Multi-stimuli responsive smart chitosan-based microcapsules for targeted drug delivery and triggered drug release.

In the present study, we designed a novel, multi-stimuli responsive, biocompatible and non-immunogenic smart carrier for targeted delivery and triggered release of hydrophobic drugs. The designed multi-stimuli responsive smart chitosan-based microcapsules (MSRS-CS-MCs) have been fabricated successfully from folic acid (FA) functionalized thiolated chitosan via a facile sonochemical method. Targeting moiety FA and red fluorescent dye (Rhodamine B isothiocyanate, RITC) were immobilized onto the shells of microcapsules. Meanwhile, oleic acid (OA) modified Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (OA-Fe3O4MNPs) and a model hydrophobic drug, green fluorescent dye (Coumarin 6, C6), were encapsulated into the microcapsules. As drug carriers, the obtained spherical MSRS-CS-MCs with the average size of 500nm showed excellent magnetic responsive ability, favorable selectively folate-receptor-mediated targeting functionality to the HeLa cells, and attractive reduction-responsive release ability for hydrophobic drugs. The integration of magnetic and reduction dual-responsiveness, folate-receptor-mediated targeting functionality and fluorescence visualization into the versatile microcapsules make MSRS-CS-MCs promising nanocarriers for future biomedical applications.

Preparation of magnetic and pH-responsive chitosan microcapsules via sonochemical method.

Magnetic and pH-responsive chitosan microcapsules (MPRCMCs) were prepared by a simple sonochemical method. Superparamagnetic oleic acid modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles (OA-Fe3O4 NPs) and hydrophobic drugs could be directly loaded into MPRCMCs during sonication. The obtained microcapsules had a well-defined spherical morphology with the average size of 2 µm. The microcapsules showed an excellent magnetic property. In addition, the pH-responsive controlled release of coumarin 6 (C6) from MPRCMCs indicated that the developed microcapsules could be a promising candidate for drugs carriers.

Synthesis of multifunctional bovine serum albumin microcapsules by the sonochemical method for targeted drug delivery and controlled drug release.

Multifunctional folic acid conjugated BSA@Fe3O4 microcapsules (FA-BSA@Fe3O4 MCs) have been prepared successfully based on the sonochemical method. The as-synthesized FA-BSA@Fe3O4 MCs have a suitable size range for biomedical applications, and a high loading capacity for water-insoluble drugs. Furthermore, FA-BSA@Fe3O4 MCs show excellent magnetic properties. Cytotoxicity tests indicate that FA-BSA@Fe3O4 MCs are non-toxic. Cellular uptake and flow cytometric assay illustrate together that FA-BSA@Fe3O4 MCs can target tumor cells selectively through molecular targeted endocytosis. As carriers for water-insoluble drugs, FA-BSA@Fe3O4 MCs are also proved to possess superior redox- and thermo- dual responsiveness for controlled drug release.

Sonochemical Synthesis of Hydrophilic Drug Loaded Multifunctional Bovine Serum Albumin Nanocapsules.

A facile sonochemical approach is designed to fabricate protein nanocapsules for hydrophilic drugs (HDs), and HD-loaded multifunctional bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanocapsules (MBNCs) have been prepared for the first time. The as-synthesized HD-loaded MBNCs have a satisfying size range and an excellent magnetic responsive ability. Moreover, high-dose hydrophilic drugs could be loaded into the MBNCs. As carriers, HD-loaded MBNCs also show attractive redox-responsive controlled release ability for hydrophilic drugs and could be internalized selectively by the tumor cells through the folate-mediated endocytosis.

Aging and age-related diseases--from endocrine therapy to target therapy.

Aging represents an important health issue not only for the individual, but also for society in general. Burdens associated with aging are expanding as longevity increases. This has led to an enhanced focus on issues related to aging and age-related diseases. Until recently, anti-aging endocrine-therapy has been largely limited to hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) that is associated with multiple side effects, including an increased risk of cancer. This has greatly limited the application of HRT in anti-aging therapy. Recently, the focus of anti-aging research has expanded from endocrine signaling pathways to effects on regulatory gene networks. In this regard, the GHRH-GH-IGF-1/Insulin, TOR-S6K1,NAD(+)-Sirtuin, P53, Klotho and APOE pathways have been linked to processes associated with age-related diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative diseases, all of which directly influence health in aging, and represent key targets in anti-aging therapy.

Forehead Flap for Simultaneous Reconstruction After Head and Neck Malignant Tumor Resection.

INTRODUCTION: Oncologic resection of the head and neck malignant tumor often results in complex reconstructive problems that require a reliable flap to restore both the form and function in single-stage operation. The free flap transfer has revolutionized head and neck reconstruction. However, forehead flap pedicled with superficial temporal artery (STA) or supraorbital artery (SOA)/supratrochlear artery (STrA) is a new option for reconstruction of head and neck with its own specific advantages. METHOD: The forehead flap was applied to reconstruct the defects of the posterior hypopharyngeal wall, external perioral skin and buccal mucosal, and nose and periorbital tissues after malignant tumor resection. Nine of the patients were reconstructed with forehead flap pedicled with STA, 7 of whom underwent postoperative radiation. Eight of the patients were pedicled with SOA (and/or STrA), 1 of whom underwent postoperative radiation. RESULTS: We applied this method in a total of 17 male patients. The mean age of patients was 61 years (range, 47-69 years) with a follow-up time of 12 to 180 months. The biggest defect covered by forehead flap pedicled with STA was measured 10.0 × 6.5 cm. The biggest defect covered by forehead flap pedicled with SOA and/or STrA was measured 9.0 × 7.0 cm. In all 17 patients, no vascular crisis happened and no partial or total flap necrosis was observed. All skin graft area and donor site healed well. No patient experienced flap strictures or fistulas after operation or after radiotherapy. No local recurrence developed during the follow-up time. Functions were assessed by specialist as optimal as no limitation of eyes or mouth opening, and no limitation of food swallowing. CONCLUSIONS: The forehead flap provides thin pliable tissue with reliable blood supply and high tolerance to radiotherapy. These advantages make it a valuable option to simultaneously reconstruct the defects after head and neck malignant tumor resection in certain selected patients.

Superficial temporal artery flap: a new option for posterior hypopharyngeal wall reconstruction.

Reconstruction of hypopharynx after tumor resection remains a challenging problem for the head and neck surgeons. A new surgical technique was introduced to reconstruct the hypopharynx after tumor resection using the superficial temporal artery flap. Three patients with T3 carcinoma of the posterior hypopharyngeal wall who underwent surgical resection of the tumor with laryngeal preservation were reported using this method. The larynx functions were preserved successfully in all the patients. In all patients, the nasogastric tubes were removed within 20-50 days (mean 33 days). The tracheal tubes were plugged on days between 14 and 44 (mean 26th day) postoperatively. Then all patients received the postoperative radiotherapy. The tracheal tubes were removed successfully 5-7 months after surgery (mean 6 months) without the evidence of apnea. The speech function was excellent in all patients, which was evaluated according to the voice-related quality of life questionnaire. Although lymph node metastasis was detected in one patient 6 months after surgery, there were no evidences of flap complications in all the three patients. The superficial temporal artery flap is a new option for the posterior pharyngeal wall reconstruction in selected cases with the hypopharynx carcinoma. The larynx functions were preserved successfully.

The efficacy of melilotus extract in the management of postoperative ecchymosis and edema after simultaneous rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Melilotus extract has been used as a folk medicine in inflammation-related therapy. This study was undertaken to determine the potential benefits of this herbal extract in treating postoperative ecchymosis and edema after simultaneous rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty. METHODS: Augmentation rhinoplasty and double-eyelid blepharoplasty were performed in one procedure by the same surgeon on 46 patients. RESULTS: Postoperative edema and ecchymosis were evaluated independently by two investigators checking the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, and paranasal area at postoperative days 1, 4, and 7. Our data showed that the patients receiving melilotus extract (n = 16) had lower scores not only in upper-eyelid and lower-eyelid ecchymosis, but also in paranasal ecchymosis at postoperative day 7 when compared with those in the control group. No significant difference in postoperative ecchymosis was detected in the group receiving dexamethasone treatment (n = 16) when compared with the control group (n = 14) at postoperative days 1, 4, and 7. The mean scores of upper-eyelid, lower-eyelid, and paranasal edema at postoperative days 1 and 4 were significantly lower in the group receiving dexamethasone treatment (n = 16) than that in the control group. Although the scores of eyelid edema reduction in the patients receiving melilotus extract showed no difference when compared with the control group, paranasal edema was reduced much more at postoperative days 4 and 7 when compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: We suggest the appropriate use of melilotus extract based on its beneficial effects on the postoperative results after simultaneous rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty.

p57(kip2) expression is related to carcinogenesis and tumor progression in laryngeal tissues.

CONCLUSIONS: Reduction of p57(kip2) expression is related to carcinogenesis in laryngeal mucosa. Assessment of p57(kip2) expression may be a promising candidate as a progressive biomarker in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression and significance of p57(kip2) in a dysplasia/carcinoma sequence of laryngeal mucosa. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed involving 10 cases of normal mucosa, 31 of laryngeal leukoplakia and 109 of laryngeal SCC. p57(kip2) and p53 protein expression was detected in the tissue samples of these patients using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: p57(kip2) expression was decreased in leukoplakia with moderate or severe dysplasia, and further decreased in SCC. No significant difference was found between normal mucosa and leukoplakia with no or mild dysplasia. In patients with laryngeal SCC, advanced tumor size and clinical stage and the recurrence of disease were associated with reduced p57(kip2) expression. The occurrence of lymph node metastasis was also related to negative expression of p57(kip2). The overall 5-year disease-free survival rate of patients with laryngeal SCC was significantly higher in the p57(kip2)-positive than in the p57(kip2)-negative group.