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A simple quantitative separation method for combinations of sixteen 14C- and 3H-labeled catecholamines, their precursors and metabolites has been devised. The method uses precoated cellulose plates, diazotized p-nitroaniline as a spray detection agent and quantitates the labeled compounds by means of a liquid scintillation counter. The efficiency of the method was tested by examining differences of in vitro and in vivo metabolism of 14C-labeled dopamine by control and enzyme-inhibited caudate nucleus.

Metabolic alterations are a hallmark of cancer. While determining metabolic changes in vitro has delivered valuable insight into the metabolism of cancer cells, it emerges that determining the in vivo metabolism adds an additional layer of information. Here, we therefore describe how to measure the in vivo metabolism of cancer tissue using 13C glucose infusions in mice.

Graphene and its modified nano-composites have gained much attention in recent times in cancer therapy as nanotheranostics due to low production cost, ease in synthesis and physicochemical properties (ultra-large surface area with planar structure and π-π conjugation with the unsaturated and aromatic drugs/biomolecules) being favorable for multiple payloads and drug targeting. Yet, graphene nano-composites are a relatively new and rapid development. The adoption of graphene nano-composites in cancer nanobiomedicine research raises questions about in vivo metabolism and disposition as well as biological interaction and safety profile of these nano-particles. Limited in-vitro and in-vivo findings are available in literature, indicating the inconsistencies about the factors affecting in-vivo bio-interaction and toxicity. Presently, there is a lack of anticipated biodistribution and toxicity pattern of graphene. It appears that surface functionalization, biocompatible coating, and size are the key factors in determining the metabolic fate of graphene nano-composites. In-vitro and in-vivo toxicity data suggests that graphene nano-composites exhibit dose and size dependent toxicity. This review summarizes up-to-date research outcome of this promising inorganic nanomaterial for cancer therapy. Moreover, the metabolic fate and toxicity issues of graphene and its nano-composites shall also be discussed in detail.

IN a previous report1 evidence was presented indicating that the monosulphate ester obtained as the principal product of the direct sulphation of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine with chlorosulphonic acid was identical with N-acetyl-D-glucosamine 6-O-sulphate prepared by definitive synthesis. In addition, following preliminary observations on the structure of the monosulphate ester prepared by the direct sulphation of N-acetyl-D-galactosamine1, independent results from work on tritylation (triphenylmethylation)2, and infrared spectroscopy3,4, indicate that this material is also a 6-O-sulphate ester. Since available information suggests that N-acetyl-D-glucosamine 6-O-sulphate and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine 6-O-sulphate exist in vivo as part of the polymer chains of keratosulphate and chondroitin sulphate-C respectively5,6, it was of interest to examine the in vivo metabolism of these N-acetylhexosamine sulphate esters.