bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Diabetes Mellitus Induced by Alloxan on the Pharmacokinetics of Metformin in Rats: Restoration of Pharmacokinetic Parameters to the Control State by Insulin Treatment
Authors: Lee Myung G. , Choi Young H , Lee Inchul
Published: March 2016

To test the effect of insulin treatment on the pharmacokinetics of metformin in rats with diabetes mellitus induced by alloxan (DMIA rats). The following results were reported from other studies. Metformin was metabolized via hepatic CYP2C11, 2D1, and 3A1/2 in rats. In DMIA rats, the protein expression and mRNA levels of hepatic CYP2C11 and 3A1/2 decreased and increased, respectively. In rat model of diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin, the protein expression of hepatic CYP2D1 was not changed. The increase in hepatic CYP1A2, 2B1, and 2E1, and decrease in hepatic CYP2C11 in DMIA rats was returned to the controls by insulin treatment. METHODS. Metformin (100 mg/kg) was administered intravenously and orally to the control rats, DMIA rats, and DMIA rats with insulin treatment for 3 weeks (DMIA rats with insulin). RESULTS. After intravenous administration of metformin to the DMIA rats, the CLR and CLNR of the drug were significantly slower than the controls. After oral administration of metformin to the DMIA rats, the AUC of the drug was also significantly greater than the controls. After intravenous administration of metformin to the DMIA rats with insulin, the significantly slower CLNR of the drug in the DMIA rats was returned to the controls. The altered pharmacokinetic indices observed following intravenous and oral administration of metformin to DMIA rats returned to the control values in the DMIA rats with insulin. CONCLUSIONS. The significantly slower CLNR of metformin in the DMIA rats could be due to the decrease in hepatic CYP2C11 than the controls. The comparable CLNR of metformin between the DMIA rats with insulin and the control rats could be due to restoration of hepatic CYP enzyme changes in DMIA rats to the controls.
α-Amylase Inhibitors: A Review of Raw Material and Isolated Compounds from Plant Source
Authors: Sales Paloma Michelle , Souza Paula Monteiro , Simeoni Luiz Alberto , Magalhães Pérola Oliveira , Silveira Damaris
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT - Inhibition of α-amylase, enzyme that plays a role in digestion of starch and glycogen, is considered a strategy for the treatment of disorders in carbohydrate uptake, such as diabetes and obesity, as well as, dental caries and periodontal diseases. Plants are an important source of chemical constituents with potential for inhibition of α-amylase and can be used as therapeutic or functional food sources. A review about crude extracts and isolated compounds from plant source that have been tested for α-amylase inhibitory activity has been done. The analysis of the results shows a variety of crude extracts that present α-amylase inhibitory activity and some of them had relevant activity when compared with controls used in the studies. Amongst the phyto-constituents that have been investigated, flavonoids are one of them that demonstrated the highest inhibitory activities with the potential of inhibition related to number of hydroxyl groups in the molecule of the compound. Several phyto-constituents and plant species as α-amylase inhibitors are being reported in this article. Majority of studies have focused on the anti-amylase phenolic compounds.

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Pharmacokinetics of mirodenafil, a new erectogenic, and its metabolite, SK3541, in rats: involvement of CYP1A1/2, 2B1/2, 2D subfamily, and 3A1/2 for the metabolism of both mirodenafil and SK3541
Authors: Choi Young Hee , Lee Young Sun , Lee Myung Gull , Kim Tae Kon , Lee Bong-Yong
Published: March 2016

Purpose. This study was performed to find which types of hepatic CYP isoforms are responsible for the metabolism of mirodenafil (a new erectogenic) and one of its metabolite, SK3541, using various hepatic CYP inducers and inhibitors in rats. Methods. Mirodenafil at a dose of 20 mg/kg was administered intravenously to control rats and rats pretreated with various CYP inducers and inhibitors. The disappearance of SK3541 was also measured in vitro hepatic microsomes of rats with and without CYP inducer and inhibitors. Results. Compared to controls, in rats pretreated with 3-methylcholanthrene, orphenadrine, and dexamethasone (main inducers of CYP1A1/2, 2B1/2, and 3A1/2, respectively), the non-renal clearances (CLNRs) of mirodenafil were significantly faster (by 39.4%, 59.3%, and 63.9%, respectively). However, compared to controls, in rats pretreated with quinine and troleandomycin (main inhibitors of CYP2D subfamily and 3A1/2, respectively), the CLNRs of mirodenafil were significantly slower (by 36.1% and 33.2%, respectively). In rat hepatic microsomes spiked with furafylline, quinine, and troleandomycin (main inhibitors of CYP1A2, 2D subfamily, and 3A1/2, respectively), the intrinsic clearances (CLints) for the disappearance of SK3541 were significantly slower (by 18.4%, 35.3%, and 51.5%, respectively) than controls. Also in rat hepatic microsomes pretreated with orphenadrine (a main inducer of CYP2B1/2), the CLint for the disappearance of SK3541 was significantly faster (by 55.5%) than controls. Conclusions. The above data suggest that hepatic CYP1A1/2, 2B1/2, 2D subfamily, and 3A1/2 are involved in the metabolism of both mirodenafil and SK3541 in rats.
Effect of Terpenes on the Skin Permeation of Lomerizine Dihydrochloride
Authors: Furuishi Takayuki , Kato Yukiko , Fukami Toshiro , Suzuki Toyofumi , Endo Tomohiro , Nagase Hiromasa , Ueda Haruhisa , Tomono Kazuo
Published: March 2016

Purpose. Lomerizine dihydrochloride (LOM) is a Ca2+ channel blocker used as an antimigraine drug, which is currently administered orally in Japan. We therefore investigated the effect of terpenes in propylene glycol (PG) solvent on the percutaneous absorption of LOM by hairless mouse skin. Methods. Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) were carried out to analyze the effects of terpene enhancers on the biophysical properties of the stratum corneum (SC) of the skin. Results. Of the terpenes tested, the highest permeation rate of LOM (28.8 mg/cm2/h) was observed with 1,8-cineole, while nerolidol conferred the lowest enhancement of LOM flux (14.2 mg/cm2/h). ATR-FTIR studies revealed that terpenes/PG induced higher CH2 stretching frequencies of SC lipids than PG alone. The extent of penetration of the lipophilic fluorescence probes Nile Red and DiI was measured by CLSM in in vitro skin permeation studies, using either PG or terpenes/PG as skin permeation enhancers. With PG alone, both fluorescence dyes were undetectable in the skin. In contrast, when co-administered with terpenes/PG, both probes were distributed into the intercellular space between corneocytes and detected in the deeper layers of the skin. SAXS measurements showed that in SC treated with a combination of 1,8-cineole and PG, the scattering peak of the SC was broad and very weak in intensity compared to untreated SC, whereas pretreatment with PG alone did not alter the peak profile. Conclusion. A combination of terpenes and PG enhance the skin permeation of LOM. Our findings suggest that the mechanism for this effect involves the ability of terpenes to increase the fluidity of SC lipids, thus enhancing the distribution of LOM into the intercellular region of the SC. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
Effectiveness and Safety of Abatacept in Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Cortejoso-Fernández Lucía , Romero-Jiménez Rosa María , Pernía-López María Sagrario , Montoro-Álvarez María , Sanjurjo-Sáez María
Published: March 2016

Purpose: Abatacept was approved in our hospital by the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee for treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adult patients with inadequate response or intolerance to disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including at least one anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF). The objectives of this study were to analyze compliance with our protocol and to evaluate effectiveness and safety of abatacept in our patients. Methods: We performed a descriptive longitudinal study of patients with RA treated with abatacept between August 2008 and May 2010 in our day care unit. We reviewed clinical records and recorded the following data: sex, age, weight, year of diagnosis, previous antirheumatic treatments and reasons for withdrawal of anti-TNFs, indication for abatacept, dose and date of administration, Disease Activity Score (DAS28) and adverse events. Effectiveness was evaluated using the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria. Results: We recruited 16 patients. Mean follow-up time was 10.4 (SD: 6.1) months. All patients had been previously treated with DMARDs, including at least one anti-TNF, and the mean dose of abatacept was 9.4 (SD: 1.4) mg/kg. During the first 6 months of treatment, 11/16 of patients experienced a decrease in their DAS28 value, but only 5/16 achieved a satisfactory response. Dyspnea was the most frequent adverse event (7/16), followed by fatigue and asthenia (6/16) and dry skin (5/16). Conclusions: The indication for abatacept in our hospital complied with the protocol approved by the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. Only 5/16 of patients achieved a satisfactory response; however, it should be noted that these patients had moderate to severe RA that was refractory to other treatments. Adverse reactions were consistent with those described in the summary of product characteristics. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to analyze the long-term safety and effectiveness profile in clinical practice.

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Co-encapsulation of a Drug with a Protein in Erythrocytes for Improved Drug Loading and Release: Phenytoin and Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA)
Authors: Hamidi Mehrdad , Azimi Kourosh , Mohammadi-Samani Soliman
Published: March 2016

The aim of the present study was to use a novel protein co-encapsulation method to prepare phenytoin-loaded human erythrocytes with improved loading parameters and release profiles. Carrier erythrocytes were prepared using the hypotonic pre-swelling method. A series of in vitro characterization tests were carried out on the carrier cells, including loading parameters, drug and hemoglobin release, hematological indices, particle size analysis, osmotic fragility, turbulence fragility, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Co-encapsulation with bovine serum albumin (BSA) resulted in about 8-times higher drug loading in erythrocytes, with biphasic release trend instead of triphasic in the case of drug alone loading. In comparison to the normal unloaded cells, MCH and MCHC indices were decreased in the case of both drug and drug/protein loading, apparent cell sizes were unchanged, cell shapes were changed to spherical rather than biconcave discoid, and the osmotic as well as turbulence fragilities were higher in the case of drug/protein but were unchanged in the case of drug alone loading. The most profound finding of this study was the possibility of achieving remarkably higher drug loading and more controllable drug release profile in the case of drug/protein loading, with no unwanted in vitro characteristics change.
Phyto-Extracts in Wound Healing
Authors: Ghosh Prasanta Kumar , Gaba Anjali
Published: March 2016

Data generated through systematic investigation, carried out on the evaluation of phyto-extracts on wound healing research during the last 20 years have been compiled. About 450 plant species having wound healing properties have been identified. The present knowledge of the wound healing process comprise coagulation, inflammation, proliferation, formation and accumulation of fibrous tissues, collagen deposition, epithelialization, contraction of wound with  formation of granulation tissues, remodeling and maturation. The constituents of the plant extracts modulate one or more of the above stages. It was the endeavor to identify the active constituents responsible for antimicrobial activity, free radical scavenging properties, stimulators of enhanced collagen production and/or angiogenesis promoters with identification of lead scaffold chemical structures. Multiple phytochemicals concentrated and blended in optimal concentrations, are expected to be available in future years to carry out multi-tasking efforts in wound healing as more knowledge about the properties of the key constituents are unveiled.This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
Osmotically Controlled Drug Delivery System with Associated Drugs
Authors: Gupta Brahma Prakash , Thakur Navneet , Jain Nishi P , Banweer Jitendra , Jain Surendra
Published: March 2016

Conventional drug delivery systems have slight control over their drug release and almost no control over the effective concentration at the target site. This kind of dosing pattern may result in constantly changing, unpredictable plasma concentrations. Drugs can be delivered in a controlled pattern over a long period of time by the controlled or modified release drug delivery systems. They include dosage forms for oral and transdermal administration as well as injectable and implantable systems. For most of drugs, oral route remains as the most acceptable route of administration. Certain molecules may have low oral bioavailability because of solubility or permeability limitations. Development of an extended release dosage form also requires reasonable absorption throughout the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT). Among the available techniques to improve the bioavailability of these drugs fabrication of osmotic drug delivery system is the most appropriate one. Osmotic drug delivery systems release the drug with the zero order kinetics which does not depend on the initial concentration and the physiological factors of GIT. This review brings out new technologies, fabrication and recent clinical research in osmotic drug delivery.
Clinical Trial Risk in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Endpoint and Target Selection
Authors: Parker Jayson Lee , Zhang Zoe Yi , Buckstein Rena
Published: March 2016

Purpose. To quantify the clinical trial risk of new drug development in Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Risk estimates for this disease have not been reported before. Methods. We undertook a retrospective review of clinical trials in (NHL) in four subtypes to compare the success rate with the industry average. Our inclusion criteria required that a drug must initiate its phase I trial in one of the four NHL subtypes between 1998 and June 2008 in the US. In addition, clinical trials of new drug candidates that pertain to four subtypes of NHL were retrieved from clinicaltrial.gov. Drug candidates that did not meet these criteria were excluded from the study. Results. The overall success rate (8-11%) was significantly lower than the industry standard (17%). Overall survival (OS) as a secondary outcome appeared more predictive than primary endpoints that were surrogate, of overall success. Further, targeted therapies appear more successful in these lymphoma sub-types than broad acting drugs. Conclusion. Clinical trial risk in NHL, with an 89% failure rate reported here, may be reduced by basing decisions on OS secondary endpoints and biologic drugs.

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Association of HLA-B*5701 Genotypes and Abacavir-Induced Hypersensitivity Reaction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tangamornsuksan Wimonchat , Lohitnavy Ornrat , Kongkaew Chuenjid , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Reisfeld Brad , Scholfield Norman Charles , Lohitnavy Manupat
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to systematically review and quantitatively synthesize the association between HLA-B*5701 and abacavir-induced hypersensitivity reaction (ABC-HSR). METHODS: We searched for studies that investigated the association between HLA-B genotype and ABC-HSR and provided information about the frequency of carriers of HLA-B genotypes among cases and controls. We then performed a meta-analysis with a random-effects model to pool the data and to investigate the sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: From 1,026 articles identified, ten studies were included. Five using clinical manifestation as their diagnostic criteria, 409 and 1,883 subjects were included as cases and controls. Overall OR was 23.6 (95% CI = 15.4 – 36.3). Whereas, the another five studies using confirmed immunologic test as their diagnostic criteria, 110 and 1,968 subjects were included as cases and controls, respectively. The association of ABC-HSR was strong in this populations with HLA-B*5701. Overall OR was 1,056.2 (95% CI = 345.0 – 3,233.3). CONCLUSIONS: Using meta-analysis technique, the association between HLA-B*5701 and ABC-HSR is strong in the studies using immunologic confirmation to identify ABC-HSR. These results support the US FDA recommendations for screening HLA-B*5701 allele before initiating abacavir therapy.This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
Multidrug Resistance Reversal Effects of Aminated Thioxanthones and Interaction with Cytochrome P450 3A4
Authors: Palmeira Andreia , Sousa Maria Emília , Fernandes Miguel X , Pinto Madalena M. , Vasconcelos M. Helena
Published: March 2016

Purpose. Aminated thioxanthones have recently been described as dual-acting agents: growth inhibitors of leukemia cell lines and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors. To evaluate the selectivity profile of thioxanthones as inhibitors of multidrug resistance (MDR), their interaction with other ABC transporters, which were found to have a strong correlation with multidrug resistance, such as multidrug resistant proteins 1 (MRP1), 2 (MRP2) and 3 (MRP3) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) was also evaluated. The interaction of thioxanthones with cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) together with the prediction of their binding conformations and metabolism sites was also investigated. Methods. The UIC2 monoclonal antibody-labelling assay was performed using P-gp overexpressing leukemia cells, K562Dox, incubated with eight thioxanthonic derivatives, in order to confirm their P-gp inhibitory activity. A colorimetric-based ATPase assay using membrane vesicles from mammalian cells overexpressing a selected human ABC transporter protein (P-gp, MRP1, MRP2, MRP3, or BCRP) was performed. To verify if some of the thioxanthonic derivatives were substrates or inhibitors of CYP3A4, a luciferin-based luminescence assay was performed. Finally, the in silico prediction of the most probable metabolism sites and docking studies of thioxanthones on CYP3A4 binding site were investigated. Results. Thioxanthones interacted not only with P-gp but also with MRP and BCRP transporters. These compounds also interfere with CYP3A4 activity in vitro, in accordance with the in silico prediction. Conclusion. Thioxanthonic derivatives are multi-target compounds. A better characterization of the interactions of these compounds with classical resistance mechanisms may possibly identify improved treatment applications.

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The Use of Sonophoresis in the Administration of Drugs Throughout the Skin
Authors: Escobar-Chavez Jose Juan , Bonilla-Martínez Dalia , Villegas-González Martha Angélica , Rodríguez-Cruz Isabel Marlen , Domínguez-Delgado Clara Luisa
Published: March 2016

Abstract

Transdermal drug delivery offers an attractive alternative to the conventional drug delivery methods of oral administration and injection. However, the stratum corneum acts as a barrier that limits the penetration of substances through the skin. Application of ultrasound to the skin increases its permeability (sonophoresis) and enables the delivery of various substances into and through the skin.

Ultrasound has been used extensively for medical diagnostics and to a certain extent in medical therapy (physiotherapy, ultrasonic surgery, hyperthermia). Nevertheless, it has only recently become popular as a technique to enhance drug release from drug delivery systems. A number of studies suggest the use of ultrasound as an external mean of delivering drugs at increased rates and at desired times.

This review presents the main findings in the field of sonophoresis, namely transdermal drug delivery and transdermal monitoring. Particular attention is paid to proposed enhancement mechanisms and trends in the field of topical and transdermal delivery.
Compositional and Material Properties of Rat Bone after Bisphosphonate and/or Strontium Ranelate Drug Treatment
Authors: Wu Yuchin , Adeeb Samer M , Duke M. John , Munoz-Paniagua David , Doschak Michael R.
Published: March 2016

Purpose. We investigated elemental strontium and/or bisphosphonate drug incorporation upon the compositional and biomechanical properties of vertebral bone, in a rat model of Osteoporosis secondary to ovariectomy. Methods. Six month old female rats were ovariectomized (OVX) and divided into untreated OVX-Vehicle, OVX-RIS (Risedronate bisphosphonate [BP] treated), OVX-SrR (Strontium Ranelate [Protos®] treated), combination OVX-RIS+SrR, and sham-operated controls. After 16 weeks of treatment, rats were euthanized and lumbar vertebra were dissected. Micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT), Electron Probe Micro-Analysis (EPMA), mechanical testing in compression and nano-indentation testing were then undertaken to evaluate bone morphometry, elemental composition, material properties and strength. Results. Bone Volume was significantly reduced in the OVX-Vehicle (133±10mm3) compared with OVX-RIS (169±22mm3), OVX-SrR (145±2mm3), and OVX-RIS+SrR (172±8mm3). EPMA mapped elemental Sr deposition to the periosteal surface of cortical bone (50-100 µm thick), endosteal trabecular surfaces (20 µm thick), as well as to both vertebral growth plates. The atomic ratios of (Ca+Sr)/P were significantly reduced with SrR treatment (2.4%-6.6%), indicating Sr incorporation into bone mineral. No significant differences were measured in vertebral bone reduced modulus by nano-indentation. Conversely, all BP-dosed groups had significantly increased structural bone strength. Conclusions. Thus, we conclude that BP drugs dominate the conservation of trabecular geometry and structural strength in OP rats, whereas Sr drugs likely influence bone volume and material composition locally.

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Conference 2015: Drug Discovery and Development in the Post Genomic Era. An international symposium held jointly by CSPS and CC-CRS, May 26-28, 2015, Toronto, ON, Canada
Authors: Berekoff Beverley
Published: March 2016

Plenaries and Special Presentations:Shana Kelley, University of Toronto:  "New Technologies for Ultrasensitive Analysis of Clinically-relevant Biomolecules"Richard Hargreaves, BIOGEN IDEC:  "Imaging in CNS Drug Discovery and Development"Roger Williams:  CSPS Lifetime Achievement Award - "0.5 X 102:  Looking Back and Forward"Neal Davies, University of Manitoba:  CSPS Award of Leadership in Canadian Pharmaceutical Sciences - "30 Years of Coffee, Beer and Serendipity in Pharmacy Research"Conference Sessions:Special CSPS Session: The Future of Pharmaceutical Sciences1. The Evolving Business of Pharmaceuticals2. Analysis of Peptide and Protein Drug Targets by LC/MS/MS3. Mucosal Drug Delivery4. New Methodologies of Genome Wide Target Validation5. Regulatory Updates and Developments6. Antibody-based Therapeutics7. Imaging in Drug Delivery8. Nuclear Receptors in Drug Discovery9. IV-IVC Modeling and Simulation as a Tool to Facilitate Drug Development and Marketing10. Pharmacogenomics in Drug Development11. Bioavailability of Novel Dosage Forms
Simultaneous Determination of A Novel Antitrypanosomal Compound (OSU-36) and its Ester Derivative (OSU-40) in Plasma by HPLC: Application to First Pharmacokinetic Study in Rats
Authors: Gershkovich Pavel , Wasan Kishor M. , Sivak Olena , Lysakowski Summer , Reid Carolyn , Premalatha Kokku , Werbovetz Karl A.
Published: March 2016

Purpose. To develop an HPLC-UV method for determination of a novel antitrypanosomal compound (OSU-36) and its ester prodrug (OSU-40) in rat plasma and to apply the method for pharmacokinetic evaluation of both compounds in rats. Methods. Since an attempt to assay for OSU-36 and OSU-40 in non-stabilized plasma resulted in highly non-linear calibration curves and poor sensitivity due to instability of the compounds, the plasma was stabilized using paraoxon and ascorbic acid. The sample treatment included protein precipitation by acetonitrile; evaporation; reconstitution with acetonitrile and filtration. The chromatography conditions included Xterra RP18 3.5µm 4.6X100mm column and gradient mobile phase system of acetonitrile-water. Results. The limits of quantification (LOQ) were 50 ng/mL and 40 ng/mL for OSU-36 and OSU-40, respectively. The intra- and interday precision and accuracies were below 13% for low, medium and high quality control samples for both compounds. While OSU-40 has been stable in all tested handling conditions, OSU-36 was unstable in plasma after 20 days storage in -80°C or 4h 28°C storage. The developed method has been applied for a pharmacokinetic study in rats which revealed that an ester prodrug OSU-40 is rapidly converted to OSU-36 within the plasma compartment by plasma esterases. OSU-36, in turn, relatively quickly undergoes oxidative metabolism, including within the plasma compartment. Conclusions. A supplementation of rat plasma with an esterase inhibitor to prevent degradation of ester prodrug (OSU-40), and with antioxidant to prevent oxidation of OSU-36, is necessary for reliable determination of both compounds. Due to limited stability of OSU-36 in stabilized rat plasma, long-term storage of samples or prolonged handling in room temperature conditions is not recommended.
HPLC Analysis of Mesembrine-Type Alkaloids in Sceletium Plant Material Used as An African Traditional Medicine
Authors: Patnala Srinivas , Kanfer Isadore
Published: March 2016

Abstract

PURPOSE: Sceletium plant species have been reported to contain psychoactive alkaloids, specifically belonging to mesembrine-type alkaloids. Sceletium is presently marketed through health shops and on the internet as dried plant powder and as pharmaceutical dosage forms and purported to be useful in the treatment of psychological disorders. However, there are no validated analytical methods and reference standards of the relevant alkaloids are not commercially available for use in the analysis and quality control of Sceletium products and dosage forms. Hence, the objective of this research was to isolate and characterize appropriate analytical markers for use in the assay and as well as markers for fingerprinting by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). METHODS: The separation of the relevant alkaloids was carried out on a C18 column and detected at a UV wavelength of 228nm. The method was validated and used to assay the mesembrine-type alkaloids namely Δ7mesembrenone, mesembranol, mesembrenone, mesembrine and epimesembranol. RESULTS: The calibration curves were found to be linear over the entire concentration range of 400-60,000 ng/ml with correlation coefficients >0.99. The accuracies of the relevant alkaloids were found to be between 94.8 and 103.6% with an inter-day relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 2.8%. The precision studies showed inter-day RSD’s of less than 3%. The recoveries were all within the range of 95 and 105% (RSD
HCV Protease Inhibitory, Cytotoxic and Apoptosis-Inducing Effects of Oleanolic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Ma Chao-Mei , Wu Xiu-Hong , Hattori Masao , Wang Xi-Jun , Kano Yoshihiro
Published: March 2016

Purpose: To evaluate oleanolic acid derivatives on liver disease related bioactivities, 29 oleanolic acid derivatives of several series were tested for their inhibitory activity on hepatitis C viral protease and for their cytotoxic effects on Hep G2 cells. Results: The amino derivatives showed potent cytotoxicity, among which, the beta-amino isomer exhibited more distinct cytotoxicity than the alpha-isomer. The cytotoxicity of hemiesters and hemiamides varied as the chain lengths varied. The oxalic and malonic hemiesters showed weaker cytototoxicity than oleanolic acid, while those with longer chain lengths showed higher cytotoxicity. Contrary to the cytotoxic activity, the free amino derivatives showed little inhibitory activity on HCV protease. All the hemiesters and hemiamides showed high activity against HCV protease. Conclusion: The results suggest that adding free amino group(s) to the skeletons of triterpenes may be an effective way of synthesis of anti-tumor compounds. Adding acidic groups to triterpene skeletons may be an effective way for producing anti-viral compounds.
Evolutionary Artificial Neural Networks as Tools for Predicting the Internal Structure of Microemulsions
Authors: Gašperlin M. , Podlogar F. , Šibanc R.
Published: March 2016

PURPOSE. The purpose of this study was to predict microemulsion structures by creating two artificial evolutionary neural networks (ANN) combined with a genetic algorithm. The first ANN would be able to determine the type of microemulsion from the desired composition, and the second to determine the type of microemulsion directly from a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curve. METHODS. The algorithms and the structures for each ANN were constructed and programmed in C++ computer language. The ANNs had a feed forward structure with one hidden level and were trained using a genetic algorithm. DSC was used to determine the microemulsion type. RESULTS. The ANNs showed very encouraging accuracy in predicting the microemulsion type from its composition and also directly from the DSC curve. The percentage success, calculated over the tested data, was over 90%. This enabled us, with satisfactory accuracy, to construct several pseudoternary diagrams that could facilitate the selection of the microemulsion composition to obtain the optimal desired drug carrier. CONCLUSIONS. The ANN constructed here, enhanced with a genetic algorithm, is an effective tool for predicting the type of microemulsion. These findings provide the basis for reducing research time and development cost for characterizing microemulsion properties. Its application would stimulate the further development of such colloidal drug delivery systems, exploit their advantages and, to a certain extent, avoid their disadvantages.
Pharmacokinetic Study of Modafinil in Relation to Gender and Ethnicity in Healthy Young Chinese Volunteers
Authors: Guo Tao , Zhao Longshan , Xia Dong-Ya
Published: March 2016

Purpose. The pharmacokinetics of modafinil were investigated in relation to gender and ethnicity in healthy young volunteers from Han, Mongolian, Korean, Uygur and Hui ( n = 10/group) following administration of a single 200 mg oral dose. Methods. Blood samples were collected over 48 h for the determination of plasma levels of modafinil and its acid metabolite by High performance liquid chromatography with an ultraviolet detector. Pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated using noncompartmental methods. Results. Modafinil was well tolerated and safe at a single oral dose of 200 mg. All participants reported adverse events, none of which was serious or unexpected. The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve for modafinil concentration versus time, which was extrapolated to infinity (AUC0-∞), were higher in women compared to men (p < 0.01). No gender-based difference was noted in the total body weight-normalized modafinil oral clearance. The total body weight-normalized modafinil apparent volume of distribution and the t1/2 was found to exhibit an ethnicity-based significant difference. Conclusion. The results of the current study suggest that there might be pharmacokinetic differences related to gender and ethnicity in the pharmacokinetics of modafinil.
Comparative study of Two In Vitro Methods for Assessing Drug Absorption: Sartorius SM 16750 Apparatus Versus Everted Gut Sac
Authors: Lassoued Mohamed Ali , Khemiss Fathia , Sfar Souad
Published: March 2016

– Purpose. Oral drug administration remains the most common and most convenient way used in clinical therapy. The availability of a simple, rapid, economic and reproducible in vitro method to assess drug absorption is a very helpful tool. The purpose of this study is to compare the performance of Sartorius SM 16750 Absorption Simulator apparatus to Everted Gut Sac (EGS) technique in terms of predicting drug absorption. Methods. Permeation studies across these two in vitro models were performed with six drugs selected across the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) categories: Tramadol (class I of BCS), doxcycycline (class I of BCS), diclofenac (class II of BCS), clopidogrel (class II of BCS), metformin (class III of BCS) and chlorothiazide (class IV of BCS). Results. Apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) and diffusion profiles obtained with EGS and Sartorius SM 16750 apparatus were similar for diclofenac and metformine. But there were differences in results, for the other molecules. Conclusion. It could be concluded that the Sartorius SM 16750 apparatus, easier to carry out, could be an alternative to EGS when drug passage across intestinal barrier occurs by passive diffusion and when no efflux system is implicated in limiting the transepithelial passage.
Lipid-lowering Activity of Natural and Semi-Synthetic Sterols and Stanols
Authors: Taha Dhiaa A , Wasan Ellen K , Wasan Kishor M , Gershkovich Pavel
Published: March 2016

Consumption of plant sterols/ stanols has long been demonstrated to reduce plasma cholesterol levels. The objective of this review is to demonstrate the lipid-lowering activity and anti-atherogenic effects of natural and semi-synthetic plant sterols/ stanols based on evidence from cell-culture studies, animal studies and clinical trials. Additionally, this review highlights certain molecular mechanisms by which plant sterols/ stanols lower plasma cholesterol levels with a special emphasis on factors that affect the cholesterol-lowering activity of plant sterols/stanols. The crystalline nature and the poor oil solubility of these natural products could be important factors that limit their cholesterol-lowering efficiency. Several attempts have been made to improve the cholesterol-lowering activity by enhancing the bioavailability of crystalline sterols and stanols. Approaches involved reduction of the crystal size and/or esterification with fatty acids from vegetable or fish oils. However, the most promising approach in this context is the chemical modification of plant sterols /stanols into water soluble disodium ascorbyl phytostanyl phosphates analogue by esterification with ascorbic acid. This novel semi-synthetic stanol derivative has improved efficacy over natural plant sterols/ stanols and can provide additional benefits by combining the cholesterol-lowering properties of plant stanols with the antioxidant potential of ascorbic acid. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
No Decrease in Central Venous Pressure when Epinephrine-Induced Hypotension Occurs
Authors: Yang Jian-jun , Xu Xiao-li , Shen Jin-chun , Li Wei-yan , Zhou Zhi-qiang
Published: March 2016

Please refer to PDF.
Comparison of rosmarinic acid content in commercial tinctures produced from fresh and dried lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
Authors: Sanchez-Medina Alberto , Etheridge Christopher J. , Hawkes Geoffrey E. , Hylands Peter J. , Pendry Barbara A. , Hughes Michael J. , Corcoran Olivia
Published: March 2016

Purpose. To measure the rosmarinic acid content of eight commercial tinctures derived from fresh (n= 5) and dried (n=3) Melissa officinalis herb. Methods. Rosmarinic acid and the internal standard (esculin) were purchased from Aldrich Chemical Co. The column used was a Luna C18, 5 um (150 x 4.6 mm I.D., Phenomenex) maintained at ambient room temperature. The HPLC system consisted of a Shimadzu SCL-6B controller, Shimadzu LC-6A pumps, Shimadzu SPD-6A UV single wavelength spectrophotometric detector set to 320 nm and Shimadzu SIL-6B autosampler. Gradient elution of the samples and standard were performed using ammonium formate (0.02 M; pH 6.25 at 27 oC; eluent A) and methanol (eluent B). The gradient elution initial conditions were 2% of eluent B with linear gradient to 60% at 30 min, followed by linear gradient to 90% of eluent B at 31 min, this proportion being maintained for 4 min. The column was then returned to the initial condition at 36 min and maintained until the end of the run at 43 min. The flow rate was 1 mL/min. The assay was validated for sensitivity, accuracy and reproducibility. Results. The content of rosmarinic acid in commercial tinctures was significantly higher in the tinctures made from dried plant material (2.96 – 22.18 mg/mL) compared to fresh plant tinctures (
Preparation and Evaluation of a New Nano Pharmaceutical Excipients and drug Delivery System Based in Polyvinylpyrrolidone and Silicates
Authors: Dornelas Camila Braga , Silva Alex Moura , Dantas Cide Brizio , Rodrigues Carlos Rangel , Coutinho Sandra Solange , Sathler Plínio Cunha , Castro Helena Carla , Dias Luiza Rosaria Sousa , Sousa Valeria Pereira , Cabral Lúcio Mendes
Published: March 2016

PURPOSE: This work describes the preparation of new nanocomposites based on lamellar silicates (AAM-alkyl ammonium montmorillonite) obtained by the intercalation of PVP K30 and glyceril monostearate.

METHODS: By XRD, TGA and DSC analysis the AAM was characterized and its compactation characteristics, functionality and toxicity were also tested. The AAM/PVP K-30 and AAM/GME nanocomposite obtained were evaluated to identify the interlamellar spacing values by XRD diffratograms. Tablets were prepared using methyldopa and theophylline as model drugs and the dissolution tests were carried out in simulated gastric fluid and simulated enteric fluid.

RESULTS: AAM showed a good compactability and compressibility characteristics for tablets preparation. The intercalation yields (approximately 25%) of the nanocomposites were efficient. The AAM/PVP K-30 nanocomposites were successfully tested as dissolution enhancers and sustained release matrixes.

CONCLUSIONS: The results also suggested the promising use of AAM (viscogel B8) and the new nanocomposite prepared by clay/PVP K-30 intercalation as a new matrix for sustained release and the feasibility of using these new nanocomposites as dissolution enhancer.
Osthole Regulates TGF-β1 and MMP-2/9 Expressions via Activation of PPARα/γ in Cultured Mouse Cardiac Fibroblasts Stimulated with Angiotensin II
Authors: Chen Rong , Xue Jie , Xie Meilin
Published: March 2016

PURPOSE. Our previous studies have demonstrated that osthole, an active constituent isolated from the fruit of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson, can prevent isoprenaline-induced myocardial fibrosis in mice, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear.  METHODS. The mouse cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) stimulated with angiotensin II (Ang II) were cultured and treated with different concentrations of osthole. The mRNA expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α/γ, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/9 were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method, and the protein expressions of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and TGF-β1 were detected by Western blot method, respectively.  RESULTS. Following treatment of cells with osthole at 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 μg/mL, the NF-κB and TGF-β1 expressions were dose-dependently decreased, while the expressions of PPARα/γ and MMP-2/9 were dose-dependently increased. After the cells were preincubated with PPARα antagonist (MK886) or/and PPARγ antagonist (GW9662), the inhibitions of osthole on the NF-κB and TGF-β1 expressions were decreased or completely halted and the increment of osthole on the MMP-2/9 expressions were also decreased or completely cancelled.  CONCLUSION. Osthole could inhibit the NF-κB and TGF-β1 expressions by activation of PPARα/γ, and subsequently enhance the MMP-2/9 expressions in cultured CFs, and these effects of osthole may play the beneficial roles in the prevention and treatment of myocardial fibrosis. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW.  Registered readers (see "For Readers") may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue's contents page.
An Insight into Thermodynamic Relationship Between Polymorphic Forms of Efavirenz
Authors: Chadha Renu , Arora Poonam , Saini Anupam , Singh Jain Dharamvir
Published: March 2016

Purpose: The aim of the work is to study the crystallization of efavirenz to understand the preferential formation of various polymorphic forms, to establish their identity, to study the transformation between the polymorphic forms on heating and to determine their free energy. Methods: Slow crystallization from different solvents under controlled conditions was employed to prepare various crystalline forms. The TGA and DSC were used to study their thermal behavior and inter-conversion of these forms. The calorimetrically determined enthalpies of solution and solubility data are utilized to determine the transition temperatures. Results: Six polymorphic forms of efavirenz are identified and characterized completely. The TGA scans of all the forms did not show any mass loss indicating absence of hydrate or solvate. The thermally induced transformations are observed in the DSC scans of five forms II-VI indicating them to be metastable which are converted to stable higher melting forms. The melting temperature and enthalpy of fusion of lower melting (FormL) and higher melting forms (FormH) reveal that four of these polymorphic pairs are monotropically related. The enthalpies of solution of FormL are found to be more exothermic as compared to corresponding FormH. The transition temperature (Tt) determined using enthalpy of solution and solubility data was found to be higher than the melting of both the forms except for polymorphic pair VIL/VIH. The effect of ΔCp on transition temperature is also reported. Conclusions: The form I is found to be thermodymanically most stable but least soluble. The forms II-V are metastable and are converted irreversibly to stable forms. The enthalpy of fusion rule and virtual transition temperature provided complementary evidence for the existence of monotropy in these polymorphic pairs. However, enantiotropy is demonstrated in VIL/VLH pair and is well established in our study. Novelty: The present study reveals the thermodynamic aspects of various isolated polymorphic forms of efavirenz. Solution calorimetry along with other techniques is used to study the transformation of one form to another. The emphasis is laid on determination of transition temperature of various polymorphic pairs which has not been reported earlier.

This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
Fluorescence Detection of Zabofloxacin, a Novel Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic, in Plasma, Bile, and Urine by HPLC: The First Oral and Intravenous Applications in a Pharmacokinetic Study in Rats
Authors: Jin Hyo Eon , Kang In Hyul , Shim Chang Koo
Published: March 2016

Purpose: To develop an HPLC method using fluorescence detection for the pharmacokinetic evaluation of levels of zabofloxacin, a novel broad spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic, in the plasma, bile and urine of rats. Methods: A simple reversed-phase HPLC method using a C18 column with fluorescence detection was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of zabofloxain and enrofloxacin as an internal standard. The plasma sample was treated with methanol for protein precipitation, and treatment of the bile and urine samples included deproteinization and extraction using chloroform. The applicability of the developed assay method to pharmacokinetic studies of zabofloxacin in rats was examined. Zabofloxacin was intravenously and orally administered to rats at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Results: The limits of quantification (LOQ) was determined to be 50 ng/mL for the plasma with acceptable linearity ranging from 50 to 25,000 ng/mL (R>0.999), and 0.5 μg/mL for the bile and urine samples with acceptable linearity ranging from 0.5 to 100 μg/mL (R>0.999). The validation parameters for zabofloxacin were found to be acceptable according to FDA assay validation (2001). While zabofloxacin in plasma and urine has been stable in all tested handling conditions, it has been unstable in bile during freeze-thaw cycles for 24 h at room temperature. Following intravenous and oral administration of zabofloxacin to rats at a dose of 20 mg/kg, concentration was quantifiable in plasma for up to 8 h. The bioavailability of zabofloxacin was 27.7%, and it was excreted into bile and urine at about 8% each per oral administration. Conclusions: These observations suggest that a validated assay can be used in pharmacokinetic studies of zabofloxacin in small animals. Due to the limited stability of zabofloxcin in rat bile, freeze-thaw cycles or prolonged handling at room temperature is not recommended.

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Efficient Peroral Delivery of Insulin via Vitamin B12 Modified Trimethyl Chitosan Nanoparticles
Authors: Ke Zhiyang , Guo Han , Zhu Xi , Jin Yun , Huang Yuan
Published: March 2016

PURPOSE: We investigated the effect of vitamin B12 (VB12) modification on the insulin absorption from trimethyl chitosan(TMC) nanoparticles (NPs) under the inﬂuence of mucus. METHODS: TMC and TMC-VB12 were synthesized and insulin loaded TMC/TMC-VB12 nanoparticles were prepared and characterized. Modified and unmodified nanoparticles were studied with Caco-2/HT29-MTX cell model and ligated rat ileum loop. RESULTS: Compared with unmodified NPs, VB12 modified NPs showed signiﬁcantly higher drug internalization in Caco-2/HT29-MTX cell model. The internalization mechanism via VB12 mediation included caveolae and clathrin-mediated endocytosis pathway. Meanwhile, an increased transportation of drugs was observed for VB12 modified NPs, possibly due to the ligand-receptor interaction via an intrinsic factor-dependent fashion. Although the uptake and transport of VB12 modiﬁed NPs could be partially inﬂuenced by mucus, they still showed higher drug permeation through Caco-2/HT29-MTX co-cultured cells than unmodified NPs in the presence or absence of mucus. Moreover, in situ study in ligated rat ileum loop demonstrated that VB12 modiﬁed nanoparticles could reduce the residual insulin in intestinal lumen (0.59 times) and increase their absorption in epithelial tissue (4.8 times) compared with the unmodified ones. CONCLUSION: VB12 modiﬁed trimethyl chitosan nanoparticle is a promising carrier for peroral delivery of insulin. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.