Development and evaluation of liposomal formulation containing nimodipine on anxiolytic activity in mice

Severe depressive symptoms in patients with hypertension: Are antihypertensive medications implicated?

OBJECTIVE

This study examined whether antihypertensive medications and other patient characteristics are associated with severe depressive symptoms in patients with hypertension.

METHODS

Patients with a diagnosis of hypertension were recruited from the internal medicine outpatient clinics of a hospital in Amman, Jordan, into this cross-sectional study. Depression severity was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9); anxiety by the General Anxiety Disorder-7; sleep quality by the Insomnia Severity Index; and psychological stress by the Perceived Stress Scale. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to examine the association between the different classes of antihypertensive medication and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

Of the 431 participants, 282 (65.4%) were men; 240 (55.7%) reported having type 2 diabetes; 359 (83.3%) had dyslipidemia; 142 (32.9%) were on beta-blockers; 197 (45.2%) were on ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers; 203 (47.1%) were on metformin; and 133 (30.9%) were taking sulfonylurea. Severe depressive symptoms, indicated by scoring above the cut-off of 14 on the PHQ-9, were present in 165 (38.3%) patients. Severe depression was associated with younger age (<55 years) (OR = 3.15, 95% CI = 1.83-5.41, P < 0.001), unemployment (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.15-4.00, P = 0.01), diabetes (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.09-3.02, P = 0.02), severe anxiety (OR = 6.40, 95% CI = 3.64-11.28, P < 0.001), and severe insomnia (OR = 4.73, 95% CI = 2.85-7.82, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Severe depressive symptoms were not associated with antihypertensive medications or other drugs used by hypertensive patients. Younger age, diabetes, anxiety, and insomnia were the primary correlates of depression.

Single and Multitarget Systems for Drug Delivery and Detection: Up-to-Date Strategies for Brain Disorders

This review summarizes the recent findings on the development of different types of single and multitarget nanoparticles for disease detection and drug delivery to the brain, focusing on promising active principles encapsulated and nanoparticle surface modification and functionalization. Functionalized nanoparticles have emerged as promising tools for the diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders, offering a novel approach to addressing complex neurological challenges. They can act as drug delivery vehicles, transporting one or multiple therapeutic agents across the blood-brain barrier and precisely releasing them at the site of action. In diagnostics, functionalized nanoparticles can serve as highly sensitive contrast agents for imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans. By attaching targeting ligands to the nanoparticles, they can selectively accumulate in the affected areas of the brain, enhancing the accuracy of disease detection. This enables early diagnosis and monitoring of conditions like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases. While the field is still evolving, functionalized nanoparticles represent a promising path for advancing our ability to diagnose and treat brain disorders with greater precision, reduced invasiveness, and improved therapeutic outcomes.

Involvement of the serotoninergic system in the anxiolytic action mechanism of a liposomal formulation containing nimodipine (NMD-Lipo)

In the search for anxiolytic drugs with fewer adverse effects, calcium blockers were proposed as a benzodiazepines (BZDs) alternative. In this context, the anxiolytic effect of nimodipine has been demonstrated. However, its low bioavailability and solubility could be improved by using nanostructured drug delivery systems such as liposomes. In this way, liposomal formulation containing nimodipine (NMD-Lipo) was developed. The NMD-lipo is a formulation capable of improving the kinetic characteristics of the drug, as well as the anxiolytic effect of nimodipine. In this work, the serotonergic system participation in the anxiolytic mechanism of the liposomal formulation containing nimodipine (NMD-Lipo) was investigated. A possible 5-HT1A receptor mediation on the NMD-Lipo anxiolytic effect was demonstrated by using WAY 100635 (5-HT1A receptor antagonist) since the antagonist reversed the NMD-Lipo anxiolytic effect in the light/dark test and elevated plus maze test. The results demonstrated that the NMD-Lipo administration had anxiolytic activity through 5-HT1A receptors without causing sedation or compromising the motor coordination of the tested animals.

A 20-hydroxyecdysone-enriched fraction from Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) pedersen roots alleviates stress, anxiety, and depression in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pfaffia glomerata roots are widely used in Brazil to treat various pathological conditions, particularly psychological disorders. 20-hydroxyecdysone, a phytosteroid present in the plant, can promote greater body resistance against exogenous and endogenous stressors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible neuroprotective effect of a 20-hydroxyecdysone-enriched fraction (20E-EF), obtained from P. glomerata roots, in an acute murine stress model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The 20E-EF was obtained by partitioning the methanol extract from P. glomerata roots with dichloromethane. Mice were treated by gavage with three doses of 20E-EF (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg) and parameters of stress, anxiety, and depression were evaluated. Biomarkers of oxidative stress (enzymes, antioxidant profile, and oxidized molecules) were evaluated in the cortex, striatum (basal ganglia), and hippocampus of animals treated with 30 mg/kg of 20E-EF.

RESULTS

Mass spectrometry revealed that 20E was the main compound in the dichloromethane fraction. At a dose of 30 mg/kg, 20E-EF reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, while stimulating antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase), promoting antioxidant activity (antioxidant capacity, sulfhydryl groups, and reduced glutathione), and reducing oxidative markers (lipid peroxidation). In addition, 20E increased the concentration of NO in the striatum, possibly improving memory function and antioxidant activity.

CONCLUSION

A 30 mg/kg dose of 20E-EF was able to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, in addition to maintaining antioxidant defenses of the cortex and striatum. These findings open new perspectives for understanding the therapeutic properties of P. glomerata and the underlying mechanism(s).

Targeting microglia L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels for the treatment of central nervous system disorders

Calcium (Ca2+ ) is a ubiquitous mediator of a multitude of cellular functions in the central nervous system (CNS). Intracellular Ca2+ is tightly regulated by cells, including entry via plasma membrane Ca2+ permeable channels. Of specific interest for this review are L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (L-VDCCs), due to their pleiotropic role in several CNS disorders. Currently, there are numerous approved drugs that target L-VDCCs, including dihydropyridines. These drugs are safe and effective for the treatment of humans with cardiovascular disease and may also confer neuroprotection. Here, we review the potential of L-VDCCs as a target for the treatment of CNS disorders with a focus on microglia L-VDCCs. Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, have attracted recent attention for their emerging inflammatory role in several CNS diseases. Intracellular Ca2+ regulates microglia transition from a resting quiescent state to an "activated" immune-effector state and is thus a valuable target for manipulation of microglia phenotype. We will review the literature on L-VDCC expression and function in the CNS and on microglia in vitro and in vivo and explore the therapeutic landscape of L-VDCC-targeting agents at present and future challenges in the context of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, neuropsychiatric diseases, and other CNS disorders.

GC-MS Phytochemical Profiling, Pharmacological Properties, and In Silico Studies of Chukrasia velutina Leaves: A Novel Source for Bioactive Agents

Chukrasia velutina is a local medicinal plant commonly known as chikrassy in Bangladesh, India, China, and other South Asian countries. The leaves, bark, and seeds are vastly used as herbal medicine for fever and diarrhea, and its leaves essential oils are used for antimicrobial purposes. In this study, we discuss the neuropsychiatric properties of C. velutina leaves through several animal models, quantitative and qualitative phytochemical analysis, and computational approaches. Neuropsychiatric effects were performed in rodents on the methanolic extract of C. velutina leaves (MECVL). Antidepressant, anxiolytic, and sedative effects experimented through these rodent models were used such as the force swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), hole board test (HBT), elevated plus maze test (EPMT), light/dark box test (LDBT), open field test (OFT), and hole cross test (HCT). In these rodent models, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses were used which exhibited a significant result in the force swimming and tail suspension test (p < 0.001) for the antidepressant effect. In the anxiolytic study, the results were significant in the hole board, elevated plus maze, and light/dark box test (p < 0.001) for doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. The result was also significant in the open field and hole cross test (p < 0.001) for sedative action in the sake of similar doses. Moreover, qualitative and quantitative studies were also performed through phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis, and fifty-seven phytochemical compounds were found. These compounds were analyzed for pharmacokinetics properties using the SwissADME tool and from them, thirty-five compounds were considered for the molecular docking analysis. These phytoconstituents were docking against the human serotonin receptor, potassium channel receptor, and crystal structure of human beta-receptor, where eight of the compounds showed a good binding affinity towards the respective receptors considered to the reference standard drugs. After all of these analyses, it can be said that the secondary metabolite of C. velutina leaves (MECVL) could be a good source for inhibiting the neuropsychiatric disorders which were found on animal models as well as in computational studies.

Preparation and characterization of nimodipine-loaded nanostructured lipid systems for enhanced solubility and bioavailability

Purpose

Nimodipine (NMP) is a clinical dihydropyridine calcium antagonist. However, the clinical application of NMP is limited by poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability. To overcome these drawbacks, this study designed optimal NMP-incorporated nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs).

Methods

High-pressure homogenization was successfully applied to prepare NMP-NLC, and the nanoparticle morphology was observed by a transmission electron microscope. The existence form of NMP in NMP-NLC was investigated by powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The in vitro release study was performed by the dialysis method, and in vivo studies including in situ intestinal perfusion and pharmacokinetics were investigated in rats with NMP detected by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results

The obtained NMP-NLC shared a spherical shape of ~70 nm with a smooth surface and high encapsulation efficiency of 86.8%±2.1%. Spectroscopy indicated that the drug was in an amorphous state. The NMP-NLC exhibited a sustained release and diverse release profiles under different release medium, which mimicked the physiological environment. Moreover, an in situ intestinal perfusion experiment revealed that NMP-NLC could be mainly absorbed by the small intestine. Remarkable improvements in C_max and AUC_0-∞ from NMP-NLC were obtained from pharmacokinetic experiments, and the relative bioavailability of NMP-loaded nanostructured lipid systems was 160.96% relative to NMP suspensions.

Conclusion

Collectively, the NLCs significantly enhanced the oral bioavailability of NMP and might provide a promising nanoplatform for hydrophobic drug delivery.

Assessment of the antioxidant, thrombolytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant and anxiolytic activities of leaf extracts and fractions of Tetracera sarmentosa (L.) Vahl

BACKGROUND

The plant under investigation (Tetracera sarmentosa) is a dicotyledonous flowering plant and belongs to the family Dilleniaceae. The goal of our investigation was to determine whether the leaf extracts of this plant held any significant medicinal properties.

METHODS

Leaves of T. sarmentosa were extracted with pure ethanol (EETS) and methanol (METS), and then methanol extract fractioned with n-hexane (NHFMETS) and chloroform (CHFMETS). The extracts and fractions were tested for antioxidant activity, which was measured by using qualitative and quantitative procedures. Thrombolytic activity was evaluated by the clot lysis test. Analgesic activity was evaluated employing the acidic acid-induced writhing test, the formalin-induced paw licking test and tail immersion on Swiss albino mice. The anti-inflammatory activity test was studied using the paw edema test. Forced swimming, tail suspension, elevated plus maze and hole board model tests were used to evaluate neuropharmacological activity.

RESULTS

All the extracts and fractions possessed antioxidant effects. All the extracts, fractions and streptokinase exhibited significant (p<0.0001) clot lysis. The extracts and fractions produced significant analgesic effects as evaluated by the acetic acid writhing test, the formalin-induced paw licking test and the tail immersion method. Similarly, carrageenan-induced inflammation was significantly antagonized by the treatments. The extracts and fractions also significantly showed neuropharmacological (antidepressant and anxiolytic) effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall results suggested that this plant deserves further investigation to isolate the active compounds which are responsible for these activities and to establish the mechanism of action.

Behavioral effects induced by antitumor cleronade diterpenes from Casearia sylvestris and in silico interactions with neuron receptors

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Casearia sylvestris is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat snakebites, wounds, inflammation and gastric ulcers and scientific supports for have demonstrated its antitumor, antihyperlipidemic and antiparasitic properties.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess the effects of a fraction with casearins (FC) on adult mice using classical experimental models of animal behavior and theoretical calculations to verify the interaction of Casearin X (Cas X) with neuron receptors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Animals divided in 6 groups (n=9/group) were intraperitoneally treated with vehicle (DMSO 4%), FC (2.5, 5, 10 and 25mg/kg/day) and diazepam (2mg/kg) for 7 days. Thirty minutes after the last dose of treatment, acute toxicity and behavioral experiments were performed.

RESULTS

The highest dose of FC (25mg/kg/day) caused diarrhea, weight loss and death of one animal. Elevated plus maze test showed that lower doses [2.5mg/kg/day (36.4±5.1s) and 5mg/kg/day (43.9±6.2s)] increased the time spent in open arms (TSOA). Open field test revealed reduction in the number of crossings (54.9%, 51.1%, 48% and 67.7% for 2.5, 5, 10 and 25mg/kg/day, respectively) in all doses of FC studied and decrease of rearings at 25mg/kg/day (p<0.05). Computational calculations showed that the inhibition constant (Ki) for the Cas X-D₁ complex is up to 1000-fold more favourable than the Cas X-GABA_A complex. All ∆G° values obtained for Cas X-D₁ complexes were more negative than those seen with Cas X-GABA_A complexes.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate a probable anxiolytic action of the FC since it reduces the number of crossings and rearings and prolonged the time spent in open arms, without sedative and myorelaxant effects, probably due to the interaction of Cas X with dopaminergic system.

Combining nanoscale magnetic nimodipine liposomes with magnetic resonance image for Parkinson's disease targeting therapy

AIM

To enhance drug targeting and blood-brain barrier penetration for Parkinson's disease (PD), a novel nanoscale magnetic nimodipine (NMD) delivery system was designed and prepared.

MATERIALS & METHODS

The PD rats were established and treated with free NMD or Fe₃O₄-modified NMD liposomes (Fe₃O₄-NMD-lips). Then, factional anisotropy values were measured by MRI to evaluate therapy efficacy.

RESULTS

Fe₃O₄-NMD-lips showed the best neuroprotective effect, and the NMD concentration of lesions was 2.5-fold higher in Fe₃O₄-NMD-lips group than that of free NMD group.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated that the magnetic drug system had a great potential to cross the blood-brain barrier and provided a noninvasive and effective therapeutic strategy for PD.

Antidepressant-like activity of liposomal formulation containing nimodipine treatment in the tail suspension test, forced swim test and MAOB activity in mice

Previous studies have shown that intracellular calcium ion dysfunction may be an etiological factor in affective illness. Nimodipine (NMD) is a Ca(2+) channel blocker that has been extensively investigated for therapy of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. In this work, we have evaluated the antidepressant-like activity of nimodipine encapsulated into liposomes (NMD-Lipo) in mice through tail suspension and forced swim assays, as well as MAOB activity. During the tail suspension test, the administration of NMD-Lipo at 0.1, 1 and 10mg/kg was able to promote a reduction in the immobility time of animals greater than the positive control (imipramine). In the forced swim test, the immobility time of mice treated with NMD-Lipo was reduced. This reduction was significantly greater than that found in the animals treated with imipramine and paroxetine. This may suggest that NMD-Lipo provides more antidepressant-like activity than in positive controls. The groups that received a combination of liposomal NMD and antidepressant drugs showed lower immobility time than the groups, which were treated only with imipramine or paroxetine. The mice treated with the combination of NMD-Lipo and reserpine presented an increase in the time of immobility compared with animals treated only with NMD-Lipo. There was a significant decrease in MAOB activity in animals treated with NMD-Lipo compared with untreated animals. The results of the tail suspension test, forced swim test and MAOB activity suggested that the antidepressant activity of NMD-Lipo may be related to an increase in the cerebral monoamine concentrations.

Piperazine scaffold: A remarkable tool in generation of diverse pharmacological agents

Piperazine is one of the most sought heterocyclics for the development of new drug candidates. This ring can be traced in a number of well established, commercially available drugs. Wide array of pharmacological activities exhibited by piperazine derivatives have made them indispensable anchors for the development of novel therapeutic agents. The review herein highlights the therapeutic significance of piperazine derivatives. Various therapeutically active piperazine derivatives developed by several chemists are reported here.

GABA(A) receptor modulation and neuropharmacological activities of viscosine isolated from Dodonaea viscosa (Linn)

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the modulation of GABA-evoked currents by the flavonoid viscosine at recombinant GABA(A) receptors, and subsequently to study its anxiolytic, sedative and anticonvulsant activities. Viscosine (1-300μM) positively modulated GABA-evoked currents at human α1β2γ2L and α2β2γ2L GABA(A) receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes in a flumazenil insensitive manner. In behavioral studies, viscosine at doses of 10-100mg/kg (i.p.) exerted significant anxiolytic effects in the elevated plus maze, light-dark and open field tests (*P<0.05, **P<0.01, ***P<0.001 n=6, One-way ANOVA post-Dunnett's test), and sedative effects at high doses (100mg/kg i.p.) in hole board and thiopental induced sleep time tests. The anxiolytic effect in the elevated plus maze test was not blocked by flumazenil whereas pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) completely attenuated the effect, indicating that the activity was mediated via the non-benzodiazepine sites of GABA(A) receptors. Furthermore, viscosine at doses of 10-100mg/kg (i.p.) exerted anticonvulsant effects in a dose-dependent manner in PTZ, picrotoxin and bicuculline induced seizure paradigms (*P<0.05, **P<0.01,***P<0.001 n=6, One-way ANOVA post-Dunnett's test). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that the anxiolytic and anticonvulsant actions of viscosine are likely mediated via its positive allosteric modulatory action of GABA at different GABA(A) receptor subtypes.

Evaluation of anticonvulsant, sedative, anxiolytic, and phytochemical profile of the methanol extract from the aerial parts of Swertia corymbosa (Griseb.) wight ex C.B. Clarke

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the anxiolytic, antidepressant, and anticonvulsant activity of the methanolic extract of Swertia corymbosa (SCMeOH). After acute toxicity test, oral treatment with SCMeOH at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg behavioral models of open field, elevated-plus-maze, actophotometer, rotarod, pentylenetetrazole, isoniazid, and maximal electroshock induced seizure models were utilized. In open field test, SCMeOH (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) (P < 0.01, P < 0.001) increased the number of rearings. However, the number of central motor and ambulation (P < 0.01, P < 0.001) were reduced. Likewise, the number of entries and the time spent in open arm were increased while the number of locomotion was decreased (P < 0.001) in elevated-plus-maze and actophotometer test, respectively. SCMeOH (125-500 mg/kg) protected the mice against the pentylenetetrazole and isoniazid induced convulsions; it causes significant (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001) dose dependent increase in latency of convulsion. Treatment with SCMeOH reduced the duration of the tonic hind limb extension induced by electroshock. Two major compounds such as gentiopicroside and swertianin were analyzed by HPLC system.