Indian J Med Res
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Observational Study
Quality of life assessment & out-of-pocket expenditure in multiple myeloma: An observational study.
Prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has improved significantly in the past two decades. However, the symptoms burden is high at onset and treatment is generally prolonged with significant financial burden. This study was undertaken to assess the quality of life (QoL) and to analyse out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) incurred on MM patients being treated at a tertiary care cancer centre in north India. ⋯ Regular assessment of QoL in the clinical management of multiple myeloma patients has the potential of improving treatment outcomes. Measures to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure may improve treatment compliance.
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β-catenin signalling plays a key role in maintaining normal cellular physiology, and therefore, its deregulation can lead to many human diseases including cancers. Previously, we have shown that the activation of Gq signalling positively regulates β-catenin by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta and increasing the stability of β-catenin protein, however, these results were mainly based on overexpression experiments in either Xenopus oocytes or HEK293T cells. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the modulation of Gq signalling in human colon cancer cells. ⋯ The results of this study further support the positive role of Gq signalling in regulating β-catenin expression and function and may provide a new means of preventing β-catenin-mediated carcinogenesis by blocking heterotrimeric G proteins.
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Studies have suggested that smoking may accelerate the progression of fibrosis among patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), although the data are limited. The current review was undertaken with the aim to comprehensively analyze this possible association by identifying all relevant studies and summarizing their results. ⋯ This meta-analysis found that smoking is associated with a significantly higher risk of advanced liver fibrosis among patients with PBC. Further prospective studies are still required to determine whether this association is causal.