Nanonization and Deformable Behavior of Fattigated Peptide Drug in Mucoadhesive Buccal Films

This study was tasked with the design of mucoadhesive buccal films (MBFs) containing a peptide drug, leuprolide (LEU), or its diverse nanoparticles (NPs), for enhanced membrane permeability via self-assembled nanonization and deformable behavior. An LEU-oleic acid conjugate (LOC) and its self-assembled NPs (LON) were developed. Additionally, a deformable variant of LON (d-LON) was originally developed by incorporating l-α-phosphatidylcholine into LON as an edge activator. The physicochemical properties of LON and d-LON, encompassing particle size, zeta potential, and deformability index (DI), were evaluated. MBFs containing LEU, LOC, and NPs (LON, d-LON) were prepared using the solvent casting method by varying the ratio of Eudragit RLPO and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, with propylene glycol used as a plasticizer. The optimization of MBF formulations was based on their physicochemical properties, including in vitro residence time, dissolution, and permeability. The dissolution results demonstrated that the conjugation of oleic acid to LEU exhibited a more sustained LEU release pattern by cleaving the ester bond of the conjugate, as compared to the native LEU, with reduced variability. Moreover, the LOC and its self-assembled NPs (LON, d-LON), equivalent to 1 mg LEU doses in MBF, exhibited an amorphous state and demonstrated better permeability through the nanonization process than LEU alone, regardless of membrane types. The incorporation of lauroyl-L-carnitine into the films as a permeation enhancer synergistically augmented drug permeability. Most importantly, the d-LON-loaded buccal films showed the highest permeability, due to the deformability of NPs. Overall, MBF-containing peptide NPs and permeation enhancers have the potential to replace parenteral LEU administration by improving LEU druggability and patient compliance.

Review of Systemic Mock Circulation Loops for Evaluation of Implantable Cardiovascular Devices and Biological Tissues

CLINICAL IMPACT

On needs-based ex vivo monitoring of implantable devices or tissues/organs in cardiovascular simulators provides new insights and paves new paths for device prototypes. The insights gained could not only support the needs of patients, but also inform engineers, scientists and clinicians about undiscovered aspects of diseases (during routine monitoring). We analyze seminal and current work and highlight a variety of opportunities for developing preclinical tools that would improve strategies for future implantable devices. Holistically, mock circulation loop studies can bridge the gap between in vivo and in vitro approaches, as well as clinical and laboratory settings, in a mutually beneficial manner.

First Description of Marinoquinoline Derivatives' Activity against Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasmosis is a globally prevalent zoonotic disease with significant clinical implications, including neurotoxoplasmosis, a leading cause of cerebral lesions in AIDS patients. The current pharmacological treatments for toxoplasmosis face clinical limitations, necessitating the urgent development of new therapeutics. Natural sources have yielded diverse bioactive compounds, serving as the foundation for clinically used derivatives. The exploration of marine bacteria-derived natural products has led to marinoquinolines, which feature a pyrroloquinoline core and demonstrate in vitro and in vivo anti-Plasmodium activity. This study investigates the in vitro anti-Toxoplasma gondii potential of six marinoquinoline derivatives. Additionally, it conducts absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) predictions, and evaluates the in vivo efficacy of one selected compound. The compounds displayed half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) values between 1.31 and 3.78 µM and half-maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50) values ranging from 4.16 to 30.51 µM, resulting in selectivity indices (SI) from 3.18 to 20.85. MQ-1 exhibiting the highest in vitro SI, significantly reduced tachyzoite numbers in the peritoneum of RH-infected Swiss mice when it was orally administered at 12.5 mg/kg/day for eight consecutive days. Also, MQ-1 significantly reduced the cerebral parasite burden in chronically ME49 infected C57BL/6 mice when it was orally administered at 25 mg/kg/day for 10 consecutive days. These findings underscore the promising anti-T. gondii activity of marinoquinolines and their potential as novel therapeutic agents against this disease.

Metabolic Stability and Metabolite Identification of N-Ethyl Pentedrone Using Rat, Mouse and Human Liver Microsomes

New Psychoactive Substances (NPSs) are defined as a group of substances produced from molecular modifications of traditional drugs. These molecules represent a public health problem since information about their metabolites and toxicity is poorly understood. N-ethyl pentedrone (NEP) is an NPS that was identified in the illicit market for the first time in the mid-2010s, with four intoxication cases later described in the literature. This study aims to evaluate the metabolic stability of NEP as well as to identify its metabolites using three liver microsomes models. To investigate metabolic stability, NEP was incubated with rat (RLM), mouse (MLM) and human (HLM) liver microsomes and its concentration over time evaluated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. For metabolite identification, the same procedure was employed, but the samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. Different metabolism profiles were observed depending on the model employed and kinetic parameters were determined. The in vitro NEP elimination half-lives (t1/2) were 12.1, 187 and 770 min for the rat, mouse and human models, respectively. Additionally, in vitro intrinsic clearances (Cl int, in vitro) were 229 for rat, 14.8 for mouse, and 3.6 μL/min/mg in the human model, and in vivo intrinsic clearances (Cl int, in vivo) 128, 58.3, and 3.7 mL/min/kg, respectively. The HLM model had the lowest rate of metabolism when compared to RLM and MLM. Also, twelve NEP metabolites were identified from all models, but at different rates of production.

The Genus Capsicum: A Review of Bioactive Properties of Its Polyphenolic and Capsaicinoid Composition

Chili is one of the world's most widely used horticultural products. Many dishes around the world are prepared using this fruit. The chili belongs to the genus Capsicum and is part of the Solanaceae family. This fruit has essential biomolecules such as carbohydrates, dietary fiber, proteins, and lipids. In addition, chili has other compounds that may exert some biological activity (bioactivities). Recently, many studies have demonstrated the biological activity of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and capsaicinoids in different varieties of chili. Among all these bioactive compounds, polyphenols are one of the most studied. The main bioactivities attributed to polyphenols are antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive. This review describes the data from in vivo and in vitro bioactivities attributed to polyphenols and capsaicinoids of the different chili products. Such data help formulate functional foods or food ingredients.

Plant Extracts Control In Vitro Growth of Disease-Causing Fungi in Chayote

The use of agrochemicals has caused environmental problems and toxicity to humans, so natural alternatives for disease control during harvest and postharvest have been evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate cinnamon essential oil, neem oil, and black sapote fruit extract for in vitro inhibition of fungi isolated from chayote fruit. The extracts were applied at 300, 350, and 400 ppm in Petri dishes and the mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Goetrichum sp., and Phytophthora capsici was evaluated for 7 days, and the percentage of mycelial growth inhibition per day was calculated. Cinnamon oil showed a fungicidal effect at all concentrations. Neem oil at 400 ppm showed a 42.3% reduction in the growth of F. solani and 27.8% reduction in the growth of F. oxysporum, while at 350 ppm it inhibited the mycelial growth of Phytophthora capsici by 53.3% and of Goetrichum sp. by 20.9%; finally, the black sapote extract at 400 ppm inhibited 21.9-28.6% of the growth of all fungi. The growth of postharvest fungi on chayote fruit could be prevented or reduced by applying the plant extracts evaluated at adequate concentrations.

Effect of Excipients on the Quality of Drug Formulation and Immediate Release of Generic Metformin HCl Tablets

Generic medications are bioequivalent to brand-name medications, but the quality and purity of generic medications are still debatable. The aim of this study was to compare the generic product of metformin (MET) to its branded counterpart using pure MET powder as a reference. Quality control tablet assessment and in vitro evaluation of drug release were carried out in various pH media. Additionally, several analytical methods and thermal techniques were used, namely differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and confocal Raman microscopy. The results showed a significant difference between the two products. In terms of friability assessment, mean resistance force, and tablet disintegration, the generic MET product showed significant weight loss, higher mean resistance force, longer disintegration time, and a slower rate of drug release. In addition, DSC and TGA showed that the generic product had the lowest melting point and the least weight loss compared to the branded product and pure powder. XRD and SEM demonstrated some changes in the crystallinity structure of the molecule particles for the generic product. Additionally, FTIR and confocal Raman revealed the same peaks and band shifts in all samples, but with differences in the intensity for the generic tablet only. The observed differences could be due to the use of different excipients in the generic product. The possibility of forming a eutectic mixture between the polymeric excipient and metformin in the generic tablet was presumed, which might be attributed to alterations in the physicochemical properties of the drug molecule in the generic product. In conclusion, using different excipients might have a significant effect on the physicochemical properties of drugs in generic formulations, leading to significant changes in drug release behavior.

Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activity of New Polyphenolic Derivatives of Quinazolin-4(3H)-one: Synthesis and In Vitro Activities Evaluation

The development of hybrid molecules with significant human therapeutic properties is one of the main approaches of pharmaceutical research. One of the most important pharmacophores is the quinazolin-4(3H)-one heterocycle moiety, due to its wide range of biological activities. By its derivatization with polyphenolic compounds, in our previous research, it proved to possess a good antiradical activity of ortho-diphenolic derivatives of quinazolin-4(3H)-one. In this study, we developed two new series of compounds, with an additional phenolic group or with a methyl group on the thioacetohydrazone fragment. The methods used to evaluate the activity of the compounds were radical scavenging, reduction of oxidizing reagents and transition metals' ions chelation assays. Quantum descriptors were also calculated in order to evaluate the influence of substituents and their position on the activity of the compounds. The cytotoxic activity was evaluated using normal human foreskin fibroblast cells (BJ) and two cancerous cell lines, lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549) and prostate carcinoma cells (LNCaP). The results obtained for the pyrogallol derivatives showed a high antioxidant activity compared to ascorbic acid and Trolox. All the synthesized compounds displayed a higher cytotoxicity against the cancerous cell types and a high cytocompatibility with the normal cells. The antioxidant activity was deeply influenced by the addition of the third phenolic group in the synthesized molecules.

Prospective Prediction of Dapaconazole Clinical Drug-Drug Interactions Using an In Vitro to In Vivo Extrapolation Equation and PBPK Modeling

This study predicted dapaconazole clinical drug−drug interactions (DDIs) over the main Cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes using static (in vitro to in vivo extrapolation equation, IVIVE) and dynamic (PBPK model) approaches. The in vitro inhibition of main CYP450 isoenzymes by dapaconazole in a human liver microsome incubation medium was evaluated. A dapaconazole PBPK model (Simcyp version 20) in dogs was developed and qualified using observed data and was scaled up for humans. Static and dynamic models to predict DDIs following current FDA guidelines were applied. The in vitro dapaconazole inhibition was observed for all isoforms investigated, including CYP1A2 (IC50 of 3.68 µM), CYP2A6 (20.7 µM), 2C8 (104.1 µM), 2C9 (0.22 µM), 2C19 (0.05 µM), 2D6 (0.87 µM), and 3A4 (0.008−0.03 µM). The dynamic (PBPK) and static DDI mechanistic model-based analyses suggest that dapaconazole is a weak inhibitor (AUCR > 1.25 and <2) of CYP1A2 and CYP2C9, a moderate inhibitor (AUCR > 2 and <5) of CYP2C8 and CYP2D6, and a strong inhibitor (AUCR ≥ 5) of CYP2C19 and CYP3A, considering a clinical scenario. The results presented may be a useful guide for future in vivo and clinical dapaconazole studies.

Development of In Vitro Evaluation System for Assessing Drug Dissolution Considering Physiological Environment in Nasal Cavity

Estimating the dissolution behavior of a solid in the nasal mucus is challenging for solid dosage forms designed for the nasal application as the solid dissolves into nasal mucus and permeates through the mucosa. In the current study, the dissolution behavior of powders in the artificial nasal fluid was investigated using a 3D-printed chamber system to establish in vitro evaluation system for the dissolution of solid formulations that can simulate the intranasal environment in vivo. The dissolution rates of the five model drugs correlated with their solubility (r2 = 0.956, p < 0.01). The permeation rate of drugs across the Calu-3 cell layers after powder application depends on the membrane permeability of the drug. An analysis of membrane permeability considering the dissolution of powders showed the possibility of characterizing whether the drug in the powder was dissolution-limited or permeation-limited. This suggests that critical information can be obtained to understand which mechanism is more effective for the improvement of drug absorption from powders. This study indicates that the elucidation of drug dissolution behavior into nasal mucus is an important factor for the formulation of nasal powders and that the in vitro system developed could be a useful tool.

Formulation, In Vitro Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Chitosan-Decorated Cream Containing Bacitracin for Topical Delivery

(1) Background: Bacitracin is a broad spectrum antibiotic that is used against various microorganisms. Chitosan is a natural polymer that has been widely investigated as an antimicrobial agent for preventing and treating infections owing to its intrinsic antimicrobial properties, as well as its ability to effectively deliver extrinsic antimicrobial compounds to infected areas. Topical drug delivery offers important benefits for improving the therapeutic effect and reducing systemic side effects of administered compounds/drugs. The topical use of chitosan-decorated bacitracin-loaded cream improves the permeation of the drug across the skin and enhances the drug bioavailability by prolonging the residence time of the drug when applied topically, as well as producing synergistic effects and reducing the side effects of the drug. Topical chitosan-decorated cream can be a promising approach to administer the drug more efficiently and enhance the efficacy of treatment in wound healing and antibacterial activity. (2) Methods: This study was conducted to prepare, assess and investigate the synergistic antibacterial activity of a chitosan-coated bacitracin cream. The results were compared to the antibacterial activity of simple bacitracin-loaded cream. The prepared cream was evaluated for various in vitro characteristics such as rheology, pH, viscosity, drug content and antibacterial activity studies. (3) Result: The formulations were found to be stable regarding color, liquefaction and phase separation at all accelerated conditions. It was observed that with time, substantial variations in the pH of the preparations were found. The introduction of chitosan results in controlled release of the drug from the formulations. The antibacterial activity of the formulated creams was assessed with the disc diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus(ATCC),Escherichiacoli (STCC),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(ATCC) and Bacillus cereus(ATCC). The strains, E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and B. cereus were susceptible to 50 µg chitosan-decorated bacitracin cream, showing inhibition zones of 10 ± 0.6, 34 ± 1.5, 31 ± 0.76 and 21 ± 2.02 mm, respectively. The zones of inhibition for simple bacitracin-loaded cream were significantly smaller than chitosan-decorated cream, at 2 ± 0.2, 28 ± 0.92, 15 ± 0.5 and 11 ± 1.25 mm (ANOVA; p < 0.05), respectively. (4) Conclusion: It was observed that the zones of inhibition of simple bacitracin-loaded cream were significantly smaller than those of chitosan-decorated bacitracin-loaded cream. Chitosan synergistically improves the antimicrobial activity of bacitracin. Hence, the developed formulation was effective and should be considered as a suitable candidate for topical management of skin infections and wound healing.

Comparative evaluation of flavonoids reveals the superiority and promising inhibition activity of silibinin against SARS-CoV-2

Flavonoids are phenolic compounds naturally found in plants and commonly consumed in diets. Herein, flavonoids were sequentially evaluated by a comparative in silico study associated with systematic literature search. This was followed by an in vitro study and enzyme inhibition assays against vital SARS-CoV-2 proteins including spike (S) protein, main protease (M^pro ), RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (RdRp), and human transmembrane serine protease (TMPRSS2). The results obtained revealed 10 flavonoids with potential antiviral activity. Out of them, silibinin showed promising selectivity index against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Screening against S protein discloses the highest inhibition activity of silibinin. Mapping the activity of silibinin indicated its excellent binding inhibition activity against SARS-CoV-2 S protein, M^pro and RdRP at IC₅₀ 0.029, 0.021, and 0.042 μM, respectively, while it showed no inhibition activity against TMPRSS2 at its IC_{50(SARS-CoV-2)} . Silibinin was tested safe on human mammalian cells at >7-fold its IC_{50(SARS-CoV-2)} . Additionally, silibinin exhibited >90% virucidal activity at 0.031 μM. Comparative molecular docking (MD) showed that silibinin possesses the highest binding affinity to S protein and RdRP at -7.78 and -7.15 kcal/mol, respectively. MDs showed that silibinin exhibited stable interaction with key amino acids of SARS-CoV-2 targets. Collectively, silibinin, an FDA-approved drug, can significantly interfere with SARS-CoV-2 entry and replication through multi-targeting activity.

Development of a Model System for Gas Cavity Formation Behavior of Magnesium Alloy Implantation

Clinical applications of magnesium (Mg)-based screws have reported gas cavity formation in the surrounding tissue, which sometimes delays the fixation of the bone fracture. The gas cavity formation is considered to depend on the balance between hydrogen generation by Mg corrosion reacting with water in the body fluid and its diffusion into the surrounding tissue by capillary flow. In order to understand the gas cavity formation behavior by Mg-based material implantation, we developed a new in vitro model system to recreate this cavity formation phenomenon: the hydrogen generation by corrosion and its diffusion into the medium. A model tissue is prepared by gelation of the cell culture medium in a sterile condition. The immersion of Mg alloy samples was performed under 5% CO₂ atmosphere with periodic observation by X-ray computed tomography, which enabled us to observe gas cavity growth up to 28 d. For demonstrating the usefulness of our model system, Mg alloy samples with different corrosion rates were prepared by a biodegradable polymer coating. AZ31 screws were spin-coated by poly-l-lactide (PLLA) and classified into three groups by their coating thickness as 1.0 ± 0.0, 1.6 ± 0.2, and 2.0 ± 0.1 μm (ave. ± s.d.). Upon their immersion into the model tissue, the gas cavity volumes formed were 1.57 ± 0.23, 1.06 ± 0.22, and 0.38 ± 0.09 mm³/mm² for 1.0, 1.6, and 2.0 μm coating samples, having the weight loss of 20.2 ± 2.93, 18.5 ± 2.84, and 11.3 ± 3.54 μg/mm², respectively (ave. ± s.d.). This result clearly indicates the dependence of gas cavity formation on the corrosion rate of the sample. The gas cavity volume was only 3.3∼7.5% of the total hydrogen gas volume estimated based on the weight loss of the samples at 28 d, which is in the range of those calculated from the clinical report (3.2∼9.4% at 4w). This system can be an effective tool to investigate the gas cavity formation behavior and contribute to understand the mechanisms and controlling factors of this phenomenon.

Synthesis of New Phenolic Derivatives of Quinazolin-4(3H)-One as Potential Antioxidant Agents-In Vitro Evaluation and Quantum Studies

Considering the important damage caused by the reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species in the human organism, the need for new therapeutic agents, with superior efficacy to the known natural and synthetic antioxidants, is crucial. Quinazolin-4-ones are known for their wide range of biological activities, and phenolic compounds display an important antioxidant effect. Linking the two active pharmacophores may lead to an increase of the antioxidant activity. Therefore, we synthesized four series of new hybrid molecules bearing the quinazolin-4-one and phenol scaffolds. Their antioxidant potential was evaluated in vitro, considering different possible mechanisms of action: hydrogen atom transfer, ability to donate electrons and metal ions chelation. Theoretical quantum and thermodynamical calculations were also performed. Some compounds, especially the ortho diphenolic ones, exerted a stronger antioxidant effect than ascorbic acid and Trolox.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of newly detected synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists AB-4CN-BUTICA, MMB-4CN-BUTINACA, MDMB-4F-BUTICA, MDMB-4F-BUTINACA and their analogs

Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) continue to make up a significant portion new psychoactive substances (NPS) detected and seized worldwide. Due to their often potent activation of central cannabinoid receptors in vivo, use of SCRAs can result in severe intoxication, in addition to other adverse health effects. Recent detections of AB-4CN-BUTICA, MMB-4CN-BUTINACA, MDMB-4F-BUTICA and MDMB-4F-BUTINACA mark a continuation in the appearance of SCRAs bearing novel tail substituents. The proactive characterization campaign described here has facilitated the detection of several new SCRAs in toxicological case work. Here we detail the synthesis, characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of recently detected SCRAs, as well as a systematic library of 32 compounds bearing head, tail, and core group combinations likely to appear in future. In vitro radioligand binding assays revealed most compounds showed moderate to high affinity at both CB₁ (pK _i = < 5 to 8.89 ± 0.09 M) and CB₂ (pK _i = 5.49 ± 0.03 to 9.92 ± 0.09 M) receptors. In vitro functional evaluation using a fluorescence-based membrane potential assay showed that most compounds were sub-micromolar to sub-nanomolar agonists at CB₁ (pEC₅₀ = < 5 to 9.48 ± 0.14 M) and CB₂ (pEC₅₀ = 5.92 ± 0.16 to 8.64 ± 0.15 M) receptors. An in silico receptor-ligand docking approach was utilized to rationalize binding trends for CB₂ with respect to the tail substituent, and indicated that rigidity in this region (i.e., 4-cyanobutyl) was detrimental to affinity.

Clinical and laboratory evaluation of cured and non-cured patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis treated by Glucantime

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Insufficient treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) by conventional drugs is a major barrier in control strategies. This study was aimed to evaluate Glucantime efficacy and the susceptibility of Glucantime unresponsive and responsive CL isolates in the field and laboratory.

METHODS

Chi-square test (x^[2]) was used to determine the significance of difference between proportions in Glucantime-treated patients. The inhibitory activity of various concentrations of Glucantime against Leishmenia tropica stages was evaluated by a colorimetric cell viability MTT and macrophage assays. Mixed model, t-test and ANOVA were performed to determine the significance of difference between various concentrations of Glucantime unresponsive or responsive isolates and untreated control group and p <0.05 was defined as significant level. Altogether, 89.8% of the patients were cured by Glucantime, whilst 10.2% remained non-cured.

RESULTS

The overall Glucantime efficacy in different age groups and genders was similar. The IC₅₀ values of promastigotes and amastigotes for Glucanime unresponsive isolates were 2.1 and 2.6 times higher than the equivalent rates obtained for responsive cases, respectively. The overall mean number of amastigotes within macrophages in unresponsive isolates was significantly higher (32.68 ± 1.24) than that in responsive ones (18.68 ± 1.52, p <0.001). Glucantime unresponsive and responsive field isolates of anthroponotic CL (ACL) caused by L. tropica strongly correlated to in vitro assays.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

Monitoring of Glucantime unresponsiveness by the health surveillance system is extremely important, where anthroponotic transmission occurs in humans. Hence, physicians should be aware of such clinical unresponsive presentations with ACL for antimonial therapeutic failure to improve management of disease in endemic regions.

[Preparation and in vitro evaluation of forsythoside A-loaded exosomes]

A drug delivery system of forsythoside A-loaded exosomes(FTA-Exos) with high biocompatibility and low immunogenicity was established to investigate its impact on the migration of human lung epithelial adenocarcinoma A549 cells. The exosomes from A549 cells were extracted and purified by ultra-high speed centrifugation and ultrafiltration. FTA-Exos were prepared by ultrasonic incubation, and characterized by particle size analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and Western blot assay. The uptake of FTA-Exos by A549 cells was observed under the laser confocal microscope, and the impact of FTA-Exos on the migration of A549 cells was investigated by cell scratch assay. The results showed that the average particle size of the prepared FTA-Exos was(138.90±2.37) nm, which increased slightly after drug loading. The PDI was 0.291±0.013, and the average potential was(-10.1±0.66) mV. The FTA-Exos were spheroidal in appearance as observed by transmission electron microscope, with an obvious saucer-like double-layer membrane. Western blot assay indicated that the specific proteins CD63 and Alix were both expressed in exosomes. The laser confocal microscopy suggested that FTA-Exos were taken up by A549 cells and stably maintained in the cell for 4-8 h, and the fluorescence was significantly enhanced at 4 h. The scratch assay showed that the inhibitory effect of FTA-Exos on the migration of A549 cells was significantly stronger than that of forsythoside A(P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, the drug delivery system of FTA-Exos established in this study had good stability, reliable preparation process, and potent inhibitory effect on the migration of A549 cells in vitro, which can provide an important reference for subsequent in-depth research and application.

Novel Coumarin Containing Dithiocarbamate Derivatives as Potent α-Glucosidase Inhibitors for Management of Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

α-Glucosidase is a hydrolyzing enzyme that plays a crucial role in the degradation of carbohydrates and starch to glucose. Hence, α-glucosidase is an important target in carbohydrate mediated diseases such as diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, novel coumarin containing dithiocarbamate derivatives 4a-n were synthesized and evaluated against α-glucosidase in vitro and in silico.

METHODS

These compounds were obtained from the reaction between 4-(bromomethyl)-7- methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one 1, carbon disulfide 2, and primary or secondary amines 3a-n in the presence of potassium hydroxide and ethanol at room temperature. In vitro α-glucosidase inhibition and kinetic study of these compounds were performed. Furthermore, a docking study of the most potent compounds was also performed by Auto Dock Tools (version 1.5.6).

RESULTS

Obtained results showed that all the synthesized compounds exhibited prominent inhibitory activities (IC50 = 85.0 ± 4.0-566.6 ± 8.6 μM) in comparison to acarbose as a standard inhibitor (IC50 = 750.0 ± 9.0 μM). Among them, the secondary amine derivative 4d with pendant indole group was the most potent inhibitor. Enzyme kinetic study of the compound 4d revealed that this compound competes with a substrate to connect to the active site of α-glucosidase and therefore is a competitive inhibitor. Moreover, a molecular docking study predicted that this compound interacted with the α-glucosidase active site pocket.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the coumarin-dithiocarbamate scaffold can be a promising lead structure for designing potent α-glucosidase inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

In Vitro Evaluation of Lipopolyplexes for Gene Transfection: Comparing 2D, 3D and Microdroplet-Enabled Cell Culture

Complexes combining nucleic acids with lipids and polymers (lipopolyplexes) show great promise for gene therapy since they enable compositional, physical and functional versatility to be optimized for therapeutic efficiency. When developing lipopolyplexes for gene delivery, one of the first evaluations performed is an in vitro transfection efficiency experiment. Many different in vitro models can be used, and the effect of the model on the experiment outcome has not been thoroughly studied. The objective of this work was to compare the insights obtained from three different in vitro models, as well as the potential limitations associated with each of them. We have prepared a series of lipopolyplex formulations with three different cationic polymers (poly-l-lysine, bioreducible poly-l-lysine and polyethyleneimine), and assessed their in vitro biological performance in 2D monolayer cell culture, 3D spheroid culture and microdroplet-based single-cell culture. Lipopolyplexes from different polymers presented varying degrees of transfection efficiency in all models. The best-performing formulation in 2D culture was the polyethyleneimine lipopolyplex, while lipoplexes prepared with bioreducible poly-l-lysine were the only ones achieving any transfection in microdroplet-enabled cell culture. None of the prepared formulations achieved significant gene transfection in 3D culture. All of the prepared formulations were well tolerated by cells in 2D culture, while at least one formulation (poly-l-lysine polyplex) delayed 3D spheroid growth. These results highlight the need for selecting the appropriate in vitro model depending on the intended application.

Discovery of Multitarget-Directed Ligands Against Influenza A Virus From Compound Yizhihao Through a Predictive System for Compound-Protein Interactions

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a threat to public health due to its high mutation rate and resistance to existing drugs. In this investigation, 15 targets selected from an influenza virus–host interaction network were successfully constructed as a multitarget virtual screening system for new drug discovery against IAV using Naïve Bayesian, recursive partitioning, and CDOCKER methods. The predictive accuracies of the models were evaluated using training sets and test sets. The system was then used to predict active constituents of Compound Yizhihao (CYZH), a Chinese medicinal compound used to treat influenza. Twenty-eight compounds with multitarget activities were selected for subsequent in vitro evaluation. Of the four compounds predicted to be active on neuraminidase (NA), chlorogenic acid, and orientin showed inhibitory activity in vitro. Linarin, sinensetin, cedar acid, isoliquiritigenin, sinigrin, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, orientin, epigoitrin, and rupestonic acid exhibited significant effects on TNF-α expression, which is almost consistent with predicted results. Results from a cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction assay revealed acacetin, indirubin, tryptanthrin, quercetin, luteolin, emodin, and apigenin had protective effects against wild-type strains of IAV. Quercetin, luteolin, and apigenin had good efficacy against resistant IAV strains in CPE reduction assays. Finally, with the aid of Gene Ontology biological process analysis, the potential mechanisms of CYZH action were revealed. In conclusion, a compound-protein interaction-prediction system was an efficient tool for the discovery of novel compounds against influenza, and the findings from CYZH provide important information for its usage and development.

In vitro evaluation of α-lipoic acid-loaded lipid nanocapsules for topical delivery

This study aimed at in vitro evaluation of α-lipoic acid-loaded lipid nanocapsules for topical delivery, which was prepared by hot high-pressure homogenisation. Stable particles could be formed and particle size was 148.54 ± 2.31 nm with polydispersity index below 0.15. Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of α-lipoic acid were 95.23 ± 0.45% and 2.81 ± 0.37%. Antioxidant study showed α-lipoic acid could be protected by lipid nanocapsules without loss of antioxidant activity. Sustained release of α-lipoic acid from lipid nanocapsules was obtained and cumulative release was 62.18 ± 1.51%. In vitro percutaneous study showed the amount of α-lipoic acid distributed in skin was 1.7-fold than permeated. Cytotoxicity assay and antioxidant activity on L929 cells indicated this formulation had low cytotoxicity and ability of protecting cells from oxidative damage within specific concentration. These studies suggested α-lipoic acid-loaded lipid nanocapsules could be potential formulation for topical delivery.

[In Vitro Evaluation Method for Drug Release and Particle Release from Drug Coated Balloon]

OBJECTIVES

Development in vitro test methods for drug release and particle release from drug coated balloon to address the disadvantages and inadequacy of existing assessment methods.

METHODS

In vitro drug transfer test were carried out using the isolated porcine vessel as target site in the self-designed iliofemoral artery model, drug loss experiment during dilatation and retraction were added in drug release test, the particle test channel was subdivided and the size and number of the large particles were measured by microscopy combined with Image-Pro Plus software.

RESULTS

The result shows that the method is feasible and the discrimination is good. The material balance can be achieved. More detailed data can be obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

The developed in vitro evaluation method provides a reference for formulation screening, in vitro bench testing and in vivo pre-clinical animal testing.

In Vitro Evaluation of Swine-Derived Lactobacillus reuteri: Probiotic Properties and Effects on Intestinal Porcine Epithelial Cells Challenged with Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88

Probiotics are considered as the best effective alternatives to antibiotics. The aim of this study was to characterize the probiotic potential of lactobacilli for use in swine farming by using in vitro evaluation methods. A total of 106 lactic acid bacterial isolates, originating from porcine feces, were first screened for the capacity to survive stresses considered important for putative probiotic strains. Sixteen isolates showed notable acid and bile resistance, antibacterial activity, and adherence to intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-1). One isolate, LR1, identified as Lactobacillus reuteri, was selected for extensive study of its probiotic and functional properties in IPEC-1 cell models. L. reuteri LR1 exhibited good adhesion to IPEC-1 cells and could inhibit the adhesion of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) to IPEC-1 cells. L. reuteri LR1 could also modulate transcript and protein expression of cytokines involved in inflammation in IPEC-1 cells; the Lactobacillus strain inhibited the ETEC-induced expression of proinflammatory transcripts (IL-6 and TNF-α) and protein (IL-6), and increased the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10). Measurement of the permeation of FD-4 showed that L. reuteri LR1 could maintain barrier integrity in monolayer IPEC-1 cells exposed to ETEC. Immunolocalization experiments showed L. reuteri LR1 could also prevent ETEC-induced tight junction ZO-1 disruption. Together, these results indicate that L. reuteri LR1 exhibits desirable probiotic properties and could be a potential probiotic for use in swine production.

A method for the preparation of sustained release-coated Metoprolol Succinate pellet-containing tablets

The purpose of this study was to develop a method to prepare Metoprolol Succinate (MS) sustained release pellets and compress them into pellet-containing tablets without losing sustained release property. The drug layered pellets were coated with Eudragit NE 30D to obtain a sustained release (SR) property. The mechanical properties and permeability of the coating film were tailored by adjusting the proportion of talc in the coating dispersion and the weight gain of the coating film. Pellets with different MS release rates were tested and then mixed together by different ratios to optimize drug release rate. The mixed pellets were compressed into tablets with cushioning excipients. The results showed that when the ratio of talc and coating material was 1:4, the coating operation could be conducted successfully without pellet conglutination and the mechanical property of the coating film was enhanced to withstand the compress force during tableting. Blending SR-coated pellets of 20% weight gain with SR-coated pellets of 40% weight gain at the ratio of 1:5 could produce a constant and desired drug release rate. The formulation and the procedure developed in the study were suitable to prepare MS pellet-containing tablets with selected SR properties.

Prebiotic effect of fructooligosaccharide in the simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem (SHIME® model)

Maintaining "gut health" is a goal for scientists throughout the world. Therefore, microbiota management models for testing probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics have been developed. The SHIME(®) model was used to study the effect of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on the fermentation pattern of the colon microbiota. Initially, an inoculum prepared from human feces was introduced into the reactor vessels and stabilized over 2 weeks using a culture medium. This stabilization period was followed by a 2-week control period during which the microbiota was monitored. The microbiota was then subjected to a 4-week treatment period by adding 5 g/day-1 FOS to vessel one (the "stomach" compartment). Plate counts, Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE), short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), and ammonium analyses were used to observe the influence of FOS treatment in simulated colon compartments. A significant increase (P<.01) in the Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. populations was observed during the treatment period. The DGGE obtained showed the overall microbial community was changed in the ascending colon compartment of the SHIME reactor. FOS induced increase of the SCFA concentration (P<.05) during the treatment period, mainly due to significant increased levels of acetic and butyric acids. However, ammonium concentrations increased during the same period (P<.01). This study indicates the usefulness of in vitro methods that simulate the colon region as part of research towards the improvement of human health.

Formulation development and release studies of indomethacin suppositories

Indomethacin suppositories were prepared by using water-soluble and oil soluble suppository bases, and evaluated for in vitro release by USP I and modified continuous flow through bead bed apparatus. Effect of the Tween 80 (1% and 5%) was further studied on in vitro release of the medicament. Release rate was good in water-soluble suppositories bases in comparison to oil soluble suppositories bases. Release was found to be greater in modified continuous flow through bead bed apparatus. When surfactant was used in low concentration then release rate was much greater, as compared to high concentration. When stability studies were performed on the prepared indomethacin suppositories it was found that suppositories made by water-soluble base had no significant changes while suppositories prepared by oil soluble bases, had some signs of instability.