Transdermal drug-delivery systems (TDDS) offer an attractive alternative to the oral route for delivery of biotherapeutics. Technological advancements in the past few decades have revolutionized the fabrication of micro-structured devices including creation of microneedles (MC). These devices are used for delivering peptides, macromolecules such as proteins and DNA, and other therapeutics through the skin. Here, we review the current use of MCs as a cost effective method for the self-administration of therapeutics. We will then review the current and common use of MCs as an effective treatment strategy for a broad range of diseases and their utility in the generation of effective vaccination delivery platforms. Finally, we will summarize the currently FDA approved MCs and their applications, along with the ongoing clinical trials that use such devices.
Thraatchathi Chooranam (TC), is a polyphenol-rich Indian traditional medicine. Present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of TC against H2O2 induced oxidative stress and apoptotic damage in H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Cell viability assay indicated relative safety (IC50= 488.10±12.04 mg/ml) of TC. Pretreatment of cells with TC upregulated anti-apoptotic Bcl2, and anti-oxidants TRX1 and TRXR and downregulated Bax and HIF-α and inflammatory genes iNOS and TNF-α. Together, these findings show that TC has both anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. Further studies may be considered to identify the bioactive principle(s) and precise mechanisms of action of TC.
Aging, which affects most of the multi-cellular organisms, is due to a potentially complex set of mechanisms that collectively cause a time-dependent decline of physiological functions. Aging restrains longevity and leads to neurodegenerative diseases including dementia, Alzheimer's disease and lacunar stroke. Human microbiota is now considered to have a strong impact on the progression of aging. The impact of aging and the risk of neurodegenerative diseases can be reduced by using probiotics, or preferably by combining probiotics and prebiotics, also known as synbiotics, that can drastically modify the composition of gut microbiome.