Development of polyvinylpyrrolidone/paclitaxel self-assemblies for breast cancer

The goal of this investigation was to develop and demonstrate a polymer/paclitaxel self-assembly (PTX-SA) formulation. Polymer/PTX-SAs were screened based on smaller size of formulation using dynamic light scattering analysis. Additionally, fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry studies exhibited that polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-based PTX-SAs (PVP/PTX-SAs) had superior cellular internalization capability in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The optimized PVP/PTX-SAs exhibited less toxicity to human red blood cells indicating a suitable formulation for reducing systemic toxicity. The formation of PVP and PTX self-assemblies was confirmed using fluorescence quenching and transmission electron microscopy which indicated that the PVP/PTX-SAs were spherical in shape with an average size range of 53.81 nm as detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FTIR spectral analysis demonstrates incorporation of polymer and paclitaxel functional groups in PVP/PTX-SAs. Both proliferation (MTS) and clonogenic (colony formation) assays were used to validate superior anticancer activity of PVP/PTX-SAs in breast cancer cells over paclitaxel. Such superior anticancer activity was also demonstrated by downregulation of the expression of pro-survival protein (Bcl-xL), upregulation of apoptosis-associated proteins (Bid, Bax, cleaved caspase 7, and cleaved PARP) and -tubulin stabilization. These results support the hypothesis that PVP/PTX-SAs improved paclitaxel delivery to cancer cells.

Role of high resolution computed tomographic scan in diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases in local population

The objective of this study was to find the role of High Resolution Computed Topographic [HRCT] scan of the chest in the diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Diseases [ILD] in our local population. A prospective study of fifty patients already diagnosed as ILD on transbronchial or open lung biopsy was performed in the Medical B Unit of the Department of Medicine Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar from January, 2008 to December, 2008. Both male and female admitted patients above 15 years of age were included in this study. Of the fifty patients meeting the inclusive criteria 18 were male and 32 were female. The commonest affected age was 40-60 years. The commonest symptoms were shortness of breath and cough respectively. Inspiratory crepts and wheezes were the most common physical findings followed by clubbing, raised jugular venous pressure and edema feet. HRCT Scan revealed ILD in 88% with sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 75% having 95% positive predictive value and 75% negative predictive value. HRCT Scan of chest is the most sensitive non invasive test in the diagnosis of ILD compared to chest X ray, pulomary faction tests and can abate the need of lung biopsy in many cases

Frequency of thyrotoxicosis in fifty patients previously treated for anxiety neurosis

To determine the frequency of thyrotoxicosis in 50 consecutive patients presenting with anxiety as chief complaint, who have been previously treated with anxiolytics and anti-depressants. This prospective analytical study was conducted in the medical OPD of Hayatabad Medical complex Peshawar from Jan 2004 to June 2004. Patients with symptoms of palpitations, sweating, tremors, anorexia and weight loss and those experiencing periods of intense fear and who were previously treated with anxiolytics were included in the study. All those patients who had diagnosed thyroid disease, were being treated for thyroid disease or had undergone thyroid surgery or radioablation of thyroid gland were excluded. In addition patients who had anxiety with concomitant medical disease, as tuberculosis, hepatitis, diabetes or hypertension etc and those on anti-arrythmic drug amiodarone and interferon therapy for hepatitis were also excluded from the study. After a detailed history and clinical examination, thyroid function tests, E.C.G was performed in all patients. Out of fifty patients, 35 [70%] patients were females and 15 [30%] were males. Age range was 20-45 years, with a mean of 32.5 +/- 4.3 years. Eleven patients [22%] were found to have thyrotoxicosis, the rest 39 [78%] were euthyroid and were labelled as primary anxiety disorder. Thyrotoxicosis is a common cause of anxiety neurosis in patients treated with anxiolytics. should be excluded before a diagnosis of anxiety disorder is made