Nanoparticles in melanoma.

Malignant melanoma is one of the most common causes of cancer and cancer deaths in young people. Until few years ago, scarce drugs have proven efficacy in metastatic setting. However, in the recent years, the treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma has undergone the incorporation of effective treatment such as immunotherapy, the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and the emergence of other cytostatic compounds, like the nanoparticles. This review aims to propose a standardization to classify the different types of nanoparticles, according to chemical aspects, and update the clinical research with nanoparticles and their use in melanoma field.

Current trends in the chemotherapy of colorectal cancer.

The increase in the therapeutic arsenal in the last 20 years, has given rise to changes in treating colorectal cancer (CRC) with only pyrimidines to combine several cytotoxic drugs. However, the present question is to determine the optimal sequence of this combination. This review presents an update of data on chemical and clinical features of chemotherapy used for colorectal cancer and the mechanisms of cellular resistance and potential predictive and prognostic biomarkers, which may contribute to a better selection of a therapeutic strategy.

Abordaje transparotídeo para la reducción abierta de las fracturas subcondíleas. Técnica quirúrgica y análisis de sus complicaciones / Transparotid approach for the open reduction of subcondylar fractures. Surgical technique and analysis of complications

Introducción: Existen varias opciones para el tratamiento de las fracturas subcondíleas. El abordaje transparotídeo anterior es una de las posibilidades terapéuticas para su reducción abierta y su fijación interna. El objetivo de este artículo es realizar una descripción de la técnica quirúrgica y analizar las complicaciones asociadas. Material y métodos: Se realizó una revisión clínica sobre un total de 31 pacientes con 34 fracturas subcondíleas, todas ellas tratadas quirúrgicamente con un abordaje transparotídeo anterior, usando placas y tornillos de osteosíntesis. Resultados: No se registraron complicaciones de ningún tipo en 22 de los 31 pacientes (70,97%), con buena oclusión posquirúrgica en 28 de ellos (90,32%). Las complicaciones relacionadas con el abordaje en nuestra serie de casos fueron las siguientes: 2 casos de paresia facial (5,88%), que en ambos fue leve y transitoria; 6 casos de fístula salival (17,65%), siendo en todos ellos autolimitadas, y 3 infecciones de la herida quirúrgica (8,82%): 2 resueltas con antibióticos y una que requirió también drenaje quirúrgico. Como complicación no relacionada con el tipo de abordaje sino con el tipo de osteosíntesis, hubo 2 casos de fractura de placa de osteosíntesis (5,88%). Conclusiones: El abordaje transparotídeo anterior es seguro, con un bajo riesgo lesivo para el nervio facial. Esta técnica proporciona un adecuado campo quirúrgico que permite la colocación y la fácil fijación de una segunda placa de osteosíntesis en la parte anterior de la fractura. La cicatriz resultante es estética(AU)

Introduction: Several options exist for the treatment of subcondylar jaw fractures. The anterior transparotid approach is one of the therapeutic options for open reduction and internal fixation. The aim of this communication was to describe the surgical technique and analyze the related complications. Patients and methods: A clinical review was made of 31 patients with 34 subcondylar fractures, all treated surgically via an anterior transparotid approach using osteosynthesis plates and screws. Results: No complications occurred in 22 of 31 patients (70.97%) and the postoperative occlusion was good in 28 patients (90.32%). The complications related with the approach in our case series were: 2 cases of facial paresia (5.88%), both mild and transitory; 6 cases of salivary fistulae (17.65%), all self-limited; and 3 surgical wound infections (8.82%), 2 resolved with antibiotics and one with antibiotics and surgical drainage. Plate fracture, a complication unrelated to the approach but related to the type of osteosynthesis, occurred in 2 cases (5.88%). Conclusions: The anterior transparotid approach is safe, with a low risk of facial nerve injury. The technique gives the surgeon an adequate surgical field that allows the placement and easy fixation of a second osteosynthesis plate in the anterior part of the fracture. The resulting scar is cosmetically acceptable(AU)

Common genetic variants in the chromogranin A promoter alter autonomic activity and blood pressure.

Chromogranin A (CHGA) is stored and released from the same secretory vesicles that contain catecholamines in chromaffin cells and noradrenergic neurons. We had previously identified common genetic variants at the CHGA locus in several human populations. Here we focus on whether inter-individual variants in the promoter region are of physiological significance. A common haplotype, CGATA (Hap-B), blunted the blood pressure response to cold stress and the effect exhibited molecular heterosis with the greatest blood pressure change found in Hap-A/Hap-B heterozygotes. Homozygosity for three minor alleles with peak effects within the haplotype predicted lower stress-induced blood pressure changes. The G-462A variant predicted resting blood pressure in the population with higher pressures occurring in heterozygotes (heterosis). Using cells transfected with CHGA promoter-luciferase reporter constructs, the Hap-B haplotype had decreased luciferase expression compared to the TTGTC (Hap-A) haplotype under both basal conditions and after activation by pre-ganglionic stimuli. The G-462A variant altered a COUP-TF transcriptional control motif. The two alleles in transfected promoters differed in basal activity and in the responses to COUP-II-TF transactivation and to retinoic acid. In vitro findings of molecular heterosis were also noted with the transfected CHGA promoter wherein the diploid combination of the two G-462A alleles gave rise to higher luciferase expression than either allele in isolation. Our results suggest that common genetic variants in the CHGA promoter may regulate heritable changes in blood pressure.

Micellar electrokinetic chromatographic method for the determination of letrozole, citalopram and their metabolites in human urine.

A new micellar electrokinetic chromatographic method has been developed to analyse human urine samples containing a combination of a drug used for the treatment of breast cancer (letrozole), an antidepressant (citalopram) and their main metabolites. Best results were obtained by using 15 mM borate buffer (pH 9.2) containing 20 mM sodium dodecyl sulphate and 12% (v/v) 2-propanol as the background electrolyte. The separation was performed through a fused silica capillary at 40 degrees C with the application of 6s (3.45 kPa) of hydrodynamic injection and 30 kV of separation voltage. Detection wavelength was 240 nm. Under these conditions, the migration times for all the studied compounds were ranged between 3.0 and 8.0 min. Linearity ranges were determined as 0.4-5.0 microg/mL for all the compounds. Detection limits between 12.5 and 25 ng/mL were determined in urine samples. According to the validation study, the developed method has been proven to be accurate, precise, sensitive, specific, rugged and robust. This method has been used to determine letrozole, citalopram and their metabolites in human urine at clinical levels. Prior to determination, the samples are purified and enriched by means of an extraction-preconcentration step with a preconditioned C(18) cartridge and by eluting the compounds with methanol. The developed method was applied to the determination of these analytes in three urine samples from patients undergoing treatment with letrozole or citalopram.

Determination of ibuprofen and tetrazepam in human urine by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography.

A new micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography method (MEKC) is proposed for the determination of ibuprofen and tetrazepam in human urine samples over a concentration range of therapeutic interest. A fused silica capillary (60 cm x 75 microm) is used. Ibuprofen and tetrazepam are detected via UV detection at 220 and 228 nm, respectively. Separation is performed at 25 degrees C and at a separation voltage of 30 kV, with 15 mM borate buffer (pH 10.2) containing 40 mM sodium dodecylsulfate as the electrolyte solution. Under these conditions the analytes were separated in <11 min. Sulfamethazine is used as an internal standard. Prior to determination, the samples are purified and enriched by means of an extraction-preconcentration step with a preconditioned C18 cartridge and by eluting the compounds with methanol. Good linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness and solution stability were achieved for the technique. Detection limits of 200 microg L(-1) for ibuprofen and 300 microg L(-1) for tetrazepam were obtained. These analytes were then determined in real urine using the technique.

Nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis method for the analysis of gleevec and its main metabolite in human urine.

The viability of nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis (NACE) was investigated for determination of gleevec and its main metabolite in human urine using a fused-silica capillary. Baseline separation of the studied solutes was obtained using a nonaqueous solution composed of 12 mM ammonium acetate and 87.6 mM acetic acid in methanol-acetonitrile (ACN) (80:20, v:v) providing analysis time shorter than 3 min. Different aspects including stability of the solutions, linearity, accuracy and precision were studied in order to validate the method in the urine matrix. Detection limits of 24 microg L(-1) for gleevec and its metabolite were obtained. A robustness test of the method was carried out using the Plackett-Burman fractional factorial model with a matrix of 15 experiments. The developed method is simple, rapid and sensitive and has been used to determine gleveec and its metabolite at clinically relevant levels in human urine. Before NACE determination, a solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure with a C18 cartridge was necessary. Real determination of these analytes in two patient urines were done.

Capillary electrophoretic determination of methotrexate, leucovorin and folic acid in human urine.

A simple, rapid and sensitive procedure using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) to measure methotrexate, folinic acid and folic acid in human urine has been developed and validated. Optimum separation of methotrexate, folinic acid and folic acid was obtained on a 60 cm x 75 microm capillary using a 15 mM phosphate buffer solution (pH 12.0), temperature and voltage 20 degrees C and 25 kV, respectively and hydrodynamic injection. Under these conditions the analysis takes approximately 9.0 min. Good results were obtained for different aspects including stability of the solutions, linearity, accuracy and precision. Before CZE determination, the urine samples were purified and enriched by means of a solid phase extraction step with a preconditioned C(18) cartridge and eluting the compound with a mixture 1:1 of methanol:water. A linear response over the urine concentration range 1.0-6.0 mgL(-1) for MTX and 0.5-6.0 mgL(-1) for folinic acid and folic acid was observed. Detection limits for the three compound in urine were 0.35 mgL(-1). CZE was shown to be a good method with regard to simplicity, satisfactory precision, and sensitivity.

Development of a Micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography method for the determination of three drugs employed in the erectile dysfunction therapy.

A Micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography method is proposed for the determination of sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil, which are employed in oral therapy for erectile dysfunction. Optimum conditions for the separation were investigated. A background electrolyte solution consisting of 10 mM phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 12.0, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) 25 mM, hydrodynamic injection, and 25 kV as separation voltage were used. Relative standard deviations (R.S.D.s) were 1.0, 1.0, 0.4% and 2.9, 2.9, 1.9% for migration time and corrected peak area (CPA) (n = 9) for sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil, respectively. Detection limits obtained for the three drugs ranged from 0.19 to 0.61 mg L(-1). A linear concentration range between 1 and 20 mg L(-1) was obtained. A ruggedness test of this method was checked using the fractional factorial model of Plackett-Burman, in which the influence of six factors at three different levels was tested on different electrophoretic results: resolution and corrected peak area. The statistical evaluation of the electrophoretic results was achieved by Youden and Steiner method. The described method is rapid, sensitive and rugged and it was tested in the pharmaceutical formulations analysis obtaining recoveries between 98 and 107% respect to the nominal content.

Direct and fast capillary zone electrophoretic method for the determination of Gleevec and its main metabolite in human urine.

A capillary zone electrophoretic (CZE) method was investigated for the determination of Gleevec and its main metabolite (N-demethylated piperazine derivative) in human urine using a fused-silica capillary (75 microm I.D.x60 cm total length, 10 cm effective length). The separation was performed with an hydrodynamic injection time of 10 s (0.5 p.s.i.) a voltage of -25 kV, a capillary temperature of 25 degrees C and a 100 mM phosphoric acid adjusted to pH 2 with the addition of triethanolamine. Under these conditions, the analysis takes about 5 min. A linear response over the 0.4-30.0 mg l(-1) concentration range was investigated for two compounds. A dilution of the sample was the only step necessary before the electrophoresis analysis. Detection limits of 0.1 mg l(-1) for Gleevec and its metabolite (S/N=3) were obtained. The developed method is easy, rapid and sensitive and has been applied to determine Gleevec and its main metabolite in clinical urine samples.

Micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography for the determination of Viagra and its metabolite (UK-103,320) in human serum.

Micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC) was investigated for the determination of Viagra (sildenafil citrate, SC) and its metabolite (UK-103,320) in human serum in a concentration range of clinical interest. For MEKC, human serum samples spiked with SC and UK were obtained directly after elution with methanol from a tC18 cartridge. The extract was evaporated and regenerated in a solution 1 mM of phosphate buffer (pH 12.3) which contained a methanol percentage of 20% that was analyzed using phosphate buffer (pH 12.3, 10 mM) containing 30 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as separation electrolyte and a fused-silica capillary. This method gave satisfactory interday precision with respect to migration times relative standard deviation (RSD < 1%) and linear responses for the concentration ranges investigated (0.50-3.50 mg L(-1) for the compound SC and 0.90-4.60 mg L(-1) for UK). An intraday RSD (n = 5 graphs) between the slopes of the calibration graphs was acceptable (6.40%) for SC and (3.37%) for UK. A satisfactory interday precision between slopes was also obtained (RSD 4.10% for SC and a RSD 2.72% for UK) which demonstrated the ruggedness of this method. Detection limits (S/N = 3) were about 200 ng/mL for both compounds in human serum. MEKC was shown as a good method with regards to simplicity, precision and sensitivity.

Resolution of ternary mixtures of Tartrazine, Sunset yellow and Ponceau 4R by derivative spectrophotometric ratio spectrum-zero crossing method in commercial foods.

A very simple spectrophotometric method is described for resolving ternary mixtures of the food colorants Tartrazine, Sunset Yellow and Ponceau 4R by using the first derivative of the ratio spectra with measurements at zero-crossing wavelengths. Calibration graphs are linear up to 20 mg l(-1) of Tartrazine (E-102), 40 mg l(-1) of Sunset Yellow (E-110) and 32 mg l(-1) of Ponceau 4R (E-124). Standard deviations of 0.9, 0.8 and 2.4% were obtained for nine standards of 8 mg l(-1) of Tartrazine, 8 mg l(-1) of Sunset Yellow and 8 mg l(-1) of Ponceau 4R, respectively. This method was satisfactorily used for determining synthetic mixtures of these colorants in different ratios (from 1:1:1 to 1:5:5 or even higher) with recoveries in 94-105% range and it was successfully applied over three commercial products containing the three dyes and it did not require any separation step. The results were compared with those obtained by HPLC and very similar values were found by both methods.

Simultaneous determination of tartrazine and sunset yellow by derivative spectrophotometry and ratio spectra derivative.

Two methods for determining Tartrazine and Sunset Yellow in mixtures by first derivative spectrophotometry and by first derivative of the ratio spectra are described. The procedures do not require any separation step. By the first method, the measurements are obtained in the zero-crossing wavelengths and the calibration graphs are linear up to 20 microg/ml of Tartrazine and up to 40 microg/ml of Sunset Yellow. The determinations of Tartrazine and Sunset Yellow are also done by the first derivative of the ratio spectra. The methods are applied for determining both compounds in four commercial food products.

Purification of human glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and an adsorptive voltammetric investigation of the interaction of GDH with rabbit anti-human GDH antibody.

A procedure for the isolation of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) from human liver, which involves the use of ion-exchange chromatography on diethylaminoethyl cellulose and affinity chromatography on guanosine triphosphate conjugated to Sepharose 4B, is described. The adsorptive voltammetric behaviour of human GDH, bovine GDH and rabbit anti-human GDH antibody was optimised with respect to accumulation potential, accumulation time and scan rate. The lower limits of detection were 0.2 and 1.2 mg l-1 for human and bovine GDH, respectively, and the lower limit of detection for rabbit anti-GDH antibody was 0.04 mg l-1. The interaction of human GDH with rabbit anti-human GDH antibody was also examined using this method.

Adsorptive stripping voltammetry of F(ab')2 and Fab fragments of anti-mouse immunoglobulin G.

The adsorptive stripping voltammetric behaviour of F(ab')2 and Fab fragments of anti-mouse immunoglobulin G is described. Conditions were optimized for the determination of these fragments with respect to accumulation potential, accumulation time, scan rate, pulse amplitude, drop size and electrolyte composition. The F(ab')2 and Fab fragments gave rise to behaviour similar to that reported previously for the intact immunoglobulin.

Adsorptive stripping voltammetry of human chorionic gonadotropin and two of its specific antibodies.

The electrochemical behaviour of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), as well as rat anti-beta hCG and rabbit anti-beta hCG antibodies, has been studied using cyclic voltammetry and adsorptive stripping voltammetry. Conditions have been optimised for the determination of these species by differential pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetry with respect to accumulation potential, accumulation time, scan rate, pulse amplitude and drop size. This technique has also been used to investigate the interaction of hCG with each of its specific antibodies in solution.