Revisiting the significance of nano-vitamin D for food fortification and therapeutic application

OBJECTIVE

Vitamin D (a prohormone) is an important micronutrient required by the body for skeletal homeostasis and a range of non-skeletal actions. Calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, regulates a variety of cellular and metabolic processes through both genomic and nongenomic pathways. Often prescribed for treating rickets and osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency can exacerbate various other medical conditions.

SIGNIFICANCE, METHODS, AND RESULTS

Despite its multifunctional uses, the sensitivity of vitamin D makes formulating an efficient drug delivery system a challenging task, which is further complicated by its poor aqueous solubility. Enhancing the oral absorption of vitamin D is vital in utilizing its full efficacy. Recent developments in encapsulation and nanotechnology have shown promising results in overcoming these constraints.

CONCLUSION

This review thus offers an insight to adequately comprehend the mechanistic pharmacology of vitamin D, its pathophysiological role, and justification of its medical indications, along with the benefits of utilizing nanotechnology for vitamin D delivery.

Design and Development of a Topical Nanogel Formulation Comprising of a Unani Medicinal Agent for the Management of Pain

The oil of the Unani medicinal herb Baboona (Matricaria chamomilla) has shown potential in the management of pain. However, predicaments such as poor skin penetration, skin sensitization, liable to degradation, and volatile nature restrict its use. Therefore, our group for the first time has developed a carrier-based delivery system to facilitate the direct application of chamomile oil to the forehead. The developed nanogel was characterized for physical parameters such as compatibility, TEM, and stability studies. Further, it was also evaluated for pH, viscosity, spread ability, and extrudability, as well as through texture analyses, in vitro studies, and skin irritation tests. The formulation was successfully developed with all the necessary attributes. The in vitro studies revealed the enhanced skin penetration of chamomile oil nanogel. The in vivo studies were also performed in chemically induced pain models, mimicking migraine. The studies show significant improvement of the pain threshold for chamomile nanogel when compared to the positive control group and the results were comparable to marketed diclofenac formulations. Finally, the encapsulation into nanogel reduced the skin irritation property. The nanogel formulation showed promising effects in the pain management of migraine.

Development and Antibacterial Investigation of Linezolid-Loaded SPIONs and HPLC Method Development for Quantitative Analysis of Linezolid

BACKGROUND

Linezolid (LNZ) is extremely prone to resistance. The development of resistance to LNZ should be taken into consideration when selecting this drug as a therapeutic option. It is well established that reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) could kill the infecting bacteria. So, we hypothesized the synergistic antibacterial effect of iron oxide nanoparticles and LNZ.

OBJECTIVE

To study the release and antibacterial effects of LNZ-loaded superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) on Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

METHOD

Ferrofluid containing SPIONs was synthesized via chemical co-precipitation method and stabilized by sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). SPIONs were then loaded with LNZ and characterized for particle size, FT-IR, XRD, and entrapment efficiency. Further antibacterial activity of SPIONs and LNZ-loaded SPIONs was investigated. For the in vitro release findings, HPLC analytical method development and validation were performed.

RESULTS

Isolation of LNZ was accomplished on a C-18 column with methanol-TBHS (tetra butyl ammonium hydrogen sulphate, 50:50, v/v). The eluate was monitored at 247 nm with a retention time of 4.175 min. The MNP's DLS measurement revealed monodispersed particles with an average size of 16.81 ± 1.07 nm and PDI 0.176 ± 0.012. In optimized formulation, 25 ± 1.75% (w/w) of the drug was found to be entrapped. XRD revealed uniform coating of oleic acid covering the entire magnetic particles' surface with no change in its crystallinity. An effective antimicrobial activity was observed at the lowered dose of drug.

CONCLUSIONS

A robust HPLC method was developed to quantify the LNZ in MNPs, and outcomes showed that the reduced dose of LNZ incorporated in SPIONs was able to show similar activity as the marketed product.

HIGHLIGHTS

Successfully reduction of the dose of LNZ was established with the aid of biocompatible MNPs to attain the equivalent antibacterial activity.

The Optimal Dosing Regimen of Super Bioavailable Itraconazole in Obesity: An Experimental Rat Model Study

Background Obesity may alter tissue distribution and clearance of several drugs, especially lipophilic ones. Itraconazole, a lipophilic drug, has been recently introduced in a super-bioavailable formulation (SB-ITZ) for the treatment of dermatophytosis. Evidence regarding optimal dosing of SB-ITZ in obesity is lacking. A current experimental study was planned to analyze tissue concentrations of SB-ITZ at different doses in obese and non-obese rats.  Materials and methods Thirty-six Wistar albino rats of either sex were divided into obese and non-obese rats equally. Further, rats in both categories were divided into three dosing groups. Group 1 received SB-ITZ 13 mg once daily in the morning, group 2 received SB-ITZ 13 mg in the morning and 6.5 mg in the evening, while Group 3 rats received SB-ITZ 13 mg twice daily, orally. Concentrations of SB-ITZ in the skin, serum, and fatty tissue were assessed in each group on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Comparison of SB-ITZ concentrations in various tissues in obese and non-obese rats and inter-group comparison of tissue concentrations across the three dosing regimens was done at day 28 and expressed as Mean ± SD.36 Wistar rats were divided into obese and non-obese rats equally. Results At day 28, skin concentrations of SB-ITZ were 5.36±1.1, 8.9±1.7 and 10.13±1.7 µg/g in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, in non-obese rats, which was statistically significant (p<0.05) than skin concentration of obese rats (2.72±0.6, 4.2±0.7 and 4.66±0.5 µg/g) for the corresponding dosing groups respectively. Skin concentration of SB-ITZ was statistically significant for Groups 2 and 3 as compared to Group 1. Still, no statistically significant difference was noted between Groups 2 and 3 in non-obese and obese rats. Fatty tissue concentration of SB-ITZ was comparable in all 3 dosing regimens in non-obese and obese rats. But on the intergroup comparison, a statistically significant difference was observed for Groups 2 and 3 against Group 1 (p<0.05). Increasing the dose of SB-ITZ increased serum concentration. In non-obese rats, a statistically significant difference was noted between Group 2 (74.33±6.6 ng/ml) and Group 1 (52.5±9.9 ng/ml); p<0.01 and also in Group 3 (81.33±6.8 ng/ml) against Group 1; p<0.01. Group 3 achieved significantly higher concentration than the other two groups in obese rats (Group 3; 72±5.3, Group 2; 60.5±4.3, and Group 1; 45±7 ng/ml; p<0.01). Conclusion Overall, skin, fatty tissue, and serum concentrations of SB-ITZ were higher in non-obese rats compared to obese rats in all three dosing groups. Moreover, skin and fatty tissue concentrations were proportionately higher than serum in all the groups in non-obese and obese rats. Though the skin concentration of non-obese rats was significantly higher than obese rats, skin concentration in obese rats was within the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range, demonstrating the efficacy of all dosing regimens.

Novel Strategies for the Bioavailability Augmentation and Efficacy Improvement of Natural Products in Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is emerging as a major cause of mortality globally. Oral cancer occupies a significant proportion of the head and neck, including the cheeks, tongue, and oral cavity. Conventional methods in the treatment of cancer involve surgery, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, and these have not proven to completely eradicate cancerous cells, may lead to the reoccurrence of oral cancer, and possess numerous adverse side effects. Advancements in novel drug delivery approaches have gained popularity in cancer management with an increase in the number of cases associated with oral cancer. Natural products are potent sources for drug discovery, especially for anticancer drugs. Natural product delivery has major challenges due to its low solubility, poor absorption, inappropriate size, instability, poor permeation, and first-pass metabolism. Therefore, it is of prime importance to investigate novel treatment approaches for the delivery of bioactive natural products. Nanotechnology is an advanced method of delivering cancer therapy with minimal damage to normal cells while targeting cancer cells. Therefore, the present review elaborates on the advancements in novel strategies for natural product delivery that lead to the significant enhancement of bioavailability, in vivo activity, and fewer adverse events for the prevention and treatment of oral cancer. Various approaches to accomplish the desired results involve size reduction, surface property modification, and polymer attachment, which collectively result in the higher stability of the formulation.

Recent advances in multifunctional dendrimer-based nanoprobes for breast cancer theranostics

Breast cancer (BC) undoubtedly is one of the most common type of cancers amongst women, which causes about 5 million deaths annually. The treatments and diagnostic therapy choices currently available for Breast Cancer is very much limited . Advancements in novel nanocarrier could be a promising strategy for diagnosis and treatments of this deadly disease. Dendrimer nanoformulation could be functionalized and explored for efficient targeting of overexpressed receptors on Breast Cancer cells to achieve targeted drug delivery, for diagnostics and to overcome the resistance of the cells towards particular chemotherapeutic. Additionally, the dendrimer have shown promising potential in the improvement of therapeutic value for Breast Cancer therapy by achieving synergistic co-delivery of chemotherapeutics and genetic materials for multidirectional treatment. In this review, we have highlighted the application of dendrimer as novel multifunctional nanoplatforms for the treatment and diagnosis of Breast Cancer.

Advancement of cell-penetrating peptides in combating triple-negative breast cancer

Extensive research efforts have been made and are still ongoing in the search for an ideal anti-cancer therapy. Almost all chemotherapeutics require a carrier or vehicle, a drug delivery system that can transport the drug specifically to the targeted cancer cells, sparing normal cells. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) provide an effective and efficient pathway for the intra-cellular transportation of various bioactive molecules in several biomedical therapies. They are now well-recognized as facilitators of intracellular cargo delivery and have excellent potential for targeted anti-cancer therapy. In this review, we explain CPPs, recent progress in the development of new CPPs, and their utilization to transport cargoes such as imaging agents, chemotherapeutics, and short-interfering RNAs (siRNA) into tumor cells, contributing to the advancement of novel tumor-specific delivery systems.

Formulation and development of tacrolimus-gellan gum nanoformulation for treatment of dry eye disease

The present study aimed at the development and evaluation of tacrolimus gellan gum nanoparticles (TGNPs) for the effective management of dry eye disease (DED) following topical application. TGNPs were developed by ionotropic gelation between gellan gum and aluminum chloride. Developed TGNPs were nanosized (274.46 ± 8.90 nm) with high % encapsulation efficiency (74.2 ± 2.4%) and loading capacity (36.14 ± 1.7%). The nanosize and spherical morphology of TGNPs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed no interaction between drug and GG. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms the conversion of crystalline tacrolimus to amorphous post encapsulation in the nanoparticle. TGNPs showed prolonged drug release throughout 12 h and higher pre-corneal retention compared to tacrolimus solution. HET-CAM studies, histopathological evaluation, and Draize test confirmed the safety of the formulation for ocular use. Further, the pharmacodynamic studies using experimental DED in rabbits showed that TGNPs are effective in treating symptoms of DED. In conclusion, topical delivery of TGNPs could hold potential for efficient management of DED.

Repurposing pharmaceutical excipients as an antiviral agent against SARS-CoV-2

The limited time indorsed to face the COVID-19 emergency and large number of deaths across the globe, poses an unrelenting challenge to find apt therapeutic approaches. However, lead candidate selection to phase III trials of new chemical entity is a time-consuming procedure, and not feasible in pandemic, such as the one we are facing. Drug repositioning, an exploration of existing drug for new therapeutic use, could be an effective alternative as it allows fast-track estimation in phase II-III trials, or even forthright compassionate use. Although, drugs repurposed for COVID-19 pandemic are commercially available, yet the evaluation of their safety and efficacy is tiresome and painstaking. In absence of any specific treatment the easy alternatives such as over the counter products, phytotherapies and home remedies have been largely adopted for prophylaxis and therapy as well. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that several pharmaceutical excipients possess antiviral properties making them prospective candidates against SARS-CoV-2. This review highlights the mechanism of action of various antiviral excipients and their propensity to act against SARs-CoV2. Though, repurposing of pharmaceutical excipients against COVID-19 has the edge over therapeutic agents in terms of safety, cost and fast-track approval trial burdened, this hypothesis needs to be experimentally verified for COVID-19 patients.

Recent update of 3D printing technology in pharmaceutical formulation development

In modern world, Pharma sector observes steep increase in demand of personalized medicine. Various unique ideas and technology were proposed and implemented by different researchers to prepare personalized medicine and devices. 3-dimensional printing (3DP) is one of the revolutionary technologies which can be used to prepare tailored medicine via CAD (Computer Aided Design) software. 3DP allows researchers to manufacture customized dosage form with desired modifications in geometry which would in turn alter dosage behaviour of the product with reduced side effects. Current achievement of 3DP includes personalized and adjustable dosage form, multifunction drug delivery systems, medical devices, phantoms, and implants specific to patient anatomy. Additionally, 3DP is employed for preparing tailored regenerative medicines. This review focuses on 3DP use in pharmaceuticals including drug delivery systems and medical devices with their method of fabrication. Additionally, different clinical trials as well as different patents done till date are cited in the paper. Furthermore, regulatory issues and future perspective related to 3 D printing is also well discussed.

Formulation development, optimization, and in vitro assessment of thermoresponsive ophthalmic pluronic F127-chitosan in situ tacrolimus gel

To overcome problems associated with topical delivery of tacrolimus (TCS), a thermoresponsive in situ gel system containing pluronic F127 (PL), and chitosan (CS) was developed, to enhance the precorneal retention, and to sustain the release of the drug. The PL-CS in situ gel was optimized using a 2-factor-3-level central composite experimental design by selecting the concentration of PL and CS as independent variables while gelation time, gelation temperature, and spreadability as dependent variables. The optimized formulation was developed using 22.5 g PL and 0.3 g CS, gels at 33.6 °C, in 22.93 s, and showed the spreadability of 6.2 cm. In vitro studies conducted for the optimized gel revealed the sustained release of TCS (81.73% in 4 h) and improved corneal permeation (74.13% in 4 h), compared with TCS solution. The mechanism of release of TCS followed the Higuchi model with Fickian diffusion transport. Further, histopathology and HET-CAM studies revealed that the developed gel was non-irritating and safe for ocular administration.

A Validated, Rapid and Cost-Efficient HPTLC Method for Quantification of Gamma-Linolenic Acid in Borage Oil and Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity

Borage oil that is extracted from (Borago officinalis Linn.) is a well-known medicinal plant having various medicinal benefits. In this work, an affordable, simple, reliable, rapid and easily accessible high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method was developed for the estimation of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in borage oil. HPTLC method employs thin-layer chromatography (TLC) aluminum plates precoated with silica gel (G60F254) as the stationary phase, and the mixture of hexane:toulene:glacial acetic acid (3:7:1, v/v/v) was used as the mobile phase. Densitometric analysis of the TLC plates was carried out at 200 nm. The developed method showed well-resolved spots with retention factor (Rf) value of 0.53 ± 0.04 for GLA. Various experimental conditions like saturation time for chamber, solvent phase migration and width of the band were studied intensely for selecting the optimum conditions. The method validation was performed for parameters like linearity, accuracy, specificity and precision. The values of limit of detection and limit of quantification for GLA were found to be 0.221 and 0.737 μg/band, respectively. In nutshell, the developed HPTLC method was found to be highly sensitive for the estimation of GLA in the herbal oil samples and formulations.

Withdrawal Notice: Nanostructured Therapeutic Systems of PUFA’S for the Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme

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99mTc-Methionine Gold Nanoparticles as a Promising Biomaterial for Enhanced Tumor Imaging

Methionine-gold nanoparticles (MGNs) was synthesized by conjugating methionine via dithiocarbamate linkage to gold nanoparticles (GNPs), prepared simultaneously by one pot modified Burst method. Formation of MGNs was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy and appearance of new IR bands in the range of 934 cm^-1 to 1086 cm^-1 and shifting of N-C,S-S and S-C-S stretching, confirms the involvement of '-S-C-S-' group of methionine dithiocarbamate with GNPs. The presence of Au in MGNs was confirmed by EDXA spectrum, whereas TEM, SAED and XRD revealed that MGNs are nanocrystalline (~13 nm) and have face-centered cubic structure. MGNs was labeled with ^99mTc (TMGNs) with radiolabeling efficiency greater than 99% using 300 μg of stannous chloride, pH 7 and 90.6 MBq of ^99mTcO₄. The stability data showed that the conjugate will remain infrangible in systemic circulation and in acidic microenvironment of tumor. The blood kinetic profile of TMGN in rabbits and biodistribution studies in EAT tumor bearing balb/c mice showed longer in vivo circulation and slow clearance compared to radiolabeled methionine (TM). TMGN demonstrated nearly three-fold higher tumor accumulation (3.9 ± 0.35% ID/g), 2-fold lower tumor saturation dose (1.0 μg/kg) and higher tumor retention compared with TM. Data showed that the TMGN tumor: blood ratio (1.05) is nearly 2.5-fold higher than TM (0.44), whereas TMGN tumor: muscle ratio (97.5) is nearly 8-fold higher than TM (11.6). In conclusion, TMGN showed excellent tumor targeting and has promising prospects as a SPECT-radiopharmaceutical for imaging tumors.

Injectable in-situ gel depot system for targeted delivery of biologics to the retina

In current clinical settings, frequent intravitreal (IVT) injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors are used due to their short in-vivo half-life and rapid clearance from the back of the eye. The IVT injections are associated with pain, risk of infection, retinal detachment, and financial burden. Biologics molecules can undergo physical, chemical, and enzymatic degradation during formulation development and in the biological environment. Moreover, the complex ocular structures also act as a rate-limiting barrier for these biologics. Thus, delivering stable and clinically relevant biologics concentration to the back of the eye is still a challenge. Compare to other drug delivery platforms, injectable in-situ gelling depot systems (IISGDs) have emerged as an effective system for biologics delivery. In this review, we have discussed various biologics used in ocular therapeutics and their associated challenges. Different routes of delivery and associated tissue barriers are also discussed. Different types of IISGDs developed to date for biologics delivery to the back of the eye were also covered. To conclude, various critical parameters related to the formulation development process and injectable depot systems that need careful consideration and further investigations were highlighted.

Parenteral Sustained Release Lipid Phase-Transition System of Ziprasidone: Fabrication and Evaluation for Schizophrenia Therapy

Introduction

Ziprasidone (ZP) is a novel atypical antipsychotic agent effective in the treatment of positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia with low chances for extrapyramidal side effects (EPs) and cognitive deficits. ZP possesses poor oral bioavailability (~50%), short biological half-life (~2.5 h) and due to extensive first-pass metabolism, a repeated dose is administered which makes the therapy non-adherent, leading to patient non-compliance. Therefore, this is a first report of developing parenteral ZP loaded sustained release phospholipid based phase-transition system (ZP-LPS).

Methods

The ZP-LPS system was formulated by mixing of biocompatible materials including phospholipid E 80, medium chain triglyceride (MCT) and ethanol. Optimization was done by aqueous titration method using pseudo-ternary phase diagram and dynamic rheological measurements. In vivo depot formation was confirmed by gamma scintigraphy after subcutaneous injection. Biodegradation and biocompatibility studies were performed for its safety evaluation. Finally, the efficacy of the formulation was assessed by Morris water maze (MWM) test and dizocilpine (MK-801) was used to induce schizophrenia in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Results

Optimized ZP-LPS showed rapid gelation (2 min), highest change in viscosity (~48000 mPa.s) and sustained release of ZP over a period of 1 month. Gamma scintigraphy depicted that the low-viscosity ZP-LPS system undergo rapid in situ gelation. Biodegradation and biocompatibility studies revealed gradual degradation in size of depot over a period of 28 days without any inflammation at the injection site. In MWM test, escape latency, time spent and total distance in target quadrant were significantly improved (p < 0.001) in the ZP-LPS group in comparison to the MK-801 group when evaluated at day 0, day 7 and day 28. However, significant improvement (p < 0.001) was observed only at day 0 in ZP suspension group.

Conclusion

The overall result indicates that the novel ZP-LPS system is safe, biodegradable, and effective for the management of schizophrenia.

Antimicrobial activity of a novel polyherbal combination for the treatment of vaginal infection

The present study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of Azadirachta indica (AI), Cichorium intybus (CI), and Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) against bacterial and fungal pathogens responsible for the vaginal infections. The AI, CI, and TFG were selected to include antimicrobial and antifungal action against wide range of microbes. The different extracts of the herbs were evaluated for antibacterial and antifungal activity by well diffusion assays. Based on the results, the combination was selected and evaluated, "polyherbal antimicrobial (PHA)." The developed PHA extract demonstrated synergistic broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities including antibacterial and antifungal activity (minimum inhibition concentration: 5-7 mg/ml).

Design and development of letrozole nanoemulsion: A comparative evaluation of brain targeted nanoemulsion with free letrozole against status epilepticus and neurodegeneration in mice

The target of the current study is to formulate letrozole loaded nanoemulsion (LET-NE) for the direct nose to brain delivery to reduce peripheral effects of letrozole (LET). LET-NE is compared against intraperitoneally administered free LET in kainic acid (KA) induced status epilepticus (SE) in mice. LET loaded nanoemulsion (LET-NE) was prepared by aqueous microtitration method using Triacetin, Tween 80 and PEG-400 as the oil phase, surfactant, and co-surfactant. Nanoemulsion was studied for droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, percentage transmittance, drug content, surface morphology. TEM images of developed formulation demonstrated spherical droplets with a mean diameter of 95.59 ± 2.34 nm, PDI of 0.162 ± 0.012 and zeta potential of -7.12 ± 0.12 mV respectively. In in-vitro and ex-vivo drug release, LET-NE showed prolonged drug release profile as compared to suspension. SE was induced by KA (10 mg/kg, i.p.) in Swiss albino mice. Behavioral seizure monitoring, biochemical estimations, and histopathological examination were performed. The onset time of SE was significantly enhanced and % incidence of SE was reduced by intranasal administration of LET-NE as compared to KA and LET administered intraperitoneally. Biochemical estimations revealed that LET-NE effectively decreased levels of 17-β estradiol while the levels of 5α-Dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT) and 3α-androstanediol (3α-Diol) were significantly increased in the hippocampus. In cresyl violet staining LET-NE showed better protection of the hippocampus from neurotoxicity induced by KA as compared to LET. Also, in gamma scintigraphy of mouse brain, intranasal administration of nanoemulsion exhibited the presence of high concentration of LET. The study demonstrates the anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effect of LET-NE probably by inhibition of aromatization of testosterone into 17-β estradiol, proconvulsant, and diverting the pathway into the synthesis of testosterone metabolites, 3α-Diol with known anticonvulsant and neuroprotective action. Brain targeting of LET-NE showed better anticonvulsant and neuroprotective action than LET.

Intranasal pitavastatin attenuates seizures in different experimental models of epilepsy in mice

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of intranasal pitavastatin (PVS) on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures, increasing current electroshock (ICES) seizures, and status epilepticus in mice. Intranasal PVS, 0.5 and 1.0mg/kg, showed significant increase in latency to PTZ-induced seizures and ICES seizure threshold compared to control; however, the effects were dose-dependent and were more significant at higher dose. Further, intranasal PVS (1.0mg/kg) but not intravenous PVS (50.0mg/kg) showed effective protection against PTZ-induced status epilepticus. No impairment in cognitive functions was observed following intranasal PVS (1.0mg/kg), thus making it a prospective therapeutic approach for acute seizures and status epilepticus.

Transungual Delivery of Ketoconazole Nanoemulgel for the Effective Management of Onychomycosis

Ketoconazole (KCZ) nanoemulgel containing permeation enhancer was formulated as a vehicle for transungual drug delivery, and its efficacy to inhibit the growth of onychomycotic dermatophytes was investigated in vitro. Different components of oil-in-water nanoemulsions were moderately agitated by classical titration method and passed through a high-pressure homogenizer to formulate various nanoemulsions, which were further identified by constructing pseudo-ternary phase diagrams. Stress-stability testing was carried out for the nanoemulsions, and those that passed these tests were characterized for mean droplet size, zeta potential, morphology, pH, refractive index, viscosity and transmittance. Mean droplet size and zeta potential of the optimized nanoemulsion (NE3) were found to be 77.52 ± 0.92 nm (polydispersity index (PDI) = 0.128 ± 0.035) and -5.44 ± 0.67 mV, respectively. Optimized nanoemulsion was converted into nanoemulgel (NEG₁) with 1% (w/w) of gelling agent (Carbopol® Ultrez 21) and 1%-2% (v/v) thioglycolic acid as permeation enhancer, and evaluated for pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, tensile strength and bio-adhesion measurement. In vitro cumulative drug released at the end of 24 h from NE3, NEG₁ and drug suspension were found to be 98.87 ± 1.29, 84.42 ± 2.78% and 54.86 ± 2.19%, respectively. Ex vivo transungual permeation values for KCZ through goat hooves from NE3, NEG₁ and drug suspension were found to be 62.49 ± 2.98, 77.54 ± 2.88% and 38.54 ± 2.54%, respectively, in 24 h. The antifungal effect of NEG₁ on Trichophyton rubrum and Candida albicans showed a significant (p < 0.05) zone of inhibition as compared to drug solution. Skin irritation and histopathology studies on rat skin showed the safe topical use and enhanced permeation of formulated nanoemulgel.

Dorzolamide-loaded PLGA/vitamin E TPGS nanoparticles for glaucoma therapy: Pharmacoscintigraphy study and evaluation of extended ocular hypotensive effect in rabbits

Poor drug penetration and rapid clearance after topical instillation of a drug formulation into the eyes are the major causes for the lower ocular bioavailability from conventional eye drops. Along with this, poor encapsulation efficiency of hydrophilic drug in polymeric nanoparticles remains a major formulation challenge. Taking this perspective into consideration, dorzolamide (DZ)-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were developed employing two different emulsifiers (PVA and vitamin E TPGS) and the effects of various formulation and process variables on particle size and encapsulation efficiency were assessed. Nanoparticles emulsified with vitamin E TPGS (DZ-T-NPs) were found to possess enhanced drug encapsulation (59.8±6.1%) as compared to those developed with PVA as emulsifier (DZ-P-NPs). Transcorneal permeation study revealed a significant enhancement in permeation (1.8-2.5 fold) as compared to solution. In addition, ex vivo biodistribution study showed a higher concentration of drug in the aqueous humour (1.5-2.3 fold). Histological and IR-camera studies proved the non-irritant potential of the formulations. Pharmacoscintigraphic studies revealed the reduced corneal clearance, as well as naso-lachrymal drainage in comparison to drug solution. Furthermore, efficacy study revealed that DZ-P-NPs and DZ-T-NPs significantly reduced the intraocular pressure by 22.81% and 29.12%, respectively, after a single topical instillation into the eye.

Topical tacrolimus nanoemulsion, a promising therapeutic approach for uveitis

Uveitis is a sight threatening inflammatory disorder that affects all ages and remains a significant cause of visual loss. Inflammatory activity plays an important role in the whole pathogenesis of uveitis. Treatment of uveitis is mainly driven by corticosteroids that have potential side effects. Recent investigations demonstrated that tacrolimus inhibits T-cell proliferation and suppresses release of inflammatory cytokines. Since tacrolimus is a definite immunosuppressive agent, and since inflammatory process has been involved in uveitis, the compound must have effect on the progression of uveitis through reduction in inflammatory activity. Even results of the clinical trials demonstrate that tacrolimus have useful role in treatment of sight threatening uveitis that is refractory to other therapy. Studies also indicate that long term use of tacrolimus is well tolerated. However, its use in uveitis is limited because of its poor physico-chemical properties including poor aqueous solubility and high molecular weight (822 Da). Therefore, we have proposed that tacrolimus nanoemulsion administered topically is a promising therapeutic approach to treat uveitis. Based on previous evidences, we have hypothesized that nanoemulsion formulation of tacrolimus can improve efficacy and safety profile of tacrolimus.

Isoformononetin, a methoxydaidzein present in medicinal plants, reverses bone loss in osteopenic rats and exerts bone anabolic action by preventing osteoblast apoptosis

PURPOSE

Daidzein (Daid) has been implicated in bone health for its estrogen-'like' effects but low bioavailability, unfavorable metabolism and uterine estrogenicity impede its clinical potential. This study was aimed at assessing isoformononetin (Isoformo), a naturally occurring methoxydaidzein, for bone anabolic effect by overcoming the pitfalls associated with Daid.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley ovariectomized (OVx) rats with established osteopenia were administered Isoformo, 17β-oestradiol (E2) or human parathyroid hormone. Efficacy was evaluated by bone microarchitecture using microcomputed tomography and determination of new bone formation by fluorescent labeling of bone. Osteoblast apoptosis was measured by co-labeling of bone sections with Runx-2 and TUNEL. Biochemical markers of bone metabolism were measured by ELISA. Plasma and bone marrow levels of Isoformo and Daid were determined by LC-MS-MS. Rat bone marrow stromal cells were harvested to study osteoblastic differentiation by Isoformo and Daid. New born rat pups were injected with Isoformo and Daid to study the effect of the compounds on the expression of osteogenic genes in the calvaria by real time PCR.

RESULTS

In osteopenic rats, Isoformo treatment restored trabecular microarchitecture, increased new bone formation, increased the serum osteogenic marker (procollagen N-terminal propeptide), decreased resorptive marker (urinary C-terminal teleopeptide of type I collagen) and diminished osteoblast apoptosis in bone. At the most effective osteogenic dose of Isoformo, plasma and bone marrow levels were comprised of ~90% Isoformo and the rest, Daid. Isoformo at the concentration reaching the bone marrow achieved out of its most effective oral dosing induced stromal cell mineralization and osteogenic gene expression in the calvaria of neonatal rats. Isoformo exhibited uterine safety.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that Isoformo reverses established osteopenia in adult OVx rats likely via its pro-survival effect on osteoblasts. Given its bone anabolic and anti-catabolic effects accompanied with safety at uterine level we propose its potential in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Differential subcellular targeting of recombinant human α₁-proteinase inhibitor influences yield, biological activity and in planta stability of the protein in transgenic tomato plants

The response of protein accumulation site on yield, biological activity and in planta stability of therapeutic recombinant human proteinase inhibitor (α₁-PI) was analyzed via targeting to different subcellular locations, like endoplasmic reticulum (ER), apoplast, vacuole and cytosol in leaves of transgenic tomato plants. In situ localization of the recombinant α₁-PI protein in transgenic plant cells was monitored by immunohistochemical staining. Maximum accumulation of recombinant α₁-PI in T₀ and T₁ transgenic tomato plants was achieved from 1.5 to 3.2% of total soluble protein (TSP) by retention in ER lumen, followed by vacuole and apoplast, whereas cytosolic targeting resulted into degradation of the protein. The plant-derived recombinant α₁-PI showed biological activity for elastase inhibition, as monitored by residual porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) activity assay and band-shift assay. Recombinant α₁-PI was purified from transgenic tomato plants with high yield, homogeneity and biological activity. Purified protein appeared as a single band of ∼48-50 kDa on SDS-PAGE with pI value ranging between 5.1 and 5.3. Results of mass spectrometry and optical spectroscopy of purified recombinant α₁-PI revealed the structural integrity of the recombinant protein comparable to native serum α₁-PI. Enzymatic deglycosylation and lectin-binding assays with the purified recombinant α₁-PI showed compartment-specific N-glycosylation of the protein targeted to ER, apoplast and vacuole. Conformational studies based on urea-induced denaturation and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy revealed relatively lower stability of the recombinant α₁-PI protein, compared to its serum counterpart. Pharmacokinetic evaluation of plant derived recombinant and human plasma-purified α₁-PI in rat, by intravenous route, revealed significantly faster plasma clearance and lower area under curve (AUC) of recombinant protein. Our data suggested significance of protein sorting sequences and feasibility to use transgenic plants for the production of stable, glycosylated and biologically active recombinant α₁-PI for further therapeutic applications.

Analytical profiling of bioactive constituents from herbal products, using metabolomics--a review

Natural products have been the source of many active substances in drug discovery. There are several strategies/approaches in the field of biology, drug discovery, molecular and cell biology for identification of bioactive molecules. Metabolomics involves fewer complexities, is more precise and provides more relevant data compared with other techniques. This approach is based on the application of new technologies and provides real-world end points that complement and help in the interpretation of genomic and proteomic data in drug discovery. It has also been proven to be a valuable analytical tool for the identification of secondary metabolites from medicinal plants, particularly for evidence-based development of new phytotherapeutical agents and nutraceuticals. This review outlines the different analytical techniques used to detect and measure the multiplexed metabolites and biomarkers in the herbal field.

Analytical Profiling of Bioactive Constituents from Herbal Products, using Metabolomics - A Review

Natural products have been the source of many active substances in drug discovery. There are several strategies/approaches in the field of biology, drug discovery, molecular and cell biology for identification of bioactive molecules. Metabolomics involves fewer complexities, is more precise and provides more relevant data compared with other techniques. This approach is based on the application of new technologies and provides real-world end points that complement and help in the interpretation of genomic and proteomic data in drug discovery. It has also been proven to be a valuable analytical tool for the identification of secondary metabolites from medicinal plants, particularly for evidence-based development of new phytotherapeutical agents and nutra-ceuticals. This review outlines the different analytical techniques used to detect and measure the multiplexed metabolites and biomarkers in the herbal field.

Nano-vectors for the Ocular Delivery of Nucleic Acid-based Therapeutics

Nucleic acid-based therapeutics have gained a lot of interest for the treatment of diverse ophthalmic pathologies. The first to enter in clinic has been an oligonucleotide, Vitravene^® for the treatment of cytomegalovirus infection. More recently, research on aptamers for the treatment of age related macular degeneration has led to the development of Macugen^®. Despite intense potential, effective ocular delivery of nucleic acids is a major challenge since therapeutic targets for nucleic acid-based drugs are mainly located in the posterior eye segment, requiring repeated invasive administration. Of late, nanotechnology-based nano-vectors have been developed in order to overcome the drawbacks of viral and other non-viral vectors. The diversity of nano-vectors allows for ease of use, flexibility in application, low-cost of production, higher transfection efficiency and enhanced genomic safety. Using nano-vector strategies, nucleic acids can be delivered either encapsulated or complexed with cationic lipids, polymers or peptides forming sustained release systems, which can be tailored according to the ocular tissue being targeted. The present review focuses on developments and advances in various nano-vectors for the ocular delivery of nucleic acid-based therapeutics, the barriers that such delivery systems face and methods to overcome them.

Antiepileptic intranasal Amiloride loaded mucoadhesive nanoemulsion: development and safety assessment

Current investigation aimed to develop a novel Amiloride loaded mucoadhesive nanoemulsion formulation for nose-to-brain delivery. Furthermore, nasal irritation study and histopathological examination of the nasal mucosa were also carried out to assess nonirritant nature of the nanoemulsion. The optimized formulation, surface epithelium lining and the granular cellular structure of the nasal mucosa were totally intact, whereas KCl caused major changes in the ultrastructure of mucosa. Amiloride loaded mucoadhesive nanoemulsion formulations are non toxic on nasal mucosa and can be administered by intranasal route for effective treatment of epilepsy.

Assessment of ocular pharmacokinetics and safety of Ganciclovir loaded nanoformulations

Ganciclovir (GCV) plays an important role in the treatment of ocular viral infections. A high dose results in dose-related toxicity including bone marrow suppression and neutropenia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the comparative potential of different mucoadhesive nano formulations for the topical ocular delivery of Ganciclovir. GCV mucoadhesive Nanoemulsions (GCV-NEs), chitosan nanoparticles (GCV-NPs), GCV mucoadhesive niosomal dispersion (GCV-NDs) were prepared by the reverse-phase evaporation technique. All of the three formulations were evenly round in shape with mean particle size in the range of 23-200 nm. These results indicated the nonirritant and nontoxic nature of the developed formulations. The achieved results may be useful for formulation development of GCV, which could be effective in the treatment of ocular infections by topical instillation.

Microscopic and spectroscopic evaluation of novel PLGA-chitosan Nanoplexes as an ocular delivery system

The interaction of PLGA-chitosan Nanoplexes with ocular mucosa was investigated ex vivo and in vivo to assess their potential as ocular delivery system. Fluorescent Rhodamine Nanoplexes (Rd-Nanoplexes) were prepared by ionotropic gelation method. The size and morphology of Nanoplexes was investigated by TEM, SEM and PCS. The corneal retention, uptake and penetration of Nanoplexes were analyzed by spectrofluorimetry and confocal microscopy. Corneas from Rd-Nanoplexes-treated rabbits were evaluated for the in vivo uptake and ocular tolerance. The Nanoplexes prepared were round with a mean diameter of 115.6±17nm and the encapsulation efficiency of Rd was 59.4±2.5%. Data from ex vivo and in vivo studies showed that the amounts of Rd in the cornea were significantly higher for Nanoplexes than for a control Rd solution, these amounts being fairly constant for up to 24h. Confocal microscopy of the corneas revealed paracellular and transcellular uptake of the Nanoplexes. The uptake mechanism postulated was adsorptive-mediated endocytosis and opening of the tight junctions between epithelial cells. No alteration was microscopically observed after ocular surface exposure to Nanoplexes. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Nanoplexes are potentially useful as ocular drug carriers.

Quantitative analysis of safranal in saffron extract and nanoparticle formulation by a validated high-performance thin-layer chromatographic method

INTRODUCTION

Safranal is an effective anticonvulsant shown to act as an agonist at GABA(A) receptors. Nose to brain delivery via nanoparticle formulation might improve its brain delivery. A selective and sensitive analytical method is required for evaluation of safranal-based novel drug delivery systems.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method for the quantitative analysis of safranal as bulk, in saffron extract and in developed safranal-loaded nanoparticle formulation.

METHODOLOGY

Chromatographic separation was achieved on silica gel pre-coated TLC aluminium plates 60F-254, using n-hexane:ethyl acetate (9 : 1, v/v) as the mobile phase. Quantitative analysis was carried out by densitometry at a wavelength of 310 nm. The method was validated and applied to detect related impurities, to analyse safranal in saffron extract and to evaluate safranal-loaded nanoparticles.

RESULTS

Compact spots of safranal were observed at R(f) value 0.51 +/- 0.02. The method was linear (r = 0.9991) between 0.5 and 5.0 ng/spot. The intra- and inter-day precisions were 1.08-2.17 and 1. 86-3.47%, respectively. The limit of detection was 50 ng/spot and the limit of quantification was 150 ng/spot. The method proved to be accurate (recovery 97.4-102.0%) and was selective for safranal. Evaluation of safranal-loaded nanoparticle formulation demonstrated drug loading of 23.0%, encapsulation efficiency of 42.0% and sustained drug release following biphasic pattern.

CONCLUSION

The present method is useful for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of safranal and safranal-loaded nanoparticle formulation. It provides significant advantages in terms of greater specificity and rapid analysis.

Dental therapeutic systems

The recognition of periodontal diseases as amenable to local antibiotherapy has resulted in a paradigmatic shift in treatment modalities of dental afflictions. Moreover the presence of antimicrobial resistance, surfacing of untoward reactions owing to systemic consumption of antibiotics has further advocated the use of local delivery of physiologically active substances into the periodontal pocket. While antimicrobials polymerized into acrylic strips, incorporated into biodegradable collagen and hollow permeable cellulose acetate fibers, multiparticulate systems, bio-absorbable dental materials, biodegradable gels/ointments, injectables, mucoadhesive microcapsules and nanospheres will be more amenable for direct placement into the periodontal pockets the lozenges, buccoadhesive tablets, discs or gels could be effectively used to mitigate the overall gingival inflammation. Whilst effecting controlled local delivery of a few milligram of an antibacterial agent within the gingival crevicular fluid for a longer period of time, maintaining therapeutic concentrations such delivery devices will circumvent all adverse effects to non- oral sites. Since the pioneering efforts of Goodson and Lindhe in 1989, delivery at gingival and subgingival sites has witnessed a considerable progress. The interest in locally active systems is evident from the patents being filed and granted. The present article shall dwell in reviewing the recent approaches being proffered in the field. Patents as by Shefer, et al. US patent, 6589562 dealing with multicomponent biodegradable bioadhesive controlled release system for oral care products, Lee, et al. 2001, US patent 6193994, encompassing a locally administrable, biodegradable and sustained-release pharmaceutical composition for periodontitis and process for preparation thereof and method of treating periodontal disease as suggested by Basara in 2004via US patent 6830757, shall be the types of intellectual property reviewed and presented in the current manuscript.

Wound healing in guinea pigs after topical application of starfish Pentaceraster regulus extract

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the healing efficacy of Pentaceraster regulus (starfish) aqueous-methanol extract on cutaneous wounds in guinea pigs.

METHOD

Freshly collected starfish were washed with distilled water and soaked in methanol for transportation. After filtering, soaking and concentration, the extract was fractionated into chloroform soluble (5g), 50% aqueous-methanol soluble (20g) and insoluble fractions (25g). Primary screening demonstrated moderate wound-healing activity in male Swiss-strain guinea pigs, so further fractionation into chloroform, 50% aqueous-methanol and insoluble fractions was undertaken.Wound-healing activity was concentrated only in the aqueous-methanol fraction, so this was used for the study. Animals received either 1% aqueous-methanol extract, the vehicle alone or 5% providone-iodine. The following were measured: wound area,wound tensile strength, DNA, total protein and hydroxyproline levels in excised granulation tissue. Histological changes were observed under microscope.

RESULTS

Extract-treated wounds healed faster, indicated by a significant contraction in wound area (42%). Cellular proliferation and collagen synthesis at the wound site increased, demonstrated by increase in DNA (33%), protein (29%) and hydroxyproline (37%) content when compared with the controls and povidone-iodine-treated animals (standard care). These findings were confirmed by histological examination. Proper folding of collagen was demonstrated by a significant increase in tensile strength (34%).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that the aqueous-methanol extract of starfish P. regulus promotes wound-healing activity.

Distribution of lovastatin to bone and its effect on bone turnover in rats

Statins, the widely used lipid-lowering drugs, are inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, which catalyses a rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of cholesterol. Many previous reports show that statins can act both as bone anabolic and as anti-resorptive agents but their beneficial effects on bone turnover are still controversial. Considering their high liver specificity and low oral bioavailability, the distribution of statins to the bone microenvironment is questionable. In this study, the distribution of lovastatin and its active metabolites to bone, with respect to plasma and liver compartments, was examined after oral and intravenous administration in female rats. As compared with oral administration, the distribution of lovastatin to the bone compartment was significantly enhanced after intravenous administration. Further, the effect of lovastatin on bone turnover was studied in-vitro and in-vivo to assess its anti-osteoporotic potential. Lovastatin acid but not lovastatin was found to inhibit parathyroid-hormone-induced bone resorption in an in-vitro chick embryo bone assay. Oral, as well as intravenous, short-term lovastatin treatment significantly reduced the serum total cholesterol, serum total alkaline phosphatase and urinary crosslinks in ovariectomized rats. In accordance with its increased distribution to the bone compartment, intravenously administered lovastatin was more effective in reducing the ovariectomy-induced increase in markers of bone metabolism, especially urinary crosslinks. The findings of this study suggest that statins inhibit bone resorption and that their anti-resorptive efficacy can be increased by administering them by routes other than oral so as to achieve their enhanced concentration in bone.

Anilino-(2-bromophenyl) acetonitrile: a promising orally effective antileishmanial agent

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or kala-azar is a worldwide disseminated intracellular infection caused by the hemoflagellate protozoan parasites Leishmania donovani. Chemotherapeutic scenario presents a deplorable picture and demands an urgent search for a new and safe anti-VL drugs, preferably active by oral route. In search of new antileishmanial agents, a total of 16 compounds belonging to the anilino-(substituted phenyl)-acetonitrile class were tested in vitro in promastigote/macrophase-amastigote systems and in vivo in L. donvoani/hamster model for their antileishmanial activity. Compound 3, anilino-(2-bromophenyl)-acetonitrile, exhibited most promising activity both in vitro at a concentration of 100 microg/ml (82.33 and 94.36% in promastigote and macrophase-amastigote systems, respectively) and in vivo at a dose of 50 mg/kg for 5 days (82.11 and 80% by i.p. and p.o. routes, respectively), hence this compound was investigated in detail. To maximize its bioavailability, dissolution profile, absorption, the compound was also tested in vivo as its soluble form. But no enhancement in activity was observed. From the results of different parameters for example ED(50) and LD(50) etc. compound 3 appears to be a potent orally effective compound which could further be investigated to establish its potential as a candidate molecule of antileishmanial therapy.