Effects of different protocol doses of low power gallium–aluminum–arsenate (Ga–Al–As) laser radiation (650 nm) on carrageenan induced rat paw ooedema

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of the low power laser therapy on the acute inflammatory process. Male Wistar rats were used. The rat paw oedema was induced by sub-plantar injection of carrageenan, the paw volume was measured before and 1, 2, 3 and 4 h after the injection using a hydroplethysmometer. To investigate the mechanism action of the Ga-Al-As laser on inflammatory oedema, parallel studies were performed using adrenallectomized rats or rats treated with sodium diclofenac. Different laser irradiation protocols were employed for specific energy densities (EDs), exposure times and repetition rates. The rats were irradiated with the Ga-Al-As laser during 80 s each hour. The ED that produced an anti-inflammatory effect were 1 and 2.5 J/cm(2), reducing the oedema by 27% (P<0.05) and 45.4% (P<0.01), respectively. The ED of 2.5 J/cm(2) produced anti-inflammatory effects similar to those produced by the cyclooxigenase inhibitor sodium diclofenac at a dose of 1 mg/kg. In adrenalectomized animals, the laser irradiation failed to inhibit the oedema. Our results suggest that low power laser irradiation possibly exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by stimulating the release of adrenal corticosteroid hormones.

Using inulin-based emulsion gels as fat substitute in salt reduced Bologna sausage

BACKGROUND

A high-fiber emulsion gel (EG) containing inulin, soy protein isolate, and soybean oil was applied as animal fat replacer in reduced salt and fat Bologna sausage containing mechanically deboned chicken meat, pork meat, and pork back fat. Technological and microbiological properties were evaluated for 60 days at 4 °C.

RESULTS

A reduction of 11 to 34% and 35 to 45% of fat and sodium were obtained in reformulated products, respectively. An increase in fiber content and polyunsaturated fatty acid was noticed in the formulations with EG. The addition of EG in Bologna increased L* (lightness) values and reduced a* (redness/greenness) values comparing to control treatment. Microstructural properties of sausages exhibited a denser network with the presence of EG. Softer, more elastic, cohesive and resilient samples with a higher intensity of lipid oxidation (P < 0.05) were observed in EG added sausages. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data shows that the presence of EG recovers the matrix that has been weakened due to reduction of fat and salt. Sensory evaluation showed that the incorporation of the EGs resulted in acceptable scores.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that inulin-based EG is a potential fat substitute for developing healthier meat products, with better fatty acids composition and stable to chilled storage. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Radish powder and oregano essential oil as nitrite substitutes in fermented cooked sausages

Radish powder (0.5 and 1.0%) and oregano essential oil (OEO) (100 mg/kg) were applied in fermented cooked sausages without the addition of nitrite. The products were evaluated along processing and storage at 4 °C and 20 °C during 30 and 60 days. Carvacrol (77.19%), p-cymene (8.78%), γ-terpinene (4.78%) and thymol (3.53%) were the main compounds identified in OEO, which are responsible for its antioxidant capacity. The use of radish powder resulted in an adequate development of colour (12.5-13.5 for a*), nitrite formation (1.9-2.4 mg/kg), pH (5.0-5.2), a_w (0.91-0.92), weight loss (35.8-37.7%) and texture (70-75 N) properties for this type of fermented meat products, and it was also efficient in the decrease of mesophilic bacteria counts (2.3-2.4 log CFU/g in samples with 0.5% radish powder). Sensory analysis showed the consumer's preference regarding aroma for treatments added of OEO and no differences were found in overall acceptance among all treatments, indicating that despite the absence of synthetic nitrite in formulations, the combination of radish powder and OEO was approved by the consumers. However, lipid oxidation was not controlled during storage, since higher TBARS values were found in nitrite-free treated sausages, especially in those stored at 20 °C (2.80 mg MDA/kg in samples with 1% radish powder). Therefore, the use of radish powder and OEO showed promising results to development of fermented cooked sausages from a natural source of nitrite, mainly regarding their physicochemical stability and sensory acceptance.

Bioequivalence study of two enalapril maleate tablet formulations in healthy male volunteers. Pharmacokinetic versus pharmacodynamic approach

OBJECTIVE

Two different conventional release enalapril maleate tablet formulations were evaluated for their relative bioavailability (Eupressin tablets 10 mg, Biosintética as the test formulation vs Renitec tablets 10 mg Merck Sharp & Dhome, as the reference formulation). A single 20 mg oral dose of each preparation was administered to 18 healthy male adult volunteers and their bioequivalence was assessed by comparing the serum enalaprilat and total enalapril (enalaprilat plus enalapril maleate) concentration-time curves. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity was also quantified in each serum sample.

RESULTS

The pharmacokinetic parameters obtained for each formation were the area under the time-concentration curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC[0-24]), maximum concentration Cmax and the time at which it occurred (tmax). When serum enalaprilat concentration-time curves were employed to assess bioequivalence, the formulations were bioequivalent in the extent but not in the rate of absorption. However, no difference in either the extent or the rate of absorption were observed when serum total enalapril vs time curves were analysed. ACE activity-time curves were similar for both formulations and showed that ACE was 90% inhibited for 3-5 h after enalapril administration, and till approximately 50% after 24 h. At that time, circulating enalaprilat and total enalapril levels were less than the tenth of Cmax.

CONCLUSION

The results show that complete bioequivalence of the two formulations can be concluded from serum total enalapril concentration data, and that serum ACE activity is not a suitable pharmacodynamic variable for assessing bioequivalence.

Determination of minocycline in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry: application to bioequivalence study

Minocycline was determined in human plasma by HPLC-MS-MS using clarithromycin as an internal standard. The method is fast (single liquid extraction and run time of <3 min) and sensitive (5 ng/ml) and it was employed in a bioequivalence study of two 100 mg tablet formulations in 24 healthy volunteers. The 90% confidence interval of the individual ratio geometric mean for both AUC(0-96 h) and Cmax were 99.2-111.1% and 95.6-117.5%, respectively. Thus, Minoderm was considered bioequivalent to Minomax according to both the rate and extent of absorption. No food interaction was observed with either formulation.

Cr(III) removal from synthetic and industrial wastewaters by using co-gasification chars of rice waste streams

Blends of rice waste streams were submitted to co-gasification assays. The resulting chars (G1C and G2C) were characterized and used in Cr(III) removal assays from a synthetic solution. A Commercial Activated Carbon (CAC) was used for comparison purposes. The chars were non-porous materials mainly composed by ashes (68.3-92.6% w/w). The influences of adsorbent loading (solid/liquid ratio - S/L) and initial pH in Cr(III) removal were tested. G2C at a S/L of 5 mg L^-1 and an initial pH of 4.50 presented an uptake capacity significantly higher than CAC (7.29 and 2.59 mg g^-1, respectively). G2C was used in Cr(III) removal assays from an industrial wastewater with Cr(III) concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 mg L^-1. Cr(III) removal by precipitation (uptake capacity ranging from 11.1 to 14.9 mg g^-1) was more effective in G2C, while adsorption (uptake capacity of 16.1 mg g^-1) was the main removal mechanism in CAC.

Serum androstenedione levels during normal and human menopausal gonadotropin-induced human pregnancies

17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) and androstenedione (A) were measured frequently during the first trimester of five human pregnancies. Two were normally conceived and three were HMG induced. Of the HMG induced, two showed signs of hyperstimulation and one did not. 17-OHP and A patterns were very similar in the HMG-induced pregnancies from about days 25 to 60, after which the 17-OHP levels continued to drop. The A remained fairly constant after that time. In the normally conceived pregnancies the 17-OHP showed its characteristic rise and fall from about days 25 to 60, but A remained relatively constant throughout this period of time. The pattern of A in normal pregnancies is in marked contrast to that observed in HMG-induced pregnancies. Results from HMG-induced pregnancied may not, therefore, be always applicable to normal ones.

Proinflammatory effects of photoactivated methylene blue on rat model of Walker 256 carcinosarcoma

BACKGROUND

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an anticancer therapy that associates the photosensitizer (PS), oxygen and light to destroy cancer cells. Methylene blue (MB) is considered a second generation phenothiazine dye with excellent photochemical properties.

AIM

To evaluate whether MB-mediated PDT can induce oxidative stress and inflammation, therefore, interfering tumor growth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted on Wistar rats transplanted with Walker 256 carcinosarcoma (W256). The proinflammatory interleukins levels (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α) were determined by ELISA, mRNA expression of COX-1, COX-2, iNOS and eNOS by RT-PCR, lipid peroxidation was measured by the TBARS method. Moreover, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in neutrophils was determined by MPO activity assay. All indices mentioned above were determined in tumor tissue. Kaplan - Meier and Gehan - Breslow - Wilcoxon tests were used for survival analysis.

RESULTS

We found that the treatment of W256 with 0.1% MB + 1 J/cm² provoked a significant increase in the interleukins levels (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α), prostaglandin E2, the mRNA expression of COX-2, iNOS, lipid peroxidation and MPO activity in tumor tissue, which were statistically different (p < 0.05) compared to other experimental and control groups. The results of the estimation of survival curves show a greater probability of survival in 0.1% MB + 1 J/cm² (total energy dose =142.8 J/cm²) treated group.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that treatment of W256 with 0.1% MB + 1 J/cm² was able to promote cytotoxic effects in tumor tissue by the generation of reactive oxygen species causing inflammation and thus interfering in the tumor growth.

Bioequivalence study of finasteride. Determination in human plasma by high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry

Two different finasteride (CAS 98319-26-7) tablet formulations were evaluated for their relative bioavailability (Flaxin tablets 5 mg, as the test formulation vs reference formulation, tablets 5 mg) in 23 healthy male volunteers who received a single 5 mg oral dose of each preparation. The study was open, randomized with a two-period crossover design and a 7-day washout period. Plasma samples were obtained over a 48-h interval. The finasteride concentrations were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). The analytical method developed has a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.50 ng/ml in plasma. For the quality control the measured concentration was 2.05 +/- 0.14 ng/ml (mean +/- SD, n = 30) with a precision of 6.9% and an accuracy of 2.55% at a concentration of the starting solution of 2.00 ng/ml, while with 20.00 ng/ml starting solution the measured concentrations were 20 +/- 0.80 ng/ml (n = 30) with a precision of 3.81% and an accuracy of 0.09%. From the plasma finasteride concentration vs time curves the following pharmacokinetics parameters were obtained: AUC0-48, AUC0-infinity, Cmax, Cmax/AUC0-48, Ke, elimination half-life and tmax. Geometric mean test/reference formulations individual percent ratio was 95.71 for AUC0-48 h and 88.70% for Cmax. The 90% confidence interval for the geometric mean of the individual ratio test/reference formulations was 95.70-120.20% for AUC0-48 h, 94.60-121.30 for AUC0-infinity and 88.70-108% for Cmax. Since for both Cmax or AUC the 90% Cl values are within the interval proposed by the Food and Drug Administration, the test formulation is bioequivalent to the reference formulation for both the rate and extent of absorption after single dose administration.

Determination of RSD921 in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry using tri-deuterated RSD921 as internal standard: application to a phase I clinical trial

A fast, sensitive and specific method is presented for the quantification of RSD921 in human plasma by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry using tri-deuterated RSD921 (3d-RSD921) as an internal standard. A single-step liquid/liquid extraction was performed with diethyl ether/hexane (80 : 20, v/v) using 0.5 ml of plasma. The plasma calibration curves were linear from 0.1 to 20 ng ml(-1) (r > 0.999). Between-run precision, based on the percent relative deviation for replicate (n = 40) quality controls, was < or =7.27% (0.5 ng ml(-1)), < or =7.39% (5.0 ng ml(-1)), and < or =5.06% (20.0 ng ml(-1)). Between-run accuracies, based on the relative error, were +/-2.59%, +/-1.23% and +/-1.64% respectively. The method was developed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile after 15 min of intravenous stepwise-ascending infusion dose of RSD921 in 18 healthy volunteers. A dissociation study of protonated RSD921 and 3d-RSD921 by collision-induced dissociation using in-source fragmentation and tandem mass spectrometry is also presented.

Bioequivalence evaluation of two roxithromycin formulations in healthy human volunteers by high performance liquid cromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry

The bioequivalence of two different formulations containing roxithromycin (SPE-712-1). Oral suspension 300 mg/15 mL as test formulation and Rotram, tablets 300 mg as reference formulation, both by Schering Plough S.A., Brazil) was evaluated in 24 healthy volunteers of both sexes (12 male and 12 female). The study was conducted open with randomized two-period crossover design and a 14-day washout period. Each subject received 300 mg of each roxithromycin formulation. Plasma samples were obtained over a 72-hour interval and roxithromycin concentrations were analyzed by combined LC-MS/MS with positive ion electrospray ionization using selected ion monitoring method. From the plasma roxithromycin concentration vs time curves the following pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained: AUC(0-72 h), AUC(0-infinity), Cmax, t1/2 ratios and tmax individual differences. The 90% for confidence interval (CI) of geometric mean SPE-712-L/Rotram individual percent ratio were 105.0-128.3% for AUC(0-72 h), and 78.4-96.9 for Cmax. Although this 90% CI were marginally outside the interval proposed by the Food and Drug Administration, the probability assessed by the two-one sided West for ratios was included in the 0.8-1.25 interval, as we concluded that SPE-712-L oral suspension formulation was bioequivalent to Rotram tablet formulation for the extent and rate of absorption.

Comparative bioavailability of two atenolol tablet formulations in healthy male volunteers after a single dose administration

The bioavailability of 2 atenolol tablet formulations (Angipress from Laboratórios Biosintética, and Atenol from Wellcome ICI Laboratory, Brazil) were compared in 18 healthy male volunteers who received a single 50 mg dose of each atenolol formulation. The study was conducted following an open randomized 2-period crossover design with a 14-day washout interval between doses. Plasma samples were obtained over a 24-hour interval and atenolol concentrations were determined by HPLC with fluorimetric detection. From the plasma atenolol concentration vs time curves the following pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained: AUC(zero-24) (area under the concentration vs time curves from 0-24 h), ke (terminal elimination constant), t1/2 (terminal first order elimination half-life), AUC (area under the concentration vs time curves extrapolated to infinity), Cmax (maximum achieved concentration), Tmax (time to achieve Cmax) and Cmax/AUC. All these variables were analyzed using both parametric and nonparametric statistics. Geometric mean Angipress/Atenol individual percent ratios were 99.6% for AUC(zero-24), 99.7% for AUC, 98.0% for Cmax, 102.8% for t1/2, 97.2% for ke and 97.8% for Cmax/AUC, with all their 90% confidence intervals within the bioequivalence range 80-125%, thus showing similar patterns of absorption and disposition. Arithmetic mean for individual Tmax differences was 0.8 h, and the 90% confidence interval did not include the zero value. Based on these results and in accordance with the European Union and the US Food and Drug Administration bioequivalence requirements we conclude that both atenolol formulations are bioequivalent for both the extent and the rate of absorption.

Effect of Transglutaminase Treatment on the Structure and Sensory Properties of Rice- or Soy-Based Hybrid Sausages

Partial substitution of meat with non-protein sources in hybrid meat products generally leads to a decrease in texture attributes and, consequently, in sensory acceptance. In this study, we investigated the effects of transglutaminase (TG) at two concentrations (0.25% and 0.5%) on the physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties of hybrid sausages formulated with concentrated soy or rice proteins. TG caused a reduction in the heat treatment yield of hybrid sausages, particularly those made with rice protein. pH and color parameters were marginally affected by TG addition. Texture parameters increased substantially with TG, although escalating the TG level from 0.25% to 0.5% did not result in a proportional improvement in texture parameters; in fact, for rice-based hybrid sausages, no difference was achieved for all attributes, while only cohesiveness and chewiness were improved for soy-based ones. TG enhanced the sensory attributes of soy-based hybrid sausages to a level comparable to control meat emulsion, as evidenced by ordinate preference score and projective mapping. Our findings suggest that TG is a viable strategy for enhancing texture and sensory parameters in hybrid sausages, particularly for plant proteins that exhibit greater compatibility with the meat matrix.

Improving the textural and nutritional properties in restructured meat loaf by adding fibers and papain designed for elderly

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary fibers (apple, oat, pea, and inulin) in meat loaves treated with papain enzyme. In the first step, dietary fibers were added to the products at the level of 6%. All dietary fibers decreased the cooking loss and improved the water retention capacity throughout the shelf life of the meat loaves. Besides, the dietary fibers increased the compression force of meat loaves treated with papain, mainly oat fiber. The dietary fibers decreased the pH, especially the treatment with apple fiber. In the same way, the color was changed mainly by the apple fiber addition, resulting in a darker color in both raw and cooked samples. TBARS index increased in meat loaves added with both pea and apple fibers, mostly for the last one. In the next step, the combination of inulin, oat, and pea fibers was evaluated in the meat loaves treated with papain, combining fibers up to 6% total content likewise decreased cooking and cooling loss and increased the texture of the papain-treated meat loaf. The addition of fibers improved the acceptability of the texture-related samples, except for the three-fiber mixture (inulin, oat, and pea), which was related to a dry, hard-to-swallow texture. The mix of pea and oat fibers conferred the best descriptive attributes, possibly related to improved texture and water retention in the meat loaf, and comparing the use of isolated oat and pea, the perception of negative sensory attributes was not mentioned, such as soy and other off-flavors. Considering these results, this study showed that dietary fibers combined with papain improved the yielding and functional properties with potential technological use and consistent nutritional claims for elderly.

Influence of gastric acid secretion blockade and food intake on the bioavailability of a potassium diclofenac suspension in healthy male volunteers

The bioavailability of a single dose of a potassium diclofenac (KDIC) suspension (Flogan, Merck, 7ml, 105 mg) was studied in 13 healthy male volunteers in the fasting state (placebo phase, PLA), after gastric acid secretion blockade (subacute pretreatment with omeprazole, OME phase) and after food intake (FOOD phase). A 14-day washout period between phases was adopted. Serum samples were obtained over a 24 hour interval and the diclofenac concentrations were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. From the serum diclofenac concentration vs time curves, the AUC[0-infinity] (area under the concentration vs time curves from 0 to infinity), Cmax (maximum achieved concentration), tmax (time to achieve Cmax), Ke (terminal first order elimination constant), half-life values (t1/2) and AUC[0-infinity]/t1/2 ratio as an index of diclofenac clearance, were obtained. All these variables were analyzed using both parametric and non-parametric statistics. In the presence of food, KDIC absorption was delayed (as shown by lower Cmax and greater tmax values) and decreased (as shown by lower AUC[0-infinity] values), and the serum diclofenac concentration vs time curves showed a biphasic pattern. Omeprazole pretreatment did not change the absorption parameters. Both of these treatments altered the diclofenac clearance, as assessed by the AUC[0-infinity]/t1/2, t1/2 and Ke values, although the changes were not considered to be clinically significant, because of the wide therapeutic range for diclofenac. The delay in the rate of diclofenac absorption produced by food intake was not due to an increase in the gastric pH, and could be of particular importance when rapid analgesia is desired.

Comparative bioavailability of two fluconazole capsule formulations in healthy volunteers

This work reports the bioavailability of two fluconazole (CAS 86386-73-4) capsule formulations in 24 healthy volunteers of both sexes who received a single oral dose (150 mg). The study was conducted using an open, randomized, two-period crossover design with two-week washout interval. Plasma samples were obtained up to 168 h after drug administration and fluconazole concentration were analyzed using electrospray tandem mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography. The pharmacokinetic parameters obtained for fluconazole after the administration of each formulation included the area under the curve (AUC)(0-168 h), AUC(0-infinity), maximum concentration (Cmax), time to reach Cmax (Tmax), elimination constant (Ke) and half-life (T1/2). The 90% confidence interval for the geometric mean of the individual ratio test formulation/reference formulation were 97.18-108.60% for AUC0-168 h), 90.87-111.11% for AUC(0-infinity), 104.88-114.88% for Cmax 90.38-136.79% for Ke, 91.87-108.93% for T1/2 and (-)1.5-(-)0.10 for Tmax (for individual differences). Since for both Cmax or AUC the 90% CI are within the interval proposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the test formulation (Zoltrix) is bioequivalent to the reference formulation for both the rate and the extent of absorption after single dose administration.