Inflammatory Mediators and Gut Microbial Toxins Drive Colon Tumorigenesis by IL-23 Dependent Mechanism

Obesity-associated chronic inflammation predisposes colon cancer risk development. Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is a potential inflammatory mediator linking obesity to chronic colonic inflammation, altered gut microbiome, and colon carcinogenesis. We aimed to elucidate the role of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and gut bacterial toxins in priming dendritic cells and macrophages for IL-23 secretion to promote colon tumor progression. To investigate the association of IL-23 with obesity and colon tumorigenesis, we utilized TCGA data set and colonic tumors from humans and preclinical models. To understand IL-23 production by inflammatory mediators and gut microbial toxins, we performed several in vitro mechanistic studies to mimic the tumor microenvironment. Colonic tumors were utilized to perform the ex vivo experiments. Our findings showed that IL-23 is elevated in obese individuals, colonic tumors and correlated with reduced disease-free survival. In vitro studies showed that IL-23 treatment increased the colon tumor cell self-renewal, migration, and invasion while disrupting epithelial barrier permeability. Co-culture experiments of educated dendritic cells/macrophages with colon cancer cells significantly increased the tumor aggression by increasing the secretory levels of IL-23, and these observations are further supported by ex vivo rat colonic tumor organotypic experiments. Our results demonstrate gut microbe toxins and eicosanoids facilitate IL-23 production, which plays an important role in obesity-associated colonic tumor progression. This newly identified nexus represents a potential target for the prevention and treatment of obesity-associated colon cancer.

Role of Internal Medicines in the Management of Infections w.s.r. to Viral and Fungal Diseases: A Review

Ayurveda works towards the prevention and management of various health problems, Ayurveda also suggests many natural ways to promote general health. Ayurveda in this regards provides several modalities for controlling infectious diseases which described as Sankramak Roga in Ayurveda. As per Ayurveda these Sankramak Roga mainly arises due to the vitiated state of Doshas and this vitiation arises by microbial toxins in case of infectious diseases. Therefore Doshas pacifying medicines recommended controlling infections. Ayurveda drugs like Kapura, Neema, Guduchi, Tulsi and Vacha, etc. helps to treat such pathological conditions. The present scenario of pandemic disaster requires an approach where Ayurveda and modern science can join hand together to combat against this situation. The consequences of viral infections also increases susceptibility towards other infections i.e.; fungal diseases. Considering these all facts this article explored Ayurveda as well as modern approaches for the management of various types of Sankramak Roga w.s.r. to viral and fungal infections.

Microbial Toxins in Insect and Nematode Pest Biocontrol

Invertebrate pests, such as insects and nematodes, not only cause or transmit human and livestock diseases but also impose serious crop losses by direct injury as well as vectoring pathogenic microbes. The damage is global but greater in developing countries, where human health and food security are more at risk. Although synthetic pesticides have been in use, biological control measures offer advantages via their biodegradability, environmental safety and precise targeting. This is amply demonstrated by the successful and widespread use of Bacillusthuringiensis to control mosquitos and many plant pests, the latter by the transgenic expression of insecticidal proteins from B. thuringiensis in crop plants. Here, I discuss the prospects of using bacterial and fungal toxins for pest control, including the molecular basis of their biocidal activity.

Ayurveda considerations on Infectious diseases and their preventive measures w.s.r. to current pandemic situation

Ayurveda described term “Sankramaka Roga” for communicable diseases which mainly occurs due to the microbial transmissions. These diseases can transmit from one to anther through physical, chemical and biological means. The pathogenesis of such diseases arises due to the effect of microbial toxins inside the body. Antibiotics, lifestyle modification, immune-therapy, natural drugs, ayurveda formulations and purification measures, etc. are some approaches of various medical field which utilizes to prevent and treat Sankramaka Roga. The mass destruction of population by Sankramaka Roga termed as Janapadodhwamsa which resembles pandemic of modern science. Good immune system play vital role towards the prevention of Sankramaka Roga. Ayurveda concept of Ahara-Vihara helps greatly to boost immunity thus maintains good health status and enhances resistance against infectious diseases. This article explores Ayurveda view on Sankramaka Roga and their management through natural ways of healing.