Manipal University

About: Manipal University is a education organization based out in Manipal, Karnataka, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 9525 authors who have published 11207 publications receiving 110687 citations.

'Lnc'-ing Wnt in female reproductive cancers: therapeutic potential of long non-coding RNAs in Wnt signalling.

Abstract: Recent discoveries in the non-coding genome have challenged the original central dogma of molecular biology, as non-coding RNAs and related processes have been found to be important in regulating gene expression. MicroRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are among those that have gained attention recently in human diseases, including cancer, with the involvement of many more non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) waiting to be discovered. ncRNAs are a group of ribonucleic acids transcribed from regions of the human genome, which do not become translated into proteins, despite having essential roles in cellular physiology. Deregulation of ncRNA expression and function has been observed in cancer pathogenesis. Recently, the roles of a group of ncRNA known as lncRNA have gained attention in cancer, with increasing reports of their oncogenic involvement. Female reproductiv cancers remain a leading cause of death in the female population, accounting for almost a third of all female cancer deaths in 2016. The Wnt signalling pathway is one of the most important oncogenic signalling pathways which is hyperactivated in cancers, including female reproductive cancers. The extension of ncRNA research into theirmechanistic roles in human cancers has also led to novel reported roles of ncRNAs in the Wnt pathway and Wnt-mediated oncogenesis. This review aims to provide a critical summary of the respective roles and cellular functions of Wnt-associated lncRNAs in female reproductive cancers and explores the potential of circulating cell-free lncRNAs as diagnostic markers and lncRNAs as therapeutic targets.

Antifungal Susceptibility and Biofilm Production of Candida spp. Isolated from Clinical Samples

Abstract: Objective. The study aims to speciate clinical Candida isolates and detect their biofilm-forming ability and antifungal resistance. Methods. All the Candida spp. isolated from different clinical samples like pus, urine, blood, and body fluid were included in the study. Biofilm production was tested by the microtiter plate method. Antifungal susceptibility was studied by the disk diffusion method. Patient’s demographic details such as age, sex, and clinical information were collected. Presence of other risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, history of antibiotic use, and any urinary tract instrumentations was also recorded. Results. Among 90 Candida species isolated, most predominant species was found to be C. albicans (45.5%) followed by C. tropicalis (28.88%), C. krusei (20%), C. glabrata (3.33%), and C. parapsilosis (2.22%). Candida spp. were isolated from urine (43%), BAL/sputum (18.88%), high vaginal swab (8.88%), suction tips (7.77%), blood and wound swabs (6.66%), pus (3.33%), bile aspirate (2.22%), and deep tissue (1.11%). A larger number of females were affected than males, and the age group of 51 to 60 years was more susceptible to candidiasis. A higher number of C. albicans isolates produced biofilm followed by C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and C. krusei. However, C. glabrata showed no biofilm production in our study. All Candida isolates were 100% sensitive to amphotericin B. Voriconazole was the next effective drug with 81.11% susceptibility. 24.44% of strains were resistant to fluconazole. Conclusion. Speciation of Candida isolates, detection of ability to form the biofilm, and monitoring of antifungal susceptibility testing are necessary for appropriate treatment.

Preparation and evaluation of minoxidil gels for topical application in alopecia

Abstract: In the present study four minoxidil gels were prepared using carbopol, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and combination of hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose for the treatment of alopecia. The gels were evaluated for drug content, viscosity determination, in vitro permeation (across dialysis membrane and mouse skin), skin irritation and stability at 4, 25 and 37° tests. The drug content of the gels was found to range from 96.40±0.57 to 98.10±0.32%. The viscosity of the gels ranged between 13,780±100 and 24,950±150 cps. The drug permeation across dialysis membrane from all the formulations at the end of 24 h was almost same and ranged between 92.05±1.52 and 93.52±1.95%. Although the difference is insignificant, the percentage release of drug was found to increase in the following order of the polymer composition: HPC>Carbopol>HPMC>HPMC+HPC. All the gel formulations released almost similar amounts of drug (90.05±1.92 to 91.56±1.65%) across the mouse skin; but the cumulative amount of drug permeated across dialysis membrane was more than that of the mouse skin. The marketed topical solution was found to diffuse almost 100% of drug across dialysis membrane and mouse skin at the end of 12 h. As supported by Higuchi's equation, the drug release mechanism from all the gels was found to be diffusion dominated. The prepared gels did not produce any dermatological reactions and were well tolerated by the mice. The gels were found to be stable with respect to viscosity, drug content and physical appearance at all temperature conditions for 3 months.

Role of Components in the Formation of Self-microemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract: Pharmaceutical research is focused in designing novel drug delivery systems to improve the bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs. Self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems, one among the lipid-based dosage forms were proven to be promising in improving the oral bioavailability of such drugs by enhancing solubility, permeability and avoiding first-pass metabolism via enhanced lymphatic transport. Further, they have been successful in avoiding both inter and intra individual variations as well as the dose disproportionality. Aqueous insoluble drugs, in general, show greater solubility in lipid based excipients, and hence they are formulated as lipid based drug delivery systems. The extent of solubility of a hydrophobic drug in lipid excipients i.e. oil, surfactant and co-surfactant (components of self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems) greatly affects the drug loading and in producing stable self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems. The present review highlighted the influence of physicochemical factors and structural features of the hydrophobic drug on its solubility in lipid excipients and an attempt was made to explore the role of each component of self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems in the formation of stable microemulsion upon dilution.