Kidney Cancer

Recent Progress of Phenazines as Anticancer Agents

Phenazines are nitrogen-containing heterocycles which possess a wide range of biological activities and in particular, cytotoxic effects. Moreover, various phenazines have been prepared having alkyl, amide, carboxylic acid, aldehyde, and pyrano groups. These synthetic phenazines possess significant anticancer effects towards various cancers. On the other hand, only a few natural phenazines have been reported with anticancer effects. This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of the most recent patents related to the phenazines as anticancer agents.

Endocrine Disruptors: What Do We Know about the Effects and Risk Factors in Humans?

In the last few decades, the theme of endocrine disruption and endocrine disrupting chemicals has become more and more relevant, raising alarm in the scientific community and amongst public health officials, as well as questioning the traditional concepts of toxicology. This chapter is a revision and summary of the latest information and articles concerning this subject. It discusses the terms and definitions of endocrine disruption, the sources and mechanisms of action of these chemicals both naturally and artificially made, reviewing the potential adverse development, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects that they can have on the different systems in the body, and how they can relate to the different epidemics of cancer, diabetes and obesity. It also provides the latest up-to-date information on the tests and methods used to detect and assess these entities, offering ideas and lines of future investigation to attempt to better understand the knowledge in this field and reduce the potential threat of these environmental hazards to mankind.

Health Effects and Risks of Caffeine, Theobromine and Theophylline

Methylxanthines, namely caffeine, theobromine and theophylline are found in several beverages and food products such as coffee, cocoa, tea and cola drinks. These substances can provide benefits to humans but also prove harmful mainly when consumed in high amounts. However, the beneficial and deleterious effects of methylxanthines are controversial in research findings, largely because of inconsistencies within research conducted and factors associated within studies. For instance, some authors have reported methylxanthines could have potential antioxidant activity under physiological conditions but opposing studies do not support these claims. Factors that influence the effects of methylxanthines include age, gender and health status of the individual. In addition to these, other factors such as doses, consumption of drugs or pharmaceuticals, alcohol and tobacco habits and diet also play a role in methylxanthine effects and metabolism. Therefore, our review is to provide a clearer understanding of the beneficial/adverse effects of methylxanthines in humans. A description of the physiological and toxicological effects of these methylxanthines is provided.

Dietary Agents: Effective and Safe Natural Assets Against Cancer

Cancer stands as the second most common cause of disease-related death in humans. Although numerous anticancer drugs are available, mostly they are expensive with serious side effects. Thus, the challenging task of finding an alternative cancer treatment measure has become more important than ever to both scientists and physicians. Since natural compounds are known for their various health benefits for centuries, several nutritional factors have brought considerable attention as modifiable risk factors in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Based on currently available research, the present chapter focuses on the chemo preventive and chemotherapeutic properties of different natural/dietary compounds such as fruits, vegetable, spices, nuts, legumes, cereals and grains highlighting their potential use against cancer treatment. The molecular mechanisms by which theses dietary compounds inhibit cancer development and induce cell death are also included to a certain extent.

Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis of NAFLD

The non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significantly increasing cause of chronic liver disease which is strongly associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Due to this association it is considered as the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. According to the emerging clinical and epidemiological data patients with NAFLD have an increased morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease as well as malignancies, beyond the liver-related mortality. A number of other less established comorbidities can also manifest together with NAFLD, like colorectal cancer, hypothyroidism, obstructive sleep apnea, polycystic ovarian syndrome and osteoporosis.

The majority of the patients however, maybe asymptomatic and the diagnosis is made only incidentally. Obesity, high body mass index (BMI), elevated transaminase levels and/or hyperechogenic ultrasound form the basis for the diagnosis. About 20% of the cases can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. Fibrosis, however, can be initiated either in simple steatosis or in NASH i.e. due to the most recent results, fibrosis progression is independent of the presence of NASH. In patients with simple steatosis and no inflammation, the fibrosis progression is very slow. The rapid progressors, however, can progress to cirrhosis within 2-6 years. In these patients, hypertension and diabetes are usually also present. The presence and severity of fibrosis on liver biopsy are the best indicators of long-term liver-related outcome in patients with NAFLD. The most important step during diagnosis is risk stratification.

Once a patient with NAFLD develops cirrhosis, he has the same natural history as with other etiologies. Patients with compensated cirrhosis have a 3-4% risk of mortality annually.