There has been increasing evidence that numerous bioactive dietary agents can hamper the process of carcinogenesis by targeting epigenetic alterations including DNA methylation. This therapeutic approach is considered as a significant goal for cancer therapy due to the reversible nature of epigenetic-mediated gene silencing and warrants further attention. One such dietary agent, green tea catechin, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been shown to modulate many cancer-related pathways. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate the role of EGCG as an epigenetic modifier in HeLa cells. DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition assays were conducted, and the transcription levels of DNMT3B and HDAC1 were assessed by enzymatic activity assay and RT-PCR, respectively. Furthermore, we studied the binding interaction of EGCG with DNMT3B and HDAC1 by molecular modeling as well as promoter DNA methylation and expression of retinoic acid receptor-β (RARβ), cadherin 1 (CDH1) and death-associated protein kinase-1 (DAPK1) in EGCG-treated HeLa cells by RT-PCR and MS-PCR. In the present study, time-dependent EGCG-treated HeLa cells were found to have a significant reduction in the enzymatic activity of DNMT and HDAC. However, the expression of DNMT3B was significantly decreased in a time-dependent manner whereas there was no significant change in HDAC1 expression. Molecular modeling data also supported the EGCG-mediated DNMT3B and HDAC1 activity inhibition. Furthermore, time-dependent exposure to EGCG resulted in reactivation of known tumor-suppressor genes (TSGs) in HeLa cells due to marked changes in the methylation of the promoter regions of these genes. Overall, the present study suggests that EGCG may have a significant impact on the development of novel epigenetic-based therapy.

Nitric oxide (NO) in general plays a beneficial physiological role as a vasorelaxant and the role of NO is decided by its concentration present in physiological environments. NO either facilitates cancer-promoting characters or act as an anti-cancer agent. The dilemma in this regard still remains unanswered. This review summarizes the recent information on NO and its role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression, as well as dietary chemopreventive agents which have NO-modulating properties with safe cytotoxic profile. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and cross-talk modulating NO effect by these chemopreventive agents can allow us to develop better therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.

The aim of this study was to investigate the microbial quality of drinking water distributed through water dispenser machines located in schools and universities in Ajman, UAE. In total, 49 drinking water samples were collected from water dispenser machines in the schools and university's premises in the emirate of Ajman. Total coliform and E.coli were detected using Colilert test. P. aeruginosa colonies were counted on Pseudomonas agar using the membrane filtration method. Overall, 25 out of total 49 samples were found to contain either P. aeruginosa, or total coliform or both. Six samples were found positive for total coliform group members, whereas nineteen of the samples were positive for P. aeruginosa. Ten water samples were found positive for both total coliform and P.aeruginosa. P.aeruginosa colonies count ranged between 4 to 51 colonies per 250 ml of water sample. In conclusion, overall microbiological quality of 25 drinking water samples distributed through the water dispenser machine was found unsatisfactory, and this could be attributed to the poor maintenance and improper hygienic conditions of water dispenser machines. In order to safeguard public health, more efforts such as community awareness program, strict regulations such as regular inspections by the local municipalities are needed.Index Terms-Microbiological quality, drinking water, water dispenser.

Problem statement: Increasing interest from the general public to use herbal remedies, exposes a considerable need to document ancient medical practices, as well as to investigate the efficacy of "ancient" compounds currently reputed to have medicinal benefits for such diseases as diabetes and obesity. Approach: In order to investigate the efficacy of "karkadeh" RoselleHibiscus sabdariffa tea as a means of reducing post-prandial blood glucose levels in human subjects, 10 g of dried karkadeh was brewed in 500 mL of water, allowed to infuse for 60 min and imbibed along with a high glycemic index food. Results: Data showed that in one individual, karkadeh tea taken in connection with a carbohydrate based breakfast meal resulted in a significant increase (17%; p<0.01) in blood glucose level cf. an ordinary breakfast tea 60 min after ingestion. Moreover, in a study involving eight individuals, a slower rise to maximum levels and a greater Area Under the Curve (AUC) in terms of blood glucose was noted for the karkadeh tea plus a high glycemic index food cf. that of water imbibition with an identical high glycemic food. Conclusion/Recommendations: Karkadeh tea appears to have an effect in terms of slowing the rate of rise in blood glucose following consumption of a high glycemic index food, but that ultimately it induces a greater degree of glucose absorption cf. other types of imbibed fluids.

Background: The current study explored the prevalence and pattern of traditional and complementary alternative medicine (TCAM) use, its perceived benefits and possible impact on health outcomes amongst diabetics in Dubai, UAE. Objectives:Diabetes is highly prevalent in the UAE, with diabetics potentially not complying with the prescribed conventional medicines, or preferring to use of traditional and complementary alternative medicines. The current study therefore sheds light on these two areas. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in 4 healthcare facilities in Dubai using quantitative data collection methods. Using a systematic random sampling method, 145 diabetic participants completed a selfreported questionnaire. Measures in the questionnaire included traditional and complementary alternative medicine use, and perceived benefits. SPSS version 21 was used for result analysis. Chi-square test was used to confirm significance amongst various groups. Results: Amongst 145 diabetic participants recruited, 66.9% were female, and 57.9% had undergraduate degree. Majority of participants (95.2%) had type II diabetes. Participants age was between 20 to 79 years. The prevalence of TCAM use amongst the participants was 21.4%, with the majority of users being female (27.8%). TCAM use was more common amongst housewives (28.6%). None of the TCAM users had the intervention prescribed by a health specialist, and the majority (51.6%) used it for the purpose of slowing the progression of the disease. More than half (58.1%) of TCAM users reported receiving the desired effect, and 77.4% used TCAM in combination with the prescribed conventional medicine. Conclusion:The current study confirmed the un-prescribed use of TCAM amongst participants in Dubai, UAE. Further studies are required to elaborate on the interaction between TCAM and prescribed conventional medicines.