Trichoepithelioma and basal cell carcinoma with squamous differentiation: Is it causal or coincidental?

Trichoepitheliomas (TEs) are benign cutaneous tumors that occur either as solitary non-familial or multiple familial. We report a case of multiple familial trichoepithelioma (MFT) in a 55-year-old female patient and her son who came with complaints of single ulcerated mass involving the left nasolabial fold and cheek. She had multiple papules and nodules all over the face and neck since 25 years. Histopathological examination of an ulcerated lesion revealed features of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) with squamous differentiation, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. A skin biopsy obtained from the papule on neck showed features of TE. However, whether BCC developed independently or by transformation from TE was uncertain. Her 36-year-old son presented with similar lesions on the face and a skin biopsy showed features of TE. Though malignant transformation of TE is quite rare, awareness of the potential for evolution of carcinoma in patients with MFT is important for management of these patients

An update on breast cancer chemotherapy-associated toxicity and their management approaches

As the incidence rate of breast cancer is increasing at an alarming rate these days, this is leading to an increase in the use of chemotherapy drugs. Here we used a systematic review to identify studies that reported adverse events related to chemotherapy and its management. We searched PubMed Central, Cochrane Library, Research Gate, Sci-Hub, and Web of Knowledge for relevant references. We included data from 1978 to 2021 in our analysis. Additionally, in this review, we have attempted to elucidate how cancer chemotherapy has affected the mind and body of the cancer survivor. We also provided insight into the adjuvant therapies that enable survivors to lead quality lives. Due to incomplete knowledge and sometimes fear of adverse effects, patients are reluctant to undergo cancer treatment. Combining cancer drugs with those that overcome associated side effects is a promising area for better patient outcomes

Glycyrrhizic Acid Reduces Heart Rate and Blood Pressure by a Dual Mechanism

Beta adrenergic receptors are crucial for their role in rhythmic contraction of heart along with their role in the pathological conditions such as tachycardia and high risk of heart failure. Studies report that the levels of beta-1 adrenergic receptor tend to decrease by 50%, whereas, the levels of beta-2 adrenergic receptor remains constant during the risk of heart failure. Beta blockers—the antagonistic molecules for beta-adrenergic receptors, function by slowing the heart rate, which thereby allows the left ventricle to fill completely during tachycardia incidents and hence helps in blood pumping capacity of heart and reducing the risk of heart failure. In the present study, we investigate the potential of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) as a possible principal drug molecule for cardiac arrhythmias owing to its ability to induce reduction in the heart rate and blood pressure. We use in vitro and in silico approach to study GA′s effect on beta adrenergic receptor along with an in vivo study to examine its effect on heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally, we explore GA′s proficiency in eliciting an increase in the plasma levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide, which by dilating the blood vessel consequently, can be a crucial aid during the occurrence of a potential heart attack. Therefore, we propose GA as a potential principal drug molecule via its potential in modulating heart rate and blood pressure