Targeted diagnostic magnetic nanoparticles for medical imaging of pancreatic cancer

Highly aggressive cancer types such as pancreatic cancer possess a mortality rate of up to 80% within the first 6months after diagnosis. To reduce this high mortality rate, more sensitive diagnostic tools allowing an early stage medical imaging of even very small tumours are needed. For this purpose, magnetic, biodegradable nanoparticles prepared using recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA) and incorporated iron oxide (maghemite, γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles were developed. Galectin-1 has been chosen as target receptor as this protein is upregulated in pancreatic cancer and its precursor lesions but not in healthy pancreatic tissue nor in pancreatitis. Tissue plasminogen activator derived peptides (t-PA-ligands), that have a high affinity to galectin-1 have been chosen as target moieties and were covalently attached onto the nanoparticle surface. Improved targeting and imaging properties were shown in mice using single photon emission computed tomography-computer tomography (SPECT-CT), a handheld gamma camera, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The non-psychoactive cannabidiol triggers caspase activation and oxidative stress in human glioma cells

Recently, we have shown that the non-psychoactive cannabinoid compound cannabidiol (CBD) induces apoptosis of glioma cells in vitro and tumor regression in vivo. The present study investigated a possible involvement of caspase activation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction in the apoptotic effect of CBD. CBD produced a gradual, time-dependent activation of caspase-3, which preceded the appearance of apoptotic death. In addiction, release of cytochrome c and caspase-9 and caspase-8 activation were detected. The exposure to CBD caused in glioma cells an early production of ROS, depletion of intracellular glutathione and increase activity of glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes. Under the same experimental condition, CBD did not impair primary glia. Thus, we found a different sensitivity to the anti-proliferative effect of CBD in human glioma cells and non-transformed cells that appears closely related to a selective ability of CBD in inducing ROS production and caspase activation in tumor cells.

Radiology examinations in non infectious complications of CAPD

Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) patients may have non infectious abdominal complications that affect the survival of their dialysis treatment. It is important to document the origin of leakages and hernias, causes of catheter malfunction or haemoperitoneum. Therapeutic options will depend on investigations and include catheter removal or replacement, surgical intervention or eventual transfer to automated peritoneal dialysis (APD). In this paper we report our experience of the technical implementation of Peritoneography and Peritoneum Computed Tomography.

Protocol for treatment of exit-site and tunnel infections in 177 CAPD patients

This paper shows the most important germs that are responsible for exit-site and tunnel infections in CAPD patients, and the possible action to care for them. Prevention of PD catheter infection begins with good surgical practice in catheter implantation and includes appropriate preoperative patient preparation. Some of the operative protocols for dialytic methods used in our unit are shown.