Transformation of a normal cell into a cancerous phenotype is essentially backed by genetic mutations that trigger several oncogenic signaling pathways. These signaling pathways rewire the cellular metabolism to meet the bioenergetic and biomass requirement of proliferating cell, which is different from a quiescent cell. Although the change of metabolism in a cancer cell was observed and studied in the mid-20th century, it was not adequate to explain oncogenesis. Now, equipped with a revolution of oncogenes, we have a genetic basis to explain the transformation. Through several studies, it is clear now that such metabolic alterations not only promote cancer progression but also contribute to the chemoresistance of cancer. Targeting specific enzymes and combinations of enzymes can improve the efficacy of cancer therapy and help to overcome the therapeutic resistance.

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Background:The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection which manifests as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease involving the defects of the T-lymphocyte arm of the immune system. Certain laboratory parameters such as the cluster of differentiation (CD4) count and clinical parameters have long been used as markers of disease progression. In industrialized countries, many studies show a highly correlation between the incidence of oral lesions and immunosuppression and hence, can be used as a marker of immunosuppression. This might not be applicable to a developing country like India. In this study, efforts have been made to supplement the present knowledge on various aspects of oral manifestations in HIV patients in the Indian subcontinent.Aims:To correlate the oral manifestations in HIV/AIDS patients to the level of circulating CD4+ T-lymphocyte count and their effect in anti-retroviral therapy (ART).Subjects and Methods:A total of 104 HIV positive patients were examined for oral lesions. The CD4 count estimated on the same day by fluorescent activated cell sort count machine was then correlated with various oral lesions.Results:Oral manifestations appeared when CD4 count decreased below 500 cells/mm3. Moreover, oral lesions found at different stages showed very strong correlation to their respective CD4 count. Furthermore, there was considerable decline in the incidence of oral manifestations in patients undergoing highly active ART.Conclusions:Oral manifestations are highly predictive markers of severe immune deterioration and disease progression in HIV patients.

Plants of genus Leucas (Lamiaceae) are widely distributed throughout Asia, Africa, and India. The plant is used in traditional medicine to cure many diseases such as cough, cold, diarrhea, and inflammatory skin disorder. A variety of phytoconstituents have been isolated from the Leucas species, which include lignans, flavonoids, coumarins, steroids, terpenes, fatty acids, and aliphatic long-chain compounds. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-diarrheal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and insecticidal activities have been reported in the extracts of these plants and their phytoconstituents. An overview of the ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological investigations on the Leucas species is presented in this review.