Minicell-Based Targeted Delivery of shRNA to Cancer Cells: An Experimental Protocol.

Bacterial minicell has emerged as a novel targeted delivery system for RNAi-based therapeutics. In this chapter, we have described the detailed protocol for the preparation of minicell-based targeted delivery system for shRNA. Initially, minicell-producing parent bacterial cells were transformed with plasmid vector containing shRNA.

Ligand-targeted bacterial minicells: Futuristic nano-sized drug delivery system for the efficient and cost effective delivery of shRNA to cancer cells.

In this study, shRNA against VEGFA was packaged in bacterial minicells and surface of minicells was modified with folic acid. Analysis of cellular internalization revealed that folic acid conjugated minicells internalized through receptor mediated endocytosis in folate and PSMA receptor positive KB and LNCaP cells, respectively. In contrast, A549 (folate receptor negative) cells showed minute internalization.

Anti-inflammatory, Anti-estrogenic, and Anti-implantation Activity of Bergia suffruticosa (Delile) Fenzl.

Background: Bergia suffruticosa (Delile) Fenzl (Syn. Bergia odorata Edgew) (Elatinaceae family) is used traditionally to repair bones and is applied as a poultice on sores. It is also used for stomach troubles and as an antidote to scorpion stings.

Antithrombocytopenic activity of carpaine and alkaloidal extract of Carica papaya Linn. leaves in busulfan induced thrombocytopenic Wistar rats.

Ethnopharmacological Relavance: The decoction of Carica papaya Linn. leaves is used in folklore medicine in certain parts of Malaysia and Indonesia for the treatment of different types of thrombocytopenia associated with diseases and drugs. There are several scientific studies carried out on humans and animal models to confirm the efficacy of decoction of papaya leave for the treatment of disease induced and drug induced thrombocytopenia, however very little is known about the bio-active compounds responsible for the observed activity.

An improved and versatile immunosuppression protocol for the development of tumor xenograft in mice.

Background: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a simple, versatile and cost-effective immunosuppression protocol, using cyclosporine, ketoconazole and cyclophosphamide drug regimen to develop human tumor xenograft in mice.

Materials And Methods: Cyclosporine, ketoconazole and cyclophosphamide drug regimen was administered to C57BL/6 mice to induce immunosuppression. Five million A549, LNCaP and KB cells were injected subcutaneously in the immunocompromised mice for the development of tumor xenograft.

Evaluation of GABAergic Transmission Modulation as a Novel Functional Target for Management of Multiple Sclerosis: Exploring Inhibitory Effect of GABA on Glutamate-Mediated Excitotoxicity.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) where the communication ability of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord with each other gets impaired. Some current findings suggest the role of glutamate excitotoxicity in the development and progression of MS. An excess release of glutamate leads to the activation of ionotropic and metabotropic receptors, thus resulting in accumulation of toxic cytoplasmic Ca(2+) and cell death.

Antiestrogenic and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of n-Hexane Fraction of Vitex negundo Linn Leaf Extract: A Probable Mechanism for Blastocyst Implantation Failure in Mus musculus.

The anti-implantation potential of different fractions of Vitex negundo Linn leaf extract was evaluated in female Swiss Albino mice. Animals from different groups were dosed orally either with 0.2% agar (vehicle) or with fractions of V.

Purification and Characterization of Haloalkaline, Organic Solvent Stable Xylanase from Newly Isolated Halophilic Bacterium-OKH.

A novel, alkali-tolerant halophilic bacterium-OKH with an ability to produce extracellular halophilic, alkali-tolerant, organic solvent stable, and moderately thermostable xylanase was isolated from salt salterns of Mithapur region, Gujarat, India. Identification of the bacterium was done based upon biochemical tests and 16S rRNA sequence. Maximum xylanase production was achieved at pH 9.

A combination approach for rapid and high yielding purification of bacterial minicells.

A method for bacterial minicell purification was developed by combining antibiotic (ceftriaxone) lysis and filtration. This method is fast, cost effective and facilitates high yield of purified minicells, with no parent strain contamination as confirmed by fluorescent microscopy, average particle size and polydispersity index.