Delivery system for budesonide based on lipid-DNA

Budesonide is a hydrophobic glucocorticoid with high anti-inflammatory activity for the treatment of asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. A micellar drug-delivery system based on lipid-DNA may provide a strategy to maximize its drug efficacy and reduce adverse effects. In this work, we report the use of lipid-DNAA (UU11mer), featuring two hydrophobic alkyl chains and forming micelles at a comparatively low critical micelle concentration, to render budesonide water-soluble with a high loading capacity (LC). The inhibition of interleukin-8 (IL-8) release shows that the new delivery system retains the inhibitory activity in cell-based assays. In conclusion, this research provides a novel approach to formulate and administer budesonide in a non-invasive manner, which dramatically improves its water-solubility while retaining its bioavailability.

Histopathological Analysis of the Effects of Corticosteroids on Vocal Cords: Experimental Study

Local treatment with corticosteroids results in side effects involving the upper respiratory tract including candidiasis, sore throat, and dysphonia. Although these effects are well known, they have not been evaluated using a histopathological approach. This study investigated the histopathological aspects of steroid-induced dysphonia. A total of 16 female Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups. The eight rats in the experimental group were given an inhaled dose of mometasone furoate daily for 4 weeks. The control group was kept at room temperature for 4 weeks. The vocal cords were evaluated histopathologically using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Both groups had typical epithelial lining and basal membranes. Inflammation differed between the two groups (P = 0.024). There were no differences in squamous metaplasia and hyperplasia (P = 0.302 and 0.302, respectively). This study revealed that inhaled corticosteroids inhibit mucosal immunity, and may result in reversible mucosal changes.

Compliance amongst asthma patients registered for an asthma disease risk-management programme in South Africa

The study attempted to identify the factors that influence compliance amongst 1039 members and their dependants of a particular medical aid scheme in South Africa who were registered for an asthma disease risk-management (DRM) programme. The sample consisted of 200 systematically selected individuals or their dependants. A quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive study was undertaken. Questionnaires for completion were posted to the individuals or their dependants. The Statistica 7.1 computer program was used to analyse the data.Most asthma patients did not comply with the DRM programme because they lacked knowledge of the programme. Asthma patients' compliance with the DRM programme can be enhanced by the sustained, positive attitudes of their health providers and case managers; better promotion of the programme; and by involving the patients to a greater extent in the long-term management of their disease.Asthma patients require education about healthy lifestyles that would empower them to successfully manage their condition, which would prevent or at least reduce asthma attacks and/or hospital admissions.