Introduction: Fibroadenomas and phyllodes tumors are fibroepithelial lesions of the breast that differ significantly in their clinical behavior, prognosis, and management. While fibroadenomas are common benign tumors in young women, phyllodes tumors are rare and can range from benign to malignant with a potential for local recurrence and distant metastasis. The coexistence of both these lesions in contralateral breasts is exceptionally rare and poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Case presentation: We report a case of a 32-year-old premenopausal woman who presented with bilateral breast lumps, which upon excision and histopathological evaluation were confirmed to be a fibroadenoma in the right breast and a benign phyllodes tumor in the left breast. Discussion: Though both fibroadenoma and phyllodes tumor originate from the terminal duct-lobular unit and share overlapping clinical and radiological features, they differ significantly in their natural history and management. The co-existence of these two entities in separate breasts may be incidental or suggest a common underlying stromal predisposition. Conclusion: This report highlights the importance of careful clinical, radiological, and pathological correlation in distinguishing between these two entities and tailoring appropriate treatment strategies.
Introduction: Phyllodes tumor is a rare form of breast malignancy. Although the Phyllodes tumor rarely metastasizes, they can grow faster than any other breast tumor. Diagnosis and treatment are crucial, and surgery is the first line of action. Large tumors represent a surgical challenge because the excision with free margins is essential to prevent local recurrence and metastatic spread. In this presentation, we report a rare case of a giant Phyllodes tumor measuring 34x36x24 cm in a 58-year-old woman and a review of the literature highlighting some issues surrounding the management of phyllodes tumors. Case Report A 58-year-old woman, without known relevant precedents, was admitted due to a large, ulcerated and infected mass in the left breast of dimensions 34x36x24 cm. An incisional biopsy report suggested haemorrhage and coagulative type of necrosis in overlying ulcer with FNAC showing inflammatory pathology. No distant metastasis was identified. After infection control, a left mastectomy was performed, with primary closure of the defect by mobilizing the skin flaps. The postoperative period was uneventful. Pathological examination revealed a 34x36x24 cm Phyllodes tumor with free margins. Patient was discharged in stable condition and followed up for six months with no added complaints. Discussion: Clinically PT is traditionally a well delineated and circumscribed tumor such as fibroadenoma, albeit usually larger. The cut surface shows sliced spaces with interspersed of stromal overgrowth and the dilated ducts. Large tumors may rarely show hemorrhagic and necrotic areas, and malignant PT may have sarcoma-like cut surface. The proliferative activity of the PTs by Ki-67 index is now one of the WHO criteria for PT grading. Surgical therapy is the gold standard for the treatment of PTs but the kind of surgery has been a source of study and debate over the years. Benign PT may also transform into a higher grade and recur as borderline or malignant PT. Conclusion: Phyllodes tumor is a rare breast tumor, with the malignant phenotype being the rarest of them all. Surgical therapy is the gold standard for the treatment of phyllodes tumors. Phyllodes tumors should be removed with, at least, 1 cm free margins, especially if they’re malignant tumors. The role of adjuvant therapy is still controversial.
Introduction: Radiotherapy resistance remains a significant challenge in breast cancer treatment. Quercetin, a natural flavonoid, has emerged as a potential radiosensitizer. This study examined its effects on hormone receptor-positive T47D breast cancer cells. Materials and methods: T47D cells were treated with quercetin (20, 40, 60 μM) alone or combined with ionizing radiation (2, 3 Gy). DNA damage (micronucleus assay), clonogenic survival, and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, catalase) were evaluated. Results: Radiation alone significantly increased micronucleus formation (4.3-9.5 fold vs control, p<0.0001) and reduced clonogenic survival (44-62% reduction vs control, p<0.0001), while decreasing SOD (16-24.5%) and catalase (18-22%) activities (p<0.0001). Quercetin pretreatment enhanced these effects in a dose-dependent manner. The combination of 60 μM quercetin with 3 Gy radiation resulted in: a 10% greater micronucleus formation than radiation alone (p<0.01), further reduction in clonogenic survival to 17% of control values (83% reduction vs radiation alone, p<0.001), and up to 48% greater suppression of antioxidant enzyme activity compared to radiation-only groups (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Quercetin demonstrates significant radiosensitizing effects in T47D cells through the enhancement of DNA damage and oxidative stress. The substantial reduction in clonogenic survival suggests potential clinical relevance, warranting further investigation in advanced models.
Introduction: Kaposi sarcoma is uncommonly encountered in clinical practice. It is described as vascular malignancy associated with HHV-8 infection. It most commonly affects skin, but can also affect mucosal surfaces, lymphatics and visceral organs. In recent times, with availability of HAART and newer chemotherapy agents, prognosis has improved. One of the complications associated with KS is exacerbation secondary to immune reconstitution with initiation of ART and Steroid. Case presentation: Hereby We example case of 17-year-old male presented as Kaposi sarcoma with steroid induced exacerbation. Through this case, we enlighten the epidemiology, clinical features and management of such patients which might help clinicians in further management. Discussion: One of the complications associated with Kaposi sarcoma is exacerbation associated with initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) which might lead to Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) and steroids induced flare, and thus steroids are contraindicated even as management of IRIS. Conclusion: Use of corticosteroid may cause life threatening exacerbation and prompt initiation of cytotoxic agent may prove to be beneficial.
Bipolar manic depression (BMD) affects 0.8–1.2% of the global population and is associated with a lifelong burden of mood instability, pro‑inflammatory immune profiles, and dysregulated stress‑hormone axes. Glioblastoma (GBM) remains the most lethal primary brain tumour, with a median survival of 12–15 months despite maximal therapy. Emerging clinical observations and preclinical models suggest that a pre‑existing or tumour‑induced BMD may accelerate GBM progression. This review synthesises evidence from clinical, epidemiological, genetic, and mechanistic studies to examine whether BMD acts as a disease accelerator in GBM. We analyse three intersecting pathways: (i) neuroendocrine – chronic HPA‑axis overactivity and glucocorticoid resistance, which impair anti‑tumour immunity; (ii) immuno‑inflammatory – elevated IL‑6, TNF‑α, and CCL3 suppression that fosters an immunosuppressive microenvironment; and (iii) genetic – shared susceptibility loci (e.g., PDE4B, ANKRD55) that simultaneously increase bipolar risk and predict worse glioma survival. Behavioural factors, including treatment non‑adherence and delayed diagnosis, further compound the clinical picture. The review also critically examines the dual role of mood stabilisers and antidepressants, which may exert conflicting direct anti‑tumour effects (e.g., lithium enhances temozolomide cytotoxicity in vitro and in animal models) while risking adverse drug–drug interactions and mood destabilisation. We conclude that bipolar manic depression is a plausible, multi‑factorial accelerator of glioblastoma progression. Future prospective cohort studies and integrated psycho‑oncology trials are urgently needed to establish causality and to develop personalised monitoring and treatment strategies for this exceptionally vulnerable patient population.
Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment landscape for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This systematic review synthesizes the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ICI-based therapies compared to chemotherapy. Materials and methods: We systematically searched PubMed for RCTs published between January 2015 and January 2025 that compared ICI monotherapy or combinations to chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC. Data on overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events (AEs) were extracted. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results: 96 RCTs were included. ICI-based regimens demonstrated a consistent and significant improvement in OS (Hazard Ratio [HR] range: ~0.40 - 0.79) and PFS (HR range: ~0.37 - 0.70) compared to chemotherapy. Benefit was observed across lines of therapy, from first-line metastatic to perioperative settings. High PD-L1 expression and tumor mutational burden (TMB) were key predictive biomarkers for greater efficacy. While ICIs were associated with a distinct profile of immune-related AEs, they generally showed a favorable safety profile compared to chemotherapy, with lower rates of severe hematological and gastrointestinal toxicities. Conclusion: ICI-based therapies represent a superior standard of care for advanced NSCLC, offering significant and durable survival benefits over chemotherapy. Treatment decisions should be guided by biomarker status and clinical scenario. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes, optimal combination strategies, and managing immune-related toxicity.
Cancer remains a significant health concern all over the world. Regardless of advancements in surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies, tumor recurrence and resistance against therapies remain significant challenges. There is increasing evidence suggesting a central role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, as well as relapses. CSCs resistance to conventional treatments makes them a major target in cancer research. Advances in stem cell biology and cancer research have increased our understanding of tumor heterogeneity and plasticity. The use of technologies, including induced pluripotent stem cells, single-cell sequencing, organoid models, and genome editing, has demonstrated the major molecular processes that regulate stemness and tumor growth. The maintenance of cancer stem cells and disease progression are caused by dysregulation of signaling pathways. Cancer is nowadays seen as a dynamic and complex ecosystem, influenced by the changes of genetic and epigenetic regulation, changes in metabolic regulation, immune evasion and the interactions with the tumor microenvironment. Despite the promising prospects of emerging therapeutic strategies against cancer stem cells (CSCs), numerous challenges still exist, and one of them is the heterogeneity of tumors and the plasticity of CSCs.
Death from liver cancer spreads wide, mainly fueled by persistent hepatitis B or C infections. Not alike in origin, yet both viruses twist liver cell routines - genetically, operationally - to spark malignancy. One truth stands: differences matter, even if outcomes feel similar. HBV stores data in DNA; worms its way into human genetic code; produces HBx, a disruptor nudging cells off balance. HCV operates through RNA instead; skips integration but stirs harm anyway - endless strain inside cellular zones, oil pooling in tissue, inflammation humming nonstop. Paths cross here: both mess with core signaling lines - MAPK/ERK, PI3k/Akt, Wnt/β-catenine - and mute built-in brakes such as p53 meant to stop runaway growth. Modern fixes exist: antivirals like DAAs and nucleos(t)ide copies cut risk for hepatocellular carcinoma. Still, shadows linger - the indestructible cccDNA form of HBV, plus lingering reprogramming of gene switches fixed wrong. Fresh tracks appear: molecular scissors including CRISPR-Cas9 adjust faulty blueprints right at source. Some trials probe custom therapies shaped molecule by molecule; others trial shields trained on cancer’s own markers. Understanding deepens - not fast, not clean - with every shift in approach.
Introduction: Understanding the frequency of malignant and non-malignant brain tumors is crucial for understanding disease causes. Factors such as histological type, age of diagnosis, sex, and race are considered. Identifying risk factors such as allergy, ionizing radiation, and hereditary factors is important for prevention and early detection. Large epidemiological studies can provide a deeper understanding of this subject. Limited studies have been reported on the epidemiologic profile of brain tumors. Materials and methods: This research was conducted on 580 patients, and all information on patients with malignant and benign brain tumors was extracted from their pathology reports, with emphasis on basic patient characteristics, such as age, gender, etc. All obtained data were statistically analyzed using software such as Excel and SPSS version 14, and the results were presented in the form of figures and tables. Results: Gender distribution varied among different brain tumor groups and was reported as statistically significant. The frequency of malignant, benign, and uncertain or unknown behavior neoplasms was also studied by age. A significant relationship was found between age and the type of brain tumor. The frequency of different types of neoplasms according to the status of the patients showed significant differences between different brain tumor groups. Conclusions: The highest frequency was attributed to unspecified or unknown neoplasms of the brain, followed by malignant neoplasms and benign neoplasms of the brain. The study found a statistically significant difference in age and sex among different tumor groups. Tumors were more common in women than in men, contrary to previous studies. The prevalence of surgical tumors in Rasht shows an increase.
Introduction: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most prevalent malignancy of the oral cavity, representing approximately 90% of all oral cancers. This study was conducted to evaluate the frequency and clinicopathological characteristics of OSCC among patients referred to Amir al-Momenin and Velayat Hospitals in Rasht, Iran, from 2020 to 2023. Materials and methods: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, 54 medical records were selected through a census-based approach. Data collection involved extracting demographic and pathological information from surgical pathology reports, which were then analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test were employed to assess the data, with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The mean age of patients was 61 years, with a higher prevalence in males (59.26%) compared to females (40.74%). The tongue was the most frequent site of involvement, accounting for 53.70% of cases, followed by the lip (20.37%), pharyngeal regions (18.52%), and intraoral areas (7.41%). Regarding histological differentiation, 35.19% of cases were well-differentiated, while a significant portion of records (33.33%) lacked specific grading. Furthermore, surgical margin status was unrecorded in 51.85% of cases, though 31.48% were confirmed as tumor-free. Conclusions: Given the significant proportion of unrecorded pathological data in our sample, this study highlights the need for more consistent and standardized documentation in future pathological reports to better support clinical decision-making.
Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis (ICI-M) is a rare but life-threatening toxicity. This systematic review synthesizes the current evidence on the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, management strategies, and outcomes of ICI-M to guide clinical practice. Materials and methods: We systematically searched PubMed from inception to January, 2026 for studies reporting on ICI-M in cancer patients. Data on patient demographics, clinical features, diagnostic findings, treatment, and outcomes were extracted. The risk of bias was assessed using appropriate tools. Results: 43 studies were included. ICI-M predominantly affected older adults (median age 65-74 years) with metastatic melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, or renal cell carcinoma. The highest risk was associated with combination ICI therapy (anti-PD-1/PD-L1 + anti-CTLA-4). Clinical presentation ranged from asymptomatic biomarker elevation to fulminant heart failure, with a high frequency of concurrent myositis. Key diagnostic findings included elevated troponin (>90% of cases), ECG abnormalities, and reduced global longitudinal strain on echocardiography. Management universally involved ICI discontinuation and high-dose corticosteroids. Second-line immunosuppression (e.g., IVIG, infliximab, abatacept) was used in refractory cases. Despite treatment, mortality remained high (25-50%). Poor prognostic factors included high troponin levels, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, and conduction abnormalities. Conclusion: ICI-M is a severe complication with high mortality. Early recognition via proactive monitoring, prompt diagnosis using a multi-modal approach, and immediate, aggressive immunosuppression are critical. Future research should focus on predictive biomarkers and randomized trials to optimize management.
Introduction: A diagnosis of cancer is associated with an elevated risk of arterial thrombotic events (ATEs), including myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke. This systematic review synthesizes the current evidence on the epidemiology, risk factors, time-dependent risks, and outcomes of ATEs across a spectrum of malignancies to guide clinical practice and future research. Materials and methods: We systematically searched PubMed and Science Direct from inception to January, 2026 for studies reporting on ATEs in cancer patients. Data on patient demographics, cancer types, treatment modalities, ATE outcomes, and risk estimates were extracted. The risk of bias was assessed using appropriate tools. Results: Forty-three studies were included. The evidence demonstrates a clear association between cancer and an increased risk of ATEs (HR/OR range: 1.5-3.0). High-risk malignancies included lung, pancreatic, gastrointestinal, and brain cancers. The risk was most pronounced in the peri-diagnostic and first 6-12 months after diagnosis. Key contributing factors included advanced cancer stage, specific chemotherapies (e.g., platinum-based agents), radiotherapy, and the perioperative period. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors compounded this risk. Despite the established association, evidence for optimal prophylactic strategies is lacking. Conclusions: Cancer confers a significant and time-dependent increased risk of ATEs, necessitating increased clinical vigilance. A proactive, multidisciplinary approach involving cardio-oncology is essential for risk stratification, aggressive management of traditional risk factors, and patient education. Future research must focus on mechanistic studies, predictive biomarker development, and randomized controlled trials to establish effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Introduction: The combination of polatuzumab vedotin with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (Pola-R-CHP) has emerged as a potential frontline therapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This systematic review synthesizes the current evidence comparing the efficacy and safety of Pola-R-CHP versus the standard rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) regimen. Materials and methods: We systematically searched PubMed and Science Direct from inception to September, 2025 for studies reporting on Pola-R-CHP versus R-CHOP in previously untreated DLBCL. Data on study characteristics, efficacy outcomes, safety, and biomarker analyses were extracted. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool for randomized trials. Results: 23 studies were included, comprising the pivotal phase 3 POLARIX trial, its subgroup and long-term follow-up analyses, real-world evidence, and biomarker studies. Pola-R-CHP demonstrated a consistent and significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) compared to R-CHOP (hazard ratio (HR) range: 0.64-0.77), with a 5.8% absolute PFS benefit at 5 years. Overall survival (OS) data showed a positive but non-significant trend (5-year HR: 0.85). The benefit was most pronounced in higher-risk patients, including those aged ≥70, with International Prognostic Index (IPI) scores 3-5, and those with activated B-cell (ABC) subtype DLBCL (PFS HR: 0.34). The safety profile was manageable but distinct, with a higher incidence of febrile neutropenia requiring granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) prophylaxis but fewer dose reductions. Patient-reported outcomes indicated no detriment in quality of life. Conclusion: Pola-R-CHP represents a significant advance in the first-line treatment of DLBCL, offering a superior PFS benefit over R-CHOP with a manageable toxicity profile. Its use is most favorable in higher-risk and biologically defined patient subgroups. Future research should focus on long-term OS and validating predictive biomarkers for precision-based patient selection.
Introduction: Aluminum (Al) is associated with the development of various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), highlighting the need for materials with protective effects. This study investigated the protective effect of quercetin and gallic acid nanocapsules on brain damage caused by aluminum chloride. Materials and methods: Adult rats were chronically treated with aluminum chloride to generate a disease model. Gallic acid and quercetin were administered orally, both in free forms and as nanocapsules, to evaluate their protective effects. To assess oxidative stress, the levels of lipid peroxidation, total antioxidants, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and myeloperoxidase activity were measured. Brain tissue was also examined for structural abnormalities using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: Aluminum chloride treatment significantly increased oxidative stress and brain damage. However, treatment with a combination of gallic acid and quercetin, both in free (20 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, respectively) and nanocapsule forms, effectively reduced these effects. Histological evaluation showed that co-treatment with quercetin and gallic acid nanocapsules significantly reduced aluminum-induced toxicity and preserved normal brain structure. The nanocapsule forms were more effective at lower doses (10 mg/kg) compared to the free forms. Conclusion: These findings suggest that quercetin and gallic acid nanocapsules can reduce the required therapeutic dose and limit the adverse effects of the free drugs. Nanocapsule formulations may enhance brain delivery and act as neuroprotective agents against aluminum-induced damage and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The encapsulated form of quercetin and gallic acid appears to be a promising protective agent in preclinical evaluations.
Introduction: Chemotherapy-related local complications (CRLC), such as phlebitis and extravasation, can significantly affect patient quality of life and disrupt treatment continuity. These complications are poorly documented in sub-Saharan Africa, where structural and organizational constraints may contribute to increased incidence and severity. This study aimed to determine the incidence, characteristics, and associated factors of CRLC in an oncology unit in Guinea. Materials and methods: A prospective descriptive and analytical study was conducted at the Oncology Department of Donka University Hospital, Guinea, from November 2020 to February 2021. Patients with histologically confirmed cancers receiving intravenous chemotherapy were included. Two groups were compared: patients with and without CRLC. Sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Among 88 patients (84.1% female; mean age 45.8 ± 16.7 years), 31 (35.2%) developed at least one CRLC. Out of 193 chemotherapy cycles, 51 CRLC episodes (26.4%) were recorded, including phlebitis (15.0%) and extravasation (11.4%). Most frequent protocols were doxorubicin + cyclophosphamide (AC) and epirubicin + cyclophosphamide (EC), accounting for 33.0% of cases, followed by docetaxel monotherapy (25%). CRLCs occurred during the first four cycles (45.2%), predominantly grade 2 (82.4%), with favorable outcomes within 10 days (96.1%). Peripheral venous access was used almost exclusively (100% with CRLC vs. 96.5% without CRLC, p = 0.291). No statistically significant predictive factor was identified. In 9.1% of cases, delayed consultation caused extensive lesions requiring surgical excision, leading to a temporary chemotherapy interruption without permanent functional sequelae. Conclusion: CRLCs are frequent in our resource-limited setting, affecting more than one-third of patients and one-quarter of chemotherapy cycles. Phlebitis and extravasation occurred mainly during the first cycles, with most events being moderate but some requiring surgical management. These findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen prevention strategies, staff training, and access to appropriate vascular devices in order to reduce their incidence and ensure treatment continuity.
Introduction: Thymic malignancies are uncommon and very few studies are available, especially related to systemic combination therapy. Thus, the unmet needs in the standardisation of treatment approaches. Materials and methods: This descriptive study retrospectively examined patients with thymic malignancies presented between January 2022 and May 2025. All patient, irrespective of stage or histotypes, were included in the study. Among 52 patients, data for analysis were available for 42 patients. Results: Most patients had thymoma with B2 and B3 histology. 1/3rd of patients presented with Masoka stage IV. Stages III, II, and I were 23.8%, 21.4% and 23.8%. Patients with upfront resectable disease underwent surgery followed by adjuvant radiation therapy if high risk features were present. The commonly used regimens in potentially operable and inoperable tumours were combination adriamycin, cisplatin, vincristine, and cyclophosphamide (ADOC) and combination Cyclophosphamide, adriamycin and cisplatin (CAP) and paclitaxel-carboplatin. Disease control rate was 68.4 % with an overall response rate (ORR) of 52.6%. ORR were 55.5%, 50% and 40% with ADOC, CAP and paclitaxel-carboplatin, respectively. Neutropenia was seen in 42% the patients with grade ¾ in 15.7% of the patients. Two-year survival rates were 84%. Survival was shorter in patients with advanced disease thymic carcinoma. Stage-wise Survival rates for stage I, II, III, and IV were 100%, 89%, 79% and 71% (p value-0.04), respectively. Conclusion: Modified Masoka staging is an important prognostic marker in Thymoma. Three or four drugs combination chemotherapy can be considered in potentially operable or inoperable tumours with good response rates and manageable toxicity profile.
Introduction: Emerging evidence suggests that antihypertensive medications may influence the risk, progression, and survival outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, findings across studies remain inconsistent. This systematic review aims to evaluate and synthesize current data on the associations between different classes of antihypertensive drugs and liver cancer outcomes. Materials and methods: A systematic review was conducted, incorporating randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, retrospective analyses, and in vitro studies that investigated the relationship between antihypertensive medications and HCC. Extracted data included study design, population characteristics, drug categories, primary outcomes, and study limitations. Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing diverse study designs and patient populations. Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors—including ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)—were most consistently associated with reduced HCC incidence and improved survival. Thiazide diuretics demonstrated potential protective effects in genetic studies, though results were mixed in larger population-based analyses. Beta-blockers yielded inconclusive evidence: while some studies linked them to increased HCC risk, others found neutral or beneficial effects, particularly for non-selective Beta-blockers in patients with established HCC. Additionally, one preclinical study highlighted possible anti-cancer activity of agents like chlorpromazine and prazosin. Conclusion: RAS inhibitors show the strongest and most consistent evidence for a protective effect against HCC development and progression among antihypertensive drug classes. Certain non-selective Beta-blockers may also offer survival benefits in specific patient populations. However, conflicting findings and methodological limitations across studies underscore the need for high-quality prospective research to confirm these associations and inform clinical practice.
Alzheimer's disease (AD), neuropsychiatric disorders, and glioblastoma represent distinct yet interconnected conditions characterized by overlapping molecular, cellular, and genetic mechanisms. Epidemiological studies reveal an inverse comorbidity between AD and glioblastoma, while psychiatric disorders may influence glioblastoma susceptibility through genetic, cellular, and pharmacological factors. Consequently, numerous critical signaling pathways, such as protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (AKT/mTOR), extracellular signal-regulated kinase / mitogen-activated protein Kinase (ERK/MAPK), wingless-related integration Site/glycogen synthase kinase 3 (Wnt/GSK3), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), exhibit dysregulation across these conditions, affecting apoptosis, proliferation, and synaptic function. In addition, genetic risk factors, including apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 (APOE ε4) in AD and tumor protein 53 (TP53), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1/2) in glioblastoma, play a role in shaping divergent disease trajectories. Neuroinflammatory processes, epigenetic changes, and interactions between neurons and glia further clarify susceptibility patterns. From a therapeutic perspective, repurposing psychiatric medications that target common molecular pathways and implementing epigenetic or gene-based interventions offer promising avenues for integrated treatment strategies. This review aims to synthesize the current understanding of the epidemiological, molecular, cellular, and genetic intersections among AD, psychiatric disorders, and glioblastoma.
Retinoblastoma (RB), recognized as the most prevalent intraocular malignancy in pediatric populations, continues to pose considerable therapeutic challenges due to its genetic etiology, tumor heterogeneity, and resistance to standard treatment modalities. Recent progress in stem cell biology has introduced innovative approaches for both disease modeling and therapeutic intervention. The utilization of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and retinal organoids has enabled the in vitro recapitulation of retinal development and RB pathogenesis, thereby facilitating precision drug screening and elucidation of underlying mechanisms. Additionally, the identification of cancer stem cells (CSCs) within RB has redirected therapeutic strategies toward targeting pathways involved in self-renewal, mechanisms of drug resistance, and tumor propagating cells, to prevent relapse and metastasis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as promising vectors for tumor-targeted therapy, leveraging paracrine effects and exosome-mediated delivery of therapeutic agents, thus offering minimally invasive and systemic approaches to overcoming drug resistance and modulating tumor behavior. Furthermore, hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) rescue has improved the safety profile of high-dose chemotherapy regimens by mitigating treatment-associated toxicities. Collectively, these stem cell-based strategies underscore the multifaceted role of cellular therapies in RB, heralding a future characterized by integrated, personalized, and less invasive therapeutic modalities.
Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the hydroalcoholic extract of Satureja mutica (S.mutica), a commonly used plant for cardiovascular diseases in Northern Iran, on nitric oxide levels in the blood. Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups, each consisting of 5 rats. The groups included a control group, a group that administered normal saline, and a group that received an extract at a dosage of 100 mg/kg. The normal saline and extract were administered through intraperitoneal injection (IP) once a day for a week. Blood samples were gathered from the heart in order to analyze the serum level of nitric oxide using spectrophotometric analysis. Results: The serum level of nitric oxide in the groups receiving normal saline did not change significantly compared to the control group, but the serum level of Nitric oxide decreased significantly only in the rats receiving the Satureja mutica extract compared to the control group (P<0.001). HPLC-PDA results show that the most phenolic compounds present in the extract are Gallic acid, 2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid, Cinnamic Acid, Quercetin and Apigenin. The highest content and percentage of phenolic compounds is Quercetin. Conclusions: Hydroalcoholic extract of S. mutica reduces serum NO levels in rats. Quercetin may contribute to this effect; however, confirmatory studies using isolated compounds are required. Although these findings are promising, more human studies are needed to determine whether this compound could be an alternative or complementary treatment.
