Fabrication and in vitro Evaluation of 4-HIA Encapsulated PLGA Nanoparticles on PC12 Cells.

PURPOSE: 4-Hydroxyisophthalic acid (4-HIA) is a bioactive compound present in the roots of Decalepis hamiltonii, which has attracted considerable attention in attenuating oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative diseases. However, its efficacy is limited because of its low solubility and bioavailability. Therefore, the present study aimed to encapsulate 4-HIA using biocompatible copolymer polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) and evaluate its antioxidant and neuroprotective potential. METHODS: The nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated by solid/oil/water (s/o/w) emulsion technique and characterized using XRD, SEM, HR-TEM, and FTIR spectroscopy. Antioxidant assays such as 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide, and hydroxyl radical scavenging ability were performed to assess the antioxidant potential of the fabricated NPs. RESULTS: The bioactive component, 4-HIA, was efficiently encapsulated by the PLGA polymer and was found to be spherical and smooth with a size <10nm. 4-HIA showed better scavenging capability in DPPH and superoxide assays as compared to 4-HIA encapsulated PLGA and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). In contrast, 4-HIA encapsulated PLGA NPs exhibited a significant hydroxyl radical scavenging activity than 4-HIA and BHT alone. Further, the encapsulated NPs efficiently curtailed hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that 4-HIA encapsulated PLGA NPs might be a therapeutic intervention towards the effective management of oxidative stress as it has exhibited efficient neuroprotective potential against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in PC12 cells.

Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma-An Updated Review.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands third among cancer-related deaths globally. Owing to its high incidence and linked mortality, early diagnosis is alarming for patient survival and the management of patients with developing HCC requires immediate attention. Advances in the knowledge of cancer biology and recognizing unique molecular candidates, including genomic and proteomic profiles, substantiate our understanding about several biological signatures connected with HCC. Precise identification and differential diagnosis of early HCC can remarkably improve patient survival. Currently, detection of HCC in clinical practice is performed by diagnostic imaging and noninvasive methods such as evaluation of serum biomarkers, growth factors, and the like. In this review, we discuss recent developments in targeting biomarkers for HCC.