Conundrum and therapeutic potential of curcumin in drug delivery

Turmeric, the source of the polyphenolic active compound curcumin (diferuloylmethane), has been used extensively in traditional medicine since ancient times as a household remedy against various diseases, including hepatic disorders, cough, sinusitis, rheumatism, and biliary disorders. In the past few decades, a number of studies have been done on curcumin showing its potential role in treating inflammatory disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancer, AIDS, and neurological disorders. However, the main drawback associated with curcumin is its poor aqueous solubility and stability in gastrointestinal fluids, which leads to poor bioavailability. Multifarious novel drug-delivery approaches, including microemulsions, nanoemulsions, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, microspheres, solid dispersion, polymeric nanoparticles, and self-microemulsifying drug-delivery systems have been used to enhance the bioavailability and tissue-targeting ability of curcumin. These attempts have revealed promising results for enhanced bioavailability and targeting to disease such as cancer, but more extensive research on tissue-targeting and stability-related issues is needed. Tissue targeting and enhanced bioavailability of curcumin using novel drug-delivery methods with minimum side effects will in the near future bring this promising natural product to the forefront of therapy for the treatment of human diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular ailments. We provide a detailed analysis of prominent research in the field of curcumin drug delivery with special emphasis on bioavailability-enhancement approaches and novel drug-delivery system approaches.     

Hirsutism

Hirsutism is a common condition affecting women of reproductive age and is associated with significant psychological morbidity. This abnormal excess growth of terminal hair is usually driven by hyperandrogenism, most commonly, polycystic ovarian syndrome. Numerous other causes exist including idiopathic, endocrine or malignant pathologies. This review outlines the aetiology of hirsutism, the clinical assessment of a patient presenting with hirsutism, and treatment options. Mechanical hair removal methods have usually been tried already before a patient seeks medical attention. Other treatment options include suppression of endogenous androgen secretion or action. At least 6 months of treatment is usually required before improvement in symptoms can be expected.     

Current Role of Genetics in Hematologic Malignancies

Rapidly changing field of genetic technology and its application in the management of hematological malignancies has brought significant improvement in treatment and outcome of these disorders. Today, genetics plays pivotal role in diagnosis and prognostication of most hematologic neoplasms. The utilization of genetic tests in deciding specific treatment of various hematologic malignancies as well as for evaluation of depth of treatment response is rapidly advancing. Therefore, it is imperative for practitioners working in the field of hemato-oncology to have sufficient understanding of the basic concepts of genetics in order to comprehend upcoming molecular research in this area and to translate the same for patient care.     

Patient with Mutation in the Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) Gene - A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Torg and Winchester syndromes and patients reported by Al-AqeelSawairi as well as nodulosis-arthropathy-osteolysis (NAO) patients, patients with multicentric NAO share autosomal recessive inheritance. The common presenting symptomatology includes progressive osteolysis chiefly affecting the carpal, tarsal and interphalangeal joints. Here, we report a patient with Torg syndrome. Torg syndrome is caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in the matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) gene. MMP2 codes for a gelatinase that cleaves type IV collagen, a major component of basement membrane. The clinical presentation of our patient included moderate osteolysis of the small joints of the hands and knees, hirsutism, nodulosis sparing the palms and soles, corneal opacities and mild facial dysmorphism without gum hypertrophy. Genetic analysis showed that the patient was homozygous for a novel base variant c538 G>A (p.D180N) in the MMP2 gene. Both parents were carriers of the same mutated variant. Our patient had some previously unreported endocrine manifestations such as premature thelarche and elevated follicle-stimulating hormone levels.     

A reproducible modified method for direct preparation of chorionic villi cytogenetic analysis.

Chorionic villi are finger like projections, which surrounds the embryonic sac in early pregnancy and will later form the placenta. The outer layer of the chorionic villi consists of trophoblast cells. These cells are actively dividing and can be used for direct preparation or short-term culture for prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities. We herein describe a 100% reproducible modified technique for one day direct culturing (direct preparation) of trophoblast cells. Direct preparation of chorionic villi provides the physician with additional diagnostic information during prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling. Direct preparation also eliminates the risk of maternal cell contamination. This method was 100% reproducible provided all the precautions mentioned herewith were taken into consideration and can be completed in 45 minutes upon arrival of the samples in the laboratories.     

Cutaneous rhinosporidiosis

Rhinosporidiosis is very rare in this part of the country. Skin is very rarely involved in this disease and because of rarity of skin involvement in rhinosporidiosis this case is being reported.