Pharmacokinetics and tolerability of single-dose enteral cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid rich hemp in horses (Equus caballus)

The pharmacokinetics and tolerability of cannabinoids and their metabolites were determined in eight horses after enteral administration of a commercial CBD/CBDA-rich hemp oil product. Each horse was administered 2 mg/kg or 8 mg/kg CBD/CBDA or no treatment in a randomized cross-over design. Serial serum samples collected over 48 h were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma chemistry analysis was performed at 0 h and 24 h. Vital parameters, pedometry, and blinded mentation and gait evaluations were recorded at intervals up to 24 h. Manure production and gastrointestinal transit time were tracked for 48 h after oil administration. The median maximal concentration of CBD and CBDA were 5.2 and 36.95 ng/mL in the 2 mg/kg group, respectively; and 40.35 and 353.56 ng/mL in the 8 mg/kg group. The median half-life of elimination was not calculated for the 2 mg/kg CBD treatment due to lack of time points above the lower quantifiable limit beyond the Cmax while it was 7.75 h in the 8 mg/kg group. CBDA absorption was biphasic. Pharmacokinetic parameters for tetrahydrocannabinol, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, cannabigerolic acid, and 7-carboxy cannabidiol are also reported. No significant differences in any of the measured tolerability parameters were demonstrated between treatment groups. Single-dose enteral administration of CBD/CBDA-rich hemp extract up to 8 mg/kg does not appear to produce neurologic, behavioral, or gastrointestinal effects in horses.

Pairing 3D-Printing with Nanotechnology to Manage Metabolic Syndrome

Introduction

This work was aimed to develop a Curcuma oil-based self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) 3D-printed polypills containing glimepiride (GMD) and rosuvastatin (RSV) for treatment of dyslipidemia in patients with diabetes as a model for metabolic syndrome (MS).

Methods

Compartmentalized 3D printed polypills were prepared and studied in streptozotocin/poloxamer induced diabetic/dyslipidemic rats. The pharmacokinetic parameters of GMD and RSV in the prepared polypills were evaluated. Blood glucose level, lipid profile, antioxidant, and biochemical markers activities were investigated. Also, histopathological examination of the liver and pancreas was carried out. The atherosclerotic index, the area of islets of Langerhans, and liver steatosis lesion scores were calculated.

Results

The developed SNEDDS-loaded GMD/RSV polypills showed acceptable quality control characteristics with a high relative bioavailability of 217.16% and 224.28% for GMD and RSV, respectively, when compared with the corresponding non-SNEDDS pills. The prepared polypills showed dramatic lowering in blood glucose levels and substantial improvement in lipid profile and hepatic serum biomarkers as well as remarkable decrease in serum antioxidants in response to Poloxamer 407 intoxication. The prepared polypills decreased the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary disease by boosting the level of high-density lipoprotein and lowering both triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein. Microscopic examination showed normal hepatic sinusoids and high protection level with less detectable steatosis in the examined hepatocytes. Normal size pancreatic islets with apparently normal exocrine acini and pancreatic duct were also noticed.

Conclusion

This formulation strategy clearly shows the potential of the developed polypills in personalized medicine for treatment of patients with MS.

Population pharmacokinetics for danofloxacin in the intestinal contents of healthy and infected chickens

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli could cause localized and systemic infection in the poultry, and danofloxacin is usually used to treat avian colibacillosis through oral administration. To promote prudent use of danofloxacin and reduce the emergence of drug-resistant E. coli strains, it is necessary to understand the population pharmacokinetics (PopPK) of danofloxacin in chicken intestines. In this study, reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection was used to detect the concentrations of danofloxacin in the contents of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of the healthy and infected chickens after single oral administration (5 mg/kg body weight). Then, the PopPK of danofloxacin in intestines were analyzed using NONMEM software. As a result, a two-compartment PK model best described the time-concentration profile of duodenal, jejunal, and ileal contents. Interestingly, absorption rate (K_a ), distribution volume (V), and clearance (CL) for danofloxacin from duodenal, jejunal to ileal contents were sequentially decreased in the healthy chickens. However, the trend of K_a , V, and CL of danofloxacin was changed dramatically in the intestine of infected chickens. K_a and V of danofloxacin in the jejunum were higher than in the ileum and duodenum. Compared with healthy chickens, K_a and V of danofloxacin in the duodenum decreased significantly, while increased in jejunum, respectively. It has been noted that K_a decreased and V increased in the ileum of infected chickens. Besides, CL in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of infected chickens was, respectively, lower than those of healthy chickens. Interestingly, the relative bioavailability (F) of danofloxacin in the ileum was relatively higher in both healthy and infected chickens. In addition, F in the duodenal, jejunal, and ileal contents of infected chickens was respectively higher than healthy chickens. In summary, the PopPK for danofloxacin in infected chicken intestines was quite different from healthy chickens. The absorption, distribution, and clearance of danofloxacin in healthy chickens decreased from duodenum to jejunum and to ileum. Moreover, the pharmacokinetic characteristics in the intestine of infected chickens changed significantly, and the pharmacokinetic characteristics in the ileum can be used as a representative of all intestinal segments.