Correction to: Current therapies in alleviating liver disorders and cancers with a special focus on the potential of vitamin D

Abstract Following publication of the original article [1] one of the authors wrote to say that his name had been spelt incorrectly as Ahmed Makki instead of Ahmad Makki

Use of rapid biomarking technique to estimate oxidative stress in course dependent children with sickle cell disease in Saudi Arabia

Sickle cell disease is characterized by a chain of polymerization reactions in the deoxygenated phase, manifesting in debilitating conditions like inflammation, painful vaso-occlusive crisis and disruption of the bodily defense systems. This vaso-occlusion accompanied by cell adhesion and ischemia-reperfusion injury is linked to a vicious pathway resulting in oxidative stress and an enhanced free radical generation. In children with sickle cell disease, the antioxidant defense system is continuously challenged, resulting in a compromised immunity, and a host of complications. An early, easy, and rapid technique to assess the oxidative stress would help in early therapeutic interventions. As prevalence of sickle cell disease is high in Saudi Arabia, the need for early interventions in children with the problem is of dire necessity. Currently hydroxyurea is the only drug of choice administered. We therefore utilized the free oxygen radical transference (FORT), and free oxygen radical defense (FORD) measurements in children with sickle cell disease on hydroxyurea therapy and compared them with patients not taking the drug. Though patients of both the groups exhibited oxidative stress, the values of free radical transference were considerably higher in the group which did not undertake any treatment as compared to those on hydroxyurea therapy. No appreciable changes were noticed in the FORD values representing the antioxidant capacity. Our results show that the technique is feasible for quick measurements of oxidative stress, and intervention with hydroxyurea therapy benefits in decreasing it. Its incorporation in screening practices would help understand the disease stage better. Abbreviations- SCD-sickle cell disease, FORT- free oxygen radical transference, FORD- free oxygen radical defense</jats:p

Current therapies in alleviating liver disorders and cancers with a special focus on the potential of vitamin D

Abstract Background Liver dysfunction is a topic of global concern with many advancing therapies being researched. Though vitamin D takes a center place, other therapies especially nutritional are also gaining ground. Vitamin D has gone beyond its role in skeletal disorders by showcasing its associations in other metabolic dysfunctions too. Result Epidemiological evidences show a correlation between the status of vitamin D and different forms of cancer. Vitamin D receptors and alterations in gene expression appear decisive in the development of chronic liver disorders. Nutritional status therefore plays a significant role in avoiding the complications related to liver dysfunctions, making it mandatory in maintaining vitamin D sufficiency in the body. Therapies with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, amino acids, steroids also render benefits which could be further explored. Recent research on the progression of certain forms of liver cancer using vitamin D analogs like Seocalcitol EB 1089 has shown good promise. Conclusion The anti-inflammatory and immuno- regulatory properties of vitamin D makes its analogs, suitable candidates of better choice for the prevention and treatment of liver disorders and cancer