A mouse model for studying the effect of blood anti-PEG IgMs levels on the in vivo fate of PEGylated liposomes.

The presence of anti-polyethylene glycol (PEG) antibodies in the systemic circulation might have potential implications for the therapeutic activity of PEGylated products in vivo in the clinic. In order to study the effect of pre-existing anti-PEG antibodies on the in vivo fate and the therapeutic efficiency of PEGylated therapeutics, we developed a BALB/c mouse model by virtue of the intraperitoneal (i.p.

Hepatosplenic phagocytic cells indirectly contribute to anti-PEG IgM production in the accelerated blood clearance (ABC) phenomenon against PEGylated liposomes: Appearance of an unexplained mechanism in the ABC phenomenon.

The accelerated blood clearance (ABC) phenomenon, caused in large degree via in vivo anti-PEG IgM production, is one of obstacles for development of PEGylated liposome and protein formulations, due to decreased efficiency and/or side effects such as anaphylaxis upon repeat administrations. We have shown in murine ABC models that splenectomy suppressed the level of anti-PEG IgM production induced by PEGylated liposomes, indicating that murine splenic B cells play an important role in its production. However, splenectomy did not completely inhibit production of anti-PEG IgM, suggesting that other cells may contribute to its production in the ABC phenomenon.

Are SMAD7 rs4939827 and CHI3L1 rs4950928 polymorphisms associated with colorectal cancer in Egyptian patients?

A wide variety of genes have been associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression. The SMAD7 gene encodes an intracellular protein, which inhibits the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway, thereby having a key role in the control of neoplastic processes in various organs. The CHI3L1 gene encodes glycoprotein YKL-40, which plays a role in cell proliferation, anti-apoptosis, and angiogenesis.

Predicting portal hypertension and variceal bleeding using non-invasive measurements of metabolic variables.

Background & Aim: This study assessed the involvement of metabolic factors (anthropometric indices, insulin resistance (IR) and adipocytokines) in the prediction of portal hypertension, esophageal varices and risk of variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients.

Material And Methods: Two prospective and retrospective cohorts of cirrhotic patients were selected (n = 357). The first prospective cohort (n = 280) enrolled consecutively in three centers, underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, seeking evidence of esophageal varices.

Association between metabolic abnormalities and hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background And Aim: Metabolic syndrome is recognised as a potential risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The association between metabolic factors and hepatitis C (HCV)-related HCC has not yet been well clarified. This study was conducted to elucidate the role of metabolic factors in HCV-related HCC.

HCV RNA in serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells after successful interferon therapy.

Background/aims: Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) is considered essentially hepatotropic, recent studies suggest that it can also infect peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Interferon (IFN) seems to suppress hepatic virus expression, so the continued presence of the virus in PBMC might explain why interferon often fails to induce a long-term response. We investigated whether clearance of plasma viraemia after IFN treatment was associated with clearance of viral RNA from PBMC.

Design and evaluation of controlled-release niosomes and discomes for naltrexone hydrochloride ocular delivery.

This study aimed at preparing and evaluating Span 60-based niosomes for ocular delivery of naltrexone hydrochloride (NTX). Selected charged lipids [dicetyl phosphate (DCP) and stearyl amine (STA)] and surfactants [poly-24-oxyethylene cholesteryl ether (C24) and sodium cholate (CH)] were investigated as bilayer membrane additives and prepared using four different methods. A 5-fold increase in NTX entrapment efficiency (EE%) was achieved with 2%-5% mol/mol additives.