Decoding non-coding RNAs in fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a range of liver disorders, from simple deposition of fat in the liver (hepatic steatosis) to more severe phenotypes characterized by the presence of inflammation, ballooning and fibrosis (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH). Obesity is the major risk factor for NAFLD and, driven by the global obesity epidemic, NAFLD has become the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. 10-20% of NASH patients will progress further towards cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) which, in view of their increasing prevalence, will become frequent indications for liver transplantation. It is therefore important to understand the mechanisms involved in NAFLD etiology, in order to prevent its development as well as its progression towards more severe conditions. It has been estimated that more than 98% of human genome is now considered as the non-coding genome. Interestingly, a large part of non-coding genome is found to be transcribed into non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that can participate in a number of critical biological processes, such as chromatin remodeling, gene transcription and protein transport and trafficking, thus implicating ncRNAs in a wide range of complex human diseases. However, the involvement of ncRNAs in the liver and in NAFLD development and progression is not well understood. In this thesis we aim to understand the role of ncRNAs in NAFLD by combining transcriptome profiling in a patient cohort, functional genomics in in vitro models to mimic disease progression, and follow-up functional studies using various molecular techniques. This research highlights the importance of ncRNAs in NASH

Green RP-HPLC method for impurity profile of amlodipine in tablets

Increased awareness of nature preservation has encouraged the introduction of the green analytical chemistry (GAC) practice concepts concerning several important aspects, including sustainable development, environmental impact, and minimum waste. The aim of this research was to contribute to the implementation of this approach for the pharmaceutical industry while retaining the crucial aspects and strict requirements of quality control of medicines. Therefore, an ethanolbased, green and robust high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the determination of related substances of amlodipine (AML) in film-coated tablets was developed and optimized using the Design of Experiments (DoE). The chromatographic separation was performed on an RP-select B column (250 x 4.0 mm, 5 mm), using a mixture of 0.04 M sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate (pH 4.0) and ethanol (60:40 % v/v) as a mobile phase. The optimized conditions provided the separation of two specified impurities (impurity D and impurity F). The selectivity of the method was confirmed using forced degradation studies. The Analytical Eco-scale approach and AGREE metrics confirmed that the method conforms to the GAC principles. The validated method was successfully applied for the determination of related substances in three samples from the market, demonstrating the applicability of the method in routine analysis

Clinical Therapeutic Effects of the Application of Doxycycline in the Treatment of Periodontal Disease

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effects of the application of doxycycline-full dose (100 mg) and sub-dose (20 mg) in the treatment of periodontal disease.MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 60 patients with periodontal disease were examined. Patients are divided into two groups: A) treated with antimicrobial dose of 100 mg doxycycline once daily for 30 days, and B) treated with 2 x 20 mg/day. doxycycline, during 75 days. Among all patients a conservative treatment was carried out and ordinated the proper dose doxycycline in total dose during treatment from 3 gr. Index of dental plaque by Löe-Sillness, index of gingival inflammation and gingival bleeding by Cowell were followed.RESULTS: Values of dental plaque in relation first examination, 10th, 20th day, 1 month and 2.5 months, showed that after 2.5 months, average value (x = 0.83) of dental plaque in second group is slightly less than the value (x = 0.93) of dental plaque in the first group. The average value (x = 0.17) of gingival inflammation in second group is significantly less than the value (x = 0.50) of gingival inflammation in the first group. The average value (x = 0.97) of gingival bleeding in patients from the first group was significantly higher than value(x = 0.37) of gingival bleeding in the second group.CONCLUSION: Patients whose therapy was helped by a sub-dose doxycycline demonstrated positive therapeutic effects on gingival inflammation and bleeding

Guided tissue regeneration for periodontal intrabony defects

INTRODUCTION: The use of modern biomaterials for guided tissue regeneration (GTR) proves to be a much effective method in stimulating the regenerative potential of the bone tissue, compare to isolated surgical treatment. CASE DESCRIPTION: The aim of present case was to evaluate the effect of Emdogain(enamel matrix derivate) with Collagen Block(Geistlich) in treatment of intrabony defects. A 51 year old male patient came to the Department of Periodontology and oral patology with the chief complaint of bleeding gums. Intrabony vertical defects radiographically verified in teeth #17,#16,#15 were present. Phase 1 therapy was initiated and the patient was advised to rinse with 0.12% chlorohexidin twice daily for 14 days. Patient was asked to start antibiotic thrice daily with probiotic capsules. Mucoperiosteal flap was reflected and thorough debridement of the furcation defect was evaluated.EMD and Collagen Block was condensed into the furcation and intrabony defects. Flap was sutured with 50 silk sutures. DISCUSSION: After the surgical treatment patient was instructed to rinse with 10% betadine sol. and not to brush and chew from the operated side for 14 days. The patient was recalled for suture removal, pocket probing depth (PPD), horizontal furcation defect (HFD), and BOP were recorded after 6 months. There was reduction in all the clinical parameters along with evidence of radiographic bone fill. CONCLUSION/CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of biomaterials as an adjunct in periodontal surgery represents a promising potential in the facilitated and effective periodontal treatment. Stimulation and regeneration of the junctional epithelium, reduction of intrabony defects and restoration of the anatomical appearance and shape of the supporting alveolar bone

Estudo anatômico e morfométrico para identificação humana : uma contribuição para a antropologia forense e a medicina legal

Orientadora: Djanira Aparecida da Luz VeronezTrabalho de Conclusão de Curso (Bacharelado) - Universidade Federal do Paraná. Setor de Ciências Biológicas. Curso de Graduação em Biomedicin

Determination of All-Rac-Alpha-Tocopherol and All-Rac-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate (Synthetic Vitamin E) in Cosmetic Preparations

Different forms of tocopherols, together with tocotrienols, are collectively named as vitamin E (a lipid-soluble vitamin with antioxidation effect in several stages of peroxidation of lipids in vivo) and each possesses different degree of medical, biological and physiochemical significance. Among four tocopherols (α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherol), alpha-tocopherol has been reported to possess the highest biological activity. In order to obtain the larger amounts, vitamin E is synthesized as a racemic mixture of D- and L- forms which are optical isomers, unlike a natural tocopherol that is found only in the D-form. Synthetic vitamin E is derived from petroleum products as allracemic alpha tocopherol and its ester form all-racemic alpha tocopheryl acetate (or DL-tocopheryl acetate). The tocopheryl esters are more stable for an extended time of use. In the belief that vitamin E is a natural skin conditioner and humidifier, it is used in cosmetic industry in the preparation of lipsticks, shadows, powders, humidifiers, soaps, creams, shampoos etc. The recent popularity of vitamin E preparations for topical application, together with reports of adverse dermatological reactions linked to cosmetics containing this vitamin led to concern about the desirability of including these compounds in such products. Therefore, a sensitive, accurate and rapid HPLC method was developed for determination of alpha-tocopherol and its ester form in cosmetics. The chromatographic separation was performed on a column Purospher Star RP 18 (150 x 4.0 mm i.d., 5μm), with a mobile phase consisted of a methanol - n-hexane (90:10, V/V) The flow rate was kept at 1.2 ml min-1. Detection of all-racemic alpha-tocopherol and the ester form all-racemic alpha-tocopheryl acetate was carried out at 220 nm. Effect of various parameters (different concentration of methanol and n-hexane in the mobile phase composition and different columns used), and the separation of alpha-tocopherol and alpha-tocopheryl acetate from other numerous ingredients present in cosmetic preparations was studied. The proposed method was fully validated according to the ICH guidelines in terms of accuracy, precision, linearity, limit of detection and quantification and range (5). The method is sensitive and allows detection of active components in concentrations of 0,007 μg and 0,011 μg for α-tocopherol, and α-tocopherol acetate, respectively, while the lowest concentrations that could be determined were 0,023 μg, and 0,033 μg for α-tocopheryl acetate and α-tocopherol, respectively

Role of humoral mechanisms in etiology of lichen planus

Aim: To examine the role of IgA, CIC and component C3 as indicators of humoral immune response in the etiopathogenesis of oral erosive lichen planus (OELP). Material and method: The study comprised 19 patients with OELP whose samples of blood, saliva and tissue were obtained after carefully taken medical history and clinical examination. Samples of oral mucosa were taken from the site of lesion, i.e. exclusively from buccal mucosa (1 cm in width and length), and from the deep epithelium as well as a segment from the lamina propria. Determination of immunoglobulins in serum and saliva, and determination of component C3, was done using the micro-elisa technique by Rook&Cameron, Engvall and Ulman. Determination of CIC in serum and mixed saliva was done with the PEG (polyethylene glycol) method. Determination of immunoglobulin A and component C3 in biopsy material was done with direct immunofluorescence. Results: Levels of immunoglobulin A in serum in OELP during exacerbation were decreased (1.04 ± 0.49 gr/l) and during remission increased (5.92 ± 0.62) in comparison with the control group (p < 0.001). Levels of CIC during exacerbation and remission were increased (p < 0.001), and component C3 levels were increased in both examined phases in the examined group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Deposits of IgA were registered in one (5.88%) patient with OELP and component C3 was registered in 3 (17.64%) patients. Conclusion: Changes in IgA values, as well as CIC and component C3, may correlate with changes in oral mucosa emphasizing the role of humoral immune response in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus

The influence of estrogen on the gingival health of girls

Introduction. Gingival inflammation during childhood and pubertal maturation increases remarkably. The aim of the study was to determine the values of the gingival indices among teenage girls, salivary and serum values of the dominant female sex hormone 17β estradiol and influence of estrogen hormone on gingival health. Patients and method. The study included 30 girls (aged 11 to 14 years) with diagnosed gingival inflammation and 30 girls with no gingivitis as a control group. Gingival health was evaluated through clinical examination of gingival indices. Serum and salivary concentrations of 17β estradiol were evaluated with DRG Estradiol ELISA (EIA-2693) and DRG Salivary Estradiol ELISA (SLV-4188) methods. Results. Gingival index values clearly indicate the presence of gingival inflammation. Analyses of correlative values comparing serum and salivary levels of estrogen hormone with indices of gingival status indicate a positive correlation with all index values, particularly emphasizing the impact of 17 β estradiol on gingival inflammation and gingival bleeding. Conclusion. The obtained values of the hormone concentrations in serum and saliva, in both groups, suggest their potential impact on the gingival health. This emphasizes the role of dentists in preventive and treatment modalities in patients during the period of puberty. Key words: puberty gingivitis, gingival index, estrogen hormones, gingival healt