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The effects of Zataria multiflora on clinical symptoms, pulmonary function tests, oxidative stress, and C-reactive protein levels in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients were evaluated. Forty-five patients were allocated to 3 groups: placebo group and 2 groups that received 3 and 6 mg/kg/day Z. multiflora extract (Z3 and Z6) for 2 months. Clinical symptoms, pulmonary function tests, oxidative stress, and serum C-reactive protein levels were evaluated pretreatment (step 0) and 1 (step I) and 2 (step II) months after treatment. Clinical symptoms including breathlessness and chest wheeze in Z3- and Z6-treated groups and sputum production only in the Z6-treated group were significantly improved 1 and 2 months after treatment compared with baseline values (P

Two validated, rapid and precise methods based on HPTLC and RP-HPLC with UV detection for quantitative determination of spinosin in edible extracts of Ziziphus jujuba fruit, is described. The HPTLC...

Background: There is no pharmacological intervention on the treatment of hypoxemia and respiratory distress in COVID-19 patients. Objective: The objective of the study was to study the effect of the reduced form of methylene blue (MB) on the improvement of oxygen saturation (SpO2) and respiratory rate (RR). Methods: In an academic medical center, 80 hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 were randomly assigned to receive either oral MB along with standard of care (SOC) (MB group, n = 40) or SOC only (SOC group, n=40). The primary outcomes were SpO2 and RR on the 3rd and 5th days. The secondary outcomes were hospital stay and mortality within 28 days. Results: In the MB group, a significant improvement in SpO2 and RR was observed on the 3rd day (for both, p < 0.0001) and also the 5th day (for both, p < 0.0001). In the SOC group, there was no significant improvement in SpO2 (p = 0.24) and RR (p = 0.20) on the 3rd day, although there was a significant improvement of SpO2 (p = 0.002) and RR (p = 0.01) on the 5th day. In the MB group in comparison to the SOC group, the rate ratio of increased SpO2 was 13.5 and 2.1 times on the 3rd and 5th days, respectively. In the MB group compared with the SOC group, the rate ratio of RR improvement was 10.1 and 3.7 times on the 3rd and 5th days, respectively. The hospital stay was significantly shortened in the MB group (p = 0.004), and the mortality was 12.5% and 22.5% in the MB and SOC groups, respectively. Conclusions: The addition of MB to the treatment protocols significantly improved SpO2 and respiratory distress in COVID-19 patients, which resulted in decreased hospital stay and mortality. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04370288.

Ozone has been fascinated by researchers as an outstanding disinfectant due to its oxidizing properties. It can react with unsaturated substrates chemically, which results in active ozonized compounds. In literature, ozonized olive oil was characterized by different factors such as peroxide value (PV), a significant feature to define the quality of oils. It has been proven previously that even minor changes in the reaction conditions can effect on the PV. In this study, peroxide content was evaluated in extra virgin olive oil and its ozonized form under various conditions including variable temperatures, sample amounts and reaction times. The results indicated that although iodometric method is an official technique for determining the PV of oils, but also dependent to the amount, temperature and time for ozonized olive oil.

Carvacrol effects on inflammatory mediators, lung pathology and tracheal responsiveness were indicated in animal models of pulmonary diseases.To evaluate carvacrol effects on respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests (PFT), oxidative stress markers and cytokine levels in asthmatic patients.This study was a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind, clinical trial.Thirty-three moderate asthmatic patients were divided to the two groups of: placebo group (n = 16) and carvacrol group (1.2 mg/kg/day, n = 17). Prepared capsules were taken for two months along, 3 times/day along with routine medications. Respiratory symptoms, PFT, and oxidative stress markers were evaluated before the treatment (step 0), and one (step I) and two months (step II) after the beginning of the treatment. However, cytokine levels in serum and supernatant of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and their gene expression were evaluated in step 0 and II.In carvacrol-treated group, respiratory symptoms significantly decreased after one- and two-month treatment with carvacrol compared to pre-treatment values (p0.05 to p0.001). Compared to step 0, PFT values were significantly increased in step I and II, in treated group with carvacrol (p0.05 to p0.001). Most oxidative stress markers were improved following carvacrol treatment (p0.05 to p0.001). Treatment with carvacrol for two-month also significantly improved cytokine levels in serum and supernatant of PBMC, compared to step 0 (p0.05 to p0.001). However, no significant changes were observed in the above-noted parameters in the placebo group.Due to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect, carvacrol could be suggested as a therapeutic agent for asthma.

BACKGROUND Sulfur mustard is an alkylating agent which cause to short and long term incapacitations on various organs including lung. There is no definite treatment for lung disorders induced by SM exposure. In the present study, the preventive effect of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) on hematological parameters, oxidant/antioxidant markers and pulmonary function tests (PFT) in veterans, 27-30 years after exposed to SM were studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty seven veterans allocated to three groups included: placebo group (P) and two groups treated with 5 and 10 mg/kg/day of Z. multiflora (Zat 5 and Zat 10). Drugs were prescribed in a double-blind manner for two months. Total and different WBC, hematological indices, oxidant/antioxidant markers and PFT values included; force vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were assessed at the beginning (step 0), one and two month (step I and II, respectively) after starting treatment. RESULTS Total and different white blood cell in Zat 5 and 10 mg/kg treated groups in Step I and II were significantly decreased compared to Step 0 (p

This study was carried out to evaluate the binding interaction of gefitinib (GEF) with human serum albumin (HSA) and calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) using fluorescence, UV-Visible, zeta potential measurements and molecular docking methods in order to understand its pharmacokinetic mechanism. By increasing the temperature, a steady decrease in Stern-Volmer quenching constants was observed for HSA binding properties; this indicates a static type of fluorescence quenching. Negative values were calculated for Gibbs free energy (ΔG), enthalpy (ΔH), and entropy (ΔS) changes, indicating that the reaction is spontaneous and enthalpy-driven. Probe competitive experimental results showed that GEF contains the same binding site as warfarin and are consistent with modeling results. The zeta potential of the HSA increased with increasing GEF, which represents the presence of electrostatic interactions in the system. DNA binding properties were investigated in the presence of three probes. The experimental results showed that by increasing GEF to DNA-AO (acridine-orange) and DNA-MB (methylene-blue) system, the fluorescence intensity and absorbance spectra had no considerable change. Furthermore, with the addition of GEF to DNA, the zeta potential decreased gradually, indicating that the hydrophobic interaction between the GEF and the bases of DNA is the major factor. Thus, GEF can bind to DNA via a groove binding mode. It was also found that GEF entered into the minor groove in the A-T rich region of DNA fragment and bind via van der-Waals forces and three H-bond with double strands of DNA. This is in good agreement with experimental results.

This study presents results of ozonation of some different aromatic rings of medicines in aqueous solution. The aim of the research was to investigate the influence of ozone on ring cleavage of drug molecules with an aromatic structure. In this regard, phenobarbital, naphazoline, doxycycline, isoniazid and salbutamol were chosen for exposure to ozone gas overnight. It is proved that ozone can attack the OH groups, opening the aromatic ring to form unsaturated acids, aldehydes and linear alkyl/cycloalkyl groups which then appear as stable products. It is suggested that the first step in these reactions includes penetration of ozone at the C-H bond with the formation of a quinone and a subsequent attack of the aromatic ring T-bond system by the ozone with the formation of ozonides. With this process, ozonation can produce simple, biodegradable and less carcinogenic compounds from complex aromatic ones. Key words: Ozone, aromatic compound, oxidation, toxicity.

Objective: Metabolic syndrome is a set of cardiac risk factors with increased risk of chronic diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of crocin of saffron on metabolic syndrome. Methods: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted on metabolic syndrome patients who were randomly assigned to crocin of saffron or control (placebo) groups. The intervention group received 100 mg/day crocin tablets (a constituent of saffron) for 6 weeks. Then, the changes in metabolic syndrome component were compared between two groups. The trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. Data were entered to SPSS 15. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, paired t-test, and independent t-test were used to analyze data. P < 0.05 was defined as statistical significant level. Findings: Totally, 48 patients included in the trial (24 intervention and 24 placebo participants). There were significant reductions from baseline measurements in the levels of total cholesterol (P < 0.001) and triglyceride (P = 0.003) after the 6-week crocin administration. However, this decrease in lipid profile was not significant when compared with placebo group. There was no significant change in other laboratory values, blood pressure, and anthropometric measures. Conclusion: The present study indicated that the dose of about 100 mg crocin of saffron was well tolerated and has no complication for 6 weeks of oral administration. However, the dosage used in our study had no effect on metabolic syndrome. Further studies are required to assess this effect with the higher dosages of crocin as well as long time effects of its administration on metabolic syndrome patients.

The most important challenges in photodynamic therapy (PDT) are related to the limited penetration of light and the low uptake of photosensitizers. In radiotherapy, they are correlated to radiation damage of normal tissues. Therefore, a targeted radio and photosensitizer can reduce the limitations of the mentioned methods. In this study, photosensitizing and radio-sensitizing effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5ALA)-conjugated GNPs were investigated.First, cell toxicities of 5ALA, GNPs and a conjugate were assessed on Mel-Rm cell line. Then, the radio sensitizing effect of every agent was studied. Different experiments were designed in four separate groups, each group containing six subgroups receiving different radiation doses by using a superficial X-ray tube. Furthermore, the photosensitizing efficacy of the agents was evaluated after cells were irradiated by a He-Ne laser at four light doses in separate groups.With regards to radio sensitivity assessments, there was no significant difference between different irradiation doses. The investigation on photosensitivity of 5ALA and a conjugate showed significant differences between the control (without illumination) and groups that received PDT in the presence of 5ALA and conjugate, wherein EDThe conjugate does not cause any enhancement of radiation efficiency on MeL-Rm cell line. With regards to PDT, we found that the conjugate induced cell death at twice the rate when compared with 5ALA alone. Therefore, the conjugate can be an appropriate delivery agent for 5ALA and may also enhance the destruction of tumor cells. Finally, comparing the two types of treatment shows that PDT is a more efficient treatment for this cell line.

Objective Carvacrol is one of the main pharmacologically active components of Thymus vulgaris essential oil, which has shown several therapeutic effects. Because of liquid nature of the carvacrol, the formulation of the drug is challenging. Liquisolid technique is a method for converting a liquid drug into a solid system. The aim of this study is to combine the liquisolid approach and extrusion-spheronization technique to produce pellets with desirable physico-mechanical, stability and release properties. Methods Three different methods were used for preparation of liquisolid matrix of carvacrol using PVP K30, stearic acid and Aerosil. The matrices were utilized for preparation of pellets by extrusion-spheronization method. The pellets were characterized for size (sieve analysis), shape factors (image analysis), mechanical strength, chemical interactions (FTIR), thermal behavior (DSC), carvacrol content, release rate (dissolution test) and stability. Results The results showed that by using suitable composition of liquisolid matrix and granulation fluid, pellets with desirable size and shape and mechanical properties could be produced. PVP-based pellets had higher mechanical strength, slower release rate and improved content and stability compared to stearic acid or Aerosil-based pellets. The carvacrol ratio has considerable effect on release properties of the pellets. Conclusion Overall results revealed the feasibility of preparing desirable pellets containing carvacrol with acceptable content, stability and release properties, which can be administered as hard gelatin capsules. PVP-based pellets were the most appropriate formulation according to evaluation tests.

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a new manner of killing cancer cells based on the cytotoxic interactions of ultrasound with sonosensitizing agents. It is shown that gold nanoparticles (GNPs) increase the efficiency of cavitation activity of ultrasound. In this study the influence of a single and/or two frequencies of ultrasound waves to generate hydroxyl radicals (·OH) was assessed in the presence of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) and/or GNPs. Ultrasound cavitation activity was determined by recording fluorescence signals from chemical terephthalic acid (TA) dosimeters with or without PpIX and/or GNPs at the frequencies of 0.8 and 2.4 MHz individually and aggregately. To study hydroxyl radicals, experiments were performed with and without hydroxyl radical scavengers mannitol, histidine, and sodium azide. Cavitation activity was amplified by increasing ultrasound intensity and exposure time. The cavitation activity induced by dual ultrasound frequency was remarkably higher than the summation of effects produced by individual frequencies. All three scavengers reduced the fluorescence signal level. The effect of GNPs on intensifying cavitation activity at higher frequency was greater than that of lower frequency. PpIX showed a more effective sonosensitizing property at the lower frequency. Also, estimated synergism at dual frequency irradiation was improved in the presence of GNPs. We found that GNPs increased hydroxyl radical production at 2.4 MHz and that PpIX increased hydroxyl radical production at 0.8 MHz. Dual frequency exposure was more effective than single frequency exposure. PpIX at low frequency and gold nanoparticles at high frequency both enhance sonodynamic treatment efficacy.

This study was designed to assess safety and tolerability of carvacrol in healthy individuals. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups receiving 1 and 2 mg/kg/day carvacrol. Before and after carvacrol administration, routine blood and urine laboratory tests and spirometry were performed for all participants. The results showed that one-month treatment with carvacrol did not significantly affect the measured variables. In the group receiving 1 mg/kg/day carvacrol, calcium, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), mean cell volume (MCV), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (HCT) levels were significantly reduced but creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) was significantly increased, after treatment compared to baseline values (

The objective of the present research is to study the interaction of separate and simultaneous of alprazolam (ALP) and fluoxetine hydrochloride (FLX) with human serum albumin (HSA) in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) using different kinds of spectroscopic, cyclic voltammetry and molecular modeling techniques. The absorbance spectra of protein, drugs and protein-drug showed complex formation between the drugs and HSA. Fluorescence analysis demonstrated that ALP and FLX could quench the fluorescence spectrum of HSA and demonstrated the conformational change of HSA in the presence of both drugs. Also, fluorescence quenching mechanism of HSA-drug complexes both separately and simultaneously was suggested as static quenching. The analysis of UV absorption data and the fluorescence quenching of HSA in the binary and ternary systems showed that FLX decreased the binding affinity between ALP and HSA. On the contrary, ALP increased the binding affinity of FLX and HSA. The results of synchronous fluorescence and three-dimensional fluorescence spectra indicated that the binding of drugs to HSA would modify the microenvironment around the Trp and Tyr residues and the conformation of HSA. The distances between Trp residue and the binding sites of the drugs were estimated according to the Förster theory, and it was demonstrated that non-radiative energy transfer from HSA to the drugs occurred with a high probability. Moreover, according to CV measurements, the decrease of peak current in the cyclic voltammogram of the both drugs in the presence of HSA revealed that they interacted with albumin and binding constants were calculated for binary systems which were in agreement with the binding constants obtained from UV absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The prediction of the best binding sites of ALP and FLX in binary and ternary systems in molecular modeling approach was done using of Gibbs free energy.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Ca(OH)2 with or without a silver nanoparticle suspension to eliminate Enterococcus faecalis from root canals. A total of 66 extracted human single-rooted teeth contaminated with E. faecalis were treated with 10% Ca(OH)2 alone, Ca(OH)2 with nanosilver or sterile water (as a negative control). Samples were obtained with paper points and Gates-Glidden burs at 1 and 7 days after root canal preparation and the number of colony-forming units (CFU) was determined. The number of CFUs observed after dressing with Ca(OH)2 + nanosilver was significantly less than the number observed with Ca(OH)2 alone after 1 or 7 days (P 0.05). Higher antimicrobial efficacy was observed in the Ca(OH)2 group after 7 days than 1 day (P

Background: This study investigated the effects of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) combined with 1.5 hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride (CPP-ACPF) on color and microhardness of enamel. Material and Methods: Seventy-five bovine incisors were immersed in a tea solution for 7.5 days. The specimens were randomly divided into five groups according to the whitening agent applied: 1) 94 NaHCO3, 2) a blend of 94 NaHCO3 and CPP-ACPF, 3) a blend of 94 NaHCO3 and 1.5 H2O2, 4) a blend of 94 NaHCO3, 1.5 H2O2 and CPP-ACPF, 5) control. The whitening procedure was performed for 10 times over 10 days. At each day, the buccal surfaces were covered with whitening agents for 5 minutes and then brushed for 30 seconds. After the 10 days, the teeth were again immersed in a tea solution for 10 minutes. Color assessment was performed at baseline (T1), after the first staining process (T2), after the whitening procedure (T3), and after the second staining process (T4). Finally, the specimens were subjected to microhardness test. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the color change between T2 and T3 stages among the study groups (p

The binding of ciprofloxacin to human serum albumin (HSA) in the presence and absence of silver nanoparticles of three sizes was investigated for the first time. For this purpose fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, UV-vis spectroscopy, and ζ potential techniques were employed under physiological conditions. The titration results indicated that ciprofloxacin quenched the fluorescence intensity of HSA through a static mechanism, but in the presence of Ag nanoparticles of sizes I and II there were two different kinds of interaction behavior. Results of circular dichroism indicated that the secondary structure of HSA was modified with increasing ciprofloxacin concentration. A comparison between resonance light scattering of binary and ternary systems allowed us to estimate the effect of silver nanoparticles on the initial formation and aggregation of ciprofloxacin with HSA. The ζ-potential results suggested induced conformational changes on HSA, thus confirming the experimental and theoretical results.

Previous studies on animals have revealed that garlic (Allium sativum) is effective in reducing blood and tissue lead concentrations. The aim of this study was to investigate therapeutic effects of garlic and compare it with d-penicillamine in patients with chronic lead poisoning. After coordination and obtaining informed consent, clinical examinations and blood lead concentration (BLC) of 117 workers at a car battery industry were investigated. BLC was determined by heated graphite atomization technique of an atomic absorption spectrometer. The workers were randomly assigned into two groups of garlic (1200 μg allicin, three times daily) and d-penicillamine (250 mg, three times daily) and treated for 4 weeks. BLC was determined again 10 days post-treatment. Clinical signs and symptoms of lead poisoning were also investigated and compared with the initial findings. Clinical improvement was significant in a number of clinical manifestations including irritability (p = 0.031), headache (p = 0.028), decreased deep tendon reflex (p = 0.019) and mean systolic blood pressure (0.021) after treatment with garlic, but not d-penicillamine. BLCs were reduced significantly (p = 0.002 and p = 0.025) from 426.32 ± 185.128 to 347.34 ± 121.056 μg/L and from 417.47 ± 192.54 to 315.76 ± 140.00 μg/L in the garlic and d-penicillamine groups, respectively, with no significant difference (p = 0.892) between the two groups. The frequency of side effects was significantly (p = 0.023) higher in d-penicillamine than in the garlic group. Thus, garlic seems safer clinically and as effective as d-penicillamine. Therefore, garlic can be recommended for the treatment of mild-to-moderate lead poisoning.

This study aimed to evaluate the combination effect of gefitinib (GEF) and regorafenib (REG) against HCT116, CT26 and SW948 colorectal cancer cell lines. Results showed synergistic effects on HCT116 and CT26 cells, while the additive effect was observed on SW948 cells. Combination of GEF and REG induced sub-G1 peak as the apoptotic population on HCT116 cells, through flow cytometry histogram. Downregulation of AKT1 and TGFB2 and upregulation of CASP3 were observed in the combination of GEF and REG in HCT116 cells, using quantitative real-time PCR analysis. HSA binding properties exhibit that the first drug increased binding affinity between the second drug and HSA; as a result, HSA could transport both drugs. Thus, we hope this study creates a promising strategy to treat colorectal cancer.

The formation of the intermediate state of papain was induced by n-alkyl sulfates including sodium octyl sulfate, SOS; sodium decyl sulfate, SDeS; and sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS at different concentrations. A systematic investigation of n-alkyl sulfates induced conformational alteration in molten globule state under an acidic condition and the native state of papain was examined by tryptophan fluorescence, 1-anilino 8-naphtalene sulfonic acid (ANS) binding and UV absorbance. The addition of n-alkyl sulfates to molten globule state at pH 2 shows a decrease in tryptophan fluorescence intensity and quenched ANS fluorescence relative to the native state that leads to enhancement in tryptophan fluorescence and an increase in ANS fluorescence as well. In the presence of n-alkyl sulfates in various conditions, two intermediate (IA and IB) with different conformations were obtained at acidic and native states, respectively. Thus, we can assume that the intermediate states in folding and unfolding pathways in various conditions have different structures. The results show that SDS is much more effective than SDeS and SOS for the formation of the intermediate states for papain in the two different pathways due to the presence of its hydrophobic tail. Therefore, hydrophobic interactions play an important role in inducing the two different intermediates along the two various thermodynamic pathways.

The interaction between spironolactone (Sp) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) has been investigated in aqueous solution and in the solid state. Phase solubility studies indicate that the complex is formed with possible stoichiometry of 1:1 and association constant of 9806 M−1. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) gave evidence for the formation of the complex. The details of Sp/HPβCD molecular interaction were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. The characterization studies confirmed that the C O groups of the six-member ring and acetylthio group of Sp interacts with the hydroxyl groups inside and outside the cavity of HPβCD through formation of hydrogen bonds.

Summary Background In this study, the photosensitivity of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) conjugated gold nanoparticles (conjugate) has been investigated on the MeL-Rm cell line. Methods After culture and proliferation of the Mel-Rm cell line, cell toxicity and the suitable cell incubation time of the conjugate were determined. Photosensitivity of the conjugate and free 5-ALA was then studied in optical doses of 20, 40, 60 and 80 J/cm2 while light irradiation was applied by a He–Ne laser. Results A 4-h time interval was determined as the optimum incubation time for 5-ALA and the conjugate. PpIX induction into the cells showed a significant increase after incubation with the conjugate in comparison to 5-ALA alone. Also, the conjugate resulted in a two times higher cell death rate compared to free 5-ALA. Conclusion The conjugate can be used as an appropriate delivery agent for 5-ALA and provide efficient cell destruction during PDT.

Background: Metal nanoparticles have been recently applied in dentistry because of their antibacterial properties. This study aimed to evaluate antibacterial effects of colloidal solutions containing zinc oxide (ZnO), copper oxide (CuO), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles on Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sangius and compare the results with those of chlorhexidine and sodium fl uoride mouthrinses. Materials and Methods: After adding nanoparticles to a water-based solution, six groups were prepared. Groups I to IV included colloidal solutions containing nanoZnO, nanoCuO, nanoTiO2 and nanoAg, respectively. Groups V and VI consisted of 2.0% sodium fl uoride and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwashes, respectively as controls. We used serial dilution method to fi nd minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and with subcultures obtained minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of the solutions against S. mutans and S. sangius . The data were analyzed by analysis of variance and Duncan test and P < 0.05 was considered as signifi cant. Results: The sodium fl uoride mouthrinse did not show any antibacterial effect. The nanoTiO2- containing solution had the lowest MIC against both microorganisms and also displayed the lowest MBC against S. mutans ( P < 0.05). The colloidal solutions containing nanoTiO2 and nanoZnO showed the lowest MBC against S. sangius ( P < 0.05). On the other hand, chlorhexidine showed the highest MIC and MBC against both streptococci ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: The nanoTiO2-containing mouthwash proved to be an effective antimicrobial agent and thus it can be considered as an alternative to chlorhexidine or sodium fluoride mouthrinses in the oral cavity provided the lack of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on biologic tissues. Key Words: Mouthrinse, nanoparticle, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sangius

Introduction: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a therapeutic method using a photosensitizer that is activated by proper wavelength of light and molecular oxygen. Effective delivery of photosensitizer to target tumor cells that causes minimal damage to healthy cells is an important requirement in photodynamic therapy of cancer. Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) induced endogenously by 5-aminolevulinic acid can be used as a photosensitizer to destroy photodynamically tumor cells. In this study biocompatible gold nanoparticles were used as a vehicle to deliver 5-aminolevulinic acid (5ALA) in intratumoral injection for selective and efficient in vivo photodynamic therapy of CT26 tumor model. Accumulation time in equivalent concentration of 5ALA and 5ALA-AU was compared with each other. Results: PpIX accumulation achieved the peak level at 3 and 5 h after intratumoral injection of 5ALA-AU and 5ALA, respectively and was completely eliminated within 24 h. Conclusions: It seems that 5ALA conjugated gold nanoparticles are not efficient on decrease of incubation time of 5ALA.

Background Berberine was encapsulated in yeast cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as novel carriers to be used in different food and drug industries. The microcapsules were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fourier transform infra red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and fluorescence microscopy. The encapsulation factors such as plasmolysis of yeast cells which affects the % encapsulation yield were studied. Results Fluorescence microscopy showed the yeast cells became fluorescent after encapsulation process. DSC diagram was representing of new peak for microcapsule which was not the same as berberine and the empty yeast cells peaks, separately. FTIR spectrums of microcapsules and yeast cells were almost the same. The plasmolysed and non plasmolysed microcapsules were loaded with berberine up to about 40.2 ± 0.2% w/w. Conclusion Analytical methods proved that berberine was encapsulated in the yeast cells. Fluorescence microscopy and FTIR results showed the entrance of berberine inside the yeasts. DSC diagram indicated the appearance of new peak which is due to the synthesis of new product. Although plasmolysis caused changes in yeast cell structure and properties, it did not enhance berberine loading in the cells. The results confirmed that Saccharomyces cerevisiae could be an efficient and safe carrier for active materials.