Repurposing pantoprazole in combination with systemic therapy in advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a phase I/II randomized study

Pantoprazole decreases the acidity of the tumor microenvironment by inhibiting proton pumps on the cancer cell. This possibly leads to increased sensitivity to cytotoxic therapy. We conducted a phase I/II randomized controlled trial in adult patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) planned for first-line palliative chemotherapy. Patients were randomized to chemotherapy + / - intravenous (IV) pantoprazole. The primary endpoint in phase I was to determine the maximum safe dose of intravenous pantoprazole, whereas it was progression-free survival (PFS) in phase II. The dose of IV pantoprazole established in phase I was 240 mg. Between Nov'18 and Oct'20, we recruited 120 patients in phase II, 59 on pantoprazole and 61 on the standard arm. Median age was 51 years (IQR 43-60), 80% were men. Systemic therapy was IV cisplatin in 22% and oral-metronomic-chemotherapy (OMC) in 78%. Addition of pantoprazole did not prolong PFS, which was 2.2 months (95% CI 2.07-3.19) in the pantoprazole arm and 2.5 months (95% CI 2.04-3.81, HR, 1.14; 95% CI 0.78-1.66; P = 0.48) in the standard arm. Response rates were similar; pantoprazole arm 8.5%, standard arm 6.6%; P = 0.175. Overall survival was also similar; 5.6 months (95% CI 4.47-8.51) in the pantoprazole arm and 5.4 months (95% CI 3.48-8.54, HR 1.06; 95% CI 0.72-1.57; P = 0.75) in the standard arm. Grade ≥ 3 toxicities were similar. Thus, pantoprazole 240 mg IV added to systemic therapy does not improve outcomes in patients with advanced HNSCC.

Dietary fish oil enriched in very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid reduces cardiometabolic risk factors and improves retinal function

Very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLCPUFAs; C24-38) constitute a unique class of PUFA that have important biological roles, but the lack of a suitable dietary source has limited research in this field. We produced an n-3 C24-28-rich VLCPUFA-oil concentrated from fish oil to study its bioavailability and physiological functions in C57BL/6J mice. The serum and retinal C24:5 levels increased significantly compared to control after a single-dose gavage, and VLCPUFAs were incorporated into the liver, brain, and eyes after 8-week supplementation. Dietary VLCPUFAs resulted in favorable cardiometabolic changes, and improved electroretinography responses and visual performance. VLCPUFA supplementation changed the expression of genes involved in PPAR signaling pathways. Further in vitro studies demonstrated that the VLCPUFA-oil and chemically synthesized C24:5 are potent agonists for PPARs. The multiple potential beneficial effects of fish oil-derived VLCPUFAs on cardiometabolic risk and eye health in mice support future efforts to develop VLCPUFA-oil into a supplemental therapy.

Systemic Effects of Prenatal Carotenoid Supplementation in the Mother and her Child: The Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Pregnancy (L-ZIP) Randomized Trial -Report Number 1

BACKGROUND

Adding carotenoids, particularly lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z), to prenatal micronutrient formulations has been promoted to enhance infant visual and neural development and to maintain maternal health. Although these claims are biologically plausible, they are not yet supported by a compelling prospective trial.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effect of prenatal carotenoid supplementation on biomarkers of maternal and infant systemic carotenoid status.

METHODS

We randomly assigned 47 first trimester pregnant subjects by 1:1 allocation to receive standard-of-care prenatal vitamins plus a 10 mg L and 2 mg Z softgel (the Carotenoid group) or standard-of-care prenatal vitamins with a placebo softgel (the Control group) for 6-8 mo. Maternal carotenoid concentrations in the serum and skin at the end of each trimester and postpartum were measured with HPLC and resonance Raman spectroscopy, respectively. Infants' systemic carotenoid status was assessed using similar techniques but optimized for infants. Repeated measures and paired t-tests were determined, and a P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

After supplementation, there was a statistically significant increase in maternal serum L + Z concentrations, serum total carotenoid concentrations, and skin carotenoid status (P < 0.001 for all) in the Carotenoid group relative to the Control group at all study time points. Similarly, infants whose mothers were in the Carotenoid group had a significant 5-fold increase in cord blood L + Z concentrations, over a 3-fold increase in cord blood total carotenoids, and a 38% increase in skin carotenoids compared with the Control group (P < 0.0001 for all). In addition, there was a strong positive, statistically significant correlation between postpartum maternal and infant systemic carotenoid status (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Prenatal carotenoid supplementation significantly increased maternal and infant systemic (skin and serum) carotenoid status, which may benefit pregnant women and their infants' health. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03750968.

Prenatal Carotenoid Supplementation With Lutein or Zeaxanthin Ameliorates Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy (OIR) in Bco2-/- Macular Pigment Mice

Purpose

Premature infants at risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) miss placental transfer of the carotenoids lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) during the third trimester. We previously demonstrated that prenatal L and Z supplementation raised carotenoid levels in infants at birth in the Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Pregnancy (L-ZIP) study (NCT03750968). Based on their antioxidant effects and bioavailability, we hypothesized that prenatal maternal supplementation with macular carotenoids would reduce the risk of ROP. To test this hypothesis, we utilized "macular pigment mice" genetically engineered to take up L and Z into the retina in a model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR).

Methods

Pregnant Bco2-/- mice were divided into nine experimental subgroups based on the type of supplementation (L, Z, or placebo) and on the maternal supplementation start date corresponding to the three trimesters of human fetal development (E0, E11, and P1). Pups and nursing mothers were exposed to 75% O2 for 5 days (P7-P12) and returned to room air for 5 days (P12-P17). Pups were killed at P12 and P17, and their retinas were analyzed for vaso-obliteration and intravitreal neovascularization.

Results

Pups of pregnant mice supplemented with L or Z had significant reductions in areas of vaso-obliteration and intravitreal neovascularization compared to placebo. Prenatal carotenoid supplementation starting at E0 or E11 was significantly more protective against OIR than postnatal supplementation starting at P1.

Conclusions

Prenatal supplementation with L and Z was beneficial in a mouse OIR model. We recommend testing prenatal L and Z supplementation in future human clinical trials to prevent ROP.

Lutein Encapsulated in PLGA–Phospholipid Nano-Carrier Effectively Mitigates Cytokines by Inhibiting Tumor Necrosis Factor TNF-α and Nuclear Factor NF-κB in Mice Retina

Lutein, a photo- and thermo-labile macular pigment, prevents the retina from suffering ocular inflammation with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. However, its biological activity is poor due to poor solubility and bioavailability. Therefore, we developed a PLGA NCs (+PL), (poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanocarrier with phospholipid) to improve the biological availability and bioefficacy of lutein in the retina of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lutein-devoid (LD) mice. The effect of lutein-loaded NCs with/without PL was studied in comparison with micellar lutein. The induction of inflammation by LPS significantly increased the production of nitrites in the LPS-induced group, revealing higher levels of nitric oxide (NO) in the serum (760%) and retina (891%) compared to the control group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the serum (93%) and retina (205%) of the LPS-induced group were higher compared to the control group. LPS induction resulted in increased protein carbonyls in the serum (481%) and retina (487%) of the LPS group compared to the control group. Further, to conclude, lutein-PLGA NCs (+PL) effectively down-regulated inflammatory complications in the retina.

Mechanism for the selective uptake of macular carotenoids mediated by the HDL cholesterol receptor SR-BI

The macular carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are taken up from the bloodstream into the human retina through a selective process, for which the HDL cholesterol receptor scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI) in the cells of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is thought to be a key mediator. However, the mechanism of SR-BI-mediated selective uptake of macular carotenoids is still not fully understood. Here, we investigate possible mechanisms using biological assays and cultured HEK293 cells, a cell line without endogenous SR-BI expression. Binding affinities between SR-BI and various carotenoids were measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy, which shows that SR-BI cannot bind lutein or zeaxanthin specifically. Overexpression of SR-BI in HEK293 cells results in more lutein and zeaxanthin taken up than β-carotene, and this effect can be eliminated by an SR-BI mutant (C384Y) whose cholesterol uptake tunnel is blocked. Next, we determined the effects of HDL and hepatic lipase (LIPC), SR-BI's partners in HDL cholesterol transport, on SR-BI-mediated carotenoid uptake. HDL addition dramatically reduced lutein, zeaxanthin, and β-carotene in HEK293 cells expressing SR-BI, but the cellular lutein and zeaxanthin are higher than β-carotene. LIPC addition increases the uptake of all three carotenoids in HDL-treated cells, and promotes the transport of lutein and zeaxanthin better than β-carotene. Our results suggest that SR-BI and its HDL cholesterol partner HDL and LIPC may be involved in the selective uptake of macular carotenoids.

Macular Pigment Carotenoids and Bisretinoid A2E

Lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z), and meso-zeaxanthin (MZ) are the three macular pigments (MP) carotenoids that uniquely accumulate in the macula lutea region of the human retina. L and Z are obtained by humans through dietary intake. The third MP, MZ, is rarely present in diet, and its abundance in the human fovea is due to the metabolic conversion of dietary L by the retinal pigment epithelium's RPE65 enzyme. The major functions of MP in ocular health are to filter high-intensity, phototoxic blue light and to act as effective antioxidants for scavenging free radicals. The pyridinium bisretinoid, N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E), contributes to drusen formation in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to the autofluorescent flecks in autosomal recessive Stargardt disease (STGD1). Retinal carotenoids attenuate A2E formation and can directly and indirectly alleviate A2E-mediated oxidative damage. In this chapter, we review these more recently recognized interconnections between MP carotenoids and A2E bisretinoids.

HDL is the primary transporter for carotenoids from liver to retinal pigment epithelium in transgenic ApoA-I-/-/Bco2-/- mice

Supplementation with antioxidant carotenoids is a therapeutic strategy to protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD); however, the transport mechanism of carotenoids from the liver to the retina is still not fully understood. Here, we investigate if HDL serves as the primary transporter for the macular carotenoids. ApoA-I, the key apolipoprotein of HDL, was genetically deleted from BCO2 knockout (Bco2-/-) mice, a macular pigment mouse model capable of accumulating carotenoids in the retina. We then conducted a feeding experiment with a mixed carotenoid chow (lutein:zeaxanthin:β-carotene = 1:1:1) for one month. HPLC data demonstrated that the total carotenoids were increased in the livers but decreased in the serum, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroids, and retinas of ApoA-I-/-/Bco2-/- mice compared to Bco2-/- mice. In detail, ApoA-I deficiency caused a significant increase of β-carotene but not lutein and zeaxanthin in the liver, decreased all three carotenoids in the serum, blocked the majority of zeaxanthin and β-carotene transport to the RPE/choroid, and dramatically reduced β-carotene and zeaxanthin but not lutein in the retina. Furthermore, surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy (SPR) data showed that the binding affinity between ApoA-I and β-carotene ≫ zeaxanthin > lutein. Our results show that carotenoids are transported from the liver to the eye mainly by HDL, and ApoA-I may be involved in the selective delivery of macular carotenoids to the RPE.

Difference Between Erector Spinae Plane Block and Paraspinal Interfascial Plane Block in Analgesia after Posterior Cervical Laminectomy

Spine surgeries are associated with severe intraoperative and postoperative pain which need a comprehensive management protocol. It is important to manage postoperative pain in such cases to improve early ambulation and discharge and hence the functional outcomes. A 46-year-old male, weighing 80 kg, was posted for cervical laminectomy with posterior stabilisation. After institution of general anaesthesia before surgical incision, 15 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine on each side at the level of C6 in the erector spinae plane on the left- side and the paraspinal posterior interfascial plane on the right-side was administered. The patient experienced significant postoperative pain relief for 12 hours. However, on clinical examination, there was a mild sensory loss on the left-side from C4 to T1, but no such sensory loss on the right-side. There was a complete recovery of sensory loss the following day. It is proposed that such volume in the Erector Spine plane can provide excellent analgesia for 12 hours, but with sensory loss. The drug may trickle to nerve roots, whereas it is unlikely to do so in the interfascial plane. It is also suggested that such volumes are needed for effective analgesia. It is also suggested that a technique without definitive sensory deficit is ideal in such cases to detect early surgical complication.

Semen and Spermatozoa Characteristics in Alcohol Users and Non-Users

Introduction: Increasing infertility rate worldwide raises research to investigate plausible reason health community. To find out the characteristics of semen and spermatozoa in alcohol users and compare these characteristics with that of non-users of alcohol. Methodology: The data on alcohol use and semen analysis were obtained from case records of patients reported to the Department of Andrology & Reproductive Medicine of a tertiary care hospital for a period of one year from January 2018 to December 2018. The semen volume, sperm concentration, motility and morphology in alcohol users were compared with non-users. Results: A total of 231 patients had reported to the Department of Andrology & Reproductive Medicine during the study period. Among them 81 (35.06%) were alcohol users and 150 (64.94%) alcohol non-users. Analysis of their semen reports revealed that the difference in semen volume and sperm morphology was not found to be statistically significant, but the sperm concentration and progressive motility of spermatozoa showed significant reduction in alcohol users compared to non – users (p<0.05). Conclusion: The semen volume and sperm quality were found to be low in alcohol users. Among the spermatozoa characteristics, sperm concentration and motility were significantly reduced in alcohol users.

Lutein and zeaxanthin reduce A2E and iso-A2E levels and improve visual performance in Abca4-/-/Bco2-/- double knockout mice

Accumulation of bisretinoids such as A2E and its isomer iso-A2E is thought to mediate blue light-induced oxidative damage associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and autosomal recessive Stargardt disease (STGD1). We hypothesize that increasing dietary intake of the macular carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin in individuals at risk of AMD and STGD1 can inhibit the formation of bisretinoids A2E and iso-A2E, which can potentially ameliorate macular degenerative diseases. To study the beneficial effect of macular carotenoids in a retinal degenerative diseases model, we used ATP-binding cassette, sub-family A member 4 (Abca4-/-)/β,β-carotene-9',10'-oxygenase 2 (Bco2-/-) double knockout (KO) mice that accumulate elevated levels of A2E and iso-A2E in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and macular carotenoids in the retina. Abca4-/-/Bco2-/- and Abca4-/- mice were fed a lutein-supplemented chow, zeaxanthin-supplemented chow or placebo chow (~2.6 mg of carotenoid/mouse/day) for three months. Visual function and electroretinography (ERG) were measured after one month and three months of carotenoid supplementation. The lutein and zeaxanthin supplemented Abca4-/-/Bco2-/- mice had significantly lower levels of RPE/choroid A2E and iso-A2E compared to control mice fed with placebo chow and improved visual performance. Carotenoid supplementation in Abca4-/- mice minimally raised retinal carotenoid levels and did not show much difference in bisretinoid levels or visual function compared to the control diet group. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation between carotenoid levels in the retina and A2E and iso-A2E levels in the RPE/choroid. Supplementation with retinal carotenoids, especially zeaxanthin, effectively inhibits bisretinoid formation in a mouse model of STGD1 genetically enhanced to accumulate carotenoids in the retina. These results provide further impetus to pursue oral carotenoids as therapeutic interventions for STGD1 and AMD.

The emerging roles of the macular pigment carotenoids throughout the lifespan and in prenatal supplementation

Since the publication of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) in 2013, the macular pigment carotenoids lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) have become well known to both the eye care community and the public. It is a fascinating aspect of evolution that primates have repurposed photoprotective pigments and binding proteins from plants and insects to protect and enhance visual acuity. Moreover, utilization of these plant-derived nutrients has been widely embraced for preventing vision loss from age-related macular degeneration. More recently, there has been growing awareness that these nutrients can also play a role in improving visual performance in adults. On the other hand, the potential benefits of L and Z supplementation at very young ages have been underappreciated. In this review, we examine the biochemical mechanisms and supportive data for L and Z supplementation throughout the lifespan, with particular emphasis on prenatal supplementation. We propose that prenatal nutritional recommendations may aim at improving maternal and infant carotenoid status. Prenatal supplementation with L and Z might enhance infant visual development and performance and may even prevent retinopathy of prematurity, possibilities that should be examined in future clinical studies.

The macular carotenoids: A biochemical overview

Among the more than 750 carotenoids identified in nature, only lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin, and their oxidative metabolites are selectively accumulated in the macula lutea region of the human retina. These retinal carotenoids are collectively referred to as the macular pigment (MP) and are obtained only through dietary sources such as green leafy vegetables and yellow and orange fruits and vegetables. Lutein- and zeaxanthin-specific binding proteins (StARD3 and GSTP1, respectively) mediate the highly selective uptake of MP into the retina. Meso-zeaxanthin is rarely present in the diet, and its unique presence in the human eye results from metabolic conversion from dietary lutein by the RPE65 enzyme. The MP carotenoids filter high-intensity, short-wavelength visible light and are powerful antioxidants in a region vulnerable to light-induced oxidative stress. This review focuses on MP chemistry, absorption, metabolism, transport, and distribution with special emphasis on animal models used for MP study. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Carotenoids recent advances in cell and molecular biology edited by Johannes von Lintig and Loredana Quadro.

Anti-rheumatoid activity of ethanolic extract of Sesamum indicum seed extract in Freund's complete adjuvant induced arthritis in Wistar albino rats

Sesamum indicum, one of the first recorded plants used for its seeds, is reported to have analgesic, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-obesity as well as hepato and nephro protective activities. The current study evaluated the effects of two doses (400 and 800 mg/kg) of ethanolic extract of S. indicum seeds in Freund's complete adjuvant induced arthritis in rats in comparison with diclofenac and methotrexate by the changes produced in body weight, body temperature, paw volume and spontaneous activity, hemoglobin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, total white blood cells, red blood cells, Interleukin-6 and Tumor necrosis factor-α as well as joint changes in X-ray and histological changes in joint tissue. Unlike the untreated group, the groups treated with S. indicum showed significant decrease in paw volume, body weight, white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Interleukin-6 and Tumor necrosis factor-α and an increase in body weight, spontaneous activity, hemoglobin level, and red blood cell count. Histopathological examination showed gross reduction in synovial inflammation and cartilage damage. X-ray revealed significant improvement in joint space. The effect of ethanolic extract of S. indicum was found to be equivalent to methotrexate and greater than diclofenac.

Intraoperative serum lactate is not a predictor of survival after glioblastoma surgery

BACKGROUND

Cancer cells can produce lactate in high concentrations. Two previous studies examined the clinical relevance of serum lactate as a biomarker in patients with brain tumors. Patients with high-grade tumors have higher serum concentrations of lactate than those with low-grade tumors. We hypothesized that serum lactic could be used of biomarker to predictor of survival in patients with glioblastoma (GB).

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. Demographic, lactate concentrations and imaging data from 275 adult patients with primary GB was included in the analysis. The progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were compared in patients who had above and below the median concentrations of lactate. We also investigated the correlation between lactate concentrations and tumor volume. Multivariate analyses were conducted to test the association lactate, tumor volume and demographic variables with PFS and OS.

RESULTS

The median serum concentration of lactate was 2.3mmol/L. A weak correlation was found between lactate concentrations and tumor volume. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated similar survival in patients with higher or lower than 2.3mmol/L of lactate. The multivariate analysis indicated that the intraoperative levels of lactate were not independently associated with changes in survival. On another hand, a preoperative T1 volume was an independent predictor PFS (HR 95%CI: 1.41, 1.02-1.82, p=0.006) and OS (HR 95%CI: 1.47, 1.11-1.96, p=0.006).

CONCLUSION

This retrospective study suggests that the serum concentrations of lactate cannot be used as a biomarker to predict survival after GB surgery. To date, there are no clinically available serum biomarkers to determine prognosis in patients with high-grade gliomas. These tumors may produce high levels of lactic acid. We hypothesized that serum lactic could be used of biomarker to predictor of survival in patients with glioblastoma (GB). In this study, we collected perioperative and survival data from 275 adult patients with primary high-grade gliomas to determine whether intraoperative serum acid lactic concentrations can serve as a marker of prognosis. The median serum concentration of lactate was 2.3mmol/L. Our analysis indicated the intraoperative levels of lactate were not independently associated with changes in survival. This retrospective study suggests that the serum concentrations of lactate cannot be used as a biomarker to predict survival after GB surgery.

Chitosan-glycolipid nanogels loaded with anti-obese marine carotenoid fucoxanthin: Acute and sub-acute toxicity evaluation in rodent model

Fucoxanthin (FUCO) is a light- and heat-sensitive marine xanthophyll carotenoid, present in brown algae that render physiological properties as anti-oxidants. In this study, nanoencapsulation is an approach adopted to improve bioavailability of FUCO by using ionic-gelation method with polymeric chitosan (CS) dispersed in glycolipid (GL), as a carrier. Further, the aim was to investigate adverse effect of acute and sub-acute toxicity of chitosan nanogels (CS-NGs) loaded with FUCO+GL in rats. In the acute toxicity study, FUCO was fed to rats at doses of 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 mg/kg body weight (BW). In the sub-acute toxicity study, FUCO was fed at doses of 1 and 10 mg/kg BW for 28 days. In both the studies, no mortality and abnormalities in gross morphology were observed. Acute toxicity study revealed that the LD50 of FUCO in CS-NGs is higher than 100 mg/kg BW. No postprandial plasma levels of FUCO were detected. However, fucoxanthinol (FUOH), a hydrolytic metabolite of FUCO was detected in a dose dependent manner ( P < 0.01). Compared to the control group(s), no dose-related toxic effects of CS-NGs with FUCO + GL were found in haematological, histopathological, plasma biochemical indices, etc. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for CS-NGs with FUCO + GL in rats was 10 mg/kg/day. To conclude, no apparent adverse effect of CS-NGs with FUCO + GL demonstrating CS could be a promising polymer matrix for safe delivery of FUCO. This is the first study to demonstrate the safety assessment of CS-NGs with FUCO + GL.

Quercetin reverses EGF-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition and invasiveness in prostate cancer (PC-3) cell line via EGFR/PI3K/Akt pathway

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays an important role in metastasis and tumorigenesis of prostate cancer. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process in tumor progression during which cancer cells undergo dramatic changes acquiring highly invasive properties. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of quercetin on EGF-induced EMT in prostate cancer (PC-3) cell line. Quercetin, a plant flavonoid, prevented EGF-induced invasion and migration of PC-3 cells. The protein and mRNA expressions of E-cadherin and N-cadherin were studied by immunocytochemistry, Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Quercetin prevented EGF-induced expression of N-cadherin and vimentin and increased the expression of E-cadherin in PC-3 cells, therefore preventing EGF-induced EMT. EGF-induced cell adhesion proteins, intercellular adhesion molecule and vascular cell adhesion molecule were significantly decreased by quercetin treatment. Furthermore, mRNA and protein expressions of Snail, Slug and Twist showed that quercetin significantly decreased EGF-induced expressions of Snail, Slug and Twist. The protein expressions of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)/Akt/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 pathway showed that quercetin prevents EGF-induced EMT via EGFR/PI3k/Akt/ERK1/2 pathway and by suppressing transcriptional repressors Snail, Slug and Twist in PC-3 cells. Thus, it is concluded from the present study that quercetin may prevent cancer metastasis by targeting EMT.

Methylation and expression patterns of tropomyosin-related kinase genes in different grades of glioma

Tropomyosin-related kinase family (NTRK1, NTRK2 and NTRK3) is well known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of brain tumour, which exhibit heterogeneity in its biological and clinical behaviour. However, the mechanism that regulates NTRKs in glioma is not well understood. The present study investigates the epigenetic status (methylation) of NTRKs and their expression in different grades of glioma. Promoter methylation and structural relationship of NTRKs was assessed using methylation-specific PCR followed by chromatin immunoprecipitation in brain tissue samples from 220 subjects with different grades of glioma. Control brain samples were also assessed similarly. Reverse transcriptase PCR was performed to analyse the expressions of NTRK mRNAs in the grades of glioma. In addition, the expression level of p75(NTR) protein was analysed using immunofluorescent technique in all of the samples. The overall percentage of NTRK3 gene methylation frequency with subsequent loss of mRNA expression was significantly higher in glioma compared with control samples (p < 0.05). No such significance was observed in other NTRK1 and NTRK2 genes. Further, mRNA expression pattern of NTRK1 and NTRK2 genes was found to be significantly higher in low grades as compared with high grades (HG) and control samples (p < 0.05). Survival rate of HG patients with negative expressions of NTRK1 and NTRK2 was poor than those with the positive expressions of both NTRK1 and NTRK2. Further, a significant correlation was observed with reduced expression of p75(NTR) and the expression pattern of NTRK family in glioma as compared with the control samples (p < 0.05). There exists a correlation between the expression of NTRK family and different grades of glioma with a significant suggestion that the promoter methylation does not play role in the regulation of these genes in glioma. Further, poor survival could be associated with NTRK mRNAs 1 and 2. Hence, NTRKs are potential probes for assessing the behaviour of different grades of glioma, which could also function as significant prognostic factors and thus deserve wider attention for an effective management of the grades.

Promising anti-diabetes mellitus activity in rats of β-amyrin palmitate isolated from Hemidesmus indicus roots

While evaluating the toxicity of the tuberous root extracts of Hemidesmus indicus, a traditional medicinal plant, the glucose lowering property of the root was observed by the investigators. Therefore, it was thought of interest to isolate the anti-hyperglycemic principle from the root and determine its utility to develop an anti-diabetes mellitus medicine. The active principle was isolated from H. indicus root extract by anti-hyperglycemic activity guided chromatographic techniques. Glucose tolerance test in rats was used to evaluate the anti-hyperglycenic property. Anti-diabetes mellitus property was evaluated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats as well as streptozotocin-induced (type-2 model) diabetic rats. The active principle was isolated and identified with spectral data as β-amyrin palmitate. Although it is a known compound, its presence in H. indicus is not known previously. It was observed for the first time that β-amyrin palmitate has remarkable anti-hyperglycemic activity in orally glucose loaded rats. Further, interestingly, it exhibited excellent anti-diabetes mellitus activity in both alloxan-diabetic and streptozotocin-diabetic rats at a very low concentration (50µg/kg body weight). One of the mechanisms of action of β-amyrin palmitate appears to be blocking the entry of glucose from the intestine. β-Amyrin palmitate is very promising to develop a medicine for diabetes for combination therapy and/or mono-therapy.

Disease Identification and Grading of Pomegranate Leaves Using Image Processing and Fuzzy Logic

Plant diseases cause major losses to several agricultural and horticultural crops around the World. Therefore, methods for proper diagnosis of diseases found in any parts of the plant body play a crucial role in disease management. In the past few decades, many methods and techniques of image processing and soft computing are applied on a number of plants to diagnose and treat variety of plant diseases. Hence, the present work is aimed to develop an automated system that results in three major outcomes for a leaf image. They are disease identification, disease grading and treatment advisory. The methodology begins with capturing of samples of healthy and diseased leaf images of Pomegranate plant. All the images are made to undergo pre-processing steps and different features are extracted and stored in the database. Analysis is done on the extracted features to determine those features that constitute a disease in the leaf. Later, a query image is taken and is tested to determine whether that image is healthy or diseased one. If the query image is found to be diseased, then the grade of the disease is determined. Finally, a treatment advisory module is built which ultimately helps agriculturists/farmers.

Anti-cancer activity of quercetin in neuroblastoma: an in vitro approach

Neuroblastoma is a neuroendocrine tumour derived from neural crest cells and it remains a major therapeutic challenge in pediatric oncology. As response rates to chemotherapy are low, surgery remains the only effective treatment but since many tumors have metastasized at the time of diagnosis, curative surgery is rarely achieved. Consequently, a substantial need for new therapeutic options emerges. Quercetin a flavonoid, has been reported to lower the risk of several cancers. This study was designed to investigate its effects on apoptosis induction in the N2a, a mouse neuroblastoma cell line. The cell viability was determined by dimethyl thiazolyl tetrazolium bromide assay and diamidino-2-phenylindole staining was performed to confirm the apoptosis. The gene expression of bcl-w, p53, p27 and protein expression of caspases (3 and 9), bax, cytochrome-c were studied. This in vitro outcome suggests that quercetin can be used as a potent anti-cancer drug in future.

Promising interaction between nanoencapsulated lutein with low molecular weight chitosan: characterization and bioavailability of lutein in vitro and in vivo

This study aims to develop water-soluble low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC) nanoencapsules with lutein to improve its bioavailability. Lutein-LMWC nanoencapsules were prepared, characterized and bioavailability was studied in vitro and in vivo with lutein in mixed micelles (control). The particle size ranged between 80-600 nm, which was confirmed by Atomic Force Microscope. The interaction between LMWC and lutein in nanocencapsules by (1)H and (13)C NMR showed the essentiality of water molecules to hold the lutein between LMWC chains of nanoparticle with a reversible weak bond. Bioavailability of lutein (200 μM) in vitro showed that lutein-LMWC nanoencapsules was significantly higher (27.7%) than control. Postprandial lutein level in the plasma (54.5%), liver (53.9%) and eyes (62.8%) of mice fed on nanoencapsulated lutein were higher than the control. LMWC may serve as novel carrier for enhancing the lutein bioavailability and can be suggested as the better dietary compound in food and pharmaceutical applications.

Induction of cell-specific apoptosis and protection of mice from cancer challenge by a steroid positive compound from Zornia diphylla (L.) Pers

Objectives:

Zornia diphylla (L.) Pers is an ethnomedical herb. The aim of the study is to scientifically verify the traditional use of Z. diphylla as an anticancer medicine.

Materials and Methods:

Different extracts, fractions, and chemical isolates of the whole plant were screened for cytotoxicity to Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA) cells by the Trypan blue exclusion method and MTT assay. Column chromatographic and preparative TLC techniques were used for the isolation of active fraction (AF) and active principle. Cytotoxicity of AF to different cell types was tested. The apoptotic activity of AF was evaluated by morphological observations, nuclear condensation, and comet assay. In vivo antitumor activity of AF was determined in DLA-challenged mice. Short-term (29 days) preliminary toxicity evaluation of AF was done in mice.

Results:

n-Hexane extract (but not water and ethanol extracts) showed significant cytotoxicity. AF, isolated from n-hexane extract, induced apoptotic cell death (in vitro) to DLA cells, but not to normal thymocytes and macrophages. A steroid positive active principle was isolated which showed 100% cytotoxicity at 5 μg/mL level. Interestingly, AF (50 mg/kg) protected all the mice challenged with one million DLA cells/mouse. AF (up to 10 times higher than the therapeutic dose) did not exhibit any conspicuous adverse toxic symptoms in the toxicity evaluation.

Conclusion:

Z. diphylla (AF) showed promising in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity against DLA cells, and it was devoid of any toxicity to mice in short-term toxicity evaluation. The herb is promising for the development of a valuable anticancer medicine.

Effect of diallyl disulfide on insulin-like growth factor signaling molecules involved in cell survival and proliferation of human prostate cancer cells in vitro and in silico approach through docking analysis

PURPOSE

Diallyl Disulfide (DADS) is one of the major components of garlic, which inhibits the proliferation of various cancer cells. Our previous studies showed that DADS inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis on prostate cancer cells. Insulin like growth factor signaling pathway plays a significant role on prostate cancer cell growth and survival and it's over expression also identified in human prostate cancers. The molecular mechanism of IGF mediated PI3K/Akt signaling remains to be elucidated. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of diallyl disulfide on IGF signaling in androgen independent prostate cancer cells (PC-3).

METHODS

DADS (10-50 μM) caused dose-dependent inhibition of PC-3 cells, were analyzed by MTT, IC50 value of PC-3 cells was 40 μM for 24h. Interestingly, DADS also altered the mRNA and protein expressions of IGF signaling and apoptotic molecules which were confirmed by semi quantitative PCR and western blot method. Further the docking study of DADS with IGF receptor was carried out by Ligand Fit of Discovery studio. Accord Excel Package was used for the prediction of ADME properties of the compound.

RESULTS

The results suggests that DADS decreases the survival rate of androgen independent prostate cancer cells by modulating the expression of IGF system, which leads to inhibition of phosphorylation of Akt, thereby inhibits cell cycle progression and survival by lowering the expression of cyclin D1, NFkB and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 molecule and increasing the level of pro-apoptotic (Bad and Bax) signaling molecules which leads to apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

The present investigation showed downregulation of Akt and a concomitant increase in apoptosis in DADS treated prostate cancer cells. Since inhibition of this Akt pathway by DADS leads to inhibition in cancer cell progression, it is highly suggested that DADS has the potential use as a therapy for prostate cancer.

High-efficiency particulate air filter test stand and aerosol generator for particle loading studies

This manuscript describes the design, characterization, and operational range of a test stand and high-output aerosol generator developed to evaluate the performance of 30 x 30 x 29 cm(3) nuclear grade high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters under variable, highly controlled conditions. The test stand system is operable at volumetric flow rates ranging from 1.5 to 12 standard m(3)/min. Relative humidity levels are controllable from 5%-90% and the temperature of the aerosol stream is variable from ambient to 150 degrees C. Test aerosols are produced through spray drying source material solutions that are introduced into a heated stainless steel evaporation chamber through an air-atomizing nozzle. Regulation of the particle size distribution of the aerosol challenge is achieved by varying source solution concentrations and through the use of a postgeneration cyclone. The aerosol generation system is unique in that it facilitates the testing of standard HEPA filters at and beyond rated media velocities by consistently providing, into a nominal flow of 7 standard m(3)/min, high mass concentrations (approximately 25 mg/m(3)) of dry aerosol streams having count mean diameters centered near the most penetrating particle size for HEPA filters (120-160 nm). Aerosol streams that have been generated and characterized include those derived from various concentrations of KCl, NaCl, and sucrose solutions. Additionally, a water insoluble aerosol stream in which the solid component is predominantly iron (III) has been produced. Multiple ports are available on the test stand for making simultaneous aerosol measurements upstream and downstream of the test filter. Types of filter performance related studies that can be performed using this test stand system include filter lifetime studies, filtering efficiency testing, media velocity testing, evaluations under high mass loading and high humidity conditions, and determination of the downstream particle size distributions.

Efficiency of supercritical fluid extraction for determining 4-nonylphenol in municipal sewage sludge

When the sewage sludge containing the persistent, lipophilic, metabolite 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) has been disposed of in the environment it's toxic nature can lead to serious health risks to human beings and can also affect plants and aquatic organisms. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is a new and powerful technique for extracting the organic contaminants from the solid phase. The present study was conducted to investigate optimal conditions for the quantitative extraction of 4-NP by SFE and to determine the concentration of 4-NP in municipal sewage sludge. The effect of several parameters such as temperature, pressure, static extraction time, dynamic extraction time, CO2 flow-rate, sample mass and modifier on the extraction were investigated. The optimal conditions for the extraction of the spiked sample were fluid pressure 97 bar, temperature 40 degrees C, flow-rate 3.0 ml/min, static extraction time 2 min, dynamic extraction time 5 min and modifier methanol (0.5 ml). Extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Concentration of 4-NP in the anaerobically degraded sludge of the De-Haw Sewage Treatment Plant in Taiwan was found to be 243.9 mg/kg. The extraction efficiency of the SFE method was compared with the conventional Soxhlet extraction method. The overall recovery of the SFE method was found to be greater and the results indicate that SFE is an efficient method for extracting 4-NP from sewage sludge.

Classification and treatment of vertebral dissecting aneurysm

BACKGROUND

For many years, dissecting aneurysms of the intracranial vertebral artery were believed to be quite rare. In recent years, because vascular disorders have been studied more thoroughly by three dimensional-computed tomography (3D-CT), angiographically and pathologically, these aneurysms are being reported with more frequency.

METHODS

Among the 45 patients diagnosed to have aneurysms arising from the vertebral artery or its branches over a 20-year period, 16 had dissecting aneurysms. The authors present their therapeutic strategy for these patients. Surgery was performed in the 16 patients, the most common technique being clip-occlusion or trapping of the parent artery wherever feasible, in an attempt to optimize cerebral blood flow. The dissecting aneurysms of the vertebral artery were classified into two groups for the purpose of determining a therapeutic approach, namely unilateral and circumferential groups. In the unilateral group, the dissection seemed to involve only on one side of the vessel according to the conventional cerebral angiogram. These patients underwent surgical reconstruction of the vertebral artery by direct clipping. In the circumferential group, the dissection was all around the artery. Proximal clipping or trapping was performed in this group.

RESULTS

In six out of eight patients with unilateral dissecting aneurysms, vascular reconstruction was possible by direct clipping. Of these six patients, the surgical outcome was considered excellent in four, fair in one, and one patient died of cardiac failure after 12 days as his preoperative morbid condition remained the same after surgery. Two other patients with unilateral dissecting aneurysms were treated with trapping technique and the surgical outcome was excellent in one patient and good in the other patient. Both patients resumed a normal social life. In five out of eight patients with circumferential dissecting aneurysms, trapping or proximal clipping was performed and the surgical outcome was excellent in two patients, good in one and fair in one patient. One patient with preoperative brain stem infarction died of aspiration pneumonitis after 8 months. Two patients who were noted to have an increase in the size of aneurysm during follow-up angiography underwent a craniotomy with clipping and wrapping of the aneurysm. There was a favorable surgical outcome in both patients. The remaining three patients had Grade IV subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) prior to surgery and at autopsy a disturbed vascular wall was detected.

CONCLUSION

The authors' experience suggests that when surgically feasible, direct clipping is an effective alternative approach in the treatment of dissecting aneurysms of the vertebral artery in which blood flow in the parent artery is to be preserved.

Operation on high-lying basilar bifurcation aneurysms

BACKGROUND

The surgical approach to basilar bifurcation aneurysms is a complicated procedure, especially with those located high in the interpeduncular cistern. We have developed a surgical approach to these aneurysms involving only a small anterior temporal craniotomy and detachment of the zygomatic arch.

METHODS

The skin incision is placed 5 mm below the inferior border of the zygomatic arch and 5 mm anterior to the tragus, extending on towards the eyebrow but well within the hairline. The zygomatic arch is detached on either side followed by a small temporal craniotomy exposing the anterior temporal lobe. The temporal lobe is retracted and the internal carotid artery, posterior cerebral artery, posterior communicating artery, and inferior aspect of the optic chiasma are exposed.

RESULTS

We have performed a transzygomatic anterior subtemporal approach in 12 patients with high-lying basilar bifurcation aneurysm. Eight patients demonstrated a good recovery as per the Glasgow outcome scale and four patients had a moderate disability that correlated with a poor WFNS grade preoperatively. One patient had an oculomotor palsy and another experienced a small infarction postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

This approach is a suitable procedure for high-lying basilar bifurcation aneurysms in the interpeduncular cistern and 1.2 cm above the clinoid process.