RESUMO
Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains as one of the leading causes of death in many of the developing countries including India. Early detection helps in improving the prognosis and survival rates. Over the years, tumor markers continue to play an important role in diagnosing and monitoring cancer progression. The ectopic production human chorionic gonadotropin-ß (hCG-ß) is one such marker that is seen in various nontrophoblastic cancers and serves as a marker for tumor prognosis. Few immunohistochemical studies have shown the presence of hCG-ß in oral cancers too. The present study investigated the immunohistochemical expression, levels of hCG-ß in saliva and urine of various grades of OSCC patients and correlated it with their histopathological grading. Materials and Methods: Tissue sections of 50 histologically confirmed OSCC were subjected to immunohistochemical staining by using hCG-ß antibody (well differentiated - 21, moderately differentiated - 21 and poorly differentiated - 8). The levels of hCG-ß in saliva and urine were estimated in these individuals, by using Beckman Coulter Access 2 automated immunoassay system and comparisons drawn. Results: hCG-ß immunopositivity was seen in 8 (38%) of 21 well-differentiated, 11 (52%) of 21 moderately differentiated and 6 (75%) of 8 poorly differentiated OSCC specimens. The levels of hCG-ß in both saliva and urine were increased in poorly differentiated (0.40 and 1.19 mIU/ml) than moderately (0.3 and 0.76 mIU/ml) and well-differentiated (0.36 and 0.48 mIU/ml) OSCC patients. Conclusion: Immunohistochemical expression, salivary and urine levels of hCG-ß could serve as an independent prognostic indicator in OSCC patients.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Recently, studies have concentrated on complementary medicine in treating a large number of diseases, including cancer. Unfortunately, many of these treatment methods do not provide a permanent solution, and even if they do, many do not have a scientific corroboration. A shift toward alternative medicine and natural methods is being preferred to reduce if not counter the toxic effects of the drugs that are used to treat such diseases. Studies have shown that amygdalin is a natural plant product to have an anticarcinogenic effect on many types of cancers. However, the effect of amygdalin on oral cancers has not been studied, and hence, the present study aimed to evaluate the anticarcinogenic effect of amygdalin extracted from apricots and almonds on human oral cancer cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oral cancer cell lines (KB cell line) were used in the present study. Ethanolic extracts of apricots and almonds were prepared using Soxhlet extraction method. The antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity on KB cell line was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-YL)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. RESULTS: Both the extracts exhibited cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity on KB cell lines. While almonds exhibited maximum efficacy at 50 µg/mL, apricots extract required 100 µg/mL concentrations. CONCLUSION: Ethanolic extracts of amygdalin from almonds and apricots were effective as an antiproliferative agent which caused apoptosis in oral cancer cell line.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Oral candidiasis is a common fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. In recent years, Candida species have shown resistance against many synthetic drugs, which has highlighted the need for novel antifungal drugs with fewer side effects for effective management of candidiasis. Several studies have suggested that some plant species possess promising antimicrobial compounds. Piper betle and Ocimum sanctum Linn are such common medicinal plants that show strong antimicrobial activity by the release of secondary metabolites. However, the effect of these plants on oral candidiasis has not been studied and hence, the present study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of these plant extracts on the subcultures of C. albicans and compared with a standard drug, fluconazole. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subcultures of C. albicans obtained from oral thrush patients were used in the present study. Ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of P. betle (betel) and O. sanctum L. (tulsi) leaves were prepared by cold extraction method. The anticandidal activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were evaluated using disc diffusion method and microbroth dilution method, respectively. Values were compared with the standard drug fluconazole. RESULTS: Both the extracts exhibited anticandidal activity on the subcultures of C. albicans. The ethyl acetate extract of mature betel leaf showed a maximum zone of inhibition (26 mm) when compared with tulsi and fluconazole (13 mm). Betel leaf extract showed better MIC values (125 µg/ml) than tulsi (2000 µg/ml). However, these values were high when compared with those of fluconazole (62.5 µg/ml). CONCLUSION: Ethyl acetate extract of mature betel leaf exhibited good anticandidal activity than that of tulsi and fluconazole.
