Topical isoniazid as a novel treatment for melasma: A randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Melasma is a chronic hyperpigmentation disorder, and its treatment poses a challenge to dermatologists due to its chronicity and resistance to conventional therapies. Oral isoniazid is used for the treatment of tuberculosis. One of us had previously showed that topical isoniazid exerts a strong depigmenting action in animal models. In this clinical trial, we assessed the therapeutic effect of topical isoniazid on melasma.

METHODS

Twenty female patients suffering from epidermal melasma were enrolled and divided equally into two groups. The treatment group received topical isoniazid 10%, and the control group received the cold cream vehicle as the placebo. All participants were advised to avoid sunlight and used SPF 50 sunscreen. Patients applied topical agents once daily at night for 3 months. The melanin and erythema indices were measured by colorimetric evaluations at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment. At these time points, the (mMASI) score was also determined, as was the subjective evaluation through Melasma Quality of Life Scale (MELASQOL) scores. Blood tests were performed to evaluate CBC and the liver enzymes.

RESULTS

All patients completed the 12-week study. In the treatment group, a significant decrease in melanin index from 63.77 ± 6.27 at baseline to 55.92 ± 5.79 was recorded (p = 0.001). Very minimal clinical changes were also seen in the control group and melanin index was decreased from 62.65 ± 2.23 to 61.25 ± 2.34 (p = 0.004). Clinically significant differences were observed in the rate of changes between both groups. These findings indicate that topical isoniazid has significant depigmenting effects compared to the placebo (p = 0.001). The erythema index remained unchanged in both groups. In the treatment group, the mMASI score was 5.63 ± 3.28 at baseline and 2.13 ± 1.71 at the last follow-up, significantly reduced compared to the control group (p = 0.002). The MELASQOL score indicated a significant improvement in the quality of life in the treatment group.

CONCLUSION

This clinical trial shows for the first time that topical isoniazid is effective in treating melasma. Further clinical trials are necessary to confirm the efficacy and tolerability of topical isoniazid in comparison with other skin-depigmenting compounds.

Topical ocular administration using thermosensitive chitosan-glycerophosphate-PRP hydrogels for improved ocular bioavailability

PURPOSE

One of the difficulties in the pharmacy field is the delivery of drugs for the eyes. Topical therapy is one of the most common methods for treating eye diseases. Due to their unique properties, including biocompatibility and suitable degradation, hydrogels are appropriate for biological purposes. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), as a designated concentration of platelets, is in a smaller volume than the plasma and is considered a rich source of growth factor that has been used in recent years, including applications in eye diseases including corneal wound healing, improvement of dry eye and post-LASIK syndrome.

METHODS

The present study was performed to fabricate Chitosan (CS) and glycerophosphate (GP) based hydrogels that are temperature-sensitive for PRP and investigate their effect on ocular stem cells.

RESULTS

CS-GP-based temperature-sensitive hydrogels containing PRP were successfully fabricated using CS and GP. This hydrogel is liquid at ambient temperature and a gel at ocular temperature. Rheology, FTIR, and SEM tests assessed the properties of the hydrogels. The results of the MTT test showed that the hydrogel made with the optimal formulation was not toxic to LSC cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

Given this, CS-GP-based hydrogels can be applied as a biocompatible formulation in ocular medication administration with increased bioavailability at the ocular surface and topical delivery of PRP.

Chitosan-sialic acid nanoparticles of selenium: Statistical optimization of production, characterization, and assessment of cytotoxic effects against two human glioblastoma cell lines

According to the favorable antitumor properties of selenium, this study aimed to design a novel form of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) functionalized with chitosan (Cs) and sialic acid to assess their antitumor effects on the human glioblastoma cell lines (T98 and A172). Se NPs were synthesized in the presence of chitosan and ascorbic acid (Vc) and the synthesis conditions were optimized using response surface methodology. Se NPs@Cs were obtained with a monoclinic structure with an average diameter of 23 nm under the optimum conditions (reaction time = 30 min, chitosan concentration = 1 % w/v, Vc/Se molar ratio = 5). To modify Se NP@Cs for glioblastoma treatment, sialic acid was used to cover the surface of the NPs. Sialic acid was successfully attached to the surface of Se NPs@Cs, and Se NPs@Cs-sialic acid were formed in the size range of 15-28 nm. Se NPs@Cs-sialic acid were stable for approximately 60 days at 4 ℃. The as-synthesized NPs exerted inhibitory effects on T98 greater than 3 T3 > A172 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Additionally, sialic acid ameliorated the blood biocompatibility of Se NPs@Cs. Taken together, sialic acid improved both the stability and biological activity of Se NPs@Cs.

Immobilization of Clostridium perfringens type D in calcium alginate beads: toxin production mimics free cell culture

Background and Objectives

Cell-immobilization is used to maintain microbial culture to produce metabolites in repeated-batch or continuous fermentations, thereby reducing the time and resources spent on delivering mass production of microbe. The technique also enables shortening of the detoxification phase and the amount of formaldehyde required due to low incidence of viable bacteria in the extract.

Materials and Methods

A solution of sodium alginate containing Clostridium perfringens cells was dropped into stirring CaCl solution via a sterile syringe needle. Optimizations resulted in reasonably uniform beads containing C. perfringens. Beads were externally stabilized by poly L-lysine, followed by immersion in a solution of Na-alginate to coat them with a new layer of alginate forming an alginate-PLL-alginate cortex.

Results

This study proved successful in immobilizing C. perfringens cells inside uniform alginate microspheres. Cell loading and cell propagation inside the beads were measured. The cell loaded beads were cultivable in liquid media producing 550 minimum lethal doses per milliliter (MLD/ml) in a 72 h.

Conclusion

The research paved the way for further investigations to optimize and establish an efficient bacterial encapsulation method. Thus, it seems possible to produce toxins from beads engulfing C. perfringens on larger scales via repeated-batch or continuous fermentation processes.

Evaluation of antioxidant potential of Heliotropium bacciferum Forssk extract and wound healing activity of its topical formulation in rat

Wound healing is a dynamic process that occurs in the tissue under the skin. During this process, oxidative stress biomarkers are excessively produced, which finally lead to inflammation and cellular damage. In this study, efforts have been made to evaluate the antioxidant effect and wound healing activity topical formulation containing Heliotropium bacciferum Forssk extract. The in vitro antioxidant properties were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activities and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The herbal ointments (2.5% w/w and 5% w/w) were prepared from the hydroalcoholic extract of H. bacciferum Forssk and administrated on the induced wounds in Wistar rats. The chromatic assay, percentage of wound contraction, and histopathological studies were used for evaluating the wound healing activity. For the evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), catalase (CAT) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) levels were examined. The DPPH method showed tremendous radical scavenging activities at the corresponding concentrations with EC₅₀ value of 80μg/mL. Topical application of the ointment (5% w/w) showed the highest wound contraction in comparison to the positive control (treated with CICALFATE™) and the control group (treated with normal saline). Similarly, the histological study of the group treated with the extract ointment (5% w/w) showed full collagen tissue deposition with a complete epidermal regeneration. The results of the assessment of GSH levels as well as CAT and SOD activities in the treated group (5% w/w) confirmed the scavenging property of the extract ointment. Our findings indicated the proper wound healing impact of the topical formulation of H. bacciferum Forssk due to its notable antioxidant capacity.

Hydrogel beads-based nanocomposites in novel drug delivery platforms: Recent trends and developments

The present article evaluates the composition and synthesis of hydrogel beads. Hydrogels, owing to their known biocompatibility, are widely used in drug delivery as a host (or drug carrier). Hydrogels, owing to their physical, chemical and biological properties, are popular in many aspects. Hydrogels are crosslinked-hydrophilic polymers and commercialized/synthesized in both natural and synthetic forms. These polymers are compatible with human tissues, therefore can be potentially used for biomedical treatments. Hydrogels in drug delivery offer several points of interest such as sustainability, and sensitivity without any side-effects as compared to traditional methods in this field. Drugs can encapsulate and release continuously into the targets when hydrogels are activated/modified magnetically or by fluorescent materials. It is crucial to develop new crosslinked polymers in terms of "biocompatibility" and "biodegradability" for novel drug delivery platforms. In the event that the accomplishments of the past can be used into the longer terms, it is exceedingly likely that hydrogels with a wide cluster of alluring properties can be synthesized. The current review, offers an updated summary of latest developments in the nanomedicines field as well as nanobased drug delivery systems over broad study of the discovery/ application of nanomaterials in improving both the efficacy of drugs and targeted delivery of them. The challenges/opportunities of nanomedicine in drug delivery also discussed. SCOPE OF THE RESEARCH: Although several reviews have been published in the field of hydrogels, however many of them have just centralized on the general overviews in terms of "synthesis" and "properties". The utilization of hydrogels and hydrogel-based composites in vital applications have been achieved a great interest. In this review, our aim is to recap of the key points in the field of hydrogels such as; a) hydrogel nanocomposites, b) magnetic beads, c) biomedical applications, and d) drug delivery. In the same vein, these outlines will be expanded with emphasizing on the boon of magnetic beads and recent developments in this area.

Preparation of PLA/chitosan nanoscaffolds containing cod liver oil and experimental diabetic wound healing in male rats study

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic disorders. One of the important metabolic complications in diabetes is diabetic foot ulcer syndrome, which causes delayed and abnormal healing of the wound. The formulation of nanoscaffolds containing cod liver oil by altering the hemodynamic balance toward the vasodilators state, increasing wound blood supply, and altering plasma membrane properties, namely altering the membrane phospholipids composition, can be effective in wound healing. In this study, electrospinning method was used to produce poly lactic acid/chitosan nanoscaffolds as a suitable bio-substitute. After preparing the nanoscaffolds, the products were characterized with dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Also optical properties of polymer and comparison between adsorption between single polymer and polymer-drug calculated with UV−Vis spectra. The structure and functional groups of the final products were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDAX) as elemental analysis. The results showed that the optimum formulation of cod liver oil was 30%, which formed a very thin fiber that rapidly absorbed to the wound and produced significant healing effects. According to the results, poly lactic acid/chitosan nanoscaffolds containing cod liver oil can be a suitable bio-product to be used in treating the diabetic foot ulcer syndrome.

Formulation, Physiochemical, and Microbial Assay of Henna Oil Vaginal Suppository Formulated with Polyethylene Glycol Bases

Background:

Persian Medicine is one of the oldest and richest complementary and alternative options in the field of medicine and has a comprehensive medical system. Henna oil is recommended in Persian Medicine for the treatment of numerous women’s diseases such as cervicitis. To date, henna has been used for many medical purposes, including astringent, bleeding, cardioinhibitory, hypotension, and relaxation. Accordingly, the present study aimed to provide the formulation of a henna-oil-based vaginal suppository and examine its physicochemical and antimicrobial properties.

Methods:

The present study was approved and performed in accordance with the regulations of Research Council, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran, in July 2016. Different percentages of henna oil, glycerin, and gelatin, as well as henna oil and polyethylene glycol 400 and 4000, were mixed to achieve a formulation with proper appearance features and, particularly, without any oil leakage from the suppository surface. Uniformity of weight, uniformity of content, disintegration time, and dissolution test of the suppositories were evaluated. The growth-inhibiting activity of the suppositories and aqueous extract of henna was evaluated against bacteria, including the Gram-positive bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and group B streptococcus.

Results:

The formulations had a smooth appearance without any cracks or fractures. Disintegration times for glycero-gelatin and polyethylene glycol suppositories were 60 and 10 min, respectively. 40% of the drug was released from polyethylene glycol suppositories after 60 min, but glycero-gelatin suppositories had no release after three hours. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of suppositories and aqueous extract were 0.4 mg/mL and 0.01 mg/mL, respectively.

Conclusion:

Polyethylene glycol suppositories had acceptable physicochemical properties, and the henna extract and suppositories inhibited the three studied pathogens.

Serum levels of Organochlorine Pesticides and Breast Cancer Risk in Iranian Women

Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease and its etiology is linked to multiple risk factors. There are shreds of controversial evidence that exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are important in the etiology of breast cancer. The present study aimed to determine the circulating levels of OCPs in patients with breast tumors in Southeastern of Iran. This case-control study included 27 patients with malignant breast tumors (MBT), 31 patients with benign breast tumors (BBT), and 27 healthy women as a control group. Serum OCPs levels, including α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH), β-HCH, γ-HCH, 2,4-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (2,4-DDT), 4,4-DDT, 2,4-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (2,4-DDE), and 4,4-DDE, were measured using gas chromatography. Our data revealed significantly higher concentrations of 2,4-DDT in MBT and BBT groups compared with control ones (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). Patients with breast cancer suffered significantly higher accumulation levels of 4,4-DDE compared with control subjects (P = 0.04). Significant correlations were found among organochlorine compounds with each other in both patients' groups. There was a significant positive correlation between body mass index and serum levels of 2,4-DDT in BBT group (r = 0.407, P = 0.02). The present findings suggest that the serum levels of 4,4-DDE and 2,4-DDT are associated with an increase in the risk of breast cancer in Southeastern women of Iran.

Niosomal formulation of amphotericin B alone and in combination with glucantime: In vitro and in vivo leishmanicidal effects

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of glucantime and amphotericin B (AmB) encapsulated in niosome against cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) using in vitro and in vivo models. The niosomal formulations of the drugs alone and in combination were prepared and characterized. Subsequent to the examination of their cytotoxicity, their efficacy was evaluated using an in vitro MTT assay, macrophage model, flow cytometry, and gene expression profiling. For evaluation of therapeutic effect of niosomal combination on the lesion induced by Leishmania major in inbred BALB/c mice, the size of lesions and number of parasites in spleen was assessed. The niosomal formulations demonstrated significantly greater inhibitory effects compared with the non-niosomal forms when the IC₅₀ was considered. The niosomal combination showed an increase in the apoptotic values and gene expression levels of IL-12 and metacaspase and a decrease in the levels of IL-10 with a dose-response effect. The niosomal combination was also effective in reducing the lesion size and splenic parasite burden in mice. Our findings indicated that there is a synergistic effect between AmB and glucantime in niosomal form in the inhibition of intracellular and extracellular forms of L. tropica. Additionally, the in vivo results on L. major suggest that topical niosomal formulation could be useful in the treatment of CL.

Preparation of polyacrylamide/polylactic acid co-assembled core/shell nanofibers as designed beads for dapsone in vitro efficient delivery

The main aim of this study is to synthesize and prepare polyacrylamide (PAM)/polylactic acid (PLA) co-assembled core/shell nanofibers in order to investigate an effective dapsone-loaded capability and dapsone-release in the aqueous medium. Dapsone (4,4-diamino-diphenyl sulfone) has high permeability and low solubility in water. In vitro release testing indicates that maximum incorporation of the dapsone nanoemulsions into core/shell nanofibrous structures were 77.71 after 400 min. Products were characterized with X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis, Contact Angle Measurement (CAM) and nitrogen adsorption [i.e. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) Surface Area Analysis] techniques. The porosimetric measurements of the nanofibers structures showed that high porosity diameter, adsorption cross-section area, pore volumes and dead volume were obtained as 0.162 nm², 0.1005 cm³g^-1 and 15.693 cm³, respectively. TGA curve of the core/shell nanofibrous structures shows thermal stability between 240 °C and 260 °C.

A Novel Niosomal Combination of Selenium Coupled with Glucantime against Leishmania tropica

There is no effective treatment modality available against different forms of leishmaniasis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to improve the penetration and efficacy of selenium and glucantime coupled with niosomes and compared them with their simple forms alone on in vitro susceptibility assays. In this study, the niosomal formulations of selenium and in combination with glucantime were prepared. The size and morphology of the niosomal formulations were characterized and the effectivity of the new formulation was also evaluated using in vitro MTT assay, intra-macrophage model, and gene expression profile. From the results obtained, no cytotoxicity effect was observed for niosomal and simple forms of drugs, as alone or in combination. Niosomal formulations of the drugs significantly showed more inhibitory effects (P ≤ 0.001) than the simple drugs when the selectivity index was considered. The gene expression levels of Interleukin (IL-10) significantly decreased, while the level of IL-12 and metacaspase significantly increased (P ≤ 0.001). The results of the present study showed that selenium plus glucantime niosome possess a potent anti-leishmanial effect and enhanced their lethal activity as evidenced by the in vitro experiments.

Leishmanicidal effects of amphotericin B in combination with selenium loaded on niosome against Leishmania tropica

The strategy for improving the treatment of leishmaniasis by the World Health Organization, is the development of new drugs and combination therapy. The aim of this survey was to investigate the effect of amphotericin B (AmB) in combination with selenium, in a simple or niosomal form, on Leishmania tropica (L. tropica) by in vitro advanced assays. In this study, a niosomal formulation of AmB with selenium was prepared and characterized based on size and morphology. Using MTT assay, macrophage model, flow cytometry, and qPCR, the cytotoxicity and efficiency of the niosomal formulation and simple form of combination were evaluated. No toxicity was reported for both the niosomal and simple form of the combination. The niosomal formulation significantly showed higher inhibitory effect on the promastigote and amastigote forms of L. tropica than simple combination form. Interleukin (IL)-10 significantly decreased while the level of IL-12 and metacasoase as Th-1 activator significantly increased (P < 0.001). The findings of this study indicated that niosomes are the stable carriers for this combination, easy to produce and provide promising results as an effective formulation in the inhibition of extracellular and intracellular forms of L. tropica in compared with simple combination form.

A road to bring Brij52 back to attention: Shear stress sensitive Brij52 niosomal carriers for targeted drug delivery to obstructed blood vessels

Thrombosis is a shared perpetrating event in the pathophysiology of several cardiovascular disorders such as ischemic stroke, venous thromboembolism, atherosclerosis, and myocardial infarction. Despite holding a wide range of ammunition in our arsenal to ameliorate such conditions, we are still facing with many stumbling blocks in the satisfactory pharmacotherapy of cardiovascular diseases among which the risk of hemorrhage and life threatening drug interactions can be highlighted. Our hypothesis focuses on mimicking the nature of platelet activation, to design a novel targeted delivery system based on the alterations of a physical parameter, the hemodynamic shear stress, to aim at the offending thrombi in an attempt to offer a noninvasive, rapid, and monitoring-free method that not only can prolong the circulation time of the cargo, but also deliver it locally and reduce both the undesirable adverse effects and drug interactions. Brij52 is our chosen candidate due to its unique non-spherical morphology after forming a niosomal vesicle. We surmised that thanks to its non-spherical shape, diverse shear rates may generate different shear stresses to its equators and axes which might result in the breakdown or at least distortion of niosomal structure under elevated shear stress. The vesicles have to be synthesized in the size of platelets or in the nano-sized scale. In order to prolong the time vesicles are circulating in the blood, PEGylation may help and to make such carriers highly selective to be only activated during pathophysiological clot formation, attachment of domain A1 von Willebrand factor can be of benefit to lead this proposed delivery system to the site of thrombus formation where shear rate exceeds those of 1000 s^-1. There is now an emerging fast growing universal research on shear activated carriers, and the present theory is an endeavor to reach a successful treatment strategy to combat cardiovascular diseases based on the hypothesis that a non-spherical nano-carrier such as Brij 52 niosomal vesicle can be of paramount benefit to deliver current antithrombotic agents in a targeted and controlled manner in the presence of elevated shear stress of the obstructed blood vessels. With more radical advanced drug delivery systems being developed and new strategies being pursued, there will be more options in our arsenal to represent a promising avenue for achieving preventive, well-tolerated, and intelligent drug carriers to circumvent the drawbacks of antithrombotic pharmacotherapy.

Prevalence and Causes of Self Medication among Medical Students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

<p><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> Self-medication is a public health concern because of drug misuse/abuse and its medical, social and psychological problems.</p><p><strong>AIM: </strong>Given the growing prevalence of self-medication, the present study aims to determine the prevalence and causes of self-medication among students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences.</p><p><strong>METHOD:</strong> This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014 on 550 students who were selected through multistage sampling from Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, in southeast Iran. Data was collected through a self-report questionnaire.  Test-retest reliability and content validity of this questionnaire were confirmed. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics via t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA).<strong></strong></p><p><strong>RESULTS:</strong> The prevalence of self-medication among students was 50.2%. The most common cause of self-medication was related to students' knowledge about the diseases and medications (58.7%). The majority of drugs consumed arbitrarily included cough and cold medications (94.5%); analgesics (89.9%); antihistamines (80.0%); herbal drugs and distillates (78.9%); vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements and energizers (71.5%); antibiotics (61.8%); and gastrointestinal drugs (54.9%), respectively. The most common illness that led to self-medication was the common cold (95.4%), and the most important source of information regarding self-medication was the students’ own scientific knowledge of medical drugs (80.6%).</p><p><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Due to the adverse effects of self-medication, drug dependency, and microbial resistance and the relatively high prevalence of self-medication among students in this study, it would be advisable to organize awareness campaigns to further educate students about self-medication.</p>

Preparation and characterization of physicochemical properties of N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide niosomes

Introduction:

The insect repellent compounds are used to protect humans, animals and plants against insect bites. Aromatic amides have insect repellent effects. N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) (C₁₂ H₁₇ NO) is one of the best insect repellents has been used for many years. DEET is a colorless, odorless liquid that is approximately insoluble in water and soluble in glycerin, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol. Due to the solubility problem of DEET, its topical formulations usually have alcoholic bases, but these kind of formulations increase skin permeation and also systemic absorption of DEET, which leads to some toxic effects. The main goal of this study was to prepare the formulation of DEET niosomes in a topical dosage form with suitable stability properties.

Materials and Methods:

Three different methods were used to prepare niosome formulations: Dehydration rehydration vesicle method, direct mixing method, homogenizer method. Sorbitan surfactants, cholesterol, polyoxyethylenecetyl, phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), and charge inductive compounds like cetyltrimethylammonium bromide were used to provide a net negative charge to the final membrane structure. A high-performance liquid chromatography method was then used for the determination of the loaded DEET.

Results:

A large number of niosomes were multi-layered and have a spherical shape. In comparison, syringe method against direct mixing is more appropriate because of creation MLV and uniform niosomes but the best method is homogenizer method. Drug entrapment was between 14% and 21% in selected formulation.

Conclusion:

According to this study, homogenizing method can be used for formulation of DEET in niosome form in topical formulations.

Determination of Vitamin D Serum Levels and Status of the C3435T Polymorphism of Multidrug Resistance 1 Gene in Southeastern Iranian Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a multi-factorial autoimmune disease. P-glycoprotein is encoded by the multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) gene. The C3435T polymorphism in the MDR1 gene is correlated with low P-glycoprotein expression. Additionally, vitamin D has regulatory effects on the immune system. The aim of our study was to determine the association between the C3435T MDR1 polymorphism and UC and to detect the vitamin D serum levels in patients with UC. METHODS One hundred healthy controls and 85 patients with UC were evaluated. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCRRFLP) was used to detect the C3435T MDR1 polymorphisms. Serum levels of vitamin D were measured by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The research was performed in Kerman, Iran, from 2011 to 2013. RESULTS We could not find any association between the C3435T MDR1 polymorphism and susceptibility to UC. There was a significant decrease in serum levels of vitamin D in patients with UC compared with healthy controls (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Controversies regarding the association between the C3435T MDR1 polymorphism with UC have been reported in different populations. The difference between our results and others may be attributed to the heterogeneity of the Iranian population and the sample size. Additionally, our data indicated that UC might be correlated with vitamin D insufficiency. Therefore, the administration of vitamin D might be suggested as a valuable treatment for patients with UC.

Anti-leishmanial effect of itraconazole niosome on in vitro susceptibility of Leishmania tropica

The novel niosomal system aimed to deliver the active drug entity to the target site. The objective of this study was to prepare and evaluate the effect of itraconazole niosome on the in vitro susceptibility of Leishmania tropica as compared to itraconazole alone or tartar emetic. The overall growth rate of promastigotes treated with various concentrations of itraconazole niosome was significantly lower than that of itraconazole alone (IC₅₀=0.24 μg/ml vs. IC₅₀=0.43 μg/ml, P<0.01). In contrast, the mean multiplication rate of amastigotes inside the macrophages and also the mean number of amastigotes in each macrophage treated with itraconazole niosome (34.9 and 3.0) were significantly lower (P<0.01) than those treated with itraconazole alone (62.0 and 3.8) or tartar emetic (63.9 and 4.2), respectively. These findings indicated that niosomes could be developed as a novel drug delivery for itraconazole in the in vitro model. Further studies are required to evaluate the effect of itraconazole niosome on volunteer human subjects.

Effects of minoxidil gel on burn wound healing in rats

Minoxidil has been reported to inhibit in-vitro fibroblast proliferation and lysyl hydroxylase activity, a key enzyme in collagen biosynthesis. These in-vitro effects proposed minoxidil to be a potential antifibrotic agent. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of minoxidil gel on wound healing procedure in a second-degree burn model in rats. Wistar rats were anesthetized and a second-degree burn was induced on the back of Wistar rats using a heated 2 cm diameter metal plate. Experimental groups received 2% or 5% topical minoxidil gel, dexpanthenol or sliver sulfadiazine. Histological parameters including collagen content, angiogenesis, number of preserved follicles and necrosis along with tensile strength of burn wound area were assessed on days 3, 7, 14 and 21 post-injury.Microscopic evaluation of specimens collected from sample animals were consistent and showed a second-degree burn. Main histological findings regarding minoxidil topical usage showed that collagen content and tensile strength of burned area did not differ between groups. However, minoxidil increased the number and diameter of blood vessels significantly compared with other groups.Although minoxidil improved the process of wound-healing, our results did not support the proposed idea of its usage as an antifibrotic agent. However, to reject its possible effects as an antifibrotic agent, more objective animal models should be developed and studied.

Evaluation of moisturizing effect of methanolic extract of five medicinal plants incorporated into cream bases using impedance and extensiometry methods

BACKGROUND

Skin moisturizing is an important issue due to its impact on skin function. Adverse reactions to herbal extracts have been rarely reported and can be used in moisturizers. This study was conduct to evaluate moisturizing effect of a methanolic extract of five medicinal plants incorporated into cream bases.

METHODS

Methanolic extract of five medicinal plants including olive, burdock, licorice, mallow and marsh horsetail was prepared. The extracts were dissolved in distilled water completely and freeze-dried to a dry powder. These extracts were added separately to the cream based formulation that has been suggested to be appropriate for adding herbal extracts. Moisturizing effects of these creams with herbal extracts were assessed using the impedance method on 12 rats equally divided into six groups (one control and five cases), as well as the extensiometry method on 25 mice divided into five groups (in each group one cream with herbal extract and control cream were tested concurrently). Obtained results were compared with the control cream based.

RESULTS

The maximum moisturizing effect was observed with the marsh horsetail. Other creams with herbal extracts, except the one with the licorice, also exerted significantly higher moisturizing effect compared to the controls (P<0.05). Regarding the force for skin tearing, the differences were statistically significant in all groups when compared to the control group (P<0.05) and the highest difference was seen in the marsh horsetail group (2.0832 ± 0.6811 kgN).

CONCLUSIONS

The highest moisturizing activity was observed using marsh horsetail extract that can be explained by flavonoids content of marsh horsetail.

An evaluation of extracts of five traditional medicinal plants from Iran on the inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase activity and scavenging of free radicals

This study aimed to evaluate the free radical scavenging and inhibition properties of five medicinal plants, including Quercus infectoria Olive., Terminalia chebula Retz., Lavendula stoechas L., Mentha longifolia L., Rheum palmatum L., toward the activity of mushroom tyrosinase using L-tyrosine and L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) as the substrate.The methanol extracts of Q. infectoria and T. chebula showed strong radical scavenging effect in 2,2'-dipheny L-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay(IC50 = 15.3 and 82.2 microg mL)1 respectively).These plants also showed inhibitory effects against the activity of mushroom tyrosinase in hydroxylation of L-tyrosine (85.9% and 82.2% inhibition,respectively). These two plants also inhibited the oxidation of l-DOPA similar to kojic acid as positive control (IC50 = 102.8 and 192.6 microg mL)1 respectively). In general Q. infectoria and T. chebula significantly inhibited tyrosinase activity and DPPH radical. Both activities were concentration dependant but not in linear manner. It is needed to study the cytotoxicity of these plant extracts in pigment cell culture before further evaluation and moving to in vivo conditions.

Presence of lead in opium

Opium addiction is a common form of addiction in Middle East countries such as Iran. Recently several reports suggested some kinds of pathologic findings such as abdominal pain, nephropathy, and anemia in opium addict patients. Such pathologic findings suggest lead poisoning in the patients. In this study, the concentration of lead in 10 opium samples was evaluated. The mean concentration of lead in the opium samples was 1.88 ppm. This may explain some of the pathologic findings found in addict patients. The authors would suggest further investigations to evaluate the lead concentration in opium addicts' sera and also routine screening for lead poisoning in opium addict patients.

Study on the oxidative stress status among cement plant workers

The cement industry is considered as a major pollution problem because of dust and particulate matter emitted at various steps of cement production. In the present study, volunteer male workers from a cement factory were studied for oxidative and nitrosative stress biomarkers in relation to their serum levels of aluminum (Al) and chromium (Cr). The subjects were divided into two groups of direct and indirect exposure. Subject who worked in production steps were considered as direct exposure group, and those who worked in administration building were considered as indirect exposure group. For comparison, healthy subjects at the same age and socioeconomic status were tested as a control group. Serum levels of lipid peroxidation (LP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol molecules (TTM), and nitric oxide (NO) as well as Al and Cr were measured. The results indicated a significant increase in Al ( P = 0.001) and Cr ( P = 0.009) levels in direct-exposed workers in comparison to healthy control group. Further, a significant increase in Al ( P = 0.002) and Cr ( P = 0.009) levels was observed in direct-exposed workers as compared to indirect-exposed one. Serum levels of TTM and TAC were significantly lower in both direct- and indirect-exposed groups in comparison to healthy control group ( P = 0.00). Serum TTM and TAC were significantly lower in direct-exposed workers as compared to indirect-exposed ones ( P = 0.00 and P = 0.024, respectively). There was no significant difference on the level of LP and NO among groups. A correlation was found between serum level of Cr, TAC, and platelets between direct- and indirect-exposed groups ( P < 0.05). Further correlation was found among serum level of Cr and those of TTM, platelets, and chronic disease ( P < 0.05). Chronic disease had a significant influence adjusted to other predictor variables on the post-shift values of Al ( P < 0.05). Although plasma levels of Al and Cr were found in normal ranges, analyses confirm their role in impairment of TMM and TAC.

Ionized and total magnesium concentration in patients with severe preeclampsia-eclampsia undergoing magnesium sulfate therapy

AIM

As ionized magnesium is the active form of magnesium and exerts a therapeutic effect, the present study was performed to determine the levels and correlations between ionized and total magnesium under baseline and therapeutic conditions in patients with severe preeclampsia and eclampsia receiving magnesium sulfate.

METHODS

Fifty singleton patients with severe preeclampsia received a loading dose of 4 g of magnesium sulfate, followed by 2 g per hour as maintenance dose until 24 h after delivery, or 24 h after the last seizure in case of postpartum convulsions. Serial blood samples were taken before magnesium sulfate infusion, 30 min and 240 min after the initiation of the infusion and 4 h after the discontinuation of the drug. Data were analyzed by repeated measure ANOVA and paired t-test.

RESULTS

Baseline levels of total and ionized magnesium were 2.4+/-0.6 mEq/L and 1.3+/-0.5 mEq/L (mean+/-SD), respectively. Putative level of 4 mEq/L of total magnesium was not obtained in up to 42% of patients during the treatment. There was not any significant correlation between the two forms of magnesium under baseline and therapeutic conditions.

CONCLUSION

Despite the effectiveness of the standard regimen of magnesium sulfate in the treatment and prevention of eclamptic seizures, it can not provide the proposed therapeutic level of magnesium in all patients. With respect to the lack of correlation between ionized and total magnesium, further studies are necessary to investigate the superiority of measurement of ionized, rather than total magnesium, for titration of therapeutic magnesium sulfate infusion.

Serum magnesium and calcium ions in patients with severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia undergoing magnesium sulfate therapy

BACKGROUND

Magnesium sulfate is used for seizure therapy and prophylaxis in women with eclampsia and preeclampsia worldwide. Magnesium may act by opposing calcium-dependent arterial constriction and may also antagonize the increase in intracellular calcium concentration. The objectives were to study the alterations in serum ionized magnesium and calcium and their relationship in patients with severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia receiving magnesium sulfate therapy.

MATERIAL/METHODS

Fifty patients in singleton pregnancy with severe pre-eclampsia or eclampsia who were candidates for intravenous magnesium sulfate infusion were studied. Serum ionized magnesium and calcium concentration were determined in blood samples taken before magnesium sulfate infusion, 30 and 240 minutes after the initiation of the infusion, and 4 hours after discontinuation of the therapy. Repeated-measure ANOVA, paired t-test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Mean baseline levels of ionized magnesium and ionized calcium were 1.3+/-0.5 mEq/l and 3.8+/-0.5 mg/dl, respectively. The mean concentration of ionized magnesium changed significantly at the stated intervals, while mean ionized calcium values did not. Significant correlation was found between ionized calcium and magnesium four hours after the initiation of magnesium sulfate infusion and after discontinuation of the therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Magnesium ion does not appear to exert its therapeutic effect in pre-eclampsia/eclampsia by substantially modulating serum ionized calcium. However, the effect of exogenous Mg on intracellular calcium cannot be ruled out.

The Analgesic Effect of Tribulus terrestris Extract and Comparison of Gastric Ulcerogenicity of the Extract with Indomethacine in Animal Experiments

Tribulus terrestris has been used in traditional medicine for relieving rheumatic pain and as an analgesic plant for a long time. In this investigation the analgesic effect of methanolic extract of this plant on male albino mice was evaluated by formalin and tail flick test. Extraction of the fruits of the plant was done by two different methods (suxheletion and percolation) with methanol 80%. The percolated extract was injected intraperitoneally in mice at 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg. The results showed that a dose of 100 mg/kg of percolated extract had the highest significant analgesic effect compared to the control group (P < 0.01) in formalin and tail flick test. There is no significant difference in the analgesic effect of suxheleted and percolated extract. The analgesic effect of the extract was lower than morphine, 2.5 mg/kg in both tests, and higher than ASA 300 mg/kg in chronic phase of pain in formalin test (P < 0.05). Pretreatment of animal with naloxone did not change the analgesia induced by the plant extract in both tests, therefore the involvement of opioid receptor in the analgesic effect of this plant was excluded. The results of ulcerogenic studies indicate that the gastric ulcerogenecity of plant extract is lower than the indomethacin in the rat's stomach. It can therefore be concluded that T. terrestris extract has a suitable analgesic effect and further studies are required to produce a more effective product of this plant to substitute for conventional analgesic drugs.