Inflammation is a multifaceted defense response of immune system against infection. Chronic inflammation has been implicated as an imminent threat for major human malignancies and is directly linked to various steps involved in tumorigenesis. Inflammatory cytokines, interleukins, interferons, transforming growth factors, chemokines, and adhesion molecules have been associated with chronic inflammation. Numerous cytokines are reported to be aberrantly regulated by different epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation and histone modifications in tumor tissues, contributing to pathogenesis of tumor in multiple ways. Some of these cytokines also work as epigenetic regulators of other crucial genes in tumor biology, either directly or indirectly. Such regulations are reported in lung, breast, cervical, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, prostate, and head and neck cancers. Epigenetics of inflammatory mediators in cancer is currently subject of extensive research. These investigations may help in understanding cancer biology and to develop effective therapeutic strategies. The purpose of this paper is to have a brief view of the aberrant regulation of inflammatory cytokines in human malignancies.

Gelatin is a protein obtained from the hydrolysis of collagen. Gelatin is an attractive biodegradable material for use in nano-biotechnology and nano-pharmaceutics. Gelatin nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely used as drug and gene carrier to targeted sick tissues including cancer, tuberculosis, HIV infection along with the treatment of vasospasm and restenosis, due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. For instance, coating with gelatin lowers the cytotoxicity of quantum dots. Moreover, gelatin NPs have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, hence proven as a promising candidate to target brain disorders. Macrophage targeting with gelatin NPs for remedy of different diseases is repeatedly reported in previous years. In tissue engineering gelatin is actively utilized for construction of biological and life-long 3D scaffolds for bio-artificial tissues and organ production. Gelatins have a wide range of potential applications which needs to be unraveled in more detail. This review is mainly focused on the applications of gelatin NPs in biomedical sciences.