A novel technique to identify midline during endoscopic thyroidectomy.

ABSTRACT: Endoscopic thyroidectomy is a minimally invasive surgical approach that has become popular due to its cosmetic advantages and reduced post-operative discomfort. Central to the success of this procedure is the accurate identification of the midline, which becomes a challenge in endoscopic surgeries. We propose a novel method of using methylene blue, a Food and Drug Administration-approved dye, which offers the ability to clearly mark the midline, enhancing orientation and reducing the potential for injury to critical anatomical structures. Although using methylene blue has many benefits, there are drawbacks, including the requirement for intraoperative ultrasonography. Continued research and clinical experience will be critical in improving and extending its use in the field of thyroid surgery.

Immunometabolic impact of pancreastatin inhibitor PSTi8 in MCD induced mouse model of oxidative stress and steatohepatitis.

AIM: Pancreastatin, a dysglycemic hormone that encourages inflammation and steatosis in a variety of metabolic disorder animal models. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the pancreastatin inhibitor PSTi8 on immunometabolic changes in the liver of MCD-induced NASH mice. MAIN METHODS: Methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diet was used for the development of NASH. Liver enzymes like SGOT, SGPT, and ALP and lipid profiles were also performed in the serum. Further, immunophenotyping study was performed in the liver through flowcytometer. Subsequently, Hematoxylin and Eosin, Picro Sirius Red and Masson's Trichrome staining were done to check the liver morphology and collagen staining, respectively. Inflammatory cytokines were measured through ELISA and gene expression through RT-PCR. The expression of α-SMA was examined using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. KEY FINDINGS: PSTi8 inhibited the expression of lipogenic genes in the liver and attenuated bad cholesterol, SGOT, SGPT, and ALP in the serum. PSTi8 improved the liver morphology and attenuated collagen deposition. Subsequently, PSTi8 attenuated inflammatory M1-macrophages, CD8+T, CD4+T cells and increased anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, T-reg and eosinophil populations in the liver. It also attenuated the expression of pro-inflammatory genes like Mcp1, Tnfα, and Il6. Apart from this, PSTi8 attenuated the oxidative stress marker, like ROS, and MDA and fibrosis marker α-SMA in the liver. It also decreased the apoptosis and ROS and MDA level in the liver. SIGNIFICANCE: Overall, these compressive studies revealed that PSTi8 exhibited beneficial effect on the liver of MCD-induced NASH mice by attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress.

Chromogranin A-derived peptides pancreastatin and catestatin: emerging therapeutic target for diabetes.

Chromogranin A (ChgA) is an acidic pro-protein found in neuroendocrine organs, pheochromocytoma chromaffin granules, and tumor cells. Proteolytic processing of ChgA gives rise to an array of biologically active peptides such as pancreastatin (PST), vasostatin, WE14, catestatin (CST), and serpinin, which have diverse roles in regulating cardiovascular functions and metabolism, as well as inflammation. Intricate tissue-specific role of ChgA-derived peptide activity in preclinical rodent models of metabolic syndrome reveals complex effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Indeed, ChgA-derived peptides, PST and CST, play a pivotal role in metabolic syndrome such as obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes mellitus. Additionally, supplementation of specific peptide in ChgA-KO mice have an opposing effect on physiological functions, such as PST supplementation reduces insulin sensitivity and enhances inflammatory response. In contrast, CST supplementation enhances insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammatory response. In this review, we focus on the tissue-specific role of PST and CST as therapeutic targets in regulating carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, along with the associated risk factors.

Pancreastatin inhibitor PSTi8 ameliorates insulin resistance by decreasing fat accumulation and oxidative stress in high-fat diet-fed mice.

Abnormal fat accumulation, enhanced free fatty acids (FFA) release, and their metabolites cause insulin resistance (IR) in major glucose-lipid metabolic organs such as skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. However, excessive lipolysis and FFA release from adipose tissue elevate plasma FFA levels leading to oxidative stress and skeletal muscle IR. Indeed, in obese individuals, there is enhanced pro-inflammatory secretion from adipose tissue influencing insulin signaling in skeletal muscles. Here, we investigated the effect of PSTi8 on FFA-induced IR in both in vitro and in vivo models. Palmitate (Pal)-treated 3T3-L1 cells increased lipid accumulation as well as lipolysis, which reduced the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. PSTi8 treatment significantly prevented Pal-induced lipid accumulation, and release and enhanced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. It further reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from Pal-treated 3T3-L1 cells as well as from adipose tissue explants. In addition, PSTi8 treatment decreases M1 surface markers in Pal-treated bone marrow-derived monocytes (BMDM). PSTi8 treatment also significantly enhanced the Pal-mediated reduced skeletal muscle glucose disposal and reduced intracellular oxidative stress. In vitro effect of PSTi8 was consistent with in vivo HFD-fed mice IR model. PSTi8 treatment in HFD-fed mice significantly improved glucose metabolism and enhanced skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity with reduced adiposity and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, our results support that PSTi8 treatment can protect both adipose and skeletal muscles from FFA-induced IR.

The combined effect of Raspberry Ketone with Resveratrol against oxidative stress and steatohepatitis in rats: Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies.

Raspberry Ketone (RK) and Resveratrol (RSV) are natural phenolic antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. However, its combined pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics potentials are not reported. The study aims to assess the combined effect of RK with RSV to protect rats from carbon-tetrachloride (CCl4) induced oxidative stress and NASH. The toxicant CCl4 was employed at a concentration of 1 mL/kg as a 1:1 (v/v) mixture with olive oil twice weekly for 6 weeks to induce liver toxicity. Animal treatment was followed for 2 weeks. Silymarin was used as a standard control drug to compare the hepatoprotective effect of RK and RSV. Hepatic histology, oxidative stress, MMP, reduced glutathione (GSH), plasma levels of SGOT, SGPT, and lipid profile (total cholesterol and triglycerides) were measured. Anti-inflammation genes (IL-10), and fibrotic genes (TGF-ß) were also examined in liver tissue. Oral administration of combined RK with RSV (50 + 50 mg/kg for 2 weeks) showed significantly more hepatoprotection by significantly decreasing elevated plasma markers and lipid profile than alone RK and RSV (100 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks). It also significantly alleviated the hepatic lipid peroxidation, restoring the activities of GSH levels in the liver. RT-PCR and Immunoblotting studies confirmed that significantly upregulation of anti-inflammation genes and protein expression (MMP-9) ameliorated the disease. Pharmacokinetic studies confirmed more synergistic stability in simulated gastric-intestinal fluids (FaSSGF, FaSSIF) and rat liver microsomes (CYP-450, NADPH oxidation & glucuronidation. Moreover, coadministration of drugs augmented the relative bioavailability, Vd/ F (L/Kg), and MRT0-∞( h), which leads to more efficacy. This pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic reveals a new adjuvant therapy for the treatment of steatohepatitis.

Augmented experimental design for bioavailability enhancement: a robust formulation of abiraterone acetate.

Abiraterone acetate (ABRTA) is clinically beneficial in management of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (PC-3). With highlighted low solubility and permeability, orally hampered treatment of ABRTA necessitate high dose to achieve therapeutic efficacy. To triumph these challenges, we aimed to develop intestinal lymphatic transport facilitating lipid-based delivery to enhance bioavailability. ABRTA-containing self-nano emulsified drug delivery (ABRTA-SNEDDS) was statistically optimized by D-optimal design using design expert. Optimized formulation was characterized for particle size, thermodynamic stability, in vitro release, in vivo bioavailability, intestinal lymphatic transport, in vitro cytotoxic effect, anti-metastatic activity, and apoptosis study. Moreover, hemolysis and histopathology studies have been performed to assess pre-clinical safety. Nano-sized particles and successful saturated drug loading were obtained for optimized formulation. In vitro release upto 98.61 ± 3.20% reveal effective release of formulation at intestinal pH 6.8. ABRTA-SNEDDS formulation shows enhanced in vivo exposure of Abiraterone (2.5-fold) than ABRTA suspension in Sprague-Dawley rats. In vitro efficacy in PC-3 cell line indicates 3.69-fold higher therapeutic potential of nano drug delivery system. Hemolysis and histopathology study indicates no significant toxicities to red blood cells and tissues, respectively. Apparently, an opportunistic strategy to increasing bioavailability of ABRTA via intestinal lymphatic transport will create a viable platform in rapidly evolving chemotherapy. Enhanced translational utility of delivery was also supported through in vitro therapeutic efficacy and safety assessments. HighlightsAbiraterone acetate is a prostate cancer drug, impeded with low bioavailability.ABRTA loaded in self nano emulsifying drug delivery enhanced its bioavailability.Intestinal lymphatic transport played role in enhanced bioavailability of ABRTA.ABRTA-SNEDDS enhanced in vitro cytotoxic activity of ABRTA.ABRTA-SNEDDS found safe in preclinical safety evaluations.

Emerging nanotechnology based combination therapies of taxanes for multiple drug-resistant cancers.

'One drug- one target' to 'multiple drug- multiple targets' paradigm shifted to produce combination therapies, have found great outcomes to overcome multiple drug resistance (MDR). MDR is a significant barrier to the delivery of taxane-based anticancer medicines such as docetaxel, paclitaxel, and cabazitaxel. Due to MDR induced by drug efflux transporters, clinical application of these medications is impeded. To date, nanoformulations such as liposomes, micelles, polymeric nanoparticles, and gold nanoparticles have been investigated to deliver taxanes alone and in combination to reverse drug resistance. Despite the fact that various groups have already looked into taxane nano formulations in the literature, there isn't much in the way of polypharmacology and advanced nanoformulations with a focus on MDR. In this overview, we briefly covered the insights regarding MDR, difficulties related to current pharmaceutical products of taxanes, combination therapies of taxanes to combat MDR, all of which can be used to delve into cancer treatment.

Coelogin ameliorates metabolic dyshomeostasis by regulating adipogenesis and enhancing energy expenditure in adipose tissue.

Obesity and associated metabolic disorders are heading up with an alarming rate in developing nations. One of highly sought solution for metabolic disorders is to identify natural molecule with an ability to reduce obesity and increase insulin sensitivity. Coelogin (CLN) is a phenanthrene derivative isolated from the ethanolic extract of Coelogyne cristata. In our constant efforts to identify novel anti-dyslipidemic and anti-adipogenic compounds using CFPMA (common feature pharmacophore model using known anti-adipogenic compounds) model, predicted possible anti-adipogenic activity of CLN. In vitro results showed significant inhibition of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 and C3H10T1/2 cell by CLN. It arrests the cell cycle in G1 phase of interphase and inhibits mitotic clonal expansion to regulate adipogenesis. CLN elicits insulin sensitizing effect in mature adipocytes. During extracellular flux assessment studies, it increases oxidative respiration and energy expenditure in adipocytes. In vivo, CLN reversed HFD-induced dyslipidemia as well as insulin resistance in C57BL/6 mice. It promoted the expression of genes involved in improved mitochondrial function and fatty acid oxidation in eWAT. CLN restored energy expenditure and increased the capacity of energy utilization in HFD fed mice. Taken together, the study indicated beneficial effects of CLN in combating obesity-associated metabolic complications.

Challenges of peptide and protein drug delivery by oral route: Current strategies to improve the bioavailability.

Advancement in biotechnology provided a notable expansion of peptide and protein therapeutics, used as antigens, vaccines, hormones. It has a prodigious potential to treat a broad spectrum of diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders, bone disorders, and so forth. Protein and peptide therapeutics are administered parenterally due to their poor bioavailability and stability, restricting their use. Hence, research focuses on the oral delivery of peptides and proteins for the ease of self-administration. In the present review, we first address the main obstacles in the oral delivery system in addition to approaches used to enhance the stability and bioavailability of peptide/protein. We describe the physiochemical parameters of the peptides and proteins influencing bioavailability in the systemic circulation. It encounters, many barriers affecting its stability, such as poor cellular membrane permeability at the GIT site, enzymatic degradation (various proteases), and first-pass hepatic metabolism. Then describe the current approaches to overcome the challenges mentioned above by the use of absorption enhancers or carriers, structural modification, formulation and advance technology.

The Ser/Thr protein kinase PrkC imprints phenotypic memory in Bacillus anthracis spores by phosphorylating the glycolytic enzyme enolase.

Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax in humans, bovine, and other animals. B. anthracis pathogenesis requires differentiation of dormant spores into vegetative cells. The spores inherit cellular components as phenotypic memory from the parent cell, and this memory plays a critical role in facilitating the spores' revival. Because metabolism initiates at the beginning of spore germination, here we metabolically reprogrammed B. anthracis cells to understand the role of glycolytic enzymes in this process. We show that increased expression of enolase (Eno) in the sporulating mother cell decreases germination efficiency. Eno is phosphorylated by the conserved Ser/Thr protein kinase PrkC which decreases the catalytic activity of Eno. We found that phosphorylation also regulates Eno expression and localization, thereby controlling the overall spore germination process. Using MS analysis, we identified the sites of phosphorylation in Eno, and substitution(s) of selected phosphorylation sites helped establish the functional correlation between phosphorylation and Eno activity. We propose that PrkC-mediated regulation of Eno may help sporulating B. anthracis cells in adapting to nutrient deprivation. In summary, to the best of our knowledge, our study provides the first evidence that in sporulating B. anthracis, PrkC imprints phenotypic memory that facilitates the germination process.

Hepatocytes of Wistar and Sprague Dawley rats differ significantly in their central metabolism.

Wistar and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats are most commonly used experimental rats. They have similar genetic background and are therefore, not discriminated in practical research. In this study, we compared metabolic profiles of Wistar and SD rat hepatocytes from middle (6 months) and old (23 months) age groups. Principle component analysis (PCA) on the specific uptake and production rates of amino acids, glucose, lactate and urea indicated clear differences between Wistar and SD rat hepatocytes. SD rat hepatocytes showed higher uptake rates of various essential and non-essential amino acids, particularly in early culture phases (0-12 h) compared to later phases (12-24 h). SD hepatocytes seem to be more sensitive to isolation procedure and in vitro culture requiring more amino acids for cellular maintenance and repair. Major differences between Wistar and SD rat hepatocytes were observed for glucose and branched chain amino acid metabolism. We conclude that the observed differences in the central carbon metabolism of isolated hepatocytes from these two rats should be considered when using one or the other rat type in studies on metabolic effects or diseases such as diabetes or obesity.

True mesothelial cyst of the adrenal gland: its clinical profile and management.

The incidence of adrenal cysts is 0.06% and only 9% of these are true mesothelial cysts. Here, we present a case of a true mesothelial cyst together with a review of the literature. A female in her 30s presented to the surgical outpatient department complaining of right flank pain. Her contrast-enhanced CT scan revealed a 7.5×6.5×4.5 cm right adrenal gland cyst. The patient underwent a laparoscopic right adrenalectomy. Immunohistopathology revealed the cyst to be mesothelial in nature. The majority of true mesothelial adrenal cysts are benign, unilateral and more common in women. Any adrenal cyst diagnosed as a functional lesion or one that may be malignant or with a diameter of 5 cm or greater requires surgical care whereas smaller lesions can be managed conservatively. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for an adrenal cyst of diameter greater than 6 cm is a safe and feasible procedure in expert hands if there is no invasion of surrounding tissue.

NIR-emissive carbon nanodots as a tool to mark ribosomal RNA and nucleolus components using super-resolution microscopy.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) plays a key role in protein synthesis and ribosomal biogenesis. The exclusively used commercial dye for RNA staining is SYTO RNASelect, which works in fixed cells only. To overcome this constraint, we synthesized NIR-emissive, highly photostable, and biocompatible carbon nanodots (CNDs) as a fluorescent biomarker for rRNA. The synthesized CNDs could stain rRNA in both live and fixed cells. We were able to visualize rRNA at different sites in eukaryotic cells using super-resolution microscopy (SRM). The CNDs localized rRNA in the dense fibrillar components (DFCs) of the nucleolus, nuclear membrane, and rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). The super-resolved hollow ring-structured DFC with an FWHM of 140 nm, nuclear membrane with an FWHM of 120 nm, and ER with an FWHM of 115 nm were observed. We further found a marked contrast between the pre-RNA synthesized in cancer cells and normal cells. We believe that these CNDs have great potential in rRNA imaging and comprehending the complex relationships between rRNA dynamics and basic biological processes, disease development, or drug interactions.

Pancreastatin inhibitor PSTi8 balances energy homeostasis by attenuating adipose tissue inflammation in high fat diet fed mice.

Pancreastatin (PST) is an endogenous bioactive peptide. PST is generated from chromogranin A (Chga) protein which is released by chromaffin and neuroendocrine cells. PST exhibits diabetogenic effect by antagonizing the action of insulin in adipocytes. The level of PST rises during obesity, resulting in persistent low-grade inflammation in adipocytes. Pancreastatin inhibitor 8 (PSTi8), which is developed by modification of PST sequence which antagonizes the action of PST. In this study, we investigated the immunometabolic effect of PSTi8 in the diet-induced obesity (DIO) model in C57BL/6 mice. Here we found PSTi8 decreased the body weight gain, fat mass and increased the lean mass in (DIO) mice. It also showed reduction of adipocyte hypertrophy in eWAT and lipid accumulation in liver of DIO mice. Immunoprofiling of stromal vascular fraction isolated from eWAT of PTSi8 treated mice showed increased anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, Eosinophil, T-regulatory cells and reduced pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages, CD4 and CD8 T cell population. Apart from this, PSTi8 also improved the mitochondrial function by decreasing reactive oxygen species and increasing mitochondrial membrane potential, NADPH/NADP ratio and citrate synthase activity in eWAT of DIO mice. It also increased the protein expression of pAMPK, pAKT, Arginase -1 and decreased the expression of MHC-II and iNOS in eWAT of DIO mice. In conclusion, PSTi8 exerted its beneficial effect on restoring energy expenditure by reducing adipose tissue inflammation.

Immuno-metabolic effect of pancreastatin inhibitor PSTi8 in diet induced obese mice: In vitro and in vivo findings.

AIMS: Pancreastatin (PST), an anti-insulin peptide derived from chromogranin A. Its levels increase in cases of obesity, which contributes to adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance. This study aims to investigate the immunometabolic effect of PST inhibitor (PSTi8) against PST by using in vitro and in vivo finding. MAIN METHODS: 3T3-L1 cells were differentiated with or without PSTi8, and Oil Red O staining was performed. J774A.1 cells were used for macrophage polarization study. The diet-induced obesity and T2DM model was developed in C57BL/6 mice through high-fat diet for 8 weeks. Alzet osmotic pumps were filled with PSTi8 (release rate: 2 mg/kg/day) and implanted in mice for eight weeks. Further, insulin and glucose tolerance tests were performed. Liver and eWAT sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. FACS was used to measure mitochondrial ROS and membrane potential, while Oroboros O2k was used to measure oxygen consumption rate. Immunocytochemistry and qRT-PCR were done for protein and gene expression, respectively. KEY FINDINGS: PSTi8 inhibited the expression of lipolytic genes and proteins in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. PSTi8 improved the inulin sensitivity, lipid profile, MMP, and OCR levels in the 3T3-L1 adipocyte and eWAT. It also increased the M1 to M2 macrophage polarization in J77A.1 cells and eWAT. Further, PSTi8 attenuated inflammatory CD4+ T, CD8+ T cells and increased the anti-inflammatory T-reg and eosinophil populations in the eWAT. It also reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory genes like Mcp1, Tnfα, and Il-6. SIGNIFICANCE: Collectively, PSTi8 exerted its beneficial effect on adipose tissue inflammation and restored energy expenditure against diet-induced obesity.

Perioperative complications of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in India: a prospective observational study.

Purpose: These days laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery, both totally extraperitoneal (TEP) and transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP), is a commonly performed procedure due to advancements in laparoscopic instruments and the availability of skilled laparoscopic surgeons. The purpose of this study was to compare the perioperative complications of these two procedures. Methods: This was a prospective observational study between July 2019 and December 2020. Perioperative complications were compared with a 6-month follow-up. It included 144 patients, of whom 71 underwent TAPP repair and 73 underwent TEP repair. The selection was based on the surgeon's choice. Results: Early postoperative complications were scrotal edema (12 cases in TEP and 16 in TAPP), urinary retention (one case in TEP), ecchymosis (six cases in TEP and two in TAPP), and scrotal subcutaneous emphysema (two cases in TEP). On follow-up, seroma was found in a total of 22 cases, of which 12 were TEP and 10 were TAPP. While only one case of TAPP developed surgical site infection. There was no statistically significant difference in hospital stay between the two groups (p = 0.58). The pain scores significantly decreased throughout recovery and were comparable between the groups. Neither group experienced a recurrence during the 6-month follow-up. Fifty-eight patients developed Clavien-Dindo grade I complications, one had grade II, and three had grade IIIa complications. Conclusion: With the increasing experience of the surgical fraternity in laparoscopic surgery, TEP and TAPP were proven to be comparable in terms of duration of surgery, postoperative complications, hospital stay, pain scores, and recurrence during the 6-month follow-up.

Simultaneous estimation of five biomarkers of neuroprotective herb Ashwagandha NMITLI-118R AF1 in rat plasma and brain using LC-ESI-MS/MS: Application to its pharmacokinetic and stability studies.

Withania Somnifera (WS) is a popular nutritional supplement in the USA, Europe, and Asia, known for its pharmacological effects on neurological disorders. However, the bioanalytical method development, validation, and pharmacokinetics of WS NMITLI-118R AF1 biomarkers Withanolide A (WLD A), Withanone (WNONE), Withanolide B (WLD B), Withaferin A (WF A), and 12 Deoxywithastramonolide (12 DEOXY) in rats have not been comprehensively explored. This study aimed to develop and validate a sensitive and selective LC-ESI-MS/MS method for these biomarkers in male Sprague Dawley rats plasma and brain matrix. Rats were divided into eight groups, each containing five rats. A plant extract of NMITLI-118R AF1 at 50 mg/kg was orally administered to the rats for in-vivo pharmacokinetic investigation. All the analytes had a linear calibration curve (r2 > 0.999), and intra-day and inter-day precision (%) were found in the range of 2.46 - 13.71% and accuracy were within the acceptable range (±15%). The biomarkers of NMITLI-118R AF1 were found stable in in-vitro plasma and simulated gastro-intestinal fluids. The observed (Cmax) and (Tmax) values for the biomarkers in the systemic circulation were WLD A (5.59 ± 0.34 ng/mL, Tmax 1.00 ± 0.00 h), WNONE (6.28 ± 0.41 ng/mL, Tmax 0.95 ± 0.11 h), WLD B (6.45 ± 2.87 ng/mL, Tmax 0.95 ± 0.11 h), WF A (6.50 ± 0.27 ng/mL, Tmax 1.00 ± 0.00 h), and 12 DEOXY (5.68 ± 0.39 ng/mL, Tmax 1.00 ± 0.00 h). In contrast to the old method, our approach exhibits a lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), shorter run time (less than10 min), and enables the detection of WF A and WNONE in fresh rat plasma by other quantitative analysis of mass spectrometry (m/z) [M]+. Shows high sample volumes for both, larger plasma volumes, costlier sample collection techniques dried blood spot (DBS), more expensive solid phase extraction techniques (SPE) and longer analysis time 14 min. Moreover, our method requires a smaller sample volume 10 µL, offers faster analysis time 4 min, and achieves a higher sensitivity 1 ng/mL. This is the first report of a comprehensive study on in-vitro and in-vivo pharmacokinetics of NMITLI-118R AF1 biomarkers, which may aid in further pre-clinical and clinical trial investigations.

LC-MS/MS method for quantification of raspberry ketone in rat plasma: application to preclinical pharmacokinetic studies.

Background: Raspberry ketone (RK), derived from red raspberry fruit (Rubus idaeus, family Rosaceae), is a reported potent antiobesity agent. This study aims to investigate method development, validation, and in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetics in rats. Materials & methods: LC-MS/MS was used to conduct method development, validation, stability, and oral PK samples of RK in plasma analyses. Results: RK was highly soluble in Tris buffer and stable in gastrointestinal fluids as well as plasma. Rat liver microsomal stability of RK in phase I and II studies was 84.96 ± 2.39 and 69.98 ± 8.69%, respectively, after 60 min. Intestinal permeability was 4.39 ± 1.37 × 10-5 cm/s. Maximal concentration was 1591.02 ± 64.76 ng/ml, which was achieved after 1 h (time to maximal concentration), and absolute oral bioavailability was 86.28%. Conclusion: Pharmacokinetic data serve as a keystone for preclinical and clinical adjuvant therapy.

Using LC­MS/MS, a method was developed and validated for RK, and investigated the preclinical pharmacokinetics and bioavailability in Sprague Dawley rats.

The IRONy in Athletic Performance.

Iron is an essential micronutrient for athletes, intricately linked to their performance, by regulating cellular respiration and metabolism. Impaired iron levels in the body can significantly hinder athletic performance. The increased demand for iron due to exercise, coupled with potential dietary iron insufficiencies, particularly among endurance athletes, amplifies the risk of iron deficiency. Moreover, prolonged exercise can impact iron absorption, utilization, storage, and overall iron concentrations in an athlete. On the contrary, iron overload may initially lead to enhanced performance; however, chronic excess iron intake or underlying genetic conditions can lead to detrimental health consequences and may negatively impact athletic performance. Excess iron induces oxidative damage, not only compromising muscle function and recovery, but also affecting various tissues and organs in the body. This narrative review delineates the complex relationship between exercise and iron metabolism, and its profound effects on athletic performance. The article also provides guidance on managing iron intake through dietary adjustments, oral iron supplementation for performance enhancement in cases of deficiency, and strategies for addressing iron overload in athletes. Current research is focused on augmenting iron absorption by standardizing the route of administration while minimizing side effects. Additionally, there is ongoing work to identify inhibitors and activators that affect iron absorption, aiming to optimize the body's iron levels from dietary sources, supplements, and chelators. In summary, by refining the athletic diet, considering the timing and dosage of iron supplements for deficiency, and implementing chelation therapies for iron overload, we can effectively enhance athletic performance and overall well-being.

Tracking the super resolved structure of mitochondria using red emissive carbon nanodots as a fluorescent biomarker.

Herein, we report new red emissive highly photostable and water-soluble carbon nanodots (TPP CNDs) to visualize mitochondrial dynamics using super-resolution radial fluctuations (SRRF) microscopy. The TPP CNDs were synthesized in a one-step method, using 3-(carboxypropyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide (TPP) and o-phenylenediamine (OPDA) as precursors. The obtained crystal structure, NMR, and mass data suggested the presence of [3-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)propyl](triphenyl)phosphonium bromide (C28H26N2P+Br-) as a molecular fluorophore (MF) on the surface of the TPP CNDs. The TPP CNDs showed better photostability than the commercially available MitoTracker™ Green and were highly capable for long-term imaging of mitochondrial fission during hyperglycemic conditions and structural changes upon an antidiabetic drug treatment, without altering their fluorescence nature.