Plant-derived polyphenols such as curcumin hold promise as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of chronic liver diseases. However, its development is plagued by poor aqueous solubility resulting in poor bioavailability. To circumvent the suboptimal bioavailability of free curcumin, we have developed a polymeric nanoparticle formulation of curcumin (NanoCurc™) that overcomes this major pitfall of the free compound. In this study, we show that NanoCurc™ results in sustained intrahepatic curcumin levels that can be found in both hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells. NanoCurc™ markedly inhibits carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis. It also enhances antioxidant levels in the liver and inhibits pro-fibrogenic transcripts associated with activated myofibroblasts. Finally, we show that NanoCurc™ directly induces stellate cell apoptosis in vitro. Our results suggest that NanoCurc™ might be an effective therapy for patients with chronic liver disease.
Postoperative ileus (POI) occurs after gastrointestinal and other intra-abdominal surgeries, and its incidence rate is reported to range between 10 and 30% following major abdominal surgery. Should ileus remain for several days or if symptoms worsen despite management, further investigation is warranted to consider other diagnoses such as small bowel obstruction (SBO), intra-abdominal abscess, or perforation. The etiology of postoperative obstructive symptoms can evolve during the postoperative course and many possible factors contribute to postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction. Prolonged POI may be a risk factor for hernia incarceration. We describe the case of a 72-year-old male with a history of perforated diverticulitis and Hartmann procedure status post-colostomy takedown complicated by prolonged POI for six days. Clinical workup revealed incarcerated inguinal hernia, which was treated with urgent inguinal hernia repair. Follow-up revealed resolution of gastrointestinal dysfunction within 48 hours of hernia repair.
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