How cannabis can slow tumour growth revealed

Washington, July 15 (ANI): A new study has revealed how the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis could reduce tumour growth in cancer patients.

According to the study by researchers at University of East Anglia, the findings, suggest the existence of previously unknown signaling platforms which are responsible for the drug's success in shrinking tumours, which could help develop a synthetic equivalent with anti-cancer properties.

The team used samples of human cancer cells to induce tumours in mice. They then targeted the tumours with doses of the cannabis compound THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). They found that two cell receptors in particular were responsible for the drug's anti-tumour effects.

Dr Peter McCormick, from UEA's school of Pharmacy, said that THC, the major active component of marijuana, has anti-cancer properties and this compound is known to act through a specific family of cell receptors called cannabinoid receptors. However, it was unclear which of these receptors were responsible for the anti-tumour effects of THC.

McCormick added that they have found that these effects are mediated via the joint interaction of CB2 and GPR55 - two members of the cannabinoid receptor family and their findings help explain some of the well-known but still poorly understood effects of THC at low and high doses on tumour growth.

The scientists said that by identifying the receptors involved they have provided an important step towards the future development of therapeutics that can take advantage of the interactions they have discovered to reduce tumour growth.

The research uses an isolated chemical compound and using the correct concentration is vital.

However, the scientists also warned that cancer patients should not use cannabis to self-medicate, but they hope that the research will lead to a safe synthetic equivalent being available in the future.

The study was published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

How stress leads to obesity revealed

Washington, July 16 : A new study has revealed the process that can disrupt the process of fat tissue development due to stress.

The study showed that adenosine, a metabolite released when the body was under stress or during an inflammatory response, stopped the process of adipogenesis, when adipose (fat) stem cells differentiated into adult fat cells.

The findings indicated that the body's response to stress, potentially stopping the production of fat cell development, might be doing more harm than good under conditions of obesity and/or high levels of circulating blood fat.

The process is halted due to a newly identified signaling from an adenosine receptor, the A2b adenosine receptor (A2bAR) to a stem cell factor, known as KLF4, which regulates stem cell maintenance. When A2bAR is expressed, KLF4 level is augmented, leading to inhibition of differentiation of fat stem cells. The correlation between these two factors leads to an interruption of fat cell development, which could result in issues with fat storage within the cells and it getting into the bloodstream.

Katya Ravid, DSc/PhD, said that it might seem counterintuitive, but the body needs fat tissue in order to function properly, and certain biochemical cellular processes were necessary for this to happen.

He further explained, however, the study indicated that a dysfunction resulting from stress or inflammation could disrupt the process of fat tissue development, which could have a negative impact on processes dependent on proper fat cell homeostasis.

Fish Oil Supplements usage may improve memory

Washington, July 16 (ANI): A new study has revealed that regular use of fish oil supplements (FOS) reduces incidence of cognitive decline and it may improve memory.

The study examined the relationship between FOS use during the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) and indicators of cognitive decline.

Lori Daiello, principal investigator, PharmD, of the Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders Center at Rhode Island Hospital said that at least one person was diagnosed every minute with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and despite best efforts they have not yet found a cure for this pervasive and debilitating disease.

He further added that they are now researching ways to prevent AD or slow cognitive decline in normal aging, howerver, the positive findings on cognitive testing and brain MRI were only observed in persons who did not carry the best-studied genetic risk factor for AD, APOE-4 so more research would be needed.

It was estimated that more than 5 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer's disease, which was most common form of dementia and was the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.

The study is published online in advance of print in the journal Alzheimer's and Dementia

Amrit Singh

AMRIT SINGH 

'I decided on pharmacy because I had a keen interest in chemistry and biology. Working part-time in a community pharmacy allowed me to view at first hand how rewarding pharmacy is, as it means we can help people from all walks of life using the chemical and drug expertise where there is plenty of contact with the general public.' In future pharmacists will have more responsibility and more duties to perform, meaning we will have a bigger role to play, like doctors.

Formulation and evaluation of mucilage based matrix tablets of Lamivudine

Formulation and evaluation of mucilage based matrix tablets of

Lamivudine

The present investigation is aimed at formulating and evaluating Mucilage based sustained release

matrix tablets of Lamivudine using different natural polymers such as Guar Mucilage, Xanthan Mucilage,

Rosin Mucilage, Pectin, and Sodium alginate taken at 30%, 40% and 50% of the total weight of the

tablet. Lamivudine is a potent hydrophilic anti viral agent indicated for treatment of AIDS

(Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It was found that the cumulative percent drug release

decreased with increasing concentration of natural Mucilages. All the formulations were able to

retard the release of the drug beyond 18 hours except pectin and sodium alginate were unable to

sustain the drug release from the matrix tablets. F5 (40% Xanthan Mucilage) formulation was

selected as optimized formulation. The swelling study states that the swelling index was

increased up to 6 hours and there after that the swelling index was decreased. No chemical

interaction between Drug and the Mucilage were seen as confirmed by FT-IR studies. Thus, sustained

release matrix tablets of Lamivudine using natural Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers

were successfully formulated, evaluated and found to be suitable candidates in extending the

release of the drug from the matrix tablets.

Fatigue Cause No. 4: Anemia

Fatigue Cause No. 4: Anemia

Anemia is a leading cause of fatigue in women. Menstrual blood loss can cause an iron deficiency, putting women at risk. Red blood cells (shown here) are needed because they carry oxygen to your tissues and organs.
Fix: For anemia caused by an iron deficiency, taking iron supplements and eating iron-rich foods, such as lean meat, liver, shellfish, beans, and enriched cereal, can help.

Celebrate your successful changes

Celebrate!

Celebrate your successful changes. Whenever you have implemented a new step in your weight-control plan, give yourself a small (non-food!) reward like time with a friend, a pedicure, or a new accessory. Reward yourself for making a change toward a slimming lifestyle without a complicated or restrictive diet plan.