Biocompatibility of Bio Based Calcium Carbonate Nanocrystals Aragonite Polymorph on NIH 3T3 Fibroblast Cell Line

Background

Currently, there has been extensive research interest for inorganic nanocrystals such as calcium phosphate, iron oxide, silicone, carbon nanotube and layered double hydroxide as a drug delivery system especially in cancer therapy. However, toxicological screening of such particles is paramount importance before use as delivery carrier. In this study we examine the biocompatibility of CaCO₃ nanocrystal on NIH 3T3 cell line.

Material and Methods

Transmission and field emission scanning electron microscopy (TEM and FESEM) were used for the characterisation of CaCO₃ nanocrystals. Cytotoxicity and genotoxic effect of calcium carbonate nanocrystals in cultured mouse embryonic fibroblast NIH 3T3 cell line using various bioassays including MTT, and Neutral red/Trypan blue double-staining assays. LDH, BrdU and reactive oxygen species were used for toxicity analysis. Cellular morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal fluorescence microscope.

Results

The outcome of the analyses revealed a clear rod-shaped aragonite polymorph of calcium carbonate nanocrystal. The analysed cytotoxic and genotoxicity of CaCO₃ nanocrystal on NIH 3T3 cells using different bioassays revealed no significance differences as compared to control. A slight decrease in cell viability was noticed when the cells were exposed to higher concentrations of 200 to 400 µg/ml, while increase in ROS generation and LDH released at 200 and 400 µg/ml was observed.

Conclusions

The study has shown that CaCO₃ nanocrystal is biocompatible and non toxic to NIH 3T3 fibroblast cells. The analysed results offer a promising potential of CaCO₃ nanocrystal for the development of intracellular drugs, genes and other macromolecule delivery systems.     

Seasonal variations in onset of symptoms in Crohn''s disease

BACKGROUND: Seasonal variations in onset of symptoms have been reported in ulcerative colitis but not in Crohn's disease. AIM.: To investigate whether our inflammatory bowel diseases patients presented seasonal variations in onset of symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases established between 1995 and May 2004, and consecutively observed from June 2003 to May 2004, were included in the study. Onset of symptoms (year, season and month) was recorded. Expected onsets with a uniform distribution during the year were calculated and compared to observed onsets. Statistical analysis: chi-square test, odds ratio (95% confidence interval). RESULTS: Overall 425 inflammatory bowel diseases patients were enrolled. Onset of symptoms (year and season) was established in 353/425 patients (83%; 150 Crohn's disease; 203 ulcerative colitis). Onset of symptoms in inflammatory bowel diseases patients as a whole occurred more frequently in spring-summer compared to autumn-winter (odds ratio 1.39; 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.87; p<0.03). This variation was observed in Crohn's disease (odds ratio 1.59; 95% confidence interval 1.00-2.51; p<0.05) and a similar trend, although not significant, was observed in ulcerative colitis (odds ratio 1.27; 95% confidence interval 0.86-1.88; p=0.27). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that onset of Crohn's disease symptoms occurred more frequently during spring-summer. A similar trend was observed in ulcerative colitis. Environmental factors, such as associated infections, smoking, use of drugs and seasonal changes in immune function may be responsible for triggering the clinical onset of inflammatory bowel diseases.     

Effect of home-based virtual reality training and telerehabilitation on balance in individuals with Parkinson disease,multiple sclerosis,and stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Neurological Sciences - In the last decade, there is a growing interest in the use of virtual reality for rehabilitation in clinical and home settings. The aim of this systematic review is to do a...