On May 13th 2023, VFAHT-DUHS members of Research & Publications worked on writing a Letter to the Editor (LTE) about Monkey Pox and its relevant vaccines. The publication was made under the banner of VFAHT and is the start of ‘Research Awareness Program’ by VFAHT-DUHS R&P team.
The Letter to Editor discusses the emergence of monkeypox as a global health concern, following the COVID-19 pandemic. Monkeypox, primarily endemic to Africa, gained global attention during the 2022-2023 epidemic, with 86,516 reported cases by March 2023. The virus belongs to the orthopoxvirus genus, transmitted mainly through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected individuals. Its pathophysiology involves unique proteins that evade the immune response by interfering with cellular functions. Currently, no specific treatment exists, and focus is on vaccine development. LC16m8, a live attenuated vaccine, shows promise but is limited in availability due to production monopolization by Japan.
Clinical trials demonstrate its efficacy in inducing immunity against monkeypox, with fewer adverse effects compared to other vaccines. LC16m8 offers prolonged immunity and requires only a single dose due to its capacity for replication in humans. The article urges global attention and distribution of LC16m8 to combat the rising threat of monkeypox.
On August 13th, 2023 VFAHT-DUHS Research & Publications curated mentees and mentors from VFAHT and formed two teams. Each team was required to write an LTE, under leadership of the mentor, on topics researched and provided by VFAHT-DUHS R&P. The idea is to increase proficiency of research writing within VFAHT, with the sole goal of establishing VFAHT as an independent research body.
Diabetes mellitus (DM), marked by chronic hyperglycemia, particularly Type II DM (T2DM), is poised to affect 7.7% of individuals aged 20 to 79, totaling 439 million people by 2030. The association between diabetes and heightened cancer risk has prompted a thorough examination of antidiabetic medications’ (ADMs) impact on cancer development, fueled by shared risk factors like tobacco use, physical inactivity, obesity, and poor diet. Understanding the intricate interplay between ADMs and cancer risk is crucial, given T2DM’s escalating prevalence and its shared etiology with cancer. Recent studies reveal that while metformin and thiazolidinediones potentially lower cancer risk, insulin, sulfonylureas, and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors may heighten it, accentuating the multifaceted relationship between insulin, insulin-like growth factor, and pathways like PI3Ks and MAPK. Personalized treatment approaches are advocated in diabetic care due to the varied mechanisms through which ADMs impact cancer risk, highlighting the complexity of managing both conditions effectively.
As diabetes prevalence continues to rise, DUHS council undertook a vital research initiative aimed at highlighting the importance of careful consideration in diabetic care. Individualized treatment approaches, considering the disparities in outcomes associated with different diabetes drugs, are essential. Incorporating age and gender-appropriate cancer screenings into routine diabetes assessments is proposed as a pragmatic strategy for primary prevention and early detection of cancer in diabetic patients. By shedding light on the intricate relationship between diabetic medicines and cancer risk, healthcare practitioners can contribute to successful treatment and optimal outcomes for the growing population affected by diabetes.
