IGF-1 TMJ injections enhance mandibular growth and bone quality in juvenile rats.

OBJECTIVES: Dentofacial orthopaedic treatment of mandibular hypoplasia has unpredictable skeletal outcomes. Although several biomodulators including insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are known to contribute to chondrocyte proliferation, their efficacy in modulating mandibular growth has not been validated. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of locally delivered IGF-1 on mandibular growth and condylar bone quality/quantity in juvenile rats. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: Institutional vivarium using twenty-four 35-day-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. METHODS: PBS or 40 µg/kg (low-dose) IGF-1 or 80 µg/kg (high-dose) IGF-1 was injected bilaterally into the temporomandibular joints of the rats at weekly intervals for four weeks. Cephalometric and micro-computed tomography measurements were used to determine mandibular dimensions. Bone and tissue mineral density, volume fraction and mineral content were determined, and serum IGF-1 concentrations assayed. RESULTS: Intra-articular administration of high-dose IGF-1 contributed to a significant 6%-12% increase in mandibular body and condylar length compared to control and low-dose IGF-1-treated animals. Additionally, IGF-1 treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the angulation of the lower incisors to mandibular plane. Condylar bone volume, bone volume fraction, mineral content and mineral density were significantly increased with high-dose IGF-1 relative to control and low-dose IGF-1 groups. Serum IGF-1 levels were similar between all groups confirming limited systemic exposure to the locally administered IGF-1. CONCLUSION: Local administration of high-dose 80 µg/kg IGF-1 enhances mandibular growth and condylar bone quality and quantity in growing rats. The findings have implications for modulating mandibular growth and potentially enhancing condylar bone health and integrity.

Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome and metabolic syndrome among young adults in an annual health check-up setting.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Some studies have found a positive association between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and metabolic syndrome; however, none are from India. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1040 adults aged between 18 and 50 years. Individuals from the annual health check-up setting were screened using anthropometry and biochemistry. Based on the results, they were identified as with and without metabolic syndrome. We excluded individuals who were already diagnosed with metabolic syndrome or those who were already on medication for diabetes mellitus or hypertension or dyslipidemia. All the participants were administered the Rome III questionnaire for the diagnosis of IBS. RESULTS: Metabolic syndrome was found in 307 of 1040 (29.5%) while 33 of 1040 (3.2%) had IBS. The proportion of IBS was not significantly different between participants with and without metabolic syndrome (1.6% vs 3.8% respectively; P = 0.06). Those with IBS had significantly greater mean weight (72.4 vs 67.2 kg; P = 0.009), mean waist circumference (88.8 vs 85.2 cm; P = 0.011), mean body mass index (BMI) (26.2 vs 24.2 kg/m2; P = 0.002), and higher mean fasting glucose (96 vs 89 mg/dL; P < 0.000) respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and IBS are comparable to previous literature from India. There was no association between metabolic syndrome and IBS.

Solid lipid nanoparticles of ondansetron HCl for intranasal delivery: development, optimization and evaluation.

The present investigation deals with the development and statistical optimization of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of ondansetron HCl (OND) for intranasal (i.n.) delivery. SLNs were prepared using the solvent diffusion technique and a 2(3) factorial design. The concentrations of lipid, surfactant and cosurfactant were independent variables in this design, whereas, particle size and entrapment efficiency (EE) were dependent variables. The particle size of the SLNs was found to be 320-498 nm, and the EE was between 32.89 and 56.56 %. The influence of the lipid, surfactant and cosurfactant on the particle size and EE was studied. A histological study revealed no adverse response of SLNs on sheep nasal mucosa. Transmission electron microscopic analysis showed spherical shape particles. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction studies indicated that the drug was completely encapsulated in a lipid matrix. In vitro drug release studies carried out in phosphate buffer (pH 6.6) indicated that the drug transport was of Fickian type. Gamma scintigraphic imaging in rabbits after i.n. administration showed rapid localization of the drug in the brain. Hence, OND SLNs is a promising nasal delivery system for rapid and direct nose-to-brain delivery.

Design and development of nasal mucoadhesive microspheres containing tramadol HCl for CNS targeting.

In the present study, tramadol HCl microspheres were designed in order to accomplish rapid delivery of drug to the brain. For this purpose, lower viscosity grade HPMC (E15) was chosen as mucoadhesive polymer and used at different drug/polymer ratios in the microspheres formulations. The spray-dried microspheres were evaluated with respect to the production yield, incorporation efficiency, particle size, mucoadhesive property, in vitro drug release, histopathological study, and radio imaging study in rabbits. DSC and XRD study showed molecular dispersion and conversion of the drug into amorphous form. Size and surface morphology of microspheres was analyzed by SEM and found to be spherical in shape with smooth surface. It was found that the particle size, swelling ability, and incorporation efficiency of microspheres increase with increasing drug-to-polymer ratio. Microspheres show adequate mucoadhesion and do not have any destructive effect on nasal mucosa. In vitro drug release of optimized formulation was found to be 94% after 90 min. The radio imaging study indicated localization of drug in the brain. Hence, tramadol HCl microspheres based on a HPMC E15 may be a promising nasal delivery system for CNS targeting.