Objectives: The objective of this study was to utilize a chitosan-based nanoparticle system as the delivery carrier for glutamic acid, a model for encapsulated biomolecules to visualize the in vitro release and accumulation of the encapsulated glutamic acid from chitosan nanoparticle (CNP) systems.
Methods: CNP was synthesized via ionic gelation routes utilizing tripolyphosphate (TPP) as a cross-linker. In order to track glutamic acid release, the glutamic acid was fluorescently-labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate prior encapsulation into CNP.
Results: Light Scattering data concluded the successful formation of small-sized and mono-dispersed CNP at a specific volume ratio of chitosan to TPP. Encapsulation of glutamic acid as a model cargo into CNP led to an increase in particle size to >100 nm. The synthesized CNP exhibited spherical shape under Electron Microscopy. The formation of CNP was reflected by the reduction in free amine groups of chitosan following ionic crosslinking reactions. The encapsulation of glutamic acid was further confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis. Cell viability assay showed 70% cell viability at the maximum concentration of 0.5 mg/mL CS and 0.7 mg/mL TPP used, indicating the low inherent toxicity property of this system. In vitro release study using fluorescently-tagged glutamic acids demonstrated the release and accumulation of the encapsulated glutamic acids at 6 hours post treatment. A significant accumulation was observed at 24 hours and 48 hours later. Flow cytometry data demonstrated a gradual increase in intracellular fluorescence signal from 30 minutes to 48 hours post treatment with fluorescently-labeled glutamic acids encapsulated CNP.
Conclusion: These results therefore suggested the potential of CNP system towards enhancing the intracellular delivery and release of the encapsulated glutamic acids. This CNP system thus may serves as a potential candidate vector capable to improve the therapeutic efficacy for drugs and biomolecules in medical as well as pharmaceutical applications through the enhanced intracellular release and accumulation of the encapsulated cargo.
METHODS: The selected patients were divided into three groups, Group I (PDT + SRP), Group II (SP + SRP) and group III (SRP alone). Clinical inflammatory periodontal parameters including plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) gain were assessed. Assessment of crevicular fluid interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. All measurements were recorded at baseline, 3 months and 6 months follow-up periods, respectively.
RESULTS: A total of 73 patients completed the study. A significant improvement in the BOP was seen in Group II at both follow up visits when compared with other groups (p < 0.05). Only in Group-I that showed statistically significant reduction in moderate periodontal pockets at 3 months (p = 0.021), and significant reductions in deep pockets at 3-months (p = 0.003) and 6-months (p = 0.002), respectively. CAL gain also was reported to be seen in group-I at both visits (p < 0.05). Group- I and II significantly reduced the levels of IL-6 at 3-month period compared to Group-III. This reduction was further maintained by group-II and group-III at 6 months, respectively. TNF-α showed statistically significant decrease in Group II as compared to Group I and Group-III and this reduction was maintained by the end of 6-month visit (p = 0.045).
CONCLUSION: Both the treatment modalities PDT and SP helped in reducing periodontal inflammation. PDT reported significant gain in clinical attachment level, whereas the SP significantly reduced the bleeding levels.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three databases including MEDLINE, Scopus and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were from inception to August 2017.
RESULT: Two systematic reviews and 11 RCTs were included in the overview. According to the findings, isoflavones increased the maturation value and attenuated the vaginal atrophy in the post-menopausal women. Topical isoflavones had beneficial effects on the vaginal atrophy. Similar efficacy was found in Pueraria mirifica and conjugated estrogen cream on dryness ( p = 0.277), soreness ( p = 0.124) and irritation ( p = 0.469), as well as discharge ( p = 0.225) and dyspareunia ( p = 0.089). However, the conjugated estrogen cream was more effective compared to Pueraria mirifica ( p > 0.005) regarding maturation index improvement. Comparison of fennel 5% vaginal cream and placebo gel showed significant difference in superficial cells ( p