Combination therapy of gamma-aminobutyric acid derivative promotes proton pump inhibitor based healing of reflux esophagitis in animal model

Chitosan-Folic Acid-Coated Quercetin-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles for Hepatic Carcinoma Treatment

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) causes the third highest mortality worldwide. Liver ablation, surgery, and embolization are conventional methods for treatment. However, these methods have limitations. To overcome these issues, nanomedicines have potential due to their high stability, high drug load capacity, and controlled release. Thus, we prepared quercetin-loaded polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles coated with folic acid-chitosan (QPCF-NPs) to improve drug delivery and targetability applications of quercetin for the treatment of HCC. We prepared QPCF-NPs by solvent evaporation and coated them with chitosan-folic acid (CS-FA). QPCF-NPs were examined using Fourier-Transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In addition, the drug release rate and cytotoxicity were studied. Moreover, in vivo HCC studies such as histopathology and biochemical parameters were conducted. Subsequently, QPCF-NPs with a spherical shape and an average size of 200-290 nm have been demonstrated to have formed by FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TEM. Further, we observed sustained drug release from QPCF-NPs compared to quercetin. Cellular cytotoxicity showed significant inhibition in the HEPG2-cell line with QPCF-NPs treatment. Biochemical estimate and oxidative stress regulation were considerably more regulated in the treatment groups than the HCC group in a dose-dependent way after subcutaneous administration of QPCF-NPs. ELISA of interleukin and caspase-3 demonstrated the anticipated results in comparison to the carcinogen control group. Compared to earlier preparations, the QPCF-NPs generated demonstrated better drug targetability and potency for treating HCC.

Roflumilast counteracts DMH-induced preneoplastic colon damage in albino Wistar rats

OBJECTIVE

The study explored the chemoprophylactic potential of roflumilast against 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) actuated preneoplastic colon damage in albino Wistar rats.

METHODS

Animals were arbitrarily divided into five groups of six animals each. DMH was used to induce preneoplastic colon damage (20 mg/kg/7 days, subcutaneously, for 42 days). Roflumilast was administered subcutaneously at two doses (1 and 5 mg/kg/day, from day 28 to 42). At the end of the study, the animals were recorded for the electrocardiographic changes and heart rate variability (HRV) paradigms on 42nd day, using PowerLab system. Blood samples were collected from all the animals to measure hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and nitric acid. The colon tissue was dissected out and analyzed for inflammatory markers, biochemical parameters including, superoxide dismutase, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, catalase, and glutathione reductase and histopathology.

RESULTS

DMH caused derangement of HRV factors, abnormal antioxidant markers, and elevated levels of inflammatory markers. H₂S and nitric oxide levels upsurge in DMH-treated rats and promoted preneoplastic damage. Histopathologically, loss of crypts, goblet cells, and distorted lamina propria were observed in toxic group. Treatment with roflumilast was able to curtail down oxidative stress and inflammatory markers and stabilitate the hemodynamic derangements as well as was able to restore the normal architecture of colonic mucosa.

CONCLUSION

The findings from the present study conclude that treatment with roflumilast positively modulates the preneoplastic colon damage.

Combined therapy of gabapentin with pantoprazole exhibited better protective action against forestomach and pylorus ligation-induced gastric esophageal reflux disease in albino Wistar rats

The current study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of combined therapy of gabapentin and pantoprazole against forestomach and pylorus ligation-induced gastric esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in albino Wistar rats. Rats were randomly divided into five groups, each group consisting of six rats, fasted for 24 h, underwent forestomach and pylorus ligation, received normal saline (3 ml/kg, p.o.), normal control, toxic control, pantoprazole (30 mg/kg, p.o.), gabapentin (50 mg/kg, p.o.), or their combination. After 10 h, animals were killed by cervical dislocation and evaluated for pH of gastric content, volume of gastric juice, total acidity, and esophagitis index. Esophageal tissues were further analyzed for biochemical parameters such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione, catalase, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and protein carbonyl, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histopathology were used for morphological evaluation. The results show the combination therapy of gabapentin and pantoprazole significantly inhibited the volume of gastric juice and total acidity esophagitis index and significantly increased the pH of gastric juice. Treatment with gabapentin and pantoprazole exhibited maximum antioxidant effect in comparison with monotherapy. Marked protection and restoration of normal morphology was observed through SEM and histopathology in the combination therapy as compared to monotherapy. Finally, it was concluded that combination therapy of pantoprazole and gabapentin has beneficial effect against GERD.

Galantamine attenuates N,N-dimethyl hydrazine induced neoplastic colon damage by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase and bimodal regulation of nicotinic cholinergic neurotransmission

The present study reveals the effect of galantamine (GAL) against 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) induced colon cancer. Wistar albino rats were arbitrarily divided into four groups (n = 8). Group 1 served as normal control (normal saline, 3ml/kg/day, p.o.); group 2, 3 and 4 received DMH (20mg/kg/week, s.c.), for 6 weeks; groups 3 and 4 also received GAL (2 and 4mg/kg/day, p.o) for 6 weeks. DMH treated rats showed decreased heart rate variability (HRV) factors, increased incidence of aberrant crypt foci (ACF), increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) along with the decrease in the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Increased levels of inflammatory marker cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) was also evident in DMH treated animals. The colonic surface architecture was studied using scanning electron microscopy revealed aberrant crypts(X500) and neoplastic nodules (X2000). GAL treatment helped to minimize the ACF count, restored oxidative stress and inflammatory markers favorably. To further validate our results, our study was directed to define the effect of GAL on acetylcholine neurotransmission using a simple model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Increased synaptic cholinergic transmission by GAL (32µM) was evident in the worms when studied through aldicarb assay. However, GAL (32µM) treatment negatively modulated α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAch receptor), when evaluated using the levamisole assay. GAL (32µM) treatment down regulated the genomic expression of ace-1, ace-2 along with unc-29, unc-38, and unc-50 (essential components of α7 nAch receptor). GAL by inhibiting AchE and regulating Alpha7nACh activity can improve cholinergic neurotransmission.

Critical Evaluation of Animal Models of Gastrointestinal Disorders

Preclinical research remains an important tool for discovery and validation of novel therapeutics for gastrointestinal disorders. While in vitro assays can be used to verify receptor-ligand interactions and test for structural activity of new compounds, only whole-animal studies can demonstrate drug efficacy within the gastrointestinal system. Most major gastrointestinal disorders have been modeled in animals; however the translational relevance of each model is not equal. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a critical evaluation of common animal models that are being used to develop pharmaceuticals for gastrointestinal disorders. For brevity, the models are presented for upper gastrointestinal disorders involving the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine and lower gastrointestinal disorders that focus on the colon. Particular emphasis is used to explain the face and construct validity of each model, and the limitations of each model, including data interpretation, are highlighted. This chapter does not evaluate models that rely on surgical or other non-pharmacological interventions for treatment.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease with proton pump inhibitor use is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis: a nationwide population-based analysis

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. The risk of hip fracture is not increased in GERD patients with PPI use.

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between GERD with PPI treatment and the risk of osteoporosis is unclear. We aimed to determine the risk of developing osteoporosis in patients diagnosed with GERD.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with GERD and received PPI treatment between 2000 and 2010 were identified from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database as the study cohort (n = 10,620), which was frequency matched with the comparison cohort (n = 20,738) sampled from the general population according to age, sex, index year, and comorbidities. Both cohorts were followed until the end of 2011. The risk of osteoporosis was evaluated in both groups by using Cox proportional hazards regression models.

RESULTS

The GERD patients with PPI treatment had a greater incidence (31.4 vs 20.7 per 1000 person-year; crude hazard ratio [cHR] 1.51; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.40-1.63) and a higher risk (adjusted HR [aHR] 1.50; 95 % CI 1.39-1.62) of osteoporosis than that of the comparison cohort. However, the overall incidence of hip fracture was not different between the GERD with PPI use and the control cohorts (aHR 0.79; 95 % CI 0.53-1.18).

CONCLUSION

GERD with PPI use is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. The findings of our study do not support an increased risk of hip fracture in GERD patients treated with a PPI.

Rutin attenuates intestinal toxicity induced by Methotrexate linked with anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects

BACKGROUND

Methotrexate (MTX) is recognized as an anti-metabolite in cancer chemotherapy and is associated with various toxicities assigned to inflammation and oxidative stress. Rutin has been reported to have significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant along with antiulcer properties. The present study was undertaken to corroborate the effect of rutin against MTX induced intestinal toxicity in experimental animals.

METHOD

Six groups of rats (n = 6) were dosed with normal saline (3 ml/kg,i.p.); MTX (2.5 mg/kg,i.p.); rutin (50 and 100 mg/kg,i.p.); rutin + MTX (50 mg/kg + 2.5 mg/kg,i.p.); rutin + MTX (100 mg/kg + 2.5 mg/kg,i.p.) for seven consecutive days and sacrificed on eighth day. The intestinal contents were scrutinized physiologically (pH, total acidity, free acidity, CMDI), biochemically (TBARS, protein carbonyl, SOD, catalase and GSH) and for immunoregulatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The administration of rutin demonstrated significant protection against intestinal lesions damaged by MTX. The treatment with rutin elicited noticeable inhibition of free acidity (26.20%), total acidity (22.05%) and CMDI (1.16%) in the experimental animals similar to control. In MTX treated toxic group, the levels of oxidative markers and immunoregulatory cytokines significantly increased in comparison to control, which was subsequently restored after rutin treatment. Rutin also demonstrated 75.63, 81.00 and 80.43% inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 and 2, and 15-lipoxygenase respectively.

CONCLUSION

The positive modulation of MTX toxicity could be attributed to the free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory (dual inhibition of arachidonic acid pathways) potential of rutin.

Palonosetron attenuates 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine induced preneoplastic colon damage through downregulating acetylcholinesterase expression and up-regulating synaptic acetylcholine concentration

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of palonosetron (PAL) against 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon cancer.

Effect of lycopene against gastroesophageal reflux disease in experimental animals

BACKGROUND

Lycopene is a robust antioxidant with significant antiulcer activity. Henceforth, the present study was ventured to elucidate the effect of lycopene on experimental esophagitis.

METHODS

Groups of rats were subjected to forestomach and pylorus ligation with subsequent treatment with lycopene (50 and 100 mg/kg, po) and pantoprazole (30 mg/kg, po).

RESULTS

Treatment with lycopene evidenced sententious physiological protection when scrutinized for pH, acidity (total and free), volume of gastric juices and esophagitis index. Lycopene further embarked diminishing effect on oxidative stress through synchronising lipid and protein peroxidation along with regulating the enzymatic activity of SOD and catalase. Lycopene also modified the levels of immunoregulatory cytokines (IL- 1β and IL-6) favourably. The dose dependent efficacy of lycopene in the current experimental condition was also attested when exemplified morphologically through scanning electron microscopy.

CONCLUSION

From the current line of evidences, it was concluded that lycopene can impart momentous protection against experimental esophagitis by wrapping up the reactive oxygen species and through dual inhibition of the arachidonic acid pathway.

Efficacy of variable dosage of aspirin in combating methotrexate-induced intestinal toxicity

The aim of the present study was to study in detail the effect of variable doses of aspirin on intestinal toxicity.

Effect of rutin against gastric esophageal reflux in experimental animals

CONTEXT

The present study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of rutin against gastric esophageal reflux in experimental animals.

METHODS

Groups of rats, fasted overnight received normal saline (3 ml/kg, sham control) or esophagitis control (3 ml/kg, normal saline) or pantoprazole (30 mg/kg) or rutin (50 and 100 mg/kg) were subjected to pylorus and forestomach ligation. Animals were sacrificed after 12 h and scrutinized physiologically (gastric pH, total acidity, free acidity and esophagitis index), biochemically (TBAR's, SOD, catalase, GSH and protein carbonyl) and morphologically. The esophageal tissues were also inquested for the presence of proinflammatory (IL-2 and IL-1β) and immunoregulatory (IL-4 and IL-6) cytokines.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated momentous physiological, biochemical and morphological protection imparted by rutin. The rutin also restored the altered levels of proinflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines, which further strengthens the implication of rutin in GERD.

CONCLUSION

The beneficial effects as observed in the current experiment could be accredited to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory (through inhibition of COX and LOX) property of rutin.

Effect of monotherapy and combination therapy of pantoprazole and aprepitant in gastric esophageal reflux disease in albino rats

The present study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of pantoprazole and aprepitant on experimental esophagitis in albino rats. Groups of rats, fasted overnight, received normal saline (3 mL/kg, sham control) or toxic control (3 mL/kg) or pantoprazole (30 mg/kg) or aprepitant (10 mg/kg), or their combinations and were subjected to pylorus and forestomach ligation. Animals were sacrificed after 8 h and evaluated for the gastric pH, volume of gastric juices, total acidity, esophagitis index, and free acidity. Esophageal tissues were further subjected to estimations of TBARS, GSH, catalase, and SOD. Treatment with pantoprazole and aprepitant significantly inhibited the gastric secretion, total acidity, and esophagitis index. The treatment also helped to restore the altered levels oxidative stress parameters to normal.

Effect of enteral administration of α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid against methotrexate induced intestinal toxicity in albino rats

The present study was conducted to show the effect of α-linolenic acid (18 : 3, ω-3) and linoleic acid (18 : 2, ω-6) on experimental intestinal toxicity induced by methotrexate.