Polyurethane Structures Used as a Drug Carrier for Epigallocatechin Gallate

The current study was proposed in order to obtain, to characterize by usually physico-chemical methods and to assess in vitro, the potential cytotoxic effect of polyurethane microstructures loaded with epigallocatechin gallate (PU_MS) on human pharyngeal carcinoma cells (Detroit 562) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC-4). The results showed that polyurethane microstructures obtained are stable and have dimensions that make them biocompatible with the biological environment. The cytotoxicity of test samples is dependent on concentration and 72 hours after stimulation at the highest concentration tested the viability of tumor cells was below 50%, the decrease being much more pronounced in the case of squamous cell carcinoma. The novel nanostructures loaded with epigallocatechin gallate induced an augmented cytotoxic effect, suggesting that this drug carriers are suitable to enhance the antitumor effect of epigallocatechin gallate.

Headache with occipital neuralgia phenotype: Report of four cases

Background: The International Headache Society defines Occipital neuralgia as an unilateral or bilateral paroxysmal, shooting or stabbing pain in the posterior part of the scalp, in the distribution(s) of the greater, lesser and/or third occipital nerves. The most common pain trigger in this area result from chronically contracted muscles. Different aetiologies of headache with occipital neuralgia phenotype have been described. Case: We report four cases in which pain with occipital neuralgia phenotype was the initial symptom of a clivus chordoma; a para-pharyngeal carcinoma; a vertebral dissection; and a brachial plexitis due to zoster. Conclusion: A detailed anamnesis and physical examination should be performed in these patients. If during follow up atypical finding appears, we recommend head and neck gadolinium-enhanced MRI and biochemistry to exclude secondary causes.

Photocytotoxicity of liposomal zinc phthalocyanine in oral squamous cell carcinoma and pharyngeal carcinoma cells

Aim: Photodynamic therapy utilizes a light-sensitive molecule that produces reactive oxygen species following irradiation. Photodynamic activities of free Zn phthalocyanine (ZnPc) and its liposomal formulations on human oral squamous cell carcinoma and pharyngeal carcinoma cells were assessed. Materials & methods: ZnPc was incorporated in extruded and nonextruded liposomes composed of palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylglycerol (POPG):palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC) or POPG:dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine liposomes and incubated with CAL 27 or FaDu cells. Cell viability was assessed following illumination and further incubation. Results: ZnPc incorporated in extruded POPG:POPC liposomes caused extensive cytotoxicity, while ZnPc in extruded or nonextruded POPG:dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine liposomes or in multilamellar POPG:POPC liposomes were not effective. Conclusion: Extruded POPG:POPC liposomes are a useful delivery vehicle for ZnPc in photodynamic therapy of oral and pharyngeal cancers.