In Vitro Cytotoxicity and In Vivo Antitumor Activity of Lipid Nanocapsules Loaded with Novel Pyridine Derivatives

This study demonstrates high drug-loading of novel pyridine derivatives (S1-S4) in lipid- and polymer-based core-shell nanocapsules (LPNCs) for boosting the anticancer efficiency and alleviating toxicity of these novel pyridine derivatives. The nanocapsules were fabricated using a nanoprecipitation technique and characterized for particle size, surface morphology, and entrapment efficiency. The prepared nanocapsules exhibited a particle size ranging from 185.0 ± 17.4 to 223.0 ± 15.3 nm and a drug entrapment of >90%. The microscopic evaluation demonstrated spherical-shaped nanocapsules with distinct core-shell structures. The in vitro release study depicted a biphasic and sustained release pattern of test compounds from the nanocapsules. In addition, it was obvious from the cytotoxicity studies that the nanocapsules showed superior cytotoxicity against both MCF-7 and A549 cancer cell lines, as manifested by a significant decrease in the IC₅₀ value compared to free test compounds. The in vivo antitumor efficacy of the optimized nanocapsule formulation (S4-loaded LPNCs) was investigated in an Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) solid tumor-bearing mice model. Interestingly, the entrapment of the test compound (S4) within LPNCs remarkably triggered superior tumor growth inhibition when compared with either free S4 or the standard anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil. Such enhanced in vivo antitumor activity was accompanied by a remarkable increase in animal life span. Furthermore, the S4-loaded LPNC formulation was tolerated well by treated animals, as evidenced by the absence of any signs of acute toxicity or alterations in biochemical markers of liver and kidney functions. Collectively, our findings clearly underscore the therapeutic potential of S4-loaded LPNCs over free S4 in conquering EAC solid tumors, presumably via granting efficient delivery of adequate concentrations of the entrapped drug to the target site.

Formulation and Evaluation of Novel Additive-Free Spray-Dried Triamcinolone Acetonide Microspheres for Pulmonary Delivery: A Pharmacokinetic Study

This work aimed to establish a simple method to produce additive-free triamcinolone acetonide (TAA) microspheres suitable for pulmonary delivery, and therefore more simple manufacturing steps will be warranted. The spray-drying process involved the optimization of the TAA feed ratio in a concentration range of 1-3% w/v from different ethanol/water compositions with/without adding ammonium bicarbonate as a blowing agent. Characterization of the formulas was performed via scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and powder X-ray diffraction. Our results indicated that the size and morphology of spray-dried TAA particles were dependent on the feed and solvent concentrations in the spray-dried formulations. Furthermore, adding the blowing agent, ammonium bicarbonate, did not produce a significant enhancement in particle characteristics. We prepared additive-free TAA microspheres and found that TAA formulation #1 had optimal physical properties in terms of diameter (2.24 ± 0.27 µm), bulk density (0.95 ± 0.05), tapped density (1.18 ± 0.07), and flowability for deposition during the pulmonary tract, from a centric airway to the alveoli as indicated by Carr's index = 19 ± 0.01. Hence, formulation #1 was selected to be tested for pharmacokinetic characters. Rats received pulmonary doses of TAA formula #1 and then the TTA concentration in plasma, fluid broncho-alveolar lavage, and lung tissues was determined by HPLC. The TAA concentration at 15 min was 0.55 ± 0.02 µg/mL in plasma, 16.74 ± 2 µg/mL in bronchoalveolar lavage, and 8.96 ± 0.65 µg/mL in lung homogenates, while at the 24 h time point, the TAA concentration was 0.03 ± 0.02 µg/mL in plasma, 1.48 ± 0.27 µg/mL in bronchoalveolar lavage, and 3.79 ± 0.33 µg/mL in lung homogenates. We found that TAA remained in curative concentrations in the rat lung tissues for at least 24 h after pulmonary administration. Therefore, we can conclude that additive-free spray-dried TAA microspheres were promising for treating lung diseases. The current novel preparation technology has applications in the design of preparations for TAA or other therapeutic agents designed for pulmonary delivery.

Prediction of functional outcome in patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage by clinical-computed tomographic correlations

BACKGROUND

Primary intracerebral hemorrhage (PICH) remains the deadliest and most disabling form of stroke. The aim of our study was to determine the potential predictors for survival and neurological recovery in PICH patients by clinical-computed tomographic (CT) correlation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study conducted among PICH patients at a tertiary care hospital. The clinical and CT scan findings were correlated with the functional outcome using modified Rankin scores (mRS) of 0-5 at discharge and during six months follow-up.

RESULTS

The clinical and CT findings in 160 (93 male and 67 female) eligible adult patients with age range from 25 to 85 years (mean age 58.30 ± 11.44 years) were analyzed. The mean Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score was significantly higher among survivors. (12.8 ± 0.4 vs. 8.5 ± 0.5, P < 0.001) Based upon the pattern of the CT findings, the best outcome in terms of survival was for the patients with ICH in basal ganglia/internal capsule region (86.7 %), followed by lobar hemorrhage (67.1%). Good functional outcome was associated with a hematoma volume of less than 30 ml. At discharge majority of the survivors were functionally dependent 76 (70.4%) and only 32 (29.6%) achieved functional independence. The significant independent predictors of in- hospital survival were GCS score > 9 (OR 10.8; 95% CI 4.061 to 28.719), basal ganglia/internal capsule bleed (OR 9.750; 95% CI 2.122 to 45.004), hematoma volume <30 ml (OR 11.476; 95% CI 4. 810 to 27.434), no mid line shift (OR 4.901; 95% CI 2.405 to 9.987) and no intraventricular extension of hemorrhage (OR 7.040; 95% CI 3.358 to 14.458).

CONCLUSION

Outcome and functional status at discharge were well correlated with the initial CT scan findings and GCS score.

Edwardsiella tarda septicemia with underlying multiple liver abscesses

Edwardsiella tarda has recently been described as a member of the family Enterobacteriaceae. The genus Edwardsiella contains three species; E. hoshinae, E. ictaluri and E. tarda. Edwardsiella tarda is the only species which has been recognised as pathogenic to humans, especially in those with an underlying disease. The most common presentation is watery diarrhoea. Extra intestinal infections have been reported infrequently. Humans seem to be infected or colonised with Edwardsiella through ingestion or inoculation of a wound. This report is of a patient with multiple liver abscesses due to E. tarda who later developed bacterial peritonitis and septicaemic shock.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumour-promoting and cytotoxic activities of different plant part extracts of Garcinia atroviridis griff. ex T. anders

Crude extracts (methanol) of various parts, viz. the leaves, fruits, roots, stem and trunk bark, of Garcinia atroviridis were screened for antimicrobial, cytotoxic, brine shrimp toxic, antitumour-promoting and antioxidant activities. The crude extracts exhibited predominantly antibacterial activity with the root extract showing the strongest inhibition against the test bacteria at a minimum inhibitory dose (MID) of 15.6 microg/disc. Although all the extracts failed to inhibit the growth of most of the test fungi, significant antifungal activity against Cladosporium herbarum was exhibited by most notably the fruit (MID: 100 microg), and the leaf (MID: 400 microg) extracts. None of the extracts were significantly cytotoxic, and lethal towards brine shrimps. The root, leaf, trunk and stem bark extracts (except for the fruits) showed strong antioxidant activity exceeding that of the standard antioxidant, alpha-tocopherol. Antitumour-promoting activity (>95% inhibition) was shown by the fruit, leaf, stem and trunk bark extracts.

Screening of Zingiberaceae extracts for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities

Dichloromethane and methanol extracts of 13 Zingiberaceae species from the Alpinia, Costus and Zingiber genera were screened for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The antimicrobial activity of most of the extracts was antibacterial with only the methanol extract of Costus discolor showing very potent antifungal activity against only Aspergillus ochraceous (MID, 15.6 microg per disc). All the extracts showed strong antioxidant activity comparable with or higher that of alpha-tocopherol.