Enhanced Drug Carriage Efficiency of Curcumin-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles in Combating Diabetic Nephropathy via Mitigation of Renal Apoptosis

Asmita Samadder,Banani Bhattacharjee,Sudatta Dey,Arnob Chakrovorty,Rishita Dey,Priyanka Sow,Debojyoti Tarafdar,Maharaj Biswas,Sisir Nandi,Asmita Samadder 대한약침학회 2024 Journal of pharmacopuncture Vol.27 No.1

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the major complications of chronic hyperglycaemia affecting normal kidney functioning. The ayurvedic medicine curcumin (CUR) is pharmaceutically accepted for its vast biological effects. Objectives: The Curcuma-derived diferuloylmethane compound CUR, loaded on Poly (lactide-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles was utilized to combat DN-induced renal apoptosis by selectively targeting and modulating Bcl2. Methods: Upon in silico molecular docking and screening study CUR was selected as the core phytocompound for nanoparticle formulation. PLGA-nano-encapsulated-curcumin (NCUR) were synthesized following standard solvent displacement method. The NCUR were characterized for shape, size and other physico-chemical properties by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy studies. For in vivo validation of nephro-protective effects, Mus musculus were pre-treated with CUR at a dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. and NCUR at a dose of 25 mg/kg b.w. (dose 1), 12.5 mg/kg b.w (dose 2) followed by alloxan administration (100 mg/kg b.w) and serum glucose levels, histopathology and immunofluorescence study were conducted. Results: The in silico study revealed a strong affinity of CUR towards Bcl2 (dock score –10.94 Kcal/mol). The synthesized NCUR were of even shape, devoid of cracks and holes with mean size of ~80 nm having –7.53 mV zeta potential. Dose 1 efficiently improved serum glucose levels, tissue-specific expression of Bcl2 and reduced glomerular space and glomerular sclerosis in comparison to hyperglycaemic group. Conclusion: This study essentially validates the potential of NCUR to inhibit DN by reducing blood glucose level and mitigating glomerular apoptosis by selectively promoting Bcl2 protein expression in kidney tissue.

Current Applications of Gold Nanoparticles for Medical Imaging and as Treatment Agents for Managing Pancreatic Cancer

Asmita Banstola,Fakhrossadat Emami,정지헌,육심명 한국고분자학회 2018 Macromolecular Research Vol.26 No.11

Pancreatic cancer is an extremely heterogeneous, malignant disease with a complicated tumor microenvironment and a dismal prognosis. Extensive stroma surrounding the cancer and the sequestering of chemotherapeutic agents play dominant roles in tumor growth and metastasis and in suppressing the delivery of cytotoxic drugs to tumor cells. Currently, nanoscience is in the forefront of developments aimed at devising novel techniques to treat tumors. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are often used as potential imaging and therapeutic agents for cancers, since they offer: (1) Passive targeting because of better permeation and retention effects, (2) photothermal effects caused by efficient light-to-heat conversion, and (3) the potential to use simple gold-thiol bioconjugation chemistry to conjugate desired molecules for targeted drug delivery. Together, these benefits can increase the therapeutic success of GNPs when used in combination with conventional treatment strategies, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. In this review, we discuss current trends in GNP research in the field of pancreatic cancer theranostics.

Ameliorative Effects of Syzygium jambolanum Extract and its Poly (lactic-co-glycolic) Acid Nano-encapsulated Form on Arsenic-induced Hyperglycemic Stress: A Multi-parametric Evaluation

Asmita Samadder,Anisur Rahman Khuda-Bukhsh,Sreemanti Das,Jayeeta Das,Avijit Paul 사단법인약침학회 2012 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.5 No.6

In South East Asia, groundwater arsenic contamination has become a great menace. Chronic arsenic intoxication leads to a hyperglycemic condition in animals and man. Because of undesirable side-effects and affordability, orthodox medicine, like insulin, is not preferred by many who like natural products instead. Unfortunately, such natural products mostly lack scientific validation. Therefore, we became interested in assessing the efficacy of the ethanolic seed extract of Syzygium jambolanum (SJ), traditionally used against diabetic conditions. We also formulated poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)-encapsulated nano-SJ (NSJ) and tested whether the ameliorative potentials of SJ could be enhanced by nano-encapsulation. In this study, we conducted both in vitro (in L6 cells) and in vivo (in mice) experiments to assess the relative efficacy of SJ and NSJ. We characterized the physico-chemical features of NSJ by atomic force microscopy and critically analyzed several bio-markers and signal proteins associated with arsenicinduced stress and hyperglycemia. We also determined the relative ameliorative potentials of SJ and NSJ by using standard protocols. NSJ could cross the blood brain barrier in mice. Overall results suggested that NSJ had a greater potential than that of SJ, indicating the possibility of using NSJ in the future drug design and management of arsenicinduced hyperglycemia and stress.

Involvement of a Novel Organic Cation Transporter in Paeonol Transport Across the Blood-Brain Barrier

Asmita Gyawali,Sokhoeurn Krol,강영숙 한국응용약물학회 2019 Biomolecules & Therapeutics(구 응용약물학회지) Vol.27 No.3

Paeonol has neuroprotective function, which could be useful for improving central nervous system disorder. The purpose of this study was to characterize the functional mechanism involved in brain transport of paeonol through blood-brain barrier (BBB). Brain transport of paeonol was characterized by internal carotid artery perfusion (ICAP), carotid artery single injection technique (brain uptake index, BUI) and intravenous (IV) injection technique in vivo. The transport mechanism of paeonol was examined using conditionally immortalized rat brain capillary endothelial cell line (TR-BBB) as an in vitro model of BBB. Brain volume of distribution (VD) of [3H]paeonol in rat brain was about 6-fold higher than that of [14C]sucrose, the vascular space marker of BBB. The uptake of [3H]paeonol was concentration-dependent. Brain volume of distribution of paeonol and BUI as in vivo and inhibition of analog as in vitro studies presented significant reduction effect in the presence of unlabeled lipophilic compounds such as paeonol, imperatorin, diphenhydramine, pyrilamine, tramadol and ALC during the uptake of [3H]paeonol. In addition, the uptake significantly decreased and increased at the acidic and alkaline pH in both extracellular and intracellular study, respectively. In the presence of metabolic inhibitor, the uptake reduced significantly but not affected by sodium free or membrane potential disruption. Similarly, paeonol uptake was not affected on OCTN2 or rPMAT siRNA transfection BBB cells. Interestingly. Paeonol is actively transported from the blood to brain across the BBB by a carrier mediated transporter system.

The Potentized Homeopathic Drug, Lycopodium clavatum (5C and 15C) Has Anti-cancer Effect on HeLa Cells In Vitro.

Asmita Samadder,Anisur Rahman Khuda-Bukhsh,Sreemanti Das,Jayeeta Das,Avijit Paul,Naoual Boujedaini 사단법인약침학회 2013 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.6 No.4

Cancer is a disease that needs a multi-faceted approach from different systems of medicine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether homeopathically-potentized ultra-high dilutions of Lycopodium Clavatum (LC-5C and LC-15C, respectively) have any anti-cancer effects on HeLa cells. Cells were exposed to either LC-5C (diluted below Avogadro's limit, i.e., 10−10) or LC-15C (diluted beyond Avogadro's limit, i.e., 10−30) (drug-treated) or to 30% succussed ethanol (“vehicle” of the drug). The drug-induced modulation in the percent cell viability, the onset of apoptosis, and changes in the expressions of Bax, Bcl2, caspase 3, and Apaf proteins in inter-nucleosomal DNA, in mitochondrial membrane potentials and in the release of cytochrome-c were analyzed by utilizing different experimental protocols. Results revealed that administration of LC-5C and LC-15C had little or no cytotoxic effect in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells, but caused considerable cell death through apoptosis in cancer (HeLa) cells, which was evident from the induction of DNA fragmentation, the increases in the expressions of protein and mRNA of caspase 3 and Bax, and the decreases in the expressions of Bcl2 and Apaf and in the release of cytochrome-c. Thus, the highly-diluted, dynamized homeopathic remedies LC-5C and LC-15C demonstrated their capabilities to induce apoptosis in cancer cells, signifying their possible use as supportive medicines in cancer therapy.

Incompatible Graded Finite Elements for Orthotropic Nonhomogeneous Media

Asmita Rokaya,Gokhan Egilmez,김정호 대한토목학회 2020 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.24 No.12

Orthotropic materials or composites are challenging to model due to different elastic properties in two in-plane directions, which requires sufficient mesh refinement to attain desired accuracy. In this regard, an accurate and efficient incompatible graded element is developed for modeling orthotropic functionally graded materials. Properties of Graded finite elements such as Young’s moduli (E11, E22), shear modulus (G12) and Poisson’s ratio (v12) vary. A new incompatible graded element is developed using user subroutines in Abaqus and are compared to available exact solutions. In this study, performance (QM6) graded element is compared with lower-order and higher-order compatible elements (Q4 and Q8) as well as linear triangular (T3) and quadratic triangular (T6) elements with aid of several numerical examples. Additionally, orthotropic graded plate with carbon fibers properties as well as a circular disc with orthotropic properties under internal pressure is included. Furthermore, a curved beam with radially graded properties under the bending moment is studied. Additionally, the performance of various graded elements is compared with analytical solutions using Russell error.

Students’ perception of the educational environment in medical college: a study based on DREEM questionnaire

Asmita Ashok Patil,Vijaya Laxman Chaudhari 한국의학교육학회 2016 Korean journal of medical education Vol.28 No.3

Purpose: The educational environment (EE) plays a very important role in effective student learning. The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) is a validated tool to assess the EE. This study aimed to collect baseline information about our medical student’s perception of the EE, and to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses as well as scope for improvements in the current EE. Methods: Medical students and interns were included in this cross-sectional study. The DREEM questionnaire was used to measure students’ perceptions about the EE, which has five domains: students’ perceptions of learning; students’ perceptions of teachers; students’ academic self-perceptions; students’ perceptions of atmosphere; and students’ social self-perceptions. Students were asked to respond using a 5-point Likert-type scale. Data was analyzed using suitable tests and statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The mean global DREEM score was 123/200. All students had more positive than negative academic self-perception (21.24/32), perception of atmosphere (29.21/48), and perception of learning (28.99/48), while their social self-perception (17.48/28) was not too bad and perception of teachers (26.71/44) moved in the right direction. The fifth semester students perceived EE more positively than other semester students. Conclusion: The present study revealed that all students perceived their EE positively. The positive points were that teachers were knowledgeable, that students had good friends, and they were confident about passing their exams. Problem areas observed were authoritarian teachers, overemphasis on factual learning, overly teacher-centered teaching, teachers getting angry, and the need for a support system for stressed students.

ROS-responsive and PD-L1 targeted Thioketal Nanoparticles Triggered Mitochondrial-mediated Apoptotic Cell Death in Melanoma Model

Asmita Banstola,Simmyung Yook 한국고분자학회 2020 한국고분자학회 학술대회 연구논문 초록집 Vol.45 No.2

An Accurate Analysis for Sandwich Steel Beams with Graded Corrugated Core Under Dynamic Impulse

Asmita Rokaya,김정호 한국강구조학회 2018 International Journal of Steel Structures Vol.18 No.5

This paper addresses the dynamic loading characteristics of the shock tube onto sandwich steel beams as an effi cient and accurate alternative to time consuming and complicated fl uid structure interaction using fi nite element modeling. The corrugated sandwich steel beam consists of top and bottom fl at substrates of steel 1018 and corrugated cores of steel 1008. The corrugated core layers are arranged with non-uniform thicknesses thus making sandwich beam graded. This sandwich beam is analogous to a steel beam with web and fl anges. Substrates correspond to fl anges and cores to web. The stress–strain relations of steel 1018 at high strain rates are measured using the split-Hopkinson pressure. Both carbon steels are assumed to follow bilinear strain hardening and strain rate-dependence. The present fi nite element modeling procedure with an improved dynamic impulse loading assumption is validated with a set of shock tube experiments, and it provides excellent correlation based on Russell error estimation with the test results. Four corrugated graded steel core arrangements are taken into account for core design parameters in order to maximize mitigation of blast load eff ects onto the structure. In addition, numerical study of four corrugated steel core placed in a reverse order is done using the validated fi nite element model. The dynamic behavior of the reversed steel core arrangement is compared with the normal core arrangement for defl ections, contact force between support and specimen and plastic energy absorption.

Women’s experience of post-natal care: A study from Uttarakhand, India

Verma Asmita,Paul Sourabh B. 이화여자대학교 아시아여성학센터 2022 Asian Journal of Women's Studies(AJWS) Vol.28 No.1

Although significant strides have been made in improving maternal and child health outcomes following the millennium development goals, India's progress has been slow, as reflected by its relatively high maternal and child mortality rates. This calls for investigation into the quality of care (QOC) offered to women during pregnancy and childbirth. This study uses primary data to evaluate women's experience of the postnatal care they receive in order to understand maternal perceptions about QOC in Uttarakhand, India. Specifically, we try to measure women's satisfaction with postnatal care and construct a maternal satisfaction index. We also attempt to understand the demographic, socio-economic and obstetric factors that affect them. Results show that a sufficient number of postnatal checks for both the mother and baby were done, while they felt the length of stay in health facilities had been adequate and they had adequate privacy during these processes. These emerged as the most important components of maternal satisfaction. Factors such as women's working status, place of residence, number of children born, pregnancy and delivery related complications, and planned place of delivery were important for their satisfaction. This study may have policy implications to help bridge the supply-demand gaps in the QOC framework.