Head and Neck Cancer: Epidemiology and Role of MicroRNAs

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is referred to the cancers of aerodigestive tract covering number of structures viz, oral and nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, lips, salivary glands, oropharynx, hypopharynx, pharynx, larynx, and local lymph nodes. It is the sixth most common cancer in the world. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small single‐stranded noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) of about 19–25 nucleotides. These miRNAs have been reported to influence number of biological activities, i.e., gene regulation, differentiation, organ formation, cell death, cell proliferation, and stress responses. The first ever study involving miRNAs in HNC was published in 2005. Since then, association between dysregulation of miRNAs and head and neck tumorigenesis has been documented by a number of researchers. This chapter has covered a comprehensive state of the art literature review of the recent studies about the role of miRNAs in HNC including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and human nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Despite significant improvement in multimodal treatment, the prognosis of advanced HNC is quite poor. Recent studies are promising regarding the potential role of miRNAs as prognostic indicators. Recently, some miRNAs have been discovered as important diagnostic biomarkers. In fact, miRNAs are found circulated stably in different body fluids, i.e., urine, blood, saliva, as well as in breath. Hence, these miRNAs can be assessed easily with noninvasive methods. miRNAs are the key therapeutic targets in addition to their prognostic and diagnostic value. Use of synthetically designed “miRNAs sponges,” miR mimics (agomiRs), miR antagonists (“antagomiRs”), and miR inhibitors (antimiRNAs oligonucleotides) is an innovative strategy to modulate oncogenic and tumor‐suppressive pathways. Our understanding of miRNAs involvement in HNC is in its infancy. The discovery of miRNAs heralds a complete new paradigm in the understanding of exact molecular pathways involved in HNC development. More detailed studies are required for better understanding and therapeutic targets to treat HNC

Functional Role of MicroRNAs in Embryogenesis

This book chapter will provide an overview of the functional role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in embryogenesis. A brief introduction to embryogenesis and emphasis on the importance of miRNAs in gene regulation will be provided. The biogenesis and mechanism of action of miRNAs will be discussed in detail with a focus on the importance of miRNA-mRNA interaction in gene regulation. The chapter will then delve into the role of miRNAs in early embryonic development, including their importance in the establishment of the three germ layers, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis during embryogenesis. The role of miRNAs in organogenesis and tissue differentiation, specifically the formation of specific organs such as the heart, lung, liver, and brain, will also be discussed. The chapter will conclude by examining the dysregulation of miRNAs in embryonic development and disease, including teratogenicity, developmental disorders, and developmental cancer. The chapter will summarize the functional roles of miRNAs in embryogenesis and will offer future perspectives and potential therapeutic applications of miRNAs in embryonic development and disease

Effect of Time-Lapse Administration of Panadol (Paracetamol) on Spleen and Kidney Functions of Adult Albino Mice

Panadol is a remarkable pain and fever reducing non opioid drug. It is known to be completely safe and tolerant medicine throughout the globe among people of all age groups. The goal of this study was to elaborate the histopathological effects of reduced interrupted regime of panadol on spleen and kidney functions of mice (Mus musculus). The animals were categorized into four groups, the control group (C), and rest of the three were labeled as 1, 2 and 3, made on the basis of time interval of pandol administration via gavage (n=7). Matched volume of panadol (15000 µg/0.1ml) and normal saline was given to mice.  Tissue samples were collected after sacrifice of the mice and processed for assessment. The findings of the current study reflected the histopathological damage of kidney and spleen caused by panadol in reduced interval of time. The kidney section illustrated clear distortion in glomeruli integrity, marked increase in interstitial spaces, damaged epithelia, and degeneration in tubules in all the groups. The spleen histology exhibited the degradation of white pulp, depopulation, activation of follicles, cellular disruption thereby overall disorganized stature. The raised values of serum creatinine and blood urea examinations also revealed the deleterious effects of panadol overconsumption. It is inferred from the above mentioned outcomes that though panadol is considered to be a safe drug even then its intake prior to four hours can account for adverse effects on kidney and spleen

A Decade of Mighty Lipophagy: What We Know and What Facts We Need to Know?

From Hindawi via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: publication-year 2021, received 2021-02-22, rev-recd 2021-09-30, accepted 2021-10-15, pub-print 2021-11-05, archival-date 2021-11-05Publication status: PublishedLipids are integral cellular components that act as substrates for energy provision, signaling molecules, and essential constituents of biological membranes along with a variety of other biological functions. Despite their significance, lipid accumulation may result in lipotoxicity, impair autophagy, and lysosomal function that may lead to certain diseases and metabolic syndromes like obesity and even cell death. Therefore, these lipids are continuously recycled and redistributed by the process of selective autophagy specifically termed as lipophagy. This selective form of autophagy employs lysosomes for the maintenance of cellular lipid homeostasis. In this review, we have reviewed the current literature about how lipid droplets (LDs) are recruited towards lysosomes, cross-talk between a variety of autophagy receptors present on LD surface and lysosomes, and lipid hydrolysis by lysosomal enzymes. In addition to it, we have tried to answer most of the possible questions related to lipophagy regulation at different levels. Moreover, in the last part of this review, we have discussed some of the pathological states due to the accumulation of these LDs and their possible treatments under the light of currently available findings

IL-32: A Novel Pluripotent Inflammatory Interleukin, towards Gastric Inflammation, Gastric Cancer, and Chronic Rhino Sinusitis

A vast variety of nonstructural proteins have been studied for their key roles and involvement in a number of biological phenomenona. Interleukin-32 is a novel cytokine whose presence has been confirmed in most of the mammals except rodents. The IL-32 gene was identified on human chromosome 16 p13.3. The gene has eight exons and nine splice variants, namely, IL-32α, IL-32β, IL-32γ, IL-32δ, IL-32ε, IL-32ζ, IL-32η, IL-32θ, and IL-32s. It was found to induce the expression of various inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β as well as macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) and has been reported previously to be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of a number of inflammatory disorders, namely, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastric inflammation and cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the current review, we have highlighted the involvement of IL-32 in gastric cancer, gastric inflammation, and chronic rhinosinusitis. We have also tried to explore various mechanisms suspected to induce the expression of this extraordinary cytokine as well as various mechanisms of action employed by IL-32 during the mediation and progression of the above said problems

Assessing the Hepatotoxicity of Industrial Leachate; Histopathology and Heavy Metal Contents in Liver of Wistar Rats

The process of paper production requires a huge quantity of water and energy and in turn contributes a number of effluents in the form of phenolics, toxic organic compounds and heavy metals in wastewater (leachate). The present investigation was aimed to assess the toxic effects of leachate on liver micro-architecture and heavy metal elements of the liver. Eighteen (18) healthy male Wistar rats (240 ± 10g) were selected and acclimatized prior to experimental treatment. These rats were randomly divided into three groups viz, Control group (received 4ml/ kg normal saline), Group 1 (4ml/ kg leachate) and Group 2 (4ml/ kg 1:10 diluted leachate). All the animals were dissected and liver tissues were collected and processed accordingly after 24 h of leachate treatment. High level of cadmium and chromium were found in Group 1 as compared to the control group upon liver metal contents analysis found out by flame atomic absorption spectrometer. A clear disruption of micro-architecture of the liver, congested sinusoids, damaged central vein, and perturbed morphology was observed in Group-1 as revealed by H & E staining. Moreover, loss of polarity, congestion, and disruption of hepatocytes and pronounced vacuolization in the cytoplasm was observed in Group 2 compared to control sections. On the basis of above findings, it can be concluded that paper industry leachate is highly toxic and its intraperitoneal injection results in hepatotoxicity that not only affects the hepatic micro-architecture but also results in perturbed liver metal contents. Therefore, proper treatment of such wastewater is required before its disposal

An In Vivo Study on Intoxicating Effects of Nerium oleander Water Based Extract on Multiorgans of Wistar Rat

This study was aimed to find histological changes in the extrahepatic organs, hepatic iron deposition, and gene expression of some iron regulatory proteins in rats after sterile muscle abscess during the acute intoxication of Nerium oleander leaves decoction. 10 ml/kg of the leaves extract was injected intramuscularly in Wistar rats (200–225 g, n=4). Control animals received saline injection of matched volume. Animals were anesthetized and sacrificed after 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after administration of decoction. Lungs, kidney, spleen, and liver were extracted and processed for histopathological examination while portion of liver tissue was proceeded for iron regulatory gene expression quantification. Sections of all studied organs were found with signs of cellular dysfunction with infiltration of variety of leucocytes. In the lungs section at 3 h time point mononuclear cell infiltrates were observed while in alveolar tissue at 24 h time point dilation and even collapse in some of the alveoli were evident. In kidney sections distortion of renal tubules and epithelial cells with shrinkage of glomeruli was noted at all studied time points. In the splenic section of 12 h time point, degeneration, depopulation, and shrinkage of white pulp have been noted. Distension of the red pulp along with activation of splenic follicles was evident after 24 h onset of APR. Significant changes in the expression of acute phase cytokine and iron regulatory genes were noted. IL-6 and Hepc gene expression were strongly upregulated up to 12 h whereby Tf gene expression showed an early upregulation at 3 h time point followed by downregulation on later points while Hjv gene expression showed an overall downregulation at all study time points compared to control. It is concluded that inherent toxins present in the N. oleander can induce acute phase response and cause severe histological changes in the organs and marked changes in the regulation of iron regulatory proteins thus cannot be practiced routinely

High-Fat Diet Induced Hedgehog Signaling Modifications during Chronic Kidney Damage

Excessive consumption of dietary fats leads to the deposition of unnecessary metabolites and multiple organ damage. Lipids, important key regulators of Hedgehog signaling, are involved in triggering fibrotic chronic kidney disease. The present study encompasses the assessment of renal morphofunctional modifications and alteration of lipid metabolism influencing the changes in gene expression of hedgehog signaling pathway genes. Fifteen male Rattus norvegicus of 200±25 grams weight were equally divided into three groups: control (standard rat chow), D-1 (unsaturated high-fat diet) and D-2 (saturated high-fat diet). Animals were provided with respective diets and were followed for 16 weeks. Both HFD-fed groups did not show overall body weight gain as compared to the control. While significant downregulation of hedgehog pathway genes was found in fatty diet groups. In comparison with the control group, Shh, Gli1, Gli2, and Gli3 were downregulated after the consumption of both unsaturated and saturated fatty diets. Ihh and Smo exhibit a similar downregulation in the D-1 group, but an upregulation was detected in the D-2 group. D-2 group also had an increased serum urea concentration as compared to the control (P=0.0023). Furthermore, renal histopathology revealed tubular necrosis, glomerular edema, glomerular shrinkage, and hypocellularity. Collagen deposition in both HFD groups marks the extent of fibrosis summary figure. Extravagant intake of dietary fats impaired normal kidney functioning and morphofunctionally anomalous kidney triggers on Hh signaling in adult rats. These anomalies can be linked to an escalated risk of chronic kidney disease in adults strongly recommending the reduced uptake of fatty diets to prevent impaired metabolism and renal lipotoxicity