Cellular and Non-cellular Antioxidant Properties of Vitamin E-Loaded Metallic-Quercetin/Polycaprolactone Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Melanogenesis.

Inhibition of melanogenesis by quercetin and vitamin E is extensively reported in the literature, independently, with limitations in antioxidant potential owing to less permeation, solubility, decreased bioavailability, and reduced stability. Thus, the aim of the present study was to synthesize a novel complex of metal ions (copper and zinc) with quercetin to enhance antioxidant properties which were confirmed by docking studies. Polycaprolactone-based nanoparticles of the synthesized complex (PCL-NPs, Q-PCL-NPs, Zn-Q-PCL-NPs, Cu-Q-PCL-NPs) were made later loaded with vitamin E which made the study more interesting in enhancing antioxidant profile. Nanoparticles were characterized for zeta size, charge, and polydispersity index, while physiochemical analysis of nanoparticles was strengthened by FTIR. Cu-Q-PCL-NPs-E showed maximum in vitro release of vitamin E, i.e., 80 ± 0.54%. Non-cellular antioxidant effect by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl was observed at 93 ± 0.23% in Cu-Q-PCL-NPs-E which was twofold as compared to Zn-Q-PCL-NPs-E. Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cancer cell lines were used to investigate the anticancer and cellular antioxidant profile of loaded and unloaded nanoparticles. Results revealed reactive oxygen species activity of 90 ± 0.32% with the addition of 89 ± 0.64% of its anticancer behavior shown by Cu-Q-PCL-NPs-E after 6 and 24h. Similarly, 80 ± 0.53% inhibition of melanocyte cells and 95 ± 0.54% increase of keratinocyte cells were also shown by Cu-Q-PCL-NPs-E that confirmed the tyrosinase enzyme inhibitory effect. Conclusively, the use of zinc and copper complex in unloaded and vitamin E-loaded nanoparticles can provide enhanced antioxidant properties with inhibition of melanin, which can be used for treating diseases of melanogenesis.

Effects of diet on body weight, haemoglobin, serum proteins and trace elements in burned children.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of two diets on serum proteins, trace elements, haemoglobin and body weight in burned children. DESIGN: Comparative analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The study was conducted on burned children admitted in Nishtar Ward, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad for seven months, from February to August 2002. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 61 children of 3-14 years of age. Of these, 27 children were randomly selected and advised diet 1 (vegetables and milk-rich diet), while 34 children were randomly selected and advised diet 2 (pulses and egg-rich diet). Serum proteins and haemoglobin were determined spectrophotometrically, trace elements by atomic absorption spectrophotometric methods and body weight by weighing machine. The data obtained was analyzed statistically on SAS 6.12. RESULTS: During the study, 30 percent children died. Relatively higher deaths occurred in children advised vegetables + milk-rich diet. The increase in body weight was noted in 25 % children. Of these, significant number was in those advised pulses + eggs rich diet (p<0.01). The haemoglobin, total proteins, albumin, globulins, copper and zinc showed no change. Haemoglobin (p<0.01) and serum total proteins (p<0.05) increased in significantly higher percentage of children advised diet 2. Decrease in serum globulins and no change from initial values were comparable in two diets, while the increase was in relatively higher percentage of children advised diet 2. The decrease in serum copper was almost in same percentage of children advised two diets. It was maintained in relatively higher percentage of children advised diet 1. However, the increase in serum copper was in significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of children advised diet 2. Serum zinc maintenance was in significantly (p<0.001) higher percentage of children advised rich diet 2. CONCLUSION: Better effect of pulses and eggs rich diet in burned children was seen on the basis of parameters studied. However, the role of vegetables and milk in burned children has not been ruled out altogether.