Anticancer potentials of metformin loaded coconut oil nanoemulsion on MCF-7, HepG2 and HCT-116 cell lines

In order to load metformin in a nano formula and evaluate the produced nano form towards cancer cells, metformin was loaded on natural carrier coconut oil. The formed metformin-loaded coconut oil nanoemulsion was characterized by Zeta potential, particle size, drug content, drug release, and drug stability. The formed nanoemulsion was evaluated towards MCF-7, HepG2, and HCT-116 cell lines. Cell cycle analysis and apoptosis mechanism were studied. The nanoemulsion was created using deionized water, 1.5% Span 20, 1.5% Tween 80, 1.5% coconut oil, and 0.5% Metformin in an ultrasonicator to produce a homogenous solution. The anticancer activities of the metformin-loaded coconut nanoemulsion were highly improved compared to non-formulated metformin with IC50s of 8.3 ± 0.1 µg/ml, 12 ± 1.5 µg/ml, 2.685 ± 0.3 µg/ml for MCF-7, HepG2, and HCT-116 cell lines, respectively. There was a 76.5 ± 2.3 and 78.3 ± 3.2% increase in the number of apoptotic cells of MCF-7 and HepG2 cells after nanoemulsion treatment. This formula may be considered a new anticancer medication.

Association between levothyroxine replacement therapy and osteoporosis in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a matched case-control study

Hypothyroidism is a common health problem among elder women. However, conflicting results were observed regarding the association between levothyroxine treatment and osteoporosis risk. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the effect of levothyroxine replacement therapy on osteoporosis risk in the Saudi population. This study was a matched case-control study conducted from June to August 2020. Data were extracted from the electronic medical records and included sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, comorbid conditions, levothyroxine replacement therapy dose, duration, concomitant therapy, and bone mineral density. Cases were matched with controls (1:1 basis) by age; the study included 256 cases and 256 controls. In the multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis, thyroxine use was independently associated with an increased likelihood of osteoporosis. Therefore levothyroxine use in elderly females was associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, and hence, clinicians must be aware of the levothyroxine replacement therapy outcomes in postmenopausal females at risk of osteoporosis.

Incidence and risk factors associated with hypoglycemia among patients with chronic kidney disease: A systematic review

Hypoglycemia is a common complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), more so if they have diabetes as well. The occurrence of hypoglycemia in CKD is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, both of which are treatable and preventable. This review summarizes the incidence and risk factors associated with hypoglycemia among patients with CKD. The meta-analysis was performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. A search was done on PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature for cohort studies in English published between January 2000 and August 2019 using search terms related to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), chronic kidney disease (chronic renal failure OR renal failure), and incidence (risk OR epidemiology OR risk factors). Summary measures were calculated using random-effects model. A total of 5 studies involving 311,817 persons were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled incidence of hypoglycemia in patients with CKD was 0.188 (confidence interval [CI] = 0.097-0.287). The incidence of hypoglycemia was significantly higher in patients with CKD than in patients without CKD (Relative risk [RR] = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.86-1.92, P < 0.0001). No heterogeneity was reported between the studies (I² = 0%, P > 0.05), and publication bias was also found. Females, patients who had diabetes mellitus of long duration, and those on antidiabetic drugs such as insulin and sulfonylureas were at risk of developing hypoglycemia in CKD as per narrative review. The incidence of hypoglycemia in patients with CKD is high. Therefore, there is need to closely monitor affected individuals so that appropriate management protocols could be set up. Further probing of various risk factors for hypoglycemia in CKD patients is necessary for early detection and initiation of timely preventive and curative measures.