An implantable ionic therapeutic platform for photodynamic therapy with wireless capacitive power transfer.

In this work, we describe the development of an implantable ionic device that can deliver a spatially targeted light source to tumor tissues in a controllable manner. The motivation behind our approach is to overcome certain limitations of conventional approaches where light is delivered from the outside of the body and only achieves low penetration depths. Also, to avoid the issues that come from the periodic need to replace the device's battery, we utilize a wireless power transfer system synchronized with light operation in an implantable structure. In our testing of this implanted, soft ionic, gel-based device that receives power wirelessly, we were able to clearly observe its capability to effectively deliver light in a harmonious and stable configuration to adjacent tissues. This approach reduces the mechanical inconsistencies seen in conventional systems that are induced by mismatches between the mechanical strength of conventional metallic components and that of biological tissues. The light delivering performance of our device was studied in depth under the various conditions set by adjusting the area of the gel receivers, the ion concentration and the ion types used in the gel components. The enhanced antitumor effects of our device were observed through in vitro cell tests, in comparison with treatments using the conventional approach of using direct light from outside the body. Full encapsulation using biocompatible elastomers enables our device to provide good functional stability, while implantation for about 3 weeks in the in vivo model showed the effective targeted photodynamic treatments made possible by our approach. Our advanced approach of designing the implantable platform based on ionic gel components allows us to iteratively irradiate a target with light whenever required, making the technology particularly suited to long-term treatment of residual tumors while facilitating further practical and clinical development.

Plasma apelin levels in overweight/obese adults following a single bout of exhaustive exercise: A preliminary cross-sectional study / Niveles plasmáticos de apelina en adultos con sobrepeso/obesidad tras una sola sesión de ejercicio exhaustivo: estudio transversal preliminar

Introduction: Physical activity is beneficial for preventing metabolic diseases. Here, the circulatory level of apelin, one of the myokines, was assessed in patients with obesity to examine the effects of body composition, metabolic parameters, and physical fitness on apelin secretion following an exercise program. Methods: A total 60 subjects [34 women (21 lean and 13 overweight/obese) and 26 men (8 lean and 18 overweight/obese)], age 30-59 years, with body mass index (BMI) of 18-30kg/m2 were recruited based on the guidelines for Korean obesity therapy in a clinical trial. Body composition, biochemical parameters, and physical fitness test were conducted. A single bout of exhaustive exercise was performed following Bruce protocol. Relationships among exercise-induced apelin, metabolic factors, and physical capacity were then analyzed. Independent/paired t-test between groups/time points and Pearson correlations were performed. Results: There were significant positive correlations in post-exercise apelin and lean mass (P=0.006), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; P=0.004), HOMA insulin secretion (HOMA-%B; P=0.005), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; P=0.002), grip strength (P=0.004), and isokinetic knee flexion and extension tests in 60° and 240°/s (all variables, P<0.05), but these parameters were not correlated with pre-exercise apelin. Exercise was more effective in increasing apelin level in men compared to women. Conclusion: Acute exercise increased circulating apelin, which was more effective in obese compared to healthy men, while no effect in women regardless of obesity status. Thus, apelin secretion after a single exercise is dependent on gender and metabolic status of subjects

Introducción: La actividad física es beneficiosa para prevenir las enfermedades metabólicas. Se evaluaron los niveles circulantes de apelina, una mioquina, en pacientes obesos para investigar los efectos de la composición corporal, los parámetros metabólicos y el estado físico en la secreción de apelina después de un programa de ejercicio. Métodos: Sesenta sujetos [34 mujeres (21 delgadas y 13 con sobrepeso/obesidad) y 26 varones (8 delgados y 18 con sobrepeso/obesidad)], de 30-59 años, con un índice de masa corporal (IMC) de 18-30kg/m2 fueron incluidos en un ensayo clínico basado en las directrices coreanas para el tratamiento de la obesidad. Se evaluaron la composición corporal, los parámetros bioquímicos y el estado físico. Se realizó una sola sesión de ejercicio exhaustivo siguiendo el protocolo de Bruce. A continuación se analizaron las relaciones entre la apelina inducida por el ejercicio, los factores metabólicos y el estado físico. Se realizaron pruebas de la t independientes/por parejas entre grupos/puntos temporales y correlaciones de Pearson. Resultados: Se observaron correlaciones positivas y significativas entre los niveles de apelina después del ejercicio y la masa magra (P=0,006), modelo homeostático de resistencia a la insulina (HOMA-IR; P=0,004), la secreción de insulina según el HOMA (HOMA-%B; P=0,005), el nivel de lactato deshidrogenasa (LDH; P=0,002), la fuerza de prensión (P=0,004) y las pruebas isocinéticas de flexión y extensión de la rodilla en 60° y 240°/s (todas las variables, P<0,05), pero estos parámetros no se correlacionaron con la apelina previa al ejercicio. El ejercicio fue más eficaz para aumentar los niveles de apelina en los varones que en las mujeres. Conclusión: El ejercicio agudo incrementó los niveles de apelina circulante y fue más eficaz en los varones obesos que en los sanos, mientras que no se observó ningún efecto en las mujeres, independientemente del estado de obesidad. Por tanto, la secreción de apelina tras una única sesión de ejercicio depende del sexo y del estado metabólico de los sujetos

Plasma apelin levels in overweight/obese adults following a single bout of exhaustive exercise: A preliminary cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity is beneficial for preventing metabolic diseases. Here, the circulatory level of apelin, one of the myokines, was assessed in patients with obesity to examine the effects of body composition, metabolic parameters, and physical fitness on apelin secretion following an exercise program. METHODS: A total 60 subjects [34 women (21 lean and 13 overweight/obese) and 26 men (8 lean and 18 overweight/obese)], age 30-59 years, with body mass index (BMI) of 18-30kg/m2 were recruited based on the guidelines for Korean obesity therapy in a clinical trial. Body composition, biochemical parameters, and physical fitness test were conducted. A single bout of exhaustive exercise was performed following Bruce protocol. Relationships among exercise-induced apelin, metabolic factors, and physical capacity were then analyzed. Independent/paired t-test between groups/time points and Pearson correlations were performed. RESULTS: There were significant positive correlations in post-exercise apelin and lean mass (P=0.006), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; P=0.004), HOMA insulin secretion (HOMA-%B; P=0.005), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; P=0.002), grip strength (P=0.004), and isokinetic knee flexion and extension tests in 60° and 240°/s (all variables, P<0.05), but these parameters were not correlated with pre-exercise apelin. Exercise was more effective in increasing apelin level in men compared to women. CONCLUSION: Acute exercise increased circulating apelin, which was more effective in obese compared to healthy men, while no effect in women regardless of obesity status. Thus, apelin secretion after a single exercise is dependent on gender and metabolic status of subjects.