Exploring the potential of minoxidil tretinoin liposomal based hydrogel for topical delivery in the treatment of androgenic alopecia

Abstract

Purpose: Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a condition of progressive hair loss and involves follicular miniaturization triggered mainly due to varying levels of androgen besides environmental and genetic factors, which may also play some role. Minoxidil (MXD) has been considered as most effective therapeutic moiety to treat this disorder. Another drug Tretinoin (TRET) is known for its comedolytic activity and is reported to enhance percutaneous absorption of MXD. Presently both these drugs are being utilized for treatment of androgenic alopecia (AGA) in solution form which poses several problems in terms of poor solubility of drug, frequency of application and side effects.

Materials and methods: Current work investigates liposomal hydrogel system for simultaneous delivery of MXD and TRET to overcome the limitations of existing formulation. Successful development of liposomes was commenced by thin film hydration method and various parameters affecting desired characteristics like size, morphology, entrapment efficiency; stability and ex vivo permeation were optimized. The formulated liposomes were further characterized for various physicochemical properties and evaluated for in vivo irritancy study in animals.

Results and discussion: Results suggested prepared liposomes to be stable, homogenous and capable to hold both the drugs within. Association with hydrogel enhanced the permeation of MXD through skin ex vivo but TRET retained on the skin. Liposome loaded hydrogel was found to be non-irritant to skin.

Conclusion: Overall developed system showed potential for effective and simultaneous delivery of both the drugs.     

Compromised counterselection by FAS creates an aggressive subtype of germinal center lymphoma

Fas is highly expressed on germinal center (GC) B cells, and mutations of FAS have been reported in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Although GC-derived DLBCL has better overall outcomes than other DLBCL types, some cases are refractory, and the molecular basis for this is often unknown. We show that Fas is a strong cell-intrinsic regulator of GC B cells that promotes cell death in the light zone, likely via T follicular helper (Tfh) cell–derived Fas ligand. In the absence of Fas, GCs were more clonally diverse due to an accumulation of cells that did not demonstrably bind antigen. FAS alterations occurred most commonly in GC-derived DLBCL, were associated with inferior outcomes and an enrichment of Tfh cells, and co-occurred with deficiency in HVEM and PD-L1 that regulate the Tfh–B cell interaction. This work shows that Fas is critically required for GC homeostasis and suggests that loss of Tfh-mediated counterselection in the GC contributes to lethality in GC-derived lymphoma.     

Differences in treatment patterns and overall survival between grade II and anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas

Journal of Neuro-Oncology - Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas (PXAs) are classified as a grade II neoplasm, typically occur in children, and have favorable prognoses. However, their anaplastic...     

Laparoscopic Repair of Larrey (Left-Sided Morgagni) Hernia: Technical Considerations

In 1769, Morgagni described the diaphragmatic hernia carrying his name, whist doing a post mortem on a head injury patient. Independently, Larrey had described a left-sided “anterior sternoscostal” hernia, and so left-sided Morgagni hernia is also known as a Larrey hernia. It is a very rare type of congenital diaphragmatic hernia with an incidence of 1–3%. It is caused by failure of fusion in the anterior portion of the pleuroperitoneal membrane resulting in retrosternal defect in the diaphragm. Although infants present with recurrent respiratory infections, they can often go unnoticed for several decades. In this case report, we present a 48-year-old male, diagnosed with Larrey hernia who underwent successful total laparoscopic suture repair and Meshplasty. The sac contents were reduced, and the sac was not excised. The edges were approximated, and the mesh was placed to widely cover the defect and suture to the abdominal wall all around. Relevant literature and technical considerations are discussed in this article.     

Sialolithiasis of Right Submandibular Duct of Unusual Size

We present a case of a 35-year-old gentleman with a submandibular duct stone measuring 12?×?6 mm. Considering the literature, most stones are less than 5 mm, and stones more than 10 mm are quite unusual. This gentleman had typical symptoms of chronic sialadenitis, who was clinically diagnosed to have sialolithiasis, which was later confirmed by imaging studies. He was operated upon to remove the stone along with the submandibular gland. The term sialolithiasis is derived from the Greek words sialon (saliva) and lithos (stone), and the Latin -iasis meaning “process” or “morbid condition”. Sialolithiasis affects the submandibular gland in 80–90% of cases because of the curved course of submandibular duct and the secretions being more mucous. Pain is the most common presenting feature during mastication and surgical removal of the sialolithiasis is the treatment of choice. The incision depends on the location of the stone in the duct.     

A phonology-free mobile communication app

Purpose: Aphasia – loss of comprehension or expression of language – is a devastating functional sequela of stroke. There are as yet no effective methods for rehabilitation of aphasia. An assistive device that allows aphasia patients to communicate and interact at speeds approaching real time is urgently needed. Methods: Behavioral and linguistic studies of aphasia patients show that they retain normal thinking processes and most aspects of language. They lack only phonology: the ability to translate (input) and/or output sounds (or written words) such as “ta-ble” into the image of a four-legged object with a top at which one works or eats. Results: We have made a phonology-free communication mobile app that may be useful for patients with aphasia and other communication disorders. Particular innovations of our app include calling Google Images as a “subroutine” to allow a near-infinite number of choices (e.g. food or clothing items) for patients without having to make countless images, and by the use of animation for words, phrases or concepts that cannot be represented by a single image. We have tested our app successfully in one patient. Conclusions: The app may be of great benefit to patients with aphasia and other communication disorders.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• We have made a phonology-free mobile communication app.

• This app may facilitate communication for patients with aphasia and other communication disorders.