19 research outputs found
Azithromycin as potent inhibitor of cell migration in tumor cell line
No full textContinuous obstacles behind the discovery of novel drugs for cancer therapy have necessitated
the development of alternative strategy of drug repurposing—the development of old drugs for new therapeutic
purposes. With an improved understanding of the hallmarks of cancer, this strategy offers a cost-effective process
for the treatment of human neoplastic disease, thereby facilitating rapid clinical translation. In this regard, macrolide
antibiotics (MAs), which include a wide spectrum of activities against Gram-positive bacteria, have also been
proposed as anticancer drugs for multiple tumor types. Over the past few years, significant progress has been
achieved in anticancer therapy, but development of resistance and unavoidable side effects have weakened these
attainments. Considering this severe condition, a number of drugs with novel antitumor mechanisms are under
investigations including antimicrobials that have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory,
and cytotoxic effects. In this regard, both conventional and novel antimicrobials are being studied to explore their
anticancer potential along with underlying mechanisms that may render them as effective anticancer drugs in the
future. Hence, in the latest study, we tested the role of a macrolide antibiotic drug, Azithromycin (AZM) alone, in
combination with standard chemotherapeutic agent Sorafenib (Sorafenib/AZM) and its gold conjugated
nanoparticles (AuAZM) as an anti angiogenic agent in hepatoma cell line hepG2 through wound healing assay. The
migratory potential of HepG2 cells after being exposed to different treatments (AZM, Sorafenib, Sorafenib/AZM,
and Au-AZM at IC50 concentrations) was observed at 0, 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours. The results of our study showed
that AZM exhibited highly significant reduction in wound healing with p-value (< 0.001) up till 72 hours, while
Sorafenib, Sorafenib/AZM, and Au-AZM inhibited wound healing up to 48 hours (p-value < 0.001). The current
study revealed a comparatively higher antiangiogenic potential of AZM in cancer cells, thereby suggesting its
clinical application for cancer treatment
Inhibitory potential of combination of macrolide antibiotic with conventional chemotherapeutic agent sorafenib on growth rate of cancer cell population
No full textOver the past few years great progress has been achieved in anticancer therapy, but development
of resistance and unavoidable side effects have incapacitated these fulfilments. Keeping in view
this demanding condition, numerous drugs with unique antitumor mechanisms are under
investigations including antimicrobials which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory,
immunomodulatory and cytotoxic effects. In this regard, both conventional and novel antimicrobials
are being studied to explore their anticancer potential along with underlying mechanisms which
may render them as effective anticancer drugs in near future. Moreover, the new approach of drug
repurposing is also being encouraged especially in cancers in order to reduce cost and limit adverse effects. In recent times a cumulative number of studies have laid stress upon the antitumor
properties of antimicrobials. Consequently, this study has been conducted to see comparative
inhibitory effect of Sorafenib and its combination with a macrolide antibiotic Azithromycin on growth
rate HepG2 cell line
Geographical distribution of reported cases across Pakistan. (Map is created by author using QGIS software).
No full textGeographical distribution of reported cases across Pakistan. (Map is created by author using QGIS software).</p
Patient Educ Couns
No full textObjectiveTo describe the development, pilot testing, and dissemination of a psychosocial intervention addressing concerns of young breast cancer survivors (YBCS).MethodsIntervention development included needs assessment with community organizations and interviews with YBCS. Based on evidence-based models of treatment, the intervention included tools for managing anxiety, fear of recurrence, tools for decision-making, and coping with sexuality/ relationship issues. After pilot testing in a university setting, the program was disseminated to two community clinical settings.ResultsThe program has two distinct modules (anxiety management and relationships/sexuality) that were delivered in two sessions; however, due to attrition, an all day workshop evolved. An author constructed questionnaire was used for pre- and post-intervention evaluation. Post-treatment scores showed an average increase of 2.7 points on a 10 point scale for the first module, and a 2.3 point increase for the second module. Qualitative feedback surveys were also collected. The two community sites demonstrated similar gains among their participants.ConclusionsThe intervention satisfies an unmet need for YBCS and is a possible model of integrating psychosocial intervention with oncology care.Practice ImplicationsThis program developed standardized materials which can be disseminated to other organizations and potentially online for implementation within community settings.R25 CA087949/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United StatesU58 DP003429/DP/NCCDPHP CDC HHS/United States1U58DP003429/DP/NCCDPHP CDC HHS/United StatesR25CA 87949/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United State
Effects of Solanum nigrum on Liver Enzymes and Hematological Profile in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant-Induced Arthritic Rats
No full textBackground: Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have steady onset and multiple adverse effects. The objective was to evaluate the effects of ethanolic extract of Solanum nigrum (SN) on methotrexate-associated hepatotoxicity and pancytopenia in Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritic rats.
Methods: 30 male Wistar albino rats were used in a 4-week pre-clinical experimental study conducted at Ziauddin University Karachi from November 2021 to December 2021. Animals were divided into 5 groups; Group-I Negative control (0.9% normal saline), Group-II positive control (0.9% normal saline), Group-III Standard (Methotrexate 1.5mg/kg), Group-IV (SN 100mg/kg), Group-V (SN 200mg/kg). To develop arthritis, 0.1mL of CFA was administered intraarticularly in the right knee joints of all groups except Group-I at day 0. For euthanasia, 100mg/kg pentobarbital was injected intraperitoneally in all animals on the 29th day. 10ml of blood was collected in vacutainer tubes for CBC and LFT. SPSS was used to analyze the results and ANOVA was applied for intergroup and intragroup comparisons. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant at a 95% confidence interval.
Results: Diseased controls increased WBCs but Group III, IV, and V considerably decreased WBCs. Group III also caused suppression in RBCs and hemoglobin levels. SN showed a significant decrease in WBCs but it did not suppress RBCs, hemoglobin, and platelet levels. MTX significantly increased total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, SGPT, and alkaline phosphate. Contrary to this, SN did not significantly increase liver enzymes when compared with the negative controls.
Conclusion: Unlike methotrexate, ethanolic extract of SN improved the hematological and liver profile
Assessment of anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potential of ethanolic extract of Solanum nigrum L. leaves in CFA-induced arthritic rat model
No full textObjective: To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic properties of Solanum nigrum (SN) leaves extract in rats induced with complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA).
Methods: 30 male Wistar albino rats were used in a 4 weeks pre-clinical experimental trial, which were split up into 5 groups as; Group-1 Negative (healthy) control (0.9% normal saline), Group-2 positive (diseased) control (0.9% normal saline), Group-3 Standard (Methotrexate 1.5mg/kg), Group-4 (Solanum nigrum 100mg/kg), Group-5 (Solanum nigrum 200mg/kg). To develop rheumatoid arthritis, 0.1mL of Complete Freund’s Adjuvant was administered intraarticularly in the right knee joints of all groups except the Group-1 at day 0. Knee joint circumference was assessed by using a Vernier caliper once a week. On the 29th day, pentobarbital 100mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally to induce anesthesia in all animals, and a cardiac puncture was done to extract 8ml to 10ml of blood for further investigations. 4 to 5ml of that blood was centrifuged and serum was separated to perform Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to analyze the pro-inflammatory mediators including IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-? and prostaglandin E2. SPSS version 22 was used to analyze the results and for intergroup and intragroup comparison ANOVA was applied. P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant at 95% confidence interval.
Results: Knee joint circumference was significantly decreased in both standard and herbal groups when compared with the diseased controls, exhibiting SN efficacy as an anti-inflammatory agent. The ELISA showed a substantial rise in all pro-inflammatory cytokines in the positive control group. Both the herbal (G-4 & G-5) and standard (G-3) groups considerably reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while SN200 showed maximum decline in inflammatory markers.
Conclusion: Solanum nigrum can be used as an effective adjunctive with standard DMARDs like MTX to increase the efficacy in the treatment of RA
Parental Cultural Values, Qualities of Parenting, and Diurnal Cortisol Patterns in Middle Childhood: Differences in White and Hispanic Families?
No full textabstract: It is widely understood that qualities of the home environment greatly influence child health outcomes (Nancy, 1999; Simons et al., 2010). While there has been much research regarding the role of direct parenting behaviors, there remains little research regarding how other qualities of the parent, such as cultural values, may affect child physiological outcomes. Furthermore, research has also suggested that the way in which parenting and culture may be associated with child outcomes may differ based on race/ethnicity (Pinquart & Kauser, 2018). In this thesis, I examined the direct associations between parental cultural values (i.e., mainstream, traditional) and child diurnal cortisol outcomes as well as other qualities of parenting (parental warmth, authoritarianism) and child diurnal cortisol outcomes in Hispanic and White identifying primary caregivers. A moderating model was then used to investigate the racial/ethnic differences which may exist in these associations through mixed model regressions.
Participants were 475 twins and their primary caregivers (mean age=8.48; Primary caregivers: 64% White, 36% Hispanic; 53.8% middle class or above). I found no main effects between parental cultural values and child cortisol outcomes and no main effects between parenting behaviors and child cortisol outcomes. However, when exploring the moderating role of race/ethnicity, it was found that, as compared to children of White primary caregivers, children of Hispanic primary caregivers who had higher levels of parental authoritarianism had steeper PM slopes, indicating more adaptive cortisol outcomes. This suggests that the adaptiveness of certain parenting behaviors may differ across racial/ethnic groups such that what is considered to be “good parenting” may not translate across differing racial/ethnic groups. Ultimately, further research should be conducted in order to further explore the impact of race/ethnicity in the outcomes of our children
ANTI HYPERGLYCEMIC AND ANTI DYSLIPIDEMIC EFFECTS OF FLAX SEEDS (LINUM USITATISSIMUM) EXTRACT IN DIABETIC RATS MODEL
No full textBackground: Herbal medications, due to their various biologically active components and less toxic profile,
have been popular amongst researchers since decades. One good example is Linum usitatissimum (Lu)
commonly known as Flaxseeds. The aim of present study was to assess the anti hyperglycemic and anti
dyslipidemic activities of ethanolic extract of flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum) in streptozotocin induced
diabetic rat model.
Methods: The ethanolic extract of flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum) at a dose of 200 mg/kg and 400mg/kg
were given to the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for the period of 28 days. FBS, insulin, HbA1c, lipid
profile and serum amylase were evaluated and were compared with positive and negative controls and
standard drugs like Glimepiride 0.1 mg/kg b.w., Metformin 10mg/kg b.w. and Rosuvastatin 10mg/kg/day
b.w.
Results: Both doses of flax seeds 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg (Linum usitatissimum) extracts demonstrated
significant (p<0.001) decrease in FBS of diabetic rats. Mainly Linum usitatissimum at the dosage of 400 mg/kg
b.w. showed good efficacy in declining fasting blood glucose levels which was comparable with standard
anti hyperglycemic drugs. Both doses of herbal extracts also showed significant decline in triglycerides, total
cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL-C), and serum amylase
levels with prominent improvement in HDL-C levels in diabetic rats compared to positive controls.
Conclusion: This study reveals that the flax seeds (Lu) at the dose of both 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg have
noteworthy potential to reduce hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia associated with diabetes, therefore may
be it is useful in the management of Type-2 diabetes mellitus
EFFECTIVE DOSE OF STREPTOZOTOCIN FOR INDUCTION OF DIABETES MELLITUS AND ASSOCIATED MORTALITY RATE IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS
No full textBackground: To understand severity and complications of diabetes mellitus and to analyze effects of drugs,
it is necessary to create diabetic animal model. There are different doses of streptozotocin to induce diabetes
mellitus in rats that may be associated with mortality or may be insufficient for induction of DM. The objective
of our study was to optimize the dose of streptozotocin to create a diabetic animal model with sustained
hyperglycemia and to document the toxic dose at which there may be high mortality rate.
Methods: This experimental animal study was conducted at animal house, faculty of pharmacy Ziauddin
University Karachi in April 2019. The sample size included 30 albino wistar rats divided into five Groups A, B, C,
D and E “with 6 rats each group”. Group A was the control, while streptozotocin at different concentrations
was administered intraperitoneally in Group B, C, D and E respectively. Blood sample was drawn from lateral
tail vein of animals and hyperglycemic profile was checked on 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th day.
Results: When compared to control Group A, hyperglycemic profile (blood glucose level >180) was
achieved in Group B, C, D and E after 48 hours. High mortality rate was observed in Group E followed by
Group D. Group C had persistent hyperglycemia while Group B had reversible hyperglycemic profile.
Conclusion: Intraperitoneal dose of streptozotocin 60 mg/kg created diabetic animal model with persistent
hyperglycemia. However, dose above increased the mortality rate and below failed to create diabetic
animal model
Carvacrol Silver Nanoparticles - An Effective Antibacterial Against Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter Isolates Unaided and With Meropenem
No full textBackground: Acinetobacter species are a serious clinical challenge owing to their established resistance to carbapenems. This study aimed to explore Carvacrol silver nanoparticles\u27 activity against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter and their interaction with meropenem to develop effectual treatment.
Methods: An in-vitro experimental study was conducted from February 2021 to January 2022. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Carvacrol silver nanoparticles was checked using the broth macrodilution method. The results were further corroborated by performing the agar well diffusion method on 50 isolates of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter to observe the zone of inhibition (ZOI). The interaction of Carvacrol silver nanoparticles with meropenem (synergistic/additive/antagonistic) was assessed by checkerboard assay. SPSS vr24 was used. Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA with pair-wise comparison analysis was applied to compare different groups. p-value<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The study showed that older males were mostly affected and the majority of the isolates were from the tracheal secretions and collected from the Medical ICU. MIC of Carvacrol silver nanoparticles was found to be 0.04-0.16mg/ml. On agar well diffusion, the ZOI of Carvacrol silver nanoparticles was in the range of 0-20mm compared to meropenem (0) and colistin (0-14mm) with a p-value of 0.00. Checkerboard assay revealed additive interaction between Carvacrol silver nanoparticles and meropenem as the Fractional inhibitory concentration was calculated to be 1.25.
Conclusion: Carvacrol silver nanoparticles have shown the potential ability to combat carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter and may prove as an effective antibacterial agent in the future. Furthermore, the additive interaction of Carvacrol silver nanoparticles with meropenem points toward the possible revival of carbapenems against Acinetobacter
