Analytical methods and formulation factors to enhance protein stability in solution

Development of stable protein formulations needs intimate knowledge of the proteins?? physicochemical properties. More specifically, understanding the mechanisms of protein degradation is important in designing and evaluating protein formulations. This review describes briefly the different types of interactions of the major protein degradation pathways. The analytical methods to detect protein degradation are included, along with generalized strategies to suppress protein instability with relevant excipients. With an appreciation of the current practices for stable formulations, the development process will be facilitated in a more efficient way.     

Measurement of deoxyinosine adduct: Can it be a reliable tool to assess oxidative or nitrosative DNA damage?

Adenosine deaminases (ADA) are key enzymes that deaminate adenosine (A) or deoxyadenosine (dA) and produce inosine or deoxyinosine (dI), respectively. While ADA only deaminates free dA, reactive nitrogen species (RNS) or reactive oxygen species (ROS) deaminate adenine base on the DNA and leave dI, which is a pre-mutagenic lesion. Therefore, dI adduct in the genomic DNA has been considered a biomarker of DNA damage caused by RNS or by ROS.     

Diffuse Ependymal Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor Causing Spinal Drop Metastases: A Case Report

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNETs) arise mostly in the supratentorial cerebral cortex. A very rare case of intraventricular DNET with diffuse ependymal involvement, which causes spinal drop metastasis, is presented.