bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: Clinical and Translational Research
Authors: Neuman Manuela G , Voiculescu Mihai , Nanau Radu M , Maor Yaakov , Melzer Ehud , Cohen Lawrence B , Opris Mihai , Malnick Stephen
Published: March 2016

The present review includes translational and clinical research that characterize non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Clinical and experimental evidence led to the recognition of the key toxic role played by lipotoxicity in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. The current understanding of lipotoxicity suggests that organ injury is initiated by the generation of oxidative metabolites and the translocation of gut-derived endotoxin. These processes lead to cellular injury and stimulation of the inflammatory responses mediated through a variety of molecules. The injury progresses through impairment of tissue regeneration and extracellular matrix turnover, leading to fibrogenesis and cirrhosis. Several cell types are involved in this process, predominantly stellate cells, macrophages and parenchymal cells. In response to inflammation, cytokines activate many signaling cascades that regulate fibrogenesis. This examination brings together research focusing on the underlying mechanisms of injury. It highlights the various processes and molecules that are likely involved in inflammation, immune modulation, and fibrogenesis in the liver. We searched electronic databases (Medline, Embase) for this review. This integrative work investigates different aspects of liver damage and possible repair. We aim to (1) determine the immuno-pathology of liver damage due to steatosis, (2) suggest diagnostic markers of NASH, (3) examine the role of behaviour in the development of NASH, and (4) develop common tools to study steatosis-induced effects in clinical studies. Special accent is put on co-morbidities with renal and neuropsychological disorders. Moreover, we review the evidence in literature on the role of moderate alcohol consumption in individuals that present NAFLD/NASH.Key Words: behavior, diet, imaging, non-alcoholic fatty liver, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, laboratory markers.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.
The Implication of the Polymorphisms of COX-1, UGT1A6, and CYP2C9 among Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Patients Treated with Aspirin
Authors: Jalil Nur Jalinna Abdul , Bannur Zakaria , Derahman A. , Maskon O. , Darinah Noor , Hamidi Hamat , Gunasekaran Osama Ali , Rafizi Mohd , Azreen Nur Izatul , Kek Teh Lay , Salleh Mohd. Zaki
Published: March 2016

PURPOSE:  Enzymes potentially responsible for the pharmacokinetic variations of aspirin include cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT1A6) and P450 (CYP) (CYP2C9). We therefore aimed to determine the types and frequencies of variants of COX-1 (A-842G), UGT1A6 (UGT1A6*2; A541G and UGT1A6*3; A522C) and CYP2C9 (CYP2C9*3; A1075C) in the three major ethnic groups in Malaysia. In addition, the role of these polymorphisms on aspirin-induced gastritis among the patients was investigated. METHODS: A total of 165 patients with cardiovascular disease who were treated with 75-150 mg daily dose of aspirin and 300 healthy volunteers were recruited. DNA was extracted from the blood samples and genotyped for COX-1 (A-842G), UGT1A6 (UGT1A6*2 and UGT1A6*3) and CYP2C9 (CYP2C9*3; A1075C) using allele specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR). RESULTS: Variants UGT1A6*2,*3 and CYP2C9*3 were detected in relatively high percentage of 22.83%, 30.0% and 6.50%, respectively; while COX-1 (A-842G) was absent. The genotype frequencies for UGT1A6*2 and *3 were significantly different between Indians and Malays or Chinese. The level of bilirubin among patients with different genotypes of UGT1A6 was significantly different (p-value < 0.05). In addition, CYP2C9*3 was found to be associated with gastritis with an odd ratio of 6.8 (95 % Cl OR: 1.39 – 33.19; P = 0.033). CONCLUSION: Screening of patients with defective genetic variants of UGT1A6 and CYP2C9*3 helps in identifying patients at risk of aspirin induced gastritis. However, a randomised clinical study of bigger sample size would be needed before it is translated to clinical use.
How Critical is the Duration of the Sampling Scheme for the Determination of Half-Life, Characterization of Exposure and Assessment of Bioequivalence?
Authors: Colucci Philippe , Turgeon Jacques , Ducharme Murray P.
Published: March 2016

In noncompartmental analysis, poor characterization of the terminal elimination rate constant (Kel) will lead to biased results for half-life and total exposure (AUCinf), providing incorrect relative bioavailability and bioequivalence conclusions. We set out to determine if the sampling scheme duration was crucial for proper half-life and AUCinf determination. Profiles for 1000 subjects were simulated with a sampling scheme covering five half-lives. Concentrations were gradually removed from the end of the profile to determine if precision and bias in the half-life and AUCinf values were affected. Additionally, 30 bioequivalence studies were simulated to determine the influence of unreliable AUCinf PK parameter on BE conclusions. Precision and bias became unacceptable for AUCinf and half-life if Kel was not determined with a sampling scheme covering at least 2 and 4 half-lives, respectively. Bioequivalence conclusions also deteriorated if unreliable PK parameters were maintained. Sampling scheme duration is important when calculating noncompartmental parameters. In conclusion, sampling scheme duration should be at least 4 times the average measured half-life in order to have confidence in the reported half-life values. Additionally, individual subject’s pharmacokinetic parameters should be removed from the pivotal statistical analysis when their associated calculated half-life is longer than half of the total sampling interval.

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The Risk of Recrystallization: Changes to the Toxicity and Morphology of Pyrimethamine
Authors: Perold Zak , Caira Mino R , Brits Marius
Published: March 2016

PURPOSE. Pyrimethamine, an anti-malarial agent known to exhibit solid state polymorphism, may be purified by means of recrystallization. Recrystallization may alter the solid state chemistry of pharmaceuticals, which may impact the toxicity and/or manufacturability thereof. We evaluated the risks associated with the recrystallization of pyrimethamine. METHODS. Pyrimethamine was recrystallized using several organic solvents. X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, infra-red spectroscopy, microscopy, flowability -, solubility and dissolution testing as well as computational work were employed to evaluate the recrystallized products. RESULTS. A toxic solvatomorph of pyrimethamine (Pyr-MeOH) was found to be the product from methanol recrystallization. The elucidation of – and the elaboration on the unique characteristics of Pyr-MeOH provides the pharmaceutical industry with several means to identify Pyr-MeOH and to distinguish it from the pharmaceutically preferred anhydrous form (Pyr). Thermal methods of analysis found that the toxicity of Pyr-MeOH may be reversed by overcoming a desolvation activation energy of 148 kJ/mol. In addition it was found that recrystallization altered the morphology of Pyr. Angle of repose and tapped density determinations identified that the different morphologies of Pyr displayed differences in powder flow and compressibility behaviour and In Silico calculations were successful in rendering morphologies resembling that found experimentally. CONCLUSION. We present a solvatomorph of pyrimethamine and provide several characteristic means to identify this unwanted toxic form and quantified the energy required to overcome its toxicity. In addition we describe that Pyr may present in different morphologies and show how it may impact the manufacturability thereof. 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.
Effect of Chromium on Glucose and Lipid Profiles in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes; A Meta-analysis Review of Randomized Trials
Authors: Abdollahi Mohammad , Farshchi Amir , Nikfar Shekoufeh , Seyedifar Meysam
Published: March 2016

Purpose. Chromium (Cr) as an essential trace element in metabolism of carbohydrate, lipid and protein is currently prescribed to control diabetes mellitus (DM). The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the effect of Cr versus placebo (Pl) on glucose and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 DM. Methods. Literature searches in PubMed, Scopus, Scirus, Google Scholar and IranMedex was made by use of related terms during the period of 2000-2012. Eligible studies were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with intake of Cr higher than 250 µg at least for three months in type 2 DM. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and body mass index (BMI) were the main outcomes. Results. Seven out of 13 relevant studies met the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. HbA1c change in diabetic patients in Cr supplement therapy comparing to Pl was -0.33 with 95%CI= -0.72 to 0.06 (P= 0.1). Change of FBG in Cr therapy vs. Pl was -0.95 with 95%CI= -1.42 to -0.49 (P< 0.0001). TC change in Cr therapy vs. Pl was 0.07 with 95%CI= -0.16 to 0.31 (P= 0.54). TG change in diabetic patients in Cr supplement therapy comparing to Pl was -0.15 with 95%CI= -0.36 to 0.07 (P= 0.18). Conclusions. Cr lowers FBS but does not affect HbA1c, lipids and BMI.

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Enhancement of paclitaxel transport and cytotoxicity by 7,3’,4’-trimethoxyflavone, a P-glycoprotein inhibitor
Authors: Jeong Ju-Mi , Choi Cheol-Hee
Published: March 2016

Purpose.: Paclitaxel has problems with respect to bioavailability and resistance. The aim of this study was to select a P-glycoprotein (Pgp)- inhibitory flavonoid to enhance paclitaxel bioavailability in the Caco-2 cell monolayer. Methods. Cytotoxicity and chemosensitization were determined using MTT assay. Paclitaxel transport was examined in the Caco-2 cell monolayer, which mimics the intestinal barrier. Paclitaxel concentrations were quantitated by HPLC assay using the internal standard method. Results. Chemosensitizing indeces of 7,3’,4’-trimethoxyflavone (TMF) and verapamil was > 333 and 152, respectively. The basolateral (BL)- to-apical (AP) transport of paclitaxel was more than 10-fold greater than its AP-to-BL transport. TMF and verapamil increased the AP-to-BL transport of paclitaxel but decreased its BL-to-AP transport in a concentration-dependent manner. The net absorptive effect of 50 ?M TMF on paclitaxel transport was comparable to that of 50 ?M verapamil. In addition, AP loading of TMF increased the paclitaxel sensitivity of paclitaxelresistant SK-MES-1/PT4000 cells overexpressing Pgp on the BL side. Conclusions. These results indicate that TMF with low toxicity can be used as an enhancer of oral paclitaxel bioavailability and as a Pgp inhibitor.
The Efficacy and Tolerability of Exenatide in Comparison to Placebo; A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Nikfar Shekoufeh , Abdollahi Mohammad , Salari Pooneh
Published: March 2016

Recent investigations in finding new drugs in the treatment of diabetes have led to the discovery of several pathological pathways involved in diabetes. Exenatide a drug with incretin mimetic activity was studied in several in vivo and in vitro as well as human studies. It has shown promising results in controlling metabolic indices in type-2 diabetes and was approved by FDA but still there is an active safety alert on it. In this study we aimed to meta-analyze all placebo-controlled clinical trials on the efficacy or tolerability of exenatide in type 2 diabetes.

The literature search provided 1016 articles while only 14 articles were eligible to be included in the meta-analysis with a total of 2583 patients enrolled in the study. According to the wide variation in design of various studies, the study duration of 16 weeks and less or more and dose (5 μg bid versus 10 μg bid) were considered and analyzed.

The results of this meta-analysis show that exenatide decreases fasting plasma glucose and HbA1C significantly regardless of dose and study duration. The effect of exenatide on weight reduction was more prominent at the dose of 10 μg bid regardless of the study duration, however at the dose of 5 μg bid, significant results were observed after drug administration for more than 16 weeks. Exenatide usage decreased serum triglycerides indifferent to dose and study duration while its effect on cholesterol was not prominent. Along with these impacts, exenatide changed LDL and HDL cholesterol at the lower dose. The hemodynamic effect of exenatide was observed as significant decrements in systolic and diastolic blood pressure at the higher dose. The risk of nausea, vomiting and hypoglycemia was significant and indifferent to dose while headache and nasopharyngaitis were seen more at lower dose.

It is concluded that exenatide can be considered as a good hypoglycemic agent in type-2 diabetic patients with benefits on lipid profile and blood pressure with partially questionable tolerability.

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Understanding the Hysteresis Loop Conundrum in Pharmacokinetic / Pharmacodynamic Relationships
Authors: Louizos Christopher , Yáñez Jaime A , Forrest M Laird , Davies Neal M
Published: March 2016

Hysteresis loops are phenomena that sometimes are encountered in the analysis of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic relationships spanning from pre-clinical to clinical studies. When hysteresis occurs it provides insight into the complexity of drug action and disposition that can be encountered. Hysteresis loops suggest that the relationship between drug concentration and the effect being measured is not a simple direct relationship, but may have an inherent time delay and disequilibrium, which may be the result of metabolites, the consequence of changes in pharmacodynamics or the use of a non-specific assay or may involve an indirect relationship. Counter-clockwise hysteresis has been generally defined as the process in which effect can increase with time for a given drug concentration, while in the case of clockwise hysteresis the measured effect decreases with time for a given drug concentration. Hysteresis loops can occur as a consequence of a number of different pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms including tolerance, distributional delay, feedback regulation, input and output rate changes, agonistic or antagonistic active metabolites, uptake into active site, slow receptor kinetics, delayed or modified activity, time-dependent protein binding and the use of racemic drugs among other factors. In this review, each of these various causes of hysteresis loops are discussed, with incorporation of relevant examples of drugs demonstrating these relationships for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, the effect that pharmaceutical formulation has on the occurrence and potential change in direction of the hysteresis loop, and the major pharmacokinetic / pharmacodynamic modeling approaches utilized to collapse and model hysteresis are detailed. 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.
Enhancement of Skin Penetration of Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Compounds by pH-sensitive Liposomes
Authors: Tokudome Yoshihiro , Nakamura Kaoru , Itaya Yurina , Hashimoto Fumie
Published: March 2016

PURPOSE: Enhance skin penetration of hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds using liposomes that are responsible to the pH of the skin surface. METHODS: pH-sensitive liposomes were prepared by a thin layer and freeze-thaw method with dioleoyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine and cholesteryl hemisuccinate. Liposomal fusion with stratum corneum lipid liposomes was measured using fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Particle diameter and zeta potential of the liposomes after fusion were measured by dynamic light scattering and electrophoresis. RESULTS: Under neutral pH conditions, the diameter of the pH-sensitive liposomes was 130 nm and their zeta potential was -70 mV. In weakly acidic conditions, the diameter was larger than 3,000 nm and the zeta potential was -50 mV. In contrast, the particle diameter and the zeta potential of the non-pH-sensitive liposomes remained constant under various pH conditions. A skin penetration study was performed on hairless mice skin using vertical diffusion cells, showing that the fusion ability of pH-sensitive liposomes was higher than that of non-pH-sensitive liposomes. In the skin penetration study was carried out using hydrophilic (calcein) and lipophilic (N-(7-nitrobenz- 2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4yl)-PE) (NBD-PE) model compounds which were applied to the skin with pH-sensitive liposomes as carrier. The fluorescent compounds contained within the pH-sensitive liposomes permeated the skin more effectively than those within non-pH-sensitive liposomes, and this ability was further enhanced with the lipophilic compound.  CONCLUSION: These studies suggest that pH-sensitive liposomes have potential as an important tool for delivery of compounds into the skin. 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.
Time Series Analysis of the Clinical Laboratory Test Result on Chemotherapy for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Sotoishi Noboru
Published: March 2016

Purpose. Time series analysis may be helpful to estimate hematological data on gastric cancer patients who receive S 1, but untreated raw clinical data are not suitable for this approach. Hematological monitoring data interpolated by spline were analyzed by an attractor plot, which is a form of time series analysis. Methods. Hematological data of three gastric cancer patients were interpolated by cubic spline. The leave-one-out cross validation method was carried out and an attractor plot was adopted to evaluate red blood count (RBC) data. Results. Well-predicted data, such as RBC, changed slightly; however, data with great deviation, such as the white blood count (WBC), were poorly predicted. The reaction of marrow function to chemotherapy was observable by spline interpolation of RBC data. Furthermore, an attractor plot clarified the tendency of the interpolated hematological monitoring data. Conclusions. It is suggested that spline interpolation is effective as a pretreatment to analyze clinical data from a time series.
Pluronic® F-127 and Pluronic Lecithin Organogel (PLO): Main Features and their Applications in Topical and Transdermal Administration of Drugs
Authors: Almeida Hugo , Amaral Maria Helena , Lobão Paulo , Lobo José Manuel Sousa
Published: March 2016

Topical drug treatment aims at providing high concentrations of drugs at the site of application so as to avoid adverse systemic effects associated with oral administration. Smart polymers, or stimuli-responsive polymers, are able to respond to a stimulus by showing physical or chemical changes in their behaviour as, for example, the delivery of the drug carried by them. The thermo-responsive nature of Pluronic® F-127 (Basf, Ludwigshafen, Germany) makes it an excellent candidate for the delivery of drugs at various application sites. In recent years, PF-127, and later, Pluronic lecithin organogels (PLO), have attracted particular interest in the design of dermal and transdermal delivery systems with a view to promoting, improving or retarding drug permeation through the skin, bearing in mind that for topical delivery systems, accumulation in the skin with minimal permeation is desired, while for systemic delivery, the opposite behaviour is preferred.

In this review, we discuss the properties and characteristics of PF-127 and Pluronic lecithin organogels (PLO), and present many examples and advantages of the application of these polymeric systems in topical and transdermal administration of drugs.

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Intestinal P-glycoprotein Expression is Multimodally Regulated by Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion
Authors: Terada Yusuke , Ogura Jiro , Tsujimoto Takashi , Kuwayama Kaori , Koizumi Takahiro , Sasaki Shunichi , Maruyama Hajime , Kobayashi Masaki , Yamaguchi Hiroaki , Iseki Ken
Published: March 2016

Purpose. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have multiple physiological effects that are amount-dependent. ROS are one of the causes of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. In this study, we investigated whether the amount of ROS and the degree of intestinal I/R injury affect the expression level of P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Methods. We used hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as ROS in in vitro experiments. Intestinal I/R model rats, which were subjected 15-min ischemia (I/R-15), were used in in vivo experiments. Results. P-gp expression in Caco-2 cells was increased in response to 1 µM of H2O2 but decreased upon exposure to 10 mM of H2O2. We previously reported that P-gp expression is decreased after intestinal I/R with 30-min ischemia (I/R-30), which time a large amount of ROS is generated. I/R-15 induced slightly less mucosal and oxidative injury than did I/R-30. P-gp expression in the jejunum was increased at 1 h after I/R-15, and ileal paracellular permeability was increased. The blood concentration of tacrolimus, a P-gp substrate, was lower during 0-20 min but was higher during 40-90 min post-administration compared with that in the sham-operated rats. P-gp expression in the ileum was decreased at 6 h after I/R-15, due to abnormal localization of P-gp, resulting in a high blood tacrolimus concentration in rats reperfused for 6 h. Conclusions. ROS multimodally regulate P-gp expression depending on its amount. This is important for understanding the pattern of P-gp expression after intestinal I/R. 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.
Low-Concentration Methylene Blue Maintains Energy Production and Strongly Improves Survival of Leigh Syndrome French Canadian Skin Fibroblasts
Authors: Legault Jean , Larouche Pierre-Luc , Côté Isabelle , Bouchard Line , Pichette André , Robinson Brian H , Morin Charles
Published: March 2016

Abstract - Leigh syndrome French Canadian (LSFC) is a recessive disease caused by mutations in the LRPPRC gene (leucine-rich pentatricopeptide repeat containing protein). These mutations induce a cytochrome c oxidase (COX) deficiency resulting in episodes of acute acidotic crisis that will often lead to death. There is no effective treatment. Methylene blue (MB) is a redox dye that increases COX content and activity in vitro and in vivo suggesting that MB could prevent and treat LSFC. In this study, the protective effect of low-concentration MB was tested on two LSFC cell lines, including LSFC-F1, homozygous for the mutation A354V, and LSFC-F2 a compound heterozygous for the mutations A354V and C12775STOP. MB effect on metabolic activity was assessed on both LSFC cells in stable and acidotic conditions. For LSFC-F1, results showed that metabolic activity drastically decline after 96 hours in both conditions but not LSFC-F2 and normal cells. MB completely prevents the decrease of metabolic activity in LSFC-F1. Intracellular ATP content was also measured in both culture media. After 96 hours in acidotic medium, ATP content was almost completely depleted for both LSFC cells. Interestingly, MB completely restores ATP content in LSFC-F1 and LSFC-F2 cells. Finally, MB strongly improves the survival of both LSFC cells.

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yCD/HPyCD Mixtures as Solubilizer: Solid-State Characterization and Sample Dexamethasone Eye Drop Suspension
Authors: Jansook Phatsawee , Ritthidej Garnpimol C. , Ueda Haruhisa , Stefánsson Einar , Loftsson Thorsteinn
Published: March 2016

Purpose. Study the complexation of dexamethasone in combinations of y-cyclodextrin (yCD) and 2-hydroxypropyl-y-cyclodextrin (HPyCD) with emphasis on solid characterization and development of aqueous dexamethasone eye drop suspension for drug delivery through sclera. Methods. Dexamethasone/cyclodextrin (dexamethasone/CD) solid complex systems were prepared and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and by in vitro drug dissolution testing. Sample eye drop suspensions were prepared applying solubilizer/suspender consisting of yCD/HPyCD mixtures, poloxamer 407 (P407) and polyvinylpyrrolidone. The eye drop suspension was characterized by its physicochemical properties. Results. The solid characterization techniques applied suggested that solid complexes were being formed. The results indicated that dexamethasone formed non-inclusion or micelle-like aggregates with HPyCD and the yCD/HPyCD mixture. The dissolution and dexamethasone release from the solid dexamethasone/yCD/HPyCD complexes was much faster than from the solid dexamethasone/yCD and dexamethasone/HPyCD complexes. The diameter of the solid particles in the dexamethasone eye drop suspension formulations were in all cases less than 10 μm with a mean diameter from 2.5 to 5.8 μm. The particle size decreased with increasing amount of P407. Permeation studies through semi-permeable membrane and porcine sclera showed that increasing the amount HPyCD could enhance drug transport through the membrane barriers and this was related to enhanced drug solubility. The permeation rates were, however, decreased compared to formulation containing yCD alone due to larger hydrodynamic diameter of dexamethasone/yCD/HPyCD complex aggregates. All formulations were both chemically stable for at least 8 months at 25oC and 40oC. Conclusions. Combination of yCD and HPyCD, i.e., formation of dexamethasone/yCD/HPyCD complexes, resulted in synergistic effect. That is the mixture had greater solubilizing effect than the individual CD, resulted in enhanced dissolution and drug delivery through membranes. Furthermore, it is possible to control the drug release rate by adjusting the yCD:HPyCD ratio in the solid dexamethasone/yCD/HPyCD complexes.
Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptides 1B1 and 1B3 Play an Important Role in Uremic Toxin Handling and Drug-Uremic Toxin Interactions in the Liver
Authors: Sato Toshihiro , Yamaguchi Hiroaki , Kogawa Takuma , Abe Takaaki , Mano Nariyasu
Published: March 2016

PURPOSE. Organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B1 and OATP1B3 contribute to hepatic uptake of numerous drugs. Thus, reduced OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 activity in chronic kidney disease (CKD) may have a major impact on the hepatic clearance of drugs. The effect of drug-uremic toxin interactions on OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 has not been well studied. In the present study, we examine the inhibitory effects of uremic toxins on OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 transport activity to evaluate the interactions between drugs and uremic toxins in patients with chronic kidney disease. METHODS. [3H]Estron-3-sulfate, [3H]taurocholate uptake and [3H]methotrexate by OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 expressing HEK293 cells were performed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of uremic toxins. To clarify whether the uremic toxins that interact with OATP1B1 and/or OATP1B3 were substrates for these transporters, we performed uptake studies. RESULTS. Four uremic toxins, kynurenic acid, indole-3-acetic acid, indoxyl sulfate, and p-cresol, inhibited OATP1B1- and OATP1B3-mediated transport in a concentration-dependent manner, with IC50 values of 180, 770, 2700, and 4600 µM, respectively, for OATP1B1 and 180, 1100, 1300, and 1700 µM, respectively, for OATP1B3. [3H]Methotrexate uptake by OATPs was also inhibited by the four uremic toxins in a dose-dependent manner. Uptake studies revealed that kynurenic acid is a substrate for both the OATP1B1 and OATP1B3. Moreover, OATP1B3 was involved in the transport of indoxyl sulfate. Indole-3-acetic acid and p-cresol were not significantly transported by OATP1B1 and OATP1B3. CONCLUSIONS. We showed that some uremic toxins inhibit OATP-mediated uptake in a concentration-dependent manner, and clarified OATPs contribution to uremic toxin handling in the liver. Thus, we provided basic information to estimate the inhibitory effects of uremic toxins on OATPs in CKD patients. These data suggest that the dose of drugs excreted via renal and non-renal pathways should be carefully adjusted in CKD patients.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.
Determination of Aflatoxins in Medicinal Plants by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Siddique Nadeem Ahmad , Mujeeb Mohd , Ahmad Sayeed , Panda Bibhu P. , Makhmoor Mohd
Published: March 2016

Purpose. The intention of the proposed work is to study the presence of the aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 in medicinal plants, namely Mucuna pruriens, Delphinium denudatum and Portulaca oleraceae. Methodology. The aflatoxins were extracted, purified by immunoaffinity column chromatography and analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry with electrospray ionisation (HPLC–MS/MS). Fungal count was carried out in PDA media. Results. A good linear relationship was found for AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 at 1–10 ppb (r>0.9995). The analyte accuracy under three different spiking levels was 86.7–108.1 %, with low per cent relative standard deviations in each case. The aflatoxins can be separated within 5 to7 min using an Agilent XDB C18-column. We found that AFB1 and AFB2 were in trace amounts below the detection limit in M. pruriens whilst they were not detected in D. denudatum. P. oleraceae was found to be contaminated with AFB1 and AFB2. AFG1 and AFG2 were not detected in M. pruriens, P. oleraceae and were below the detection limit in D. denudatum. This was consistent with very low numbers of fungal colonies observed after 6 hr of incubation. Conclusion. The analytical method developed is simple, precise, accurate, economical and can be effectively used to determine the aflatoxins in medicinal plants and therefore to control the quality of products. The aflatoxin levels in the plant extracts examined were related to the minimal fungal load in the medicinal plants examined.

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Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Suppresses Biliary Excretion of Hepatic Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptides Substrate
Authors: Maruyama Hajime , Ogura Jiro , Fujikawa Asuka , Terada Yusuke , Tsujimoto Takashi , Koizumi Takahiro , Kuwayama Kaori , Kobayashi Masaki , Yamaguchi Hiroaki , Iseki Ken
Published: March 2016

Purpose. Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) causes gut dysfunction and promotes multi-organ failure. The liver and kidney can be affected by multi-organ failure after intestinal I/R. Organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) and organic anion transporters (OATs) are recognized in a broad spectrum from endogenous compounds to xenobiotics, including clinically important drugs. Therefore, it is important for understanding the pharmacokinetics to obtain evidence of alterations in OATPs and OATs expression and transport activities. In the present study, we investigated the expression of rat Oatps and Oats after intestinal I/R. Methods. We used intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) model rats. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to assess mRNA and protein expression levels. Plasma concentration and biliary excretion of sulfobromophthalein (BSP), which is used as a model compound of organic anion drugs, were measured after intravenous administration in intestinal I/R rats. Results. Although Oat1 and Oat3 mRNA levels were not altered in the kidney, Oatp1a1, Oatp1b2 and Oatp2b1 mRNA levels in the liver were significantly decreased at 1-6 h after intestinal I/R. Moreover, Oatp1a1 and Oatp2b1 protein expression levels were decreased at 1 h after intestinal I/R. Plasma concentration of BSP, which is a typical substrate of Oatps, in intestinal I/R rats reperfused 1 h was increased than that in sham-operated rats. Moreover, the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC0-90) in intestinal I/R rats reperfused 1 h was significantly increased than that in sham-operated rats. The total clearance (CLtot) and the biliary clearance (CLbile) in intestinal I/R rats reperfused 1 h were significantly decreased than those in sham-operated rats. Conclusions. Oatp1a1 and Oatp2b1 expression levels are decreased by intestinal I/R. The decreases in these transporters cause alteration of pharmacokinetics of organic anion compound. The newly found influence of intestinal I/R on the expression and function of Oatps may be a key to perform appropriate drug 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
Hantzsch-Type Dihydropyridines and Biginelli-Type Tetra-hydropyrimidines: A Review of their Chemotherapeutic Activities
Authors: Sepehri Saghi , Sanchez Horacio Perez , Fassihi Afshin
Published: March 2016

Years after the first report on 1,4-dihydropyridines (1,4-DHPs) and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidines (1,2,3,4-THPMs) appeared, they  are revisited as plausible therapeutic agents. This is mainly due to the convenient methods that exist for their synthesis and the diverse pharmacologic properties that these scaffolds present. 1,4-Dihydropyridines and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidines are usually regarded as analogous in several aspects. They are both prepared in multi-component reactions using very similar starting materials and synthesis protocols. This leads to common structural features between 1,4-DHPs and 1,2,3,4-THPMs, as well several related biological effects. For example, they share many pharmacological features such as analgesic, anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitubercular, antibacterial, cardiovascular and adrenoceptor blocking activities. Numerous reviews have been devoted to the chemistry and cardiovascular effects of these compounds.  However, the lack of a comprehensive literature overview on the chemotherapeutic ability of these scaffolds  is behind the present attempt to provide a detailed survey of 1,4-DHPs and 1,2,3,4-THPMs and their structural features as chemotherapeutic agents.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.
Differential Effects of Cyclosporin A and Tacrolimus on Magnesium Influx in Caco2 Cells
Authors: Gouadon Elodie , Lecerf Florence , German-Fattal Michèle
Published: March 2016

PURPOSE: Hypomagnesemia with urinary magnesium (Mg) wasting is a well acknowledged side effect of cyclosporin A (CsA) and tacrolimus (FK506) treatments. TRPM6, TRPM7 and MagT1 are involved in the active transcellular Mg transport processes in intestine and kidney. Since Mg homeostasis is tightly controlled by the dynamic action of intestinal absorption of dietary Mg and renal excretion of Mg, we investigated whether CsA and FK506 in commercially available solutions for clinical use decrease the expression and the function of TRPM6, TRPM7 or MagT1 in the intestinal epithelial cell line Caco2. METHODS: Changes of intracellular free Mg concentrations were measured by Mag-fura-2 imaging in Mg-free medium after the addition of 1 mM MgCl2. TRPM6, TRPM7 and MagT1 were evidenced in cells by immunofluorescence. Proteins and mRNAs were quantified after 18 hours of treatment with CsA or FK506 by western-blot and real-time RT-PCR analyses, respectively. RESULTS: TRPM6 and MagT1 were evidenced on all cell membranes, TRPM7 only on the inner membranes. CsA was responsible for a profound decrease in Mg2+ influx in intestinal epithelial cells, which may result in a decrease of intestinal Mg absorption, whereas FK506 was responsible for a marked increase in Mg2+ influx. Neither CsA nor FK506 altered TRPM6, TRPM7 or MagT1 mRNA levels or MagT1 protein level. CONCLUSIONS: In Caco2 cells, Mg2+ influx was inhibited by CsA solutions whereas enhanced by FK506 solutions, without alteration of MagT1, TRPM6 and TRPM7 expression, leading to the conclusion that CsA and FK506 have opposite effects in the functional activity of the Mg transporters herein examined. In clinical use, FK506 should be preferred for patients at risk for hypomagnesemia.

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Functional Characteristics of Two Human MATE Transporters: Kinetics of Cimetidine Transport and Profiles of Iinhibition by Various Compounds
Authors: Ohta Kin-ya , Inoue Katsuhisa , Yasujima Tomoya , Ishimaru Munenori , Yuasa Hiroaki
Published: March 2016

Purpose. Human multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 1 (hMATE1) and hMATE2-K are organic cation/H+ antiporters that have recently been identified and suggested to be involved in the renal brush border secretion of various organic cations. Information about functional characteristics of them has been accumulating, but still insufficient to fully understand their functions and respective roles. The present study was conducted to help clarify them. Methods. The cDNA of hMATE1 was isolated from human brain cDNA by RT-PCR and hMATE2-K cDNA was from human kidney cDNA. HEK293 cells were stably transfected with hMATE1 and hMATE2-K, and the cellular uptakes of [3H]cimetidine and [14C]tetraethylammonium (TEA) were evaluated. Results. It was first found that both hMATE1 and hMATE2-K can transport cimetidine with high affinities, indicated by small Michaelis constants of 8.00 mM and 18.18 mM, respectively. These were much smaller than those for TEA (366 mM and 375 mM, respectively, for hMATE1 and hMATE2-K). Subsequent investigation using cimetidine as a probe substrate into the profiles of inhibition of the two hMATEs by various compounds indicated that they are similar in principle but different to some extent in substrate recognition, reflecting the modest differences in amino acid sequences between them. In fact, cimetidine transport by hMATE1 was correlated to that by hMATE2-K, which is 65% similar to hMATE1, but not as good as to that by rat MATE1, which is 86% similar. Conclusions. Cimetidine was demonstrated to be a high affinity substrate of both hMATEs. Subsequent evaluation of the inhibition of hMATEs by various compounds indicated no major difference in function or role between hMATE1 and hMATE2-K.
Evaluation of the Protective Effects of Quercetin, Rutin, Naringenin, Resveratrol and Trolox Against Idarubicin-Induced DNA Damage
Authors: Çelik Haydar , Arinç Emel
Published: March 2016

PURPOSE. Idarubicin is a synthetic anthracycline anticancer drug widely used in the treatment of some hematological malignancies. The studies in our laboratory have clearly demonstrated that idarubicin can undergo reductive bioactivation by NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase to free radicals with resulting formation of DNA strand breaks, which can potentially contribute to its genotoxic effects [Çelik, H., Arinç, E., Bioreduction of idarubicin and formation of ROS responsible for DNA cleavage by NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase and its potential role in the antitumor effect. J Pharm Pharm Sci, 11(4):68-82, 2008]. In the current study, our aim was to investigate the possible protective effects of several phenolic antioxidants, quercetin, rutin, naringenin, resveratrol and trolox, against the DNA-damaging effect of idarubicin originating from its P450 reductase-catalyzed bioactivation. METHODS. DNA damage was measured by detecting single-strand breaks in plasmid pBR322 DNA using a cell-free agarose gel method. RESULTS. Our results indicated that, among the compounds tested, quercetin was the most potent antioxidant in preventing DNA damage. Quercetin significantly decreased the extent of DNA strand breaks in a dose-dependent manner; 100 μM of quercetin almost completely inhibited the DNA strand breakage. Unlike quercetin, its glycosidated conjugate rutin, failed to provide any significant protection against idarubicin-induced DNA strand breaks except at the highest concentration tested (2 mM). The protective effects of other antioxidants were significantly less than that of quercetin even at high concentrations. Quercetin was found to be also an effective protector against DNA damage induced by mitomycin C. CONCLUSION. We conclude that quercetin, one of the most abundant flavonoids in the human diet, is highly effective in reducing the DNA damage caused by the antitumor agents, idarubicin and mitomycin C, following bioactivation by P450 reductase.
Co-delivery of Doxorubicin and PSC 833 (Valspodar) by Stealth Nanoliposomes for Efficient Overcoming of Multidrug Resistance
Authors: Bajelan Elmira , Haeri Azadeh , Vali Amir Masoud , Ostad Seyed Nasser , Dadashzadeh Simin
Published: March 2016

Purpose. This study was aimed at developing co-encapsulated stealth nanoliposomes containing PSC 833, an efficient MDR modulator, and doxorubicin (DOX) in order to increase the effectiveness and decrease adverse effects of the anticancer drug. Methods. In attempt to increase the encapsulation efficiency of drugs, different methods for liposome preparation were tested and the effect of different parameters such as drug to lipid molar ratio, cholesterol mole percent and lipid compositions, were investigated. The final product with a lipid composition of EPC:DSPE-PEG2000:Chol (60:5:30 %mol) was prepared by thin layer film hydration method. After preparation of empty liposomes, DOX and PSC 833 were loaded using ammonium sulfate gradient and remote film loading methods, respectively. Physical characteristics of optimized liposomes (DOX/PSC-L) such as particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, in-vitro drugs release and stability were evaluated. Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxicity study of various liposomal formulations as well as drugs, solutions against resistant human breast cancer cell line, T47D/TAMR-6, was evaluated using MTT assay. Results. The best formulation showed a narrow size distribution with average diameter of 91.3 ± 0.2 nm with zeta potential of -6 ± 1.2, the encapsulation efficiency for DOX and PSC 833 were more than 95% and 65.5%, respectively. In DOX-resistant T47D/TAMR-6 cells, dual-agent stealth liposomes showed significantly greater cytotoxicity (P < 0.05) than free DOX and liposomal DOX plus free PSC 833 treatments. Conclusions. Co-encapsulation of DOX and PSC 833 presents a promising anticancer formulation, capable of effective reversal of drug resistance, and should be explored further in therapeutic studies with animal tumor xenograft models.

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Research Advances in the Intervention of Inflammation and Cancer by Active Ingredients of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Huang Yinghong , Cai Tiange , Xia Xi , Cai Y , Wu Xiao Yu
Published: March 2016

A large body of evidence has shown that inflammation and cancer are strongly related. Thus anti-inflammatory agents have been investigated for cancer prevention and treatment in preclinical and clinical studies, including the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, there exist a wide range of biologically active substances, such as saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, polyphenols, phenylpropanoids, and quinones. Many of these active ingredients have been reported to inhibit inflammation, activate inflammatory immune response, and/or inhibit cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth. Given the potential role of inflammation in cancer initiation and progression, the inflammatory tumor microenvironment, the cross-talks between inflammatory and cancer cells, and multitargeting activities of some TCM compounds, we summarize the current knowledge on the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of ingredients of TCM together with their underlying mechanisms in an integrated way. We hope to provide a reliable basis and useful information for the development of new treatment strategies of inflammation and cancer comprehensively using TCM and their active ingredients. 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.
Effects of Some Antihypertensive Drugs on the Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics of Indapamide in Rats
Authors: Yan Fang , Hu Ying , Di Bin , He Ping Lei , Sun Guibin
Published: March 2016

Purpose. Indapamide, a non-thiazide antihypertensive diuretic agent, has been widely coadministered with other classes of antihypertensive agents to reach target systolic blood pressure. Indapamide is extensively metabolized by cytochromes P450. Interaction of indapamide and other antihypertensive drugs are unknown. We investigated the effects of other antihypertensive drugs on the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of indapamide in vitro and in vivo. Methods. Indapamide metabolism was studies in vitro using human liver microsomes pretreated with or without different concentrations of CYP-selective inhibitors and seven major antihypertensive drugs, felodipine, nifedipine, nitrendipine, telmisartan, irbesartan, valsartan and puerarin. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetics of indapamide was determined by HPLC-MS/MS to evaluate the effects of felodipine coadministered on the bioavailability of indapamide in rats in vivo. Results. The Km and Vmax of indapamide metabolism were 114.35 ± 3.47 μM and 23.13 ± 6.61 μmol/g/min. The metabolites of indapamide, hydroxyl-indapamide and dehydrogen-indapamide, were followed. CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 were involved in indapamide metabolism in human live microsomes. In addition, felodipine, nifedipine and nitrendipine significantly inhibited indapamide metabolism with the maximum inhibitory rates of 82.6%, 72% and 95%, respectively. Felodipine significantly elevated indapamide plasma concentration and prolonged its half-life. Conclusions. Combination therapy of indapamide and felodipine might lead to the alteration of indapamide metabolism and pharmacokinetics. The consequence of such an interaction that may include increased effectiveness and side effect needs to be tudeis in human.

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