DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF MANNOSYLATED NARINGENIN LOADED TRANSFERSOMES USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY FOR SKIN CARCINOMA

Objective: The flavonoidal drug Naringenin offers a natural defense against free radical generation due to their antioxidant i.e. free radical scavenging property. The continuation of research work towards the invention of targeting the flavonoidal drug for skin carcinoma. Naringenin is a potent antioxidant, having remarkable reactive oxygen species scavenging potential and abundantly found in citrus fruits. Methods: The optimization of the formulated mannosylated naringenin-loaded transfersomes (MA-NgTfs) was performed using Box–Behnken statistical design to obtain crucial variable parameters that influence vesicular size, size distribution and surface charge. Therefore keeping both the concepts in mind our objective is to design and optimize the mannosylated naringenin loaded transfersomes (MA-NgTfs) for macropahge targeting. The Box Behnken with 3D surface response design graph was employed to optimize the formulation. Results: Phospholipids and surfactant ratio played a remarkable role to determine the mean vesicular size and the Zeta potential of the vesicles. The Zeta potential is found in the formulation having a range of-18.01±1.05 to-28.7±1.008 mV represents the good stability of the formulation. The vesicles size range was found in the range of 102.4±1.01 to 263.74±0.63 and range of Entrapment efficiency of nanovesicles was as 72.04±1.53 to 82.04±0.81. In vitro drug release study shows that mannosylated naringenin loaded transfersomes (MA-NgTfs), and marketed formulation dispersion was found 69.31 %, 62.03 %, 58.71 %, and 65.02 % respectively. Ex vivo skin permeation and deposition study shows that the marketed product and pure drug suspension optimized transfersomes through the skin of mice was of flux 6.5±3.07 and the percentage of drug retention was 0.76±1.26. The results gave us strong evidence of cellular uptake bymannose–directed transfersomes via mannose receptor-based endocytosis. Conclusion: On the basis of findings, the study revealed that the prepared formulation has characteristic potential for targeting and the concept of ligand directed nanocarrier formulation was imparts synergistic effect against UV-induced skin carcinoma.&nbsp

Diabetes Classification using Fuzzy Logic and Adaptive Cuckoo Search Optimization Techniques

Diabetic patients can be detected now a days globally. It�s main reason of growth is the incapability of body to produce enough insulin. So, majority of people today are either diabetic or pre-diabetic. Therefore, it is very much required to develop a system that can detect and classify the diabetes in optimal time period effectively and efficiently. So, proposed system make use of fuzzy logic and adaptive cuckoo search optimization algorithm (ACS) for diabetes classification. This work has been carried out in various steps. Firstly, the training dataset�s dimensionality reduction and optimal fuzzy rule generation via ACS optimization technique. Next is fuzzy model design and testing of fuzzified testing dataset. In this paper, outcome of FF-BAT algorithm has been compared with ACS algorithm. Experimental results were examined and it is noticed that ACS algorithm seems to perform better than FF-BAT algorithm

THE STUDY OF ANTIOXIDANTS TO EVALUATE THE HEALING EFFECTS OF PUNICA GRANATUM PEEL ON ACETIC ACID-INDUCED COLITIS IN CHARLES-FOSTER ALBINO RATS

Objective: The study aims to analyze the effect of 50% ethanolic extract of the dried Punica granatum peel (PGE) on the healing of acetic- acid-induced colitis in rats. Methods: Colitis was induced in rats using 50% acetic acid and then PGE extract was administered by oral route daily for 14 days to those rats. Optimal healing was observed by the administration of a 100 mg/kg dose of PGE extract. Effectiveness of the above-mentioned dosage of PGE, biochemical parameters namely- antioxidants-superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione were studied on 18 h fasting rats on the 15th day of the experiment. Results: The results were suggestive of the healing properties of PGE extract by reduction of the inflammation and mucosal damage in the colon of those rats. The effect was established by the levels of antioxidants that indicate healing of the mucosal damage. The safety of extract was established by the effective administration of 10 times the therapeutic dose, that is, 1000 mg/kg dosage of the PGE extract with no noticeable adverse effects or side effects related to autonomic nervous system or central nervous system. Conclusion: PGE extract was found to be effective in healing mucosal damage due to colitis by controlling the infection and reducing the inflammation

A ROLE OF MACROPHAGES: AN OVERVIEW

The macrophage is a type of phagocytic cell, which is a type of cell those are responsible for detecting, engulfing and destroying pathogens and apoptotic cells. Macrophages are produced through the differentiation of monocytes, which turn into macrophages when they leave the blood. Macrophages also play a role in alerting the immune system to the presence of invaders. Macrophage lineage cells present a remarkably versatile array of functional specializations across vertebrates. As resident cells in virtually all tissues, macrophages aid in maintaining homeostatic environments, and upon infection, are typically one of the first cell types to encounter intruding pathogens, where they orchestrate appropriate immune responses. Another function of macrophages is to alert the immune system to microbial invasion. After ingesting a microbe, a macrophage presents a protein on its cell surface called an antigen, which signals the presence of the antigen to a corresponding T helper cell. Moreover macrophages might be a successful targeting site for targeted drug delivery approaches. Keywords: macrophages, phagocytic cells, monocytes, immune syste

A study on seroprevalence of hepatotropic viruses among HIV-positive individuals attending the integrated counselling and testing centre (ICTC) in Mayo hospital of Nagpur city, Maharashtra, India

Background: Infection with human immunodeficiency virus type-1 and its end stage, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is the major public health challenge of modern time. A variety of exogenously acquired infectious agents appear to influence the pace of HIV replication, the destruction of CD4+ T cells, and HIV transmission to infants and sexual partners. More persistent elevations in plasma HIV levels have been seen in patients with chronic infections (such as those with tuberculosis and herpes and hepatitis viruses), and such co-infected patients have a more rapid loss of CD4+ T cells and an increased rate of progression to AIDS and death. Within India, variable co-infection rates have been reported from region to region. With the above background, the present study was undertaken to study the seroprevalence of hepatotropic viruses (Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus) in HIV-positive individuals attending the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) in Mayo hospital of Nagpur city, Maharashtra, India.  Methods: The current prospective study was conducted in the department of microbiology, Indira Gandhi government medical college and Mayo general hospital, Nagpur (Maharashtra) from August 2005 to August 2007. All the patients attending ICTC were included in the study. 300 HIV negative matched controls were also included in the study. All the individuals who were positive for HIV infection were selected for this study and further tested for the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies. Data was compiled in MS excel. Then it was analyzed using online statistical calculator and chi square test were applied with value of P <0.05 was considered statistically significant for interpretation of finding.  Results: Maximum numbers of HIV positive patients (38.8%) were in age group of 31-40 years. Present study showed male preponderance in HIV positive patients. Males showed a slightly high seroprevalence of HBsAg (9.21%) compared to females (7.57%) among HIV positive patients. The difference in positivity of two viral agents studied in HIV positive patients was highly significant as compared to HIV-negative individuals (P <0.001).  Conclusion: On the basis of the findings that the co-infection of hepatotropic viruses (HBV and HCV) were significantly higher in HIV positive cases than controls, the study concludes that the chronic viral hepatitis is a serious concern in HIV-infected patients. Thus, there is an urgent need to ensure the screening of the same in HIV-infected patients.

Study of therapeutic role of yoga (Hathyoga) on lipid profile in dyslipidemic individuals of Ahmedabad city

333-338Abnormal lipid profile is a common problem among hypertensive as well as working individuals. The rate of mortality is increasing day-by-day due to cardiovascular problems which occurs due to dyslipidemia. The aim of the present study was to assess the therapeutic role of yoga on lipid profile in Ahmedabad population. Total 50 normal healthy control and 50 individuals with dyslipidemia aged >20 years were enrolled for the present study. They were divided into two groups. Individuals in Group-1 were normal healthy, whereas individuals in Group-2 were dyslipidemics. All participants were subjected to yoga practices (Hathyogic practices - Pranayama, yoga postures and meditation) for the various intervals of 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Serum lipid profile was estimated for all individuals at different intervals. Before beginning the yoga intervention i.e., at 0 month the levels of Total Cholesterol, Total Triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol were significantly high, whereas HDL-cholesterol levels were significantly low. After completion of 12 months yoga intervention a significant reduction was observed in Total Cholesterol, Total Triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol as well as a significant elevation of HDL-cholesterol was observed. Yoga (Hathyoga) can be a new added adjuvant and cost effective therapy for the patients with abnormal lipid profile

An HIV1/2 point of care test on sputum for screening TB/HIV co-infection in central India – Will it work?

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether the OraQuick® HIV-1/2 Assay (OraSure Technologies, Inc., Bethlehem, PA, USA) in sputum is a valid tool for HIV surveillance among TB patients.MethodsA cross sectional study was carried out on sputa of patients diagnosed with tuberculosis. Sputa were tested for antibodies to HIV using OraQuick® HIV-1/2 Assay (OraSure Technologies, Inc., Bethlehem, PA, USA). The results were compared with results of serum ELISA.ResultsCompared to serum ELISA, the OraQuick® HIV-1/2 Assay in sputum specimens reported 90% sensitivity (9/10) and 100% specificity (307/307), with a positive predictive value of 100% (95% CI: 66.37%–100.00%) and a negative predictive value of 99.68% (95% CI: 98.20%–99.99%).ConclusionsThis testing method may provide a useful strategy for conducting HIV surveillance in possible co-infected TB patients at peripheral centres. Since there is no investment on infrastructure, it may be possible for paramedical health professionals to carry out the test, particularly in areas with low HIV endemicity

PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND MEDICINAL USES OF MORINGA OLEIFERA: AN OVERVIEW

This paper review the retrospective studies on the Moringa oleifera at molecular level. There are about thirteen species of Moringa trees in the family Moringaceae. Moringa oleifera Lam. (synonym: Moringa pterygosperma Gaertn.) is the most widely known species but other species deserve further research as to their uses. medicinal value a choice of parts of this plant such as leaves, roots, seed, bark, fruit, flowers and immature pods act as cardiac and circulatory stimulants, have power over antitumor, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial and antifungal activities, and are being in used for the treatment of different ailments in the indigenous system of medicine. This review focuses on the pharmacological action and pharmaceutical application along with other uses of different parts of this tree. Keywords: Moringa, Cultivation, Pharmacological, Phytochemistry, hepatoprotective. Â

FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE SUSTAINED RELEASE MATRIX TABLET CONTAINING CASSIA TORA MUCILAGE

All the present investigation an attempt has been made to study the formulation and evaluation of matrix tablet of Metformin HCL using natural mucilage of Cassia tora as a release retardant. The matrix tablet was formulated using different drug polymer ratio. The developed formulation of tablet was evaluated for pre-compression and post–compression method. The result of the pre-compression parameter like Bulk density, tapped density, Carr’s index and Hausner’s ratio were found to be with the limits indicating good flow properties of the granules. Swelling index reveals that with increasing mucilage concentration there is increased swelling showing 61% for F-2 at the end of 5 h whereas for F-3 it was around 89.9 % respectively. In- vitro drug release for F3 formulation was found to be 75% at the end of 10 h. With increases in mucilage concentration the drug release from the matrix tablet got retarded. In- vitro, drug release data obtained were fitted to various release model excess the possible mechanism of the drug release. The results of all these parameters are tabulated and depicted graphically in the result and discussion section. IR spectral studies revealed that the drug, polymer and excipients used were compatible.  Drug release profile of all formulation was plotted in different kinetics. The calculated regression coefficients showed a higher r2 value with higuchi equation (r2= 0.958). Hence the release data of the Tablet obeyed higuchi model and release the drug diffusion. Keywords: Cassia tora, mucilage, granules, drug release, polymerÂ

Tumor reversion: a dream or a reality.

Reversion of tumor to a normal differentiated cell once considered a dream is now at the brink of becoming a reality. Different layers of molecules/events such as microRNAs, transcription factors, alternative RNA splicing, post-transcriptional, post-translational modifications, availability of proteomics, genomics editing tools, and chemical biology approaches gave hope to manipulation of cancer cells reversion to a normal cell phenotype as evidences are subtle but definitive. Regardless of the advancement, there is a long way to go, as customized techniques are required to be fine-tuned with precision to attain more insights into tumor reversion. Tumor regression models using available genome-editing methods, followed by in vitro and in vivo proteomics profiling techniques show early evidence. This review summarizes tumor reversion developments, present issues, and unaddressed challenges that remained in the uncharted territory to modulate cellular machinery for tumor reversion towards therapeutic purposes successfully. Ongoing research reaffirms the potential promises of understanding the mechanism of tumor reversion and required refinement that is warranted in vitro and in vivo models of tumor reversion, and the potential translation of these into cancer therapy. Furthermore, therapeutic compounds were reported to induce phenotypic changes in cancer cells into normal cells, which will contribute in understanding the mechanism of tumor reversion. Altogether, the efforts collectively suggest that tumor reversion will likely reveal a new wave of therapeutic discoveries that will significantly impact clinical practice in cancer therapy