Search

Background: Resveratrol (RES) is an essential polyphenolic compound found in various foods, including vegetables, fruits, and chocolate. Its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory potential have attracted significant interest in the management of pathogenesis, including the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Objectives: This study was designed to measure RES hepatoprotective potential against Diethylnitrosamine (DEN)- induced liver injury. Methods: The hepatoprotective potential of RES (20 mg/kg b.w) was evaluated by measuring the liver function enzymes, oxidative stress, and inflammation against DEN (200 mg/kg i.p)-induced liver injury. The liver tissue architecture and fibrosis were determined using hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome, and Sirius Red staining. Moreover, the expression pattern of Cyclooxygense-2 (Cox-2) protein was evaluated by immunohistochemistry staining. Results: Seven weeks of RES treatment after exposure to toxic DEN led to a significant reduction in liver function enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP) and lipid peroxidation compared to rats treated by DEN only. Further, results showed that RES treatment reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, CRP, IL-1β, and IL-6) and increased the antioxidant enzyme (Catalase, SOD, GST, and GPx) levels compared to rats treated by DEN only. The DEN-induced group of rats showed various liver tissue alterations, increased fibrosis, and high Cox-2 protein expression. However, the group treated with RES showed hepatoprotective potential with reduced liver tissue alterations and fibrosis. Moreover, RES treatment decreased the Cox-2 protein expression compared to rats treated by DEN only, suggesting its anti-inflammatory potential. Conclusion: This study revealed that RES treatment reduced DEN-induced hepatic injury and liver cancer by protecting liver cells by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver function enzymes. Therefore, the results indicate that RES could be a possible therapeutic approach for liver diseases, including drug and alcohol-related problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the synthesis and characterization of superabsorbent hydrogels derived from chemically modified gum Arabic, designed for controlled folic acid release. The synthesis involves a two‐step process: carboxymethylation followed by grafting with 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate via gamma irradiation. The resulting hydrogels exhibit enhanced mechanical strength and controlled diffusivity, essential for nutrient delivery systems. Key factors such as copolymer composition and irradiation dose are investigated, affecting the synthesis process. Systematic studies of swelling behaviors reveal that the hydrogel achieves a maximum swelling of 888.1% at 40 °C. The hydrogels are loaded with folic acid, and in vitro, sustained release profiles are examined under various pH conditions. The maximum release of 83.3% is observed after 24 h at pH 7.0, following a Korsmeyer–Peppas release mechanism. Different characterization techniques, confirm the successful synthesis and unique properties of the superabsorbent hydrogels. Rheological behavior analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and biocompatibility assessments provide a comprehensive understanding of the hydrogel structures. Gamma irradiation ensures a homogeneous network structure, crucial for optimal swelling behavior and mechanical properties. This research highlights the potential of eco‐friendly biopolymer hydrogels in precise drug delivery applications, leveraging the safety and process control benefits of gamma irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) heritability is determined by the composite relations between inherited variants and environmental factors. In developing countries like India, the incidence rates of CRC are especially increasing. In this study, we have focused on the distribution of the FOXO3 gene polymorphisms among the patients with CRC in North India. Methods: A case-control study was conducted on 487 CRC patients and 487 age-matched controls. We genotyped single-nucleotide polymorphisms rs2253310 and rs4946936 through polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and PCR-single-stranded conformation polymorphism procedure followed by sequence detection. Results: A significantly increased risk of CRC was observed for the CC genotype of the rs4946936 polymorphism compared to the TT genotype (p = 0.02; odd ratio [OR] = 1.40, confidence interval [CI] = 1.05–1.87). GT haplotype appeared to be a "risk" haplotype (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 0.82–2.19), while as other haplotypes CC (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.32–1.54), CT (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.25–1.01), and GC (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.88–1.14) were found to be "protective" for developing CRC. Conclusion: This study suggests an association of increased risk of CRC with the rs4946936 polymorphism but not with the rs2253310 polymorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer, as a multifactorial disease, damages healthy cells and organs. The major drawback of anticancer drugs is that they have a severe impact on healthy cells due to their toxic effects. Encapsulation of anticancer drugs into a nanosized formulation enhances the drug delivery system. Thus, nanoformulation (NF) increases the absorption rate and speeds up the circulation time of conventional water-insoluble drugs. Chlorambucil is a well-studied anticancer drug that controls chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and malignant lymphomas. Chlorambucil, a nitrogen mustard alkylating agent, shows hepatotoxicity, secondary malignancies, etc., in normal cells and tissues. In this study, NFs of chlorambucil were prepared through an ultrasonication technique by varying the surfactant concentration. The characterization studies optimized the size, surface charge, heterogeneity, entrapment efficiency, drug loading capacity, in vitro drug release profile, stability, and interaction of the drug and excipient by using dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods. Moreover, MTT assay, cell cycling, and dye staining methods were performed to study the cytotoxicity and apoptotic potential of the NF of chlorambucil in HCT-116 cell lines. The cellular uptake study elucidated the internalization of NF by cancer cells. Microtubule affinity regulating kinase-4 (MARK-4) as a cancer-targeted protein was purified to study the complex formation, conformational changes, dynamics, and stability of proteins upon binding of CH by using multi-spectroscopic and in silico methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Cell phones are carried by 79% of people between 18 and 44 years of age for nearly the entire day. Smartphone users spend an average of three hours/per day on their devices, whereas heavy smartphone users spend 8-10 hours/per day on their devices. Text neck is a dangerous disorder that can accelerate the degeneration of the spine. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of neck stabilization training vs. Contrology or Pilates training in individuals with Text Neck Syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Participants (n=75) with a history of recurrent neck pain in the previous four months, having moderate pain (at least 4/10 on the numeric pain rating scale, NPRS), and constantly using mobile phones (>4 hours/day) were randomly allocated to one of three groups: a control group (neck isometric training) and two intervention groups (neck stabilization training and Contrology). They were assessed for craniovertebral angle (CVA), NPRS, and neck disability index (NDI) at baseline and at 4 weeks post-intervention. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the CVA, NPRS, and NDI among individuals with Text Neck Syndrome following intervention as compared to the control. Both the neck stabilization and Contrology training increased CVA and reduced neck pain and neck disability in individuals with Text Neck Syndrome. The two intervention groups showed similar effects in all the clinical outcome measures, suggesting almost equivalent effectiveness in the individuals with Text Neck Syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Neck stabilization seems to work better than Contrology training when it comes to increasing the craniovertebral angle, reducing pain intensity, and making it easier for individuals with Text Neck Syndrome to move their necks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]