Carboplatin- and Etoposide-Loaded Lactoferrin Protein Nanoparticles for Targeting Cancer Stem Cells in Retinoblastoma In Vitro.

Purpose: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are known to contribute to tumor relapses by virtue of their chemoresistance. With the knowledge that nanoformulations can overcome drug resistance, we evaluated the efficacy and cytotoxicity of clinical-grade carboplatin (CPT)- and etoposide (ETP)-loaded lactoferrin nanoparticles (Lf-Nps) on total, CD133-enriched (non-CSC), and CD133-depleted (CSC) populations of retinoblastoma (Rb) Y79 cells. Methods: Physicochemical properties of drug-loaded Lf-Nps were measured with transmission electron microscopy and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared. The encapsulation efficiency, uptake, and release of drug-loaded Lf-Nps were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography and a UV-visible spectrophotometer. Cytotoxicity of the standard and drug-loaded Lf-Nps was evaluated by the MTT assay. Results: The mean (SD) size and encapsulation efficiency of Lf-CPT and Lf-ETP were 61.2 (3.94) nm, 60% and 45.15 (5.85) nm, 38%, respectively, and the drug release efficiency was highest at pH 6. The increased drug uptake and lower release of drug-loaded Lf-Nps were observed in CSC and non-CSC populations compared to their standard forms. The relative increase of drug uptake and sustained intracellular retention of the drug-loaded Lf-Nps compared to standard drugs showed an enhanced cytotoxicity up to 50%, especially in Rb Y79 CSCs (IC50: CPT, 230.3; Lf-CPT, 118.2; ETP, 198.1; and Lf-ETP, 129) compared to non-CSCs. Conclusions: Our study documents an increase in drug uptake, retention, and cytotoxicity of Lf-CPT and Lf-ETP on Y79 CSCs and non-CSCs as compared to their standard drugs in vitro. The reversal of chemoresistance in the CSC population by nanoformulation appears promising with the potential to pave the way for improved targeted therapy and better clinical outcomes.

Miconazole Microsponges based topical delivery system for diaper dermatitis / Sistema de administración tópica basada en microesponjas de miconazol para la dermatitis del pañal

Aim: The current investigation was aimed to develop and optimize the microsponges of miconazole nitrate for treatment of diaper dermatitis for enhanced therapeutic effect. Material and Methods: Microsponges were developed by emulsion solvent diffusion technique using 23 factorial design. Fabricated microsponges were optimized in order to analyze the effects of independent variables on the encapsulation efficiency, particle size, surface topography and in vitro drug release. The optimized formulation was then incorporated into the gel and evaluated. Results: Particle size of all formulations was found to be uniform and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicates spherical shape and porous nature of microsponges. In vitro drug release studies of all formulations revealed the release rate within the range of 67%±0.09 to 80.6%± 0.68 at the end of 12 hours. On its basis, formulation F8 was selected and incorporated into the gel (CF8) which was evaluated for pH, viscosity, spreadability, in vitro drug diffusion studies, in vitro anti fungal studies and stability studies. Conclusion: The formulated microsponge-based gel of miconazole nitrate would be a capable substitute to traditional treatment for reliable and economical cure of diaper dermatitis

Objetivo: La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo desarrollar y optimizar las microesponjas de nitrato de miconazol para el tratamiento de la dermatitis del pañal para un efecto terapéutico mejorado. Material y métodos: Las microesponjas fueron desarrollados por emulsión técnica de difusión del disolvente usando un diseño factorial 23. Las microesponjas fabricadas han sido optimizadas con el fin de analizar los efectos de las variables independientes sobre la eficacia de encapsulación, tamaño de partícula, la topografía de la superficie y en la liberación de fármaco in vitro. A continuación, la formulación optimizada se incorporo en un gel y se evaluó. Resultados: Se encontró que el tamaño de partículas de todas las formulaciones fue uniforme y la microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM) indicó forma esférica y de naturaleza porosa de las microesponjas. En la liberación del fármaco, estudios in vitro de todas las formulaciones, revelaron la velocidad de liberación dentro de un intervalo de 67±0,09% a 80,6±0,68% al cabo de 12 horas. Con esta base, La formulación F8 se seleccionó y se incorporó en el gel (CF8) en el que se evaluó el pH, viscosidad, capacidad de extensión, estudios de difusión in vitro del fármaco, estudios in vitro anti hongos y estudios de estabilidad. Conclusión: El gel a base de microesponja formulado de nitrato de miconazol sería un sustituto adecuado al tratamiento tradicional para la curación fiable y económica de la dermatitis del pañal

Expression of rabies virus glycoprotein gene into eukaryotic system and determination of potential T-cell epitopes.

The present study was undertaken to clone, express rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG) and to identify potential T-cell epitopes on it. RVG gene (1590 bp) was amplified using gene specific primers. The amplified product was cloned into pTZ57R/T cloning vector by TA cloning. RVG gene was subcloned into pcDNA3.1 (+) expression vector. In this study, cloning and expression of rabies virus glycoprotein gene was done under CMV promoter and an expression construct (pcDNA.RVG) was prepared and clones were confirmed by restriction digestion, colony PCR and nucleotide sequencing. The expression construct was further characterized by western blotting and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). In silico analysis of this protein was done to find out potential antigenic sites so that it can be further evaluated for its potential as candidate for epitope vaccine against rabies.

In vivo evaluation of hypoglycemic activity of Aloe spp. and identification of its mode of action on GLUT-4 gene expression in vitro.

The present study evaluated the hypoglycemic activity of Aloe extract on streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and focuses its effect on GLUT-4 gene expression under in vitro cell-culture system. Administration of extract at the dosage of 130 mg/kg body weight per day for 4 weeks resulted in significant decrease in blood glucose and total cholesterol in streptozotocin (60 mg/kg body weight) induced diabetic mice. The hypoglycemic effect was compared with metformin. The activities of carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes were brought back to near normal level after the treatment and glucose homeostasis was maintained. Lyophilized aqueous Aloe extract (1 mg/ml) upregulated the GLUT-4 mRNA synthesis in mouse embryonic NIH/3T3 cells.