stilbenes and Acquired-Immunodeficiency-Syndrome

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound present in trees, in peanuts, in grapevines and exhibited multiple pharmacological activities. Extensive research in last two decades suggested that resveratrol possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-amyloid, anti-arthritic and antioxidant properties. Some clinical reports have proposed that resveratrol might be a potential candidate for the prevention and/or treatment of HIV/AIDS and synergistically enhances the anti-HIV-1 activity. Resveratrol is not toxic to cells, and by itself reduces viral replication by 20% to 30%. With almost 12% of the world population suffering from HIV/AIDS including its resurgence in the developed world, better management of this global threat is highly desired. Further, various studies demonstrated several issues associated with resveratrol which account for its poor systemic bioavailability (almost zero) due to rapid and extensive first pass metabolism and existence of enterohepatic recirculation. In order to improve bioavailability and cellular uptake of resveratrol, various strategies have been adopted to date which includes resveratrol prodrug and the development of nanostructured delivery systems. Besides, nanostructured delivery systems are also known to inhibit the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux, reduced metabolism by gut cytochrome P-450 enzymes, and circumnavigate the hepatic first-pass effect, facilitating absorption of drugs via intestinal lymphatic pathways. This review paper provides an updated bird's-eye view account on the publications and patents study on the recent novel approaches to deliver resveratrol in order to enhance oral bioavailability, overcome first pass metabolism and trounce enterohepatic recirculation to make resveratrol a therapeutically potent drug. Providing a relatively pithy overview, this paper thus presents recent advances of resveratrol for the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Antioxidants; Drug Delivery Systems; HIV Infections; Humans; Nanostructures; Resveratrol; Stilbenes

Combretastatin A4 disodium phosphate (CA4DP) was evaluated in a xenograft model of AIDS-KS. KS xenografts were highly vascular, showing brisk mitotic activity, focal areas of necrosis, and intervening fibrovascular septae. Neoplastic cells were large or spindle-shaped, with vesicular nuclei and modest pleomorphism. Multiple junctions, microvillous-like projections, abortive lumina and rare Weibel Palade bodies were revealed by electron microscopy. Treatment with CA4DP (100 mg/kg) resulted in rapid onset of vascular effects that within 4 h resulted in an almost complete vascular shutdown in these tumors. Histological evaluation showed morphological damage within a few hours after treatment, followed by extensive necrosis which increased to approximately 90% by 24 h. At this time, viable tumor cells were evident only at the periphery of the tumor. These findings demonstrate not only the marked susceptibility of the KS model to CA4DP but also its potential application in studies related to the pathogenesis and therapy of AIDS-KS.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Benzimidazoles; Biomarkers, Tumor; Blood Vessels; Cell Division; Cells, Cultured; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Mice; Mice, Nude; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Sarcoma, Experimental; Sarcoma, Kaposi; Stilbenes

To evaluate three fluorescent chitin stains for detecting microsporidia spores in specimens from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients with chronic diarrhea.. We compared the Fungifluor, Calcofluor White, and Fungiqual A fluorochrome stains for identifying Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Septata intestinalis spores in stool, intestinal fluid, biopsy imprints, and paraffin biopsy sections. The modified chromotrope trichrome stain was used as the standard light microscopic technique for stool and fluid specimens. Stained and unstained paraffin sections and fluid preparations were also evaluated. Multiple specimens from 50 consecutive symptomatic AIDS patients and archival material from known microsporidia-positive AIDS patients were analyzed.. Spores of E bieneusi and S intestinalis fluoresce brightly with all three fluorochrome stains in all of the types of diagnostic specimens. Fluorescing debris and the much larger fungal forms were readily distinguished. Spores were equally well detected in unfixed and formalin-fixed stool specimens, but were not as well detected after sodium acetate-acetic acid, polyvinyl acetate, and ethanol fixation. Bouin's tissue fixative gave a higher background staining than formalin. Spores were readily detected in archival paraffin sections and stool preparations, even when the specimens had been stained previously. Repeat fluorochrome staining was possible. The methods also could detect extraintestinal parasites in paraffin sections.. The three fluorescent chitin stains are sensitive and rapid methods for detecting microsporidia spores in stool, intestinal fluid, biopsy imprint, and tissue specimens, even from archived material.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Animals; Benzenesulfonates; Biopsy; Body Fluids; Chitin; Diarrhea; Feces; Fixatives; Fluorescent Dyes; Humans; Intestines; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Microsporida; Microsporidiosis; Pilot Projects; Stilbenes; Triazines