Podoplanin as a Predictive Marker for Identification of High-Risk Mycosis Fungoides Patients: An Immunohistochemical Study.

Background: Podoplanin, an important protein, has been implicated in various cellular processes, including lymphangiogenesis. Podoplanin is a mucin-type transmembrane glycoprotein that is accepted as a novel marker of lymphatic endothelial cells.

Objectives: To study the immunohistochemical expression of podoplanin in the different stages of mycosis fungoides (MF) in comparison to control and to correlate their expression with disease severity and progression.

Evaluation of the antirheumatic effects of isoflavone-free soy protein isolate and etanercept in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis.

In view of the partial clinical benefit and significant toxicity of traditional rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatments, there is a growing trend to use complementary therapy. The antiarthritic activity of soy is related to the effect of soy isoflavones. However, little is known about the antiarthritic activity of soy protein itself.

Polymeric nano-encapsulation of 5-fluorouracil enhances anti-cancer activity and ameliorates side effects in solid Ehrlich Carcinoma-bearing mice.

Biodegradable PLGA nanoparticles, loaded with 5-fluorouracil (5FU), were prepared using a double emulsion method and characterised in terms of mean diameter, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency and in vitro release. Poly (vinyl alcohol) was used to modify both internal and external aqueous phases and shown have a significant effect on nanoparticulate size, encapsulation efficiency and the initial burst release. Addition of poly (ethylene glycol) to the particle matrix, as part of the polymeric backbone, improved significantly the encapsulation efficiency.

Stem cell therapy as a novel therapeutic intervention for resistant cases of alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia.

Background: Management of alopecia areata (AA) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is often challenging as patients may be resistant to currently available modalities of treatment. The use of stem cells may be a novel option for resistant cases.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the use of autologous bone marrow derived mononuclear cells (including stem cells) as compared to follicular stems cells for the management of resistant cases of AA and AGA.

Antifibrotic effect of AT-1 blocker and statin in rats with hepatic fibrosis.

Hepatic fibrosis is an outcome of chronic liver injury. Angiotensin II (ANG II) may play a role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Certain drugs such as ACE inhibitors, ANG II antagonists, and even statins could interfere with the renin angiotensin system and modulate its deleterious effects.