1. Role of dietary phytochemicals in modulation of miRNA expression: Natural swords combating breast cancer
Banzeer Ahsan ABBASI ; Javed IQBAL ; Tariq MAHMOOD ; Barkat ALI ; Sayed Afzal SHAH ; Ali Talha KHALIL ; Ali Talha KHALIL ; Ali Talha KHALIL ; Sobia KANWAL ; Riaz AHMAD
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine 2018;11(9):501-509
The National Cancer Institute had projected breast cancer (BC) as one of the topmost prevalent malignancies around the globe. In many cases, BC becomes resistant to chemotherapy, radiation and hormonal therapies. Traditional BC therapies are associated with adverse side effects, drug resistance and recurrence. Extensive research work has shown that these dietary phytochemicals (DPs) may exert therapeutic effects by regulating the miRNA expression. A large number of DPs have been researched as miRNA regulatory agents against BC and some other DPs have not yet been tested against BC. We have discussed the effects of curcumin, diallyl disulphide, 3,3′ diindolylmethane, ellagic acid, genistein, indole-3-carbinol, quercetin, resveratrol, and sulforaphane on regulation of expression of BC miRNAs in a wide range of in vitro and in vivo models. We have also shown some of the possible DPs (Oleanolic acid, capsaicin, benzyl isothiocyanate, epigallocatechin gallate, phenethyl isothiocyanate and ursolic acid) that have shown miRNA regulatory activities and have not yet been tested against BC miRNAs. Finally, current limitations, challenges, future perspectives of DPs and BC research are also critically discussed.
2.Acupuncture/Electroacupuncture as an Alternative in Current Opioid Crisis.
Usman ALI ; Evhy APRYANI ; Muhammad Zaeem AHSAN ; Rana Muhammad SHOAIB ; Khalil Ali AHMAD ; Yong-Xiang WANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2020;26(9):643-647
Opioid drugs are the first line of defense in severe pain but the adverse effects associated with opioids are considered as a serious issue worldwide. Acupuncture/electroacupuncture is a type of Chinese medicine therapy which is an effective analgesic therapy, well documented in animals and human studies. Electroacupuncture stimulation could release endogenous opioid peptides causing analgesia in a variety of pain models. It can be used as an alternative therapy to control the opioid crisis.