Novel putative biomarkers for infective endocarditis by serum proteomic analysis: a comprehensive review of literature.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a challenging condition with high mortality. Prompt detection of IE has become essential for early and immediate management. The authors aimed to comprehensively review the existing literature on novel putative biomarkers for IE through serum proteomic analysis. The literature reveals high levels of N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in IE with staphylococcal etiology, valvular lesions, and when combined with cardiac troponin I (cTnI), had a more significant value for risk stratification. A higher pro-ADM level, copeptin, NT-proBNP, and the monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) all impacted mortality during the hospital stay. The biomarker matrix metalloproteinase-9 was utilized to predict new-onset embolic events in patients, thus serving as a predictive marker. Procalcitonin was an important diagnostic marker in IE complicated with severe infection. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Interferon-γ, cTnI, and NT-proBNP were also discovered to be useful as prognostic indicators. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are possible using antiphospholipid antibodies as a diagnostic test for definite IE. It is also concluded that antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody positive individuals with IE had a lengthier hospital stay. These noninvasive biomarkers can identify patients at risk and provide appropriate and early clinical management. NT-proBNP, Cystatin C, troponins, IL-6, IL-8, S100A11, and AQP9 are examples of possible markers that appear promising for further research. In conclusion, large-scale validation studies should study these biomarkers further to establish their use in clinical settings.

The "nano to micro" transition of hydrophobic curcumin crystals leading to in situ adjuvant depots for Au-liposome nanoparticle mediated enhanced photothermal therapy.

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is emerging as a promising treatment for skin cancer. Plasmon-resonant gold-coated liposome nanoparticles (Au Lipos NPs) specifically absorb Near Infra-Red (NIR) light resulting in localized hyperthermia (PTT). In the current study, curcumin (a hydrophobic anticancer agent) was entrapped in Au Lipos NPs as nanocrystals to act as an adjuvant for the PTT of melanoma. NIR light irradiation on Au Lipos Cur NPs triggered the release of curcumin nanocrystals which coalesce to form curcumin microcrystals (CMCs). An in situ"nano to micro" transition in the crystal state of curcumin was observed. This in situ transition leads to the formation of CMCs. These CMCs exhibited sustained release of curcumin for a prolonged duration (>10 days). The localized availability of curcumin aids in enhancing PTT by inhibiting the growth and mobility of cancer cells that escape PTT. In the in vitro modified scratch assay, the Au Lipos Cur NP + Laser group showed >1.5 fold enhanced therapeutic coverage when compared with the Au Lipos NP + Laser group. In vivo PTT studies performed in a B16 tumor model using Au Lipos Cur NPs showed a significant reduction of the tumor volume along with the localized release of curcumin in the tumor environment. It was observed that the localized release of curcumin enables an immediate adjuvant effect resulting in the enhancement of PTT.

Design, synthesis and anticancer screening of 3-(3-(substituted phenyl) acryloyl)-2H-chromen-2ones as selective anti-breast cancer agent.

By utilizing concept of molecular hybridization, involving combination of various Pharmacophore, novel substituted coumarin-chalcone hybrids was synthesized and evaluated for anti-proliferative activity against estrogen receptor-positive MCF-7 and negative MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cell lines. In-vivo study was carried out by N-methyl nitrosourea (MNU) induced mammary carcinoma in virgin female Spraque Dawly (SD) rats. The compound 5b has highest potential than standard drug Adriamycin, comparable against Tamoxifen against ER-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Docking study was performed to study the binding orientation and affinity of synthesized compounds on the ER-α enzyme.

Synthesis and in-vivo hypolipidemic activity of some novel substituted phenyl isoxazol phenoxy acetic acid derivatives.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate in-vivo hypolipidemic activity of a novel series of 2-methyl-2-(substituted phenyl isoxazol)phenoxyacetic acid derivatives by triton induced hyperlipidemia in rats. The newly synthesized compounds 5a, 5d and 5g showed significant decrease in the serum TCH, TG, LDL and VLDL along with an increase in serum HDL levels as compared to standard drug Fenofibrate. The treated groups also showed significant decrease in the atherogenic index and increase in % protective activity compared to control group.