In vitro and in vivo characterization of Miconazole Nitrate loaded transethosomes for the treatment of Cutaneous Candidiasis

This study aimed to fabricate Miconazole Nitrate transethosomes (MCZN TESs) embedded in chitosan-based gel for the topical treatment of Cutaneous Candidiasis. A thin film hydration method was employed to formulate MCZN TESs. The prepared MCZN TESs were optimized and analyzed for their physicochemical properties including particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency (%EE), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), deformability, and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In vitro release, skin permeation and deposition, skin irritation, antifungal assay, and in vivo efficacy against infected rats were evaluated. The optimized MCZN TESs showed PS of 224.8 ± 5.1 nm, ZP 21.1 ± 1.10 mV, PDI 0.207 ± 0.009, and % EE 94.12 ± 0.101 % with sustained drug release profile. Moreover, MCZN TESs Gel exhibited desirable pH, spreadability, and viscosity. Notably, the penetration and deposition capabilities of MCZN TESs Gel showed a 4-fold enhancement compared to MCZN TESs. Importantly, in vitro antifungal assay elaborated MCZN TESs Gel anti-fungal activity was 2.38-fold more compared to MCZN Gel. In vivo, studies showed a 1.5 times reduction in the duration of treatment MCZN TESs Gel treated animal group. Therefore, studies demonstrated that MCZN TESs could be a suitable drug delivery system with higher penetration and good antifungal potential.

Enhanced cardioprotective activity of ferulic acid-loaded solid lipid nanoparticle in an animal model of myocardial injury

Myocardial infarction results in an increased inflammatory and oxidative stress response in the heart, and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress after MI may offer protective effects to the heart. In the present study, we examined the cardioprotective effects of ferulic acid (FA) and ferulic acid nanostructured solid lipid nanoparticles (FA-SLNs) in an isoproterenol (ISO) induced MI model. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five experimental groups to compare the effects of FA and FA-SLNs. The findings revealed that ISO led to extensive cardiomyopathy, characterized by increased infarction area, edema formation, pressure load, and energy deprivation. Additionally, ISO increased the levels of inflammatory markers (COX-2, NLRP3, and NF-кB) and apoptotic mediators such as p-JNK. However, treatment with FA and FA-SLNs mitigated the severity of the ISO-induced response, and elevated the levels of antioxidant enzymes while downregulating inflammatory pathways, along with upregulation of the mitochondrial bioenergetic factor PPAR-γ. Furthermore, virtual docking analysis of FA with various protein targets supported the in vivo results, confirming drug-protein interactions. Overall, the results demonstrated that FA-SLNs offer a promising strategy for protecting the heart from further injury following MI. This is attributed to the improved drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes compared to FA alone.

Design and Evaluation of Continentalic Acid Encapsulated Transfersomal Gel and Profiling of its Anti-arthritis Activity

Rheumatoid arthritis restricts the physical ability of patients and increases the disease burden; therefore, research has always been focused on evaluating better therapeutic options. The present research aimed to design Continentalic acid (CA)-loaded transfersomes (CA-TF) embedded in Carbopol gel containing permeation enhancer (PE) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. CA-TF was developed via a modified thin film hydration method and incorporated into Carbopol 934 gel containing Eucalyptus oil (EO) as PE. The fabricated CA-TF showed particle size of < 140 nm with spherical geometry, optimal encapsulation efficiency (EE), and sustained drug release pattern. CA-TF-gel along with PE (CA-TF-PE-gel) showed better ex vivo skin penetration than plain CA gel and CA-TF-gel without PE. In vivo evaluation supported improved therapeutic outcomes of CA-TF-PE-gel in terms of behavioral findings, arthritic index, and histological findings whereas biochemical assays and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) showed a significant decrease in their levels. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry assay for Nrf2 and HO-1 signaling pathways showed significant improvement in the expression of the Nrf2, and HO-1 proteins to depict improvement in arthritic condition in the animal model. CA-TF-PE-gel significantly delivered CA to the diseased target site via a topical route with promising therapeutic outcomes displayed in the CFA-induced arthritic model.

Transfersomes: a Revolutionary Nanosystem for Efficient Transdermal Drug Delivery

Transdermal delivery system has gained significance in drug delivery owing to its advantages over the conventional delivery systems. However, the barriers of stratum corneum along with skin irritation are its major limitations. Various physical and chemical techniques have been employed to alleviate these impediments. Among all these, transfersomes have shown potential for overcoming the associated limitations and successfully delivering therapeutic agents into systemic circulation. These amphipathic vesicles are composed of phospholipids and edge activators. Along with providing elasticity, edge activator also affects the vesicular size and entrapment efficiency of transfersomes. The mechanism behind the enhanced permeation of transfersomes through the skin involves their deformability and osmotic gradient across the application site. Permeation enhancers can further enhance their permeability. Biocompatibility; capacity for carrying hydrophilic, lipophilic as well as high molecular weight therapeutics; deformability; lesser toxicity; enhanced permeability; and scalability along with potential for surface modification, active targeting, and controlled release render them ideal designs for efficient drug delivery. The current review provides a brief account of the discovery, advantages, composition, synthesis, comparison with other cutaneous nano-drug delivery systems, applications, and recent developments in this area.

Traditional knowledge about medicinal plant in the remote areas of Wari Tehsil, Dir Upper, Pakistan

Traditional medicine is cheaper and easily available to local people, to care for most frequent diseases in the Northern parts of Pakistan. Our study aimed at inventorying medicine from local plants, documenting their uses, and assessing their market value in 2015-2018 during spring, summer, and winter seasons. A total of 15 trips were made, 5 in each season. Semi-structured interviews with 165 inhabitant's age range between 20-80 years were conducted, analyzed the data is analyzed using Relative frequency of citation(RFC), Use Value(UV), Fidelity Level(FL), Informants consensus factor(ICF), and Jaccard index(JI) to find the most frequent and well-known used species in the area. A total of 86 species belonging to 39 vascular plant families, 33 genera were documented as medicinally important. Family Asteraceae was observed as the dominant family among all the families with 10 species, the leaf was the most used parts and decoction 36% was the most preferred preparation type. Herb was the predominant life form (67%). The maximum UV (0.92) was demonstrated by J. adhatoda L. species, while A. sativum L. shows maximum RFC (0.58), the highest ICF value represented by diarrhea and dermatitis 0.92, and high FL value is recorded 100%. According to our collections, wild species were 45%, invasive species were 38% and cultivated 17% recorded, dicots species were recorded more 81%. Seven 7 medicinal species is being economically important and export to the local and international market of the world, whereas P. integrima L. species were the most exported species according to the local dealers. The investigated area is rural and the local people depend on the area's plants for their health needs, and other uses like a vegetable, fuelwood, fodder, etc. The current result of RFC, UV, ICF, FL, and JI shows that medicinal flora needs to be pharmacologically and phytochemically investigated to prove their efficacy. The documentation of medicinal knowledge is important to preserve this precious old knowledge before it is lost forever, due to technological and environmental changes in the world.

Postoperative complications and waiting time for surgical intervention after radiologically guided drainage of intra-abdominal abscess in patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

In patients with active Crohn's disease (CD), treatment of intra-abdominal abscess usually comprises antibiotics and radiologically guided percutaneous drainage (PD) preceding surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of postoperative complications and identify the optimal time interval for surgical intervention after PD.

METHODS

A multicentre, international, retrospective cohort study was carried out. Details of patients with diagnosis of CD who underwent ultrasonography- or CT-guided PD were retrieved from hospital records using international classification of disease (ICD-10) diagnosis code for CD combined with procedure code for PD. Clinical variables were retrieved and the following outcomes were measured: 30-day postoperative overall complications, intra-abdominal septic complications, unplanned intraoperative adverse events, surgical-site infections, sepsis and pathological postoperative ileus, in addition to abscess recurrence. Patients were categorized into three groups according to the length of the interval from PD to surgery (1-14 days, 15-30 days and more than 30 days) for comparison of outcomes.

RESULTS

The cohort comprised 335 CD patients with PD followed by surgery. Median age was 33 (i.q.r. 24-44) years, 152 (45.4 per cent) were females, and median disease duration was 9 (i.q.r. 3.6-15) years. Overall, the 30-day postoperative complications rate was 32.2 per cent and the mortality rate was 1.5 per cent. After adjustment for co-variables, older age (odds ratio 1.03 (95 per cent c.i. 1.01 to 1.06), P < 0.012), residual abscess after PD (odds ratio 0.374 (95 per cent c.i. 0.19 to 0.74), P < 0.014), smoking (odds ratio 1.89 (95 per cent c.i. 1.01 to 3.53), P = 0.049) and low serum albumin concentration (odds ratio 0.921 (95 per cent c.i. 0.89 to 0.96), P < 0.001) were associated with higher rates of postoperative complications. A short waiting interval, less than 2 weeks after PD, was associated with a high incidence of abscess recurrence (odds ratio 0.59 (95 per cent c.i. 0.36 to 0.96), P = 0.042).

CONCLUSION

Smoking, low serum albumin concentration and older age were significantly associated with postoperative complications. An interval of at least 2 weeks after successful PD correlated with reduced risk of abscess recurrence.

Phytochemical analysis and biological activities of ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa rhizome

Curcuma longa is an important dietary plant which possess several pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflamatory, anticancer and anti clotting etc. The aim of the present study was to determine the phenolic profile of Curcuma longa and in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. In HPLC chromatogram of Curcuma longa rhizome extract 15 phenolic compounds were identified namely Digalloyl-hexoside, Caffeic acid hexoside, Curdione, Coumaric, Caffeic acid, Sinapic acid, Qurecetin-3-D-galactoside, Casuarinin, Bisdemethoxycurcumin, Curcuminol, Demethoxycurcumin, and Isorhamnetin, Valoneic acid bilactone, Curcumin, Curcumin-O-glucuronide respectively. The ethanolic extract displayed an IC50 value of 37.1±0.3 µg/ml against alpha glucosidase. The IC50 value of DPPH radical scavenging activity was 27.2 ± 1.1 μg/mL. It is concluded that ethanolic extract of Curcuma long is rich source of curcumin and contain several important phenolics. The in vitro antioxidant and alpha glucosidase inhibitory effect of the plant justifies its popular use in traditional medicine.

Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of SLN-Loaded Thermoresponsive Hydrogel System of Topotecan as Biological Macromolecule for Colorectal Delivery

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapeutic drugs cause severe toxicities if administered unprotected, without proper targeting, and controlled release. In this study, we developed topotecan- (TPT-) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for their chemotherapeutic effect against colorectal cancer. The TPT-SLNs were further incorporated into a thermoresponsive hydrogel system (TRHS) (TPT-SLNs-TRHS) to ensure control release and reduce toxicity of the drug. Microemulsion technique and cold method were, respectively, used to develop TPT-SLNs and TPT-SLNs-TRHS. Particle size, polydispersive index (PDI), and incorporation efficiency (IE) of the TPT-SLNs were determined. Similarly, gelation time, gel strength, and bioadhesive force studies of the TPT-SLNs-TRHS were performed. Additionally, in vitro release and pharmacokinetic and antitumour evaluations of the formulation were done.

RESULTS

TPT-SLNs have uniformly distributed particles with mean size in nanorange (174 nm) and IE of ~90%. TPT-SLNs-TRHS demonstrated suitable gelation properties upon administration into the rat's rectum. Moreover, drug release was exhibited in a control manner over an extended period of time for the incorporated TPT. Pharmacokinetic studies showed enhanced bioavailability of the TPT with improved plasma concentration and AUC. Further, it showed significantly enhanced antitumour effect in tumour-bearing mice as compared to the test formulations.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that SLNs incorporated in TRHS could be a potential source of the antitumour drug delivery with better control of the drug release and no toxicity.

In-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of the antibacterial potential of Typha elephantina

The present study was aimed to evaluate the in-vitro and in-vivo antibacterial effects of the Typha elephantina aqueous extract (TE.AQ), ethanolic extract (TE.ET) and T. elephantina methanolic extract (TE.ME) against eight selected clinical pathogens. The test samples were tested for in-vitro analysis (by disc diffusion method) at different concentrations of 5, 15, 25, 50 and 100 mg/dL against both gram positive and gram-negative strains. The highest potential was observed in TE.ME at a concentration of 100 mg/dL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibiting 19.67 ± 0.577 mm zone of inhibition (ZOI). The same fraction also showed good activity against Staphylococus aureus with ZOI of 17.50 ± 0.70 mm. The TE.ET was found most active against P. aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes having ZOI of 18.53 ± 0.503 and 16.2 ± 1.55 mm respectively at a concentration of 100 mg/dL. The most sensitive bacteria P. aeruginosa was selected for in-vivo study (using poultry chicks) for induction of infection in chicks. The effects of TE.AQ, TE.ET and TE.ME were determined at concentrations of 300 mg/kg body weight based on hematological parameters, liver enzymes and gross pathological findings of lungs and livers. The findings of the in-vivo study in chick's model showed that treatment of experimental animals with TE.ME significantly restored the hematological parameters, liver enzymes and architecture of lungs and livers. Based on scientific evidence, the current study suggests that TE.ME may serve as a best and new natural antibacterial agent and can be used against infections caused by P. aeruginosa.

Nanotechnology: from In Vivo Imaging System to Controlled Drug Delivery

Science and technology have always been the vitals of human's struggle, utilized exclusively for the development of novel tools and products, ranging from micro- to nanosize. Nanotechnology has gained significant attention due to its extensive applications in biomedicine, particularly related to bio imaging and drug delivery. Various nanodevices and nanomaterials have been developed for the diagnosis and treatment of different diseases. Herein, we have described two primary aspects of the nanomedicine, i.e., in vivo imaging and drug delivery, highlighting the recent advancements and future explorations. Tremendous advancements in the nanotechnology tools for the imaging, particularly of the cancer cells, have recently been observed. Nanoparticles offer a suitable medium to carryout molecular level modifications including the site-specific imaging and targeting. Invention of radionuclides, quantum dots, magnetic nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes and use of gold nanoparticles in biosensors have revolutionized the field of imaging, resulting in easy understanding of the pathophysiology of disease, improved ability to diagnose and enhanced therapeutic delivery. This high specificity and selectivity of the nanomedicine is important, and thus, the recent advancements in this field need to be understood for a better today and a more prosperous future.

Chemistry and liquid chromatography methods for the analyses of primary oxidation products of triacylglycerols

Triacylglycerols (TAGs) are one of the major components of the cells in higher biological systems, which can act as an energy reservoir in the living cells. The unsaturated fatty acid moiety is the key site of oxidation and formation of oxidation compounds. The TAG free radical generates several primary oxidation compounds. These include hydroperoxides, hydroxides, epidioxides, hydroperoxy epidioxides, hydroxyl epidioxides, and epoxides. The presence of these oxidized TAGs in the cell increases the chances of several detrimental processes. For this purpose, several liquid chromatography (LC) methods were reported in their analyses. This review is therefore focused on the chemistry, oxidation, extraction, and the LC methods reported in the analyses of oxidized TAGs. The studies on thin-layer chromatography were mostly focused on the total oxidized TAGs separation and employ hexane as major solvent. High-performance LC (HPLC) methods were discussed in details along with their merits and demerits. It was found that most of the HPLC methods employed isocratic elution with methanol and acetonitrile as major solvents with an ultraviolet detector. The coupling of HPLC with mass spectrometry (MS) highly increases the efficiency of analysis as well as enables reliable structural elucidation. The use of MS was found to be helpful in studying the oxidation chemistry of TAGs and needs to be extended to the complex biological systems.

Prediction of pre-eclampsia during early pregnancy in primiparas with soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and placental growth factor

BACKGROUND

We hypothesized that pre-eclampsia (PE) can be predicted early in primiparas by measuring serum levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF).

METHODS

All normotensive primiparas attending the antenatal clinics of Aga Khan University Hospital and Aga Khan Hospital for Women, Karachi, Pakistan without any known risk factor for PE were invited to participate in the study. They were divided into two groups based on the development of PE. Their blood samples were collected at 8-15, 16-22, 23-28, 29v34 weeks of pregnancy and once within 1 week of delivery. All samples were analysed for sFlt-1 and PlGF.

RESULTS

Six hundred and eleven (46.7%) of 1307 recruited primiparas completed the study according to the protocol. Of these, 39 (6.4%) women developed PE. The difference in serum sFlt-1 was evident as early as 15 weeks of gestation. Higher levels of serum sFlt-1 were present in women who later developed PE. Relatively higher levels of PlGF were observed in non-PE women compared to PE women up to 22 weeks of gestation. However, after 23 weeks of pregnancy, PlGF levels increased in both the groups, but less so in the PE group. Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis showed that even in early pregnancy (<15 weeks of gestation), serum sFlt-1 alone has the potential to predict PE with area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of 0.81, 75.9 and 72.4, respectively.

CONCLUSION

PE can be predicted in primiparas in the early part of second trimester with serum levels of sFlt-1 and in the later part of second trimester with serum levels of PlGF.

(E)-1-(3-Nitro-phen-yl)ethanone (2-methyl-phen-yl)hydrazone

In the title Schiff base compound, C₁₅H₁₅N₃O₂, the azomethine double bond adopts an E configuration. The dihedral angle between the two aromatic rings is 13.4 (12)°. In the crystal, mol­ecules are arranged in wave-like layers parallel to (100) without any classical hydrogen bonding.

Arteriovenous fistula construction in chronic haemodialysis patients: comparison of end-to-side and side-to-side techniques

OBJECTIVE

To compare the techniques of end-to-side and side-to-side anastomosis in arteriovenous fistulae construction in terms of success rate and immediate postoperative complications.

DESIGN

Comparative study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

Ayub Hospital Complex, Abbottabad, from October 1999 to December 2002 and Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, from January 2003 to December 2003.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and ninety patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) were included in the study. Arteriovenous fistula was constructed in these patients by two techniques i.e. end-to-side and side-to-side anastomosis. The two methods were compared in terms of duration of surgery, immediate success rate and short-term complications.

RESULTS

Among 190 patients, 118 (62%) were males and 72 (38%) females. The age ranged between 24 to 66 years with average age of 54 years. Side-to-side anastomosis was done in 120 (63%) patients while end-to-side in 70 (37%) patients. The average duration of surgery in side-to-side group was 50 minutes and in end-to-side group it was 75 minutes. Bleeding occurred in 4(5.7%) cases in end-to-side group and 2(1.7%) patients in side-to-side group requiring re-exploration. The immediate failure rate of the procedure was 2.5% in side-to-side group and 7.5% in end-to-side group. Wound infection occurred in 1(1.4%) case in end-to-side group and 2(1.7%) cases in side-to-side group.

CONCLUSION

In patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) arteriovenous fistula construction by side-to-side anastomosis is less time-consuming and has less complications as compared to end-to-side technique.

Effect of surfactants and dispersed components on the activity and reactivity of sorbic acid

In common with many other carboxylic acids, sorbic acid shows significant solubility in aqueous and non-aqueous solvents. The presence of a non-aqueous phase (e.g. fat) can markedly affect the concentration of the preservative in the aqueous phase. Solute distribution between the two phases is pH- and concentration-dependent. The presence of dissolved surfactants in the aqueous phase will also affect the activity of sorbic acid. This effect is due to the partitioning of the solute into surfactant micelles. The presence of dispersed components and surfactant micelles also has a marked effect on the reactivity of sorbic acid. Whereas thiols react slowly with sorbic acid, the rate of reaction is increased many-fold by the addition of low molecular weight surfactants. The mechanism of this catalysis will be explained. It has been suggested that sorbic acid inhibits enzymes by reacting with sulphydryl groups of the proteins. Kinetic data from model system studies suggest that the sorbic acid-thiol reaction may be too slow for it to be an obvious means of enzyme inhibition. However, this does not take account of possible catalysis of the reaction in the microenvironment of the protein, perhaps in a manner similar to that identified with low molecular weight surfactants.