Inhibitory effect of selected Indian honey on colon cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis and targeting the ß-catenin/Wnt pathway.

Colon cancer is the most prevalent cause of death from cancer across the globe. Although chemotherapy drugs are predominantly used, their toxicity always remains a cause of concern. As an alternative to synthetic drugs, natural compounds or nutraceuticals are comparatively less toxic. Honey is widely used across different cultures as an alternative form of medicine. It represents a prominent source of plant-phenolic compounds and there is demonstrable evidence of its anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activities. The aim of the present work was to investigate the anti-proliferative effect of some Indian honeys and analyze their mechanism of action in colon cancer. In order to establish the composition-activity relationship, we evaluated the bioactive components present in selected honey samples by GC-MS and HPLC analysis. Indian honey samples showed a significant inhibitory impact on cell growth by restricting cell proliferation, causing apoptosis, and restricting the cell cycle in the G2/M phase specifically for colon cancer cells. The apoptotic activities, as imparted by the honey samples, were established by Annexin V/PI staining, real-time PCR, and immunoblot analyses. The treated cells showed increased expressions of p53 and caspases 3, 8, and 9, thus indicating the involvement of both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. The honey samples were also found to inhibit the ß-catenin/Wnt pathway. In the next phase of the study, the efficacy of these honey samples was evaluated in colon carcinoma induced SD-rats. Overall, these findings demonstrated that selected Indian honeys could be established as effective nutraceuticals for the prevention as well as cure of colon cancer.

Nevus lipomatosus cutaneous superficialis: a rare case report.

Nevus lipomatosus cutaneous superficialis is a rare idiopathic hamartomatous anomaly of the skin characterized by the presence of clusters of mature fat cells among the collagen bundles of the dermis. The classic, or solitary type, presents with asymptomatic soft, skin-colored to yellow papules or nodules. We report the case of a 12-year-old boy with congenital, classical nevus lipomatosus cutaneous superficialis that started as a single painless nodule. Over time, the nodule developed into lesions that presented as skin-colored, well-defined, soft sessile growths with a cerebriform surface centered by comedo-like plugs that increased in size and spread over a large area (approximately 12×4 cm) over the right gluteal region. We report this case as it is an uncommon condition with the intent to highlight its clinical and histopathological features, and differential diagnosis.

Endometrial cartilaginous metaplasia: A case report with literature review.

Endometrial metaplasias are of two types, epithelial metaplasia which is commonly encountered and stromal metaplasia, unusually seen. This includes formation within endometrial stroma, islands of smooth muscle, cartilage, and bone. Endometrial stromal (cartilaginous) metaplasias are conditions frequently overlooked and misdiagnosed. Hence, a careful clinical and histopathological examination is required to avoid the misinterpretation of non-tumor cartilaginous foci as a component of malignant neoplasm. Herein, we report a rare case of endometrial cartilaginous metaplasia which was an incidental finding in a 38-year-old female with third degree uterovaginal prolapse.