Treating Kaposi's Sarcoma Through Blocking of Sugar Binding Protein Galectin-1

Kaposi's sarcoma is a cancerous tumor caused by the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8). KS as it is usually called is also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV).

Kaposi's Sarcoma is named after Hungarian dermatologist Moritz Kaposi who discovered the disease in 1872.

The tumors appear bluish-red or as purple bumps on the skin. They first appear in the feet or ankles, thighs, arms, hands, and face. Kaposi's Sarcoma tumors can also manifest in other parts of the body as well. Sometimes, the tumors appear inside the body such as in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs.

In the 1980's when AIDS first appeared, Kaposi's sarcoma was often associated with it. AIDS related KS is caused by the interaction between the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a weakened immune system, and HHV-8. Treatment of KS in AIDS patients does not affect the chance of survival from AIDS.

Unlike other cancers, the cause of Kaposi's Sarcoma has been positively identified. The virus, HHV-8, is transmitted by the exchange of saliva between an infected person and an uninfected one. It can also be acquired through organ transplantation and to a lesser extent, blood transfusion.

There is no cure for KS but the disease can be slowed down. Antiviral therapy, chemotherapy, crytherapy (freezing), and radiation therapy are some of the treatments used to managed KS but this does not guarantee that an outbreak of lesions will not happen.

Sugar-free approach to treating Kaposi sarcoma

A sugar-loving protein drives the growth of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) tumors, according to a study published on October 1st in The Journal of Experimental Medicine. Interfering with these sugary interactions inhibited growth of Kaposi sarcomas in mice, hinting at the potential for new treatment strategies in humans.

The Biological Mechanism Of Sunburn

A sunburn is a condition when sunlight or ultraviolet light the skin is exposed to, exceeds the normal amount it can take and damages the exposed area. The skin has melanin which serves as the protective pigment from ultraviolet light. When there is too much ultraviolet light, the layer of skin starts to burn forming reddish skin.

Minor exposure results in a suntan although excessive amounts can be dangerous and even lethal. A serious sunburn is as serious as a thermal burn, and may have the same systemic effects such as blistering, edema and fever.

The symptoms of a sunburn are usually temporary but the damage done can be permanent and even have long term health effects such as skin cancer. Sunburn symptoms can include:

• Red, tender skin that is warm to touch.
• Blisters
• Sun Poisoning that induces fever, chills, nausea, or rash
• Skin peeling on sunburned areas

Blisters and skin peeling usually manifest itself hours or even days later.

Researchers describe inflammatory mechanism for first time

The biological mechanism of sunburn – the reddish, painful, protective immune response from ultraviolet (UV) radiation – is a consequence of RNA damage to skin cells, report researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and elsewhere in the July 8, 2012 Advance Online Publication of Nature Medicine.

The findings open the way to perhaps eventually blocking the inflammatory process, the scientists said, and have implications for a range of medical conditions and treatments.

Nonsteroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) May Protect Against Skin Cancer

In a previous article, , NSAIDs were the subject of a study relating them to cardiovascular risk. Now, it seems that these class of drugs can have a role in the fight against skin cancer.

NSAIDs are Nonsteroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs. They are also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents/analgesics (NSAIAs) or nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIMs). These are medication that have analgesic and antipyretic (fever reducing) effects as well as anti-inflammatory effects.

Popular among NSAIDs are the over the counter drugs, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

Consumer Reports based on their comprehensive reviews of the scientific evidence state that "all NSAIDs should be used with caution: they can cause serious side effects, including stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, heart attack, and stroke. NSAIDs (except low–dose aspirin) may not be appropriate for people at risk of heart disease or stroke..."

Commonly used painkillers may protect against skin cancer

A new study suggests that aspirin and other similar painkillers may help protect against skin cancer. Published early online in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the findings indicate that skin cancer prevention may be added to the benefits of these commonly used medications.

Previous studies suggest that taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, which include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, as well as a variety of other nonprescription and prescription drugs, can decrease an individual's risk of developing some types of cancer. Sigrún Alba Jóhannesdóttir, BSc, of Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, and her colleagues looked to see if the medications might decrease the risk of the three major types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.