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Introduction: Medium-chain fatty acids contain 6–12 carbon atoms and are absorbed directly into the blood vessels, proceeding to the portal vein and, finally, to the liver, where they are immediately utilized for energy. We aimed to determine the medium-chain fatty acid levels in women with and without breast cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 women (100 breast cancer subjects and 100 control subjects) were recruited for the study as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Blood samples were collected for biochemical estimations. Fatty acid methyl esters were isolated, and medium-chain fatty acid levels in plasma were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC-FID). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 software; p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The fatty acid analysis revealed a significant decrease in the levels of caprylic acid (C:8) and lauric acid (C:12) and a significant increase in the level of capric acid (C:10) in the breast cancer subjects when compared to the control group. The level of caproic acid (C:6) was not significantly increased in the breast cancer subjects. In particular, the HER2- and ER-positive breast cancer subjects showed a decrease in their caprylic acid and lauric acid levels compared to other receptors. Conclusions: The results of the current study imply that lower levels of caprylic and lauric acid may be associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. The relevance of medium-chain fatty acids for preventive and therapeutic interventions will be amplified by further research on the possibility that alteration in a patient’s medium-chain fatty acid composition may mechanistically contribute to disease progression or breast cancer risk.

SARS-CoV-2 has become a pandemic causing a serious global health concern. The absence of effective drugs for treatment of the disease has caused its rapid spread on a global scale. Similarly to the SARS-CoV, the SARS-CoV-2 is also involved in a complex interplay with the host cells. This infection is characterized by a diffused alveolar damage consistent with the Acute Respiratory Disease Syndrome (ARDS). To explore the complex mechanisms of the disease at the system level, we used a network medicine tools approach. The protein-protein interactions (PPIs) between the SARS-CoV and the associated human cell proteins are crucial for the viral pathogenesis. Since the cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2 is accomplished by binding of the spike glycoprotein binding domain (RBD) to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2), a molecule that can bind to the spike RDB-hACE2 interface could block the virus entry. Here, we performed a virtual screening of 55 compounds to identify potential molecules that can bind to the spike glycoprotein and spike-ACE2 complex interface. It was found that the compound ethyl 1-{3-[(2,4-dichlorobenzyl) carbamoyl]-1-ethyl-6-fluoro-4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-7-quinolinyl}-4-piperidine carboxylate (the S54 ligand) and ethyl 1-{3-[(2,4-dichlorobenzyl) carbamoyl]-1-ethyl-6-fluoro-4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-7-quinolinyl}-4 piperazine carboxylate (the S55 ligand) forms hydrophobic interactions with Tyr41A, Tyr505B and Tyr553B, Leu29A, Phe495B, respectively of the spike glycoprotein, the hotspot residues in the spike glycoprotein RBD-hACE2 binding interface. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations using the MM-GBSA method showed that the S54 ligand is a stronger binder than a known SARS-CoV spike inhibitor SSAA09E3 (N-(9,10-dioxo-9, 10-dihydroanthracen-2-yl) benzamide). Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Head and neck cancers are diverse and complex diseases characterised by unregulated growth of tumour cells in various parts of the head and neck region, such as in the buccal mucosa, floor of the mouth, tongue, oropharynx, hypopharynx, oesophagus, nasopharynx and salivary glands. Partial or total glossectomy, radiation or chemotherapy greatly affect patient quality of life. However, even following treatment, patients may relapse. Nicotine-derived nitrosamines and alcohol are the major etiological factors underlying this deadly disease. These compounds induce DNA damage that may lead to mutation in crucial genes, such as p53 and p21, which are important to regulate cell proliferation, thus leading to cancer. CD9 is a tetraspanin, which are a group of transmembrane proteins that have a role in cell motility and adhesion. The present review aimed to explore the role of CD9 in head and neck cancer. Epidermal growth factor receptor activity and cell proliferation are regulated by the CD9-integrin/CD9-transforming growth factor interaction. Hence, CD9 can play a dual role in various types of cancer.