Calotropis procera extract inhibits prostate cancer through regulation of autophagy.

Current treatment options available for prostate cancer (PCa) patients have many adverse side effects and hence, new alternative therapies need to be explored. Anticancer potential of various phytochemicals derived from Calotropis procera has been studied in many cancers but no study has investigated the effect of leaf extract of C. procera on PCa cells. Hence, we investigated the effect of C. procera leaf extract (CPE) on cellular properties of androgen-independent PC-3 and androgen-sensitive 22Rv1 cells. A hydroalcoholic extract of C. procera was prepared and MTT assay was performed to study the effect of CPE on viability of PCa cells. The effect of CPE on cell division ability, migration capability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was studied using colony formation assay, wound-healing assay and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate assay, respectively. Caspase activity assay and LDH assay were performed to study the involvement of apoptosis and necrosis in CPE-mediated cell death. Protein levels of cell cycle, antioxidant, autophagy and apoptosis markers were measured by western blot. The composition of CPE was identified using untargeted LC-MS analysis. Results showed that CPE decreased the viability of both the PCa cells, PC-3 and 22Rv1, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Also, CPE significantly inhibited the colony-forming ability, migration and endogenous ROS production in both the cell lines. Furthermore, CPE significantly decreased NF-κB protein levels and increased the protein levels of the cell cycle inhibitor p27. A significant increase in expression of autophagy markers was observed in CPE-treated PC-3 cells while autophagy markers were downregulated in 22Rv1 cells after CPE exposure. Hence, it can be concluded that CPE inhibits PCa cell viability possibly by regulating the autophagy pathway and/or altering the ROS levels. Thus, CPE can be explored as a possible alternative therapeutic agent for PCa.

Untargeted metabolomics in the aqueous humor reveals the involvement of TAAR pathway in glaucoma.

Understanding the metabolic dysfunctions and underlying complex pathological mechanisms of neurodegeneration in glaucoma could help discover disease pathways, identify novel biomarkers, and rationalize newer therapeutics. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the local metabolomic alterations in the aqueous humor and plasma of primary glaucomatous patients. This study cohort comprised primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), and cataract control groups. Aqueous humor and plasma samples were collected from patients undergoing trabeculectomy or cataract surgery and subjected to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) analysis. Spectral information was processed, and the acquired data were subjected to uni-variate as well as multi-variate statistical analyses using MetaboAnalyst ver5.0. To further understand the localized metabolic abnormalities in glaucoma, metabolites affected in aqueous humor were distinguished from metabolites altered in plasma in this study. Nine and twelve metabolites were found to be significantly altered (p < 0.05, variable importance of projection >1 and log2 fold change ≥0.58/≤ -0.58) in the aqueous humor of PACG and POAG patients, respectively. The galactose and amino acid metabolic pathways were locally affected in the PACG and POAG groups, respectively. Based on the observation of the previous findings, gene expression profiles of trace amine-associated receptor-1 (TAAR-1) were studied in rat ocular tissues. The pharmacodynamics of TAAR-1 were explored in rabbits using topical administration of its agonist, ß-phenyl-ethylamine (ß-PEA). TAAR-1 was expressed in the rat's iris-ciliary body, optic nerve, lens, and cornea. ß-PEA elicited a mydriatic response in rabbit eyes, without altering intraocular pressure. Targeted analysis of ß-PEA levels in the aqueous humor of POAG patients showed an insignificant elevation. This study provides new insights regarding alterations in both localized and systemic metabolites in primary glaucomatous patients. This study also demonstrated the propensity of ß-PEA to cause an adrenergic response through the TAAR-1 pathway.

Efficacy and safety of zinc in the prevention of oral mucositis in children with cancer receiving intensified chemotherapy: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A limited number of safe and effective preventive options for oral mucositis (OM) are available. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of zinc in preventing OM in children with cancer receiving intensified chemotherapy. METHODS: Children aged 3-18 years were randomized to receive oral zinc at 1 mg/kg/dose daily for 14 days or a placebo at the same doses and schedule. The primary outcome of this study was to determine the effect of oral zinc in the prevention of OM, and secondary outcomes included any adverse effect of oral zinc, the severity and duration of OM, and the need for hospitalizations. RESULTS: A total of 90 children were randomized to either the oral zinc (n = 44) or placebo group (n = 46). The incidence of OM in the zinc group was 20.5%, while that in the placebo group was 19.6% (p = .91; risk ratio: 1.04, 95% CI 0.45-2.30). There were no significant adverse events of the drug observed. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the severity (p = .79), the mean time of onset (p = .09), the mean duration of OM (p = .18), and the need for hospitalizations (p = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: Among children on cancer chemotherapy, there was no decrease in the incidence of OM observed with oral zinc at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day. No significant adverse events were observed with administering oral zinc. Further research is warranted to test higher doses of oral zinc with longer duration for a clinically significant effect.

Evaluation of the Levels of Low-dose Topical Atropine (0.01%) in Aqueous and Vitreous Humor in Human Eyes.

SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first human study that confirmed penetration of 0.01% topical atropine in aqueous and vitreous humor in live human eyes. This supports the possible mode of action of atropine via posterior ocular structures. This knowledge will help improve the outcomes in myopia management. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate penetration of low-dose atropine 0.01% in aqueous and vitreous humor. METHODS: In this cross-sectional interventional pilot study, 48 cataract cases were divided into four groups (12 each), and 30 epiretinal membrane/macular hole cases were divided into three groups (10 each). One drop of 0.01% atropine was put in the eye to be operated. Aqueous humor samples were taken from patients undergoing cataract surgery at 60 ± 15 minutes in group 1, 120 ± 15 minutes in group 2, 240 ± 15 minutes in group 3, and 360 ± 15 minutes in group 4. Vitreous humor samples were taken from patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery for epiretinal membrane/macular hole at 120 ± 15 minutes in group 1, 240 ± 15 minutes in group 2, and 360 ± 15 minutes in group 3. The assay of atropine was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Median concentrations of atropine in aqueous samples were 1.33 ng/mL (min-max, 0.6 to 6.46 ng/mL; interquartile range [IQR], 3.05 ng/mL) at 60 minutes, 2.60 ng/mL (min-max, 0.63 to 4.62 ng/mL; IQR, 1.97 ng/mL) at 120 minutes, 1.615 ng/mL (min-max, 0.1 to 3.74 ng/mL; IQR, 1.62 ng/mL) at 240 minutes, and 1.46 ng/mL (min-max, 0.47 to 2.80 ng/mL; IQR, 1.73 ng/mL) at 360 minutes, and those in vitreous samples were 0.102 ng/mL (min-max, 0 to 0.369 ng/mL; IQR, 0.366 ng/mL) at 120 minutes, 0.1715 ng/mL (min-max, 0 to 0.795 ng/mL; IQR, 0.271 ng/mL) at 240 minutes, and 0.2495 ng/mL (min-max, 0 to 0.569 ng/mL; IQR, 0.402 ng/mL) at 360 minutes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Measurable concentration of low-dose topical atropine (0.01%) was noted in aqueous and vitreous humor after instillation of a single drop of low-dose atropine. Muscarinic receptors located in the posterior segment such as the choroid and retina could be the possible site of action of low-dose atropine in myopia.

Efficacy of pulse dexamethasone in non-systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Early aggressive therapy using biologicals is increasingly being used in JIA for early disease remission. Pulse steroids are used in induction regimes for rheumatic disorders such as SLE and systemic JIA; however, no controlled studies have demonstrated their use in non-systemic JIA. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pulse dexamethasone therapy in children with treatment-naïve non-systemic JIA as early aggressive therapy in resource-limited settings. METHODS: Sixty treatment-naïve children with non-systemic JIA with an active joint count of ≥5 and/or involvement of hip or cervical joints were randomized to receive either pulse dexamethasone (3 mg/kg/day, max 100 mg/day) or placebo (normal saline) for three consecutive days during each visit at 0, 6 (±2) and 12 (±2) weeks; along with standard therapy (MTX and NSAIDs). The use of oral bridge steroids was permissible for persistent severe disease as per predefined criteria. The primary outcome was ACR-Pedi 70 response at 16 (±2) weeks after enrolment in the two groups. RESULTS: The proportion of children achieving ACR-Pedi 70 in the two groups at last follow-up was 11/30 (36.7%) in pulse dexamethasone arm vs 11/28 (39.3%) in the placebo arm (P-value 0.837, relative risk 0.93, 95% CI 0.48, 1.80). We did not observe any significant difference in the proportion of children requiring bridge steroids. Adverse events were comparable in the two groups. CONCLUSION: The addition of pulse dexamethasone to standard treatment may not add any advantage in improving ACR-Pedi 70 scores at medium-term follow-up. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registry-India; www.ctri.nic.in CTRI/2018/08/015151.

A novel, minimally invasive implant to assist in repeated intraocular drug delivery.

The standard of care for posterior segment disorders such as wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular oedema and retinal vascular occlusions is pharmacotherapy by intravitreal drug delivery. Since the therapeutic effect of these drugs lasts only around 4 to 8 weeks, repeated intravitreal injections are required. Pain is experienced by the patients during injection as the needle courses through the sclera and choroid. The current work describes the design and development of a novel anodized titanium alloy implant that allows for intravitreal injections through the implant so that the needle transverses only the conjunctiva, thus minimizing discomfort to the patient. Both ex-vivo testing of the implant in enucleated goat's eye as well as in-vivo validation in rabbit eyes was carried out. The implant was placed through pars plana via a minor surgical procedure and was sutured to the sclera and covered with conjunctiva. Subsequent intravitreal injections were administered under topical anaesthesia with a 30-gauge needle through the implant thus delivering the drug into the vitreous cavity. Repeated intravitreal injections were administered every 2 weeks via the implant for 3 months in 4 rabbits. Apart from cataract in 1 rabbit, no complications were observed. There was no evidence of intra-ocular inflammation or infection at final follow-up. Histopathological analysis did not reveal any inflammation or necrosis around the area of implant. The implants were subsequently removed at 5 months and scleral wound was closed with a single suture. The sclera and overlying conjunctiva healed well and no intraocular complications were observed after removal.

Efficacy and Safety of Olanzapine in Children Receiving Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy: A Randomized, Double-blind Placebo-controlled Phase 3 Trial.

BACKGROUND: In this trial, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of olanzapine in children receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, patients aged 3 to 18 years were randomly assigned to either the olanzapine group or the placebo group. All patients received intravenous ondansetron and dexamethasone 30 minutes before highly emetogenic chemotherapy, followed by oral ondansetron for 48 hours. Participants in the olanzapine group received olanzapine once daily on days 1 and 2, while those in the control group received a placebo in the same dosage and schedule. The primary objective was: (a) to compare the complete control rates of vomiting in the delayed phase and (b) to compare the complete control rates of vomiting in acute and overall phases. The secondary objective was to evaluate the safety of olanzapine and the need for rescue medications. RESULTS: A total of 128 patients were randomly assigned either to the olanzapine group (n=63) or the control group (n=65). Complete control of vomiting between olanzapine and placebo group was 73% versus 48% ( P =0.005) in the delayed phase, 60% versus 54% ( P =0.46) in the acute phase, and 48% versus 34% ( P =0.117) in the overall phase, respectively. Grades 1 and 2 sedation was greater in the olanzapine group (46% vs. 14%; P <0.001). A significantly higher proportion of patients in the placebo group required rescue medications for vomiting compared with in the olanzapine group ( P =0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Olanzapine significantly improved complete control of vomiting in the delayed phase. A considerably lesser proportion of patients in the olanzapine group needed rescue medications.

Hydrophilic interaction LC-MS/MS method to avoid endogenous interference in the analysis of 4-hydroxy isoleucine from dietary supplementation of fenugreek.

4-Hydroxy isoleucine is one of the potent hypoglycemic active constituents of fenugreek seeds. A method capable of reducing biological interferences is required for bioavailability studies. An isocratic separation of 4-hydroxy isoleucine from endogenous interferences was achieved in ZIC-cHILIC column using 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile (20:80, % v/v) pumped at 0.5 ml/min. Quantification was performed in multiple reaction monitoring mode using the transitions of m/z 148.1→102.1 and m/z 276.1→142.2 for 4-hydroxy isoleucine and homatropine (as internal standard), respectively. After full method validation, 4-hydroxy isoleucine levels in human plasma and commercial fenugreek formulations were determined. This method showed good linearity in the range of 50-2000 ng/mL. Intra- and interday accuracies were in the range of 90.64-109.0% and precision was <4.82% CV. The mean (SD) plasma concentration of 4-hydroxy isoleucine in healthy individuals at 2 h after oral administration of fenugreek tablet was found to be 1590 (260) ng/mL. Half of marketed formulations were found to contain <0.05% of 4-hydroxy isoleucine content. We developed a rapid hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for analysis of 4-hydroxy isoleucine in human plasma. This method can be applied directly to conduct the clinical pharmacokinetics studies of 4-hydroxy isoleucine in human population.

Elevated histamine levels in aqueous humor of patients with glaucoma.

Purpose: Neurotransmitters (NTs) are the key mediators of essential ocular functions, such as processing the visual functions of the retina, maintaining homeostasis of aqueous humor, and regulating ocular blood flow. This study aims to determine variations in the levels of L-glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), histaminergic, adrenergic, cholinergic, and serotonergic NTs in patients with primary glaucoma versus patients with cataract. Methods: This case-control study involved three age-matched groups of patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG, n = 14), primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG, n = 21), and cataract (control, n = 19). Patients' aqueous humor and plasma were collected, snap frozen at -80 °C, and subjected to ultrasensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis for quantification of NTs. Results: Baseline intraocular pressure and the cup-to-disc ratio were found to be statistically significantly elevated in the POAG and PACG groups compared to the cataract control group. In aqueous humor, histamine was found to be statistically significantly elevated (5-fold, p<0.0001), whereas 1-methyl histamine was statistically significantly decreased (p<0.05) in POAG compared to the control group. A statistically significant increase in L-glutamate and GABA was observed among both patient groups with glaucoma compared to the cataract control group. Adrenaline was found to be elevated only in the PACG group (2.7-fold, p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed among the plasma NT levels between the groups. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the prominent role of the histaminergic system apart from autonomic mechanisms in the progression of glaucoma. Elevated L-glutamate and GABA could be due to retinal ganglionic cell death. Further studies are required to evaluate the effects of histamine on Müller cell dysfunction.

Pharmacoproteomic analysis of topical dapsone and prednisolone interventions in the aqueous humor of anterior uveitis.

Uveitis is the inflammation of uveal tract comprising of iris, ciliary body and choroid. Blood ocular barriers maintaining the homeostasis of eye breach during uveitis, leads to high risk for sight-threatening complications. The purpose of this study was to compare the anti-inflammatory activity enabled by two diverse pharmacological agents (prednisolone and dapsone) using their effect on aqueous humor proteome. Wistar rats of either sex (150-200g) were used and randomly divided into various groups. Normal group was injected with 0.1ml normal saline (NS), endotoxin (LPS) (200 µg/0.1ml NS) was injected into endotoxin induced inflammatory groups followed by 0.1% dapsone and 1% prednisolone treatment in endotoxin induced uveitis (EIU) groups, respectively. Aqueocentesis was performed post 24 hour inflammation and samples were subjected for clinical parameter evaluation, cytokine analysis as well as global proteomic analysis using High-resolution mass spectrometer. Following which spectrum analysis, production spectra of peptides were matched against R. Norvegicus Protein Database (Uniport) using Proteome Discoverer (v2.2). Upon clinical evaluation, the anterior segment images post dapsone and prednisolone treatment have shown marked decrease in hyperaemia, miosis and iridial vessels vasodilation in rat eyes as compared to inflammation group. The result of cytokine analysis revealed 0.1% dapsone and prednisolone both significantly decreased the TNF-α levels. HRMS studies analysis expressed 140, 160, 158 and 141 proteins unique to normal, EIU, Dapsone and prednisolone group respectively. To conclude aqueous humor pharmacoproteomic revealed the anti-inflammatory activity of the dapsone comparable to the prednisolone treatment in endotoxin induced uveitis. The topical dapsone may be used as an alternative therapeutic option in treating uveitis without elevating intraocular pressure.

Monocarbonyl curcuminoids as antituberculosis agents with their moderate in-vitro metabolic stability on human liver microsomes.

Tuberculosis, an airborne infectious disease, results in a high morbidity and mortality rate. The continuous emergence of TB resistance strains including MDR (multidrug-resistant tuberculosis), XDR (extensive drug-resistant tuberculosis), and especially TDR (totally drug-resistant tuberculosis) is a major public health threat and has intensified the need to develop new antitubercular agents. A natural product, curcumin, possesses diverse biological activities but suffers due to a lack of water solubility and bioavailability. To overcome these limitations, a series of 17 water-soluble monocarbonyl curcuminoids was synthesized and evaluated for antimycobacterial activity. All compounds exhibited good to moderate anti-TB activity with MIC99 in the range of 3.12-25.0 µM, out of which 7c and 7p were found the most potent compounds with MIC99 in the range of 3.12-6.25 µM. Furthermore, these compounds were observed to be nonhaemolytic, nontoxic, and stable under both physiological as well as reducing conditions. In-vitro metabolic stability data of the representative compound 7p with the human liver microsome revealed that these compounds possess a moderate metabolism with a half-life of 1.2 h and an intrinsic clearance of 1.12 ml/h/mg.

Single-dose oral ivermectin in mild and moderate COVID-19 (RIVET-COV): A single-centre randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug which has in-vitro efficacy in reducing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral load. Hence, Ivermectin is under investigation as a repurposed agent for treating COVID-19. METHODS: In this pilot, double blind, randomized controlled trial, hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 were assigned to a single oral administration of an elixir formulation of Ivermectin at either 24 mg or 12 mg dose, or placebo in a 1:1:1 ratio. The co-primary outcomes were conversion of RT-PCR to negative result and the decline of viral load at day 5 of enrolment. Safety outcomes included total and serious adverse events. The primary outcomes were assessed in patients who had positive RT-PCR at enrolment (modified intention-to-treat population). Safety outcomes were assessed in all patients who received the intervention (intention-to-treat population). RESULTS: Among the 157 patients randomized, 125 were included in modified intention-to-treat analysis. 40 patients each were assigned to Ivermectin 24 mg and 12 mg, and 45 patients to placebo. The RT-PCR negativity at day 5 was higher in the two Ivermectin arms but failed to attain statistical significance (Ivermectin 24 mg, 47.5%; 12 mg arm, 35.0%; and placebo arm, 31.1%; p-value = 0.30). The decline of viral load at day 5 was similar in each arm. No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with mild and moderate COVID-19, a single oral administration of Ivermectin did not significantly increase either the negativity of RT-PCR or decline in viral load at day 5 of enrolment compared with placebo.

Ketamine mouthwash versus placebo in the treatment of severe oral mucositis pain in children with cancer: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Oral mucositis (OM) is a common and distressing toxicity in children on chemotherapy. There are a limited number of safe and effective therapeutic options available for OM. Ketamine oral rinse has shown promising results in a few studies in adults. This randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial aimed to test the efficacy of ketamine mouthwash in reducing chemotherapy-induced severe OM pain in children. METHODS: Children aged 8-18 years with severe OM were randomized to a single dose of ketamine mouthwash (4 mg/mL solution; dose 1 mg/kg) or a placebo. A sample size of 44 patients was determined. Pain score (6-point faces scale) was noted at baseline and 15, 30, 45, 60, 120, 180, and 240 min. The outcome variables were a reduction in pain score, need for rescue medications, and adverse events. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics were comparable in the two groups. The mean OM pain at 60 min decreased by 1.64 points (CI 1.13-2.14) in the ketamine group and 1.32 points (CI 0.76-1.87) in the placebo group (P = 0.425), with a group difference of 0.32 points. Rescue pain medication (at 60 min) was required in 13.6% in the ketamine group and 18.2% in the placebo group (P = 1.000). No significant adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Among children on cancer chemotherapy with severe OM, ketamine mouthwash at a dose of 1 mg/kg did not significantly reduce OM pain. It did not decrease the need for rescue pain medications. Further research is warranted to test higher doses of ketamine for a clinically significant effect.

Effect of rutin on retinal VEGF, TNF-α, aldose reductase, and total antioxidant capacity in diabetic rats: molecular mechanism and ocular pharmacokinetics.

PURPOSE: The current study was conducted to explore the potential of rutin in preventing sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: Wistar albino rats (either sex) weighing 200-225 g were intraperitoneally injected with 45 mg/kg streptozotocin (pH 4.5). Rats having blood glucose ≥ 300 mg/dL were divided into two groups (n = 8; each group). Group I served as diabetic control and received normal saline p.o. Group II received rutin 50 mg/kg p.o. for 24 weeks. At the end of 24 weeks, retinal fundus and fluorescein imaging were done, rats were killed, and retinal biochemical assessments were conducted. Moreover, ocular pharmacokinetics of rutin was assessed in the normal rats after a single oral dose of 50 mg/kg. RESULTS: Rutin treatment significantly (p < 0.001) lowered retinal vascular endothelial growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, and aldose reductase. Rutin treatment significantly (p < 0.001) elevated the levels of total antioxidant capacity of the retinas. Fundus examination of rutin-treated group showed significantly lower tortuosity index and normal fluorescein angiography. Rutin was detected in the retina as well as in aqueous humor of normal rats. CONCLUSION: Rutin treatment significantly arrested the biochemical disturbances of diabetic retinopathy. The distribution of orally ingested rutin in ocular tissues further substantiate its site-specific action.

Influence of MDR1 and CYP3A5 genetic polymorphisms on trough levels and therapeutic response of imatinib in newly diagnosed patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.

Polymorphisms in genes coding for imatinib transporters and metabolizing enzymes may affect imatinib pharmacokinetics and clinical response. Aim of this study was to assess the influence of polymorphisms in MDR1 and CYP3A5 genes on imatinib trough levels, cytogenetic and molecular response in patients with CML. Newly diagnosed patients with chronic-phase CML started on imatinib therapy were enrolled and followed up prospectively for 24 months. The following single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped; C1236T, C3435T, G2677T/A in MDR1 gene and A6986G in CYP3A5 gene. Genotyping was done using PCR-RFLP method and validated by direct gene sequencing. Trough levels of imatinib were measured using LC-MS/MS. Cytogenetic response was assessed by conventional bone-marrow cytogenetics. Molecular response was assessed by qRTPCR using international scale. A total of 173 patients were included, out of which 71 patients were imatinib responders, while 102 were non-responders. Marked inter-individual variability in trough levels of imatinib was seen. Patients with GG genotype for CYP3A5-A6986G (P=0.016) and TT genotype for MDR1-C3435T (P=0.013) polymorphisms had significantly higher trough levels of imatinib. Patients with AA genotype for CYP3A5-A6986G [RR=1.448, 95% CI (1.126, 1.860), P=0.029] and CC genotype for MDR1-C1236T [RR=1.397, 95% CI (1.066, 1.831), P=0.06] &MDR1-C3435T [RR=1.508, 95% CI (1.186, 1.917), P=0.018] polymorphisms were at high risk for failure of imatinib therapy. Patients with CGC haplotype for MDR1 polymorphisms had significantly lower imatinib trough levels and were at a higher risk of imatinib failure [RR=1.547, 95% CI (1.324, 1.808), P<0.001]. GG vs. non-GG genotype for CYP3A5-A6986G [adjusted OR: 0.246; 95% CI (0.116, 0.519); P<0.001] and TT vs. non-TT genotype for MDR1-C1236T [adjusted OR: 0.270; 95% CI (0.110, 0.659); P=0.004] &MDR1-C3435T [adjusted OR: 0.289; 95% CI (0.135, 0.615); P=0.001] polymorphisms were independent factors predicting imatinib response in multivariate analysis. To conclude, MDR1 and CYP3A5 genetic polymorphisms significantly influence plasma trough levels and therapeutic response of imatinib in patients with CML. Genotyping of these polymorphisms could be of value to individualize the therapy and optimize the clinical outcomes.

Evaluation of the Role of Umbilical Cord Serum and Autologous Serum Therapy in Reepithelialization After Keratoplasty: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of umbilical cord serum (UCS) and autologous serum (AS) therapy in reepithelialization of corneal graft after keratoplasty in a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: A total of 105 eyes with epithelial defect (ED) after keratoplasty (penetrating keratoplasty-67 and anterior lamellar keratoplasty-38) on the first postoperative day were included in the study. The eyes were randomized into three groups: UCS (n=35), AS (n=35), and artificial tears (AT) (n=35). All patients received standard postoperative medical therapy. The primary outcome measure was time to epithelialization, and secondary outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity and graft clarity. RESULTS: The ED healed completely in 103 eyes. The mean time for complete reepithelialization was 2.5±2.1, 3.1±2.2, and 4.5±1.4 days in UCS, AS, and AT groups, respectively. The mean percentage decrease in the size of the ED was significantly better in the UCS and AS groups as compared with the AT group (P=0.001). The rate of reepithelialization was comparable between the AS and UCS groups (P=0.3). On bivariate analysis, significant correlation was found between the mean size of postoperative ED, grade of the donor cornea (P=0.001), and the presence of preoperative ED (P=0.001). No complications were associated with the use of serum therapy. CONCLUSION: Most of the cases of postkeratoplasty corneal ED can be managed with AT only. The serum therapy (AS/UCS) helps in the faster reepithelialization of postkeratoplasty ED as compared with AT and may be considered as a treatment option for early epithelial healing.

Evaluation of physical properties and dose equivalency of generic versus branded latanoprost formulations.

The purpose of this study was to comparatively evaluate the pharmaceutical characteristics of various marketed generic formulations of prostaglandin analogue latanoprost in the Indian market. Three generics of latanoprost and one branded (Xalatan) formulation (five vials each) were obtained from authorized agents from the respective commercial sourcing having the same batch number. These formulations were coded, and the labels were removed. At a standardized room temperature of 25 °C, the concentration, osmolarity, drop size, pH, and total drops per vial were determined for Xalatan and all the generics of latanoprost. The concentration of various brands varied between 50.49 ± 0.36 and 58.90 ± 0.52 µg/ml as compared to the standard labeled concentration of 50 µg/ml on the latanoprost vials. The concentration of drugs in individual drop varied from 1.30 ± 0.05 to 1.78 ± 0.04 µg/drop. The volume of drug formulation per bottle varied from 2.4 ± 0.12 to 2.6 ± 0.09 ml/bottle. The number of drops per bottle varied from minimum of 88.60 ± 0.10 drops to maximum of 102.0 ± 4.3 drops across all the formulations, while the drop size varied from 25.72 ± 2.70 to 29.97 ± 1.38 µl. The osmolarity of 2/4 drugs was within 300 mOs M (±10 %). The specific gravity varied between 0.98 ± 0.01 and 1.007 ± 0.01, while pH was between 7.05 ± 0.004 and 7.13 ± 0.005. Two of the generic brands were outside the United States pharmacopoeia limits (±10%) for ophthalmic formulation, with concentration exceeding the limits by 3 % (p = 0.151) and 8 % (p = 0.008), respectively. This pilot study highlights that there are significant variations in the drug concentrations and physical properties of generic latanoprost formulations. Although none of the brands had concentrations below the recommended level, two of the brands had concentrations exceeding the limits by 3 and 8 %, respectively.

Finger printing of counterfeit bevacizumab and identifying it before clinical use.

BACKGROUND: Bevacizumab is widely used for ophthalmic purposes. Recently, counterfeit bevacizumab has become a matter of concern. We analysed samples of suspected counterfeit formulations of bevacizumab and assessed the possibility of using simple tests in the clinic by ophthalmologists to prevent the use of counterfeit preparations in patients. METHODS: We did a protein analysis using Bradford assay and SDS-PAGE to confirm the presence of bevacizumab in 16 samples - 6 suspected and 10 others. The samples were also subjected to physicochemical analysis such as osmolarity, chloride content and pH. The samples tested negative for protein were analysed by mass spectrometry to detect drugs used in place of bevacizumab. We standardized the method of frothing and precipitation analysis for identifying authentic samples of bevacizumab before their clinical use. RESULTS: Five of the 16 samples tested were negative for the presence of bevacizumab. The physicochemical parameters also supported the protein analysis test. However, no ionizable organic compound (other drug[s]) was detected by mass spectrometry. CONCLUSION: Ophthalmic use of counterfeit bevacizumab can be prevented by simple methods such as the frothing and precipitation tests. These can identify the absence of an active drug.

Pharmacological Interventions for Vascular Targeting in Retinopathy of Prematurity: An Experimental Study.

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacological interventions to target vascular proliferation in the Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). Methods: Protein Kinase C modulator (Bryostatin), tubulin polymerization inhibitor (Dolastatin 10), antiVEGF (Bevacizumab) and a non-specific VEGF inhibitor (Thalidomide) were screened in Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) model. The retinal vasculature was evaluated by calculating the tortuosity indices of vessels and electroretinography responses in terms of 'b' wave amplitude and was recorded from ROP rats on postnatal Day 17 and Day 25. Results: Retinopathy was seen in the form of tortousity of vessels at the posterior pole with arteries being affected more than veins. Maximum reduction in tortousity of vessels and the highest 'b' wave amplitude noted in bryostatin with a significant correlation between the two. Conclusion: Bryostatin showed a potential anti-angiogenic effect on the progression of ROP and may hold a promising future in the treatment of ROP.