Influence of topical phenylpropanolamine on tachyphylaxis and mucociliary clearance in the human nose

Liver metastases

Liver metastases are commonly detected in a range of malignancies including colorectal cancer (CRC), pancreatic cancer, melanoma, lung cancer and breast cancer, although CRC is the most common primary cancer that metastasizes to the liver. Interactions between tumour cells and the tumour microenvironment play an important part in the engraftment, survival and progression of the metastases. Various cells including liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, parenchymal hepatocytes, dendritic cells, resident natural killer cells as well as other immune cells such as monocytes, macrophages and neutrophils are implicated in promoting and sustaining metastases in the liver. Four key phases (microvascular, pre-angiogenic, angiogenic and growth phases) have been identified in the process of liver metastasis. Imaging modalities such as ultrasonography, CT, MRI and PET scans are typically used for the diagnosis of liver metastases. Surgical resection remains the main potentially curative treatment among patients with resectable liver metastases. The role of liver transplantation in the management of liver metastasis remains controversial. Systemic therapies, newer biologic agents (for example, bevacizumab and cetuximab) and immunotherapeutic agents have revolutionized the treatment options for liver metastases. Moving forward, incorporation of genetic tests can provide more accurate information to guide clinical decision-making and predict prognosis among patients with liver metastases.

Effect of oxymetazoline on healthy human nasal ciliary beat frequency measured with high-speed digital microscopy and mucociliary transport time

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the effects of oxymetazoline hydrochloride on the regulation of healthy human nasal ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and its influence on nasal mucociliary transport time (MTT).

METHODS

Changes in (cultured) human nasal CBF in response to increasing concentrations of oxymetazoline within 20 minutes were quantified by use of high-speed digital microscopy. Moreover, the MTT before and after application of 0.05% oxymetazoline was determined by use of the saccharin test.

RESULTS

Whereas no statistically significant difference was identified when compared to basal CBF at the concentration of 0.025% or 0.05%, both 0.10% and 0.20% oxymetazoline induced a significantly lower CBF at the end of the observation period. The decrement induced by 0.20% oxymetazoline appeared earlier. At concentrations ranging from 0.025% to 0.20%, the inhibitory effect was dependent on the concentration of oxymetazoline. In addition, the use of 0.05% oxymetazoline increased the mean (+/- SD) human nasal MTT from 474 +/- 21 seconds to 572 +/- 41 seconds (n = 29).

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical concentration of oxymetazoline, 0.05%, has no obvious inhibitory effect on human nasal CBF in vitro. The increased MTT caused by 0.05% oxymetazoline in vivo is within the normal range.

Efficacy of a topical nasal decongestant in different formulations: the effect of viscosity

Factors affecting the absorption of drugs through the nasal mucosa are increasingly being studied. Dosage form factors, i.e. the viscosity of the excipients, have been claimed to be of importance for enhanced nasal absorption due to prolongation of contact time between drug and mucosa. In the present study, a comparison was made of the effect of a local nasal sympathomimetic when administered intranasally in formulations with different viscosities. Volunteers received the test drugs as nasal sprays in a randomized cross-over design by a rhinomanometric technique, the effect of the drug being recorded for up to 5 h after administration. No significant differences in effects were observed when the test formulations were compared.