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Biomedical subjects

N K Jain

Publications and source records attributed to N K Jain.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Clinical and genetic risk factors for the development of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in non-HIV infected patients at a tertiary care center in India: a case-control study.

Genetic susceptibility of the host to multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is not fully understood. We undertook a case-control study at a tertiary care center at New Delhi, India to identify the clinical and genetic predictors of MDR-TB as compared to the drug sensitive TB cases. Patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis were identified on the basis of drug sensitivity testing by the proportion method. Treatment was initiated according to standard norms and all patients were followed up during the period. Genomic DNA extracted from the peripheral blood mononuclear cell pellet was used for amplification of HLA class II region (second exon) with a set of forward (5') and reverse (3') primers. A sequence specific 5' biotinylated probes were used to determine 12 DRB1, 8 DQA1 and 13 DQB1 alleles by the PCR-SSOP method. Past history of disease, higher severity of illness, inadequacy of drug treatment and presence of HLA-DRB1*14, DQB1*0503 and DQB1*0502 alleles were found to be significant risk factors for MDR-TB. Multivariate analysis identified poor past compliance to treatment (odds ratio, OR=6.6; 95% confidence interval, CI [2.0-21.5]), higher number of cavities (OR=6; 95% CI [2.1-17.3]) in chest radiographs and the presence of the HLA-DRB1*14 allele (OR=8.2; 95% CI [2.1-31.3]) as independent predictors of MDR-TB. Our results suggest that a combination of clinical and immunogenetic parameters could provide better information on drug resistance in tuberculosis with implications in therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Receptor mediated targeting of lectin conjugated gliadin nanoparticles in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori.

The present work describes the potential for using lectin-conjugated gliadin nanoparticles as a means of locating and anchoring a drug delivery system on the carbohydrate receptors of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Gliadin nanoparticles (GNP) bearing acetohydroxamic acid (AHA) were prepared by a desolvation method. Ulex Europaeus Agglutinin I (UEA I) and Conconavalin A (Con A) lectins were bound to GNP formulations by the two-stage carbodiimide coupling technique. Lectin-agglutination assay was performed to evaluate the binding efficacy of lectin formulations to carbohydrate receptors of H. pylori strains. Strong agglutination patterns were observed with mannose-specific Con A-GNP and alpha(L)-fucose specific UEA-GNP formulations. In situ adherence assay was performed to examine the efficacy of lectin formulations to inhibit the binding of H. pylori strains with human stomach cells. Lectin formulations completely inhibited the H. pylori binding. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of the formulations was evaluated by percent growth inhibition studies (%GI) by using isolated H. pylori strain. The inhibitory efficacy of UEA-GNP and Con A-GNP was approximately two-fold higher compared to GNP. These lectin-conjugated gliadin nanoparticles are found to be potential candidate for targeted drug delivery and are anticipated to be useful in the treatment of H. pylori.

Adhesiveness↗
PubMed2003

Transfersomes--a novel vesicular carrier for enhanced transdermal delivery: development, characterization, and performance evaluation.

This work describes the use of a novel vesicular drug carrier system called transfersomes, which is composed of phospholipid, surfactant, and water for enhanced transdermal delivery. The transfersomal system was much more efficient at delivering a low and high molecular weight drug to the skin in terms of quantity and depth. In the present study transfersomes and liposomes were prepared by using dexamethasone as a model drug. The system was evaluated in vitro for vesicle shape and size, entrapment efficiency, degree of deformability, number of vesicles per cubic mm, and drug diffusion across the artificial membrane and rat skin. The effects of surfactant type, composition, charge, and concentration of surfactant were studied. The in vivo performance of selected formulation was evaluated by using a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. Fluorescence microscopy by using rhodamine-123 and 6-carboxyfluorescein as fluorescence probe was performed. The stability study was performed at 4 degrees C and 37 degrees C. An in vitro drug release study has shown a nearly zero order release of drug and no lag phase. The absence of lag phase in comparison to liposomes and ointment is attributed to the greater deformability, which may account for better skin permeability of transfersomes. In vivo studies of transfersomes showed better antiedema activity in comparison to liposomes and ointment, indicating better permeation through the penetration barrier of the skin. This was further confirmed through a fluorescence microscopy study. Finally, it may be concluded from the study that complex lipid molecules, transfersomes, can increase the transdermal flux, prolong the release, and improve the site specificity of bioactive molecules.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed2003

Floating microspheres bearing acetohydroxamic acid for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori.

This investigation is part of our ongoing effort to develop effective drug delivery systems for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection using polycarbonate (PC) floating microspheres as drug carriers. In an effort to augment the anti-H. pylori effect of acetohydroxamic acid (AHA), floating PC microspheres, which have the ability to reside in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract for an extended period, were prepared by emulsion (O/W) solvent evaporation technique. The effect of PC concentration on the morphology, particle size, entrapment efficiency and drug release rate was studied. In-vitro studies confirmed the excellent floating properties of PC microspheres. In-vitro and in-vivo growth inhibition studies were performed on developed system(s) taking isolated cultures of H. pylori and H. pylori-infected Mongolian gerbils, respectively. The drug and PC microspheres both showed anti-H. pylori activity in vivo, but the required dose of AHA was effectively reduced by a factor of 10 in the case of PC microspheres. In conclusion, the floating microspheres more effectively cleared H. pylori from the GI tract than the drug because of the prolonged gastric residence time resulting from the excellent buoyancy of the PC.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2003

Fluoxetine suppresses morphine tolerance and dependence: modulation of NO-cGMP/DA/serotoninergic pathways.

Although the phenomenon of opioid tolerance and dependence has been widely investigated, neither opioid nor non-opioid mechanisms are completely understood. In view of the modulation of 5-HT transport into presynaptic terminals in the brain by nitric oxide (NO) via cGMP, and the existence of a tonic 5-HTergic inhibition of dopamine release, the present study investigated the effect of fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and NO modulators L-N(G)-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME; NO synthase inhibitor) and L-Arginine (substrate for nitric oxide synthase) alone or in combination against morphine tolerance and dependence. Animals developed tolerance to the antinociceptive effect of morphine (10 mg/kg s.c. twice daily) on day 3 and the degree of tolerance was further enhanced on days 9 and 10. The development of tolerance to the antinociceptive effect of morphine was delayed by prior administration of fluoxetine (10 mg/kg i.p, twice daily for 9 days) and L-NAME (10 mg/kg i.p. twice daily for 9 days) alone or in combination. It was accentuated by L-Arginine (50 mg/kg i.p. twice daily for 9 days) alone or in combination with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg i.p. twice daily for 9 days). Similarly, fluoxetine (10 mg/kg i.p.) or L-NAME (10 mg/kg i.p.), when administered acutely on day 10, reversed morphine-induced tolerance. L-Arginine (50 mg/kg i.p.) however, when administered acutely on day 10, accentuated morphine tolerance. Fluoxetine (10 mg/kg i.p. twice daily for 9 days) suppressed the development of morphine dependence as assessed by naloxone (2 mg/kg i.p.)-precipitated withdrawal jumps. This suppression of dependence was potentiated by L-NAME (10 mg/kg i.p. twice daily for 9 days) and reversed by L-Arginine (50 mg/kg i.p. twice daily for 9 days), respectively. Acute administration of the respective drugs on day 10 modulated morphine dependence in a similar fashion. L-Arginine also reversed fluoxetine-induced weight loss in morphine-dependent animals. The present study demonstrated that fluoxetine suppressed the dependence and development of tolerance to the antinociceptive effect of morphine. Fluoxetine-induced suppression was potentiated by L-NAME and accentuated by L-Arginine. The results therefore suggest that a complex phenomenon such as morphine tolerance and dependence might involve close interplay of the NO-c GMP/5-HT/DA receptor system. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report to suggest targeting this cascade for amelioration of opioid tolerance and withdrawal syndrome.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Sequential effects of ultraviolet radiation on the histomorphology, cell density and antioxidative status of the lens epithelium--an in vivo study.

In vivo progressive effects of UV irradiation on the lens epithelium were studied using various histomorphological and biochemical parameters. Fifteen day old rat pups were exposed to 600 mW/m2 of radiation, including UV-A and UV-B, 12 h daily for 90, 120, 150 and 180 days. Biochemical parameters such as protein-bound and non-protein-bound sulfhydryl groups in both soluble and insoluble fractions and enzymes, which play an important role in combating the oxidative stress, were studied. Decreased cell density of lens epithelial cells (LEC) was observed in all three zones along with the decrease in the levels of soluble sulfhydryls (S-SH), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT). On the other hand, an increase in insoluble sulfhydryls was observed. Because of the decrease in S-SH and GR activities, the LEC became vulnerable to oxidative stress. Decreased activities of SOD, GPx and CAT suggest elevated oxidative stress. This effect of UV radiation may lead to cell death that may be responsible for the observed decrease in the cell density in all three zones of the lens epithelium.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Electrochemical analysis of sparfloxacin in pharmaceutical formulation and biochemical screening of its Co(II) complex.

Simple and sensitive, direct current polarographic (DCP) and differential pulse polarographic (DPP) methods have been developed for the qualitative as well as quantitative analysis of 5-amino-1-cyclopropyl-7 (cis-3,5 dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-6,8-difluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-3-quinoline carboxylic acid (sparfloxacin). The developed methods have been standardized for the determination of the drug in pharmaceutical formulation for quality control purposes. The observed data has been subjected to statistical analysis, which revealed high reliability and precision. Sparfloxacin forms a complex with Co(II) which has been characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, IR spectral, polarographic and amperometric analysis. The analytical results indicated a 1:1 (M:L) stoichiometry for the Co(II)-sparfloxacin complex. The antibacterial studies on the drug and its complex were carried out against various pathogenic bacteria. The results revealed that the complex is more potent compared to the pure drug.

Anti-Infective Agents↗
PubMed2002

Development of hemoglobin aquasomes from spherical hydroxyapatite cores precipitated in the presence of half-generation poly(amidoamine) dendrimer.

Spherical hydroxyapatite cores were prepared by using carboxylic acid terminated half-generation poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer as templates or crystal modifiers. The hydroxyapatite cores were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The spherical core formation depended on phosphate saturation, pH of the simulated body fluid (SBF) and rate of crystal growth. Hydroxyapatite so formed was amorphous and a mixture of various calcium phosphates. Ca/P ratio determination which showed phosphate rich apatite formation. Hydroxyapatite ores were coated with a sugar layer followed by hemoglobin to obtain aquasomes. Aquasomes were characterized for size, hemoglobin loading, oxygen-binding characteristics and storage stability. The nanometric sized aquasome formulation could load approximately 13.7 mg hemoglobin per g of core and retained oxygen-affinity and cooperativity and stability for at least 30 days. Formulation efficacy was tested in albino rats and indicated its potential utility as blood-substitute.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Biotinylated methotrexate loaded erythrocytes for enhanced liver uptake. 'A study on the rat'.

To serve as liver specific delivery system, methotrexate (MTX) loaded erythrocytes were modified by attachment with N-hydroxysuccinimide ester of biotin (NHS-biotin) and in vitro macrophage uptake and in vivo studies were carried out in the rat. Surface bound biotin was quantitated indirectly using an avidin support and measuring the change in absorbance at 500 nm by the interaction with 2-(4' hydroxyazobenzene) benzoic acid (HABA). A concentration course study of biotin binding reaction showed biotin molecules bound to the erythrocytes as a function of the NHS-biotin concentration. Glycerol lysis time study revealed enhanced stability of biotinylated cells (BT) compared with nonbiotinylated drug loaded cells (NB). These surface modified erythrocytes were characterized for in vitro macrophage uptake. The macrophage uptake and phagocytic index of these modified erythrocytes were enhanced by more than two-fold compared with NB cells (P<0.05). In vivo organ localization was assessed by recording amount of drug present in different organs. The modified carrier induces substantial liver targeting as drug therapeutic index in liver was found to be 3.1. These findings support the use of carrier erythrocytes, exploiting the targeting properties imparted by biotinylation. Consequently, it can spare surgical intervention to place hepatic arterial catheters for locoregional treatment of liver neoplasms.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Comparative study of three different mycobacterial antigens with a novel lipopolysaccharide antigen for the serodiagnosis of tuberculosis.

Demonstration of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a smear or culture is the most reliable method for diagnosing tuberculosis (TB). In the last 10 years, several enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) based on mycobacterial antigens (such as antigen 60, 38 kDa antigen, and antigen Kp90) have been used for the rapid diagnosis of TB. In this study, we report the isolation of an immunodominant lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antigen from M. tuberculosis H(37)Rv, which can be used for the serodiagnosis of TB. The LPS antigen was compared with three commercially available mycobacterium-specific antigens for the detection of TB. The antigens were evaluated using serum samples obtained from 59 Indian patients (19 patients with active pulmonary TB, 20 with extrapulmonary TB, and 20 with nontuberculous pulmonary disease) and 20 healthy adults. Antigen 60 IgG (sensitivity 89%, specificity 97%) and LPS (sensitivity 84%, specificity 97%) were more sensitive and specific than 38 kDa antigen IgG (sensitivity 79%, specificity 97%) and Kp90 IgA (sensitivity 82%, specificity 40%). These results indicate that the LPS antigen can be used as a sensitive tool for the serodiagnosis of TB and could be utilized to develop an ELISA for the screening of patients for TB.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Pegnology: a review of PEG-ylated systems.

Polyethylene glycol conjugation or linking with the system is called PEGylation. Many novel drug systems are used for the delivery of drugs and bioactive substances to particular sites in a controlled or sustained manner, but various side effects or shortcomings restrict their use for the intended purpose. The shortcomings such as RES uptake, drug leakage, immunogenicity, stability, hemolytic toxicity etc. can generally be overcome by PEGylation of novel drug delivery systems such as liposomes, proteins, enzymes, drugs, nanoparticles etc. In this article the whole aspect of PEGylation starting from activation and derivatisation of poly (ethylene glycol) to the linking and designing of systems and their purification and characterization is discussed. The various properties of Pegylated systems are also discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Dendrimer grafts for delivery of 5-fluorouracil.

Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers were prepared by linking methyl methacrylate and ethylenediamine successively on an amine core. Surface modification of PAMAM dendrimer was done by fatty acid grafting converting them to a unimolecular micellar system (Dendrimer grafts). IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR studies confirmed the structure. The drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was entrapped in dendrimer grafts. The effects of various solvents (ethanol, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran), pH and ionic strength on solubilization of 5-FU were determined. Phospholipid was further coated on the dendrimer grafts. The product was lyophilized and obtained as yellowish-white powder. Average particle size was ca. 375 nm as determined by Malvern's Mastersizer 4. Drug loading was ca. 53% by weight. Stability studies were conducted for 1 month at room temperature and 40 degrees C, where the systems were relatively stable. Release rate was sustained across cellulose tubing in PBS. In vivo studies were performed in albino rats and pharmacokinetic parameters and bioavailability were determined from the plasma profile of 5-FU. The phospholipid coated dendrimer graft formulation was found to be more effective orally than free drug. The lymphatic uptake was also increased indicating absorption of the developed formulation through the lymphatic route.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2001

On the antinociceptive effect of fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

Antidepressant drugs are reported to be used as co-analgesics in clinical management of migraine and neuropathic pain. The mechanism through which they alleviate pain remains unknown. The present study explores the possible mechanism of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine-induced antinociception in animals. Acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate and tail-flick test were used to assess fluoxetine-induced antinociception. Fluoxetine (5-20 mg kg(-1), i.p.) produced a significant and dose-dependent antinociceptive effect against acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. Fluoxetine (20 mg kg(-1)) also exhibited antinociceptive effect in tail flick as well as hot plate assays. Further, i.c.v. administration of fluoxetine showed significant antinociception against writhing test in rats. However, fluoxetine (1 microg/10 microl/rat, i.c.v.) did not exhibit any antinociceptive effect in serotonin-depleted animals. Further, pindolol (10 mg kg(-1), i.p.) enhanced fluoxetine-induced antinociceptive effect. The antinociceptive effect of fluoxetine was sensitive to blockade by naloxone (5 mg kg(-1), i.p.) and naltrexone (5 mg kg(-1), i.p.). These data suggest that fluoxetine-induced antinociception involves both central opioid and the serotoninergic pathways.

Analgesics↗
PubMed2001

Sildenafil-induced peripheral analgesia and activation of the nitric oxide-cyclic GMP pathway.

Although several lines of evidence have shown a role of the nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate signaling pathway in the nociceptive mechanism, the exact role of the phosphodiesterase (PDE) 5 enzyme via the NO-cGMP pathway is not fully understood in pain response. The present study was aimed at exploring the role of the NO-cGMP pathway in nociceptive conditions in experimental animals. Peripheral nociception was assessed by acetic acid-induced chemonociception or carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia and central nociception was assessed by tail-flick and hot-plate methods. Sildenafil exhibited dose-dependent (1, 2, 5 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) antinociception in both male and female mice against acetic acid-induced writhing. However, it did not alter the pain threshold in central nociception (5 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.). Local administration of sildenafil (50-200 microg/paw, i.pl) also attenuated carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia. In the peripheral nociceptive reaction (acetic acid-induced chemonociception), the antinociceptive effect of sildenafil (2 mg/kg, i.p.) was enhanced by co-administration of sodium nitroprusside (0.25 mg/kg), and L-arginine (50 mg/kg). Sildenafil-induced analgesia was significantly blocked by methylene blue (1 mg/kg), a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, but was not reversed by L-NAME (10 mg/kg), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. But a higher dose of L-NAME (20 mg/kg) significantly reversed sildenafil analgesia. Both of these agents also reversed the facilitatory effect of L-arginine (50 mg/kg) and sodium nitroprusside (0.25 mg/kg) on sildenafil analgesia. These results suggest that sildenafil-induced analgesia is mediated via the inhibition of PDE5. The results also indicate that the guanylate cyclase system is stimulated in the peripheral nociceptive reaction. In conclusion, sildenafil produces antinociception and its effect can be potentiated by sodium nitroprusside and L-arginine, probably through the activation of the NO-cyclic GMP pathway.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗
PubMed2001

Role of cysteinyl leukotrienes in nociceptive and inflammatory conditions in experimental animals.

The leukotrienes are potent inflammatory mediators, which may have a role in inflammatory diseases such as allergic rhinitis, inflammatory bowl disease and asthma. Zafirlukast, a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist, is claimed to be effective in asthma. However, it is not known whether these leukotrienes are involved in nociceptive and peripheral inflammation. The present study aimed to assess the role of cysteinyl leukotrienes in nociceptive and inflammatory conditions in experimental animals. Central nociception was assessed with tail-flick and hot-plate methods and peripheral nociception was assessed by acetic acid-induced chemonociception in mice. Local administration (intraplantar) of carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia and inflammation, measured by paw withdrawal latency and paw volumes, respectively. Zafirlukast (2.5--20 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a significant and dose-dependent antinociceptive and antiinflammatory effect against acetic acid-induced chemonociception in mice and carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats, respectively. Zafirlukast (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg, p.o.) also attenuated the carrageenan-provoked hyperalgesia but did not alter the pain threshold in central nociception up to 20 mg/kg. Zafirlukast (5 and 10 mg/kg ) significantly inhibited exudate formation and migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in carrageenan-induced pleurisy. Further, zafirlukast (5 mg/kg) also reduced myeloperoxidase activity in carrageenan-treated paw. When nimesulide (2 mg/kg, p.o.) was co-administered with zafirlukast, the antinociceptive, antihyperalgesic and antiinflammatory effects of nimesulide were significantly increased as compared to the per se effect. The results indicate that cysteinyl leukotrienes are involved in nociceptive/inflammatory conditions. It is expected that combination of cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist with cyclooxygenase inhibitor would prove to be a novel approach to treat complex inflammatory conditions.

Analgesics↗
PubMed2001

Lipopolysaccharide-mediated immobility in mice: reversal by cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibitors.

Endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) is known to activate the hypothalamo-pituitary adrenocortical axis, as well as norepinephrine and indolamine metabolism. In the present study we examined the effects of systemically administered LPS on forced swimming-induced despair behavior in mice. LPS (50 micrograms/mouse i.p.) time-dependently enhanced the forced swimming-induced immobility period. The increase in immobility time was highest after 2 h of LPS administration. Desipramine (10 mg/kg), a tricycle antidepressant, or fluoxetine (10 mg/kg), a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, significantly reversed the LPS-induced increase in immobility time. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors nimesulide (1, 2 and 5 mg/kg), naproxen (10 mg/kg) and rofecoxib (2 mg/kg) did not alter the despair behavior per se. Nimesulide (10 mg/kg) did reverse reserpine-induced immobility. Nimesulide (2 mg/kg), naproxen (10 mg/kg) and rofecoxib (2 mg/kg) significantly reversed LPS-mediated despair behavior. The present study demonstrated that LPS-induced inflammatory responses in the brain may cause despair behavior. Reversal with a cyclooxygenase inhibitor indicates the role of prostaglandins in despair behavior.

Animals↗