Corneal critical barrier against the penetration of dexamethasone and lomefloxacin hydrochloride: evaluation by the activation energy for drug partition and diffusion in cornea

The cornea is a solid barrier against drug permeation. We searched the critical barrier of corneal drug permeation using a hydrophobic drug, dexamethasone (DM), and a hydrophilic drug, lomefloxacin hydrochloride (LFLX). The activation energies for permeability of DM and LFLX across the intact cornea were 88.0 and 42.1 kJ/mol, respectively. Their activation energies for permeability across the cornea without epithelium decreased to 33.1 and 16.6 kJ/mol, respectively. The results show that epithelium is the critical barrier on the cornea against the permeation of a hydrophobic drug of DM as well as a hydrophilic drug of LFLX. The activation energy of partition for DM (66.8 kJ/mol) was approximately 3-fold larger than that of diffusion (21.2 kJ/mol). The results indicate that the partition for the hydrophobic drug of DM to the corneal epithelium is the primary barrier. Thermodynamic evaluation of activation energy for the drug permeation parameters is a good approach to investigate the mechanism of drug permeability.

A review of Thimerosal (Merthiolate) and its ethylmercury breakdown product: specific historical considerations regarding safety and effectiveness

Thimerosal (Merthiolate) is an ethylmercury-containing pharmaceutical compound that is 49.55% mercury and that was developed in 1927. Thimerosal has been marketed as an antimicrobial agent in a range of products, including topical antiseptic solutions and antiseptic ointments for treating cuts, nasal sprays, eye solutions, vaginal spermicides, diaper rash treatments, and perhaps most importantly as a preservative in vaccines and other injectable biological products, including Rho(D)-immune globulin preparations, despite evidence, dating to the early 1930s, indicating Thimerosal to be potentially hazardous to humans and ineffective as an antimicrobial agent. Despite this, Thimerosal was not scrutinized as part of U.S. pharmaceutical products until the 1980s, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration finally recognized its demonstrated ineffectiveness and toxicity in topical pharmaceutical products, and began to eliminate it from these. Ironically, while Thimerosal was being eliminated from topicals, it was becoming more and more ubiquitous in the recommended immunization schedule for infants and pregnant women. Furthermore, Thimerosal continues to be administered, as part of mandated immunizations and other pharmaceutical products, in the United States and globally. The ubiquitous and largely unchecked place of Thimerosal in pharmaceuticals, therefore, represents a medical crisis.

Early thimerosal exposure and neuropsychological outcomes at 7 to 10 years

BACKGROUND

It has been hypothesized that early exposure to thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative used in vaccines and immune globulin preparations, is associated with neuropsychological deficits in children.

METHODS

We enrolled 1047 children between the ages of 7 and 10 years and administered standardized tests assessing 42 neuropsychological outcomes. (We did not assess autism-spectrum disorders.) Exposure to mercury from thimerosal was determined from computerized immunization records, medical records, personal immunization records, and parent interviews. Information on potential confounding factors was obtained from the interviews and medical charts. We assessed the association between current neuropsychological performance and exposure to mercury during the prenatal period, the neonatal period (birth to 28 days), and the first 7 months of life.

RESULTS

Among the 42 neuropsychological outcomes, we detected only a few significant associations with exposure to mercury from thimerosal. The detected associations were small and almost equally divided between positive and negative effects. Higher prenatal mercury exposure was associated with better performance on one measure of language and poorer performance on one measure of attention and executive functioning. Increasing levels of mercury exposure from birth to 7 months were associated with better performance on one measure of fine motor coordination and on one measure of attention and executive functioning. Increasing mercury exposure from birth to 28 days was associated with poorer performance on one measure of speech articulation and better performance on one measure of fine motor coordination.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study does not support a causal association between early exposure to mercury from thimerosal-containing vaccines and immune globulins and deficits in neuropsychological functioning at the age of 7 to 10 years.

[Iodine-containing urine preservative]

One of the formidable problems of exploration missions is creation of autonomous water-closed life support systems. Sources of water for regeneration could be various water-containing human wastes including urine, the most chemically contaminated liquid. Prior to physical/chemical regeneration, urine first must be decontaminated in order to put a stop to microbiological processes that form harmful and volatile compounds contaminating condensate and drastically reducing the service life of afterpurifucation filters. Bactericide, sporocide and fungicide effectiveness of two iodine-containing preservatives was tested. One of them contains a water solution of iodine--potassium iodide and sulphuric acid. The other has medical poly-vinyl pyrrolidone to neutralize iodine toxicity. The broad antimicrobial spectrum of two iodine-containing urine preservatives and adaptability of microorganisms to a new environment are key arguments for serial use of these and other preservatives in regenerative physical/chemical systems of water supply in space exploration missions.

Mechanism of unoprostone-induced cytosolic Ca2+ mobility in cultured porcine corneal endothelial cells

The effect of unoprostone isopropyl on the intracellular free Ca(2+) signaling ([Ca(2+)](i)) in cultured porcine corneal endothelial cells was evaluated by using fura-2-AM as a Ca(2+) probe. In Ca(2+)-containing buffer and Ca(2+)-free buffer, unoprostone increased [Ca(2+)](i) concentration dependently from 28.2 to 0.282microM, diluted from original concentration to 1/100, 1/1000 and 1/10,000. The response was inhibited on extracellular Ca(2+) removal. In Ca(2+)-free buffer, pretreatment of the cells with unoprostone inhibited the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump inhibitor thapsigargin-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase and the mitochondria uncoupler carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP)-induced Ca(2+) release by 96 and 95%, respectively. Pretreatment of the cells with thapsigargin or CCCP also inhibited unoprostone-1-induced [Ca(2+)](i) rise by 84 and 57%, respectively. The intracellular calcium release caused by unoprostone was partially inhibited by phospholipase C inhibitor (U73122) and by phospholipase A(2) inhibitor aristolochic acid. After incubation of the cells with unoprostone in Ca(2+)-free buffer, the addition of 5mM CaCl(2) increased Ca(2+) influx, implying that release of Ca(2+) from internal stores caused by unoprostone further induced capacitative Ca(2+) entry. These results suggest that unoprostone-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase in corneal endothelial cells results from Ca(2+) influx from external buffer and release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores from the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria Ca(2+) stores followed by capacitative Ca(2+) entry. Unoprostone-induced intracellular Ca(2+) release was also modulated by phospholipase A(2) and C-coupled events.

Effect of propyl paraben on the dipalmitoyl phosphatidic acid vesicles

The effect of the preservative propyl paraben (PPB) on the phase transition and dynamics of dipalmitoyl phosphatidic acid (DPPA)-buffer (pH 7.4/9.3) vesicles has been studied using DSC and ((1)H and (31)P) NMR. These investigations were carried out with DPPA dispersion in both multilamellar vesicular (MLV) and unilamellar vesicular (ULV) forms. DSC results indicate that the mechanism by which PPB interact with the DPPA vesicles is similar in MLV and ULV and is independent of pH of the buffer used to form the dispersion. However, for a given concentration of PPB, the perturbation in DPPA bilayer is more when the dispersion is prepared in buffer pH 7.4. PPB affected both the thermotropic phase transition and the molecular mobility of the DPPA membrane. In the presence of PPB, the gel to liquid crystalline phase transition temperature (T(m)) of the DPPA vesicles decreases hence increases membrane fluidity due to reduced headgroup-headgroup interaction. For all concentrations, the PPB molecules seem to get intercalated between the polar groups of the phospholipids with its alkyl chain penetrating into the co-operative region. At high PPB concentration, additional transitions are observed whose intensity increases with increasing PPB concentration. The large enthalpy values obtained at high PPB concentration suggest that presence of PPB makes the DPPA bilayer more ordered (rigid). The interesting finding obtained with MLV is that the stable gel phase of DPPA-buffer (pH 9.3/7.4) system in the presence of high PPB concentration becomes a metastable gel phase, this metastable gel phase on equilibration at 25 degrees C or when cooled to -20 degrees C transforms to a stable crystalline phase(s). The intensity of this new phase(s) increases with increasing PPB concentration. However, the transition temperatures of these new phases are not significantly changed with increasing PPB concentration. The effect of inclusion of cholesterol in the PPB-free and PPB-doped DPPA dispersion was also studied.

Benzalkonium chloride induces dephosphorylation of Myosin light chain in cultured corneal epithelial cells

PURPOSE

Phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC) is essential for the contractility of the actin cytoskeleton, which regulates barrier integrity, adhesion, and migration. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of benzalkonium chloride (BAK), a preservative in topical ophthalmic formulations, on MLC phosphorylation in primary cultures of bovine corneal epithelial cells (BCECs).

METHODS

MLC phosphorylation was assessed by urea-glycerol gel electrophoresis followed by Western blot analysis. Activation of RhoA, which inhibits MLC phosphatase through Rho kinase, was examined by immunoprecipitation. The release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was measured by the luciferase-luciferin bioluminescence technique.

RESULTS

Positive expression of MLC kinase (MLCK) was found at the mRNA and protein levels by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Exposure to BAK for 10 to 20 minutes at concentrations of 0.0005%, 0.001%, and 0.003% reduced MLC phosphorylation by more than 30%. In addition, BAK led to thinning of the cortical actin and a decrease in cell adhesion. However, RhoA activity was found to increase with BAK treatment. Similar to BAK, ATP-depletion (induced by both antimycin-A and hypoxia) led to MLC dephosphorylation. BAK exposure also showed acute ATP release.

CONCLUSIONS

BAK induces acute ATP release and concomitant MLC dephosphorylation in bovine corneal epithelial cells. The dephosphorylation, presumably due to ATP loss, is indicative of a loss of contractility of the actin cytoskeleton that could affect cellular functions contributing to the maintenance of epithelial barrier integrity.

Modulatory effect of NO on sodium currents in a neuroblastoma cell line: aspects of cell specificity

Nitric oxide (NO) participates in the regulation of many cell functions in the CNS, including modulation of ion channel function by direct changes in the channel protein structure, modulating permeability or gating kinetics. The mechanisms by which NO donors modulate sodium currents are protein and tissue specific. The present paper concerns sodium currents in the neuroblastoma N1E-115 cell line, applying whole-cell voltage clamp methods. Sodium currents were characterized in terms of the sensitivity to NO donors and the hydrophilic thiol oxidizer thimerosal. Parameters defining steady-state inactivation and activation, removal of inactivation and the voltage dependence of inactivation, were determined before and after thimerosal application. The results concerning the application of thimerosal showed blockade of the resting state, hyperpolarizing shifts of m(infinity) and h(infinity) curves, change in the voltage sensitivity and slower inactivating kinetics, tau(hf) and tau(hs) being affected in the same manner. The present results provide clear evidence for redox modulation of the sodium channel population in N1E-115 cells. Our results showed that the membrane-permeable alkylating agent (NEM) does not inhibit current reduction determined by thimerosal. We have reasons to suspect that the sodium channel population in N1E-115 cells differs in the proposed consensus sequence for nitrosylation or thimerosal cysteine oxidation.

Parabens inhibit human skin estrogen sulfotransferase activity: Possible link to paraben estrogenic effects

Parabens (p-hydroxybenzoate esters) are a group of widely used preservatives in topically applied cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Parabens display weak associations with the estrogen receptors in vitro or in cell based models, but do exhibit estrogenic effects in animal models. It is our hypothesis that parabens exert their estrogenic effects, in part, by elevating levels of estrogens through inhibition of estrogen sulfotransferases (SULTs) in skin. We report here the results of a structure-activity-relationship of parabens as inhibitors of estrogen sulfation in human skin cytosolic fractions and normal human epidermal keratinocytes. Similar to reports of paraben estrogenicity and estrogen receptor affinity, the potency of SULT inhibition increased as the paraben ester chain length increased. Butylparaben was found to be the most potent of the parabens in skin cytosol, yielding an IC(50) value of 37+/-5 microM. Butylparaben blocked the skin cytosol sulfation of estradiol and estrone, but not the androgen dehydroepiandrosterone. The parabens were also tested as inhibitors of SULT activity in a cellular system, with normal human epidermal keratinocytes. The potency of butylparaben increased three-fold in these cells relative to the IC(50) value from skin cytosol. Overall, these results suggest chronic topical application of parabens may lead to prolonged estrogenic effects in skin as a result of inhibition of estrogen sulfotransferase activity. Accordingly, the skin anti-aging benefits of many topical cosmetics and pharmaceuticals could be derived, in part, from the estrogenicity of parabens.

Antiandrogenic properties of parabens and other phenolic containing small molecules in personal care products

To identify the androgenic potency of commonly used antimicrobials, an in vitro androgen receptor-mediated transcriptional activity assay was employed to evaluate the androgenic/antiandrogenic activity of parabens and selected other antimicrobials containing a phenolic moiety. This cell-based assay utilizes a stably transfected cell line that lacks critical steroid metabolizing enzymes and is formatted in a 96-well format. At a concentration of 10 microM, methyl-, propyl- and butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate (parabens) inhibited testosterone (T)-induced transcriptional activity by 40%, 33% and 19%, respectively (P<0.05), while 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, the major metabolite of parabens, had no effect on T-induced transcriptional activity. Triclosan inhibited transcriptional activity induced by T by more than 92% at a concentration of 10 microM, and 38.8% at a concentration of 1.0 microM (P<0.05). Thirty-four percent of T-induced transcriptional activity was inhibited by thymol at 10 microM (P<0.05). Cell proliferation and/or cytotoxicity were not observed in any of the treatments. None of the compounds appeared to be androgenic when tested individually without T. The data presented in this report demonstrate that some widely used antimicrobial compounds have antiandrogenic properties and warrant further investigation to fully understand their potential impact on human reproductive health.

Evaluation of preservative systems in opthalmic suspension of polymyxin B and dexamethasone by linear regression

An ophthalmic suspension of polymyxin B and dexametasone with 13 different preservative systems was evaluated by a linear regression method for rapid screening, using D-values. The products were challenged against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia cepacia, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Since linear regression showed correlation coefficients higher than 0.84 the decimal reduction time (D-value) was then calculated. The comparison of D-values obtained for each microorganism and each product led to the selection of the formula 9 = 10, which was selected to be submitted to the efficacy of antimicrobial preservation according to the European Pharmacopoeia.

Stability of protease-rich periplaneta Americana allergen extract during storage: formulating preservatives to enhance shelf life

Allergenic proteins in extracts degrade rapidly and lose potency on storage. Hence, formulation of optimum conditions is required to enhance shelf life of extracts for proper allergy diagnosis and immunotherapy. In the present study, allergenic potency of P. americana proteins was evaluated after storage with epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA), sucrose, glycerol, pepstatin A, and aprotinin, individually for 1, 3, 6, and 12 months at 4, 25, and 37 degrees C. P. americana extract stored with EACA and sucrose individually retained potency comparable to proteins in standard extract (freeze-dried extract, stored at-70 degrees C) upto 6 months at 4 degrees C. The extracts without preservatives or with glycerol, pepstatin A, aprotinin, or stored at 37/25 degrees C were severely degraded and lost potency by 3 months. A formulation containing a combination of EACA and sucrose enhanced the shelf life of P. americana proteins upto 12 months at 4 degrees C. Hence, EACA and sucrose together show better potential for stabilization of protease-rich extracts.

Mechanisms influencing the vasoactive effects of lidocaine in human skin

The vasodilator properties of lidocaine are believed to be due mainly to the inhibition of action potentials via sodium channel blocking in vasoconstrictor sympathetic nerves. However, mechanisms involving the vascular endothelium may also play a role, and in this study we investigated the potential influences of nitric oxide release, the cyclo-oxygenase pathway and the beta-adrenoceptors of vascular smooth muscle. Laser Doppler imaging was used to measure microvascular blood flow responses to intradermal injection of lidocaine 2%, with or without the addition of preservatives, in eight healthy, male volunteers. Co-injection of the nitric-oxide-synthase inhibitor Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester caused a 60% reduction in the response after about 20 min, and this reduction was enhanced with the lidocaine solution containing the preservatives methylhydroxybenzoate and propylhydroxybenzoate. No reduction in response was seen after blocking the cyclo-oxygenase or beta-adrenoceptor pathways. Nitric oxide release contributes to the vasoactivity of lidocaine in human skin.

Effect of preservatives on ciliary beat frequency in human nasal epithelial cell culture: single versus multiple exposure

As preservatives may impair mucociliary clearance, we wanted to systematically study their time-dependent effect on the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in human nasal epithelial cells (HNEC). CBF was determined using a high-speed digital imaging method. Five preservatives were selected including benzalkonium chloride, phenylethyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylparaben and chlorbutol. We were interested in the effect of these preservatives on CBF after single and repetitive exposure. Methylparaben (0.0033%), propylparaben (0.0017%) and chlorbutol (0.005%) did not impair CBF, neither after a single short-term exposure period, nor after a single long-term exposure period. Long-term exposure to benzalkonium chloride (0.001%), phenylethyl alcohol (0.125%) and a combination of methyl- and propylparaben (0.0033 and 0.0017%) significantly decreased CBF. After a short-term exposure period, CBF recovered for phenylethyl alcohol and the combination of methyl- and propylparaben. Benzalkonium chloride decreased CBF non-reversibly. For two compounds, the effect on CBF was evaluated after repetitive exposure during 15min for 5 consecutive days. Benzalkonium chloride resulted in ciliostasis for all concentrations tested after 5 days. Phenylethyl alcohol revealed a concentration-dependent effect on CBF, but no ciliostasis was observed. In conclusion, methylparaben, propylparaben and chlorbutol can be considered as cilio-friendly. Repetitive exposure revealed a cumulative effect on CBF for benzalkonium chloride and phenylethyl alcohol.

Skin reactivity to thimerosal and phenol-preserved Montenegro antigen in Brazil

A randomized double-blind trial was performed to determine the frequency of positive reactions to the Montenegro antigen (leishmanin) preserved in thimerosal (Merthiolate) 1:10,000 or phenol 0.4%. The respective products were tested separately in 400 young healthy individuals from a non-endemic area for Leishmaniases. Each volunteer received one of the following reagents: merthiolated antigen, phenolated antigen, merthiolated saline, or phenolated saline. The frequency of positive responses to each reagent after the first application was as follows: 0% (phenolated saline), 9.2% (merthiolated saline), 34.6% (antigen in phenolated saline), and 41.1% (antigen in merthiolated saline). After 1 week, volunteers who had tested positive for merthiolated or phenolated antigen were retested with the respective preservative, while negatives were retested with the preservative they had not received during the first test. In all, 331 volunteers who received merthiolated saline during the study, of whom 41 (12.4%) tested positive. Meanwhile, 326 volunteers who received phenolated saline, 4 (1.2%) tested positive. Positive reactions in each group were similar in relation to gross appearance skin reactions. Considering the high frequency of hypersensitivity to thimerosal in the study population, it is recommended that this compound should be replaced as a preservative of the leishmanin antigen. Almost 30% of positive reactions to Montenegro antigen in what is considered a non-endemic region was surprising and will be the object of future studies.

Benzalkonium chloride and nasal mucociliary clearance: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover, double-blind trial

BACKGROUND

Benzalkonium chloride (BKC) has been considered an innocuous preservative for prescription drugs.

METHODS

We performed a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover, single-center trial with a 3-week washout period in 43 healthy volunteers comparing the effect of 3-week use of saline nasal spray containing BKC 0.01% to preservative-free saline t.i.d. on nasal mucociliary clearance rate. Evaluations were done at the beginning and the end of each period by gamma-scintigraphy with technetium99m-labeled strontium.

RESULTS

Nasal mucociliary clearance rate was significantly impaired by BKC with a difference of 1.23 mm x min(-1) (p < 0.01) between periods.

CONCLUSION

BKC in the concentration used in nasal preparations impaired mucociliary clearance in healthy individuals after 3 weeks of use. Presently, when preservative-free alternatives are available, BKC could be a risk without benefit.

Microbiological study of cosmetic products during their use by consumers: health risk and efficacy of preservative systems

AIM

To evaluate the microbial contamination of 91 cosmetics (23 o/w emulsions, 47 tensiolytes, 21 aqueous pastes) in three different states of use (intact, in-use, ending product) and the protection efficacy of the preservative systems most frequently used in the analysed cosmetic formulations.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Total bacterial count, isolation and identification of pathogenic isolates were performed on the collected cosmetics. About 10.6% of tensiolytes (13.5% bath foam, 6.7% shampoo, 10% liquid soaps) were contaminated by Staphylococcus warneri, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas putida. The efficacy of the preservative systems of two cosmetic products, tested against standard micro-organisms (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 4338 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027) and two isolates from cosmetics in this study (S. epidermidis and P. putida), satisfied the Cosmetics, Toiletries, and Fragrance Association and Official Italian Pharmacopeia criteria, while only one tested cosmetic respected the Rapid Challenge Test criterion.

CONCLUSIONS

Contaminated cosmetic products are relatively uncommon, but some products, unable to suppress the growth of several micro-organisms, represent a potential health hazard.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The challenge test may be performed not only during the preparation of the preservative system in the intact cosmetics, but also be used to evaluate the protection efficacy during their use.

Influence of additives and storage temperature on physicochemical and microbiological properties of eye drops containing ceftazidime

The purpose of the studies was to examine the influence of additives and the storage temperature on the physicochemical properties of the eye drops containing ceftazidime and on the antimicrobial activity of ceftazidime in the eye drops stored for 30 days at the temperature of 4 degrees C and 2 degrees C. The eye drops were 1% sterile aqueous solutions of Biotum (Ceftazidimum) in citrate buffer of pH 6.18-6.30, which were preserved with 0.002% thiomersal or 0.001% phenylmercuric borate mixed with 0.4% beta-phenylethyl alcohol. The viscosity of the eye drops was increased with polyvinyl alcohol. The pharmaceutical compatibility test showed the pharmaceutical interaction of 1% solution of Biotum with thiomersal at the concentration higher than 0.003%, with 0.01% chlorhexidine diacetate and with 15% polyvinylpyrrolidone. As the criteria of the qualitative assessment of both freshly prepared eye drops and those stored at the temperature of 4 degrees C and 20 degrees C, the following analyses were considered: organoleptic analysis (color, clarity, and smell), sterility, pH, osmotic pressure and viscosity. The antimicrobial activity of ceftazidime and the preservation efficiency of thiomersal and phenylmercuric borate in the eye drops were determined using methods of the Polish Pharmacopoeia VI (PPh VI). The antimicrobial activity of ceftazidime in the drops was especially influenced by their storage temperature. After 30 days of storage at the temperature of 4 degrees C, there was no decrease of antimicrobial activity of ceftazidime detected in the eye drops. However, when the eye drops were stored at the temperature of 20 degrees C, the decrease of antimicrobial activity of ceftazidime was observed already after 14 days. After 30 days of storage both at the temperature of 4 degrees C and 20 degrees C, neither pH nor viscosity of the eye drops changed; however, the osmotic pressure was decreased.

Differential Mechanisms of Conjunctival Cell Death Induction by Ultraviolet Irradiation and Benzalkonium Chloride

PURPOSE

To determine the molecular mechanisms of conjunctival cell death on exposure to the quaternary ammonium preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation.

METHODS

Chang conjunctival cells, either wild-type or stably transfected with various constructs encoding antiapoptotic molecules or transiently transfected with siRNA targeting the beclin-1 gene, were exposed to BAC or UV radiation Cell death was analyzed morphologically with fluorescence and electron microscopy, and molecular mechanisms of death were studied by using immunofluorescence, cell fractionation, caspase substrates, and immunoblot analysis, with or without immunoprecipitation. The main results were controlled in IOBA-NHC cells.

RESULTS

Both agents induced cytochrome c release from the mitochondria, caspase activation, and nuclear chromatin condensation, suggesting caspase-dependent apoptosis. These events are prevented by stable expression of Bcl-2 protein. Both agents also induced a redistribution of Fas in plasma membrane rafts and the Fas-ligand-independent formation of a death-inducing complex leading to caspase-8 activation. Stable expression of either a dominant negative construct of Fas-associated death domain (FADD) or the long or short isoform of FADD-like interleukin-1-beta-converting enzyme inhibitory protein (FLIP) inhibited caspase-8 activation in response to both UV radiation and BAC. However, these proteins, as well as permeant peptides and baculovirus p35 caspase-inhibitors, delayed more efficiently the UV irradiation-induced than the BAC-induced nuclear chromatin condensation. BAC specifically activated a caspase-independent pathway by inducing the mitochondrial release of apoptosis-inducing factor. BAC-treated cells contain autophagosomes/autolysosomes, a characteristic feature of autophagy, and siRNA-mediated downregulation of the beclin-1 gene, whose product is crucial for autophagy, increases BAC toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

UV irradiation induces typical, caspase-dependent cell death, whereas death induced by BAC associates features of caspase-dependent and -independent apoptosis counteracted by an autophagic process.

Characterisation of a preservative system in an oily preparation

The influence of three variables, i.e. the concentrations of benzyl alcohol (BA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisol (BHA), on the preservative efficacy and antioxidant activity of an oily veterinary formulation was investigated using quantitative experimental designs and applying pharmacopoeial methods as part of the robustness-evaluation. Preservative Efficacy Tests (PETs) were performed using the validated European Pharmacpoeia (EP) methodology with 7 test-organisms over one month on lab-scale test-formulations. These were independently prepared according to a Box-Behnken experimental design with a triplicate central point at 0.75% m/V BA, 0.05% mN BHT and 0.05% m/V BHA, and with an additional control-point outside the Box-Behnken cube containing no preservative ingredient. The preservative efficacies were evaluated against the USP and EP criteria for formulations for oral use, as well as by the statistical comparison of the slopes obtained by linear regression of the log of CFU/g versus time. The peroxide values were determined after two months storage at 50 degrees C, using the EP titrimetric method. No interactions between the preservatives were observed for any of the seven tested micro-organisms in the PETs. BA had a very significant preservative effect against several of the tested microorganisms, while no antimicrobial effect for BHT and BHA was observed. Aspergillus niger was the most preservative-resistant micro-organism, while Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive test-germ. Compliance with USP-PET criteria was found for all formulations tested, even those without preservatives, while the EP-PET criteria showed compliance for those formulations with the highest BA concentration only. Stored in glass vials, a statistically significant antioxidant effect was demonstrated for BA only, although all tested formulations showed acceptable anti-oxidative properties. No significant antioxidant effects were shown for BHT or BHA.

Are Multidose Over-the-Counter Artificial Tears Adequately Preserved?

PURPOSE

To investigate artificial tears containing different preservatives for antimicrobial efficacy. Based on the challenge test outlined in the European Pharmacopoeia, products were tested in their original containers to see whether their component preservative had sufficient activity.

METHODS

Five brands of over-the-counter artificial tears each containing different preservatives (benzalkonium chloride/EDTA, parabens, chlorobutanol, silver chloride complex, and Purite-stabilized oxychloro complex) were inoculated with test microorganisms (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans). Changes in the microbial start concentration with time were followed by plating onto growth media to provide a measure of the preservative efficacy. In another test, artificial tears were applied to paper disks that were then placed onto agar growth media seeded with microorganisms. Zones of inhibition were measured after incubation.

RESULTS

Only the brand of artificial tears containing benzalkonium chloride/EDTA satisfied the major criteria for antimicrobial preservation for all the test microorganisms. Only a benzalkonium chloride/EDTA-containing disk placed on agar seeded with S. aureus produced a zone of inhibition in the agar diffusion test.

CONCLUSION

The brand of artificial tears containing benzalkonium chloride/EDTA is suitable for sale in countries adopting the monographs of the European Pharmacopoeia. Other brands would only be suitable for sale if justified reasons for not meeting the major criteria for preservative efficacy can be provided.

Influence of additives and storage temperature on physicochemical and microbiological properties of eye drops containing cefazolin

The purpose of the studies was to choose additives for eye drops containing cefazolin and the assessment of the influence of used additives and the storage temperature on the physicochemical properties and the stability of the eye drops. The drops were 1% sterile solutions of cefazolin in citrate buffer of pH 6.15-6.20. The drops were preserved with 0.002% thiomersal or 0.001% phenylmercuric borate mixed with 0.4% beta-phenylethyl alcohol. Viscosity of the eye drops was increased using polyvinyl alcohol (PVAL). The pharmaceutical compatibility test of selected additives with cefazolin showed the pharmaceutical interaction of 1% solution of cefazolin with higher than 0.003% concentration of thiomersal, 0.005% benzalkonium chloride and 0.01% chlorhexidine diacetate. The drops, protected from light, were stored at the temperature of 4 degrees C and 20 degrees C. As the criteria of the qualitative assessment of freshly prepared drops and during their storage, the following properties were considered: organoleptic analysis, sterility, pH, osmotic pressure, density, viscosity, antimicrobial activity of cefazolin and preservation efficiency of thiomersal and phenylmercuric borate in the eye drops. The studies showed that the storage temperature did not influence the physicochemical properties of the drops or the antimicrobial activity of cefazolin in the drops, which was not influenced by the used additives either. After 30 days of storage at both temperatures, cefazolin in the eye drops retained 100% of its initial activity. Phenylmercuric borate, whose antimicrobial activity in the eye drops was compatible with the preservation assay cited in the Polish Pharmacopoeia (PPh V), can be used to preserve the drops containing cefazolin.

Impact of short-term exposure of commercial eyedrops preserved with benzalkonium chloride on precorneal mucin

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to investigate the short-term effects of benzalkonium chloride (BAC), a preservative used in many ophthalmic topical solutions, on precorneal mucin in humans.

METHODS

Immortalized human corneal-limbal epithelial (HCLE) cells were exposed to eyedrops containing BAC solutions at 0.0025% and 0.01% concentrations for a period of 15 min. Human corneal epithelium was acquired with consent, as a byproduct of elective excimer photorefractive keratectomy procedures after application of Ocuflox eyedrops (0.3% ofloxacin with 0.0025% BAC) for 1 week before surgery. The relative expression of the MUC1 and MUC16 mucin gene was determined by conventional and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Monoclonal antibodies for MUC1 (HMFG-1) and MUC16 (OC125) were used in western blot analysis to detect MUC1 and MUC16. Human corneas exposed to 0.01% BAC solutions were examined by transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The expression of MUC1 and MUC16 gene transcripts was not changed after exposure to BAC in HCLE cells and human corneal epithelium. However, MUC1 and MUC16 were reduced after exposure to BAC in HCLE cells and human corneal epithelium. Transmission electron microscopy of the anterior corneal surface revealed fixation of the mucous layer after exposure to 0.01% BAC for 5 or 15 min; prolonged exposure (60 min) to 0.01% BAC destroys the mucous layer.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that short-term exposure to BAC can alter the precorneal mucin.

Immuno-biochemical evaluations of phenol and thimerosal as antigen preservatives in Montenegro skin test

Montenegro skin test (MST) represents the main complementary diagnostic test for tegumentary leishmaniases (TL) in endemic regions. Most antigen formulations used for the MST contain thimerosal as preservative. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, recommended reducing or eliminating thimerosal from vaccines and other biological reagents and the Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA) in Brazil, prohibited the use of mercurial compounds in immunobiologicals. In the search for an alternative stabilizer, phenol and thimerosal were tested as antigen preservatives in MST. Formulations were tested when fresh and after a 12-month storage at 4 degrees C in TL confirmed mice and human patients, and were evaluated for protein constitution by SDS-PAGE, Western blot and anti-gp63 ELISA. In mice, a decrease in the diagnostic effectiveness in merthiolate formulation was observed after a 12-month storage. SDS-PAGE, Western blot and anti-gp63 ELISA analyses showed a degradation of antigen proteins in both formulations after 12-month storage and that phenol-preserved antigen was quantitatively and qualitatively better than the merthiolate-preserved one. In patients, the average of induration diameter was larger in fresh antigens (p<0.05). However, storage time did not jeopardize their diagnostic capacity. No non-specific reactions produced by phenol or merthiolate were observed neither in humans nor in mice. Phenol could be a good alternative to replace the merthiolate in MST, and despite the proteolytic activity, antigens remain viable for at least 12 months.