Potentiating antimicrobial efficacy of propolis through niosomal-based system for administration

Jay Patel,Sameer Ketkar,Sharvil Patil,James Fearnley,Kakasaheb Mahadik,Anant Paradkar 한국한의학연구원 2015 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.4 No.2

Background: Propolis is a multicomponent active, complex resinous substance collected by honeybees (Apis mellifera) from a variety of plant sources. This study was designed to improve the antimicrobial efficacy of propolis by engineering a niosomal-based system for topical application. Methods: Propolis was extracted in ethanol and screened for total polyphenol content. Propolis-loaded niosomes (PLNs) were prepared with varying concentrations of Span 60 and cholesterol. The PLNs were evaluated for physicochemical parameters, namely, vesicle size, entrapment efficiency, zeta potential, surface topography and shape, and stability, followed by screening for in vitro antimicrobial activity. The PLNs were formulated into propolis niosomal gel (PNG) using Carbopol P934 base and subjected to ex vivo skin deposition study. Results: The ethanolic extract of propolis had high polyphenolic content (270 ± 9.2 mg GAE/g). The prepared PLNs showed vesicle size between 294 nm and 427 nm, and the percent entrapment in the range of 50.62–71.29% with a significant enhancement in antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Enhanced antimicrobial activity of PLNs was attributed to the ability of niosomes to directly interact with the bacterial cell envelop thereby facilitating the diffusion of propolis constituents across the cell wall. The formulated PNG exhibited a twofold better skin deposition due to improved retention of niosomes in the skin. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the engineering of a niosomal-based system for propolis enhanced its antimicrobial potential through topical application.

Shelterin Proteins and Cancer

Patel, Trupti NV,Vasan, Richa,Gupta, Divanshu,Patel, Jay,Trivedi, Manjari Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.8

The telomeric end structures of the DNA are known to contain tandem repeats of TTAGGG sequence bound with specialised protein complex called the "shelterin complex". It comprises six proteins, namely TRF1, TRF2, TIN2, POT1, TPP1 and RAP1. All of these assemble together to form a complex with double strand and single strand DNA repeats at the telomere. Such an association contributes to telomere stability and its protection from undesirable DNA damage control-specific responses. However, any alteration in the structure and function of any of these proteins may lead to undesirable DNA damage responses and thus cellular senescence and death. In our review, we throw light on how mutations in the proteins belonging to the shelterin complex may lead to various malfunctions and ultimately have a role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression.

Reducing Dislocations of Antibiotic Hip Spacers via Hybrid Cement-screw Constrained Liner Fixation: A Case Series

Richard A. Pizzo,Jay N. Patel,Anthony Viola,David M. Keller,Richard S. Yoon,Frank A. Liporace 대한고관절학회 2020 Hip and Pelvis Vol.32 No.4

Purpose: Infection following total hip arthroplasty is a challenging and devastating complication. In two-stage revision arthroplasty, antibiotic spacers, although efficacious, can be associated with an unacceptable rate of mechanical complications (e.g., fracture, dislocation). This series describes 15 patients with infected total hip prostheses treated with hybrid cement-screw fixation constrained liner antibiotic spacers to enhance stability and minimize mechanical complications. Materials and Methods: All patients with an infected hip prosthesis undergoing two-stage revision arthroplasty at a single academic medical center were identified and screened for inclusion. Clinical and radiographic data including patient demographics and outcome measures were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Results: Two patients died of unrelated causes at an average of 6-week postoperatively. Infections in the remaining thirteen patients (100%) were successfully eradicated; all underwent uncomplicated revision arthroplasty at a mean duration of 99.5 days after the placement of the antibiotic spacer. No dislocations, fractures, or other mechanical failures of any spacer were observed in this series. Conclusion: The hybrid cement-screw fixation technique for constrained liner antibiotic spacers is a reliable and effective treatment method for eradicating prosthetic joint infections without mechanical complications.

The Impact of Genistein Supplementation on Tendon Functional Properties and Gene Expression in Estrogen-Deficient Rats

Chad C. Carroll,Shivam H. Patel,Jessica Simmons,Ben DH. Gordon,Jay F. Olson,Kali Chemelewski,Shannon Saw,Taben M. Hale,Reuben Howden,Arman Sabbaghi 한국식품영양과학회 2020 Journal of medicinal food Vol.23 No.12

Tendinopathy risk increases with menopause. The phytoestrogen genistein prevents collagen loss during estrogen deficiency (ovariectomy [OVX]). The influence of genistein on tendon function and extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation is not well known. We determined the impact of genistein on tendon function and the expression of several genes important for the regulation of tendon ECM. Eight-week-old rats (n = 42) were divided into three groups: intact, OVX, or OVX-genistein (6 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks. Tail fascicles were assessed with a Deben tensile stage. Achilles tendon mRNA expression was determined with digital droplet polymerase chain reaction. Compared to intact, fascicle stress tended to be lower in untreated OVX rats (P = .022). Furthermore, fascicle modulus and energy density were greater in genistein-treated rats (P < .05) compared to intact. Neither OVX nor genistein altered expression of Col1a1, Col3a1, Casp3, Casp8, Mmp1a, Mmp2, or Mmp9 (P > .05). Compared to intact, Tnmd and Esr1 expression were greater and Pcna and Timp1 expression were lower in OVX rats (P < .05). Genistein treatment returned Tnmd, Pcna, and Timp1 to levels of intact-vehicle (P < .05), but did not alter Scx or Esr1 (P > .05). Several β-catenin/Wnt signaling-related molecules were not altered by OVX or genistein (P > .05). Our findings demonstrate that genistein improves tendon function in estrogen-deficient rats. The effect of genistein in vivo was predominately on genes related to cell proliferation rather than collagen remodeling.

Current Aspects of Clonal Hematopoiesis: Implications for Clinical Diagnosis

Kristin Karner,Tracy I. George,Jay L. Patel 대한진단검사의학회 2019 Annals of Laboratory Medicine Vol.39 No.6

The broad dissemination of next-generation sequencing capability has increased recognition of clonal hematopoiesis in various clinical settings. In hematologically normal individuals, somatic mutations may occur at an increasing frequency with age in genes that are also commonly mutated in overt myeloid malignancies such as AML and MDS (e.g., DNMT3A, TET2, and ASXL1). This is referred to as clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) and is a benign state; however, it carries a risk of progression to hematologic malignancy as well as mortality primarily because of increased cardiovascular events. In clinical settings, clonal hematopoiesis may be observed in cytopenic patients who do not otherwise meet the criteria for hematologic malignancy, a condition referred to as clonal cytopenias of undetermined significance (CCUS). Distinguishing CCUS from overt MDS or other myeloid neoplasms can be challenging because of the overlapping mutational landscape observed in these conditions. Genetic features that could be diagnostically helpful in making this distinction include the number and biological function of mutated genes as well as the observed variant allele frequency. A working knowledge of clonal hematopoiesis is essential for the diagnosis and clinical management of patients with hematologic conditions. This review describes the key characteristics of clonal hematopoiesis with particular focus on implications for differential diagnosis in patients with CHIP, idiopathic cytopenia, CCUS, and myeloid malignancy.

The Combination of Antidepressant Duloxetine with Piracetam in Mice does not Produce Enhancement of Nootropic Activity

Pravin Popatrao Kale,Veeranjaneyulu Addepalli,Amrita Sarkar,Sonam Patel,Jay Savai 한국뇌신경과학회 2014 Experimental Neurobiology Vol.23 No.3

There is a strong association between depression and memory impairment. The present study aims to assess the nootropic activity ofduloxetine and piracetam combination. Male Swiss Albino mice were divided randomly into 4 groups. Treatment of normal saline(10 ml/kg), duloxetine (10 mg/kg), piracetam (100 mg/kg), and duloxetine (5 mg/kg) plus piracetam (50 mg/kg) were given throughintra-peritoneal route to group I-IV, respectively. Transfer latency in elevated plus maze (EPM) and time spent in target quadrant inMorris water maze (MWM) were recorded. Estimation of brain monoamines in hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and whole brain weredone using HPLC with fluorescence detector. Piracetam treated group showed significant decrease in transfer latency in EPM andincrease in time spent in target quadrant recorded in MWM. Combination treated group failed to produce statistically significantnootropic effect in both EPM and MWM. Combination treated group failed to increase brain monoamine levels when comparedagainst duloxetine and piracetam treated groups, separately. But there was exception of significant increase in norepinephrinelevels in hippocampi when compared against duloxetine treated group. Results indicate no cognitive benefits with piracetam plusduloxetine combination. These findings can be further probed with the aim of understanding the interaction between duloxetineand piracetam as a future endeavor.