Polycaprolactone/graphene oxide/acellular matrix nanofibrous scaffolds with antioxidant and promyelinating features for the treatment of peripheral demyelinating diseases.

Peripheral demyelinating diseases entail damage to axons and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. Because of poor prognosis and lack of a cure, this group of diseases has a global impact. The primary underlying cause of these diseases involves the inability of Schwann cells to remyelinate the damaged insulating myelin around axons, resulting in neuronal death over time.

Schwann cell-matrix coated PCL-MWCNT multifunctional nanofibrous scaffolds for neural regeneration.

Nerve tissue engineering aims to create scaffolds that promote nerve regeneration in the damaged peripheral nervous system. However, there remain some challenges in the construction of scaffolds in terms of mechanical properties and cellular behaviour. The present work aims to develop multifunctional implantable nanofibrous scaffolds for nerve regeneration.

Molecular modeling piloted analysis for semicarbazone derivative of curcumin as a potent Abl-kinase inhibitor targeting colon cancer.

Unlabelled: The human Abl kinases comprise a family of proteins that are known to be key stimulus drivers in the signaling pathways modulating cell growth, cell survival, cell adhesion, and apoptosis. Recent collative studies have indicated the role of activation of Abl and Abl-related genes in solid tumors; further terming the Abl kinases as molecular switches which promote proliferation, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. The up-regulated Abl-kinase expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) and the role of Abl tyrosine kinase activity in the Matrigel invasion of CRC cells have cemented its significance in CRC advancement.

The potency of heterocyclic curcumin analogues: An evidence-based review.

Curcumin, a potent phytochemical, has been a significant lead compound and has been extensively investigated for its multiple bioactivities. Owing to its natural origin, non-toxic, safe, and pleiotropic behavior, it has been extensively explored. However, several limitations such as its poor stability, bioavailability, and fast metabolism prove to be a constraint to achieve its full therapeutic potential.

Developments in the anticancer activity of structurally modified curcumin: An up-to-date review.

Curcumin is a pharmacologically active polyphenol derived from the popular spice element-Turmeric. The therapeutic activity of curcumin has been extensively investigated over the last few decades and reports suggest the role of curcumin in a large number of biological activities, particularly its prominent anticancer activity. Curcumin, being a pleiotropic molecule, is a regulator of multiple molecular targets which play crucial roles in various cell signaling pathways.

Crosslinking Biopolymers for Advanced Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering Applications.

A popular approach to attaining controlled drug delivery from polymer based systems involves the use of cross-linkers. In order to improve the properties of polymers specific to their applications, they can be modified by either physical cross-linkers (high pressure, irradiation) or chemical cross-linkers (glutaraldehyde, genipin). This chapter provides an insight into the different types and mechanisms of cross-linking.

Characterization and scanning electron microscopic investigation of crosslinked freeze dried gelatin matrices for study of drug diffusivity and release kinetics.

Drug delivery is a promising technique to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of the drug. However, properties of carrier materials require intense improvement for effective transport of drug molecules. In the current study, attempts have been made to develop freeze dried gelatin matrices cross linked with genipin at various temperatures (5°C, 15°C and 25°C) prior to freeze-drying (-80°C).

Gelatin-based emulsion gels for diffusion-controlled release applications.

Emulsion gels are now emerging as a new class of biomaterials for controlled-release applications. Novel food-grade emulsion gels consisting of indomethacin-loaded vegetable oil droplets dispersed within genipin-cross-linked gelatin-based hydrogels were characterized for their physical and drug-release properties. Varying the weight ratio of the aqueous and oil phases between 5:1 and 5:5 was used to modulate construct swelling and drug release.

Crosslinking of gelatin-based drug carriers by genipin induces changes in drug kinetic profiles in vitro.

Hydrogels are extensively studied as carrier matrices for the controlled release of bioactive molecules. The aim of this study was to design gelatin-based hydrogels crosslinked with genipin and study the impact of crosslinking temperature (5, 15 or 25°C) on gel strength, microstructure, cytocompatibility, swelling and drug release. Gels crosslinked at 25°C exhibited the highest Flory-Rehner crosslink density, lowest swelling ratio and the slowest release of indomethacin (Idn, model anti-inflammatory drug).

Long-term effects of a carbohydrate-rich diet on fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, and serum insulin values in rural Bengalis.

Background: The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is increasing in rural areas of India, where there is also often a lack of health infrastructure. Thus, a proper dietary study with the view of combating diabetes is essential. The aim of the present study was to determine the long-term effect of a carbohydrate-rich diet in rural Bengal.

Effect of flaxseed gum on reduction of blood glucose and cholesterol in type 2 diabetic patients.

The effects of ingestion of flaxseed gum on blood glucose and cholesterol, particularly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, in type 2 diabetes were evaluated. Flaxseed gum was incorporated in wheat flour chapattis. Sixty patients of type 2 diabetes were fed a daily diet for 3 months, along with six wheat flour chapattis containing flaxseed gum (5 g), as per the recommendations of the American Diabetic Association.