Phytoestrogens have multiple actions within target cells, including the epigenome, which could be beneficial to the development and progression of breast cancer. In this brief review the action of phytoestrogens on oestrogen receptors, cell signalling pathways, regulation of the cell cycle, apoptosis, steroid synthesis and epigenetic events in relation to breast cancer are discussed. Phytoestrogens can bind weakly to oestrogen receptors (ERs) and some have a preferential affinity for ERβ which can inhibit the transcriptional growth-promoting activity of ERα. However only saturating doses of phytoestrogens, stimulating both ERα and β, exert growth inhibitory effects. Such effects on growth may be through phytoestrogens inhibiting cell signalling pathways. Phytoestrogens have also been shown to inhibit cyclin D1 expression but increase the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (p21 and p27) and the tumour suppressor gene p53. Again these effects are only observed at high (> 10) µmol/L doses of phytoestrogens. Finally the effects of phytoestrogens on breast cancer may be mediated by their ability to inhibit local oestrogen synthesis and induce epigenetic changes. There are, though, difficulties in reconciling epidemiological and experimental data due to the fact experimental doses, both in vivo and in vitro, far exceed the circulating concentrations of "free" unbound phytoestrogens measured in women on a high phytoestrogen diet or those taking phytoestrogen supplements.

The purpose of this article was to review the fluoride release and uptake ability of some restorative materials which are used for minimally invasive procedures. Methods: The literature search on published researches and review articles were carried out by using PubMed, Trip and Cochrane library databases. The search terms used were fluoride, restorative materials, atraumatic restorative treatment or ART, glass ionomer or GIC, resin modified glass ionomer cement or RMGIC. The articles included were between 2000 and 2015. Conclusion: Fluoride release varies with m factors including the type of restorative materials used and also the media in which it is stored. Fluoride uptake is dependent on the type of the cement and the availability of fluoride including fluoride releasing capacity in the material.

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The southern part of Karnataka has low levels of F in its drinking water, and may require fluoridation treatment in order to mitigate for dental caries and further ailments related to fluoride deficiency. However, districts within the north-eastern region have contrastingly high levels of fluoride, an observation which has been linked to dental and skeletal fluorosis. This highlights a major requirement for interventional actions in order to ensure maintenance of the recommended range of fluoride concentrations (0.8-1.5 ppm) in Karnataka's drinking water sources.