Antihormone treatment differentially regulates PSA secretion, PSMA expression and 68Ga-PSMA uptake in LNCaP cells.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, a variety of innovative therapeutics for castration-resistant prostate cancer have been developed, including novel anti-androgenic drugs, such as abiraterone or VPC-13566. Therapeutic monitoring of these pharmaceuticals is performed either by measuring PSA levels in serum or by imaging. PET using PSMA ligands labeled with Fluor-18 or Gallium-68 is the most sensitive and specific imaging modality for detection of metastases in advanced prostate cancer. To date, it remains unclear how PSMA expression is modulated by anti-hormonal treatment and how it correlates with PSA secretion. METHODS: We analyzed modulation of PSMA-mRNA and protein expression, 68Ga-PSMA uptake and regulation of PSA secretion by abiraterone or VPC-13566 in LNCaP cells in vitro. RESULTS: We found that abiraterone and VPC-13566 upregulate PSMA protein and mRNA expression but block PSA secretion in LNCaP cells. Both anti-androgens also enhanced 68Ga-PSMA uptake normalized by the number of cells, whereas abiraterone and VPC-13566 reduced 68Ga-PSMA uptake in total LNCaP monolayers treated due to cell death. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that PSA secretion and PSMA expression are differentially regulated upon anti-androgen treatment. This finding might be important for the interpretation of 68Ga-PSMA PET images in monitoring therapies with abiraterone and VPC-13566 in prostate cancer patients, but needs to be validated in vivo.

EDTA-Modified 17ß-Estradiol-Laden Upconversion Nanocomposite for Bone-Targeted Hormone Replacement Therapy for Osteoporosis.

Hormone therapy (HT) is one of the most effective treatments for osteoporosis. However, the nonselective accumulation of hormone in organs such as breast, heart and uterus other than bones causes serious side effects, which impedes the application of HT. Hence, it is critically important to develop a HT strategy with reduced non-specific enrichment of hormone drugs in non-target tissues and enhanced bone-targeting ability. Methods: Herein, a 17ß-estradiol (E2)-laden mesoporous silica-coated upconversion nanoparticle with a surface modification of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (NaLuF4:Yb,Tm@NaLuF4@mSiO2-EDTA-E2, E2-csUCNP@MSN-EDTA) is developed for bone-targeted osteoporosis hormone therapy. EDTA was attached onto the surface of E2 upconversion nanocomposite to enhance its affinity and efficiency targeting bone tissue and cells to optimize hormone replacement therapy for osteoporosis. We characterized the size, cytotoxicity, loading and release efficiency, in situ and ex vivo imaging. Further, in vitro and in vivo osteogenic ability was tested using preosteoblast and ovariectomy mouse model of osteoporosis. Results: The upconversion core of E2-csUCNP@MSN-EDTA nanoparticle serves as an excellent imaging agent for tracking the loaded hormone drug in vivo. The mesoporous silica layer has a high loading efficiency for E2 and provides a relatively long-lasting drug release within 50 h. EDTA anchored on the silica layer endows the nanocomposite with a bone targeting property. The nanocomposite effectively reverses estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis and reduces the damage of hormone to the uterus. The bone mineral density in the nanocomposite treatment group is nearly twice that of the ovariectomized (OVX) group. Compared with the E2 group, the uterine weight and luminal epithelial height were significantly lower in the nanocomposite treatment group. Conclusion: This work demonstrated that E2-csUCNP@MSN-EDTA alleviates the side effect of hormone therapy while maintaining its therapeutic efficacy, which has great potential for developing the next generation of methods for osteoporosis treatment.

Synthesis and Initial Biological Evaluation of Boron-Containing Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Ligands for Treatment of Prostate Cancer Using Boron Neutron Capture Therapy.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a therapeutic modality which has been used for the treatment of cancers, including brain and head and neck tumors. For effective treatment via BNCT, efficient and selective delivery of a high boron dose to cancer cells is needed. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a target for prostate cancer imaging and drug delivery. In this study, we conjugated boronic acid or carborane functional groups to a well-established PSMA inhibitor scaffold to deliver boron to prostate cancer cells and prostate tumor xenograft models. Eight boron-containing PSMA inhibitors were synthesized. All of these compounds showed a strong binding affinity to PSMA in a competition radioligand binding assay (IC50 from 555.7 to 20.3 nM). Three selected compounds 1a, 1d, and 1f were administered to mice, and their in vivo blocking of 68Ga-PSMA-11 uptake was demonstrated through a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and biodistribution experiment. Biodistribution analysis demonstrated boron uptake of 4-7 µg/g in 22Rv1 prostate xenograft tumors and similar tumor/muscle ratios compared to the ratio for the most commonly used BNCT compound, 4-borono-l-phenylalanine (BPA). Taken together, these data suggest a potential role for PSMA targeted BNCT agents in prostate cancer therapy following suitable optimization.

Differential Uptake of 68Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC (PSMA-11) in Low-Grade Versus High-Grade Gliomas in Treatment-Naive Patients.

PURPOSE OF THE REPORT: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a type II membrane glycoprotein, which is not only overexpressed in prostate cancers but also in variety of solid tumors including glioblastoma multiforme. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate PSMA expression in gliomas using Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC(PSMA 11) PET/CT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients with initially MRI suspected and eventually histopathologically proven gliomas [8 males (age range 30-73 yr; mean age 51.8 yr); 2 females aged 39 and 55 years] were subjected preoperatively to regional brain PET scan with Ga-PSMA-11 and F-FDG PET/CT. Final histopathology of brain lesions, their MIB-1 proliferation index (MIB-1 PI) were compared with PSMA and FDG PET findings. RESULTS: FDG PET/CT showed distinct FDG uptake in high-grade gliomas, whereas low-grade gliomas were non-FDG-avid amidst physiological tracer uptake. In vivo PSMA expression was seen in all patients with glioma. Of these, the 7 patients of glioblastoma harboring 8 lesions showed significantly higher PSMA expression than those with low-grade gliomas, average SUVmax being 16.93 and 2.93, respectively. Similarly, average tumor-to-background ratios (13.95 and 3.42, respectively) and MIB-1 PI (17.31 and 3.3, respectively) were substantially more in high-grade versus low-grade gliomas. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this pilot study show that Ga-HBED-CC-PSMA PET/CT can be used to characterize the PSMA expression in gliomas, high-grade ones demonstrating higher SUVmax, MIB-1 PI tumor-to-background ratio than the low-grade ones. With these results as basis, certain patients may benefit from potential PSMA-targeted radionuclide therapy.

Intestinal permeability after Mediterranean diet and low-fat diet in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a high-fat or high-fructose diet increases intestinal permeability and promotes derangement of the gut-liver axis. We hypothesize that, diet could be able to modulate intestinal permeability in patients with NAFLD. AIM: To detect diet-induced modification of intestinal permeability in patients with NAFLD undergoing a Mediterranean diet or a low-fat diet. METHODS: The current study was a dietary intervention for non-diabetic, patients with biopsy-verified NAFLD and increased transaminases. A crossover design was employed: participants underwent 16 weeks of Mediterranean diet, 16 wk of free wash-out, and 16 weeks of low-fat diet. Both diets were hypocaloric and no consumption of supplements was allowed. All patients were followed bimonthly by a dietitian. Evaluations of clinical and metabolic parameters were completed at baseline and at the end of each dietary period. Intestinal permeability was assessed by chromium-51 ethylene diamine tetraacetate excretion testing (51Cr-EDTA). RESULTS: Twenty Caucasian patients, 90% male, median age 43 years, body mass index (BMI) 30.9, with biopsy-verified NAFLD were enrolled. At the end of 16 weeks of a Mediterranean diet, a significant reduction in mean body weight (-5.3 ± 4.1 kg, P = 0.003), mean waist circumference (-7.9 ± 4.9 cm, P = 0.001), and mean transaminase levels [alanine aminotransferase (ALT) -28.3 ± 11.9 IU/L, P = 0.0001; aspartate aminotransferase (AST) -6.4 ± 56.3 IU/L, P = 0.01] were observed. These benefits were maintained after 16 wk of wash-out and also after 16 wk of low-fat diet, without further improvements. Fourteen of the 20 patients had intestinal permeability alteration at baseline (mean percentage retention of 51Cr-EDTA = 5.4%), but no significant changes in intestinal permeability were observed at the end of the 16 wk of the Mediterranean diet or 16 wk of the low-fat diet. CONCLUSION: Mediterranean diet is an effective strategy for treating overweight, visceral obesity and serum transaminase in patients with NAFLD. If the Mediterranean diet can improve intestinal permeability in patients with NAFLD, it deserves further investigation.

Dual 0.02% chlorhexidine digluconate - 0.1% disodium EDTA loaded thermosensitive ocular gel for Acanthamoeba keratitis treatment.

Poor bioavailability and low residence time limit the efficiency of conventional biguanide-based eye drops against Acanthamoeba keratitis. The aim of this work was to formulate an original anti-amoebic thermoreversible ocular gel combining biguanide and metalloproteases inhibitor - chelating agent. Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX)-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (Na2EDTA) were compounded in poloxamer 407 saline solution. 0.02% CHX - 0.1% Na2EDTA loaded thermosensitive ocular gel exhibited appropriate pH (5.73 ±â€¯0.06), iso-osmolality (314 ±â€¯5 mOsm/kg), viscosity (ranged between 15 and 25 mPa.s) and thermal gelation (26.5 °C and 33 °C) properties. Bioadhesion of gel was successfully tested onto isolated bovine eyes as well as the assessment of CHX penetration into the cornea. Intracorneal CHX concentration was found greater than trophozoite minimum amoebicidal concentration and minimal cysticidal concentration after 15-min and 2-h ocular exposure, respectively, while any CHX permeation through the cornea was detected (<51 ng/cm2/h). Improvement of CHX ocular bioavailability was attributed to probable solubilization of tear film lipid layer by poloxamer. In vitro efficiency of CHX-Na2EDTA ocular gel was confirmed from the drastic reduction of trophozoite and cyst survival (to 25% and 2%, respectively), confirming the potential of the multicomponent pharmaceutical material strategy for the treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Monosodium Glutamate Reduces 68Ga-PSMA-11 Uptake in Salivary Glands and Kidneys in a Preclinical Prostate Cancer Model.

We evaluated the ability of monosodium glutamate (MSG) to reduce salivary and kidney uptake of a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) radioligand without affecting tumor uptake. Methods: LNCaP tumor-bearing mice were intraperitoneally injected with MSG (657, 329, or 164 mg/kg) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Fifteen minutes later, the mice were intravenously administered 68Ga-PSMA-11. PET/CT imaging and biodistribution studies were performed 1 h after administration. Results: Tumor uptake (percentage injected dose per gram [%ID]) was not statistically different between groups, at 8.42 ± 1.40 %ID in the 657 mg/kg group, 7.19 ± 0.86 %ID in the 329 mg/kg group, 8.20 ± 2.44 %ID in the 164 mg/kg group, and 8.67 ± 1.97 %ID in the PBS group. Kidney uptake was significantly lower in the 657 mg/kg group (85.8 ± 24.2 %ID) than in the 329 mg/kg (159 ± 26.2 %ID), 164 mg/kg (211 ± 27.4 %ID), and PBS groups (182 ± 33.5 %ID) (P < 0.001). Salivary gland uptake was lower in the 657 mg/kg (3.72 ± 2.12 %ID) and 329 mg/kg (5.74 ± 0.62 %ID) groups than in the PBS group (10.04 ± 2.52 %ID) (P < 0.01). Conclusion: MSG decreased salivary and kidney uptake of 68Ga-PSMA-11 in a dose-dependent manner, whereas tumor uptake was unaffected.

In Haitian women and preschool children, iron absorption from wheat flour-based meals fortified with sodium iron EDTA is higher than that from meals fortified with ferrous fumarate, and is not affected by Helicobacter pylori infection in children.

Fe fortification of wheat flour was proposed in Haiti to combat Fe deficiency, but Fe bioavailability from fortificants has never been investigated in Haitian women or preschool children, two key target groups. We aimed to investigate the bioavailability of ferrous fumarate (FeFum), NaFeEDTA and their combination from fortified wheat flour. We recruited twenty-two healthy mother-child pairs in Port au Prince, Haiti, for an Fe-absorption study. We administered stable Fe isotopes as FeFum or NaFeEDTA individually in low-extraction wheat flour bread rolls consumed by all participants in a randomised, cross-over design. In a final, identical meal, consumed only by the women, FeFum+NaFeEDTA was administered. We measured Fe absorption by using erythrocyte incorporation of stable isotopes 14 d after consumption of each meal, and determined Fe status, inflammatory markers and Helicobacter pylori infection. Fe absorption (geometric mean was 9·24 (95 % CI 6·35, 13·44) and 9·26 (95 % CI 7·00, 12·31) from FeFum and 13·06 (95 % CI 9·23, 19·10) and 12·99 (95 % CI 9·18, 18·39) from NaFeEDTA in mothers and children, respectively (P<0·05 between compounds). Fe absorption from FeFum+NaFeEDTA was 11·09 (95 % CI 7·45, 17·34) and did not differ from the other two meals. H. pylori infection did not influence Fe absorption in children. In conclusion, in Haitian women and children, Fe absorption from NaFeEDTA was 40 % higher than from FeFum, and the combination FeFum+NaFeEDTA did not significantly increase Fe absorption compared with FeFum alone. In the context of Haiti, where the high costs of NaFeEDTA may not be affordable, the use of FeFum at 60 mg Fe/kg flour may be a preferable, cost-effective fortification strategy.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Brain Involvement in Dogs Using Paramagnetic Contrast Enhancement with Mn(II)-DCTA P.

Experimental study of a new paramagnetic complex Mn-DCTA is carried out. The complex (0.5 M manganese(II) solution with trans-1,2-diamine cyclohexane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid; Cyclomang) was used for contrast magnetic resonance imaging visualization of CNS involvement in dogs with severe forms of Babesia canis infection. CNS injuries were visualized in all cases, with highly intense contrasting at the expense of Mn-DCTA accumulation at the periphery of the damaged zone. Quantitative evaluation of the paramagnetic accumulation in the focus showed that the amplification index wa s 1.19±0.11 for the central areas and 1.47±0.17 for the peripheral ones. The pituitary (1.18±0.05) and vascular plexuses of the lateral ventricles (1.12±0.09) were also contrasted. Injection of the paramagnetic to dogs was not associated with any kinds of pathological or physiological reactions. Mn-DCTA complex allowed contrast visualization of the focal injuries to the CNS and could be regarded as a paramagnetic contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging of brain injuries in dogs.

The efficacy and adverse effects of dicobalt edetate in cyanide poisoning.

INTRODUCTION: Dicobalt edetate is one of a number of cobalt compounds that have been studied in the treatment of cyanide poisoning, their efficacy being based upon the fact that cyanide combines with cobalt to form relatively non-toxic complexes. Inorganic cobalt salts are quite toxic (cyanide and cobalt antagonise one another's toxicity) and complexes such as dicobalt edetate were studied with the aim of identifying compounds that were less acutely toxic, but which retained the antidotal properties of cobalt salts. The proprietary preparation, Kelocyanor™, contains free cobalt and glucose as well as dicobalt edetate. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the published evidence for the efficacy and adverse effects of dicobalt edetate. METHODS: A Pubmed search was undertaken for the period 1961-September 2015. The search terms were "dicobalt edetate", "cobalt edetate" and "Kelocyanor", which produced 24 relevant citations. A review of the references in four relevant books (L'intoxication cyanhydrique et son traitement, Clinical and Experimental Toxicology of Cyanides, Antidotes for Poisoning by Cyanide and Antidotes) produced three further relevant papers, making a total of 27 papers. Efficacy of dicobalt edetate: There is evidence from animal pharmacodynamic studies that dicobalt edetate is an effective cyanide antidote in experimental animals. Some 39 cases of human poisoning treated with dicobalt edetate have been reported, but in only nine cases were blood cyanide concentrations measured, although administration of dicobalt edetate procured survival in four of the seven patients with concentrations in the lethal range (>3.0 mg/L). It is unlikely that death in any of the adequately documented fatal cases was attributable to treatment failure with dicobalt edetate, as it is probable that they all had suffered anoxic brain damage before treatment could be initiated. Furthermore, in one case, acute gold toxicity contributed substantially to death. Adverse effects of dicobalt edetate: Adverse effects reported have included hypertension, tachycardia, nausea, retrosternal pain, sweating, palpebral, facial and laryngeal oedema, vomiting, urticaria and/or a feeling of impending doom. Such effects appear to be more prevalent where the antidote has been administered without evidence of substantial systemic poisoning or where other antidotes have been used which might have been expected also to combine with cyanide. Although the adverse effects observed were doubtless unpleasant, and some were severe, no fatal reactions were found. CONCLUSIONS: Dicobalt edetate is an effective cyanide antidote when given to patients with systemic cyanide poisoning, but it has the potential to give rise to adverse reactions, particularly when administered in the absence of intoxication.

A PET Tracer for Renal Organic Cation Transporters, ¹¹C-Metformin: Radiosynthesis and Preclinical Proof-of-Concept Studies.

UNLABELLED: Organic cation transporters (OCTs) in the kidney proximal tubule (PT) participate in renal excretion of drugs and endogenous compounds. PT function is commonly impaired in kidney diseases, and consequently quantitative measurement of OCT function may provide an important estimate of kidney function. Metformin is a widely used drug and targets OCT type 2 located in the PT. Thus, we hypothesized that (11)C-labeled metformin would be a suitable PET tracer for quantification of renal function. METHODS: (11)C-metformin was prepared by (11)C-methylation of 1-methylbiguanide. In vitro cell uptake of (11)C-metformin was studied in LLC-PK1 cells in the presence of increasing doses of unlabeled metformin. In vivo small-animal PET studies in Sprague-Dawley rats were performed at baseline and after treatment with OCT inhibitors to evaluate renal uptake of (11)C-metformin. Kidney and liver pharmacokinetics of (11)C-metformin was investigated in vivo by dynamic (11)C-metformin PET/CT in 6 anesthetized pigs, and renal clearance of (11)C-metformin was compared with renal clearance of (51)Cr-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Formation of (11)C metabolites was investigated by analysis of blood and urine samples. RESULTS: The radiochemical yield of (11)C-metformin was 15% ± 3% (n= 40, decay-corrected), and up to 1.5 GBq of tracer were produced with a radiochemical purity greater than 95% in less than 30 min. Dose-dependent uptake of (11)C-metformin in LLC-PK1 cells was rapid. Rat small-animal PET images showed (11)C-metformin uptake in the kidney and liver, the kinetics of which were changed after challenging animals with OCT inhibitors. In pigs, 80% of the injected metformin dose was rapidly present in the kidney, and a high dose of metformin caused a delayed renal uptake and clearance compared with baseline consistent with transporter-mediated competition. Renal clearance of (11)C-metformin was approximately 3 times the renal clearance of (51)Cr-EDTA. CONCLUSION: We successfully synthesized an (11)C-metformin tracer, and PET studies in rats and pigs showed a rapid kidney uptake from the blood and excretion into the bladder similar to other radiopharmaceuticals developed for γ-camera renography.

Comparison of [(18)F]DCFPyL and [ (68)Ga]Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC for PSMA-PET Imaging in Patients with Relapsed Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE: Gallium-68 (Ga-68)-labeled tracers for imaging expression of the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) such as the [(68)Ga]Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC have already demonstrated high potential for the detection of recurrent prostate cancer. However, compared to Ga-68, a labeling with fluorine-18 (F-18) would offer advantages with respect to availability, production amount, and image resolution. [(18)F]DCFPyL is a promising F-18-labeled candidate for PSMA-positron emission tomography (PET) imaging that has been recently introduced. In the current study, we aimed to compare [(68)Ga]Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC and [(18)F]DCFPyL for clinical use in biochemically relapsed prostate cancer. PROCEDURES: In 14 selected patients with PSA relapse of prostate cancer, [(18)F]DCFPyL PET/X-ray computed tomography (CT) was performed in addition to [(68)Ga]Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC PET/CT. A systematic comparison was carried out between results obtained with both tracers with regard to the number of detected PSMA-positive lesions, the standardized uptake value (SUV)max and the lesion to background ratios. RESULTS: All suspicious lesions identified by [(68)Ga]Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC were also detected with [(18)F]DCFPyL. In three patients, additional lesions were observed using [(18)F]DCFPyL PET/CT. The mean SUVmax in the concordant [(18)F]DCFPyL PSMA-positive lesions was significantly higher as compared to [(68)Ga]Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC (14.5 vs. 12.2, p = 0.028, n = 15). The mean tumor to background ratios (n = 15) were significantly higher for [(18)F]DCFPyL compared to [(68)Ga]Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC using kidney, spleen, or parotid as reference organs (p = 0.006, p = 0.002, p = 0.008), but no significant differences were found using the liver (p = 0.167) or the mediastinum (p = 0.363) as reference organs. CONCLUSION: [(18)F]DCFPyL PET/CT provided a high image quality and visualized small prostate lesions with excellent sensitivity. [(18)F]DCFPyL represents a highly promising alternative to [(68)Ga]Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC for PSMA-PET/CT imaging in relapsed prostate cancer.

Biodistribution and radiation dosimetry for a probe targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen for imaging and therapy.

UNLABELLED: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a promising target for diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. EuK-Subkff-(68)Ga-DOTAGA ((68)Ga-PSMA Imaging & Therapy [PSMA I&T]) is a recently introduced PET tracer for imaging PSMA expression in vivo. Whole-body distribution and radiation dosimetry of this new probe were evaluated. METHODS: Five patients with a history of prostate cancer were injected intravenously with 91-148 MBq of (68)Ga-PSMA I&T (mean ± SD, 128 ± 23 MBq). After an initial series of rapid whole-body scans, 3 static whole-body scans were acquired at 1, 2, and 4 h after tracer injection. Time-dependent changes of the injected activity per organ were determined. Mean organ-absorbed doses and effective doses were calculated using OLINDA/EXM. RESULTS: Injection of 150 MBq of (68)Ga-PSMA I&T resulted in an effective dose of 3.0 mSv. The kidneys were the critical organ (33 mGy), followed by the urinary bladder wall and spleen (10 mGy each), salivary glands (9 mGy each), and liver (7 mGy). CONCLUSION: (68)Ga-PSMA I&T exhibits a favorable dosimetry, delivering organ doses that are comparable to (kidneys) or lower than those delivered by (18)F-FDG.

Iron bioavailability in 8-24-month-old Thai children from a micronutrient-fortified quick-cooking rice containing ferric ammonium citrate or a mixture of ferrous sulphate and ferric sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.

A quick-cooking rice, produced from broken rice, is a convenient ingredient for complementary foods in Thailand. The rice is fortified with micronutrients including iron during the processing procedure, which can cause unacceptable sensory changes. A quick-cooking rice fortified with ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) or a mixture of ferrous sulphate (FeSO4 ) and ferric sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (NaFeEDTA), with a 2:1 molar ratio of iron from FeSO4 : iron from NaFeEDTA (FeSO4 + NaFeEDTA), gave a product that was organoleptically acceptable. The study compared iron absorption by infants and young children fed with micronutrient-fortified quick-cooking rice containing the test iron compounds or FeSO4 . Micronutrient-fortified quick-cooking rice prepared as a traditional Thai dessert was fed to two groups of 15 8-24-month healthy Thai children. The iron fortificants were isotopically labelled with (57) Fe for the reference FeSO4 or (58) Fe for the tested fortificants, and iron absorption was quantified based on erythrocyte incorporation of the iron isotopes 14 days after feeding. The relative bioavailability of FAC and of the FeSO4 + NaFeEDTA was obtained by comparing their iron absorption with that of FeSO4 . Mean fractional iron absorption was 5.8% [±standard error (SE) 1.9] from FAC and 10.3% (±SE 1.9) from FeSO4 + NaFeEDTA. The relative bioavailability of FAC was 83% (P = 0.02). The relative bioavailability of FeSO4 + NaFeEDTA was 145% (P = 0.001). Iron absorption from the rice containing FAC or FeSO4 + NaFeEDTA was sufficiently high to be used in its formulation, although iron absorption from FeSO4 + NaFeEDTA was significantly higher (P < 0.00001).

In vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of a novel porphyrin-based photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy.

PURPOSE: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising treatment in cancer therapy, based on the use of a photosensitizer activated by visible light in the presence of oxygen. Nowadays significant research efforts have been focused on finding a new photosensitizer. In the present paper, the antitumor effects of a novel porphyrin-based photosensitizer, {Carboxymethyl-[2-(carboxymethyl-{[4-(10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin-5-yl)-phenylcarbamoyl]-methyl}-amino)-ethyl]-amino}-acetic acid (ATPP-EDTA) on two types of human malignant tumor cells in vitro and a gastric cancer model in nude mice, were evaluated. METHODS: The PDT efficacy with ATPP-EDTA in vitro was assessed by MTT assay. The intracellular accumulation was detected with fluorescence spectrometer, and the intracellular distribution was determined by laser scanning confocal microscopy. The mode of cell death was investigated by Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometer. BGC823-derived xenograft tumor model was established to explore the in vivo antitumor effects of ATPP-EDTA. RESULTS: ATPP-EDTA exhibited intense phototoxicity on both cell lines in vitro in concentration- and light dose-dependent manners meanwhile imposing minimal dark cytotoxicity. The accumulation of ATPP-EDTA in two malignant cell lines was time-dependent and prior compared to normal cells. It was mainly localized at lysosomes, but induced cell death by apoptotic pathway. ATPP-EDTA significantly inhibited the growth of BGC823 tumors in nude mice (160 mW/cm(2), 100 J/cm(2)). CONCLUSIONS: Present studies suggest that ATPP-EDTA is an effective photosensitizer for PDT to tumors. It distributed in lysosomes and caused cell apoptosis. ATPP-EDTA, as a novel photosensitizer, has a great potential for human gastric cancer treatment in PDT and deserves further investigations.

Chelation therapy and cardiovascular disease: connecting scientific silos to benefit cardiac patients.

Medical practitioners have treated atherosclerotic disease with chelation therapy for over 50 years. Lack of strong of evidence led conventional practitioners to abandon its use in the 1960s and 1970s. This relegated chelation therapy to complementary and alternative medicine practitioners, who reported good anecdotal results. Concurrently, the epidemiologic evidence linking xenobiotic metals with cardiovascular disease and mortality gradually accumulated, suggesting a plausible role for chelation therapy. On the basis of the continued use of chelation therapy without an evidence base, the National Institutes of Health released a Request for Applications for a definitive trial of chelation therapy. The Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT) was formulated as a 2 × 2 factorial randomized controlled trial of intravenous EDTA-based chelation vs. placebo and high-dose oral multivitamins and multiminerals vs. oral placebo. The composite primary endpoint was death, reinfarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, or hospitalization for angina. A total of 1708 post-MI patients who were 50 years or older with a creatinine of 2.0 or less were enrolled and received 55,222 infusions of disodium EDTA or placebo with a median follow-up of 55 months. Patients were on evidence-based post-MI medications including statins. EDTA proved to be safe. EDTA chelation therapy reduced cardiovascular events by 18%, with a 5-year number needed to treat (NNT) of 18. Prespecified subgroup analysis revealed a robust benefit in patients with diabetes mellitus with a 41% reduction in the primary endpoint (5-year NNT = 6.5), and a 43% 5-year relative risk reduction in all-cause mortality (5-year NNT = 12). The magnitude of benefit is such that it suggests urgency in replication and implementation, which could, due to the excellent safety record, occur simultaneously.

Performance of formulae based estimates of glomerular filtration rate for carboplatin dosing in stage 1 seminoma.

BACKGROUND: Single cycle carboplatin, dosed by glomerular filtration rate (GFR), is standard adjuvant therapy for stage 1 seminoma. Accurate measurement of GFR is essential for correct dosing. Isotopic methods remain the gold standard for the determination of GFR. Formulae to estimate GFR have improved the assessment of renal function in non-oncological settings. We assessed the utility of these formulae for carboplatin dosing. METHODS: We studied consecutive subjects receiving adjuvant carboplatin for stage 1 seminoma at our institution between 2007 and 2012. Subjects underwent 51Cr-ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) measurement of GFR with carboplatin dose calculated using the Calvert formula. Theoretical carboplatin doses were calculated from estimated GFR using Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology (CKD-EPI), Management of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Cockcroft-Gault (CG) formulae with additional correction for actual body surface area (BSA). Carboplatin doses calculated by formulae were compared with dose calculated by isotopic GFR; a difference <10% was considered acceptable. RESULTS: 115 patients were identified. Mean isotopic GFR was 96.9 ml/min/1.73 m(2). CG and CKD-EPI tended to overestimate GFR whereas MDRD tended to underestimate GFR. The CKD-EPI formula had greatest accuracy. The CKD-EPI formula, corrected for actual BSA, performed best; 45.9% of patients received within 10% of correct carboplatin dose. Patients predicted as underdosed (13.5%) by CKD-EPI were more likely to be obese (p=0.013); there were no predictors of the 40.5% receiving an excess dose. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support further evaluation of the CKD-EPI formula in this patient population but clinically significant variances in carboplatin dosing occur using non-isotopic methods of GFR estimation. Isotopic determination of GFR should remain the recommended standard for carboplatin dosing when accuracy is essential.

[Evaluation of manganese-trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetate complex (Cyclomang) as paramagnetic contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging].

Preclinical evaluation of a 0.5 M solution of the manganese(II)- trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetate complex (Mn-DCTA, Cyclomang) has been carried out with a view to substitution of potentially toxic gadolinium-containing paramagnetic contrast agents for clinical MRI routines. The toxicological tests of Mn(II)-DCTA were performed on mice and rats. Liquid phantoms were used for evaluating the relaxivity of Mn(II)-DCTA in comparison to that of Gd(III)-DTPA and Mn-DTPA. The diagnostic imaging properties of Mn(II)-DCTA were quantitatively assessed on dogs with cerebral meningeomas (n = 10). The LD50 upon single administration in rats was above 17 ml/kg, thus slightly exceeding the corresponding values for of Gd(III)-DTPA and Mn-DTPA. The relaxivity of Mn(II)-DCTA amounted to R1 = 3.68 (mM(-1) x s(-1)) and did not differ significantly from the values known for Gd-DTPA and Mn-DTPA. Mn(II)-DCTA ensured high-intensity contrast of tumor areas in brain of dogs. It is concluded that Mn(II)-DCTA can be employed as a paramagnetic contrast agent in routine MRI studies and is worth further clinical evaluation.

Exploiting the synergistic effect of chitosan-EDTA conjugate with MSA for the early recovery from colitis.

The present study was aimed to exploit the antibacterial/antifungal and film coating potential of Chitosan-EDTA (CH-EDTA) conjugate in combination with mesalamine (anti-inflammatory agent) for the early recovery from TNBS induced coilitis. The results suggested CH:EDTA (1:1) spray coated mesalamine tablets has an ability to transport drug in buffer pH 6.8 with rat caecal content condition. The CH-EDTA shows high level of adhesiveness of coat with core tablet. Further, FTIR, DSC and SEM analysis suggested spray coating of CH-EDTA on tablets was beneficial as compared to ladling method as it enhances interaction density and showed resistance from pH (1.2, 6.8 and 7.4). The pharmacokinetic parameters, AUC and AUMC of spray coated tablets were respectively, 4.70 fold and 2.10 fold increased. A synergistic therapeutic effect with CH-EDTA spray coated mesalamine was observed as evaluated by colon/body weight ratio, clinical activity score and damage score. X ray image study supported that CH-EDTA conjugate successfully delivered MSA tablets to large intestine. Histopathology of colon tissues showed rapid recovery from TNBS induced colitis in rats within 4 days. The findings revealed decreased recovery period was due to combined effect of both CH-EDTA and MSA to treat TNBS induced colitis.

Fortifying complementary foods with NaFeEDTA--considerations for developing countries.

As a highly bioavailable iron compound, sodium iron (iii) ethylenediaminetetraacetate (NaFeEDTA) has been recommended as a food additive for fortification. The amount of a food additive that can be ingested daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk is termed the acceptable daily intake (ADI). The ADI for NaFeEDTA is based on body weight. For complementary foods and food supplements for infants and young children in low-income countries, where prevalence of underweight is high yet nutrient needs are also high, it is not clear which doses might be appropriate. The objective is to calculate the dosage of NaFeEDTA for fortifying complementary foods assuming different population prevalences of underweight. Mathematical models were used to simulate the dosage of NaFeEDTA for 6- to 8-month-old infants under different prevalences of underweight ranging from 5% to 40%. In order to keep NaFeEDTA intake below the ADI for ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) recommended by the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Food Additives for 95% of 6- to 8-month-old infants, the daily iron dose from NaFeEDTA in fortified complementary foods should be set between 2.2 mg and 1.8 mg in countries with a prevalence of underweight among 6- to 8-month-old infants between 5% and 40%, respectively. If 2 mg of iron is given to all 6- to 8-month-old infants, the percentage exceeding the ADI for EDTA would be <10% for populations with <30% of children who are underweight, which is the case for many countries. In conclusion, 2 mg of iron from NaFeEDTA could be used for fortifying one daily serving of complementary food to ensure EDTA levels are below the ADI for infants 6-8 months of age. An additional source of iron (such as ferrous sulfate) should be included to increase the iron dose to desired fortification levels.