Synthesis and characterization of gentamicin loaded ZSM-5 scaffold: Cytocompatibility and antibacterial activity.

Porous structure, biocompatibility and biodegradability, large surface area, and drug-loading ability are some remarkable properties of zeolite structure, making it a great possible option for bone tissue engineering. Herein, we evaluated the potential application of the ZSM-5 scaffold encapsulated GEN with high porosity structure and significant antibacterial properties. The space holder process has been employed as a new fabrication method with interconnected pores and suitable mechanical properties. In this study, for the first time, ZSM-5 scaffolds with GEN drug-loading were fabricated with the space holder method. The results showed excellent open porosity in the range of 70-78% for different GEN concentrations and appropriate mechanical properties. Apatite formation on the scaffold surface was determined with Simulation body fluid (SBF), and a new bone-like apatite layer shaping on all samples confirmed the in vitro bioactivity of ZSM-5-GEN scaffolds. Also, antibacterial properties were investigated against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The incorporation of various amounts of GEN increased the inhibition zone from 24 to 28 (for E. coli) and 26 to 37 (for S. aureus). In the culture with MG63 cells, great cell viability and high cell proliferation after 7 days of culture were determined.

Antibacterial Activity and Cell Responses of Vancomycin-Loaded Alginate Coating on ZSM-5 Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications.

Despite the significant advancement in bone tissue engineering, it is still challenging to find a desired scaffold with suitable mechanical and biological properties, efficient bone formation in the defect area, and antibacterial resistivity. In this study, the zeolite (ZSM-5) scaffold was developed using the space holder method, and a novel vancomycin-loaded alginate coating was developed on it to promote their characteristics. Our results demonstrated the importance of alginate coating on the microstructure, mechanical, and cellular properties of the ZSM-5 scaffold. For instance, a three-fold increase in the compressive strength of coated scaffolds was observed compared to the uncoated ZSM-5. After the incorporation of vancomycin into the alginate coating, the scaffold revealed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The inhibition zone increased to 35 mm. Resets also demonstrated 74 ± 2.5% porosity, 4.3 ± 0.07 MPa strength in compressive conditions, acceptable cellular properties (72.3 ± 0.2 (%control) cell viability) after 7 days, good cell attachment, and calcium deposition. Overall, the results revealed that this scaffold could be a great candidate for bone tissue engineering.

Higher intake of dietary n-3 PUFA and lower MUFA are associated with fewer menopausal symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary fat quality and menopausal symptoms. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study with 393 Iranian postmenopausal women. Dietary intakes and menopausal symptoms were assessed, using a validated food frequency questionnaire and a menopausal rating scale (MRS) questionnaire, respectively. Participants were divided into low and high total MRS and its domain scores. RESULTS: Women in the highest quartiles of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) had higher somatic symptoms compared with women in the lowest quartile (odds ratio [OR] 3.41; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-9.95). Women in the highest quartiles of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.32-1.05), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.37-1.20), and n-3:n-6 PUFA ratio (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.25-0.97) had lower somatic symptoms compared to the lowest quartiles. The OR for psychological symptoms decreased from the lowest to the highest quartiles of n-3 PUFA (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.20-1.11) and n-3:n-6 PUFA ratio (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.24-0.86). Higher intakes of EPA (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.29-0.99) and docosahexaenoic acid (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.27-0.95) were found to be related with fewer urogenital symptoms. CONCLUSION: Consuming diets low in MUFA intake, but high in n-3 PUFA, and with a more favorable ratio of n-3:n-6 PUFA may be helpful for improving menopausal symptoms.