Investigating wound healing potential of sesamol loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: Ex-vivo, in vitro and in-vivo proof of concept.

Sesamol, a lignan, obtained from sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum Linn., Pedaliaciae) has a promising antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory profile. When applied topically, free sesamol rapidly crosses skin layers and gets absorbed in systemic circulation. Its encapsulation into solid lipid nanoparticles not only improved its localised delivery to skin but also resulted in better skin retention, as found in ex-vivo skin retention studies. Free and encapsulated sesamol was compared for antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against some common skin pathogens and it was found that encapsulation improved the antimicrobial profile by 200%. In vivo evaluation in diabetic open excision wound model suggested that encapsulation of sesamol in SLNs substantially enhanced its wound healing potential when investigated for biophysical, biochemical and histological parameters. It was envisaged that this was achieved via inhibiting bacterial growth and clearing the bacterial biofilm at the wound site, and by regulating oxidative stress in skin tissue.

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic Studies on Modulation of N-Nitrosodiethylamine-Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis by Azadirachta indica.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was employed in the present study to obtain information about the molecular composition of hepatic tumor versus hepatic tissue. A hepatic cancer model was developed by administering N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) to male Balb/c mice. The results revealed that NDEA-induced hepatic cancer tumor tissue had altered molecular composition compared with normal liver tissue. Compared with the normal tissue, the saturation level of membrane phospholipids was observed to be decreased in tumors along with an abnormal distribution of protein secondary structures. A significant decrease in glycogen and a significant increase in total nucleic acid content were also observed in tumor cells. The administration of aqueous Azadirachta indica leaf extract (AAILE) prior to NDEA treatment resulted in the normalization of saturation levels in phospholipids and total nucleic acid content and in the distribution of protein secondary structures in tumors. A significant increase in the amount of stored glycogen was observed in AAILE cotreated tumors compared with NDEA-induced tumors, which might indicate that AAILE cotreatment impeded the ability of tumor cells to consume glucose at a faster rate. The normalization of molecular composition upon AAILE cotreatment in hepatic tumors might indicate that AAILE hampered the process of evolution of tumors, which could be responsible for its observed chemopreventive action.

Small RNAs: the qualified candidates for gene manipulation in diverse clinical pathologies.

In recent years, RNA interference (RNAi) has become a tool of choice to analyze and target the in vitro and in vivo function of mammalian genes. RNAi down-regulates gene expression by inducing enzyme-dependent degradation of targeted mRNA. This can be achieved using small double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), including small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), micro RNAs, and piwi RNAs. These active, small dsRNAs can regulate endogenous genes in both somatic and germ cells such that they can defend the genome from invasive nucleic acids. Extension of the concept of RNAi to preclinical studies indicates its probable application in the treatment of cancers, viral infections, arterial stenosis, and genetic disorders. Exciting results from ongoing clinical trials have raised the expectations of the scientific community for the use of RNAi in "real cures". Rational pharmaceutical design of these molecules can further open a Pandora's box of newer therapeutic options. However, efficient delivery of these small dsRNAs to target tissues or cells and their unanticipated nonspecific effects comprise a few important issues that still need to be addressed. In this review, we offer an overview of different small dsRNAs, their biogenesis, and their applicability in therapeutics. Current delivery strategies and formulation techniques to achieve the desired transfection capability and RNAi products in clinical trials are also discussed.

Factors affecting haemolysin production and congo red binding in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium DT 98.

Differences in haemolysin expression were observed in a strain of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium definitive phage type (DT) 98 cultured under various conditions. Haemolysin expression was optimal in cultures grown micro-aerobically. The zones of haemolysis were wider after longer periods of incubation. Haemolysin production varied after growth in the following media (greatest to least): brain heart infusion (BHI) broth > nutrient broth (NB)>trypticase soy broth (TSB)> M-9 glucose medium. Haemolysin production correlated directly with Congo red binding in nutrient broth. On Congo red blood agar, colonies were smaller, with dark centres and wider zones of haemolysis. Culture-cell-free haemolysin activity was higher, but cell-bound haemolysin activity was very low in growth medium supplemented with Congo red. Boiled tea extract at 25% v/v (of 25% w/v tea infusion) in PBS and nutrient broth was bactericidal to S. Typhimurium DT 98. The addition of boiled tea extract to growth medium inhibited haemolysin production by S. Typhimurium DT 98 at higher concentrations (6-12.5% v/v) but stimulated haemolysin production at lower concentrations (1.5-3% v/v). The pre-treatment of bacterial cell suspensions with lower concentrations of tea extract (1.5-3% v/v) also altered the Congo red binding, which showed an inverse correlation in nutrient broth.