Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide. The cause of cancer is multifactorial. An early diagnosis and the appropriate treatment of cancer can improve the chances of survival. Recent studies have shown that breast cancer is influenced by the microbiota. Different microbial signatures have been identified in the breast microbiota, which have different patterns depending on the stage and biological subgroups. The human digestive system contains approximately 100 trillion bacteria. The gut microbiota is an emerging field of research that is associated with specific biological processes in many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, brain disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer. In this review article, we discuss the impact of the microbiota on breast cancer, with a primary focus on the gut microbiota’s regulation of the breast cancer microenvironment. Ultimately, updates on how immunotherapy can affect the breast cancer-based microbiome and further clinical trials on the breast and microbiome axis may be an important piece of the puzzle in better predicting breast cancer risk and prognosis.

Cancer persists as a global challenge necessitating continual innovation in treatment strategies. Despite significant advancements in comprehending the disease, cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, exerting substantial economic burdens on healthcare systems and societies. The emergence of drug resistance further complicates therapeutic efficacy, underscoring the urgent need for alternative approaches. Drug repurposing, characterized by the utilization of existing drugs for novel clinical applications, emerges as a promising avenue for addressing these challenges. Repurposed drugs, comprising FDA-approved (in other disease indications), generic, off-patent, and failed medications, offer distinct advantages including established safety profiles, cost-effectiveness, and expedited development timelines compared to novel drug discovery processes. Various methodologies, such as knowledge-based analyses, drug-centric strategies, and computational approaches, play pivotal roles in identifying potential candidates for repurposing. However, despite the promise of repurposed drugs, drug repositioning confronts formidable obstacles. Patenting issues, financial constraints associated with conducting extensive clinical trials, and the necessity for combination therapies to overcome the limitations of monotherapy pose significant challenges. This review provides an in-depth exploration of drug repurposing, covering a diverse array of approaches including experimental, re-engineering protein, nanotechnology, and computational methods. Each of these avenues presents distinct opportunities and obstacles in the pursuit of identifying novel clinical uses for established drugs. By examining the multifaceted landscape of drug repurposing, this review aims to offer comprehensive insights into its potential to transform cancer therapeutics.

Objectives: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional deficiency among pregnant women in India. Iron can be supplemented orally or intravenously to treat IDA. Intravenous supplementation of iron can be risky as there is more possibility for the production of free iron in circulation. The role of free iron in the generation of free radicals and thereby oxidative stress is well known. The present study tends to evaluate oxidative stress and antioxidant status of intravenous iron sucrose treated pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in ACS Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. Twenty pregnant women with moderate IDA (Hb: 7–9.9 g/dl) were included in the present study. Blood samples were collected before and after the treatment with intravenous iron sucrose to measure antioxidants such as reduced glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase, and lipid peroxidation marker such as malondialdehyde. Results: In the present study, plasma malondialdehyde levels were increased significantly after the treatment with intravenous iron sucrose. No significant alterations were observed in the levels of reduced glutathione and activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase. Conclusion: In the present study, intravenous iron sucrose infusion was associated with oxidative stress as evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation in antenatal women with IDA. Hence, treatment with antioxidants during iron infusions can be considered.

Introduction: Canities is a scientific term used to describe the graying of hair. The graying of hair varies with age and ethnicity. Aging of hair occurs due to reduced melanin synthesis by the pigment producing cell melanocytes. Premature canities are becoming increasingly common. However, the etiology of premature canities remains unknown. Hence this study aimed to determine the prevalence of premature canities and its association with family history. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry of the students studying in ACS Medical College and Hospital from June 2018 to June 2019. Students aged less than 25 years participated in this present study. Results: Totally 519 volunteers 179 subjects had premature canities. The prevalence of Premature canities was 34.5%. It was more prevalent among females (n=97) 54% compared to males (n=82) 46%. Early onset of hair graying occurred in subjects with family history of gray hair. Among them 49 % of the subjects had family history of premature canities predominantly maternal family history (33%).