Naphthalene: irritative and inflammatory effects on the airways

Objective

This cross-sectional study determined whether acute sensory irritative or (sub)chronic inflammatory effects of the eyes, nose or respiratory tract are observed in employees who are exposed to naphthalene at the workplace.

Methods

Thirtynine healthy and non-smoking male employees with either moderate (n = 22) or high (n = 17) exposure to naphthalene were compared to 22 male employees from the same plants with no or only rare exposure to naphthalene. (Sub)clinical endpoint measures included nasal endoscopy, smell sensitivity, self-reported work-related complaints and the intensity of naphthalene odor and irritation. In addition, cellular and soluble mediators in blood, nasal lavage fluid (NALF) and induced sputum (IS) were analysed. All measurements were carried out pre-shift on Monday and post-shift on Thursday. Personal air monitoring revealed naphthalene shift concentrations up to 11.6 mg/m³ with short-term peak concentrations up to 145.8 mg/m³ and 1- and 2-naphthol levels (sum) in post-shift urine up to 10.1 mg/L.

Results

Acute sensory irritating effects at the eyes and upper airways were reported to occur when directly handling naphthalene (e.g., sieving pure naphthalene). Generally, naphthalene odor was described as intense and unpleasant. Habituation effects or olfactory fatigue were not observed. Endoscopic examination revealed mild inflammatory effects at the nasal mucosa of exposed employees in terms of reddening and swelling and abnormal mucus production. No consistent pattern of cellular and soluble mediators in blood, NALF or IS was observed which would indicate a chronic or acute inflammatory effect of naphthalene in exposed workers.

Conclusions

The results suggest that exposure to naphthalene induces acute sensory irritative effects in exposed workers. No (sub)chronic inflammatory effects on the nasal epithelium or the respiratory tract could be observed under the study conditions described here.

Contact dermatitis: etiologies of the allergic and irritant type

The term contact dermatitis describes an inflammatory process of the skin that occurs in response to contact with exogenous substances and involves pruritic and erythematous patches. Approximately 80% of all contact dermatitis is primary irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), whereas allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) makes up only 20% of contact dermatitis cases, the estimated prevalence of contact dermatitis in the United States being 1.4%. Among patch-tested patients, nickel has been identified as the most common allergen. Cobalt is the second most common metal allergen and is found in various dental alloys, paints, and coloring components of porcelain and glass. The average prevalence of dermatitis due to p-phenylenediamine (PPD) was found to be 4.3% in Asia, 4.0% in Europe, and 6.2% in North America. Rubber gloves are a major cause of occupational ACD in healthcare workers. Occupations involving frequent handwashing, between 20 and 40 times per day, have shown an increased incidence in cumulative ICD. The prevalence of occupational hand dermatitis was 69.7% in workers that reported a handwashing frequency exceeding 35 times per shift. The use of alcohol-based sanitizers is much more prevalent among today's healthcare workers than frequent handwashing. Both allergic and ICD are worldwide problems.

Expanding the anti-inflammatory potential of Moringa oleifera: topical effect of seed oil on skin inflammation and hyperproliferation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Popularly used in India and sub-Hymalaian region, Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) is associated with healing properties demonstrated in its use as treatment of acute and chronic skin diseases. Our study aimed at investigating the effects of M. oleifera seed oil (MOSO) in animal models for inflammatory and hyperproliferative skin conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MOSO was analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperproliferative effects of treatment with either MOSO or oleic acid (OA), its main constituent, was evaluated. Acute and chronic inflammation was induced by applying 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and acute inflammation with either Arachidonic Acid (AA) or Phenol onto the ear of Swiss mice. Systemic activity and the influence of glucocorticoid receptors (GC) was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Topical application of MOSO and OA inhibited ear edema caused by TPA, and Phenol. Only MOSO inhibited ear edema induced by AA. Neutrophil migration was also inhibited by treatment with MOSO. Topical application of MOSO, but not OA, significantly reduced chronic skin inflammation and epidermal hypertrophy induced by multiple TPA applications. Pre-treatment with GC antagonist mifepristone reversed the anti-inflammatory effect of MOSO and OA on the TPA model. Repeated administration of MOSO show a similar effect to dexamethasone on thymus weight, though MOSO did not present any influence on skin thickness, as well as in the weight of the spleen, adrenal gland and lymph node.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that MOSO is effective as a treatment for skin diseases that rely on keratinocyte hyperproliferation. OA is also effective in acute inflammation. Both MOSO and OA depend on GC activation for anti-inflammatory effect but do not exhibit the same adverse effects seen in topical treatment with dexamethasone. We hereby evidence the use of MOSO as a topical anti-inflammatory agent in inflammatory skin diseases, thus, expanding its therapeutic potential.

Preclinical study of the topical anti-inflammatory activity of Cyperus rotundus L. extract (Cyperaceae) in models of skin inflammation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cyperus rotundus L. (Cyperaceae) is considered one of the most widely distributed plant species in the world, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. In addition, it is commonly used in India, China and Japan in traditional medicine to treat different diseases, including dermatitis and other skin disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the topical anti-inflammatory activity of C. rotundus rhizome ethanolic extract in models of acute and chronic dermatitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phytochemical analysis was carried out using High-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection (HPLC/UV) to determine the presence of quercetin and chlorogenic acid in C. rotundus extract. Topical anti-inflammmatory effects of C. rotundus extract were evaluated on arachidonic acid (AA) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced skin inflammation in mice. Skin biopsies were collected and submitted to histological and enzymatic analysis to evaluate the C. rotundus effect in leukocyte migration into inflamed tissue. Antiproliferative activity of C. rotundus was confirmed by PCNA immunostained cell analysis. Systemic and possible adverse effects of topical treatment with C. rotundus were evaluated by the skin atrophy and same organ weights. In addition, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist mifepristone was used to investigate possible GR-mediated mechanisms of action.

RESULTS

The phytochemical analysis show that C. rotundus ethanol extract contains 45 μg/g of chlorogenic acid. Topical treatment with C. rotundus extract reduced ear edema and cellular infiltrate in acute and chronic skin inflammation models. Moreover, mice topically treated with C. rotundus exhibited decrease in TPA-induced keratinocyte hyperproliferation. Relevantly, topical treatment with C. rotundus did not caused skin atrophy or changes in lymphoid organ weight. The anti-inflammatory effect of C. rotundus was not influenced by the GR antagonist.

CONCLUSION

The results here demonstrate for the first time the topical anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative efficacy of C. rotundus extract, suggesting that the extract could be a potential new therapeutic tool for the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders.

Tabernaemontana catharinensis leaves exhibit topical anti-inflammatory activity without causing toxicity

BACKGROUND

Tabernaemontana catharinensis, popularly known as snake skin, has been empirically used as an anti-inflammatory to treat cutaneous skin disorders. However, no study proves its effectiveness as a topical anti-inflammatory.

STUDY DESIGN

We investigated the topical anti-inflammatory effect of T.catharinensis leaves crude extract (TcE) in irritant contact dermatitis models in mice and its preliminary toxicity profile.

METHODS

The topical anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by ear thickness measurement, inflammatory cell infiltration (MPO activity measurement and histological procedure) and cytokines levels. TcE qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed by UHPLC-ESI-HRMS and the TcE effect (therapeutic dose; 10 µg/ear) on preliminary toxicological parameters was also evaluated (on the 14° day of experiment).

RESULTS

TcE (10 μg/ear) prevented the development of ear edema induced by cinnamaldehyde, capsaicin, arachidonic acid, phenol, and croton oil with maximum inhibition of 100% to cinnamaldehyde, arachidonic acid, phenol, and croton oil and 75 ± 6% to capsaicin. Besides, the TcE (10 μg/ear) also prevented the increase of MPO activity by 96 ± 2%, 48 ± 7%, 100%, 87 ± 8%, and 93 ± 4%, respectively, to the same irritant agents. The positive controls also prevented both ear edema and the increased of MPO activity by 100% and 42 ± 8% (HC-030031), 54 ± 6% and 80 ± 4% (SB-366791), 100% and 54 ± 5% (indomethacin), 100% and 80 ± 4% (dexamethasone in skin inflammation model induced by phenol) and 100% and 97 ± 3% (dexamethasone in inflammation model induced by croton oil), respectively. TcE also prevented the inflammatory cells infiltration and the increase of MIP-2, IL-1β and TNF-α levels irritant agents-induced. TcE topical anti-inflammatory effect may be attributed to the combined effect of indole alkaloids, terpenes, and phenolic compounds found in the extract and identified by dereplication method. The TcE' therapeutic dose proved to be safe in preliminary toxicological tests.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that TcE could be an interesting strategy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of vesicant agent using Eu/ZnO/pPy nanocomposite

Herein, we demonstrate a nanocomposite material Eu/ZnO/pPy for enhanced performance in photoelectrocatalytic degradation of chemical warfare agent sulphur mustard (SM) at ambient conditions which is growing concern of the Scientific Community amidst the current climate of terrorism. Eu/ZnO/pPy was electrochemically prepared on Au electrode at ambient conditions and was used for electrocatalytic reductive elimination of chloride from SM and results indicated one electron involvement process for the cleavage of the carbon-chloride bond. Surface morphology of Eu/pPy, ZnO/pPy and Eu/ZnO/pPy composites were characterized by SEM and confirmed the formation of the nanoparticles and nanorods on the modified electrode which leads to provide more surface area for the reductive elimination reaction. The elemental composition, functional groups and phase of materials on the modified electrode were deduced using EDX, Raman spectroscopy and XRD, respectively. Eu/ZnO/pPy/Au electrode was utilized for the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of SM as it exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity and degradation products were analyzed by GC-MS. In the reductive elimination of SM, the following parameters were deduced (i) heterogeneous rate constant (0.127 s^-1), (ii) transfer coefficient (0.32) and (iii) number of electron involved (1.0). The enhanced photoelectrocatalytic capability of this nanocomposite could serve as a novel and promising catalyst in defence and environmental applications.

Effect on blood pressure and eye health symptoms in a climate-financed randomized cookstove intervention study in rural India

BACKGROUND

Air pollution from cooking with solid fuels is a potentially modifiable risk factor for increased blood pressure and may lead to eye irritation.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether a climate motivated cookstove intervention reduced blood pressure and eye irritation symptoms in Indian women.

METHODS

Households using traditional stoves were randomized to receive a rocket stove or continue using traditional stoves. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and self-reported eye symptoms were measured twice, pre-intervention and at least 124 days post-intervention in women > 25 years old in control (N = 111) and intervention (N = 111) groups in rural Karnataka, India. Daily (24-h) fine particle (PM_2.5) mass and absorbance (Abs) were measured in cooking areas at each visit. Mixed-effect models were used to estimate before-and-after differences in SBP, DBP and eye symptoms.

RESULTS

We observed a lower SBP (-2.0 (-4.5, 0.5) mmHg) and DBP (-1.1 (-2.9, 0.6) mmHg) among exclusive users of intervention stove, although confidence intervals included zero. Stacking or mixed use of intervention and traditional stoves contributed to a small increase in SBP 2.6 (-0.4, 5.7) mmHg) and DBP (1.2 (-0.9, 3.3) mmHg). Exclusive and mixed stove users experienced higher post-intervention reductions, on average, in self-reported eye irritation symptoms for burning sensation in eyes, and eyes look red often compared to control. Median air pollutant concentrations increased post-intervention in all stove groups, with the lowest median PM_2.5 increase in the exclusive intervention stove group.

CONCLUSIONS

Health benefits were limited due to stacking and lower-than-predicted efficiency of the intervention stove in the field. Stove adoption and use behavior, in addition to stove technology, affects achievement of health co-benefits. Carbon-financing schemes need to align with international guidelines that have been set based on health outcomes to maximize health co-benefits from cookstove interventions.

Comparing the Influence of Five Patch Types on the Result of a 12-Day Cumulative Irritancy Patch Test

A 12-day cumulative irritancy patch test is available for predicting skin irritation potential. This study is important to determine the ideal patch type to be used in the irritancy patch test. This study was conducted to determine the cumulative skin irritation potential of five different patch types using predictive patch test techniques. Five types of patches were tested in a 12 day repeated insult test. The patch types were Hill Top Chamber occlusive, Finn Chamber occlusive, Band-Aid semiocclusive, Webril^® semiocclusive, and Webril^® occlusive. The test materials applied to the patches were cream, lotion, 2% bath cream, and controls of 1% sodium lauryl sulfate (1% SLS), respectively. A dermatologist performed the grading. The test results revealed that with cream, the cumulative scores of Hill Top Chamber occlusive, Finn Chamber occlusive, Band-Aid semiocclusive, Webril^® semiocclusive, and Webril^® occlusive were 22, 27, 16, 9, and 21, respectively; with lotion, the cumulative scores were 192, 200, 192, 200, and 70, respectively; with 2% bath cream, the cumulative scores were 523, 306, 523, 306, and 506, respectively; with 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate solution, the cumulative scores were 792, 801, 753, 526, and 841, respectively. Comparison of the five different patch types revealed that Webril^® semiocclusive had the lowest cumulative irritation scores and incidence of adverse reactions. Comparison of the three test materials revealed that cream was the mildest material with the lowest cumulative irritation scores.

[Occupational allergic contact dermatitis: the role of occupational physician in the prevention.]

OBJECTIVES

Occupational contact dermatitis are the second occupational diseases in industrialized countries and the preventive action and/or early diagnosis done by occupational physician (OP) is of paramount importance.

METHODS

OP in the process of risk evaluation must suggest products, detergents and personal protective equipment with low irritant or sensitization potential. During work, the use of skin creams has to be promoted to prevent irritation that is the first step towards impairment of the skin barrier and sensitization.

RESULTS

During periodical medical surveillance OP can control skin conditions of workers looking for signs of irritant and contact dermatitis, can give advice about preventive measures and information about products used to permit an early and correct diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

At the retour to work workers with a diagnosis of occupational dermatitis must avoid direct contact with irritant and sensitizing products.

Skin targeting of resveratrol utilizing solid lipid nanoparticle-engrossed gel for chemically induced irritant contact dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is a chronic and relapsing skin disease with severe eczematous lesions. Despite its growing prevalence, therapeutic treatments remain limited. Long-term topical corticosteroid treatment can induce skin atrophy, hypopigmentation, and increase in transepidermal water loss. An innovative dermal treatment is essential to reduce the side effects of corticosteroids. Topical resveratrol (RES), although effective for ICD, is a challenging molecule due to low solubility and poor bioavailability. The objective of this work was to build RES-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (RES-SLNs) with skin targeting. For this purpose, RES-SLNs were prepared using the probe ultrasonication method utilizing Precirol ATO 5 and Tween 20. The RES-SLNs were evaluated for particle size, entrapment efficiency (EE), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. Further, RES-SLNs were incorporated into Carbopol gel and investigated for ex vivo skin permeation, deposition study on human cadaver skin, and finally skin irritation study on New Zealand White rabbits. It was further assessed for possible beneficial effects on ICD using BALB/c mice. RES-SLN showed mean size below 100 nm and 68-89% EE. TEM studies confirmed spherical particles in the nanometer range. An ex vivo study of RES-SLN-loaded gel exhibited controlled drug release up to 24 h; similarly, in vitro drug deposition studies showed potential of skin targeting with no skin irritation. RES-SLN gel confirmed competent suppression of ear swelling and reduction in skin water content in the BALB/c mouse model of ICD when compared to marketed gel. Thus, the formulated RES-SLN gel would be a safe and effective alternative to conventional vehicles for treatment of ICD.

Enhanced Both in vitro and in vivo Kinetics by SLNs Induced Transdermal System of Furosemide: A Novel Approach

BACKGROUND

Furosemide is a potent diuretic agent used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. Variable dosage regimen and poor pharmacokinetic parameters have led to the development of transdermal drug delivery system.

OBJECTIVE

Patent on suitability of multi-lamellar structures for excellent transdermal delivery (US0367475A1) has encouraged us to formulate the solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) induced transdermal systems of furosemide to enhance the kinetic properties without incorporating any penetration enhancer and rate limiting polymers.

METHODS

SLNs were prepared by hot homogenization and ultra-sonication method; optimization was done based on entrapment efficiency and particle size. Optimized SLNs were incorporated in to transdermal patches by solvent casting method. In vitro and in vivo studies were carried out for characterization of transdermal patches.

RESULTS

SLNs of F9 (GMS: Span 60: Pluronic F 68 in 6:2.5:0.2) were optimized for incorporating in to transdermal system (entrapment efficiency 96.5±0.045%, particle size 69.6±1.48nm and in vitro release 94.38±1.02%). Transdermal patches were formulated using combinations of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers to study the diffusion kinetics. Formulation FS1 (HPMC 4 parts) was optimized for further studies (in vitro release 98.11±1.21% with flux of 58.726±0.023µg/cm2/h) and no significant difference from ex vivo permeation studies was observed. Drug release followed mixed order diffusion kinetics and super case -II transport mechanism. In vivo pharmacokinetic data of SLNs induced transdermal system suggested a 3.6 times increase in AUC and 5.4 times increase in MRT when compared with oral route.

CONCLUSION

The SLNs induced transdermal patch was found to beneficial in enhancing kinetic properties both in vitro and in vivo.

Pre-administration of PepFect6-microRNA-146a nanocomplexes inhibits inflammatory responses in keratinocytes and in a mouse model of irritant contact dermatitis

The skin is a difficult to access tissue for efficient delivery of large and/or charged macromolecules, including therapeutic DNA and RNA oligonucleotides. Cell-penetrating peptide PepFect6 (PF6) has been shown to be suitable transport vehicle for siRNAs in cell culture and systemically in vivo in mice. MiR-146a is known as anti-inflammatory miRNA that inhibits multiple factors from the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway in various cell types, including keratinocytes. In this study, PF6 was shown to form unimodal nanocomplexes with miR-146a mimic that entered into human primary keratinocytes, where miR-146a inhibited the expression of its direct targets from the NF-κB pathway and the genes known to be activated by NF-κB, C-C motif ligand (CCL)5 and interleukin (IL)-8. The transfection of miR-146a mimic with PF6 was more efficient in sub-confluent keratinocyte cultures, affected keratinocyte proliferation less and had similar effect on cell viability when compared with a lipid based agent. Subcutaneous pre-administration of PF6-miR-146a nanocomplexes attenuated ear-swelling and reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines IL-6, CCL11, CCL24 and C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1) in a mouse model of irritant contact dermatitis. Our data demonstrates that PF6-miR-146a nanoparticles might have potential in the development of therapeutics to target inflammatory skin diseases.

Transdermal Delivery of Etoposide Phosphate I: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

Cancer chemotherapy frequently requires long periods of multiple intravenous infusions that often results in patients opting out of treatment. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of delivering one of these anticancer agents: etoposide phosphate (ETP) transdermally using iontophoresis and a combination of iontophoresis/microporation. The iontophoresis conditions for ETP were first optimized in vitro then tested in vivo in a rabbit model. Both ETP and its active form etoposide (VP) were quantified in dermis (via microdialysis sampling) and in plasma, with a specially developed high-performance liquid chromatography method. In vitro, the amount of total etoposide permeated and the steady state flux increased (p < 0.05) with increase in iontophoretic current densities (100-400 μA/cm(2)). At 300 μA/cm(2), microporation/iontophoresis further improved both parameters by 2- and 2.8-fold, respectively. In vivo, exposure increased proportionally to current density in plasma, whereas dermal concentration dropped significantly at the highest current density. Microporation led to a 50% increase in Cmax and AUClast values in both skin and plasma. In conclusion, a mild current density (300 μA/cm(2)) and a small surface area (10.1 cm(2)) achieved and maintained the minimum effective concentration for the entire duration of electrical current delivery; microporation further increased the plasma concentrations at the same current density.

Self-Assembled Thermoresponsive Nanogels Prepared by Reverse Micelle → Positive Micelle Method for Ophthalmic Delivery of Muscone, a Poorly Water-Soluble Drug

This study aimed to design a nanocarrier ophthalmic delivery system of muscone, a poorly water-soluble drug. The muscone thermoresponsive nanogels were self-assembled by reverse micelle → positive micelle method. Muscone was demonstrated to have uniform narrow particle size distribution in nanogel by the dynamic light scattering test. The developed nanocomposite hydrogel had a high muscone loading, and the rheology results showed that the phase transition temperature was 34.05°C. Thixotropy test indicated that the nanogel was able to resist the blinking of eyes because of the thixotropy recovery time, which is <5 s. Compared with muscone eye drops, muscone nanogels showed longer retention time on the corneal surface using fluorescent labeling technology and produced a 3.4-fold increase in apparent permeability coefficients (Papp). Draize testing showed that the developed nanogel caused no eye irritation. In vivo pharmacokinetic study indicated that the nanogel could significantly increase the bioavailability of muscone after administration compared with eye drops. These results indicate that self-assembled thermoresponsive nanogel prepared by reverse micelle → positive micelle method has potential for the ophthalmic delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs.

Biocompatible Nanoemulsions for Improved Aceclofenac Skin Delivery: Formulation Approach Using Combined Mixture-Process Experimental Design

We aimed to develop lecithin-based nanoemulsions intended for effective aceclofenac (ACF) skin delivery utilizing sucrose esters [sucrose palmitate (SP) and sucrose stearate (SS)] as additional stabilizers and penetration enhancers. To find the suitable surfactant mixtures and levels of process variables (homogenization pressure and number of cycles - high pressure homogenization manufacturing method) that result in drug-loaded nanoemulsions with minimal droplet size and narrow size distribution, a combined mixture-process experimental design was employed. Based on optimization data, selected nanoemulsions were evaluated regarding morphology, surface charge, drug-excipient interactions, physical stability, and in vivo skin performances (skin penetration and irritation potential). The predicted physicochemical properties and storage stability were proved satisfying for ACF-loaded nanoemulsions containing 2% of SP in the blend with 0%-1% of SS and 1%-2% of egg lecithin (produced at 50°C/20 cycles/800 bar). Additionally, the in vivo tape stripping demonstrated superior ACF skin absorption from these nanoemulsions, particularly from those containing 2% of SP, 0.5% of SS, and 1.5% of egg lecithin, when comparing with the sample costabilized by conventional surfactant - polysorbate 80. In summary, the combined mixture-process experimental design was shown as a feasible tool for formulation development of multisurfactant-based nanosized delivery systems with potentially improved overall product performances.

Transdermal potential and anti-arthritic efficacy of ursolic acid from niosomal gel systems

The aim of the present study was to optimize niosomes by experimental design for enhanced transdermal delivery of ursolic acid for the effective treatment of arthritis. The experimental design (3 factor 3 levels, Box-Behnken design) was used to study individual and combined effects of different formulation variables. The variables cholesterol (X1), span 60 (X2) and phospholipid (X3) were taken as independent factors and their effect was observed on size (Y1) entrapment efficiency (Y2), and transflux (Y3). The formulation composition with span 60 (85mg), cholesterol (12.3mg), and phospholipid (65mg) was found to fulfil requisites of optimized ursolic acid niosome formulation (URNF). URNF had shown vesicle size of 665.45nm, entrapment efficiency of 92.74% with transflux of 17.25μg/cm(2)/h. The in vivo bioactivity showed that the prepared URNF-gel was able to provide good anti-arthritic activity due to enhanced permeation of UA through the skin and results were found to be comparable to standard gel (Omni gel). The radiographical image confirmed that, the developed URNF-gel was found to be effective to treat arthritis. Thus niosomal gel of ursolic acid would be a promising alternative to conventional therapy for safe and efficient treatment of arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders.

Microneedle-Mediated Delivery of Copper Peptide Through Skin

PURPOSE

Copper peptide (GHK-Cu) plays an important role in skin regeneration and wound healing. However, its skin absorption remains challenging due to its hydrophilicity. Here we use polymeric microneedle array to pre-treat skin to enhance GHK-Cu skin penetration.

METHODS

Two in vitro skin models were used to assess the capability of microneedles in facilitating skin delivery of GHK-Cu. Histological assay and confocal laser scanning microscopy were performed to characterize and quantify the microconduits created by the microneedles inside skin. Cellular and porcine models were used to evaluate the safety of microneedle-assisted copper peptide delivery.

RESULTS

The depth and percentage of microneedle penetration were correlated with application forces, which in turn influenced the extent of enhancement in the skin permeability of GHK-Cu. In 9 h, 134 ± 12 nanomoles of peptide and 705 ± 84 nanomoles of copper permeated though the microneedle treated human skin, while almost no peptide or copper permeated through intact human skin. No obvious signs of skin irritation were observed with the use of GHK-Cu after microneedle pretreatment.

CONCLUSIONS

It is effective and safe to enhance the skin permeation of GHK-Cu by using microneedles. This approach may be useful to deliver similar peptides or minerals through skin.

[Characteristics analysis on acute occupational poisoning accident from 2006 to 2013 in Jiangsu Province]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the characteristics of acute occupational poisoning accidents reported in Jiangsu Province between 2006 to 2013.

METHODS

Based on the reported data of occupational diseases, we analysis indicators such as type, gender, age, and enterprise size of acute occupational poisoning.

RESULTS

(1) There were 226 acute occupational poisoning accidents for 8 years with 436 workers poisoned and 13 died. The Poisoning mortality rate was 2.98%. (2) The accidents occurred more frequently from March to August each year. (3) Asphyxiating gases, irritant gases and organic solvents are the main chemicals which caused these poisoning accidents. (4) Most of the cases come from the chemical industry and light industry . They more occurred in men and presented the trend of aging. (5) Most of them are from the south of Jiangsu and coastal areas. New cases of acute occupational poisoning mainly concentrated in small businesses.

CONCLUSION

Strengthening the supervision on high incidence area and high-risk industry is the key point to reduce the incidence of acute occupational poisoning accident.

Chalcone Tetramers, Lophirachalcone and Alatachalcone, fromLophira alataas Possible Anti-tumor Promoters

Two chalcone tetramers were isolated as inhibitors of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-activation induced by a tumor promoter, teleocidin B-4, from a medicinal plant in tropical west Africa, Lophira alata (Ochnaceae). One of them was identified as lophirachalcone. The other, named alatachalcone, was new, and the structure was determined by spectral properties. Both compounds also showed potent inhibitory activities against teleocidin B-4-induced inflammation on mouse ear. In an initiation-promotion experiment on mouse skin, alatachalcone (16 nmol) significantly inhibited tumor promotion caused by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA, 1.6 nmol).

In vivo evaluation of an in-situ hydrogel system for vaginal administration

The vaginal retention and local irritation of a carrageenan, poloxamer 407 and carbopol-based thermosensitive hydrogel system for vaginal drug delivery was assessed. Results showed that the residence of hydrogel in the mouse vagina following intravaginal administration was prolonged by carrageenan and further prolonged by the addition of a mucoadhesive component (carbopol). The optimal hydrogel formulation was proven to be safe for vaginal use in rabbits.

Can quantitative sensory testing move us closer to mechanism-based pain management?

OBJECTIVE

This review summarizes the scientific literature relating to the use of quantitative sensory testing (QST) for mechanism-based pain management.

DESIGN

A literature search was undertaken using PubMed and search terms including quantitative sensory testing, pain, chronic pain, response to treatment, outcome measure.

SETTINGS AND PATIENTS

Studies including QST in healthy individuals and those with painful disorders were reviewed.

MEASURES

Publications reported on QST methodological issues including associations among measures and reliability. We also included publications on the use of QST measures in case-control studies, their associations with biopsychosocial mechanisms, QST measures predicting clinical pain, as well as predicting and reflecting treatment responses.

RESULTS

Although evidence suggests that QST may be useful in a mechanism-based classification of pain, there are gaps in our current understanding that need to be addressed including making QST more applicable in clinical settings. There is a need for developing shorter QST protocols that are clinically predictive of various pain subtypes and treatment responses without requiring expensive equipment. Future studies are needed, examining the clinical predictive value of QST including sensitivity and specificity for pain classification or outcome prediction. These findings could enable third-party payers' reimbursement, which would facilitate clinical implementation of QST.

CONCLUSIONS

With some developments, QST could become a cost-effective and clinically useful component of pain assessment and diagnosis, which can further our progress toward the goal of mechanism-based personalized pain management.

Efficacy of combination of glycolic acid peeling with topical regimen in treatment of melasma

BACKGROUND

Various treatment modalities are available for management of melasma, ranging from topical and oral to chemical peeling, but none is promising alone. Very few studies are available regarding efficacy of combination of topical treatment with chemical peeling. Combination of chemical peeling and topical regimen can be a good treatment modality in the management of this recalcitrant disorder.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of combination of topical regimen (2% hydroquinone, 1% hydrocortisone and 0.05% tretinoin) with serial glycolic acid peeling in the treatment of melasma in Indian patients.

METHODS

Forty Indian patients of moderate to severe epidermal variety melasma were divided into two groups of 20 each. One Group i.e. peel group received topical regimen (2% hydroquinone, 1% hydrocortisone and 0.05% tretinoin) with serial glycolic acid peeling and other group i.e. control group received topical regimen (2% hydroquinone, 1% hydrocortisone, 0.05% tretinoin).

RESULTS

There was an overall decrease in MASI from baseline in 24 weeks of therapy in both the groups (P value < 0.05). The group receiving the glycolic acid peel with topical regimen showed early and greater improvement than the group which was receiving topical regimen only.

CONCLUSION

This study concluded that combining topical regimen (2% hydroquinone, 1% hydrocortisone and 0.05% tretinoin) with serial glycolic acid peeling significantly enhances the therapeutic efficacy of glycolic acid peeling. The combination of glycolic acid peeling with the topical regimen is a highly effective, safe and promising therapeutic option in treatment of melasma.