No abstract

BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes encode proteins that have important roles in DNA repair and act as tumor suppressors. Though the sequence and structure of the proteins produced by BRCA1 and BRCA2 are different, they have similar biological activities. Both BRCA gene products are reported to interact with the RAD51 protein, which is essential for DNA repair through homologous recombination. BRCA gene mutations are associated with an increased risk of solid tumors. Their ubiquitously expressed protein products are involved in essential cellular functions. The defect caused by BRCA gene mutations might be leveraged to develop new targeted cancer treatments. This chapter outlines that BRCA1 and BRCA2 have unique roles in the pathways leading to DNA double-strand break repair and clinical findings show that BRCA genes play a crucial role in a variety of biological processes.

Objective: The present study was aimed to investigate the protective effect of methanolic extract of the whole plant of Aerva monsoniae (MEAM) and selenium on cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative liver damage in experimental rats. Methods:In the present study, albino Wistar rats were treated with Cd (5 mg/kg), selenium (1 mg/kg), and MEAM (250 and 500 mg/kg) for 21days. After 21 days of the treatment, the rats were sacrificed, and blood was collected for estimation of biochemical parameters and liver was used for histopathological studies.Results: Oral administration of Cd significantly elevated the levels of hepatic markers such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, cholesterol, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and decreased levels of total proteins and albumin. We also observed that elevated oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde reduced the enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as reduced glutathione in the liver. Co-administration of MEAM and selenium in Cd-intoxicated rats, the altered biochemical parameters, and pathological changes were recovered significantly (p>0.01) than the individual effects of MEAM and selenium.Conclusion: From the above findings, it was concluded that combination of MEAM and selenium exhibited remarkable protective effects against Cdinduced oxidative liver damage in rats.

Glucokinase is, an allosteric enzyme involved in glycolysis, is rapidly regulated in the liver through glucokinase regulatory protein and remains essential for blood glucose homeostasis. The present review provides brief information about the effects of a few selected plants and phytochemicals on human glucokinase activation and gene modulation. A thorough and relevant literature search from several scientific databases, comprising Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed, was carried out. We highlighted the  seven plants (Acorus tatariowii Schott, Allium hirtifolium Boiss, Apache red maize, Mulberry species, Pterocarpus marsupium, Sapium ellepticum, Mangifera indica) and their phytoconstituents ( Tatanans A-C, alliogenin , gitogenin , kaempferol , quercetin and shallomin,1-deoxynojirimycin,cyanidin-3-rutinoside,resveratrol,cyanidin-3-glucoside,oxyresveratrol, lupeol, alpha-tocopherol, uteolin-7-glucoside, amentoflavone, and  Mangiferin) on human glucokinase enzyme activation  and gene modulation. This review concluded that investigation of glucokinase activators of plant origin is the major research focus in the management of type 2 diabetes.

Curcuma longa or turmeric is a plant that is used as a spice and as a phytoconstituent in many formulations from Vedic age. Curcuminoids are the most important Phyto constituents present in turmeric with various pharmacological activities. The present study reveals various pharmacological activities of curcumin with special emphasis on MDR cancer cells. The curcuminoids are the Phyto constituents showing potent activity against neurological disorders, cardio vascular diseases, auto immune disorders, Metabolic disorders, cancer, inflammatory diseases, Skin allergies and disorders. This review give emphasis on anticancer activity of curcumin and its possible mechanism of actions. Many studies revealing that various formulations and combination therapy of curcumin is increasing its bioavailability and there by effective against various diseases. This review is lighting to a treasure buried inside the soil a potential therapeutic agent without side effects.