Diabetes and Vernonia amygdalina Delile (Asteraceae)

Vernonia amygdalina, is a perennial tropical shrub from Asteraceae with a height ranging from 1 to 10 m tall. In Tropical African Countries, V. amygdalina, known as bitter leaf because of the bitter taste of the leaf, is propagated for consumption as a vegetable due to its medicinal properties. In this paper, the use of the plant V. amygdalina for the treatment of diabetes mellitus is reviewed by searching scientific databases such as Frontiers, HealthSTAR, MDPI, MEDLINE, Pubmed, Taylor and Francis, Science Direct, Scopus, Springer, Wiley, American Diabetes Association from 2000 to January 2021. Herbal medicine is a form of healthcare that has been used in diabetes treatment. One such herbal plant is V. amygdalina, a multipurpose plant with many uses, health benefits, and bioactivities. V. amygdalina is identified as the most medically beneficial plant in the genus Vernonia. V. amygdalina possesses several activities, including the anti-diabetic effect. This review discusses classifications and treatments (conventional and herbal) of diabetes mellitus, the phytochemical profile of V. amygdalina and its uses in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, and their mechanisms of action of the plant. The published literature used for the present work supports anti-diabetic properties of V. amygdalina.

Preparation of Chitosan Particles as a Delivery System for Tetrahydrocurcumin: β-cyclodextrin Inclusive Compound for Colorectal Carcinoma

Background:

Tetrahydrocurcumin is a hydrogenated active metabolite of curcumin that exhibits similar pharmacological effects to curcumin. However, its hydrophobic nature has limited its aqueous solubility and bioavailability. By incorporating the tetrahydrocurcumin into β-cyclodextrin, its physiochemical property can be improved.

Objective:

To develop a chitosan composite loaded with tetrahydrocurcumin inclusive complex, characterize the developed composites, and evaluate its effectiveness on cancer cells.

Methods:

Tetrahydrocurcumin was formulated into an inclusive complex with β-cyclodextrin in the ratio of 1:2 (Tetrahydrocurcumin: β-cyclodextrin). The tetrahydrocurcumin inclusive complex loaded chitosan particles (THC IC-loaded CPs) were prepared using ionic gelation and later characterized using FTIR. Cytotoxicity of THC IC-loaded CPs in human colon cancer cells, Caco-2 cells, was examined using RTCA xCELLigence technology. The uptake of these particles by Caco-2 cells was also evaluated via fluorescing microscopy.

Results:

FTIR results confirmed the formation of the tetrahydrocurcumin inclusive complex and the loading of this complex into chitosan composites. The cytotoxic effect of THC IC-loaded CPs showed a dose-dependent relationship, and the IC50 found was 1.117mM and 0.959mM after 48 and 72 hours, respectively. THC IC-loaded CPs showed an immediate uptake by CaCo-2 cells, and the maximum uptake was observed after 1 hour of incubation.

Conclusion:

This study showed that THC IC-loaded CPs is a potential drug carrier to deliver tetrahydrocurcumin into cancer cells and able to produce a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells.

Regulatory mechanisms of heme regulatory protein BACH1: a potential therapeutic target for cancer

A limited number of overexpressed transcription factors are associated with cancer progression in many types of cancer. BTB and CNC homology 1 (BACH1) is the first mammalian heme-binding transcription factor that belongs to the basic region leucine zipper (bZIP) family and a member of CNC (cap 'n' collar). It forms heterodimers with the small musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma (MAF) proteins and stimulates or suppresses the expression of target genes under a very low intracellular heme concentration. It possesses a significant regulatory role in heme homeostasis, oxidative stress, cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and cancer metastasis progression. This review discusses the current knowledge about how BACH1 regulates cancer metastasis in various types of cancer and other carcinogenic associated factors such as oxidative stress, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Overall, from the reported studies and outcomes, it could be realized that BACH1 is a potential pharmacological target for discovering new therapeutic anticancer drugs.

Revolution in the Synthesis, Physio-chemical and Biological Characterization of Gold Nanoplatform

This review article mainly focuses on the revolution of the synthesis of gold nanoplatform from the previous era to the present era. Initially, the gold nanoplatform was widely used by the electrical and electronic industries for their products due to its remarkable properties, such as large surface volume, redox activity, fluorescence quenching, and optical-electronic properties. In this era, due to the invention of localised surface plasmonic resonance, optoacoustic, photothermal and theragnostic characteristics of the gold nanoplatforms and their application in biosensors and various diagnostic methods, the pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies have started showing their interest in manufacturing gold nanoplatforms for their new product development. This colloidal dispersion is synthesized in various forms, such as a gold nanoparticle, gold nanoplatform, plasmonic gold nanoparticle, amphiphilic gold nanoparticle, and gold nanocrystal. This review article describes various methods for preparation of gold nanoplatforms with different size, shape, and physiobiological properties and their applications in different fields.

Mucoadhesive Low Molecular Chitosan Complexes to Protect rHuKGF from Proteolysis: In-vitro Characterization and FHs 74 Int Cell Proliferation Studies

BACKGROUND

Recombinant Keratinocyte Growth Factor (rHuKGF) is a therapeutic protein used widely in oral mucositis after chemotherapy in various cancers, stimulating lung morphogenesis and gastrointestinal tract cell proliferation. In this research study, chitosan-rHuKGF polymeric complex was implemented to improve the stability of rHuKGF and used as rejuvenation therapy for the treatment of oral mucositis in cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE

Complexation of rHuKGF with mucoadhesive low molecular weight chitosan to protect rHuKGF from proteolysis and investigate the effect of chitosan-rHuKGF complex on the proliferation rate of FHs 74 Int cells.

METHODS

The interaction between chitosan and rHuKGF was studied by molecular docking. Malvern ZetaSizer Nano Zs and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests were carried out to characterize the chitosan-rHuKGF complex. In addition, SDS-PAGE was performed to investigate the interaction between chitosan-rHuKGF complex and pepsin. The effect of chitosan-rHuKGF complex on the proliferation rate of FHs 74 Int cells was studied by MTT assay.

RESULTS

Chitosan-rHuKGF complex was formed through the hydrogen bonding proven by the docking studies. A stable chitosan-rHuKGF complex was formed at pH 4.5 and was protected from proteolysis and assessed by SDS PAGE. According to the MTT assay results, chitosan-rHuKGF complex increased the cell proliferation rate of FHs 74 Int cells.

CONCLUSION

The developed complex improved the stability and the biological function of rHuKGF.

Fabrication and Evaluation of Transdermal Microneedles for a Recombinant Human Keratinocyte Growth Factor

Objectives

Microneedle transdermal patches are a combination of hypodermic needles and transdermal patches used to overcome the individual limitations of both injections and patches. The objective of this study was to design a minimally invasive, biodegradable polymeric recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor (rHuKGF) microneedle array and evaluate the prepared biodegradable microneedles using in vitro techniques.

Materials and Methods

Biodegradable polymeric microneedle arrays were fabricated out of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) using the micromolding technique under aseptic conditions, and the morphology of the microneedles was characterized using light microscopy. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to rule out drug-polymer interactions. Standard procedures were used to analyze the prepared microneedle arrays for in vitro drug release and to perform a microneedle insertion test. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify rHuKGF.

Results

The PLGA polymer was safe for use in the fabrication of rHuKGF microneedles as there was no interaction between the drug and the polymer. The fabricated rHuKGF microneedle arrays had fully formed microneedles with a height of 600 µm and a base of 300 µm. The drug from the microneedle patch was released in vitro within 30 minutes. The strength of the microneedles in the patch was good, as they were able to reach a depth of 381±3.56 µm into parafilm without any structural change or fracture.

Conclusion

Microneedle transdermal patches were successfully prepared for rHuKGF, and their evaluation suggested excellent quality and uniformity of patch characteristics. This can have potential applications in the therapeutic arena, offering advantages in terms of reduced dosing frequency, improved patient compliance, and bioavailability.

Cyclodextrin inclusion complex inhibits circulating galectin-3 and FGF-7 and affects the reproductive integrity and mobility of Caco-2 cells

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a carbohydrate-binding protein, that promotes angiogenesis through mediating angiogenic growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). There is strong evidence confirming FGF involvement in tumor growth and progression by disrupting cell proliferation and angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effect of β-cyclodextrin:everolimus:FGF-7 inclusion complex (Complex) on Caco-2 cell migration, cell motility and colony formation. In addition, we examined the inhibitory effect of the Complex on the circulating proteins; Gal-3 and FGF-7. Swiss Target Prediction concluded that Gal-3 and FGF are possible targets for β-CD. Results of the chemotaxis cell migration assay on Caco-2 cell line revealed that the Complex has higher reduction in cell migration (78.3%) compared to everolimus (EV) alone (58.4%) which is possibly due to the synergistic effect of these molecules when used as a combined treatment. Moreover, the Complex significantly decreased the cell motility in cell scratch assay, less than 10% recovery compared to the control which has ~ 45% recovery. The Complex inhibited colony formation by ~ 75% compared to the control. Moreover, the Complex has the ability to inhibit Gal-3 with minimum inhibitory concentration of 33.46 and 41 for β-CD and EV, respectively. Additionally, β-CD and β-CD:EV were able to bind to FGF-7 and decreased the level of FGF-7 more than 80% in cell supernatant. This confirms Swiss Target Prediction result that predicted β-CD could target FGF. These findings advance the understanding of the biological effects of the Complex which reduced cell migration, cell motility and colony formation and it is possibly due to inhibiting circulating proteins such as; Gal-3 and FGF-7.

In silico-based Approach to Investigate the Ability of PEGylated Rapamycin to Inhibit Galectin-3

AIMS

To utilize in silico-based approach for investigating the ability of PEGylated rapamycin as a competitive inhibitor to Galectin-3 for curing various diseases or that may provide an attractive strategy for treatment of a wide variety of tumors.

BACKGROUND

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) signaling protein is a unique member of lectin family present at the cell surface, intracellularly in both the nucleus and cytoplasm and extracellularly in the general circulation. Circulating Gal-3 is present in both normal and cancer cells. High levels of circulating Gal-3 have been proven to be associated with inflammation and fibrosis in several acute and chronic conditions, which include neurological degeneration, inflammatory and immune responses, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, heart failure, atherosclerosis, response to infection, wound healing, liver, lung, and kidney disease. Gal-3 is known to regulate many biological activities including cell adhesion, angiogenesis, growth, apoptosis, migration, and metastasis. Rapamycin has been examined alone or in combination with other drugs for treatment of various cancers in clinical studies. Although it has shown promising therapeutic effects, its clinical development was interrupted by poor aqueous solubility and limited preferential distribution. To overcome these limitations, RA has been chemically modified to hydrophilic analogues, such as everolimus (EV). However, all these approaches can only partially increase the solubility, but has little effect on the blood distribution and pharmacokinetics. Therefore, it is necessary to explore other RA conjugates to improve aqueous solubility and tissue distribution profile. Recently we reported that RP-MPEG inhibits the growth of various cancer cell lines by acting on mammalian target of RP (mTOR) receptor site and it can be used for gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To construct various molecular weight RP-MPEG by replacing MPEG chain in 40-O-(2- hydroxyethyl) position of the EV and analyze their binding affinity to Gal-3.

METHODS

The chemical structures of various molecular weight RP-MPEG were built using ChemSketch software. The molecular docking study was performed to find the best probable structure of RP-MPEG for competitive inhibition of the CRD, based on the interaction score. For that purpose, the 3D structures of RP and EV were obtained from NCBI PubChem compound database, where the structural protein-co-crystallized ligand complex of Gal-3 (TD2, as a native ligand) was retrieved from RCSB Protein Data Bank. All structures of the selected compounds, served as molecules for molecular modeling, were optimized through MOE.2014 software before docking. Hydrogen atoms and partial charges were added to the protein. Protein minimization was performed in gas solvation with the side chains, keeping it rigid and the ligand flexible. The selected site was isolated and minimized, followed by protonating the protein. The 3D ligands were minimized using MMFF94x with cutoffs of 10 to 12 Å. The hydrogens and charges were fixed, and the RMS gradient was set to 0.001 kcal/mol. The docking results were analyzed to identify and assess the binding affinity of these compounds to CRD using drug discovery software.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that RP-MPEG with MW 1178.51 g/mol has a logP value of 3.79 and has possessed the strongest binding affinity toward CRD of Gal-3 with a docking score of -6.87. Compared with TD2, there were additional close contacts for RP-MPEG (MW 1178.51 g/mol), coming from three hydrogen bonds with Asp148, Arg162, and Arg144 which suggest that this ligand is a strong competitive inhibitor among the other molecules for Gal-3.

CONCLUSION

RP-MPEG with the MW 1178.51 g/mol could be a promising blocker for various biological action of Gal-3 includes profibrotic activity, modulation of immune responses and inflammatory responses to cancer that contributes to neoplastic transformation, angiogenesis and metastasis. Other: The 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the binding affinity (according to their mean and standard errors) were estimated with 2.5 and 97.5 percentile as the lower and upper bounds.

Enhanced gastrointestinal survivability of recombinant Lactococcus lactis using a double coated mucoadhesive film approach

Vaccine administration via the oral route is preferable to parenteral routes due to ease of administration. To date, most available oral vaccines comprises of live attenuated pathogens as oppose to peptide-based vaccines due to its low bioavailability within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Over the years, probiotic-based peptide delivery vehicles comprising of lactic acid bacteria such as Lactococcus lactis has emerged as an interesting alternative due to its generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status, a fully sequenced genome, transient gut colonization time, and is an efficient cellular factory for heterologous protein production. However, its survivability through the GI tract is low, thus better delivery approaches are being explored to improve its bioavailability. In this study, we employ the incorporation of a double coated mucoadhesive film consisting of sodium alginate and Lycoat RS 720 film as the inner coat. The formulated film exhibits good mechanical properties of tensile strength and percent elongation for manipulation and handling with an entrapment yield of 93.14±2.74%. The formulated mucoadhesive film is subsequently loaded into gelatin capsules with an outer enteric Eudragit L100-55 coating capable of a pH-dependent breakdown above pH 5.5 to protect against gastric digestion. The final product and unprotected controls were subjected to in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestions to assess its survivability. The product demonstrated enhanced protection with an increase of 69.22±0.67% (gastric) and 40.61±8.23% (intestinal) survivability compared to unprotected controls after 6 hours of sequential digestion. This translates to a 3.5 fold increase in overall survivability. Owing to this, the proposed oral delivery system has shown promising potential as a live gastrointestinal vaccine delivery host. Further studies involving in vivo gastrointestinal survivability and mice immunization tests are currently being carried out to assess the efficacy of this novel oral delivery system in comparison to parenteral routes.

Molecular Modeling-Based Delivery System Enhances Everolimus-Induced Apoptosis in Caco-2 Cells

Several studies have shown that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor; everolimus (EV) improves patient survival in several types of cancer. However, the meaningful efficacy of EV as a single agent for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) has failed to be proven in multiple clinical trials. Combination therapy is one of the options that could increase the efficacy and decrease the toxicity of the anticancer therapy. This study revealed that the β-cyclodextrin (β-CD):FGF7 complex has the potential to improve the antiproliferative effect of EV by preventing FGF receptor activation and by enhancing EV cellular uptake and intracellular retention. Molecular docking techniques were used to investigate the possible interaction between EV, β-CD, and FGF7. Molecular docking insights revealed that β-CD and EV are capable to form a stable inclusion complex with FGF at the molecular level. The aqueous solubility of the inclusion complex was increased (3.1 ± 0.23 μM) when compared to the aqueous solubility of pure EV (1.7 ± 0.16 μM). In addition, the in vitro cytotoxic activity of a FGF7:β-CD:EV complex on Caco-2 cell line was investigated using real-time xCELLigence technology. The FGF7:β-CD:EV complex has induced apoptosis of Caco-2 cells and shown higher cytotoxic activity than the parent drug EV. With the multitargets effect of β-CD:FGF7 and EV, the antiproliferative effect of EV was remarkably improved as the IC₅₀ value of EV was reduced from 9.65 ± 1.42 to 1.87 ± 0.33 μM when compared to FGF7:β-CD:EV complex activity. In conclusion, the findings advance the understanding of the biological combinational effects of the β-CD:FGF7 complex and EV as an effective treatment to combat CRC.

Rabbit as an Animal Model for Pharmacokinetics Studies of Enteric Capsule Contains Recombinant Human Keratinocyte Growth Factor Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles

BACKGROUND

Recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor (rHuKGF) has gained considerable attention by researchers as epithelial cells proliferating agent. Moreover, intravenous truncated rHuKGF (palifermin) has been approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat and prevent chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis and small intestine ulceration. The labile structure and short circulation time of rHuKGF in-vivo are the main obstacles that reduce the oral bioactivity and dosage of such proteins at the target site.

OBJECTIVE

Formulation of methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate copolymer-coated capsules filled with chitosan nanoparticles loaded with rHuKGF for oral delivery.

METHODS

We report on chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) with diameter < 200 nm, prepared by ionic gelation, loaded with rHuKGF and filled in methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate copolymercoated capsules for oral delivery. The pharmacokinetic parameters were determined based on the serum levels of rHuKGF, following a single intravenous (IV) or oral dosages using a rabbit model. Furthermore, fluorescent microscope imaging was conducted to investigate the cellular uptake of the rhodamine-labelled rHuKGF-loaded nanoparticles. The proliferation effect of the formulation on FHs 74 Int cells was studied as well by MTT assay.

RESULTS

The mucoadhesive and absorption enhancement properties of chitosan and the protective effect of methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate copolymer against rHuKGF release at the stomach, low pH, were combined to promote and ensure rHuKGF intestinal delivery and increase serum levels of rHuKGF. In addition, in-vitro studies revealed the protein bioactivity since rHuKGFloaded CNPs significantly increased the proliferation of FHs 74 Int cells.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed that oral administration of rHuKGF-loaded CNPs in methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate copolymer-coated capsules is practically alternative to the IV administration since the absolute bioavailability of the orally administered rHuKGF-loaded CNPs, using the rabbit as animal model, was 69%. Fluorescent microscope imaging revealed that rhodaminelabelled rHuKGF-loaded CNPs were taken up by FHs 74 Int cells, after 6 hours' incubation time, followed by increase in the proliferation rate.

Detection of Formation of Recombinant Human Keratinocyte Growth Factor Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles Based on its Optical Properties

Background:

Recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor (rHuKGF) is a protein used to treat oral mucositis caused by radio and chemotherapy in patients with hematologic malignancy. The rHuKGF is available in the form of intravenous bolus injection. In this study, new formulation of rHuKGF-loaded chitosan nanoparticles was developed to improve patient compliance.

Methods:

Chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) loaded with rHuKGF were prepared by ionic gelation method. The tripolyphosphate (TPP) cross-linked with chitosan molecules at pH >5.0 and form the nanoparticles. An infrared spectroscopic technique was conducted to confirm the formation of nanoparticles as a result of ionotropic interaction between TPP and chitosan. Zeta Sizer was used to determine the size, polydispersity index (PdI) and zeta potential of the prepared nanoparticles. The morphological characteristics of CNPs were measured by field emission scanning electron microscope. During the formation of CNPs, the rHuKGF was entrapped in the nanoparticles. The loading capacity of rHuKGF in CNPs was observed to be dependent on how much amount of rHuKGF/TPP solution was added to convert all the chitosan molecules to form nanoparticles. A double beam UV/Vis spectroscopic method was used to detect the formation of these rHuKGF loaded CNPs based on their optical properties.

Results:

The produced rHuKGF-loaded CNPs were colorless, cloudy, and positively charged monodisperse with a spherical shape. The prepared CNPs have particles size of 119 ± 74.62 nm, surface charge of +20.3 ± 6.46 mV and 0.217 polydispersity index. The shape of prepared CNPs was found to be spherical using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation between TPP and chitosan was confirmed by comparing the FTIR spectra of TPP, chitosan, physical mixture of chitosan and TPP and CNPs. The loading capacity of the rHuKGF in CNPs was found to be 93.3 ± 2.02%. The formation of rHuKGF loaded CNPs was detected by double beam UV/Vis Spectroscopy at 232.2 nm.

Conclusion:

The results of the current work were utilized for designing a continuous monitoring and detection system for the formation of CNPs. The outcomes of this technique are useful to avoid the loss of rHuKGF during nanoparticle formation and improving the loading capacity of CNPs.

Optimization and In-vitro Evaluation of Coating Process for Film-Coated Tablets

The proper efficiency of the tablet-coating process often results in a coating within adequate quality, which might avoid the rejection of the film-coated tablets, minimize the operating expenses and production time. In general, the optimum coating system performance and coating conditions are important for achieving the desirable tablet-coating uniformity and manufacturing reproducibility. In this study, HPMC-aqueous-based tablet film coating successfully conducted in a perforated pan coater for process scale-up using the spray-coating technique. Certain process parameters such as spray rate, inlet air temperature, pan temperature, atomizing pressure as well as pan speed were maintained carefully and the optimum coating quality was achieved with acceptable film performance. At lower initial pan speed, the strength of the coated tablets was remarkably improved and the highest weight gain obtained. The smoothest and uniform film obtained at high spray rate, high pan speed, and low atomizing pressure. The results revealed that the optimum film-coating quality and uniformity achieved at a spray rate of 480 ml/min, atomizing pressure at 5 bar, inlet temperature at 85 to 90 °C, pan temperature at 58 °C, initial pan speed at 1.5 rpm and final pan speed at 4.0 rpm using side-vented pan coater. At initial pan speed of 1.5 rpm, the strength of the coated tablets remarkably improved with minimum edges erosion, which increases the weight gain up to 3.3%w/w.

Designing and in-vitro characterization of micelle forming amphiphilic PEGylated rapamycin nanocarriers for the treatment of gastric cancer

The present study aims to develop and explore the use of PEGylated rapamycin (RP-MPEG) micelles for the treatment of gastric cancer. RP-MPEG was synthesized and characterized by using IR, H(1) NMR and C(13) NMR. RP-MPEG was prepared in the form of micelles and characterized by using field emission scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta sizer, chromatographic analyses and photostability studies. The cytotoxicity studies of RP-MPEG micelles were conducted on specific CRL 1739 human gastric adenocarcinoma and CRL 1658 NIH-3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cell lines. RP-MPEG micelles showed the particle size distribution of 125±0.26 nm with narrow size distribution (polydispersity index 0.127±0.01). The surface charge of RP-MPEG micelles was found to be -12.3 mV showing enhanced anticancer activity against the CRL 1739 human gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines with an IC50 value of 1 mcg/ml.

Dendrimeric nanoarchitectures mediated transdermal and oral delivery of bioactives

Transdermal route is an evolving panorama in novel drug deliverance and with oral route they proffer immense potential. Most recently there is hastening in approaches for delivering bioactives via these routes, amongst them revolution has been made by dendrimers. Encapsulation and conjugation of bioactives with these virus sized robots have shown immense employment for delivery of hydrophobic and labile remedies. Transport of these nano-cruises from corner to corner of skin and through epithelial hurdle of gastrointestinal tract depends upon dendrimer characteristics. An improved thoughtful of these characteristics is an obligation for their use in these rambling fields. These characteristics embrace generation size, molecular weight, surface charge, incubation time and concentration. This context demarcates the imperative role of dendrimers in transdermal and oral drug delivery. This review also highlights concerning mechanism of convey of nanoarrays via epithelial hurdle of GIT.

Synthesis and cAMP-dependent phosphodiesterase inhibition of novel thiazoloquinazoline derivatives

The series of 6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-5-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4'-substituted benzylidine)thiazolo(2,3-b)quinazolin-3(2H)-ones (4a-j) and 6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-5-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4'-substituted benzylidine)-3-(4-nitrophenyl amino)thiazoloquinazolines (5a-j) were synthesized by the reported method and evaluated for their phosphodiesterase inhibitory activity. All test compounds exhibited good activity. The structure-activity relationships were also studied. In both series of compounds, electron-withdrawing substitutions showed higher activity. Among the tested compounds, 6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-5-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4'-fluorobenzylidine)-3-(4-nitrophenylamino)thiazoloquinazoline (5e), 6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-5-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4'-nitrobenzylidine)-3-(4-nitrophenylamino)thiazoloquinazoline (5j) and 6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-5-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4'-chlorobenzylidine)-3-(4-nitrophenylamino)thiazoloquinazoline (5f) were found to be more potent than theophylline (IC50 in mmol L-1 of 1.34 ± 0.09 for 5f, 1.44 ± 0.02 for 5e, 1.52 ± 0.05 for 5jvs. 1.72 ± 0.09 for theophylline).

Synthesis, characterization, and anthelmintic activity of novel 6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-5-phenyl-2-benzylidine-3-substituted hydrazino thiazolo (2,3-b) quinazoline derivatives and analogues

Several novel 6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-5-phenyl-2-benzylidine-3-substituted hydrazine thiazolo (2,3-b) quinazoline derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their anthelmintic activity in a passive avoidance test. Chemical structures of all of the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by infrared spectroscopy, (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectroscopy, and elemental analyses. Out of 15 compounds, only 6e and 6o had good anthelmintic activity. Experimental data led to the conclusion that the synthesized compounds have anthelmintic activity.

Dendrimers as therapeutic agents: a systematic review

Objectives

Dendrimers by virtue of their therapeutic value have recently generated enormous interest among biomedical scientists. This review describes the therapeutic prospects of the dendrimer system.

Key findings

Their bioactivity suggests them to be promising therapeutic agents, especially in wound healing, bone mineralisation, cartilage formation and tissue repair, and in topical treatments to prevent HIV transmission. Findings also demonstrate their potential as anti-prion, anti-Alzheimer's, anticoagulant, antidote, anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents. One of the dendrimer-based formulations with activity against herpes simplex virus (VivaGel from Starpharma) has successfully completed phase I clinical trials and is expected to be available on the market soon.

Summary

All reports cited in this review demonstrate the use of dendrimers as medical therapeutics in different ailments. The review focuses on the current state of therapeutic potential of the dendrimer system.

UV Spectrophotometric Estimation of Acipimox inBulk and Capsule Dosage Form

A new simple, rapid, accurate, sensitive and precise spectrophotometric method in ultra violet region has been developed for determination of acipimox (ACX) in bulk and capsule dosage form. Acipimox exhibited maximum absorbance at 231 nm with apparent molar absorptivity of 1.5104 × 104in distilled water. Beer’s law was found to be obeyed in the concentration range 1-10 μg mL-1. Correlation coefficient was found to be 0.9998. The developed method was validated respect to linearity, precision, accuracy. The proposed method is useful for the routine estimation of ACX in bulk and capsule dosage form.

UV Spectrophotometric Method for Determination of Cinitapride in Pure and its Solid Dosage Form

A new, rapid, precise, accurate and sensitive analytical method was developed for the UV spectrophotometric assay of cinitapride (CTP). The drug obeyed the Beer's law and showed good correlation. It showed absorption maxima at 260 nm in methanol. The linearity was observed between 5-40 µg mL-1. The results of analysis were validated by recovery studies. The recovery was more than 99%. The proposed method is the only method available for spectrophotometric determination of the drug. It is simple, precise, sensitive and reproducible and can be used for the routine quality control testing of the marketed formulations.

Intracellular macrophage uptake of rifampicin loaded mannosylated dendrimers

The present study was aimed at developing and exploring the use of mannosylated dendritic architecture for the selective delivery of an anti-tuberculosis drug, rifampicin (RIF) to alveolar macrophages (AM). The mannosylated dendritic architecture was synthesized and characterized by using IR and NMR spectroscopy. RIF was efficiently loaded into mannosylated dendrimer using dissolution method. Various physicochemical and physiological parameters such as UV, SEM, DSC, drug loading, solubilization, pH dependent in-vitro release, hemolytic toxicity, phagocytic AM uptake and cytotoxicity concerning the mannosylated dendrimer were evaluated. RIF loaded mannosylated dendrimer reduced release rate of drug in pH 7.4, hemolytic toxicity and cytotoxicity; whereas enhanced drug release in pH 5.0 and AM uptake was observed. The present novel dendritic system displayed suitability in terms of biocompatibility and site-specific delivery of antitubercular drug RIF.

Functional polymeric nanoparticles: an efficient and promising tool for active delivery of bioactives

Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary field and has achieved breakthroughs in bioengineering, molecular biology, diagnostics, and therapeutics. A recent advance in nanotechnology is the development of a functional nanosystem by incorporation, adsorption, or covalent coupling of polymers, carbohydrates, endogenous substances/ligands, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides to the surface of nanoparticles. Functionalization confers a wide array of interesting properties such as stealth characteristics, a bioadhesive property, and that it prevents aggregation of nanoparticles, imparts biostability and solubility, reduces toxicity, and provides site-specific delivery. This makes the nanosystem an intelligent tool for diagnostics, prognostics, and controlled and sustained delivery of protein, peptide, pDNA, and other therapeutic agents to specific targets (tissue, cell, and intracellular). Various types of functional nanosystems, such as carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, metallic nanoparticles, and liposomes, are being extensively explored. However, high tissue accumulation of nonbiodegradable nanoparticles has caused toxicity problems and rendered them as not-so-popular therapeutic and diagnostic systems. The toxicity and safety of nonbiodegradable nanoparticles are subject to future research. Polymeric nanoparticles have offered attractive alternative modules due to biocompatibility, nonimmunogenicity, nontoxicity, biodegradability, simple preparation methods, high physical stability, possibility of sustained drug release, and higher probability for surface functionalization. Depending on properties that have been modified, polymeric nanoparticles can be grouped in to four classes, namely, stealth, polysaccharide decorated biomimetic, bioadhesive, and ligand-anchored functional polymeric nanoparticles (f-PNPs). This review explores the ligand-anchored f-PNP as a carrier for active delivery of bioactives, envisaged to date. This review also details the ligands available for conjugation, their method of coupling to nanoparticles, and applications of f-PNPs in anticancer drug delivery, oral delivery, gene delivery, vaccine delivery, and intracellular delivery; site-specific delivery to liver, macrophages, lymphatics, and brain; and miscellaneous applications. This review also addresses formidable challenges encountered, and proposes some future strategies for development of a promising site-specific active delivery system.

Suppression of agglomeration of ciprofloxacin-loaded human serum albumin nanoparticles

The present study is aimed at developing and exploring the use of pectin in suppression of agglomeration of ciprofloxacin-loaded human serum albumin (HSA) nanoparticles. The HSA-pectin nanoparticles loaded with ciprofloxacin were prepared by the pH-coacervation method, and various physicochemical parameters such as particle size, morphology, zeta-potential, electrolyte-induced flocculation, pH-dependent zeta-potential, drug loading, in vitro drug release, and stability of nanoparticles, were evaluated. The size of the HSA-pectin nanoparticles (F3) was found to be 180 to 290 nm. The HSA nanoparticles were modified with pectin when the critical flocculation concentration of nanoparticles in Na(2)SO(4) solution was increased from 0.3 M to 0.9 M. The isoelectric points of the formed nanoparticles were found to be relatively lower between pH values 3 and 6. Pectin may be used as a pharmaceutical additive for the suppression of particle agglomeration in HSA nanoparticles, and the effect may be attributed to the pectin segments present on the surface of nanoparticles.

PEGylated Dendritic Architecture for Development of a Prolonged Drug Delivery System for an Antitubercular Drug

The present study was aimed at developing and exploring the use of PEGylated poly (propylene imine) dendritic architecture for the delivery of an anti-tuberculosis drug, rifampicin. For this study, PEGylated poly(propylene imine) dendritic architecture was synthesized and loaded with rifampicin. Various physicochemical and physiological parameters UV, IR, NMR, TEM, DSC, drug entrapment, drug release and hemolytic toxicity of both PEGylated and non-PEGylated systems were determined and compared. The PEGylation of the systems was found to have increased their drug-loading capacity, reduced their drug release rate and hemolytic toxicity. The systems were found suitable for prolonged delivery of rifampicin.