Photodynamic therapy involves administration of a tumor localizing photosensitizing agent, followed by the activation of the agent by light of a specific wavelength. This therapy results in a sequence of photochemical and photobiological processes that cause irreversible photo damage to the tumor tissue. Only a few photosensitizers have received official approval around the world. But they are with some adverse side effects. Because of these draw backs search for new photosensitizers is in progress. The dye selected in our study-Symmetric diiodinated squaraine-is one of these newly developed photosensitizers. We have examined the in vivo distribution of the dye on normal and skin tumor induced animal models to check the retention time of the dye. The mechanism of action of photosensitizers in selective killing of cancer cells involves the generation of oxidative stress whereby the malignant cells are damaged, in presence of light of appropriate wavelength. Thus we also intended to study whether there is the initiation of oxidative damage in the normal tissues in the body of dye injected mice in the absence of light. The results show that maximum amount of the dye was accumulated in the different organs of the body 4 h after the administration. The compound is tumor specific since after 24 h of injection, it was retained only in the tumor site and in the immediate surroundings of the tumor. This shows the selectivity of the dye to tumor tissue. The administration of the squaraine dye in the system induces no significant change in the level of lipid peroxidation products and activity of antioxidant enzymes when compared to the control mice. This indicates that the squaraine dye does not induce any oxidative stress to the normal tissues in the body and hence the dye can be safely used for photodynamic therapy.
Mucormycosis is a group of destructive opportunistic mycosis caused by filamentous fungi of order mucorales. Mucormycosis is the 3 rd most common invasive mycosis in order of importance after candidiasis and aspergillosis in hematological and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) patients. 1 These fungi will cause lethal infections in immunecompromised patients especially those with uncontrolled diabetes accompanied with keto-acidosis. 2 Invasive mucormycosis is characterized by the rapid development of tissue necrosis due to vascular invasion and subsequent thrombosis. Disease may manifest as rhino-orbital-cerebral, pulmonary, cutaneous, gastrointestinal, or disseminated forms. 3 In this retrospective study we evaluated the clinical characteristics and treatment outcome for mucormycosis cases. METHODS Charts of 60 patients with histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of mucormycosis treated at St. John's medical ABSTRACT Background: Mucormycosis is an invasive fungal infection seen in immunocompromised patients. Most common presentation is face or orbital pain, headache, lethargy, visual loss, proptosis, or palatal ulcer. Because of its angioinvasive properties, it can rapidly spread to intracranial tissues and orbit. It can lead to fatal complications such as blindness, intracranial infections, convulsions and even death. Aim of current study was to diagnose this condition; a high index of suspicion is required. Blackish crusts are characteristically seen and Potassium hydroxide (KOH) staining of these crusts can give a rapid diagnosis. Methods: Study Design was retrospective review of the charts. We reviewed the charts between January 2001 and December 2010 and compiled together 60 cases of mucormycosis. Results: The most common presentation was orbital cellulitis. Some patients presented with features of acute sinusitis. The most common cause of immunosuppression was diabetes mellitus. Patients were started on amphotericin. The prognosis was bad in 7 patients who lost vision and 8 patients died. Conclusion: Diagnosis in the early stage needs a high degree of suspicion. The underlying illness, the time between the onset of the disease and the establishment of treatment, and the occurrence of cerebral ischemic events play a role in worse survival rates.
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