Metformin and Breast cancer
Study on this issue... I thought important for all of us Women with type 2 diabetes may be more likely to develop breast cancer, but taking the diabetes drug metformin appears to reduce their risk for the most common type, new research finds. Compared to women without diabetes, risk for estrogen-positive breast cancer was 38% lower among women with type 2 diabetes who had used metformin for 10 years or more. Metformin did not protect against estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer and may increase risk for triple-negative breast cancers, the study found. "Women with type 2 diabetes and their doctors should consider whether their type 2 diabetes diagnosis and treatment should influence how frequently they are screened for breast cancer," said study author Dale Sandler, chief of the epidemiology branch at the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in Research Triangle Park, N.C. In diabetes, metformin reduces blood sugar (glucose) levels by decreasing the amount of glucose produced in the liver. Exactly how this drug may protect women with diabetes from breast cancer is less clear. "Metformin can improve insulin sensitivity and correct high insulin levels by reducing the amount of insulin and insulin-like growth factor circulating in the body, which may activate cell signals involved in cancer," Sandler said. Metformin may also slow breast cancer growth by activating an enzyme called adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK), she said. It blocks a pathway involved in spread of cancer cells. Or, Sandler said, metformin may inhibit estrogen receptors that play a role in the development and progression of breast cancer. The new study included more than 44,000 women who were followed for more than eight years. They ranged from 35 to 74 years of age. Though they had never been diagnosed with breast cancer when the study began, they were sisters or half-sisters of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Participants completed questionnaires every three years. While women with type 2 diabetes who took metformin were protected against estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, they had a 74% higher risk of developing triple-negative breast cancer, the study found. Only a handful of participants developed this type of breast cancer, so it is too early to jump to any conclusions, researchers said. More study is needed to better understand whether there is a cause-effect relationship between metformin and cancer or whether the increased risk owes to an absence of protection from metformin, Sandler said. The findings were published Jan. 29 in the Annals of Oncology. Metformin has been hailed as something of a miracle for many diseases other than diabetes. Some research has linked it to a longer life span, reduced risk of vision loss and improved fertility in men and women. The new study does not suggest that women without diabetes should take metformin to reduce breast cancer risk, said Dr. Pamela Goodwin, co-author of an editorial that accompanied the study. She's a professor of medicine at the University of Toronto and former director of the Marvelle Koffler Breast Centre at Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital. More research is needed to fully understand the link between diabetes and breast cancer and clarify what role metformin may play, Goodwin said. Losing weight and engaging in regular physical activity can help lower diabetes risk, she said, adding this may have spillover benefits for breast cancer risk as well. "If you have type 2 diabetes, get properly treated and in many cases, this means taking metformin. Make sure to get regular mammograms, too," Goodwin said. Dr. Sarah Cate, director of the special surveillance and breast program at the Blavatnik Family-Chelsea Medical Center at Mount Sinai in New York City, reviewed the findings. "Certainly, metformin helps with weight loss, which is linked with estrogen-driven breast cancers, so this may explain why fewer patients on metformin got this type of breast cancer," she said. Both Cate and Goodwin noted that the finding on triple-negative breast cancer needs to be fleshed out. "The number of patients who were found to have triple-negative breast cancer was small, so we cannot draw any practice-changing conclusions from it," Cate said.
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Ten health benefits of Black Pepper. Black pepper (scientific name: Piper nigrum) is a hot, pungent spice with a host of health benefits. In fact, it is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine. It has an active component called piperine that gives black pepper its characteristic taste. Plus, it contains iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, chromium, vitamins A and C, and other nutrients. Black pepper usually is added to savory dishes when they are done cooking, otherwise its volatile oils tend to evaporate and diminish its flavor. Freshly ground black pepper has the most flavor. Peppercorns work well in soups, stews, marinades, and other sauces that are cooked slowly. 1. Increases Nutrient Absorption The piperine in black pepper enhances the bioavailability of various nutrients such as vitamins A and C, selenium, beta-carotene, and others, thereby improving your overall health. Bioavailability refers to the amount of a nutrient or supplement that is absorbed by the body. For example, researchers have found that it can increase the bioavailability of the compound curcumin (found in turmeric) twentyfold. Curcumin helps fight cancer, infection, and inflammation. Moreover, piperine stimulates amino acid transporters in the intestinal lining and inhibits enzymes that help metabolize nutritional compounds. It also prevents the removal of substances from cells and reduces intestinal activity, so more substances enter the body in active form and remain available for use. 2. Improves Digestion Black pepper stimulates the taste buds and increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which in turn aids proper digestion. Interestingly, most digestive problems are caused by a lack of hydrochloric acid rather than excess amounts of it. By improving digestion, black pepper relieves issues like colic, bloating, indigestion, flatulence, and constipation. It also has antibacterial qualities that help treat intestinal diseases caused by bacteria. 3. Stimulates Appetite Besides adding flavor to your food and promoting digestion, black pepper works as an appetite stimulant. Research has shown that black pepper helps improve the appetite through olfactory stimulation. This makes it an excellent, simple remedy for those with a poor appetite. An Ayurvedic remedy specifically for this purpose calls for consuming a mixture of one-half teaspoon of black pepper and one tablespoon of jaggery powder (gur). Take this remedy on a regular basis till you see improvement. 4. Facilitates Weight Loss Although it stimulates the appetite, black pepper also can help you lose weight. The outer layer of peppercorns contains phytonutrients that encourage the breakdown of fat cells. A 2010 study of the effects of piperine on the metabolism of mice revealed that it suppresses fat accumulation in the body. Also, by improving your metabolism this fat-free food can help you burn calories. In addition, being a diuretic and diaphoretic herb, it promotes urination and perspiration, which in turn help flush toxins and excess water from the body. 5. Relieves Gas Being a carminative, black pepper relieves stomach gas and also helps prevent gas formation. If you are prone to stomach gas, try spicing up your food with black pepper instead of chili powder or peppers.To cure indigestion and heaviness in your stomach, you can have a glass of buttermilk mixed with one-quarter teaspoon each of black pepper and cumin powder.You can also massage your belly with black pepper oil mixed with carrier oil (a base oil) to relieve gas pain. 6. Helps Clear Congestion Black pepper can be used to clear up a stuffy nose and congestion as it helps loosen phlegm. It also has antimicrobial properties, which is why black pepper is included in various cough and cold remedies. Simply drink a glass of lukewarm water mixed with one-half tablespoon of black pepper powder, two or three times a day to clear the respiratory system.Alternatively, you can try steam inhalation from a pot of hot water mixed with some black pepper and eucalyptus oil.Another simple remedy is to sniff a mixture of black pepper and a few drops of sesame oil. It will induce sneezing but clear your sinuses. 7. Combats Arthritis The piperine present in black pepper is highly beneficial for treating arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. In addition, this wonderful spice improves circulation, thereby preventing or reducing joint pain caused by poor circulation. Researchers have also found that black pepper helps reduce the perception of pain and arthritic symptoms. 8. Fights Cancer and Prevents Other Diseases Black pepper has antioxidant qualities that fight cancer, particularly colon and breast cancer. A study done at St. Louis University in Missouri found that black pepper can help inhibit colon cell proliferation due to its significant anti-proliferative activity. Furthermore, its polyphenol content protects against high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. 9. Works as a Natural Antidepressant The piperine in black pepper acts as an antidepressant by increasing serotonin production. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter important for mood regulation. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression Moreover, piperine increases beta-endorphins in the brain and promotes mental clarity. Endorphins work as natural painkillers and mood elevators. They reduce stress and promote a feeling of wellness that alleviates anxiety and melancholy. So, add black pepper in your daily meals to improve your cognitive functioning and lift your mood. 10. Treats Teeth and Gum Problems As it reduces pain and inflammation, you can use black pepper with its partner salt to reduce gum inflammation along with problems like bad breath and bleeding gums. Just mix equal amounts of both salt and pepper in a few drops of water, and massage your gums with the mixture.To alleviate a toothache, mix a pinch of black pepper powder in clove oil and apply it on the affected area.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Mallick11 Likes18 Answers - Login to View the image
Health Benefits of Alfalfa Grass ............................................................... Alfalfa grass is a flowering plant that is very common and the alfalfa grass health benefits are plentiful. The following will uncover 5 surprising health benefits of alfalfa grass… It is a perennial plant, which means that it grows and blooms over the spring and summer. During the fall and winter, the plants die back. In the spring, they return from the rootstock. The basic benefit of alfalfa is that it is very nutritious when it is consumed. This plant is high in chlorophyll, micronutrients, and vitamins A, B1, B6, C, E, and K. It also contains calcium, iron, zinc, and potassium. Finally, it contains more protein than most plants. What Are the Health Benefits of Alfalfa Grass? Other than the nutritional value, alfalfa has several health benefits. These include: Anti-Inflammatory Properties: An alfalfa study was published in the July 2009 issue of Journal of Biomedical Science. The study was performed on animals that were injected with compounds that contained inflammation. The animals that were not fed alfalfa sprouts had increased inflammation compared to those who were fed alfalfa sprouts. Bolsters Immune System: A study was performed and published in the March 2009 issue of “Lupus”. During this study, animals were injected with alfalfa sprout ethyl acetate extract. The scientists doing this study wanted to see if alfalfa sprouts could be beneficial for people who suffer from autoimmune diseases, such as lupus. The animals that were given alfalfa had lower T-cell counts at the end of the study. Antioxidant Effects and Radiation Protection: A study was conducted in Turkey, and the results were published in the February 2008 issue of Photocheistry and Photobiology. According to the study, alfalfa can protect the cells from damage from x-rays, due to its antioxidant properties. The animals that were given alfalfa before having an x-ray had less free radicals and cell damage than those who were not given alfalfa. Lower Cholesterol: High cholesterol can lead to stroke and heart disease. A study was performed and published in the May 1087 issue of Atherosclerosis. According to the study, patients with high cholesterol were given alfalfa for 8 weeks. At the end of the study, their LDL, also known as bad cholesterol, dropped by 30 percent. After the study, the patients stopped eating alfalfa, and their cholesterol returned to the previous levels before the study was conducted. The study indicated that regular consumption of alfalfa could successfully reduce cholesterol. Improves Certain Medical Conditions: Alfalfa has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including kidney, bladder, and prostate conditions. It can also increase urine flow. Patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, upset stomach, and asthma can benefit from alfalfa. Side Effects of Alfalfa Grass Alfalfa is relatively safe for adults. However, if you take large amounts of alfalfa for a long period of time, the seeds can cause a reaction that is similar to lupus. Also, alfalfa can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. It is important for light skinned people to wear sunblock when going outdoors. Patients who are pregnant should avoid alfalfa. There is evidence that alfalfa can act like estrogen, which can have a negative effect on the pregnancy. Its estrogen effect can also be harmful for patients who suffer from breast cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer. If you have diabetes, you should check your blood sugar levels often, as alfalfa can lower your blood sugar. You may think that you are eating right, and your blood sugar levels are fine, but the alfalfa can have an effect on it. Patients who have had a kidney transplant should avoid consuming anything with alfalfa. There has been one reported case of a patient who had a transplant and rejected it due to their consumption of alfalfa. Because alfalfa boosts the immune system, it can make the anti-drugs that are given after the surgery, less effective. How to Take Alfalfa Grass The most common way to ingest alfalfa is to add alfalfa sprouts to a salad. You can also purchase alfalfa supplements and take them with your daily multivitamin. Alfalfa Grass in Green Powder Drinks If salad is not your favorite thing to eat, and you would rather not take a daily supplement, you can purchase green powder drinks that contain the right amount of alfalfa that is healthy for your diet. Green powder drinks such as Total Living Drink Greens contain numerous ingredients, including alfalfa grass, which are rich in vitamins and nutrients. Just having a drink or two a day can greatly improve your health. Alfalfa grass grows all over the world, and is very plentiful. For years, many people did not know the many health benefits of alfalfa grass. As studies were conducted on this grass, more and more people began putting alfalfa sprouts in their salad, and even eating them on their own. As the health food industry began seeing the importance of this grass, many companies began using alfalfa in their green drink powders.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Mallick6 Likes23 Answers - Login to View the image
A 35 Yrs Old Male Patient With No H/o Past illness. Comes With complain Of Dyspnea & Having Problem In Breathing. No Fever, No Body Ache, No Cough & Cold, No Taste Change & No Smell Changes So No Suspect of Covid But Advised RTPCR for Confirmation. Please Help To Conclude Dx & Management? Thank You *Chief Complaints* Dyspnea on Exertion, Tiredness
Dr. Kamal Koushal0 Like14 Answers - Login to View the image
HIGH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION MAY REDUCE RISK OF BREAST CANCER, ESPECIALLY AGGRESSIVE TUMORS. July 19, 2018. International Journal of Cancer (2018). WOMEN WHO EAT A HIGH AMOUNT OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES EACH DAY MAY HAVE A LOWER RISK OF BREAST CANCER, ESPECIALLY OF AGGRESSIVE TUMORS, THAN THOSE WHO EAT FEWER fruits and vegetables, ACCORDING TO A NEW STUDY led by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. In their findings, CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES such as BROCCOLI, and YELLOW AND ORANGE VEGETABLES, HAD a particularly SIGNIFICANT ASSOCIATION WITH LOWER BREAST CANCER RISK. "Although PRIOR STUDIES have SUGGESTED an association, they HAVE been LIMITED IN POWER, particularly for specific fruits and vegetables and aggressive subtypes of breast cancer," said first author Maryam Farvid, research scientist in the Department of Nutrition. "This research provides the most complete picture of the importance of consuming high amounts of fruit and vegetables for breast cancer prevention." The STUDY was PUBLISHED online July 6, 2018 in the International Journal of Cancer. The RESEARCHERS ANALYZED diet questionnaires submitted every four years by participants in the Nurses' Health Study (88,301 women, starting in 1980) and the Nurses' Health Study II (93,844 women, starting in 1991). Data on other potential breast cancer risk factors such as age, weight, smoking status, and family cancer history were taken from biennial questionnaires. THEY FOUND that WOMEN WHO ATE MORE THAN 5.5 SERVINGS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES EACH DAY HAD AN 11% LOWER RISK of breast cancer THAN those WHO ATE 2.5 OR FEWER SERVINGS. (A SERVING is DEFINED AS ONE CUP OF RAW LEAFY VEGETABLES, HALF A CUP OF RAW OR COOKED VEGETABLES, OR HALF A CUP OF CHOPPED OR COOKED FRUITS.) To find out whether the BENEFITS OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION DIFFERED AMONG VARIOUS TYPES OF BREAST CANCERS, the researchers conducted an analysis by tumor hormone receptor status and molecular subtype. They FOUND that HIGHER CONSUMPTION of fruits and vegetables was particularly ASSOCIATED WITH LOWER RISK OF MORE AGGRESSIVE TUMORS INCLUDING ER-NEGATIVE, HER2-ENRICHED, AND BASAL-LIKE TUMORS. PREVIOUS WORK by this research group LINKED REDUCED breast cancer RISK WITH HIGHER FIBER INTAKE, BUT the BENEFITS of fruits and vegetables found in this study APPEAR to be INDEPENDENT OF their FIBER CONTENT, according to the researchers. This SUGGESTS that OTHER CONSTITUENTS of these foods, SUCH AS ANTIOXIDANTS and OTHER MICRONUTRIENTS, MAY ALSO BE IMPORTANT IN REDUCING BREAST CANCER RISK. "While a diet with lots of fruits and vegetables is associated with many other health benefits, our RESULTS MAY PROVIDE FURTHER IMPETUS FOR WOMEN TO INCREASE THEIR INTAKE OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES," said senior author Heather Eliassen, associate professor at Harvard Medical School and Harvard Chan School and associate epidemiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ MORE INFORMATION : Maryam S. Farvid et al, Fruit and vegetable consumption and breast cancer incidence: Repeated measures over 30 years of follow-up, International Journal of Cancer (2018). DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31653 ________________________________ PROVIDED BY : Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. ________________________________ IMAGE : CREDIT : CC0 Public Domain. **************************+***************************
Dr. Puranjoy Saha18 Likes13 Answers - Login to View the image
P3L3 of 56yrs,known case of diabetes mellitus came with small mass in upper outer quadrant.No evidence of any secretions/ discharge from nipple.No evidence of puckering of skin.PET scan report attached. What is the mode of treatment in this pt.
Dr. Gopala Vanaja0 Like12 Answers
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