rise with increasing parity. Candida albicans was more common in rural women (4.7%) than Trichomonas vaginalis (1.1%), and a low incidence of viral sexually transmitted diseases (STD) was seen. Conclusions: Organizing camps in the villages through proper counseling and motivation may help in the screening of larger numbers of women for early detection of cervical cancer, the adequate treatment of which will check the progression of the disease and thus minimize the incidence of carcinoma of the cervix and its associated mortality in the rural population of India.

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short (~22 nucleotides) regulatory RNAs that can modulate gene expression and are aberrantly expressed in many diseases, including cancer. It has been suggested that, the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs) can alter miRNA processing, expression and binding to target mRNA and represents another type of genetic variability, that can contribute to the susceptibility of human cancers. Aim: The present study investigated the genetic variants in premiRNAs (hsa-miRNA-196a2 rs11614913 C/T, hsa-miRNA-499 rs3746444 T/C and hsa-miRNA-146a rs2910164 G/C) for their role in cervical cancer susceptibility. Materials and Methods: The study comprised 164 controls and 184 patients of cervical cancer. The genotypic frequency of miRNA polymorphisms were determined by using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCRRFLP) assay. Logistic regression was used for statistical analysis using SPSS Software version 15.0. Results: Hsa-miRNA-499 rs3746444 T/C polymorphism showed a statistically significant association with considerable risk for cervical cancer at genotypes (CC, p=0.001, OR=4.801) and variant allele (p

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of the CD56+NK-TIL count in infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) of breast.Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed using antibodies specific for CD56 on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections of 175 infiltrating ductal carcinomas (IDC) of breast. Distribution of intratumoral and stromal CD56+NK-TILs was assessed semi-quantitatively.A low intratumoral CD56+count showed significant and inverse associations with tumor grade, stage, and lymph node status, whereas it had significant and direct association with response to treatment indicating good prognosis. These patients had better survival (χ2=4.80, p0.05) and 0.52 fold lower death rate (HR=0.52, 95% CI=0.28-0.93) as compared to patients with high CD56+ intratumoral count. The association of survival was insignificant with low CD56 stromal count as compared to high CD56 stromal count (χ2=1.60, p0.05).To conclude, although NK-TIL count appeared as a significant predictor of prognosis, it alone may not be sufficient for predicting the outcome considering the fact that there exists a crosstalk between NK-TILs and the other immune infiltrating TILs.

Background: Formation of new blood vessels is necessary for the development and spread of neoplasms more than 1 mm 3 in volume, angiogenesis being responsible for formation of new from pre-existing blood vessels. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is pivotal and the best studied angiogenic factor in all human cancers. Therefore we designed this study to investigate the role of VEGF-A and VEGF-C in prostate cancer in comparison with BPH controls in a north Indian population. Methods: In this case-control study a total of 100 subjects were included on the basis of confirmed histopathological reports, out of which 50 were prostate cancer patients and the other 50 were BPH patients with PSA levels >2 ng/ml and abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) findings during September 2009 to August 2011 from the Department of Urology, KGMU, Lucknow, India. Plasma levels of VEGF were determined using quantitative immunoassay (ELISA- enzyme linked immunosorbent assay). Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 15.0 version. Results: The mean age of prostate cancer (67.6±5.72) patients was significantly higher (p=0.005) than BPH (63.6±7.92) patients. Expression of VEGF-A was not significantly higher in disease stage C1 than D1 or D2 and A or B (p=0.13) while the level of VEGF-A was significantly higher (p=0.04) in prostate cancer as compared to BPH subjects (PCa=13.0 pg/ml, BPH=6.8 pg/ml). Levels of VEGF-C were similar in both groups (PCa=832.6 pg/ml, BPH=823.7 pg/ml). In ROC curve, the area under curve (AUC) was 0.70 (95%CI: 0.60-0.80) and the cut-off value for which a higher proportion of patients was correctly classified (20%) was 26.0 pg/mL. Conclusion: Although VEGF-A is increased in cancer prostate patients a statistically significant correlation could not be established in this study. VEGF-C was not found to be a useful biomarker.

Background Aromatherapy is used in clinical settings for patients suffering from several chronic and critical diseases such as cancer. Ethyl acetate (EA) is a colorless liquid with a characteristic fruity smell and is naturally present in fruits and wines. Methods In the present study, the effect of the aroma of EA was evaluated on human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and normal cell line, Vero. Cell line viability and mechanism of EA cytotoxicity were determined by Trypan blue dye exclusion assay and phase contrast microscopy. Results It was found that EA at a concentration of 0.026 M was effective in causing considerable cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells (without even coming in contact with the culture medium and cells), while showing no effect on normal cells. Mechanism of action of EA on cancer and Vero cells was investigated by DNA fragmentation and dye binding assays using agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) and fluorescence microscopy/cytometry, respectively. It was found that EA aroma induced predominantly necrosis in the cancer cells exposed to it. Conclusion A study such as this has not been attempted before and results need further investigation before EA aroma can be used as a complementary therapy.

Intraoral epidermoid cyst of buccal mucosa is generally an uncommon entity. Epidermal inclusion cyst refers sequestration of epidermal elements into the dermal and deeper tissue during the fetal period in line of fusion of embryonic process or acquired due to implantation of the epithelium due to trauma or surgery. It usually presents as slow growing asymptomatic cysts but may be symptomatic due to large size, interfering with mastication and speech or secondary infection. Surgical excision is done for removal of these cysts. We report an interesting case of multiple epidermal cysts in both sides of buccal mucosa in a 35-year-old male patient.

Introduction: Telomere Length is critically important in normal cells and telomere shortening in combination with other oncogenic changes— promotes genome instability, potentially stimulating initiation of the early stages of cancer. Aim: The present study was carried out to detect human telomerase reverse transcriptase expression in oral cancer and pre-cancerous lesions by immunohistochemistry. Materials and methods: An observational study was planned in which a total of 45 biopsy specimen of oral mucosa was obtained. Of these, 15 (33.3%) belonged to normal subjects, 15 (33.3%) to subjects found to have Oral submucousal fibrosis and 15 (33.3%) subjects with Oral squamous cell carcinoma. Results: Among cases of OSCC, majority was of well differentiated grade (80.0%), only 1 (6.7%) case was poorly differentiated and rest was of moderately differentiated (13.3%) Labelling intensity of OSCC (78.07 ± 22.31) was maximum followed by that of Normal (44.47 ± 6.32) and minimum of OSMF (26.67 ± 15.05) and intergroup difference and between group differences were also found to be significant. Labelling score of OSCC (154.47 ± 94.74) was maximum followed by that of Normal (84.73 ± 51.51) and minimum of OSMF (46.73 ± 44.25) and intergroup difference and between groups differences (Normal vs OSCC, and OSMF and OSCC) were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The present study highlights only the discriminating ability of hTERT for differentiating the malignant condition from premalignant and normal mucosa. Hence, further studies on a larger sample size, with inclusion of other premalignant conditions too are recommended in order to understand the pattern of hTERT expression changes.

Summary Ameloblastomas are uncommon tumors, which were thought to be radioresistant. However there is lack of well-documented evidence in the literature concerning their relative radio responsiveness or radio resistance nature. The present article reports a case of ameloblastoma of jaw, successfully treated by radiotherapy.

Cervical carcinoma is one of the most common and dreaded diseases of women, and in India, it accounts for 16 per cent of total cervical cancer cases occurring globally. The situation is more alarming in the rural areas where the majority of women are illiterate and ignorant about the hazards of cervical cancer. Different screening strategies such as rural cancer registries and camp approach for cancer detection have been found useful in minimizing the problem of cervical cancer in the villages. Various screening techniques such as visual inspection with acetic acid, visual inspection with Lugol's iodine, visual inspection with magnification devices-magnavisualizer, Pap smear and HPV-DNA testing have been suggested and tried under low-resource settings of our country, and cervical cytology screening has been found effective in reducing incidence of the disease. In the present review, feasibility of different screening methods has been assessed to find out the most suitable mode applicable at the rural level. Single lifetime screening particularly of high-risk women along with analysis of cost-effective tumour markers such as Argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNOR) counts to discriminate high-risk dysplasia cases appears to be an appropriate approach in fighting against cervical cancer.

Summary Distant metastases in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck cancer (SCCHN) are most often to the lung, liver and bone. SCCHN rarely metastasizes to skin sites. We encountered a 58-year-old male patient who initially presented with carcinoma of the base of tongue with T3N2bMO disease and was treated by curative radiotherapy. After about one and a half years, he developed multiple skin lesions in the left forearm below the elbow region, which was initially treated for some infective pathology of skin. But due to no response, cytological examination performed which turned out to be metastasis from tongue carcinoma. The present case report describes this rare event along with highlighting some of the important issues which to be considered under such conditions.

Background: Solanum nigrum L. (SN), commonly known as black nightshade or Makoi in India, is well documented in Ayurveda, the indigenous system of medicine, for its medicinal properties. However, it has still not garnered considerable attention for modern therapeutic use. In the present study, in vitro activities of methanolic extract(s) of dried roots, stems and leaves of S. nigrum were evaluated against human cancer cell lines MDA, Hep G2, A549 and normal cell line Vero. Methods: The percentage viability of the cell lines was determined using MTT assay. Antibacterial activity of the extracts was tested against S. aureus and E. coli using disc diffusion method. Molecular docking studies were carried out to assess the inhibitory action of selected phytoconstituents belonging to the class of steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs) and steroidal saponins (SSs) against cytoskeletal proteins viz. actin (G- and F-), tubulin (alpha and beta) and vimentin. Results: HepG2 cells were found to be most susceptible to SN extracts. Leaf extract of SN showed significant anticancer activity against Hep G2 and MDA cells (IC50 values approx. 20 µg/ml). AGE of isolated DNA from treated cancer cells revealed characteristic ladder like fragmentation, a hallmark of apoptosis. HPLC profiling demonstrated the presence of alpha-solanine in all extracts. Molecular docking analysis revealed that SGAs displayed potent binding to the intermediate filament protein vimentin (Ki 1.0-8.1 µM) whereas the SSs displayed moderate to low binding to vimentin. Conclusion: SN methanolic extracts inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in human cancer cell lines and thus, warrant further investigation. [J Complement Med Res 2017; 6(4.000): 391-400]

This study determine oxidative stress and survival prospectively in advanced stage non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients following cisplatin based combination chemotherapy.The oxidative stress levels (LPO, NO, GSH and SOD) of 144 control subjects and 203 advanced stage (IIIA/IIIB/IV) newly diagnosed NSCLC patients were assessed at pre-treatment (day '0'), and after the 3rd and 6th cycles of chemotherapy. Groups were compared by repeated measures ANOVA while comparison of survival curves was conduced by Kaplan-Meier methods.The pre-treatment mean levels of LPO and NO in patients were significantly (P0.01) higher while GSH and SOD were significantly (P0.01) lower as compared to control. The oxidative stress was elevated more significantly (P0.01) after the chemotherapy and was more evident in higher stage than lower stage patients. The two year overall survival (%) of stage IV patients was significantly lower (P0.05) as compared to stage III A and III B. The proportional mortality was also maximal in stage IV patients (37.0%) followed by stage III B (31.7%) and III A (20.0%).Cisplatin based combination chemotherapy induces oxidative stress in NSCLC patients.