Human MNT blocking peptide

Introduction: Diabetes self-management education (DSME) and medical nutrition therapy (MNT), provided by diabetes educators and registered dietitians respectively, considerably improve glycaemic control. However, it is unknown what interventions exist in many African countries and the impact thereof. Aim: To determine the impact of existing DSME interventions on knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of adults with type 2 diabetes attending public health care facilities in Harare, Zimbabwe. Methods: A cross-sectional, researcher-administered survey was designed to assess DSME KAP at eight outpatient diabetes clinics that provide diabetes services. Participants were conveniently sampled. Associations between mean scores for knowledge, attitudes and practices were compared between characteristics of DSME interventions. Results: A total of 154 participants were recruited and divided evenly between two tertiary (n = 77) and six primary outpatient clinics (n = 77). The mean age was 61.8 years (SD +/- 12.7), mean years since diagnosis with diabetes was 8.1 years (SD +/- 8.3) and the majority were females (66.9%, n = 103). Most participants (90.3%, n = 139) reported receiving some DSME. Participants most frequently cited a tertiary clinic as the place where DSME was received. Fewer had consulted a dietitian (49.0%, n = 76) or diabetes educator (52.0%, n = 80). Higher levels of diabetes knowledge were observed for tertiary clinic attendees (p = 0.00), consultation with a dietitian (p < 0.01) and diabetes educator (p = 0.00). Only those who had consulted a dietitian reported better adherence to dietary guidelines (p = 0.00) and physical activity (p = 0.02) self-care behaviours. Conclusion: Dietitian-led interventions significantly improved both knowledge and practices, highlighting a need to scale up dietetic intervention, particularly in primary clinics where limited interventions occur.

Recombinant modular nanotransporter containing alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone peptide sequence (MNT-MSH) as a ligand module was designed for nucleus-targeted delivery of cytotoxic agents into melanoma cells. MNT-MSH radiolabeled with Auger electron emitter (In-111-NOTA-MNT-MSH) showed a high antitumor efficacy in mice bearing syngeneic melanoma after intratumoral (i.t.) injection. This study is aimed at evaluating the biodistribution of the radioconjugate in melanoma tumor model in vivo. In-111-NOTA-MNT-MSH was administered i.t. in C57Bl/6j mice bearing subcutaneously implanted B16-F1 murine melanoma cells, expressing high levels of MCR1. The tissue uptake of radioactivity was determined ex vivo by gamma-counter measurements. The intravenous route of administration did not provide a desirable level of radioactivity accumulation in the tumor, possibly, due to a high uptake of the transporter in liver tissue. After i.t. administration In-111-NOTA-MNT-MSH provided a high local retention of radionuclide, ranged from 400 to 350 % ID/g within at least 48 hours post-injection. MNT containing Auger electron emitter and alpha-MSH peptide as vector ligand could be a promising basis for radiopharmaceutical preparations intended for melanoma treatment.