Estrogen-mediated inhibition of purine metabolism and cell cycle arrest as a novel therapeutic approach in colorectal cancer.

Purine metabolism is upregulated in various cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC). While previous work has elucidated the role of estrogen (E2) in metabolic reprogramming and ATP production, the effect of E2 on purine metabolism remains largely unknown. Herein, the impact of E2 signalling on purine metabolism in CRC cells was investigated using metabolome and transcriptome profiling of cell extracts derived from E2-treated HCT-116 cells with intact or silenced estrogen receptor alpha (ERα).

Estrogen treatment in combination with pyruvate kinase M2 inhibition precipitate significant cumulative antitumor effects in colorectal cancer.

It is well established that pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) activity contributes to metabolic reprogramming in various cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Estrogen or 17β-estradiol (E2) signaling is also known to modulate glycolysis markers in cancer cells. However, whether the inhibition of PKM2 combined with E2 treatment could adversely affect glucose metabolism in CRC cells remains to be investigated.

Iron Overloading Potentiates the Antitumor Activity of 5-Fluorouracil by Promoting Apoptosis and Ferroptosis in Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) remains a significant challenge in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. Ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) is commonly used as an iron supplement due to its food-fortification properties; however, its potential role as a chemosensitizer in cancer therapy has not been studied. In this study, we explored the ability of FAC to sensitize CRC cells and increase their susceptibility to 5-FU-mediated anticancer effects.

Assessment of cytotoxin-associated Gene A (Cag A) protein and its association with ferritin and vitamin B12 deficiencies among adult healthy asymptomatic residents in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) serves as an effective epidemiological site for assessing () infection due to its diverse population. However, comprehensive studies on the prevalence of in the UAE are notably scarce. In depth prevalence studies are needed as a preventive measure against gastric cancer and other emerging extra gastric diseases associated with infection.

Protective effects of baicalin against phenylarsine oxide-induced cytotoxicity in human skin keratinocytes.

Phenylarsine oxide (PAO) is a known environmental pollutant and skin keratinocytes are most seriously affected. Baicalin (BCN) was reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but its protective effect against PAO toxicity is unknown. This study aimed at exploring whether baicalin can reverse the toxicity of human epidermal keratinocytes that are subjected to PAO exposure and underlying mechanisms.

The outcomes and complications of percutaneous interventions in chronic total coronary occlusion.

Background: The limited availability of complex coronary intervention facilities and qualified operators, due to the high cost associated with chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous intervention (PCI) equipment and a shortage of necessary skills, has led to a scarcity of capable medical centers in Pakistan. This study seeks to examine the outcomes and potential complications associated with CTO PCI procedures conducted at the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories of a prominent national institute in Pakistan, which handles a large volume of cases.

Results: Three hundred and six patients were included in the study in the study period of six months.

Prevalence of Imposter Syndrome and Its Risk Factors Among University of Sharjah Medical Students.

Background Imposter syndrome describes an internal experience of intellectual fraud, where individuals attribute their academic or occupational endeavors and achievements primarily to luck rather than to their diligent efforts. Additionally, the stringent standards and prerequisites set by medical institutions create an environment conducive to impostorism among medical students. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of imposter syndrome among medical students at the University of Sharjah.

PRMT5 Mediated HIF1α Signaling and Ras-Related Nuclear Protein as Promising Biomarker in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Protein arginine N-methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for various cancer types. However, its role in regulating the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) transcriptome remains poorly understood. In this study, publicly available databases were employed to investigate PRMT5 expression, its correlation with overall survival, targeted pathways, and genes of interest in HCC.

Inhibition of PRMT5-mediated regulation of DKK1 sensitizes colorectal cancer cells to chemotherapy.

The Dickkopf family proteins (DKKs) are strong Wnt signaling antagonists that play a significant role in colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression. Recent work has shown that DKKs, mainly DKK1, are associated with the induction of chemoresistance in CRC and that DKK1 expression in cancer cells correlates with that of protein arginine N-methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5). This points to the presence of a regulatory loop between DKK1 and PRMT5.

Evaluation of Antiproliferative Properties of CoMnZn-FeO Ferrite Nanoparticles in Colorectal Cancer Cells.

The PEG-coated ferrite nanoparticles CoMnZnFeO (X1), CoMnZnFeO (X2), and CoMnZnFeO (X3) were synthesized by the coprecipitation method. The nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, Raman, VSM, XPS, and TEM. The magnetic hyperthermia efficiency (MH) was determined for PEG-coated nanoparticles using an alternating magnetic field (AMF).

DNA methylation-mediated epigenetic regulation of oncogenic RPS2 as a novel therapeutic target and biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Ribosomal Protein S2 (RPS2) has emerged as a potential prognostic biomarker due to its involvement in key cellular processes and its altered expression pattern in certain types of cancer. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has yet to be investigated. Herein, we analyzed RPS2 mRNA expression and promoter methylation in HCC patient samples and HepG2 cells.

Sclareol induces cell cycle arrest and ROS-mediated apoptosis and ferroptosis in lung adenocarcinoma cells.

Sclareol (SC) has shown significant anticancer activity against breast and colon cancers among others. However, its ability to precipitate similar anticancer effects in lung cancer has yet to be investigated. To address this issue, SC-treated lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549) were assessed for viability and functional competence as well as the expression of genes related to apoptosis and cell cycling.

Plasma metabolomics profiling identifies new predictive biomarkers for disease severity in COVID-19 patients.

Recently, numerous studies have reported on different predictive models of disease severity in COVID-19 patients. Herein, we propose a highly predictive model of disease severity by integrating routine laboratory findings and plasma metabolites including cytosine as a potential biomarker of COVID-19 disease severity. One model was developed and internally validated on the basis of ROC-AUC values.

Increased Neck Circumference and Increased Waist-Hip Ratio: Predictive Factors of Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Background We hypothesize that neck circumference (NC) is a better predictor of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared to the waist-hip ratio (WHR) in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The objective of this study is to investigate the association between NC and WHR with AMI and determine whether NC is a superior predictor of AMI in ACS patients compared to WHR. Methods This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Cardiology at the Medical Teaching Institute, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar.

Can Harbor Monkeypox Virus?

is well known to host a variety of microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and yeast. Given the recent number of cases of monkeypox infection, we speculate that amoebae may be aiding viral transmission to the susceptible hosts. Although there is no confirmatory evidence to suggest that is a host to monkeypox (a double-stranded DNA virus), the recent discovery of mimivirus (another double-stranded DNA virus) from , suggests that amoebae may shelter monkeypox virus.

JAK/STAT signaling and cellular iron metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma: therapeutic implications.

Iron metabolism plays a crucial role in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer. Iron is an essential micronutrient that is involved in many physiological processes, including oxygen transport, DNA synthesis, and cellular growth and differentiation. However, excessive iron accumulation in the liver has been linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage, which can increase the risk of HCC.

Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome in Patients Presenting With Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Tertiary-Care Hospital Experience.

Background: Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a benign rectal condition associated with defecation disorder that has multifactor pathologies and variable findings on presentation, endoscopy, and histopathology. A diagnostic dilemma with an overlap of differentials and step-wise management that starts with conservative therapies and goes up to repeated surgeries in case of failure of the conservative approach.

Objective: This study aims to observe clinical, endoscopic, and histological features of SRUS in patients presenting with lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

-induced upregulation of interleukin-10 signaling: could epigenetics be involved in long-term viral persistence?

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Association of the BB genotype of the ABO gene with the risk of acute myocardial infarction in hospital-based study.

Objectives: The ABO gene locus has been identified to be associated with myocardial infarction in patients with coronary heart disease. The primary focus of this hospital-based study was to explore the relationship of ABO blood groups and ABO genotypes with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods: In a comparative cross-sectional study, an equal number of adult AMI patients and healthy controls (n=275 in each group; age range 30-70 years, both males and females) were recruited from the Aga Khan University and NICVD, Karachi, with informed consent.

Colonic TRPV4 overexpression is related to constipation severity.

Background: Chronic constipation is prevalent and involves both colon sensitivity and various changes in intestinal bacteria, particularly mucosa-associated microflora. Here we examined regulatory mechanisms of TRPV4 expression by co-culturing colon epithelial cell lines with intestinal bacteria and their derivatives. We also investigated TRPV4 expression in colon epithelium from patients with constipation.

SCAMP3 promotes breast cancer progression through the c-MYC-β-Catenin-SQSTM1 growth and stemness axis.

The cellular trafficking protein secretory-carrier-membrane-protein 3 (SCAMP3) has been previously shown to promote hepatocellular carcinoma, melanoma, glioma and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Moreover, previous work has shown that SCAMP3 regulates the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, the oncogenic role of SCAMP3 in different molecular subtypes of breast cancer (BRCA) remains largely unknown.

DNA Methylation-Mediated Overexpression of in -Induced Gastric Cancer: In Silico- and In Vitro-Based Identification of a Potential Biomarker for Carcinogenesis.

Given the high global prevalence and mortality associated with gastric cancer, and its known causal link with infection, it is important to have a biomarker to identify malignant transformation at early stages. Previously, we, and others, have reported that -induced epigenetic changes could mediate carcinogenic transformation of the gastric cells. Also, CXCL1 secreted by gastric cancer cells was reported as a key diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for the pathogenic progression of gastric cancer.