Stimuli-Responsive, Plasmonic Nanogel for Dual Delivery of Curcumin and Photothermal Therapy for Cancer Treatment

Nanogels (Ng) are crosslinked polymer-based hydrogel nanoparticles considered to be next-generation drug delivery systems due to their superior properties, including high drug loading capacity, low toxicity, and stimuli responsiveness. In this study, dually thermo-pH-responsive plasmonic nanogel (AuNP@Ng) was synthesized by grafting poly (N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) to chitosan (CS) in the presence of a chemical crosslinker to serve as a drug carrier system. The nanogel was further incorporated with gold nanoparticles (AuNP) to provide simultaneous drug delivery and photothermal therapy (PTT). Curcumin's (Cur) low water solubility and low bioavailability are the biggest obstacles to effective use of curcumin for anticancer therapy, and these obstacles can be overcome by utilizing an efficient delivery system. Therefore, curcumin was chosen as a model drug to be loaded into the nanogel for enhancing the anticancer efficiency, and further, its therapeutic efficiency was enhanced by PTT of the formulated AuNP@Ng. Thorough characterization of Ng based on CS and PNIPAM was conducted to confirm successful synthesis. Furthermore, photothermal properties and swelling ratio of fabricated nanoparticles were evaluated. Morphology and size measurements of nanogel were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Nanogel was found to have a hydrodynamic size of ~167 nm and exhibited sustained release of curcumin up to 72 h with dual thermo-pH responsive drug release behavior, as examined under different temperature and pH conditions. Cytocompatibility of plasmonic nanogel was evaluated on MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer and non-tumorigenic MCF 10A cell lines, and the findings indicated the nanogel formulation to be cytocompatible. Nanoparticle uptake studies showed high internalization of nanoparticles in cancer cells when compared with non-tumorigenic cells and confocal microscopy further demonstrated that AuNP@Ng were internalized into the MDA-MB-231 cancer cells via endosomal route. In vitro cytotoxicity studies revealed dose-dependent and time-dependent drug delivery of curcumin loaded AuNP@Ng/Cur. Furthermore, the developed nanoparticles showed an improved chemotherapy efficacy when irradiated with near-infrared (NIR) laser (808 nm) in vitro. This work revealed that synthesized plasmonic nanogel loaded with curcumin (AuNP@Ng/Cur) can act as stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, having potential for dual therapy i.e., delivery of hydrophobic drug and photothermal therapy.

Protective effects of resveratrol against osteonecrosis at the extraction site in bisphosphonate-treated rats

Resveratrol (RSV) is a phytoestrogen with a wide range of therapeutic effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study was performed to evaluate the protective role of RSV against osteonecrosis after tooth extraction in rats treated with bisphosphonates. Thirty-nine male Wistar rats, weighing 300-350 g, were divided into three groups (n = 13) according to the planned drug regimen: alendronate + dexamethasone (AL/DEX), alendronate + dexamethasone + RSV (AL/DEX/RSV), and no drugs (control group). The first and second molars of each rat were extracted and the extraction sites were analysed histologically 14 days later. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis by means of Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, χ², and Fisher's exact tests using IBM SPSS software at a significance level of 0.05. The incidence of osteonecrosis was significantly lower in the AL/DEX/RSV group (P = 0.001) and control group (P = 0.041) than in the AL/DEX group, while the amount of new bone formation did not differ significantly between the AL/DEX/RSV and AL/DEX groups (P > 0.05). RSV showed a protective effect by significantly reducing osteonecrosis, which could be due to its antioxidant effects.

Piriformospora indica inoculation alleviates the adverse effect of NaCl stress on growth, gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Salinity is now an increasingly serious environmental issue that affects the growth and yield of many plants. In the present work, the influence of inoculation with the symbiotic fungus, Piriformospora indica, on gas exchange, water potential, osmolyte content, Na/K ratio and chlorophyll fluorescence of tomato plants under three salinity levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 mm NaCl) and three time periods (5, 10 and 15 days after exposure to salt) was investigated. Results indicate that P. indica inoculation improved growth parameters of tomato under salinity stress. This symbiotic fungus significantly increased photosynthetic pigment content under salinity, and more proline and glycine betaine accumulated in inoculated roots than in non-inoculated roots. P. indica further significantly improved K⁺ content and reduced Na⁺ level under salinity treatment. After inoculation with the endophytic fungus, leaf physiological parameters, such as water potential, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration, were all higher under the salt concentrations and durations compared with controls without P. indica. With increasing salt level and salt treatment duration, values of F₀ and qP increased but F_m , F_v /F_m , F'_v /F'_m and NPQ declined in the controls, while inoculation with P. indica improved these values. The results indicate that the negative effects of NaCl on tomato plants were alleviated after P. indica inoculation, probably by improving physiological parameters such as water status and photosynthesis.

Eimeria arloingi: further studies on the development of some endogenous stages

The present study investigated the ultrastructural characteristics of gamogony and oocyst wall formation of Eimeria arloingi in experimentally infected kids. The 18 newborn animals allocated to 3 equal groups. Two of groups, A, B were inoculated with a single dose of 1×10(3) and 1×10(5) sporulated oocysts of E. arloingi, respectively. At 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42days postinoculation (DPI), 1 kid from each group was necropsied for ultrastructural studies. Transmission electron microscopy was used to screen for the presence of developmental stages of the parasite. All stages of microgametocyte and macrogametocyte developments and also oocyst wall formation were observed from 7 to 42DPI. Different stages of schizigony accompanied by marked proliferation of endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and several granular dividing nuclei were diagnosed in the affected epithelial cells. Young microgamonts were recognizable by an electron lucent parasitophorous vacuole and several dividing nuclei with prominent nucleolar and peripheral chromatin in the cytoplasm. At a later stage, the nuclei began to elongate and a single mitochondrion and two basal bodies were observed in close proximity nucleus. These bodies eventually protruded from the surface of the gametocyte and formed two flagellar structures. Up to 80-120 microgametes were produced per microgamont. Macrogamonts were recognized by the presence of wall-forming bodies of types 1 and 2. Electron lucent WFB2 appeared earlier than the electron denser WFB1 during the process of macrogametogenesis. The outer layer of the oocyst wall was formed by the release of the contents of WFB1 at the surface to form an electron dense layer. The WFB2 appeared, subsequently, to give rise to the electron lucent inner layer. WFB1 plays a major role in oocyst wall formation.

Novel nanocomposite coating for dental implant applications in vitro and in vivo evaluation

This study aimed at preparation and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of novel bioactive, biodegradable, and antibacterial nanocomposite coating for the improvement of stem cells attachment and antibacterial activity as a candidate for dental implant applications. Poly (lactide-co-glycolide)/bioactive glass/hydroxyapatite (PBGHA) nanocomposite coating was prepared via solvent casting process. The nanoparticle amounts of 10, 15, and 20 weight percent (wt%) were chosen in order to determine the optimum amount of nanoparticles suitable for preparing an uniform coating. Bioactivity and degradation of the coating with an optimum amount of nanoparticles were evaluated by immersing the prepared samples in simulated body fluid and phosphate buffer saline (PBS), respectively. The effect of nanocomposite coating on the attachment and viability of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) was investigated. Kirschner wires (K-wires) of stainless steel were coated with the PBGHA nanocomposite coating, and mechanical stability of the coating was studied during intramedullary implantation into rabbit tibiae. The results showed that using 10 wt% nanoparticles (5 wt% HA and 5 wt% BG) in the nanocomposite could provide the desired uniform coating. The study of in vitro bioactivity showed rapid formation of bone-like apatite on the PBGHA coating. It was degraded considerably after about 60 days of immersion in PBS. The hASCs showed excellent attachment and viability on the coating. PBGHA coating remained stable on the K-wires with a minimum of 96% of the original coating mass. It was concluded that PBGHA nanocomposite coating provides an ideal surface for the stem cells attachment and viability. In addition, it could induce antibacterial activity, simultaneously.

Trends in Prevalent Injuries among Iranian Pilgrims in Hajj

BACKGROUND

Annually millions of Muslims depart to Saudi Arabia for performing a religious pilgrimage called "Hajj". In this ceremony, pilgrims face numerous health hazards and injuries such as pressing in overcrowding, sliding, burning, falling down, traffic accidents etc. The main purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of injuries in Hajj period across 2004 to 2008.

METHODS

This study was conducted on 253808 Iranian pilgrims on five consecutive years of Hajj ceremonies, from 2004 to 2008. We used a report sheet with 13 types of injuries and 13 mechanisms of these injuries. SPSS V13.5 soft ware was used for analyzing the data. ANOVA and independent sample t - test was conducted, and relationships were considered significant at P< 0.05.

RESULTS

The most common injuries was "tissue contusions and ruptures "(about 76/10000), and "tendon lesions" (about 62/10000). In addition, the most common mechanism of injuries was "ankle sprain" (69/10000) during the five consecutive years. The prevalence of all fractures was about 49/10000 and the proportion of burning with hot water or fire was about 40/10000. Changes of all causes of the injuries were significant in this study (P< 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We have suggested some directions for preventing of injuries and related Injuries in Hajj, in this study.

Eimeria species in wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Fars province, Iran

This investigation was accomplished during February to November 2008. A total of 71 wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) of about 5 to 12 months age were collected alive from different parts of Fars province, south of Iran. Faecal sampling was carried out directly from recti and the oocysts were isolated using sedimentation and floatation techniques and the sporulated oocyst were identified based on morphological and biological characteristics. All the rabbits were apparently healthy and showed no clinical symptoms. Twenty two rabbits (31.0%) were positive for infection with Eimeria and six species including Eimeria perforans (18.3%), Eimeria magna (16.9%), Eimeria media (14.1), Eimeria irresidua (11.2%), Eimeria flavescens (4.2%), and Eimeria coecicola (2.8%) were identified. Eighty six percent of the infected rabbits showed mixed infections with two or three Eimeria species. Lack of clinical signs could be due to the agro ecological and environmental conditions of rabbit habitats specifically dry and hot climatic features in recent years. In addition, immunity induced by long term exposure to low doses of oocysts shedded by the carrier animals probably have pivotal role in impairing parasitic developmental cycles and preventing acute coccidiosis.

Occurrence and biology of goat warble fly infestation by Przhevalskiana silenus (Diptera, Oestridae) in Iran

Goat warble fly infestation (GWFI) by the larvae of Przhevalskiana silenus is endemic in goats of semi-hilly and mountainous regions of Iran. This myiasis has severe economic impact on tanning industries, and it is responsible for impaired milk and meat production, growth retardation and carcass depreciation. To estimate the prevalence of GWFI in the southern areas of Iran, from October 2006 to December 2008, the carcasses of 8000 goats at a Shiraz slaughterhouse and 1000 each at Marvdasht and Darab cities were examined weekly for the presence of P. silenus larvae. In addition, appropriate sections from the skin and subcutaneous tissues were processed for histopathological investigation. The prevalence rate of infestation in different cities varied from 7.0% to 18.9% and the minimum and maximum infestation rate was 3 and 78, with an average rate of infestation of 26.2 warbles per animal. Significant differences were observed in the prevalence among different age groups with no significant difference between male and female animals. First instar larvae (L(1)) were found on infected animals from early August to end of September, second larval stage (L(2)) from early October to end of November and third-stage larvae (L(3)) from early December to mid-March. No larvae were found on skin or subcutaneous tissues from end of March to late July. Live L(1) initiated mild lymphocyte, macrophage and eosinophil infiltration while dead L(1) initiated granulomatous or pyogranulomatous reactions. Live L(2) induced severe inflammatory reaction and massive tissue necrosis, which continued for L(3) and until the end of infestation phase. The subcutaneous tissues, dermis and epidermis became necrotic and fragmented, and L(3) penetrated the necrotic area to start its aerobic life cycle.

Analysis of the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region gene expression in Iranian patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) results from clonal expansion of phenotypically mature but functionally immature B-lymphocytes. The incidence of this type of leukemia is low in Asian countries, whereas it is the most frequent type of leukemia in the West. Previous investigations mainly conducted in Western populations have demonstrated non-random rearrangement of certain immunoglobulin variable region heavy (VH) and/or light (VL) chain genes in different groups of B-CLL patients. Little is known about the profile of VH gene expression in Asian patients. In the present study, we determined the frequency of VH gene family usage in 59 Iranian patients with B-CLL. VH gene family of patients was determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction using VH1-VH7 family specific primers. The most frequently expressed VH gene family was found to be VH3 (45.8%) followed by VH4 (32.2%), VH1 (18.6%), VH5 (1.7%) and VH6 (1.7%), with no expression of VH2 and VH7 gene families. The results indicate a lower representation of the VH1 and VH2 gene families and a higher representation of the VH4 gene family in Iranian B-CLL patients compared to Western patients, suggesting involvement of ethnic and/or environmental factors in B-CLL disease initiation.

Study on acute phase proteins (haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, fibrinogen, and ceruloplasmin) changes and their diagnostic values in bovine tropical theileriosis

This study was conducted to assess the pattern of changes and the relative value of acute phase proteins (haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen) in bovine tropical theileriosis. The diseased group comprised 50 dairy Holstein cattle, 2-3 years old, naturally infected with Theileria annulata. Infected animals were divided into four subgroups with different parasitemia rates (<1%, 1-3%, 3-5%, >5%). As a control group, 20 uninfected cattle were also sampled. Blood samples were collected and all measurements were done using validated methods. There were significant differences in red blood cells (RBCs), packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb) and concentrations of Hp, SAA, ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen between healthy cattle and those infected with T. annulata with different parasitemia rates (P < 0.05). As the parasitemia rate increased in infected cattle, a significant decrease was observed in RBCs, PCV, and Hb. In contrast, with increase in the parasitemia rate, a significant increase in the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), Hp, SAA, ceruloplasmin, and fibrinogen was evident. The optimal cut-off point was set by the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) method to >5.68 microg/ml for SAA, >0.16 g/l for Hp, >0.064 g/l for ceruloplasmin and >4.00 g/l for fibrinogen with corresponding 84% sensitivity and 100% specificity for SAA, 76% sensitivity and 100% specificity for Hp, 84% sensitivity and 80% specificity for ceruloplasmin and 40% sensitivity and 100% specificity for fibrinogen. SAA had the highest sensitivity and specificity and was diagnosed to be a suitable indicator of APPs changes in bovine theileriosis.

The relationship between serum level of thyroid hormones, trace elements and antioxidant enzymes in dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Thyroid hormones might be able to regulate the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). The role of thyroid hormones in metabolic pathways and antioxidant enzyme activities are well known in many species. Nevertheless, there is no report describing probable relationship between thyroid hormones status, erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes and serum profiles of trace elements. This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between these parameters in Iranian dromedary camels. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of 30 clinically healthy Iranian dromedary camels under aseptic conditions during 6 consecutive days of summer. The serum was analyzed for serum profile of thyroid hormones, trace elements, SOD and GPX activity. There were no significant differences in serum thyroid hormones, serum level of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), selenium and antioxidant enzymes in different days (P > 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between SOD and Fe (P < 0.01, r = -493). There was no significant correlation between other parameters. In case of copper deficiency likewise the present study, the copper was used to produce more SOD, so there was a decrease in Fe transportation, and it might be a cause of decrease in Fe amount. On the other hand, a relatively small quantity of Fe is present in tissue myoglobin, catalase, peroxidases, and cytochromes. So it might be another cause of decrease in Fe amount. The explanation for these finding is not possible at this moment and further investigations are needed to interpret these changes.