ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The specific targeting of interleukin-4 receptor α (IL4Rα) receptor offers a promising therapeutic approach for inhibition of tumor cell progression in breast cancer patients. In the current study, the in vitro efficacy of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles conjugated with anti-IL4Rα blocking antibodies (SPION-IL4Rα) via polyethylene glycol polymers was evaluated in 4T1 breast cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell viability, reactive oxygen species generation, and apoptosis frequency were assessed in vitro in 4T1 cancer cell lines following exposure to SPION-IL4Rα alone or combined with doxorubicin. In addition, immunofluorescence assessments and fluorimetrywere performed to confirm the specific targeting and interaction of the developed nanocarriers with IL4Rα receptors in breast cancer cells. RESULTS: Blocking of IL4Rα receptors caused a significant decrease in cell viability and induced apoptosis in 4T1 cells. In addition, combined treatment with SPION-IL4Rα+doxorubicin caused significant increases in cell death, apoptosis, and oxidative stress compared to either SPION-IL4Rα or doxorubicin alone, indicating the enhanced therapeutic efficacy of this combination. The decrease in fluorescence intensity upon immunofluorescence and fluorimetry assays combined with increased viability and decreased apoptosis following the blocking of IL4Rα receptors confirmed the successful binding of the synthesized nanocarriers to the target sites on murine 4T1 breast cancerous cells. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that SPION-IL4Rα nanocarriers might be used for successfulreduction of tumor growth and inhibition of progression of metastasis in vivo.
Subject(s)
Humans , Antibodies, Blocking , Apoptosis , Biomarkers , Breast Neoplasms , Breast , Cell Death , Cell Line , Cell Proliferation , Cell Survival , Doxorubicin , Drug Delivery Systems , Fluorescence , Fluorescent Antibody Technique , Fluorometry , In Vitro Techniques , Interleukin-4 , Iron , Nanoparticles , Neoplasm Metastasis , Oxidative Stress , Polyethylene Glycols , Polyethylene , Polymers , Reactive Oxygen SpeciesABSTRACT
Popular fad diets are practiced in Saudi Arabia but little is known about the nutritional adequacy of these diets. The aims of this study were to describe, analyze, and evaluate some popular fad diets and to make recommendations on their use. A total of 10 fad diets were chosen to be evaluated as they were established to be popular in Saudi Arabia. The internet and diet books were used to obtain descriptions and menu plans. Dietary analysis of three days menus for each diet was evaluated. A validated questionnaire for rating popular diets was used to analyze nutritional adequacy, daily energy allowance, recommended rate of weight loss, flexibility and sustainability, physical activity advice, use of supplements, claims, author's credentials and scientific evidence. Nutrients at risk were established by comparing analysis with National Reference Values. Overall scores for the 10 diets ranged from 12 to 65 out of 100. Scores for nutritional adequacy ranged from 12 to 32 out of 40. Four diets provided less than 4200kJ/day. Seven diets did not provide adequate carbohydrate intakes [<50% energy intake]. Nine diets did not provide recommended energy from protein [12-25%]. Six diets provided more than 30% of energy from fat with five diets providing more than 10% of energy from saturated fat. One diet was proven adequate but only with improvements to be made in some areas. No diets scored high enough to be recommended for use
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Diet Fads/adverse effects , Diet Fads/psychology , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Excessive or deficient maternal vitamin A intake may result in abnormalities in the development of the human embryo. During pregnancy, women, experience fluctuations in food intake and appetite due to hormonal changes as the fetus develops. The objective of this project was to assess intake of vitamin A and other selected nutrients during pregnancy among a group of women in Montreal,Canada. We examined whether nutrient intake changes over the course of pregnancy. Two seven-day food records were analyzed for a sample of 52 pregnant women in the 1st and 3rd trimesters. The EAR [Estimated Average Requirement] Cut-point Method was used to assess nutrient adequacy. Paired t-test showed that there was no difference in mean nutrient intake between the 1st and 3rd trimesters. The probability of vitamin A intake being less than the EAR was 19% and this value was less than values shown in NHANES III [25-50%]. Vitamin E [98%], folate [96%], zinc [42%], and vitamin B6 [42%] intakes showed the highest probability of being less than the EAR. Similar high values of inadequacy for the same nutrients were also shown in NHANES III and CDFII. The probability of inadequacy of other nutrients was below 27% and was similar to findings from previous studies in North America. The mean vitamin A intake using the new RAE measurement unit [737 micro g] was significantly lower [p < 0.05] than the value using the previous RE unit [1081 micro g]. This finding confirms theoverestimation of vitamin A intake in the past. Vitamin A intake based on the EAR Cut-point Method was acceptable among this group of women and showed less inadequacy than in NHANES III survey