Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and highly heterogeneous subtype of breast cancer and associated with poor prognosis. A better understanding of the biology of this complex cancer is needed to develop novel therapeutic strategies for improvement of patient survival. We have previously demonstrated that Thymoquinone (TQ), the major phenolic compound found in Nigella sativa, induces anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects and inhibits in vivo tumor growth in orthotopic TNBC models in mice. Also, we have previously shown that Beclin-1 and LC3 autophagy genes contributes to TNBC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, suggesting that Beclin-1 and LC3 genes provide proto-oncogenic effects in TNBC. However, the role of Beclin1 and LC3 in mediating TQ-induced anti-tumor effects in TNBC is not known. Objective: To investigate the effects of TQ on the major autophagy mediators, Beclin-1 and LC3 expression, as wells autophagic activity in TNBC cells. Methods: Cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and autophagy activity were evaluated using MTS cell viability, colony formation assay, wound healing and acridine orange staining assays, respectively. Western blotting and RT-PCR assays were used to investigate LC3 and Beclin-1 protein and gene expressions, respectively, in MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells in response to TQ treatments. Results: TQ treatment significantly inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and autophagic activity of MDA-MB-231 cells and suppressed LC3 and Beclin-1 expressions. Furthermore, TQ treatment led to the inhibition of Integrin-β1, VEGF, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in TNBC cells. Conclusion: TQ inhibits autophagic activity and expression of Beclin-1 and LC3 in TNBC cells and suppresses pathways related to cell migration/invasion and angiogenesis, including Integrin-β1, VEGF, MMP-2 and MMP-9, suggesting that TQ may be used to control autophagic activity and oncogenic signaling in TNBC.

Spindle cell carcinoma is a rare biphasic tumor consisting of epithelial and mesenchymal components. Presence of this tumor type in the tongue has rarely been reported. Herein, a case of 55-year-old woman who presented with a polypoid lesion at her tongue has been reported. Surgery was performed and pathologic examination revealed a spindle cell carcinoma. We present this rare tumor with an unusual location to contribute in part to the better understanding and awareness of this rare malignancy.

Acroangiodermatitis is a rare self-limited angioproliferative lesion which can be associated with congenital vascular malformations or acquired venous insufficiency. Despite of its benign character, differential diagnosis of this lesion is very important because it closely resembles Kaposi sarcoma. Here we present a 26-year-old male patient with unilateral, purplish-red colored papules on his right ankle which diagnosed as acroangiodermatitis and discuss histopathological features, differential diagnosis and treatment of this unusual condition.

Background: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs) comprising the majority of cases. Among the common driver mutations, KRAS plays a critical role in guiding treatment strategies. This study evaluates the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) in KRAS-mutant NSCLCs and investigates their associations with clinicopathological findings. Methods: A total of 85 cases with KRAS mutations were analyzed. Immunohistochemical staining for HIF-1α and PD-L1 was performed, and their relationships with mutation status and prognostic variables were assessed. Results: A significant correlation was identified between HIF-1α expression and PD-L1 expression in tumor cells. While the KRAS G12C mutation was not significantly associated with HIF-1α expression in tumor cells, it demonstrated a notable relationship with HIF-1α expression in the tumor microenvironment and PD-L1 expression. However, PD-L1 and HIF-1α expression did not significantly influence overall survival outcomes. Conclusions: Expression of PD-L1 was positively correlated with HIF-1α, which may provide evidence for a novel therapy targeting PD-L1 and HIF-1α in NSCLC. Further comprehensive studies are warranted to elucidate the prognostic implications of tumor–microenvironment and mutation interactions.