Issue 2

Epigenetic changes are increasingly acknowledged as crucial factors in the beginning of both blood cancers and solid tumors. These amendments, such as DNA methylation and histone changes, influence gene expression and cellular activities without altering the fundamental DNA sequence. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of DNA methylation and histone modifications in cancer pathogenesis, with a focus on their potential applications as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers. The review synthesizes findings from recent studies on epigenetic alterations in cancer, emphasizing their mechanistic roles in tumorigenesis, therapeutic resistance, and tumor heterogeneity. Relevant studies were chosen for their focus on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and their clinical significance. This review highlights the frequent occurrence of tumor suppressor gene hypermethylation and oncogene hypomethylation across various cancers. Additionally, changes in histone modifications, such as acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation, can alter chromatin configuration and play a significant role in the emergence of oncogenic characteristics. The crosstalk between these epigenetic mechanisms contributes to the reprogramming of the cancer epigenome, driving tumor heterogeneity and resistance to therapy. Understanding the mechanisms of epigenetic alterations in cancer provides new opportunities for developing targeted therapies and improving patient outcomes. Epigenetic biomarkers hold promise for early diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized treatment strategies.  This review underscores the importance of epigenetic research in oncology, offering insights into novel therapeutic targets and strategies. It also highlights the need for further studies to translate these findings into clinical applications, ultimately reshaping cancer treatment paradigms.

In Bangladesh, excessive and haphazard antibiotic use is frequently observed in the poultry industry, which is a global issue in terms of antibiotic residue and resistance. This study aimed to detect ciprofloxacin residues in edible tissues and assess their impact on broilers' hematological and major enzymatic parameters. Thirty-day-old Cobb-500 broiler chicks were used to examine the effects of controlled and uncontrolled ciprofloxacin usage during the period from June to December 2021 at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU). On the 14^th day, the chicks were randomly assigned to control, discriminate, and indiscriminate antibiotic groups. Treatment commenced from day 14, with the discriminate group receiving ciprofloxacin at 100 mg/L in drinking water for 7 days followed by a 7-day withdrawal period. Conversely, the indiscriminate group received ciprofloxacin at the same concentration for 14 days without any withdrawal period. Daily body weights of the broiler were recorded. On day 14, the body weights across all groups showed no significant differences, but by day 28, the indiscriminate group exhibited a significantly higher mean body weight (1601.43±15.50 g). Thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis revealed the presence of ciprofloxacin residues in all samples from the indiscriminate group, while no residues were detected in the control group. In the discriminate group, residues were found in 2 liver samples, 3 kidney samples, 1 spleen sample, and 1 breast muscle sample, but not in thigh muscle samples. Hematological analysis indicated significant differences in total erythrocyte count (TEC), hemoglobin (Hb), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) among the groups, with no significant differences in packed cell volume (PCV). Enzymatic analysis of blood serum for ALT and AST showed no substantial changes between treated and control birds. Therefore, the controlled use of ciprofloxacin in the poultry sector is crucial to safeguard human health.