Background
Breast cancer is defined as a biological and molecular heterogeneous disorder that originates from breast cells. Genetic predisposition is the most important factor giving rise to this malignancy. The most notable mutations in breast cancer occur in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Owing to disease heterogeneity, lack of therapeutic target, anti-cancer drug resistance, residual disease, and recurrence, researchers are faced with challenges in developing strategies to treat patients with breast cancer.
Results
It has recently been reported that epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation and histone modification, as well as microRNAs (miRNAs), have potently contributed to the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer. These observations have persuaded researchers to move their therapeutic approaches beyond the genetic framework toward the epigenetic concept.
Conclusion
Herein we discuss the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying breast cancer progression and resistance as well as various aspects of epigenetic-based therapies as monotherapy and combined with immunotherapy.
Despite the huge health and economic burden of migraine headache, few medications have been approved for its prophylactic treatment, most of which can potentially induce serious adverse effects. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a supplement and has shown preliminary benefits in migraine prophylaxis. We aimed to assess this effect in an adult population. This is an open-label, parallel, add-on, match-controlled trial. Eighty patients diagnosed with migraine headache based on International Headache Society criteria were allocated to receiving only their current preventive drugs or their current preventive drugs plus 100 mg CoQ10 daily, matching for their baseline characteristics, and were assessed for frequency and severity of attacks, and ≥50 % reduction in attack frequency per month. Thirty-six and 37 patients were analyzed in CoQ10 and control groups, respectively. Number of attacks per month dropped significantly in the CoQ10 group (mean decrease: 1.6 vs. 0.5 among CoQ10 and control groups, respectively, p < 0.001). A significant reduction was also evident in the severity of headaches (mean decrease: 2.3 vs. 0.6 among CoQ10 and control groups, respectively, p < 0.001). For ≥50 % reduction in the frequency of attacks per month, the number needed to treat was calculated as 1.6. No side effects for CoQ10 were observed. This study suggests that CoQ10 might reduce the frequency of headaches, and may also make them shorter in duration, and less severe, with a favorable safety profile.
Exosomes, known as a type of extracellular vesicles (EVs), are lipid particles comprising heterogeneous contents such as nucleic acids, proteins, and DNA. These bi-layered particles are naturally released into the extracellular periphery by a variety of cells such as neoplastic cells. Given that exosomes have unique properties, they can be used as vectors and carriers of biological and medicinal particles like drugs for delivering to the desired areas. The proteins and RNAs being encompassed by the circulating exosomes in B-cell malignancies are deemed as the promising sources for diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as therapeutic agents. Exosomes can also provide a “snapshot” view of the tumor and metastatic landscape at any particular time. Further, clinical research has shown that exosomes are produced by immune cells such as dendritic cells can stimulate the immune system, so these exosomes can be used in antitumor vaccines. Despite the great potential of exosomes in the fields of diagnostic and treatment, further studies are in need for these purposes to reach a convergence notion. This review highlights the applications of exosomes in multiple immune-related diseases, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple sclerosis, and arthritis rheumatoid, as well as explaining sundry aspects of exosome therapy and the function of exosomes in diagnosing diseases.
The CatSper gene family is known to be solely expressed in sperm cells and is possibly associated with sperm motility and penetration through the zona pellucida. Despite its vital role in male fertility, factors regulating its expression are not widely known. The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of dioxin on CatSper2 gene and protein expression, testicular histopathology, sperm quality and biochemical parameters in a mice model. The experiments were performed on 32 Naval Medical Research Institute male mice (2–3 months). The animals were divided into four groups in a random manner: (a) control; (b) dioxin 1; (c) dioxin 2; and (d) dioxin 3. The treatment groups received 0.1, 0.5 and 1 µg/kg of dioxin intraperitoneally every day for 2 weeks. Administration of dioxin significantly downregulated the CatSper2 gene and protein expression. A greater reduction in gene and protein expression was found at higher doses of dioxin. At the same time, sperm parameters, especially sperm motility and count, decreased in mice exposed to dioxin. The results of testicular histopathology showed necrotic degeneration and epithelium thickness reduction in the dioxin groups in comparison with the controls. Besides, oxidative stress increased in seminiferous tubules.
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