Modulation of angiogenesis by topical application of leptin and high and low molecular heparin using the Japanese quail chorioallantoic membrane model.

Pathological angiogenesis characterized by uncontrollable vessel growth is an accompanying feature of many diseases. The avian embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) is an excellent model for angiogenesis research. In our study we used a less common Japanese quail CAM model for the testing of angiogenic potential of leptin, high-molecular (heparin sodium) andlow-molecular (nadroparin calcium) heparins. Heparins play a significant role in vascular endothelial cell function, and they are able to modulate the activities of angiogenic growth factors. On embryonic day 7 leptin (5 µg per CAM), heparin sodium (75 IU per CAM) and nadroparin calcium (47.5 IU per CAM) in 500 µl PBS were applied on the CAM surface. After 24 h the fractal dimension (Df) of the vasculature was evaluated. Samples from each group were histologically analyzed and VEGF-A and Quek1 expression were detected by qPCR. Df was significantly increased in the leptin group. A moderate stimulatory effect of heparin sodium and an inhibitory effect of nadroparin calcium were observed. Both leptin and heparin sodium caused a noticeable increase in the CAM thickness compared to the control and nadroparin calcium groups. We observed an increased number of blood vessels and accumulation of fibroblasts. There was no significant impact on gene expression of VEGF-A and Quek1 24 h after treatment, however, trends similar to the changes in Df and CAM thickness were present. The resulting effect of nadroparin administration on Quek1 levels was exactly the opposite to that of leptin (p < 0.05).

[Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence as an alternative method to pharmacopeial tests for heavy metals]. / Röntgenofluorescencná spektrometria ako alternatívna metóda liekopisných skúsiek na tazké kovy.

Pharmacopeial tests for heavy metals require comparisons between test solution's colour after addition of thioacetamide and a control solution containing a known quantity of Pb. As this test neither informs about the type of heavy metals, nor about the concentrations of each of them, there is a reason for more frequent employment of instrumental methods such as AAS and AES, as well as ICP, NAA, and X-ray fluorescence. These methods provide us with quick and exact elemental analyses of impurities, thus becoming more and more important in the quality control of drugs and medicinal plants.

[Antilipoxygenase activity and the trace elements content of Aloe vera in relation to the therapeutical effect]. / Antilipoxygenázová aktivita a obsah stopových prvkov Aloe vera vo vzt'ahu k terapeutickému úcinku.

Aloe vera is a rich source of many natural-health-promoting substances. The results of contemporary research on animal models indicate that the extracts have an antiinflammatory property. In this work the results of some in vitro experiments are shown: determination of the inhibitory effect of the Aloe vera extracts on the activity of partially purified lipoxygenase from the rat lung cytosol fraction, and quantitative determination of the trace elements presented in the extract (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn) carried out by using the x-ray fluorescence analysis. The findings could explain the inhibitory effect (antilipoxygenase activity) of the Aloe vera extract in the acute inflammation process, expecially in the topical application for healing of minor burns and skin ulcers.

[Use of radionuclide x-ray fluorescence analysis in pharmacy practice--determination of levels of elements in pharmaceutic aids]. / Vyuzitie rádionuklidovej röntgenofluorescencnej analýzy vo farmácií--stanovenie obsahu prvkov vo farmaceutických pomocných látkach.

X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) has been employed for the identification and determination of elements with Z > 18. In pharmacy, it can be used to determine the content of elements in drugs and pharmaceutical auxiliary substances. The method makes it possible to distinguish heavy metals in the tests of purity of drugs. It can also be used to verify the origin of the raw material or drug on the basis of its elemental composition. The present paper is concerned with the preparation of samples of pharmaceutical auxiliary substances for the determination of the content of the elements Fe, Cu, Zn, and Pb by the XRF method with the use of a radionuclide source of 238Pu. For the determination of the content of elements, three kinds of standards were prepared aiming to remove the effect of absorption properties of the sample. The results with statistical evaluations of precision of measurement are tabulated. The study carried out an analysis of 7 samples of fillers, 3 samples of gelatine, 2 samples of SILOXID, and 1 sample of AEROSIL.