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Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc dependent extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling endopeptidases having the ability to degrade almost all components of extracellular matrix and implicated in various physiological as well as pathological processes. Carcinogenesis is a multistage process in which alteration of the microenvironment is required for conversion of normal tissue to a tumour. Extracellular matrix remodelling proteinases such as MMPs are principal mediators of alterations observed in the microenvironment during carcinogenesis and according to recent concepts not only have roles in invasion or late stages of cancer but also in regulating initial steps of carcinogenesis in a favourable or unfavourable manner. Establishment of relationships between MMP overproduction and cancer progression has stimulated the development of inhibitors that block proteolytic activity of these enzymes. In this review we discuss the MMP general structure, classification, regulation roles in relation to hallmarks of cancer and as targets for therapeutic intervention.

Research indicates that a small population of cancer cells is highly tumorigenic, endowed with the capacity for self-renewal, and has the ability to differentiate into cells that constitute the bulk of tumors. These cells are considered the ''drivers'' of the tumorigenic process in some tumor types, and have been named cancer stem cells (CSC). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) appears to be involved in the process leading to the acquisition of stemness by epithelial tumor cells. Through this process, cells acquire an invasive phenotype that may contribute to tumor recurrence and metastasis. CSC have been identified in human head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) using markers such as CD133 and CD44 expression, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. Head and neck cancer stem cells reside primarily in perivascular niches in the invasive fronts where endothelial-cell initiated events contribute to their survival and function. Clinically, CSC enrichment has been shown to be enhanced in recurrent disease, treatment failure and metastasis. CSC represent a novel target of study given their slow growth and innate mechanisms conferring treatment resistance. Further understanding of their unique phenotype may reveal potential molecular targets to improve therapeutic and survival outcomes in patients with HNSCC. Here, we discuss the state-of-the-knowledge on the pathobiology of cancer stem cells, with a focus on the impact of these cells on head and neck tumor progression, metastasis and recurrence due to treatment failure.

Background: Hypothyroidism and anemia in pregnancy causes significantly high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anemia, grade and type of anemia in hypothyroid pregnant patients. Methods: This prospective study was conducted at department of obstetrics and gynecology, CSSH, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh over a period of 2 years from August 2017 to August 2019. Patients who attended the OPD during the study period were included in the study according the inclusion criteria and were studied for the clinical profile, obstetric history and detailed examination. Investigations were done including hemoglobin, blood grouping, urine routine, HbsAg, Anti-HCV, HIV, RBS and serum TSH. The women with raised serum TSH, indicating hypothyroidism, test for free T3, free T4 and anti-TPO was done, and the hypothyroid females with anemia were further investigated with GBP for the type of anemia, data evaluated with adequate statistical analysis. Results: A total 223 patients, enrolled in the study, prevalence of anemia in hypothyroid patients was 69.95%. Most patients with overt hypothyroidism had mild anemia 26 (68.4%), while in sub-clinical hypothyroid patients' group most of the patients had moderate anemia. In the overt hypothyroid and subclinical hypothyroid group dimorphic anemia was the most prevalent form of anemia with 52.6% and 74.6% respectively. Conclusions: Prevalence of anemia in hypothyroid pregnant patients is 69.95%. Dimorphic anemia is most prevalent; hence it is important to study anemia in antenatal patients with hypothyroidism and appropriate strategies should be used to prevent and treat anemia.

Background: Hormonal contraceptive is suggested to affect parameters like body mass index, body weight, blood pressure (BP), blood sugar, lipid protein, and liver function test (LFT) but effect of LNG-IUS on those parameters is still uncertain. The aim of the present study was to study the effects of LNG-IUS on the metabolic parameters.Methods: Sixty women who opted for LNG-IUS for various indications were included in the study. Lipid profile, liver function tests (LFT), glucose levels [fasting and post prandial (PP)], and hemoglobin (Hb) were tested. Bimanual genital examination and transvaginal-ultrasonography was done prior to LNG-IUS insertion. Any problems observed were recorded. The subjects were re-evaluated after 6 and 9 months on their subsequent visits. Data were analyzed using paired “t” test. P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Mean age of the patients was 35.5±6.79 years. Maximum number 50 (83.3%) had abnormal uterine bleeding (ovulatory dysfunction, endometrial, iatrogenic, not yet classified) [AUB (OEIN)]. Mean pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC) score of patients was 164.7±56.72 and mean Hb level 11.15±1.75g/dL. LNG-IUS showed no significant adverse effects on anthropometric parameters at 6- and 9-month follow-up. Significant change was seen in total cholesterol (TC), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL) values at follow-up (p<0.0001).Conclusions: In conclusion, amongst Asian population, the LNG-IUS does not have any adverse effects on metabolic parameters, TGs, LDL and blood sugar levels.

The evaluation of the endometrium has evolved with varying amounts of evidence and often little validation of what has dominated the clinical practice.Aims and objectives: To study the value of hysteroscopy and transvaginal sonography (TVS) in endometrial pathology in bleeding and nonbleeding postmenopausal women.

Background: Uterine leiomyomas are benign tumours of smooth muscle cells and fibrous tissue that develop within the wall of the uterus. Objective of this study was to compare efficacy and safety of Mifepristone and Ulipristal acetate in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids.Methods: The present randomized comparative prospective study was conducted among 120 non-pregnant and non-lactating females of age 25-50 years with symptomatic fibroids reported in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, Chhatrapati Shivaji Subharti Hospital, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh for a duration of 2 years from September 2017 to July 2019.The selected subjects were divided into two treatment arms i.e. Group 1: ulipristal acetate: 5 mg OD for 3 months and Group 2: mifepristone: 25 mg OD for 3 months. Detailed history of the patient, general physical examination and systemic examination was done followed by per abdomen examination, per speculum and per vaginal examination. A blood examination, USG (pelvis), Pap smear and endometrial biopsy was done. Subjects visited the hospital at visit 1, visit 2, visit 3, visit 4, visit 5 and visit 6 for 6 months.Results: In both the groups, maximum subjects were in the age group of 36-40 years, followed by 41-50 years. When mean PBAC score at first, second, third, fourth and fifth visit was compared statistically among ulipristal acetate and mifepristone group, it was found to be statistically significant. Uterine pain was reduced more in mifepristone group as compared to ulipristal acetate group at all the different intervals. Size was reduced more in mifepristone group as compared to ulipristal acetate group at all the different intervals.Conclusions: Authors conclude from this study that mifepristone should be preferred over ulipristal acetate for treatment of symptomatic fibroids.

Eclampsia is defined as development of tonic-clonic convulsions or coma in a woman with preeclampsia, which cannot be contributed to any other cause. Occurrence of eclampsia before 20 weeks of pregnancy and after 48 hours of delivery in the absence of typical signs of hypertension and/or proteinuria is termed as atypical eclampsia. Atypical or non-classic eclampsia will have some symptoms of eclampsia, but without the usual proteinuria or hypertension. All patients with atypical onset should undergo neurological evaluation to rule out neurologic causes of seizures. Cerebral tuberculosis is a rare and serious form of disease secondary to haematogenous spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Here, we present a case of cerebral tuberculoma with seizures in late pregnancy mimicking eclampsia.