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Van der Veken M, Aertsen M, Brouwers J, Stillhart C, Parrott N, Augustijns P. Gastrointestinal Fluid Volumes in Pediatrics: A Retrospective MRI Study. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1935. [PMID: 36145683 PMCID: PMC9502126 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The volume and distribution of fluids available in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract may substantially affect oral drug absorption. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used in the past to quantify these fluid volumes in adults and its use is now being extended to the pediatric population. The present research pursued a retrospective, explorative analysis of existing clinical MRI data generated for pediatric patients. Images of 140 children from all pediatric subpopulations were analyzed for their resting GI fluid volumes in fasting conditions. In general, an increase in fluid volume as a function of age was observed for the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, and small intestine (SI) as a whole. No specific pattern was observed for the ileum and colon. Body mass index (BMI), body weight, body height, and SI length were evaluated as easy-to-measure clinical estimators of the gastric and SI fluid volumes. Although weight and height were identified as the best estimators, none performed ideally based on the coefficient of determination (R2). Data generated in this study can be used as physiologically relevant input for biorelevant in vitro tests and in silico models tailored to the pediatric population, thereby contributing to the efficient development of successful oral drug products for children.
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Steenackers N, Falony G, Augustijns P, Van der Schueren B, Vanuytsel T, Vieira-Silva S, Wauters L, Raes J, Matthys C. Specific contributions of segmental transit times to gut microbiota composition. Gut 2022; 71:1443-1444. [PMID: 34642242 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-325916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
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Abuhassan Q, Khadra I, Pyper K, Augustijns P, Brouwers J, Halbert GW. Structured solubility behaviour in bioequivalent fasted simulated intestinal fluids. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2022; 176:108-121. [PMID: 35605926 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2022.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Drug solubility in intestinal fluid is a key parameter controlling absorption after the administration of a solid oral dosage form. To measure solubility in vitro simulated intestinal fluids have been developed, but there are multiple recipes and the optimum is unknown. This situation creates difficulties during drug discovery and development research. A recent study characterised sampled fasted intestinal fluids using a multidimensional approach to derive nine bioequivalent fasted intestinal media that covered over 90% of the compositional variability. These media have been applied in this study to examine the equilibrium solubility of twenty one exemplar drugs (naproxen, indomethacin, phenytoin, zafirlukast, piroxicam, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid, furosemide, aprepitant, carvedilol, tadalafil, dipyridamole, posaconazole, atazanavir, fenofibrate, felodipine, griseofulvin, probucol, paracetamol, acyclovir and carbamazepine) to determine if consistent solubility behaviour was present. The bioequivalent media provide in the majority of cases structured solubility behaviour that is consistent with physicochemical properties and previous solubility studies. For the acidic drugs (pKa < 6.3) solubility is controlled by media pH, the profile is identical and consistent and the lowest and highest pH media identify the lowest and highest solubility in over 70% of cases. For weakly acidic (pKa > 8), basic and neutral drugs solubility is controlled by a combination of media pH and total amphiphile concentration (TAC), a consistent solubility behaviour is evident but with variation related to individual drug interactions within the media. The lowest and highest pH x TAC media identify the lowest and highest solubility in over 78% of cases. A subset of the latter category consisting of neutral and drugs non-ionised in the media pH range have been identified with a very narrow solubility range, indicating that the impact of the simulated intestinal media on their solubility is minimal. Two drugs probucol and atazanavir exhibit unusual behaviour. The study indicates that the use of two appropriate bioequivalent fasted intestinal media from the nine will identify in vitro the maximum and minimum solubility boundaries for drugs and due to the media derivation this is probably applicable in vivo. These media could be applied during discovery and development activities to provide a solubility range, which would assist placement of the drug within the BCS/DCS and rationalise drug and formulation decisions.
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Van Camp A, Vanuytsel T, Brouwers J, Augustijns P. The effect of esomeprazole on the upper GI tract release and systemic absorption of mesalazine from colon targeted formulations. Int J Pharm 2022; 619:121701. [PMID: 35339635 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of coadministration of the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) esomeprazole on the upper GI tract behavior and systemic exposure of mesalazine from two mechanistically different colon targeted delivery systems: Claversal (pH-dependent release) and Pentasa (prolonged release). To this end, gastric, jejunal and systemic concentrations of mesalazine and its metabolite N-acetyl mesalazine were monitored in 5 healthy volunteers following oral intake of Pentasa or Claversal with or without PPI pre-treatment (cross-over study). Our exploratory study demonstrated that pre-treatment with a PPI may affect the release and absorption of mesalazine from formulations with different modified release mechanisms. Upon intake of Claversal, the onset of mesalazine absorption was accelerated substantially by PPI pre-treatment. While the PPI-induced increase in pH initiated the disintegration process already in the upper GI tract, the release of mesalazine started beyond the proximal jejunum. Upon intake of Pentasa, PPI pre-treatment seemed to increase the systemic exposure, even though the underlying mechanism could not be revealed yet. The faster release of mesalazine in the GI tract and/or the increased systemic absorption following PPI pre-treatment may reduce the ability of mesalazine to reach the colon. Future research assessing mesalazine disposition in the lower GI tract is warranted.
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Braeckmans M, Augustijns P, Mols R, Servais C, Brouwers J. Investigating the Mechanisms behind the Positive Food Effect of Abiraterone Acetate: In Vitro and Rat In Situ Studies. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14050952. [PMID: 35631538 PMCID: PMC9143506 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14050952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The anticancer agent abiraterone suffers from an extensive positive food effect after oral intake of the prodrug abiraterone acetate (Zytiga). The underlying processes determining postprandial abiraterone absorption were investigated in this study. The impact of lipids and lipid digestion products on (i) the solubility of abiraterone acetate and abiraterone, (ii) the conversion of abiraterone acetate to abiraterone, and (iii) the passive permeation of abiraterone was determined in vitro. The interaction of abiraterone acetate and abiraterone with vesicles and colloidal structures in the simulated fed state media containing undigested lipids and lipid digestion products enhanced the solubility of both compounds but limited the esterase-mediated hydrolysis of abiraterone acetate and the potential of abiraterone to permeate. Rat in situ intestinal perfusion experiments with a suspension of abiraterone acetate in static fed state simulated media identified abiraterone concentrations in the perfusate as the main driving force for absorption. However, experiments with ongoing lipolysis in the perfusate highlighted the importance of including lipid digestion as a dynamic process when studying postprandial abiraterone absorption. Future research may employ the in situ perfusion model to study postprandial drug absorption from a dynamic lipolysis-mediated intestinal environment to provide reference data for the optimisation of relevant in vitro models to evaluate food effects.
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Van der Veken M, Brouwers J, Budts V, Lauwerys L, Pathak SM, Batchelor H, Augustijns P. Practical and operational considerations related to paediatric oral drug formulation: an industry survey. Int J Pharm 2022; 618:121670. [PMID: 35304242 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
For over 15 years, US and EU regulations ensure that medicines developed for children are explicitly authorised for such use with age-appropriate forms and formulations, implying dedicated research. To shed light on how these regulations have been adopted by pharmaceutical companies and how various aspects of paediatric oral drug formulation development are currently handled, an exploratory survey was conducted. Topics included: general company policy, regulatory aspects, dosage form selection, in-vitro, in-silico and (non-)clinical in-vivo methods, and food effects assessment. The survey results clearly underline the positive impact of the paediatric regulations and their overall uptake across the pharmaceutical industry. Even though significant improvements have been made in paediatric product development, major challenges remain. In this respect, dosage form selection faces a discrepancy between the youngest age groups (liquid products preference) and older subpopulations (adult formulation preference). Additionally, concerted research is needed in the development and validation of in-vitro tools and physiology based pharmacokinetic models tailored to the paediatric population, and in estimating the effect of non-standard and paediatric relevant foods. The current momentum in paediatric drug development and research should allow for an evolution in standardised methodology and guidance to develop paediatric formulations, which would benefit pharmaceutical industry and regulators.
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Abdelnabi R, Foo CS, Jochmans D, Vangeel L, De Jonghe S, Augustijns P, Mols R, Weynand B, Wattanakul T, Hoglund RM, Tarning J, Mowbray CE, Sjö P, Escudié F, Scandale I, Chatelain E, Neyts J. The oral protease inhibitor (PF-07321332) protects Syrian hamsters against infection with SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Nat Commun 2022; 13:719. [PMID: 35169114 PMCID: PMC8847371 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28354-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for potent and selective antivirals against SARS-CoV-2. Pfizer developed PF-07321332 (PF-332), a potent inhibitor of the viral main protease (Mpro, 3CLpro) that can be dosed orally and that is in clinical development. We here report that PF-332 exerts equipotent in vitro activity against the four SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns (VoC) and that it can completely arrest replication of the alpha variant in primary human airway epithelial cells grown at the air-liquid interface. Treatment of Syrian Golden hamsters with PF-332 (250 mg/kg, twice daily) completely protected the animals against intranasal infection with the beta (B.1.351) and delta (B.1.617.2) SARS-CoV-2 variants. Moreover, treatment of SARS-CoV-2 (B.1.617.2) infected animals with PF-332 completely prevented transmission to untreated co-housed sentinels. There is an urgent need for anti-virals targeting SARS-CoV-2. One of the most promising viral targets is the main protease of SARS-CoV-2, which is essential for viral replication and has no human analogue. Here, Abdelnabi et al. show that one of the most promising anti-virals (PF-07321332), currently in clinical trials, protects against SARS-CoV-2 alpha, beta and delta variant infection and provide evidence of reduced transmission.
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Braeckmans M, Brouwers J, Riethorst D, Servais C, Tack J, Augustijns P. The Influence of Fed State Lipolysis Inhibition on the Intraluminal Behaviour and Absorption of Fenofibrate from a Lipid-Based Formulation. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14010119. [PMID: 35057014 PMCID: PMC8781256 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The bioavailability of lipophilic drugs may or may not be increased when administered with food due to increased solubilisation in fed state gastrointestinal (GI) fluids. The in vivo interplay between drug solubilisation, lipid phase digestion and drug absorption is complex and remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of fed state GI lipolysis on the intraluminal behaviour and absorption of fenofibrate, formulated as the lipid-based formulation Fenogal. Therefore, a crossover study was performed in healthy volunteers using orlistat as lipase inhibitor. Fenofibrate concentrations were determined in the proximal jejunum and linked to simultaneously assessed systemic fenofibric acid concentrations. Inhibition of lipolysis by orlistat resulted in a faster onset of absorption in 4 out of 6 volunteers, reflected by a decrease in systemic Tmax between 20 and 140 min. In addition, the increase of undigested lipids present in the small intestine upon orlistat co-administration sustained drug solubilisation for a longer period, resulting in higher fenofibrate concentrations in the jejunum and improved absorption in 5 out of 6 volunteers (median AUC0–8h 8377 vs. 5832 μM.min). Sustaining drug solubilisation in the lipid phase may thus contribute to the absorption of lipophilic drugs. More research into the different mechanisms underlying lipophilic drug absorption from fed state media at different levels of digestion is warranted.
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Wauters L, Tito RY, Ceulemans M, Lambaerts M, Accarie A, Rymenans L, Verspecht C, Toth J, Mols R, Augustijns P, Tack J, Vanuytsel T, Raes J. Duodenal Dysbiosis and Relation to the Efficacy of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Functional Dyspepsia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413609. [PMID: 34948413 PMCID: PMC8708077 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) may improve symptoms in functional dyspepsia (FD) through duodenal eosinophil-reducing effects. However, the contribution of the microbiome to FD symptoms and its interaction with PPI remains elusive. Aseptic duodenal brushings and biopsies were performed before and after PPI intake (4 weeks Pantoprazole 40 mg daily, FD-starters and controls) or withdrawal (2 months, FD-stoppers) for 16S-rRNA sequencing. Between- and within-group changes in genera or diversity and associations with symptoms or duodenal factors were analyzed. In total, 30 controls, 28 FD-starters and 19 FD-stoppers were followed. Mucus-associated Porphyromonas was lower in FD-starters vs. controls and correlated with symptoms in FD and duodenal eosinophils in both groups, while Streptococcus correlated with eosinophils in controls. Although clinical and eosinophil-reducing effects of PPI therapy were unrelated to microbiota changes in FD-starters, increased Streptococcus was associated with duodenal PPI effects in controls and remained higher despite withdrawal of long-term PPI therapy in FD-stoppers. Thus, duodenal microbiome analysis demonstrated differential mucus-associated genera, with a potential role of Porphyromonas in FD pathophysiology. While beneficial effects of short-term PPI therapy were not associated with microbial changes in FD-starters, increased Streptococcus and its association with PPIeffects in controls suggest a role for duodenal dysbiosis after long-term PPI therapy.
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Wilson CG, Aarons L, Augustijns P, Brouwers J, Darwich AS, De Waal T, Garbacz G, Hansmann S, Hoc D, Ivanova A, Koziolek M, Reppas C, Schick P, Vertzoni M, García-Horsman JA. Integration of advanced methods and models to study drug absorption and related processes: An UNGAP perspective. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 172:106100. [PMID: 34936937 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.106100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
This collection of contributions from the European Network on Understanding Gastrointestinal Absorption-related Processes (UNGAP) community assembly aims to provide information on some of the current and newer methods employed to study the behaviour of medicines. It is the product of interactions in the immediate pre-Covid period when UNGAP members were able to meet and set up workshops and to discuss progress across the disciplines. UNGAP activities are divided into work packages that cover special treatment populations, absorption processes in different regions of the gut, the development of advanced formulations and the integration of food and pharmaceutical scientists in the food-drug interface. This involves both new and established technical approaches in which we have attempted to define best practice and highlight areas where further research is needed. Over the last months we have been able to reflect on some of the key innovative approaches which we were tasked with mapping, including theoretical, in silico, in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo, preclinical and clinical approaches. This is the product of some of us in a snapshot of where UNGAP has travelled and what aspects of innovative technologies are important. It is not a comprehensive review of all methods used in research to study drug dissolution and absorption, but provides an ample panorama of current and advanced methods generally and potentially useful in this area. This collection starts from a consideration of advances in a priori approaches: an understanding of the molecular properties of the compound to predict biological characteristics relevant to absorption. The next four sections discuss a major activity in the UNGAP initiative, the pursuit of more representative conditions to study lumenal dissolution of drug formulations developed independently by academic teams. They are important because they illustrate examples of in vitro simulation systems that have begun to provide a useful understanding of formulation behaviour in the upper GI tract for industry. The Leuven team highlights the importance of the physiology of the digestive tract, as they describe the relevance of gastric and intestinal fluids on the behaviour of drugs along the tract. This provides the introduction to microdosing as an early tool to study drug disposition. Microdosing in oncology is starting to use gamma-emitting tracers, which provides a link through SPECT to the next section on nuclear medicine. The last two papers link the modelling approaches used by the pharmaceutical industry, in silico to Pop-PK linking to Darwich and Aarons, who provide discussion on pharmacometric modelling, completing the loop of molecule to man.
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Wauters L, Ceulemans M, Lambaerts M, Accarie A, Toth J, Mols R, Augustijns P, Tack J, Vanuytsel T. Association between duodenal bile salts and gastric emptying in patients with functional dyspepsia. Gut 2021; 70:2208-2210. [PMID: 33239340 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-323598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Vertzoni M, Alsenz J, Augustijns P, Bauer-Brandl A, Bergström C, Brouwers J, Müllerz A, Perlovich G, Saal C, Sugano K, Reppas C. UNGAP best practice for improving solubility data quality of orally administered drugs. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 168:106043. [PMID: 34662708 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.106043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
An important goal of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action UNGAP (UNderstanding Gastrointestinal Absorption-related Processes, www.ungap.eu) is to improve standardization of methods relating to the study of oral drug absorption. Solubility is a general term that refers to the maximum achievable concentration of a compound dissolved in a liquid medium. For orally administered drugs, relevant information on drug properties is crucial during drug (product) development and at the regulatory level. Collection of reliable and reproducible solubility data requires careful application and understanding of the limitations of the selected experimental method. In addition, the purity of a compound and its solid state form, as well as experimental parameters such as temperature of experimentation, media related factors, and sample handling procedures can affect data quality. In this paper, an international consensus developed by the COST UNGAP network on recommendations for collecting high quality solubility data for the development of orally administered drugs is proposed.
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Abdelnabi R, Foo CS, Kaptein SJF, Zhang X, Do TND, Langendries L, Vangeel L, Breuer J, Pang J, Williams R, Vergote V, Heylen E, Leyssen P, Dallmeier K, Coelmont L, Chatterjee AK, Mols R, Augustijns P, De Jonghe S, Jochmans D, Weynand B, Neyts J. The combined treatment of Molnupiravir and Favipiravir results in a potentiation of antiviral efficacy in a SARS-CoV-2 hamster infection model. EBioMedicine 2021; 72:103595. [PMID: 34571361 PMCID: PMC8461366 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Favipiravir and Molnupiravir, orally available antivirals, have been reported to exert antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. First efficacy data have been recently reported in COVID-19 patients. Methods We here report on the combined antiviral effect of both drugs in a SARS-CoV-2 Syrian hamster infection model. The infected hamsters were treated twice daily with the vehicle (the control group) or a suboptimal dose of each compound or a combination of both compounds. Findings When animals were treated with a combination of suboptimal doses of Molnupiravir and Favipiravir at the time of infection, a marked combined potency at endpoint is observed. Infectious virus titers in the lungs of animals treated with the combination are reduced by ∼5 log10 and infectious virus are no longer detected in the lungs of >60% of treated animals. When start of treatment was delayed with one day a reduction of titers in the lungs of 2.4 log10 was achieved. Moreover, treatment of infected animals nearly completely prevented transmission to co-housed untreated sentinels. Both drugs result in an increased mutation frequency of the remaining viral RNA recovered from the lungs of treated animals. In the combo-treated hamsters, an increased frequency of C-to-T mutations in the viral RNA is observed as compared to the single treatment groups which may explain the pronounced antiviral potency of the combination. Interpretation: Our findings may lay the basis for the design of clinical studies to test the efficacy of the combination of Molnupiravir/Favipiravir in the treatment of COVID-19. Funding: stated in the acknowledgment.
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Steenackers N, Wauters L, Van der Schueren B, Augustijns P, Falony G, Koziolek M, Lannoo M, Mertens A, Meulemans A, Raes J, Vangoitsenhoven R, Vieira-Silva S, Weitschies W, Matthys C, Vanuytsel T. Effect of obesity on gastrointestinal transit, pressure and pH using a wireless motility capsule. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2021; 167:1-8. [PMID: 34273543 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increasing prevalence and medical burden of obesity, the understanding of gastrointestinal physiology in obesity is scarce, which hampers drug development. AIM To investigate the effect of obesity and food intake on gastrointestinal transit, pressure and pH. MATERIAL AND METHODS An exploratory cross-sectional study using a wireless motility capsule (SmartPill©) was performed in 11 participants with obesity and 11 age- and gender-matched participants with normal weight (group) in fasted and fed state (visit). During the first visit, the capsule was ingested after an overnight fast. During a second visit, the capsule was ingested after a nutritional drink to simulate fed state. Linear mixed models were constructed to compare segmental gastrointestinal transit, pressure and pH between groups (obesity or control) and within every group (fasted or fed). RESULTS Food intake slowed gastric emptying in both groups (both P < 0.0001), though food-induced gastric contractility was higher in participants with obesity compared to controls (P = 0.02). In the small intestine, a higher contractility (P = 0.001), shorter transit (P = 0.04) and lower median pH (P = 0.002) was observed in participants with obesity compared to controls. No differences were observed for colonic measurements. CONCLUSION Obesity has a profound impact on gastrointestinal physiology, which should be taken into account for drug development.
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Geeraerts A, Geysen H, Ballet L, Hofmans C, Clevers E, Omari T, Manolakis AC, Mols R, Augustijns P, Vanuytsel T, Rommel N, Tack J, Pauwels A. Codeine induces increased resistance at the esophagogastric junction but has no effect on motility and bolus flow in the pharynx and upper esophageal sphincter in healthy volunteers: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2021; 33:e14041. [PMID: 33232555 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic opioid use can induce esophageal dysfunction with symptoms resembling achalasia and a manometric pattern of esophagogastric junction-outflow obstruction (EGJ-OO). However, the effect of opioids in acute setting on pharyngeal function and esophageal body contractility has not been investigated. METHODS After positioning the high-resolution impedance manometry (HRiM) catheter, codeine (60 mg) or placebo (glucose syrup) was infused intragastrically. Forty-five minutes post-infusion, participants received liquid, semi-solid, and solid boluses to assess esophageal and pharyngeal function. HRiM analysis was performed adhering to the Chicago classification v3.0. (CC v3.0). Pressure flow analysis (PFA) for the esophageal body and the pharynx was performed using the SwallowGateway™ online platform. KEY RESULTS Nineteen healthy volunteers (HV) [5 male; age 38.3] were included. After codeine administration, higher integrated relaxation pressure 4 s values resulted in significantly reduced deglutitive EGJ relaxation and distal latency was significantly shorter. Distal contractility was similar in both conditions. Bolus flow resistance at the EGJ and distention pressures increased significantly after codeine infusion. Based on CC v3.0, acute infusion of codeine induced EGJ-OO in six HV (p = 0.0003 vs. placebo). Codeine administration induced no significant alterations in any of the pharyngeal PFA metrics. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES In HV, acute administration of codeine increased bolus resistance at the EGJ secondary to induced incomplete EGJ relaxation leading to major motility disorders in a subset of subjects including EGJ-OO. However, an acute single dose of codeine did not affect motility or bolus flow in pharynx and UES. ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03784105.
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Dahlgren D, Venczel M, Ridoux JP, Skjöld C, Müllertz A, Holm R, Augustijns P, Hellström PM, Lennernäs H. Fasted and fed state human duodenal fluids: Characterization, drug solubility, and comparison to simulated fluids and with human bioavailability. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2021; 163:240-251. [PMID: 33872761 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Accurate in vivo predictions of intestinal absorption of low solubility drugs require knowing their solubility in physiologically relevant dissolution media. Aspirated human intestinal fluids (HIF) are the gold standard, followed by simulated intestinal HIF in the fasted and fed state (FaSSIF/FeSSIF). However, current HIF characterization data vary, and there is also some controversy regarding the accuracy of FaSSIF and FeSSIF for predicting drug solubility in HIF. This study aimed at characterizing fasted and fed state duodenal HIF from 16 human volunteers with respect to pH, buffer capacity, osmolarity, surface tension, as well as protein, phospholipid, and bile salt content. The fasted and fed state HIF samples were further used to investigate the equilibrium solubility of 17 representative low-solubility small-molecule drugs, six of which were confidential industry compounds and 11 were known and characterized regarding chemical diversity. These solubility values were then compared to reported solubility values in fasted and fed state HIF, FaSSIF and FeSSIF, as well as with their human bioavailability for both states. The HIF compositions corresponded well to previously reported values and current FaSSIF and FeSSIF compositions. The drug solubility values in HIF (both fasted and fed states) were also well in line with reported solubility data for HIF, as well as simulated FaSSIF and FeSSIF. This indicates that the in vivo conditions in the proximal small intestine are well represented by simulated intestinal fluids in both composition and drug equilibrium solubility. However, increased drug solubility in the fed vs. fasted states in HIF did not correlate with the human bioavailability changes of the same drugs following oral administration in either state.
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Vinarov Z, Abrahamsson B, Artursson P, Batchelor H, Berben P, Bernkop-Schnürch A, Butler J, Ceulemans J, Davies N, Dupont D, Flaten GE, Fotaki N, Griffin BT, Jannin V, Keemink J, Kesisoglou F, Koziolek M, Kuentz M, Mackie A, Meléndez-Martínez AJ, McAllister M, Müllertz A, O'Driscoll CM, Parrott N, Paszkowska J, Pavek P, Porter CJH, Reppas C, Stillhart C, Sugano K, Toader E, Valentová K, Vertzoni M, De Wildt SN, Wilson CG, Augustijns P. Current challenges and future perspectives in oral absorption research: An opinion of the UNGAP network. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 171:289-331. [PMID: 33610694 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although oral drug delivery is the preferred administration route and has been used for centuries, modern drug discovery and development pipelines challenge conventional formulation approaches and highlight the insufficient mechanistic understanding of processes critical to oral drug absorption. This review presents the opinion of UNGAP scientists on four key themes across the oral absorption landscape: (1) specific patient populations, (2) regional differences in the gastrointestinal tract, (3) advanced formulations and (4) food-drug interactions. The differences of oral absorption in pediatric and geriatric populations, the specific issues in colonic absorption, the formulation approaches for poorly water-soluble (small molecules) and poorly permeable (peptides, RNA etc.) drugs, as well as the vast realm of food effects, are some of the topics discussed in detail. The identified controversies and gaps in the current understanding of gastrointestinal absorption-related processes are used to create a roadmap for the future of oral drug absorption research.
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Wauters L, Ceulemans M, Frings D, Lambaerts M, Accarie A, Toth J, Mols R, Augustijns P, De Hertogh G, Van Oudenhove L, Tack J, Vanuytsel T. Proton Pump Inhibitors Reduce Duodenal Eosinophilia, Mast Cells, and Permeability in Patients With Functional Dyspepsia. Gastroenterology 2021; 160:1521-1531.e9. [PMID: 33346007 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Despite the growing recognition of duodenal alterations in the pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia (FD), the effect and mechanism of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or first-line therapy remain unclear. We studied duodenal and systemic alterations in relation to PPI therapy in patients with FD and healthy volunteers (HVs). METHODS We performed a prospective interventional study assessing symptoms (Patient Assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptom Severity Index), duodenal alterations, and systemic factors in patients with FD ("FD-starters") and HVs before and after PPI therapy (pantoprazole 40 mg once daily for 4 weeks). Duodenal mucosal eosinophils, mast cells and permeability were quantified. Luminal pH and bile salts were determined in duodenal aspirates. Procedures were also performed in PPI-refractory patients with FD ("FD-stoppers") before and 8 weeks after PPI withdrawal. Between- and within-group changes from baseline and associations with duodenal or systemic factors were analyzed using linear mixed models. RESULTS The study was completed by 30 HV, 27 FD-starters, and 18 FD-stoppers. Symptoms and duodenal eosinophils, mast cells (all, P < .0001), and paracellular passage (P = .02) were significantly higher in FD-starters vs HVs and reduced with PPI therapy. Symptoms and duodenal immune cells also decreased in FD-stoppers off PPIs. In contrast, immune cells and permeability increased in HVs on PPIs. Dyspeptic symptoms correlated with eosinophils before and during PPI therapy, and increased eosinophils and permeability in HVs on PPIs were associated with changes in bile salts. CONCLUSIONS We provide the first prospective evidence for eosinophil-reducing effects as a therapeutic mechanism of PPIs in FD, with differential effects in HVs pointing to a role of luminal changes. ClinicalTrials.gov, Number: NCT03545243.
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Vergote V, Laenen L, Mols R, Augustijns P, Van Ranst M, Maes P. Chloroquine, an Anti-Malaria Drug as Effective Prevention for Hantavirus Infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:580532. [PMID: 33791230 PMCID: PMC8006394 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.580532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated whether chloroquine can prevent hantavirus infection and disease in vitro and in vivo, using the Hantaan virus newborn C57BL/6 mice model and the Syrian hamster model for Andes virus. In vitro antiviral experiments were performed using Vero E6 cells, and Old World and New World hantavirus species. Hantavirus RNA was detected using quantitative RT-PCR. For all hantavirus species tested, results indicate that the IC50 of chloroquine (mean 10.2 ± 1.43 μM) is significantly lower than the CC50 (mean 260 ± 2.52 μM) yielding an overall selectivity index of 25.5. We also investigated the potential of chloroquine to prevent death in newborn mice after Hantaan virus infection and its antiviral effect in the hantavirus Syrian hamster model. For this purpose, C57Bl/6 mother mice were treated subcutaneously with daily doses of chloroquine. Subsequently, 1-day-old suckling mice were inoculated intracerebrally with 5 x 102 Hantaan virus particles. In litters of untreated mothers, none of the pups survived challenge. The highest survival rate (72.7% of pups) was found when mother mice were administered a concentration of 10 mg/kg chloroquine. Survival rates declined in a dose-dependent manner, with 47.6% survival when treated with 5 mg/kg chloroquine, and 4.2% when treated with 1 mg/kg chloroquine. Assessing the antiviral therapeutic and prophylactic effect of chloroquine in the Syrian hamster model was done using two different administration routes (intraperitoneally and subcutaneously using an osmotic pump system). Evaluating the prophylactic effect, a delay in onset of disease was noted and for the osmotic pump, 60% survival was observed. Our results show that chloroquine can be highly effective against Hantaan virus infection in newborn mice and against Andes virus in Syrian hamsters.
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Hens B, Augustijns P, Lennernäs H, McAllister M, Abrahamsson B. Leveraging Oral Drug Development to a Next Level: Impact of the IMI-Funded OrBiTo Project on Patient Healthcare. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:480706. [PMID: 33748152 PMCID: PMC7973356 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.480706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A thorough understanding of the behavior of drug formulations in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is essential when working in the field of oral drug development in a pharmaceutical company. For orally administered drug products, various GI processes, including disintegration of the drug formulation, drugrelease, dissolution, precipitation, degradation, dosage form transit and permeation, dictate absorption into the systemic circulation. These processes are not always fully captured in predictive in vitro and in silico tools, as commonly applied in the pre-clinical stage of formulation drug development. A collaborative initiative focused on the science of oral biopharmaceutics was established in 2012 between academic institutions and industrial companies to innovate, optimize and validate these in vitro and in silico biopharmaceutical tools. From that perspective, the predictive power of these models can be revised and, if necessary, optimized to improve the accuracy toward predictions of the in vivo performance of orally administered drug products in patients. The IMI/EFPIA-funded "Oral Bioavailability Tools (OrBiTo)" project aimed to improve our fundamental understanding of the GI absorption process. The gathered information was integrated into the development of new (or already existing) laboratory tests and computer-based methods in order to deliver more accurate predictions of drug product behavior in a real-life setting. These methods were validated with the use of industrial data. Crucially, the ultimate goal of the project was to set up a scientific framework (i.e., decision trees) to guide the use of these new tools in drug development. The project aimed to facilitate and accelerate the formulation development process and to significantly reduce the need for animal experiments in this area as well as for human clinical studies in the future. With respect to the positive outcome for patients, high-quality oral medicines will be developed where the required dose is well-calculated and consistently provides an optimal clinical effect. In a first step, this manuscript summarizes the setup of the project and how data were collected across the different work packages. In a second step, case studies of how this project contributed to improved knowledge of oral drug delivery which can be used to develop improved products for patients will be illustrated.
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Steenackers N, Vanuytsel T, Augustijns P, Tack J, Mertens A, Lannoo M, Van der Schueren B, Matthys C. Adaptations in gastrointestinal physiology after sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 6:225-237. [PMID: 33581761 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(20)30302-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Linked to the growing obesity epidemic, demand for bariatric and metabolic surgery has increased, the most common procedures being sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Originally, bariatric procedures were described as purely restrictive, malabsorptive, or combined restrictive-malabsorptive procedures limiting food intake, nutrient absorption, or both. Nowadays, anatomical alterations are known to affect gastrointestinal physiology, which in turn affects the digestion and absorption of nutrients and drugs. Therefore, understanding gastrointestinal physiology is crucial to prevent postoperative nutritional deficiencies and to optimise postoperative drug therapy. Preclinical and clinical research indicates that sleeve gastrectomy accelerates liquid and solid gastric emptying and small intestinal transit, and increases bile acid serum levels, whereas its effects on gastrointestinal acidity, gastric and pancreatic secretions, surface area, and colonic transit remain largely unknown. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass diminishes gastric acid secretion, accelerates liquid gastric emptying, and increases bile acid serum levels, but its effects on intestinal pH, solid gastric emptying, intestinal transit time, gastric enzyme secretions, and surface area remain largely unknown. In this Review, we summarise current knowledge of the effects of these two procedures on gastrointestinal physiology and assess the knowledge gaps.
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Aguilera-Lizarraga J, Florens MV, Viola MF, Jain P, Decraecker L, Appeltans I, Cuende-Estevez M, Fabre N, Van Beek K, Perna E, Balemans D, Stakenborg N, Theofanous S, Bosmans G, Mondelaers SU, Matteoli G, Ibiza Martínez S, Lopez-Lopez C, Jaramillo-Polanco J, Talavera K, Alpizar YA, Feyerabend TB, Rodewald HR, Farre R, Redegeld FA, Si J, Raes J, Breynaert C, Schrijvers R, Bosteels C, Lambrecht BN, Boyd SD, Hoh RA, Cabooter D, Nelis M, Augustijns P, Hendrix S, Strid J, Bisschops R, Reed DE, Vanner SJ, Denadai-Souza A, Wouters MM, Boeckxstaens GE. Local immune response to food antigens drives meal-induced abdominal pain. Nature 2021; 590:151-156. [PMID: 33442055 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-03118-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Up to 20% of people worldwide develop gastrointestinal symptoms following a meal1, leading to decreased quality of life, substantial morbidity and high medical costs. Although the interest of both the scientific and lay communities in this issue has increased markedly in recent years, with the worldwide introduction of gluten-free and other diets, the underlying mechanisms of food-induced abdominal complaints remain largely unknown. Here we show that a bacterial infection and bacterial toxins can trigger an immune response that leads to the production of dietary-antigen-specific IgE antibodies in mice, which are limited to the intestine. Following subsequent oral ingestion of the respective dietary antigen, an IgE- and mast-cell-dependent mechanism induced increased visceral pain. This aberrant pain signalling resulted from histamine receptor H1-mediated sensitization of visceral afferents. Moreover, injection of food antigens (gluten, wheat, soy and milk) into the rectosigmoid mucosa of patients with irritable bowel syndrome induced local oedema and mast cell activation. Our results identify and characterize a peripheral mechanism that underlies food-induced abdominal pain, thereby creating new possibilities for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and related abdominal pain disorders.
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Madsen CM, Plum J, Hens B, Augustijns P, Müllertz A, Rades T. Exploring the Impact of Intestinal Fluid Components on the Solubility and Supersaturation of Danazol. J Pharm Sci 2021; 110:2479-2488. [PMID: 33428916 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2020.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Eleven simulated intestinal fluids (SIF) were designed using a Design of Experiment (DoE) approach. The DoE SIF covered a range of compositions of fasted state human intestinal fluid (FaHIF) with regard to pH, bile salt (BS), and phospholipid (PL). Using the model compound danazol, the apparent crystalline solubility (aCS) and apparent amorphous solubility (aAS), as well as the supersaturation propensity was determined in the DoE SIF media. The aCS of danazol was dependent on the composition of the SIF, with PL as the main factor, and a small effect from BS and an interaction between BS and PL. From the DoE solubility data a model was derived, which could predict aCS in commercially available SIF (FaSSIF-V1 and -V2) and in a range of FaHIF. The aAS of danazol was differently affected by the SIF composition than the aCS; PL was again the main factor influencing the aAS, but interactions between BS and pH, as well as pH and PL were also important. The supersaturation propensities of danazol in the DoE SIF media were affected by the same factors as the aCS. Hence, the supersaturation behaviour and aCS of danazol, were found to be closely related.
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López-Yerena A, Vallverdú-Queralt A, Mols R, Augustijns P, Lamuela-Raventós RM, Escribano-Ferrer E. Correction: López-Yerena, A., et al. "Absorption and Intestinal Metabolic Profile of Oleocanthal in Rats" Pharmaceutics 2020, 12, 134. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12121220. [PMID: 33348931 PMCID: PMC7766302 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12121220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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López-Yerena A, Vallverdú-Queralt A, Mols R, Augustijns P, Lamuela-Raventós RM, Escribano-Ferrer E. Reply to "Comment on López-Yerena et al. 'Absorption and Intestinal Metabolic Profile of Oleocanthal in Rats' Pharmaceutics 2020, 12, 134". Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12121221. [PMID: 33348608 PMCID: PMC7765908 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12121221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, in February 2020, we published a study exploring the intestinal absorption and metabolism of oleocanthal (OLC) in rats. A single-pass intestinal perfusion technique (SPIP) was used, involving simultaneous sampling from the luminal perfusate and mesenteric blood. Later, comments on our published paper were released, requesting clarification of specific data. In this detailed reply, we hope to have addressed and clarified all the concerns of A. Kaddoumi and K. El Sayed and that the scientific community will benefit from both the study and the comments it has generated.
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