Antioxidant and antidermatophytic activities of essential oil and extracts of Magnolia liliflora Desr.

This study was carried out to assess the antioxidant and antidermatophytic activities of the essential oil and extracts of Magnolia liliflora Desr. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The free radical scavenging activities of the oil and ethyl acetate extract were found to be superior (IC₅₀ values = 10.11 and 16.17 μg/ml, respectively) as compared to butylatedhydreoxyanisole (BHA), (IC₅₀ value = 18.27 μg/ml). Also the ethyl acetate extract revealed the highest phenolic contents (96.13 mg/g of dry wt) as compared to the other extracts. Further, the oil (1000 μg/disc) and extracts (1500 μg/disc) revealed 42.36–63.12% and 19.07–54.14% antidermatophytic effect, respectively along with their respective MIC values ranging from 62.5 to 500 and 250 to 2000 μg/ml against the members of Trichophyton and Microsporum spp. Also the oil had strong detrimental effect on spore germination of tested fungal pathogens as well as concentration and time dependent kinetic inhibition of Microsporum canis KCTC 6348. The results of this study justify a potential role of M. liliflora to serve as a natural antioxidant and antidermatophytic agent.     

Effect of argemone oil and argemone alkaloid,sanguinarine on Sertoli–germ cell coculture

Several incidences of reduction in the fertility (sperm count) have been reported in India and worldwide as well. Adulteration of food and consumption of adulterated mustard oil with argemone oil (AO) are presumed to be the factors for reduction in sperm count. In the present study we have studied the exfoliation of germ cells from Sertoli cell, its viability after detachment, cytotoxicity and execution of apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway for different concentration of AO, argemone alkaloid (AA) and its major constituent sanguinarine (SA). A dose dependent increase in germ cell detachment and decrease in viability of detached germ cells were observed (P < 0.05). A significant inhibition was observed via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-dipehyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in the proliferative activity of germ cell and leakage of cytosolic enzyme was observed via Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) assay (P < 0.05). A time and dose dependent inhibition of mitochondrial membrane potential was observed (P < 0.05). Treatment of Sertoli–germ cells with the lowest concentration of AO/AA and SA for 24 h resulted in 5.2- , 4.4- and 3.6-fold increase in the percentage of early apoptotic cells, respectively. This increase was enhanced to 8.3, 4.75 and 5.81-fold, respectively at 48 h in detached germ cells undergoing early apoptosis. These results suggest that alterations in germ cell apoptosis by a disruption in contact mediated communication between the Sertoli cells and germ cells, may subsequently lead to testicular impairment.     

Influence of surface charge of PLGA particles of recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen in enhancing systemic and mucosal immune responses

This study investigates the efficacy of surface-modified microspheres of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in eliciting systemic and mucosal immune responses. Positively charged poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres were prepared by a double-emulsion solvent-evaporation method with cationic agents—stearylamine and polyethylenimine—in the external aqueous phase. Formulations were characterized for morphology, size, density, aerodynamic diameter, entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug-release profile. Immunization was performed after pulmonary administration of the formulations to female Sprague–Dawley rats and the immune response was monitored by measuring IgG levels in serum and secretory (sIgA) levels in salivary, vaginal and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids. The cell-mediated immune response was studied by measuring cytokine levels in spleen homogenates, and a cytotoxicity study was performed with Calu-3 cell line. The aerodynamic diameter of the particles was within the respirable range, with the exception of stearylamine-modified particles. Zeta potential values moved from negative (−6.76 mV) for unmodified formulations to positive (+0.515 mV) for polyethylenimine-modified particles. Compared to unmodified formulations, polyethylenimine-based formulations showed continuous release of antigen over a period of 28–42 days and increased levels of IgG in serum and sIgA in salivary, vaginal and bronchoalveolar lavage. Further, cytokine levels—interferon γ and interleukin-2—were increased in spleen homogenates. The viability of Calu-3 cells was not adversely affected by the microparticles. In summation, this study establishes that positive surface charges on poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) particles containing HBsAg enhances both the systemic and mucosal immune response upon immunization via the respiratory route.     

Using patient self-report data to evaluate orofacial surgical outcomes

OBJECTIVES: This study analyzes results of 336 patients treated for mandible fractures at King/Drew Medical Center in South Central Los Angeles, California from August 1996 to December 2001. Subjects were enrolled in a prospective study to evaluate the association between patient's subjective evaluation and objective clinical evaluations on three surgical outcome measures following orofacial surgery. METHODS: Subjects were assessed at four time periods--hospital discharge, 10 days post-discharge, 1 month post-discharge and 6 months post-discharge. Three outcome measures were utilized to represent perceived health and oral health-related quality of life--General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI); Mental Health Inventory (MHI-5); and a single-item self-reported health status measure. RESULTS: GOHAI scores at 1 month (mean=31.5, SD=9.5) were not substantially higher than at 10 days (mean=28.6, SD=8.8), but scores did improve substantially by 6 months (mean=42.6, SD=10.6). Mean mental health scores ranged from 17.7 at 10 days to 18.0 at 1 month and 18.6 at 6 months. Mean self-reported health status score were approximately 2.2 at all recalls, describing health as 'good.' A longitudinal growth curve analysis of GOHAI scores over four time periods indicated a significantly higher average intercept for the maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) treatment group (29.67) than in the rigid internal fixation (RIF) treatment group (25.38). Meanwhile, the increase in GOHAI scores over time was significantly greater in the RIF group than in the MMF group, resulting in scores being comparable between groups after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: By implication, patients with MMF self-report fewer problems in the early days after placement of the intra-arch wire compared with patients with RIF.     

In situ monitoring of tendon structural changes by elastic scattering spectroscopy: correlation with changes in collagen fibril diameter and crimp

The aim of this study was to monitor structural changes in loaded rabbit digital flexor tendons in situ and ex situ via elastic scattering spectroscopy (ESS). The optical setup consisted of a xenon white light source (lambda = 320-860 nm), connected to a fiber optic probe (with a source-detector separation of approximately 350 microm) and a spectrometer, controlled by a personal computer (PC). Cadaveric rabbit tendons were studied in situ under 3 tensional regimens: unloaded (no extrinsic tension applied), stretched, and 1-kg loaded and compared with excised tendons (i.e., no tension). Four times more light was detected in in situ unloaded tendons perpendicular to the tendon long axis than parallel to it. Backscatter anisotropy was expressed as the anisotropy factor (AF600nm: ratio of greatest to least backscatter intensity, measured with orthogonal probe positions). Differences in backscatter anisotropy between tendons from different digits were not significant. AF600nm had the smallest value (2.72 +/- 0.38) for the least aligned tendon preparations (excised tendons), and increased to 7.17 +/- 0.54 (1-kg loaded) as in situ loads were applied. Electron microscopy revealed that the distribution of collagen fibril diameters changed as loads were applied, with the diameter of larger fibrils decreasing approximately 33% for 1-kg loaded compared with excised tendons. Polarized light microscopy showed a characteristic crimp pattern in excised tendons, but this was hardly detectable in unloaded tendons and not detectable in tendons fixed in situ under a 1-kg load. We propose that the increase in optical anisotropy is a function of collagen fibril straightening and reducing fibril diameter as the tendon undergoes progressive loading. These findings are important for monitoring structure in vivo and in bioreactors for tissue engineers.     

Carbon nanotubes in cancer theragnosis

Carbon nanotubes as a unique and novel class of nanomaterials have shown considerable promise in cancer therapy and diagnosis amidst the myriad of nanocarriers. The presence of a large surface area enables the engineering of the surface of nanotubes, thus making them biocompatible, and large benefits can be harnessed from them. Together with their ability to encapsulate small molecules, stacking interactions and conjugation, nanotubes have improved the profile of anticancer agents. The propensity to absorb the body transparent NIR radiation also envisages photothermal and photoacoustic therapy using nanotubes. This article sheds light on the role of carbon nanotubes in cancer therapy and diagnosis based on recent findings.     

Design of curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles formulation with enhanced cellular uptake, and increased bioactivity in vitro and superior bioavailability in vivo

Curcumin, a yellow pigment present in the spice turmeric (Curcuma longa), has been linked with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, anticancer, antidiabetic, antirheumatic, and antiviral effects, but its optimum potential is limited by its lack of solubility in aqueous solvents and poor oral bioavailability. We employed a polymer-based nanoparticle approach to improve bioavailability. Curcumin was encapsulated with 97.5% efficiency in biodegradable nanoparticulate formulation based on poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and a stabilizer polyethylene glycol (PEG)-5000. Dynamic laser light scattering and transmission electron microscopy indicated a particle diameter of 80.9 nm. This curcumin, renamed from hereon “as curcumin (NP)”, was characterized for its biological activity. In vitro curcumin (NP) exhibited very rapid and more efficient cellular uptake than curcumin. Estrase staining revealed that curcumin (NP) was at least as potent as or more potent than curcumin in inducing apoptosis of leukemic cells and in suppressing proliferation of various tumor cell lines. When examined by electrophoretic gel shift mobility assay, curcumin (NP) was more active than curcumin in inhibiting TNF-induced NF-κB activation and in suppression of NF-κB-regulated proteins involved in cell proliferation (cyclin D1), invasion (MMP-9), and angiogenesis (VEGF). In mice, curcumin (NP) was more bioavailable and had a longer half-life than curcumin. Overall we demonstrate that curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles formulation has enhanced cellular uptake, and increased bioactivity in vitro and superior bioavailability in vivo over curcumin.     

In vivo bioavailability and therapeutic assessment of host-guest inclusion phenomena for the hydrophobic molecule etodolac: pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic evaluation

The aim of present investigation was 1) to evaluate the in vivo bioavailability of an Etodolac (ETD)-β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) inclusion complex system prepared by kneading and spray drying techniques in rats, 2) to study the pharmacodynamic parameters in various animal models for analyzing the therapeutic response and, 3) to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of the drug administered. Inclusion complexation with β-CD enhanced the solubility of the drug, improved bioavailability and reduced ulcerogenicity of ETD in rats. Pharmacodynamic studies were carried out in normal LACA mice and pharmacokinetic evaluation was done in male Wistar rats. Pharmacokinetic parameters evaluated for the inclusion complexes revealed good correlation. The minimum dose necessary to produce analgesic or anti-arthritic activity was also decreased, indicating that the host-guest strategy that uses β-CD and ETD was very effective and could be successfully employed in the preparation of pharmaceutical formulations of anti-arthritics and analgesics.