Genomic Medicine, Biomarkers, and Health Sciences

Preparation and evaluation of sucrose stabilized tetanus toxoid encapsulated into chitosan microspheres

Saravanakumar Arthanari, Ponnusamy Renukadevi, Kavaretti Raju Mani — 2011-11-23

Abstract: Immunization is the most cost effective weapon for disease prevention in developing countries, and advanced molecular and genetic technologies are making new types of vaccines feasible. Here, the utility of both in vitro and in vivo methods to assess the release pattern of chitosan microspheres containing tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine were evaluated. TT was stabilized and encapsulated in chitosan (TTCH) with a water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) multiple emulsion method using sucrose as a protein stabilizer. The TTCH prepared was smooth and spherical in shape with a diameter of around 10μm. The in vitro release efficiency of TTCH was evaluated by differing stabilizer (sucrose) concentration (5%, 7%, 10% and 12%w/v) for a period of 70 days. The antigen release rates from the microspheres were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In these TTCH microspheres, a 10%w/v sucrose concentration gave good sustained antigen delivery for the period of 70 days. Based on the results of in vitro release, the in vivo studies were carried out using alum-adsorbed TT (from the Central Research Institute) as the standard. The antibody level was measured after 6 months, 9 months and finally, with one booster dose, after 12 months. In these in vivo studies, the TTCH antibody level rose up to 3.5IU/mL of guinea pig serum; this compared with 2IU/mL of guinea pig serum using the alum-adsorbed TT after 12 months with a second booster dose. The TTCH approach would be helpful to replace the existing adjuvant alum in the future.

Antihyperlipedemic activity of Cynodon dactylon extract in high-cholesterol diet fed Wistar rats

2011-12-02

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential role of an ethanolic extract of the entire plant of Cynodon dactylon in lowering the plasma lipid parameters in rats fed a high cholesterol diet. Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups of six and for 45 days were administered either: 0.5ml water (negative controls); 30mg cholesterol (hypercholesterolemic animals); C dactylon extract at 400mg/kg body weight (positive control); or the same doses of both cholesterol and the extract (test animals). The effects of C dactylon on the lipid profile were assessed by measuring the plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c). Administration of cholesterol showed significant elevation (p<0.001) of TC, LDL-c, VLDL-c, and TG concentrations, and of the TC:HDL-c ratio (p<0.05). Concurrent administration of C dactylon extract caused a significant decrease (p<0.001) in the concentrations of serum TC, LDL, HDL, VLDL TGs when compared with cholesterol fed control rats. The TC:HDL-c ratio was also declined significantly (p<0.001). These results suggest lipid-lowering effects of C dactylon, which serves as a new potential natural product for preventing hyperlipidemia.

Hepatoprotective activity of Livshis, a polyherbal formulation in CCl4-induced hepatotoxic male Wistar rats: A toxicity screening approach

2012-04-12

Abstract: This study investigated the hepatoprotective activity of the polyherbal formulation Livshis in CCl4-induced hepatotoxic male albino rats, and included an assessment of the toxicity of the formulation. Male Wistar albino rats (140 ± 10 g) were divided into five groups (n = 6). Liver necrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 (1 mL/kg body weight, 50% v/v with olive oil). Antioxidant enzyme activities, such as lipid peroxidation, and liver function test biosensors were assessed. Hematological and renotoxicity markers were evaluated to assess the general toxicity of the formulation. For acute toxicity evaluation of Livshis, the formulation was administered orally at doses ranging from 25 to 3200 mg/kg body weight. Hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities diminished significantly, and hepatic lipid peroxidation rates were elevated in CCl4-treated animals that were pretreated with distilled water (Group II). The activities of serum toxicity marker enzymes and serum liver function test biosensors increased significantly in Group II animals, whereas these biosensors were significantly protected in Livshis pretreated, CCl4-treated animals. Group V animals, treated with Livshis alone, did not exhibit any significant variation in levels of hematological and renotoxicity markers compared to controls. In an acute toxicity study, there were no toxic symptoms up to the dose level of 3200 mg/kg body weight. We conclude that Livshis is safe for long-term treatment for hepatic protection at doses of 50 mg/kg body weight.

Malignant thymoma: Long-term outcomes with radiotherapy

2012-03-09

Abstract: We analyzed the clinical outcome of stage II to IV malignant thymoma. This study focused on the treatment of 60 cases that combined surgery (biopsy or resection) and radiation therapy (with or without chemotherapy). Univariate and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors predicting survival were carried out. There is a statistically significant relationship between the extent of surgery and the local control (19.4% of relapse after complete resection vs. 41.2% of relapse after partial resection or biopsy, p=0.0001). Mediastinal radiation dose (≥50Gy) had a significant effect in decreasing recurrence (p=0.0001) and distant metastasis (p=0.011). The rates of local recurrence (30%) and distant metastasis (25%) justify recommending a higher dose of mediastinal radiation (≥50Gy) for patients with malignant thymoma.

Intestinal parasitic infections in human-immunodeficiency-virus-infected persons on highly active antiretroviral therapy in Benin City, Nigeria

Frederick Olusegun Akinbo, Richard Omoregie — 2012-02-16

Abstract: Intestinal parasitic infections have been reported in persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Benin City, Nigeria. A total of 285 (84 male and 201 female) HIV-infected adults in the course of HAART were enrolled. Blood and stool specimens were collected from each participant and processed using standard procedures. CD4 count < 200cells/μL and diarrhea were significant risk factors for acquiring intestinal parasitic infections in HIV-positive patients.Anemia was significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis were the only intestinal parasites recovered. We showed a low prevalence (5.3%) of intestinal parasitic infections among HAART patients. Opportunistic coccidia were not detected in this study. Routine diagnosis of intestinal parasites among HIV-infected patients on HAART is advocated.

Birthweight of full-term twin infants in relation to sex-pair

Alphonsus N. Onyiriuka — 2012-03-29

Abstract: The present study examined the effect of sex-pair on birthweight of twins. The birthweight and sex-pairs of 104 live-born full-term twin pairs were recorded and analyzed. The mean birthweight and the mean birthweight sum of a different-sex twin pair were compared with that of a same-sex twin pair. The relative incidence of low birthweight (LBW) and birthweight discordance in the different-sex twin pair and same-sex twin pair were examined. Comparing the mean birthweight of the different-sex twin pair with that of same-sex twin pair, it was 2503 ± 428 g [95% confidence interval (CI) = 2369–2637] versus 2398 ± 442 g (95% CI = 2291–2505), p > 0.05. The overall mean birthweight sum of the different-sex twin pair was 3889 ± 492 g (95% CI = 3679–4099) while, for the same-sex twin pair, it was 3665 ± 512 g (CI = 3493–3837), p > 0.05. The mean birthweight sum for the male-male twin pair was 3903 ± 536 g (95% CI = 3648–4158), while for the female-female twin pair it was 3426 ± 560 g (95% CI = 3160–3192); p 0.05. The figures for the male infants in the male-female pair and the male-male twin pair were 2136 ± 468 g (95% CI = 1989–2283) and 1976 ± 519 g (95% CI = 1804–2148), respectively; p > 0.05. Rate of delivery of LBW twin pairs in all live-born twins were: different-sex, 51.3%; male same-sex, 43.8%; and female same-sex, 75.8%. Of the 59 LBW twin pairs, 20 (33.9%) were different-sex and 39 (66.1%) were same-sex twin pairs. In conclusion, cohabitation in the uterus of twin fetuses of different sexes influenced their intrauterine growth.