Basal and squamous cell carcinomata on the same patients: report of two cases in Aibinos

Background: Skin cancer is the most common cancer among the lightly pigmented individuals in Europe, North America and Australia. It occurs infrequently in darkly pigmented individuals because they have more melanin. Melanin and albinism are a known risk factors for skin cancers in Africans. Those already treated for skin cancer run a risk of developing another skin cancer. Method: Two case reports of albinos who developed basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomata (SCC) later are presented. The two female albinos aged 61 and 21years had BCC and SCC involving the left arm and the dorsum of the left hand in case1 and involving the face and the medial side of the right elbow in case 2. Both patients had numerous actinic keratoses that indicated chronic exposure to sunlight. Results: The outcome was good for the BCC\'s as the wounds healed post excision. There was no evidence of recurrence when the patients represented with SCC at 12 and 18 months respectively. Conclusion: Albinos run a risk of developing both BCC and SCC with chronic exposure to sunlight. Health education strategies on the need for early institution of preventive measures and follow up are emphasised as they run a risk of developing another cancer. Keywords: Albinos, Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, Same individualsPort Harcourt Medical Journal Vol. 3 (1) 2008: pp. 111-11

Ceria nanoparticles boost activity of aged murine oocytes

Oocyte meiotic maturation and viability of follicular granulosa cells in young and old experimental Balb/C and CBA mice in the presence of ceria nanoparticles were studied. Treatment of old Balb/c mice with ceria nanoparticles for three days once a day (at a dose of 45 mg/kg) leads to a positive effect on reproductive system. The number of oocytes in follicles increases and this effect is accompanied by an increase in the number of oocytes at metaphase Ⅰ and metaphase Ⅱ. The number of living granulosa cells increases, while percentage of the necrotic and apoptotic ones decreases relative to control group. Data obtained on CBA mice provided additional evidence for positive effect of ceria nanoparticles. Depending on the initial state of the reproductive system and dose of ceria nanoparticles the effectiveness of the treatment will vary. In case of old mice ceria nanoparticles protect ovarian cells against oxidative damage, working as anti-aging agent. The litter size in old mice treated with the CNs increases too