ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of nanoemulsion formulation for topical delivery of Clobetasol propionate [CP] using algal oil [containing omega-3 fatty acids] as the oil phase. CP has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antiproliferative activities. However, its clinical use is restricted to some extent due to its poor permeability across the skin. Algal oil was used as the oil phase and was also exploited for its anti-inflammatory effect along with CP in the treatment of inflammation associated with dermatitis. Nanoemulsion formulations were prepared by aqueous phase titration method, using algal oil, tween 20, PEG 200 and water as the oil phase, surfactant, co-surfactant and aqueous phase respectively. Furthermore, different formulations were subjected to evaluate for ex-vivo permeation and in-vivo anti-inflammatory, irritation and contact dermatitis studies. The optimized nanoemulsion was converted into hydrogel-thickened nanoemulsion system [HTN] using carbopol 971 and had a viscosity of 97.57 +/- 0.04 PaS. The optimized formulation had small average diameter [120 nm] with zeta potential of -37.01 mV which indicated good long-term stability. In-vivo anti-inflammatory activity indicated 84.55% and 41.04% inhibition of inflammation for drug loaded and placebo formulations respectively. The assessment of skin permeation was done by DSC and histopathology studies which indicated changes in the structure of epidermal membrane of skin. Contact dermatitis reveals that the higher NTPDase activity in the treatment with the CP-loaded nanoemulsion could be related to the higher anti-inflammatory effect in comparison with placebo nanoemulsion gel
Subject(s)
Fatty Acids, Omega-3 , Dermatitis, Contact , Anti-Inflammatory Agents , Docosahexaenoic AcidsABSTRACT
Throughout the world, millions of Muslims fast daily during the month of Ramadan from sunrise [Sahar] until sunset [Iftar]. Considering the impacts of environment on physiological functions, we performed this study in order to examine the effects of Ramadan fasting on some blood parameters of healthy volunteers and hypertensive patients. According to the results, there were no significant changes in the weight, heart rate [HR], blood pressure [BP], serum total cholesterol and packed cell volume [PCV] of volunteers before and after fasting [P<0.05]. However, considering hypertensive patients, blood urea significantly increased, while blood pressure [both systolic and diastolic pressures] significantly decreased during the fasting period [P>0.05]. Therefore, it can be concluded that hypertensive patients, while continuing their previous medications, can safely fast during the month of Ramadan
ABSTRACT
To study the clinical spectrum and endocrine profile of pituitary tumors presenting to a tertiary care endocrine center. Retrospective analysis of clinical and hormonal data of patients with pituitary tumors admitted in the Endocrinology Department of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Kashmir India between January 1989 and December 1998. Over a period of one decade, 75 subjects were diagnosed to have pituitary tumors. Somatotroph adenoma was the most common pituitary mass lesion seen [44/75] and followed in the decreasing order of frequency, by non-functioning pituitary tumor [12/75], prolactinoma [11/75] and corticotroph adenoma [8/75]. Overall there was a male preponderance [male to female ratio was 41:34]. Subjects with somatotroph adenoma presented with classical features of acromegaly: mean fasting and post glucose suppression growth hormone levels were 34.04 +/- 11.67 and 36.47 +/- 6.64 ng/ml. Eleven subjects [9 females and 2 males] had prolactinoma; females presented with the classical symptom complex of amenorrhea-galactorrhea while males presented with headache, visual disturbances and impotence. The 12 subjects with nonfunctioning pituitary tumors presented with features of mass lesion. Of the 8 subjects [6 females and 2 males] with corticotroph adenomas, 2 were confirmed to have periodic hormonogenesis. In an endocrine center, functioning pituitary tumors are more often seen than non-functioning tumors