Application of Overpressured Layer Chromatography Combined with Digital Autoradiography and Mass Spectrometry in the Study of Deramciclane Metabolism

Overpressured layer chromatography was combined with the highly sensitive and rapid digital autoradiography (DAR) and mass spectrometry to separate, detect, and identify 3H-and 14C-labeled deramciclane metabolites in different biological matrixes. Several minor and major metabolites were separated from plasma and urine samples. The radioactive metabolites localized by DAR were scraped from the thin-layer chromatographic plate and transferred to a mass spectrometer for structure identification. Several metabolites were isolated and characterized, including hydroxy-/V-des- methyl deramciclane, which is described in detail. The combination of techniques is efficient and has good sensitivity: about 2 μg metabolite from a biological matrix was isolated and identified this way.

Development, validation and application of LC-MS/MS method for quantification of amino acids, kynurenine and serotonin in human plasma

Altered serotonergic neurotransmission is a key factor in several neurologic and psychiatric disorders such as migraine. Human and animal studies suggest that chronically low interictal serotonin levels of plasma and brain may facilitate increased activity of the trigeminovascular pathway, and may contribute to development of repeated migraine attacks. However, brain serotonin synthesis is affected by the concentration of tryptophan, its metabolites and a number of amino acids. In this work a simple and robust LC-MS/MS method for the quantitative determination of valine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, serotonin and kynurenine in human plasma has been developed and validated. Sample preparation was achieved by protein precipitation, using trifluoroacetic acid. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a Supelco Ascentis® Express C18 column (3.0 mm i.d. × 150 mm, 2.7 μm) equipped with an Agilent Zorbax Eclipse XDB C8 guard-column under isocratic conditions at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min, over a 6.5 min run time. Mobile phase was 0.2% trifluoroacetic acid - acetonitrile (85:15, v/v). The eight analytes and two internal standards were ionized by positive electrospray ionization and detected in multiple reaction monitoring mode. A "fit-for-purpose" validation approach was adopted using surrogate matrix for the preparation of calibration samples. The calibration curves of all analytes showed excellent linearities with a correlation coefficient (r²) of 0.998 or better. Spiked surrogate matrix samples and pooled human plasma were used as quality control samples. Intra-day and inter-day precisions were less than 11.8% and 14.3%, and accuracies were within the ranges of 87.4-114.3% and 87.7-113.3%, respectively. Stability of the components in standard solutions, surrogate matrix, pooled plasma and processed samples were found to be acceptable under all relevant conditions. No significant carryover effect was observed. The surrogate matrix behaved parallel to human plasma when assessed by standard addition method and diluting the authentic matrix with surrogate matrix. The method was successfully applied for analysis of 800 human plasma samples to support a clinical study.

Kinetics of dopamine release from poly(aspartamide)-based prodrugs

Preparation of novel biocompatible and biodegradable polymer-based prodrugs that can be applied in complex drug delivery systems is one of the most researched fields in pharmaceutics. The kinetics of the drug release strongly depends on the physicochemical parameters of prodrugs as well as environmental properties, therefore precise kinetical description is crucial to design the appropriate polymer prodrug formula. The aim of the present study was to investigate the dopamine release from different poly(aspartamide) based dopamine drug conjugates in different environments and to work out a kinetic description which can be extended to describe drug release in similar systems. Poly(aspartamide) was conjugated with different amounts of dopamine. In order to alter the solubility of the conjugates, 2-aminoethanol was also grafted to the main chain. Chemical structure as well as physical properties such as solubility, lipophilicity measurements and thermogravimetric analysis has been carried out. Kinetics of dopamine release from the macromolecular prodrugs which has good water solubility has been studied and compared in different environments (phosphate buffer, Bromelain and α-Chymotrypsin). It was found that the kinetics of release in those solutions can be satisfactorily described by first order reaction rate. For poorly-soluble conjugates, the release of dopamine was considered as a result of coupling of diffusion and chemical reaction. Besides the time dependence of dopamine cleavage, a practical quantity, the half-life of the release of loading capacity has been introduced and evaluated. It was found, that dopamine containing macromolecular prodrugs exhibit prolonged release kinetics and the quantitative description of the kinetics, including the most important physical parameters provides a solid base for future pharmaceutical and medical studies.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Poly(aspartamide) based polymer-drug conjugates are promising for controlled and prolonged drug delivery due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this study different poly(aspartamide) based dopamine conjugates were synthesized which can protect dopamine from deactivation in the human body. Since there is no satisfying kinetics description for drug release from covalent polymer-drug conjugates in the literature, dopamine release was investigated in different environments and a complete kinetical description was worked out. This study demonstrates that poly(aspartamide) is able to protect conjugated dopamine from deactivation and provide prolonged release in alkaline pH as well as in the presence of different enzymes. Furthermore, detailed kinetical descriptions were demonstrated which can be used in case of other covalent polymer-drug conjugates.

Controlled Release Oral Delivery of Apigenin Containing Pellets with Antioxidant Activity

BACKGROUND

Drug delivery of phytochemicals has gained interest recently due to their remarkable health effects. Apigenin, a plant flavonoid, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities but its delivery is challenging. It could be absorbed through the whole intestine, however, it has poor bioavailability due to its low aqueous solubility. In Europe, the daily intake was estimated to be as low as 3 ± 1 mg. Pellets offer several advantages such as improved bioavailability and various resultant drug release profiles can be obtained by simply mixing pellets with different coatings.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to develop a carrier system containing 20 mg apigenin thus enhancing intake and to offer reduction of oxidative stress which can cause inflammation in the intestine.

METHOD

The apigenin powder was dispersed in aqueous solution of binding material and layered onto the inert cores in a fluidized bed apparatus. The layered cores were further coated with enteric polymers and the process parameters were optimized.

RESULTS

The prepared pellets met with the requirements and have good physical characteristic. 10% (w/w) Eudragit® L was suitable for enteric coating with a complete release at pH 6.8 within 1 hour. 15% (w/w) Eudragit® FS coating ensured acid resistance ability and colonic delivery. The therapeutic efficiency was confirmed with antioxidant activity measurement by using DPPH* assay.

CONCLUSION

Enteric coated spheres allow targeted delivery into the intestine and colon thus reaching the main absorption site. Pellets were proved to be an optimal delivery system for apigenin thus providing enhanced apigenin intake.

Physicochemical analysis in the evaluation of reconstituted dry emulsion tablets

The aim of this study was to characterize the formation of emulsions by droplet size analysis and turbidimetry during reconstitution from a solid dosage form, namely from dry emulsion systems, which carry an oil phase for poorly soluble active ingredients. For the dry emulsion systems tablets were prepared either from oil-in-water systems using a freeze-drying process or through direct compression containing the same oil and excipients. The ratios of oil to emulgents and oil to xanthan gum were equal in both methods. In the preparation methods applied, mannitol, erythritol and lactose were used as excipients and mannitol was found to be the most effective excipient based on droplet size reconstitution, turbidimetry and physical properties. Quality control involved testing the physical properties of tablets and characterizing the reconstituted emulsions.

Development of oral site-specific pellets containing flavonoid extract with antioxidant activity

Herbal medicines are recognized as an effective treatment of common diseases, mainly associated with oxidative stress. Therefore developing drug delivery systems of these biological active ingredients are gaining interest. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum L.) is a well-known culinary herb and its leaf contains high amount of apigenin, therefore it is suitable as a natural source of this flavonoid. Apigenin possess many health effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. Unfortunately, these benefits are limited due to the low water solubility and bioavailability, it was recently classified as BCS II group compound. Therefore the aim of this study was to develop a carrier system for Petroselinum crispum extract, containing high amount of apigenin. Microcrystalline cellulose inert pellet cores were chosen and enteric coatings were applied. The produced multiparticulates had spherical shape, narrow size distribution and low moisture content. 10% (w/w) Eudragit® L 30 D-55 and 15% (w/w) Eudragit® FS 30 D coating was adequate for the modified release in vitro. The layered pellets demonstrated antioxidant activity. It was concluded that development of oral site-specific pellets containing flavonoid extract successful and the therapeutic effectiveness could be hypothesized.

Liposomes for topical use: a physico-chemical comparison of vesicles prepared from egg or soy lecithin

Developments in nanotechnology and in the formulation of liposomal systems provide the opportunity for cosmetic dermatology to design novel delivery systems. Determination of their physico-chemical parameters has importance when developing a nano-delivery system. The present study highlights some technological aspects/characteristics of liposomes formulated from egg or soy lecithins for topical use. Alterations in the pH, viscosity, surface tension, and microscopic/macroscopic appearance of these vesicular systems were investigated. The chemical composition of the two types of lecithin was checked by mass spectrometry. Caffeine, as a model molecule, was encapsulated into multilamellar vesicles prepared from the two types of lecithin: then zeta potential, membrane fluidity, and encapsulation efficiency were compared. According to our observations, samples prepared from the two lecithins altered the pH in opposite directions: egg lecithin increased it while soy lecithin decreased it with increased lipid concentration. Our EPR spectroscopic results showed that the binding of caffeine did not change the membrane fluidity in the temperature range of possible topical use (measured between 2 and 50 °C). Combining our results on encapsulation efficiency for caffeine (about 30% for both lecithins) with those on membrane fluidity data, we concluded that the interaction of caffeine with the liposomal membrane does not change the rotational motion of the lipid molecules close to the head group region. In conclusion, topical use of egg lecithin for liposomal formulations can be preferred if there are no differences in the physico-chemical properties due to the encapsulated drugs, because the physiological effects of egg lecithin vesicles on skin are significantly better than that of soy lecithin liposomes.

[Importance of drug interactions with smoking in modern drug research]

Drug interaction is a process during which a drug's fate in the body or its pharmacological properties are altered by an influencing factor. The extent of the drug interaction's effect can vary. The interaction could result from the modulation by another drug, food, alcohol, caffeine, narcotics, a drug influencing absorption or smoking. Moreover, transporter interactions with smoking could also have a major impact on many drug's efficacy. Clinically relevant drug interactions with smoking were classified in terms of their effect: pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and transporter interactions. Policyclic aromatic carbohydrates, found in cigarette smoke, have enzyme inducing properties. The interaction affects mainly the hepatic isoenzyme CYP1A2. Interactions caused by smoking have an effect on all drugs being substrates of and therefore metabolised by CYP1A2. Pharmacokinetic alteration can also occur during the absorption, distribution and elimination process. The pharmacodynamic interactions are mainly caused by the effects of nicotine, a cigarette smoke component. Through interactions, smoking could also modify the activity of transporter proteins, altering this way the ADME properties of many drugs. Since smoking is one of the deadliest artefact in the history of human civilisation, identifying drug interactions with smoking is the physician's and pharmacist's major responsibility and task. Moreover, it is necessary to identify the patient's smoking habits during a medical treatment. This review aims to investigate the main types of drug interactions (PK/PD), identify factors influencing the activity of CYP enzymes and transporters, and also summarize the mechanisms of the most important drug interactions with smoking and their clinically relevant consequences (Table II-VI.). Drugs, with effects somehow altered by smoking-interactions, have been studied.

Natural oils and waxes: studies on stick bases

The objective of the present article was to examine the role of origin and quantity of selected natural oils and waxes in the determination of the thermal properties and hardness of stick bases. The natural oils and waxes selected for the study were sunflower, castor, jojoba, and coconut oils. The selected waxes were yellow beeswax, candelilla wax, and carnauba wax. The hardness of the formulations is a critical parameter from the aspect of their application. Hardness was characterized by the measurement of compression strength along with the softening point, the drop point, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It can be concluded that coconut oil, jojoba oil, and carnauba wax have the greatest influence on the thermal parameters of stick bases.

[Pharmaceutical and formulation aspects of Petroselinum crispum extract]

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum L.) is a very popular spice and vegetable in Europe, it is widely spread and easy to grow. It's herb and fruits are known to be diuretic, smooth muscle relaxant and hepatoprotective. The most important identified active ingredients are flavonoids, cumarins and vitamin C. Apigenin and its glycosides are the main flavonoids in parsley, it can be found relatively large amounts in the leaves. The bioactive flavonoid apigenin has antiinflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer activities. The objectives of this study were the preparation and detemination of the apigenin content of the parsley extract and the formulation using inert pellets by layering the apigenin in fluid-bed process.

Physicochemical characterization of stealth liposomes encapsulating an organophosphate hydrolyzing enzyme

The present studies were focused on the preparation and characterization of stericaly stabilized liposomes (SLs) encapsulating a recombinant organophosphorus hydrolyzing phosphotriesterase (OPH) enzyme for the antagonism of organophosphorus intoxication. Earlier results indicate that the liposomal carrier system provides an enhanced protective effect against the organophosphorus molecule paraoxon, presenting a more effective therapy with less toxicity than the most commonly used antidotes. Physicochemical characterization of the liposomal OPH delivery system is essential in order to get information on its in vitro stability and in vivo fate. Osmolarity, pH, viscosity, and encapsulation efficiency of the SL preparation and the surface potential of the vesicles were determined. The membrane rigidity and the impact of OPH enzyme on it was studied by electron-paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, using spin probes. The in vitro stability of the liposomal preparations, the vesicle size distribution, and its alteration during a 3-week storage were followed by dynamic light-scattering measurements. Further, the stability of encapsulated and nonencapsulated OPH was compared in puffer and plasma.

New formulation of in situ gelling Metolose-based liquid suppository

CONTEXT

An in situ gelling liquid suppository is liquid at room temperature but forms a gel at body temperature. In our work, Metolose® SM-4000 (methylcellulose) is studied that basically shows thermal gelation at 68°C (2%, w/w).

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to study the potency of different factors (concentration, pH, additives) to change the value of thermal gelation temperature (T (t)) for Metolose® to form an in situ gelling liquid suppository.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied the effect of Metolose® concentration, pH, and salts (sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium hydrogen carbonate, and sodium monohydrogen phosphate) on T (t) by viscosimetry. To choose the appropriate compound, in vitro drug release was examined. Rectal safety test was performed on rats in vivo after 12-hour application.

RESULTS

Increasing the Metolose® concentrations (0.5-4%, w/w), T (t) can be decreased, but it also altered the consistency of gel. pH does not affect the T (t). The water-soluble salts allowed reducing the gelation temperature to 37°C. Sodium monohydrogen phosphate in 4.5% concentration was found to be the most appropriate. The impact of examined factors on in vitro drug release of piroxicam from the in situ-formed gel was characterized according to Fickian diffusion. Metolose® and the chosen salt did not cause any morphological damage on the rectal tissues.

DISCUSSION

According to our study, Metolose® has the physical and chemical potential to be used as base for liquid suppositories.

Characterization of liposomal vesicles encapsulating rhodanese for cyanide antagonism

The major mechanism of removing cyanide from the body is its enzymatic conversion by a sulfurtransferase, e.g. rhodanese, to the less toxic thiocyanate in the presence of a sulfur donor. Earlier results demonstrated that externally administered encapsulated rhodanese significantly enhances the in vivo efficacy of the given sulfur donor. Present studies are focused on liposomal carrier systems encapsulating rhodanese. Physicochemical properties, e.g. membrane rigidity, size distribution, surface potential, osmolarity, and viscosity, were determined for various liposomal lipid compositions and hydrating buffers to establish in vitro stability and in vivo fate. Lipid composition was also optimized to achieve maximum encapsulation efficiency.

Composition optimization and stability testing of a parenteral antifungal solution based on a ternary solvent system

An intravenous solution is a dosage forms intended for administration into the bloodstream. This route is the most rapid and the most bioavailable method of getting drugs into systemic circulation, and therefore it is also the most liable to cause adverse effects. In order to reduce the possibility of side effects and to ensure adequate clinical dosage of the formulation, the primarily formulated composition should be optimized. It is also important that the composition should retain its therapeutic effectiveness and safety throughout the shelf-life of the product. This paper focuses on the optimization and stability testing of a parenteral solution containing miconazole and ketoconazole solubilized with a ternary solvent system as model drugs. Optimization of the solvent system was performed based on assessing the risk/benefit ratio of the composition and its properties upon dilution. Stability tests were conducted based on the EMEA (European Medicines Agency) "guideline on stability testing: stability testing of existing active substances and related finished products". Experiments show that both the amount of co-solvent and surface active agent of the solvent system could substantially be reduced, while still maintaining adequate solubilizing power. It is also shown that the choice of various containers affects the stability of the compositions. It was concluded that by assessing the risk/benefit ratio of solubilizing power versus toxicity, the concentration of excipients could be considerably decreased while still showing a powerful solubilizing effect. It was also shown that a pharmaceutically acceptable shelf-life could be assigned to the composition, indicating good long-term stability.

Preparation of pH-sensitive beads for NSAID using three-component gel systems

The aim of this study is to prepare novel pH-sensitive beads to obtain a gastric mucosa protective formulation and to ensure drug delivery into the intestine. Diclofenac sodium was used as a model drug. Bead formation was achieved by ionotropic gelation method using three-component gel system containing sodium alginate (Na-Alg), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC). Factors influencing the characteristics of beads (exposure time, cross-linking agent concentration, polymer ratio) were investigated by swelling and erosion tests based on gravimetric method. Drug release was tested in distilled water and/or artificial digestive fluids and evaluated with Korsmeyer-Peppas equation and Baker-Lonsdale model. The encapsulation behaviour was qualitatively indicated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) method. In vivo experiments were conducted to test ulcerogenicity and intestinal absorption in rats. HPMC increased the encapsulation efficiency (EE) and HEC improved the drug release in the intestinal fluids. The equilibrium water uptake (EWU) was correlated with exposure time, calcium chloride concentration and HEC amounts. Bead erosion increased proportionately to exposure time, while it reduced when calcium chloride concentrations were increased. Higher amounts of HEC increased, while higher pH values reduced the encapsulation efficacy. The in vivo experiments demonstrated that the studied encapsulation technology markedly reduced the ulcerogenic effect of diclofenac.

In vitro food-drug interaction study: Which milk component has a decreasing effect on the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin?

The purpose of the present work was developing an in vitro dissolution test to highlight the possible molecular background causing ciprofloxacin (CPFX)-milk interaction. The in vitro dissolution of CPFX from film-coated tablets (Ciprinol) 500mg) was examined at different pH values, simulating certain parts of the gastrointestinal tract, in the presence of water, low-fat milk, casein- or calcium enriched water. In order to determine the amount of dissolved CPFX, solid phase extraction sample preparation followed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was applied. Comparing the dissolution efficiency values in various media, it can be concluded, that casein has a more pronounced effect on the absorbable amount of the antibiotic at each pH value studied, than calcium. In the case of concomitant intake of CPFX film-coated tablet and milk or other dairy products not only the complexation with calcium, but also the adsorption of CPFX on the surface of proteins decreases the absorbable amount of CPFX.

Impact of crystalline form changing on behavior of microcapsules prepared from three-component gel system

In this paper, the effect of anhydrous-monohydrate process-induced transformation of theophylline was examined in microcapsules produced by in situ gelation method using sodium alginate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose. Films produced from gel were applied to characterize the changes by NIR spectroscopy, X-ray, DSC method and stereomicroscopy because it is easier to study that in films in the case of gel systems used in situ gelation process. The properties of end-product are influenced by the swelling ability, equilibrium water uptake, release profile and encapsulation efficiency. Water penetration and drug release were evaluated by Davidson-Peppas and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. The ex tempore formed monohydrate crystals were smaller and built into the matrix structure in a greater extent. Increased drug release, matrix erosion and diffuse reflectance values at 1470 and 1950 nm were observed added theophylline later into the gel because of developing a denser structure.

Liposomal oxytetracycline and doxycycline: studies on enhancement of encapsulation efficiency

Liposomal encapsulations of oxytetracycline (OTC) and doxycycline (DC) with various lipid compositions and hydrating solutions have been studied in order to develop a new liposomal formulation to treat bacterial infections. Encapsulation efficiencies as a function of pH (pH 4.0-8.0) in ionic (phosphate buffers) and non-ionic (mannitol or glucose) hydrating solutions with various lipid compositions (lecithin or α-L-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, with or without cholesterol) were determined and compared to the character of lipid vesicles. Based on our encapsulation efficiency studies and on the drug stability considerations it can be concluded that for OTC/DC encapsulation the use of non-ionic solutions is the most promising.

[In vivo effect of food on absorption of fluoroquinolones]

Although food-drug interactions have been studied extensively in recent years, in the light of the complex nature of these interactions general guideline for clinical practice can not be given. Drug interactions with food (containing multivalent metal ions or protein) can have an influence on drug absorption with widely variety of mechanism, resulting in changes in both the rate and extent of bioavailability. Food-drug interaction can be important in the clinical practice. Studies of the interaction between food/juice and fluoroquinolones have produced conflicting results. A number of studies give evidence that fluoroquinolones forming slightly soluble complex with metal ions of food show reduced bioavailability. In the same time, concurrent ingestion of food/ juice with fluoroquinolones has been shown not to interfere with their absorption to a clinically significant degree.

[Difficulties encountered during formulation of a parenteral dosage form containing a poorly soluble drug]

Poor water solubility and consequently the difficulties in formulating a liquid dosage form is a great concern in pharmaceutical development. The importance of this issue is underlined by the fact that 10-30% of marketed drugs and 60-70% of drugs coming from early development stage have solubility problems. In this paper we summarize the existing solubility enhancing techniques that are applicable in parenteral dosage forms for overcoming the issue. We address the problem of choosing the most adequate solubility enhancing technique and present the considerations that should be kept in mind during formulating the solvent systems. Such questions are for example the possible haemolysing effect of the excipients, pH of the composition and its compatibility with various sterilizing methods. We also focus on the probable technological issues, which may arise in each solubility enhancing method, we present examples for every one of them and where possible the solution to the problem is also proposed.

[Methods to increase the encapsulation efficiency for liposomal drugs]

Liposomes as drug delivery systems--in comparison to the traditional dosage forms--offer the advantage of the targeted drug delivery and as a consequence, reduction of the side effects. In case of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as lomefloxacin, the liposomal encapsulation of the active ingredient can result in an enhancement of its therapeutic efficacy against intracellular bacteria. The aim to improve the liposomal encapsulation efficiency of drugs--which is one of the main factors influencing the therapeutic effect of vesicular dosage forms--is one of the important challenges in the field of pharmaceutical technology. In our experiments we prepared lomefloxacin containing multilamellar vesicles from various lipids using different hydrating solutions. We intended to study the effect of lipid composition, cholesterol content and surface charge of liposomes on the encapsulation efficiency of lomefloxacin. Our results can contribute to the rational design of fluoroquinolone containing liposomal drugs.

Gels and liposomes in optimized ocular drug delivery: studies on ciprofloxacin formulations

Ciprofloxacin (CPFX) containing therapeutic systems were developed using gel- and liposome-based formulations to minimize tear-driven dilution in the conjunctival sac, a long-pursued objective in ophthalmology. Physicochemical properties (pH, osmolarity, viscosity, expansivity, membrane fluidity and in vitro CPFX release rate) of the preparations were studied by the appropriate methods. For gel preparation, the bio-adhesive poly(vinyl alcohol) and polymethacrylic acid derivatives were applied in various concentrations. In our liposome-supported carrier systems, multilamellar vesicles from lecithin and alpha-L-dipalmithoyl-phosphatidylcholine provided the encapsulating agent. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was applied to study the molecular interactions in the ophthalmic formulations. The polymer hydrogels used in our preparations ensured a steady and prolonged active ingredient release. In addition, encapsulation of the CPFX into liposomes prolonged the in vitro release of the antibacterial agent depending on the lipid composition of the vesicles.

Metabolism of moexipril to moexiprilat: determination of in vitro metabolism using HPLC-ES-MS

Moexipril is a long-acting, non-sulfhydryl angiotensine-converting enzyme inhibitor. It is used for treatment of arterial hypertension. Moexipril is the prodrug, yielding moexiprilat by hydrolysis of an ethyl ester group. Moexiprilat is the metabolite responsible for the pharmacological effect after moexipril administration. Samples of rat and human microsomal preparations exposed to moexipril treatment were analyzed by HPLC using octyl silica stationary phase and isocratic elution. To detect moexipril and moexiprilat the separation was monitored by both ultraviolet and mass specific detection. The rat liver microsomal preparation was more effective to in producing moexiprilat than the similar one derived from human liver cell lines. While additional potential metabolites of moexipril were suggested by computer-modeling, moexiprilat was the sole metabolite detected after microsomal treatment.

Potential application of Metolose in a thermoresponsive transdermal therapeutic system

The purpose of the present study was to formulate a novel thermoresponsive membrane controlled therapeutic system from Metolose for possible transdermal application. Metolose gel shows thermal gelation property, which can be characterized by two (T(1), T(2)) temperatures. A sharp decrease of viscosity can be measured at T(1), but gelation can be observed at T(2). Different types of Metolose polymers were compared considering their thermoresponsive behaviour. Only thermal gelation was observed in the case of Metolose SM, while Metolose SH showed a sudden decrease of viscosity at T(1). Since this temperature is above the body temperature, so it should be shifted to the skin temperature in case of possible transdermal application. Modulation of thermoresponsibility was followed by rheological method, and the thermoresponsive drug release from Metolose gel was studied by static liberation test. Our results demonstrated that the effect of different salts (NaCl, NaHCO(3), KCl) of various concentrations in Metolose SH gel reduced T(1) to the skin temperature, which enabled enhanced drug release.

[Designing antibiotic-containing carrier systems used in bone surgery]

The controlled release of antibiotics from bone can significantly reduce the prevalence of septic complication of revision operations. Consequently, the patients could avoid further operations and the hospitals could save the cost of repeated operations, which has economic notability too. The conditions of the correct antibiotic therapy are the right indication, the use of the most appropriate antibiotic, the right dose and the adequate duration of the therapy. The spread of antibiotic resistance is particularly important in the case of long residence time in a hospital. In revision surgery, periprothetic infections are principally caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, but in most cases it is needed to reckon with multiresistance strains. In such cases, patients take antibiotics for weeks before the surgery to heal the inflammation, in order to remove the infected prosthesis in time and implant the new one.

[Application of computer image analysis for characterization of pellets]

The morphological characteristics of pellets are critical parameters, because of their physico-chemical features depend on the size, shape and surface geometric of the particles. To ensure the spherical shape and required particle of pharmaceutical pellets size is a prerequisite. The detailed technology is basic requirement for the successful and cost efficient production of particles of acceptable quality. Since the determination of the particle size is influenced by the particle shape, therefore microscopic examination is always suggested, which together with image analysis is suitable for the assesment of the most typical parameters. The method of the microscopic image analysis is useful not only for particle size measurement, but also for particle shape and texture evaluation, with a high sensitivity. Using the microscopic method particle shape may be defined either qualitatively and quantitatively. Reviewing the related articles and results on the investigation of sugar pellets demonstrate that roundness characterization is strongly influenced by the applied statistical shape parameters.

[Importance of dissolution profile in stability tests]

The aim of stability testing lies in its possibility of revealing all the effects that may influence the quality, efficacy and safety of a pharmaceutical preparation. The stability of a dosage form means that the release of the active ingredients remains unchanged or within specific limits. The manner of stability testing is regulated by guidelines, which consist of -- besides the regular tests of the active ingredient and the degradation products, the concerning impurities, the water content, the hardness -- the dissolution tests. Most physical changes influence the drug release in vivo, which can -- in vitro -- be followed by dissolution.

[Formulation of thermoresponsive transdermal therapeutic systems using cellulose derivatives]

The purpose of the present study was to formulate a novel thermoresponsive membrane controlled therapeutic system from Metolose for possible transdermal application. Metolose gel shows thermal gelation property which can be characterized by two (T1, T2) temperatures. A sharp decrease of viscosity can be measured at T1, but gelation can be observed at T2. Different types of Metolose polymers were compared considering their thermoresponsive behavior. Only thermal gelation was observed in the case of Metolose SM, while Metolose SH showed a sharp decrease of viscosity at T1. Since this temperature is above the body temperature, so it should be shifted to the skin temperature in case of possible transdermal application. Modulation of thermoresponsibility was followed by rheological method, and the thermoresponsive drug release from Metolose gel was studied by static liberation test. Our results demonstrated that the effect of different salts (NaCl, NaHCO3, KCl) of various concentrations in Metolose SH gel reduced T1 to the skin temperature, which enabled enhanced piroxicam release.

[In vitro studies on ciprofloxacin-milk interaction using LC-MS methode]

As fluoroquinolone antibiotics are known to interact with foods containing multivalent ions, dairy products represent a risk for less than optimal absorption of them. A number of studies give evidence that fluoroquinolones forming slightly soluble complexes with metal ions of foods show reduced bioavailability. Our aim was to investigate the in vitro dissolution profile of a marketed ciprofloxacin (CPFX) containing tablet in aqueous and low fat milky mediums. For our experiments three various pH values were chosen to represent the circumstances of the gastrointestinal tract. Solid phase extraction (SPE) sample preparation followed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technique was used to determine the amount of free CPFX. According to our results the presence of milk decreases the amount of bioavailable CPFX.