Navigating the tumor microenvironment: mesenchymal stem cell-mediated delivery of anticancer agents.

Scientific knowledge of cancer has advanced greatly throughout the years, with most recent studies findings includes many hallmarks that capture disease's multifaceted character. One of the novel approach utilised for the delivery of anti-cancer agents includes mesenchymal stem cell mediated drug delivery. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are non-haematopoietic progenitor cells that may be extracted from bone marrow, tooth pulp, adipose tissue and placenta/umbilical cord blood dealing with adult stem cells. MSCs are mostly involved in regeneration of tissue, they have also been shown to preferentially migrate to location of several types of tumour in-vivo. Usage of MSCs ought to improve both effectiveness and safety of anti-cancer drugs by enhancing delivery efficiency of anti-cancer therapies to tumour site. Numerous researches has demonstrated that various drugs, when delivered via mesenchymal stem cell mediated delivery can elicit anti-tumour effect of cells in cancers of breast cells and thyroid cells. MSCs have minimal immunogenicity because to lack of co-stimulatory molecule expression, which means there is no requirement for immunosuppression after allogenic transplantation. This current review elaborates recent advancements of mesenchyma stem cell mediated drug delivery of anti-cancer agents along with its mechanism and previously reported studies of drugs manufactured via this drug delivery system.

Formulation of Aloe vera based curcumin topical gel and its in-vitro evaluation.

Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound obtained from the rhizome of plant. Curcuma longa possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. The current study was designed to formulate an Aloe vera-based curcumin topical gel. To enhance curcumin's solubility, it was first complexed with ß-cyclodextrin, given its hydrophobic nature. While Carbopol, carboxy methyl cellulose and guar gum were used in various concentrations as gelling agents for preparation of the formulations. The effect of propylene glycol as a permeation enhancer was also observed. The prepared formulations were tested for different parameters such as physical appearance, spreadability, drug content, pH, viscosity and in-vitro permeation. All the formulations were found to be stable. All formulations consisting of propylene glycol showed permeation within the range of 80-90%. The maximum percentage of drug release was observed in the formulation containing 1% Carbopol 940 as the gelling agent which also exhibited good spreadability. In comparison to gels formulated with carboxymethyl cellulose and guar gum, Carbopol 940 gels appeared more translucent. Consequently, it was concluded that curcumin's permeation improved following its complexation with ß-cyclodextrin. This complex when further used for the formation of an aloe vera based topical gel with 1% Carbopol 940 and 10% propylene glycol demonstrated maximum efficacy.

Optimization and fabrication of the nanosponge carriers of on dansetron using one-factor design.

The current studies were aimed to formulate ethyl cellulose (EC), beta-cyclodextrin (ß-CD facilitated EC based Ondansetron nanosponges (NS) using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) by employing One Factor Design. The NS were fabricated by Emulsion Solvent Diffusion method, followed by characterizations including, drug-polymer compatibility, entrapment efficiency, percentage yield, zeta size, zeta potential and in-vitro release of drug and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD). The outcomes of Fourier Transformed Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) have confirmed the compatibility of the drug and excipients. It was found that NS have good entrapment efficiency along with their satisfactory percentage yield. Particle size analysis has confirmed the synthesis of nanosized NS (87.8nm to 108.2nm), having spongy surface, that was described by SEM results. Furthermore, the drug release studies have described a good sustained release of ondansetron for the period of 8 hours. The kinetic modeling has predicted that drug would follow the non fickian type of diffusion mechanism. The application of statistical approach was found helpful in designing and evaluating the NS, avoiding the laborious work, needs to be conducted while using hit and trial method.

Gender-based differences in prevalence and effects of ADHD in adults: A systematic review.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that starts from childhood and lasts through adulthood. Historically thought as male dominant disorder, researches now emphasized that ADHD also effects females equally. Despite the ascending research on gender differences of ADHD, there is little known about its differences in prevalence and effects and there is a dearth of reviews that can draw a firm conclusion especially in adults. Data from the available medical literature published in English language literature of all time was reviewed systematically and tabulated to evaluate the gender-based differences in prevalence and effects of ADHD in adults. The studies revealed gender differences in adult ADHD in prevalence, and effects. Results showed that males have more prevalence as compared to females but females too have a significant presence of disorder. Females were more impaired as compared to men in most of the effects of ADHD like social functioning, time perception, stress tackling and mood disorder. Males were more impaired in working memory and educational functioning as compared to females. The review shows sufficient evidence of gender differences in adult ADHD in prevalence, and effects, that similarity across genders should not be assumed. It is concluded that there are plenty of conflicting evidence regarding gender differences in many areas of adult ADHD research, and to remove such discrepancies, the existing research is the need for more studies on gender differences and similarities in functioning of adults with ADHD.

Development of Statistically Optimized Chemically Cross-Linked Hydrogel for the Sustained-Release Delivery of Favipiravir.

Nowadays, the use of statistical approaches, i.e., Box-Bhenken designs, are becoming very effective for developing and optimizing pharmaceutical drug formulations. In the current work, a Box-Bhenken design was employed using Design Expert version 11 to develop, evaluate, and optimize a hydrogel-based formulation for sustained release of an antiviral drug, i.e., favipiravir. The hydrogels were prepared using the free radical polymerization technique. ß-Cyclodextrin (ß-CD), N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA), acrylic acid (AA), and potassium per sulfate (KPS) were used as oligomer, crosslinker, monomer, and initiator, respectively. Three variables, including ß-CD (X1), MBA (X2), and AA (X3) were used at various concentrations for the preparation of hydrogels, followed by evaluation of a sol-gel fraction, swelling, porosity, chemical compatibilities, in vitro drug release, and entrapment efficiency. The results of the studies revealed that the degree of swelling was pH dependent, the best swelling being at pH 7.2 (1976%). On the other hand, for the low sol fraction of 0.2%, the reasonable porosity made the hydrogel capable of loading 99% favipiravir, despite its hydrophobic nature. The maximum entrapment efficiency (99%) was observed in optimized hydrogel formulation (F15). Similarly, in vitro drug release studies showed that the prepared hydrogels exhibited a good, sustained release effect till the 24th hour. The kinetic modelling of drug release data revealed that the Korsmeyer-Peppas model was best fit model, describing a diffusion type of drug release from the prepared hydrogels. Conclusively, the outcomes predict that the hydrogel-based system could be a good choice for developing a sustained-release, once-daily dosage form of favipiravir for improved patient compliance.

Environmental determinants and PCOS symptoms severity: a cross-sectional study.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a complicated female disorder worldwide. Researchers conducted a quantitative study to examine multiple environmental determinants contributing to its symptoms severity. Data of 150 PCOS diagnosed women (16 to 45 years) was gathered from private clinics and hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan. Chi-square, spearman's correlation, and linear regression tests were run. Chicken, fast food and spicy food intake were found to be the significant predictors of PCOS severity (F (1, 148) = 6.903, p = 0.01), (F (1, 148) = 11.400, p = 0.001), and (F (1, 148) = 4.525, p = 0.035) respectively. We also found significant relationships of sedentary lifestyle (p = .034) & BMI (p = 0.025) with PCOS symptoms severity. However, relationship of socioeconomic status (SES) was non-significant with the disease severity. These determinants will direct healthcare professionals in proper management and counseling of PCOS women thus improving their life quality.

Appraisal of organic extracts and isolated compounds of Azadirachta indica for in-vitro antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity.

The current study emphasized on assessment of Antioxidant, Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity of the crude methanolic and chloroform leaves extracts along with their isolated compounds derived from Azadirachta indica. Phytochemical analysis revealed the manifestation of ancillary metabolites like alkaloid, anthraqinones, catechins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saponins, tannins and steroids. Methanolic crude extract of Azadirachta indica leaves revealed comparable antioxidant activity as that of quercetin and propyl gallate. As far as enzyme inhibitory activity was concerned, a significant AChE enzymes inhibition was observed. These findings confirm the traditional use of Azadirachticha indica as medicinal plant in the treatment of mental ailments and anti-inflammatory illnesses. Chloroform crude extract and isolated compounds showed weak antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities.

Formulation and in-vitro characterization of Capsaicin loaded ethosomes.

The ability of ethosomes to entrap capsaicin was evaluated using four methods of preparation that are; hot method, cold method, classic method and injection method. The ethosomes were prepared, optimized and characterized with the aim to identify a technique best suitable for their formulation. Vesicle shape, size and entrapment efficiency was determined by scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and ultracentrifugation techniques, respectively. Vesicle sizes varied from an average of 15nm - 400nm depending on the concentrations of phospholipid, ethanol and method of preparation. The formulations demonstrated entrapment efficiency of 29-81% with maximum entrapment obtained in formulations prepared with hot method having high concentration of ethanol. The homogeneity index was measured with Zetasizer that showed formulation prepared with hot method to be more uniform in size distribution having PDI 0.162 while injection method of preparation yielded a moderately broad polydispersity of vesicles (0.276). Physical stability assessment done by storing the selected formulation samples at 4°C and 25°C indicated the refrigerator temperature to be the best for retention of drug in ethosomal vesicles. All formulations kept in refrigerator adequately retained capsaicin during the two months of stability studies while those at ambient temperature noticeably showed leaked drug from vesicles. FTIR analysis showed capsaicin and phospholipid to be compatible with each other with no sign of interaction. DSC studies evidently showed lowering of transition temperature of phospholipid from 327.13°C to 111.63°C in ethosomal formulation due to the presence of ethanol. It was concluded that capsaicin ethosomes can be successfully prepared to employ four different methods and their characterization parameters indicate hot method to be effective for preparation of nano-sized uniform, homogeneous and stable capsaicin ethosomes.

Types of Cancers Prevailing in Pakistan and their Management Evaluation.

Cancer is basically a class of disorder marked by uncontrolled proliferation of cells which have the potential to interfere with different systems of body like digestive, central nervous and circulatory systems by releasing hormones. Tumors that reside only in a specified location and show restricted growth are commonly characterized as benign tumors. When tumor cells grow and effectively spread to other body parts and potentially invade and damage healthy tissues they show various degrees of malignancy. Cancer may be caused by different factors like gene mutations, carcinogens and some medical factors that harm the immune system of the body. Symptoms of cancer are relatively varied and classified according to location, progression pattern and size of tumors as well. Different diagnostic tests are used for evaluation that depends on the type of cancer. Cancer management and chemo protocols also depend on the progression and site where it develops. Cancers like breast, lung, liver, colorectal, prostate, head and neck carcinoma are most commonly diagnosed in Pakistan. This review briefly describes the three most common cancers prevailing in Pakistan and their management evaluation.