Non-enzymatic glycoxidation linked with nutrition enhances the tumorigenic capacity of prostate cancer epithelia through AGE mediated activation of RAGE in cancer associated fibroblasts

The molecular implications of food consumption on cancer etiology are poorly defined. The rate of nutrition associated non-enzymatic glycoxidation, a reaction that occurs between reactive carbonyl groups on linear sugars and nucleophilic amino, lysyl and arginyl groups on fats and proteins, is rapidly increased by food cooking and manufacturing processes. In this study, we assign nutrition-associated glycoxidation with significant oncogenic potential, promoting prostate tumor growth, progression, and metastasis in vivo. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are the final irreversible product of non-enzymatic glycoxidation. Exogenous treatment of prostate tumor cells with a single AGE peptide replicated glycoxidation induced tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, receptor for AGE (RAGE) deficiency in the stroma inhibited AGE mediated tumor growth. Functionally, AGE treatment induced RAGE dimerization in activated fibroblasts which sustained and increased the migratory potential of tumor epithelial cells. These data identify a novel nutrition associated pathway that can promote a tissue microenvironment conducive for aggressive tumor growth. Targeted and/or interventional strategies aimed at reducing AGE bioavailability as a consequence of nutrition may be viewed as novel chemoprevention initiatives.

Contemporary Approaches to the Discovery and Development of Broad-Spectrum Natural Product Prototypes for the Control of Coronaviruses

The pressing need for SARS-CoV-2 controls has led to a reassessment of strategies to identify and develop natural product inhibitors of zoonotic, highly virulent, and rapidly emerging viruses. This review article addresses how contemporary approaches involving computational chemistry, natural product (NP) and protein databases, and mass spectrometry (MS) derived target-ligand interaction analysis can be utilized to expedite the interrogation of NP structures while minimizing the time and expense of extraction, purification, and screening in BioSafety Laboratories (BSL)3 laboratories. The unparalleled structural diversity and complexity of NPs is an extraordinary resource for the discovery and development of broad-spectrum inhibitors of viral genera, including Betacoronavirus, which contains MERS, SARS, SARS-CoV-2, and the common cold. There are two key technological advances that have created unique opportunities for the identification of NP prototypes with greater efficiency: (1) the application of structural databases for NPs and target proteins and (2) the application of modern MS techniques to assess protein-ligand interactions directly from NP extracts. These approaches, developed over years, now allow for the identification and isolation of unique antiviral ligands without the immediate need for BSL3 facilities. Overall, the goal is to improve the success rate of NP-based screening by focusing resources on source materials with a higher likelihood of success, while simultaneously providing opportunities for the discovery of novel ligands to selectively target proteins involved in viral infection.

Paraganglioma of the external auditory canal

A rare case of paraganglioma of the external auditory canal is presented. It was treated by excision and no recurrence has been noted after 18 months of follow up.

Vascular leiomyoma of the inferior turbinate--report of a case and review of the literature

Leiomyoma of the nose and paranasal sinuses is rare. It constitutes about 1 per cent of all benign tumours. This is due to the paucity of smooth muscle in the nose. In this paper, the authors present one case of vascular leiomyoma which arose in the inferior turbinate in a 64-year-old lady. It was treated by partial turbinectomy with the relief of her symptoms of nasal obstruction, epistaxis and facial pain. The English literature on the topic is reviewed.

Merkel-cell carcinoma of the pinna

Merkel-Cell carcinoma is a rare malignant skin tumour. It was first described as 'Trabecular Carcinoma' by Toker in 1972. Since then many reports have appeared in the literature, mainly in the dermatology, pathology and to a lesser extent, in the plastic surgery journals. Surprisingly, the topic is rarely discussed in the otolaryngology literature, though nearly fifty per cent of these tumours arise in the head and neck.

Verrucous carcinoma of the nasal septum

A case of verrucous carcinoma of the nose is presented. Initially two pathologists described the lesion as benign. The tumour was excised with free margins through a lateral rhinotomy, with a successful outcome. The literature on the topic has been reviewed. Deep wide-based biopsy should always be considered if such a lesion is not to be missed on the first consultation. Surgery in resectable lesions offers the best chance of survival in verrucous carcinoma of the nose.

Chemodectoma of the larynx

Two cases of chemodectoma of the larynx are presented. Both of them arose from the superior laryngeal glomus in men late in their lives. Pain was the landmark of the disease. Both cases showed very aggressive behaviour. In conclusion, these are malignant tumours which should be treated by total laryngectomy. There is no place for radiotherapy in their treatment.

Acute supraglottic laryngitis in adults

Four cases of supraglottic laryngitis in adults have been presented. All were treated conservatively with I.V. hydrocortisone and I.V. antibiotics under close observation. No intubation or tracheostomy was carried out. The author recommends the use of I.V. Cefuroxime as an initial form of antibiotic treatment. Mirror laryngoscopy is mandatory in any adult patient who presents with sore throat if epiglottitis is not to be missed as the first consultation.

Sudden deafness and the contraceptive pill

A case of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in a young woman is presented. The contraceptive pill is thought to be a possible cause of the problem. Recovery of the hearing was complete. Tinnitus should be regarded as a warning signal requiring discontinuation of therapy.