Helicobacter pylori infection is common among dyspeptic patients; the infection is more common in the age group of 20-40 years. Urea breath test is a noninvasive test to detect Helicobacter pylori.

Objective The present study aims at evaluating the beneficial effect of Nigella sativa (NS) oil mouth rinse in the management of chemotherapy- (CT-) induced oral mucositis (OM) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods Fifty-four AML patients were participated in this study and randomly allocated to either the test group or a control group. The patients of the test group received NS oil mouth rinse during 28-day CT, while the participants of the control group received a “magic mouthwash” formula. The primary outcome of this study was the incidence and severity of CT-induced OM in terms of erythema and ulcer. The secondary outcomes were the pain severity score, swallowing function, and the salivary concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Results NS oil mouth rinse attenuated the progression of CT-induced OM compared with the control formula (AUC = 5.9 vs. 38.4, P < 0.05) and significantly decreased the erythema and ulceration scores (AUC of total OMAS = 11.4 vs. 85.9, P < 0.001) compared with the magic mouthwash formula. It also reduced the pain score and enabled all the participants of this group to consume normal food during treatment. It significantly decreased salivary IL-6 (AUC = 7376 vs. 16599, P < 0.001), while the changes of TNF-α levels were not significant (AUC = 676.9 vs. 885.2, P > 0.05). Conclusions NS oil mouth rinse is effective in attenuating the severity of CT-induced OM and improves the pain and swallowing function in AML patients.

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Objective: Oral mucositis (OM) is a common treatment-induced toxicity in patients undergoing radiation or chemoradiation for head and neck cancers (HNC). The study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Nigella sativa (NS) oil in radiation-or chemoradiation-induced OM in HNC patients. Methods:From Forty HNC patients were randomized to two groups, each of 20 patients. The first group was treated with NS oil mouthwash five times daily, while the second group was treated with the Magic mouthwash and served as a control. All patients received radiotherapy (RT) (60-70 Gy) in 30-35 fractions over 6-7 w with or without chemotherapy. Patients were evaluated once per week to estimate the severity and duration of OM and the salivary levels of IL-6 and TNF-α.Results: 70% of patients were men and the commonest tumor locations were larynx (47.5%) and pharynx (22.5%) classified as stages III or IV. NS oil significantly reduces RTOG grade and OM severity after 3-4 w of RT, attenuates the elevation in salivary IL-6 and TNF-α production after 3-5 w.Conclusion: Nigella sativa oil mouthwash have a potential anti-inflammatory activity that may be beneficial in minimizing or preventing radiationor chemoradiation-induced oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer.

Background  The burden of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis is growing and current pharmacologic treatments are limited by adverse effects and inconsistent efficacy. Pilot studies suggest that Pentoxifylline and vitamin E can reduce degree and pattern of fatty liver, liver enzyme and inflammatory marker in patients with NASH.  Objectives  Evaluation of the clinical, biochemical and ultrasonographic effects of pentoxifylline, and vitamin E in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Methods A total of 110 participants with NASH which diagnosed by ultrasonography fatty infiltration and raised aminotransferase level were included, only 90 participants completed the study. Demographic data, anthropometric measures such as Body Mass Index (BMI), waist/hip ratio were taken, liver function test, lipid profile, blood glucose, serum creatinine and High sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP). The patients were divided into three comparable groups in age, gender and BMI. All enrolled participants were treated by lifestyle modification but pharmacologically they were randomly divided into three groups and followed for 6 months. Group 1; treated with placebo as a control group (starch prepared by capsule 400mg twice daily). Group 2; treated with vitamin E soft gelatin capsule 400 IU twice daily.Group 3; treated with pentoxifylline caplet 400mg twice daily. Results Out of 110 participants, only 90 participants (48 male, 42 female) completed this study, with age range of 23-65 years with age mean was 42.1±11.2. All the three groups showed decreased steatosis by ultrasonography and a significant reduction in aminotransferase levels, Hs-CRP, lipid profile, blood glucose, blood pressure and waist circumference compared to baseline. In the pentoxifylline group, side effects such as nausea, heartburn and dizziness were noted while in vitamin E group; abdominal pain and blurred vision were recorded after the second visit.  Conclusions Pentoxifylline or Vitamin E with dietary changes and exercise led to significant improvement in hepatic steatosis indicated by ultrasonography, reduction in aminotransferase levels and improved inflammatory marker (Hs-CRP).

Oral mucositis (OM) is common treatment-induced toxicity in patients receiving chemoradiation for head and neck cancer (HNC). The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Nigella sativa (NS) oil in chemoradiation-induced OM of HNC patients. From   January 2017 to May 2018, 40 patients with HNC were randomly allocated into two groups each of 20 patients. The first group received NS oil mouthwash five times daily, while the second group received the routinely followed protocol (magic mouthwash) and served as a control. All patients received radiotherapy (RT) (60-70 Gy) in 30-35 fractions over 6-7 weeks with or without chemotherapy. Patients were evaluated weekly to estimate the onset and severity of OM and the patient’s reported outcomes (pain, swallowing, and functional score). The majority of patients (70%) were men. The commonest primary tumor locations were the larynx (47.5), and pharynx (22.5%) mostly classified as stages III or IV. NS oil significantly reduces the RTOG of mucositis in the last 3 weeks of RT and improves the reported outcomes (pain and swallowing) during the next 6 weeks of RT compared with controls. The majority of patients in the NS group ingested either normal or soft food especially at the end of RT. In conclusion, NS oil decreases the duration and severity of OM with better patient-reported outcome and pain control compared with the routine treatment. NS oil can be considered as a feasible and affordable option for chemoradiation-induced OM in HNC patients.

Background  Cancer patients facing many complications during treatments, such as oral Mucositis, neuropathy, and chemotherapy-induced diarrhoea. Unique toxicities can accompany Specific routes of administration of colon cancer drugs such as hand-foot syndrome. Objectives  To study the effects of topical steroids and oral gabapentin in treating capecitabine induce hand-foot syndrome among cancer patients. Patients and Methods A total of 50 patients diagnosed with hand-foot syndrome attended in Hiwa cancer hospital in Sulaimani-Iraq, who met the inclusion criteria, were enrolled in the current study from august 2019-February 2020. patient’s characteristics, concomitant drugs Used, any other diseases were recorded in a questionnaire designed for the study. Grading of the hand-foot syndrome and its severity of presentation is done by Using NCI-CTCAE (National Cancer Institute - Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) and WHO (World Health Organization) and associated histologic findings. In addition, the quality of Life of the Patients was evaluated by using RAND 36-item short forming survey (SF36); The DN4 scale measured the neuropathy of Patients. Results The grades of the hand-foot syndrome after treatment were significantly improved compared to pretreatment (p-value; ≥0.001). Moreover, it changed the frequency of hand-foot syndrome by using topical steroids (clobetasol 0.05%), gabapentin, or both.  Conclusion The study showed a statistically significant improvement in grades of the hand-foot syndrome of participants and increasing quality of life through using topical Steroids and gabapentin.