Understanding How Minerals Contribute to Optimal Immune Function

Sufficient mineral supply is vital not only for the innate immune system but also for the components of the adaptive immune defense, which encompass defense mechanisms against pathogens and the delicate balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory regulation in the long term. Generally, a well-balanced diet is capable of providing the necessary minerals to support the immune system. Nevertheless, specific vulnerable populations should be cautious about obtaining adequate amounts of minerals such as magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, and selenium. Inadequate levels of these minerals can temporarily impair immune competence and disrupt the long-term regulation of systemic inflammation. Therefore, comprehending the mechanisms and sources of these minerals is crucial. In exceptional circumstances, mineral deficiencies may necessitate supplementation; however, excessive intake of supplements can have adverse effects on the immune system and should be avoided. Consequently, any supplementation should be approved by medical professionals and administered in recommended doses. This review emphasizes the crucial significance of minerals in promoting optimal functioning of the immune system. It investigates the indispensable minerals required for immune system function and the regulation of inflammation. Moreover, it delves into the significance of maintaining an optimized intake of minerals from a nutritional standpoint.

The Influence of the Structure of Several New ortho-Hydroxy-Ketone Derived bis-Schiff Bases on Their Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

The article presents some bis-Schiff bases - halogenated derivatives of ortho-hydroxy-ketones - with great potential for antimicrobial and antiinflammatory activity. The antimicrobial activities of the Schiff bases were tested in comparison with Chloramphenicol, Nystatin, and Ampicillin upon the following strains: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Sarcina lutea (ATCC 9341), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Candida albicans (ATCC 1023), Candida glabrata, two Staphylococcus aureus strains, and several clinical isolates (Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae). Those compounds were found to be active against Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria, and had an anti-inflammatory effect comparable to that of Indomethacin.

Preparation and Pharmaco-Mechanical Characterization of Ketoprofen- Polyvinyl Alcohol Cryogel for Medical Applications

Polyvinyl alcohol is a biocompatible polymer used very commonly both in pharmaceutical and medical fields. Being a water-soluble polymer, it is suitable for the manufacture of hydrogels as well as cryogels used for various medical applications. The present work describes the preparation, structural and physico-mechanical characterization of polyvinyl alcohol cryogels loaded with ketoprofen. By cryogenic technique the polymeric solutions are transformed under certain conditions into porous, elastic and very compressible structures. They are able to absorb a large amount of liquids that they give off by gentle compression. The prepared cryogels were evaluated for different physical, chemical and structural properties, as following: internal morphology, equilibrium swelling ratio and mechanical testing. The cryogel structures show good elasticity and optimal swelling at different temperatures. Due to these properties the studied cryogels are suitable for use in various medical applications involving liquid absorption, mechanical resistance and anti-inflammatory effect.

Study on the Formulation and Pharmacotechnical Characterization of Hydrophilic Matrix Tables with Amiodarone Chlorhydrate

The study is based on new oral matrix tablets based on Kollidon®SR and chitosan, formulated in order to optimize the low oral bioavailability of amiodarone, a class III antiarrhythmic drug. Pharmacotechnical characterization included the analysis of flowability and compressibility properties (flow time, friction coefficient, angle of repose, Hausner ratio, Carr Index), and of pharmaco-chemical characteristics (mass and dose uniformity, thickness, diameter, mechanical strength, friability, degree of softening, in vitro release profile) of the tablets obtained using direct compression method. The results obtained have shown that both Kollidon®SR and chitosan may be used as matrix forming agents when combined with amiodarone. In vitro dissolution tests revealed that the nine formulations studied provided a prolonged release of amiodarone when compared to an industrial pharmaceutical product formulated as conventional release tablets.

IN VITRO MEASUREMENT OF TOTAL ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY OF CRATAEGUS MACRACANTHA LODD LEAVES

Crataegus macracantha Lodd, family Rosaceae, is a very rare species in Europe, and unlike Crataegus monogyna is less investigated for pharmacologic activity.

AIM

To analyze the ability of the lyophilisate of extract obtained from leaves of Crataegus macracantha Lodd (single plant at the Iaşi Botanical Garden) to capture free radicals in vitro.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The lyophilisate obtained in Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iaşi. The decreased absorbance of chromophore chlorpromazine radical cation in the presence of the lyophilized solutions was studied spectrophotometrically. The indicator radical cation, obtained by oxidation of chlorpromazine by potassium persulfate, has the maximum absorbance at 525 nm. Ascorbic acid was used as a standard antioxidant.

RESULTS

The absorbance of radical solution was determined after the addition of a certain amount of lyophilisate at different time intervals. The antioxidant activity was calculated using the calibration curve obtained by plotting the variation in radical solution absorbance depending on ascorbic acid concentration. For each ascorbic acid concentration the area under the curve was calculated from plotting the percentage inhibition of the absorbance at two pre-established time intervals.

CONCLUSIONS

The results confirm the antioxidant activity of the leaves of Crataegus Macracantha Lodd and by optimizing the proposed analytical methods the antiradical activity can be quickly evaluated with minimal reagent consumption.

Possibilities to acylate 7-aminocephalosporanic acid to obtain some cephalosporins

AIM

Acylation of 7-aminocephalosporanic acid with an adequate acyl chloride in order to obtain cefotaxime sodium salt.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cefotaxime sodium salt was synthesized by acylating 7-amino cephalosporanic acid with 2-[2'-chloracetamidothiazole-4-yl]-2-(syn)-methoxy-imino acetic chloride in four steps. The melting point was determined, and IR spectral analysis and elemental analysis were performed to confirm cefotaxime structure. The quantitative determination was performed.

RESULTS

The reaction conditions were established. The yield of the synthesis phases (73-80%) and actual yield (45-47%) were very good. The structure of the obtained cefotaxime sodium salt was confirmed by the IR spectral analysis and by elemental analysis (C, H, N). The melting point was 163 degrees C. The purity of the synthesized cefotaxime sodium salt was 98.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

Cefotaxime sodium salt was synthesized by acylation of 7-aminocephalosporanic acid with 2-[2'-chloracetamidothiazole-4-yl]-2-(syn)-methoxy-imino acetic chloride, in aqueous solution, then transformed into sodium salt with sodium 2-ethylhexanoate. The method proved to be very good, yields were good, it is reproducible and simple, and does not involve high risks, so it is also safe.

Evaluation of free radical scavenging activity of some antioxidants

Measurement of free radical scavenging capacity of antioxidants is influenced by a number of parameters that depend on reaction rate.

AIM

A new method for assessing the free radical scavenging activity in which the influence of antioxidant concentration and reaction rate on chlorpromazine radical cation absorbance are simultaneously monitored.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The change in radical solution absorbance at 525 nm within a fixed time at different concentrations of the standard antioxidant--ascorbic acid (AA) are determined and percent inhibition is calculated.

RESULTS

The percent inhibition of color was plotted versus time, and the area under the curve was calculated for each concentration of the standard antioxidant. The calibration curve was obtained by plotting the area under the curve versus ascorbic acid concentration. The antioxidant activity of the samples was calculated using the regression line equation (r2 = 0.9991) and expressed as ascorbic acid molar equivalents (AAE) depending on the unit of measurement chosen for the tested product.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed method takes into account the two parameters influencing the kinetics of the reaction between antioxidant and radicals, namely the antioxidant concentration and fixed time for measuring absorbance.

Development and validation of a spectrophotometric method for quantitative determination of new preservatives from pharmaceutical forms

AIM

A spectrophotometric UV-VIS fast, sensitive and simple method was developed for quantitative determination of two new antimicrobial preservatives (oxi-acetyl-mandelic acid and oxi-propionyl mandelic acid) and validated according to validation quides.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The absorption spectra were recorded at 200-400 nm, and the absorbances were measured at 256 nm for oxi-acetyl mandelic acid and 258 nm for oxipropionyl mandelic acid. Optimum working conditions were established and the method was validated. The developed and validated method was applied to determine these two preservatives from ointments, in which the preservatives were incorporated.

RESULTS

The method has a good linearity in the concentration range 0.1-1.5 mg/ml (for oxi-acetyl mandelic acid) and 0.1-1 mg/ml (for oxi-propionyl mandelic acid). The RSD for the precision of the method was 0.96328 for oxiacetyl mandelic acid and 0.797612 for oxi-propionyl mandelic acid. The relative standard deviation was 0.726367% for oxi-acetyl mandelic acid and 0.726234% for oxipropionyl mandelic acid. In the ointment samples, the concentration of oxi-acetyl mandelic acid and oxi-propionyl mandelic acid were within the limits specified by pharmacopoeia for ointments.

CONCLUSIONS

The developed and validated spectrophotometric method, for the determination of oxi-acetyl mandelic acid and oxi-propionyl mandelic acid is simple, easy to perform, fast and cost effective.

Spectrometric determination of total antioxidant activity in chlorpromazine radical cation - ascorbic acid system

Through univalent oxidation chlorpromazine forms a colored and relatively stable radical cation with maximum absorbance at 525 nm, considered a redox mediator in a number of b iochemical reactions.

AIM

To develop a spectrometric method for the determination of total antioxidant activity based on the reaction of chlorpromazine radical capture by ascorbic acid (standard antioxidant).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The calibration curve was drawn by monitoring the decrease in the absorbance of the preformed radical solution (obtained by oxidation of chlorpromazine by potassium persulfate in an acidic environment) depending on ascorbic acid concentration.

RESULTS

The method was validated. In the ascorbic acid concentration range 10-100 microM/L linearity was good (r2 = 0.9991). Limit of detection (LOD) was 3.13 microM/L and limit of quantification (LOQ) was 9.49 microM/L. System precision (RSD = 0.75%), method precision (RSD = 4.50%) and intermediate precision (RSD = 4.63%) were determined. The average recovery of 101.7% for the concentration range 91.1 -105.9% confirmed the accuracy of the method.

CONCLUSIONS

The method has a good linearity, precision, accuracy, and is easy to use for evaluation of antioxidant action of different products. Total antioxidant activity is expressed as ascorbic acid molar equivalents (AAE). The method has the advantage of using a radical involved in redox processes in the body.

[Research for the improvement of acylation conditions in antistaphylococcal penicillin synthesis]

AIM

The 6-aminopenicillanic acid acylation with certain acyl chlorides was performed in order to obtain antistaphylococcal penicillins with bigger crystals, easy to filtrate (shorter filtration time), much pure, and an increased output.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Oxacillin sodium salt was synthesized by acylating an aqueous solution of 6-aminopenicillanic acid sodium salt (NaHCO3 not in excess) with an ethylacetate solution of 5-phenyl-3-methyl-isoxazolyl-4-carboxilic acid chloride. The crystallization was performed with a 40.5% sodium 2-ethyl hexanoate izopropanolic solution. All tests (IR spectrum, iodometric titration, and microbiological dosage) were performed according to the Xth Romanian Pharmacopoeia standards.

RESULTS

The amount of synthesized oxacillin was higher and the output of 88,21%. Oxacillin had a high chemical purity (98,72%), and a very good microbiological activity (95% of the standard activity).

CONCLUSIONS

Oxacillin crystals were bigger, the filtration speed was increased, and process efficacy improved. The output of the process was also improved being higher than with classical acylation.

The study of aminophenazone radical cation and its interaction with some antioxidants

The purpose of this study was to identify both the possibilities of in vitro generation of 1-phenyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-dimethylamino-5-pyrazolone (aminophenazone) radical cation (abbreviated APH*+) and the mechanisms of interaction with different antioxidants.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The chromophore radical cation APH*+ was obtained by oxidizing APH with ammonium persulfate. The stages of the oxidation reaction and the production of the intermediate compounds were studied by spectrophotometrical and potentiometric titration. As standard antioxidant there was used a catechin solution in distilled water with concentrations ranging between 50-250 microg/mL, in weak alkaline environment.

RESULTS

The oxidation of APH with ammonium persulfate developed in four stages, involving the production of some intermediate compounds with different colorations. A mechanism for this reaction has been proposed. The radical cation forms to an APH - ammonium persulfate molar ratio of 2 : 1. In the presence of an antioxidant (catechin) the radical cation APH*+ forms to a molar ratio APH-ammonium persulfate of 1:1, in weak alkaline environment. It has an absorbtion maxima at lambda = 540 nm. The molar extinction coefficient of APH*+ at lambda = 540 nm has been calculated. Its absorbance was proportional with catechin concentration in the range 50-250 microg/mL (r2 = 0.9988).

CONCLUSION

The APH-ammonium persulfate system can be used for spectrophotometric determination of total polyphenols in different systems.

Measurement of total antioxidant activity with chlorpromazine radical cation

In the present study there is described a simple and sensitive method for the evaluation of antioxidant activity in chlorpromazine-Fe (III) system using ascorbic acid as standard.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Chlorpromazine [2-chloro-N-(3-dimethyl-aminopropyl)-phenothiazine] is oxidized in acidic media by Fe (III) with the formation of a stable radical cation characterized by an intense visible absorbtion band (lambda = 540 nm). The optimum parameters for the stability of the radical cation have been studied: molar ratio chlorpromazine-Fe (III), pH, solvents. Spectrophotometric methods have been used in these studies.

RESULTS

The chlorpromazine radical cation is stable in the acidic media (pH = 3) at a molar ratio chlorpromazine: Fe (III) of 2: 1. Ascorbic acid reduces these radicals and induces a decrease of absorbance. Percent inhibition was calculated and plotted as a function of the concentration of standard antioxidant solutions. The results show that percent inhibition varies in a linear manner with the ascorbic acid concentration. Percent inhibition is higher when the antioxidant solution is added after generation of radical cation.

CONCLUSIONS

It has been developed a method for evaluating antioxidant activity in the chlorpromazine: Fe (III) system using ascorbic acid as a standard. The method is fast, simple and sensitive; it can be applied for the detection and evaluation of the antioxidant activity of simple or complex systems.

[Erythromycin ethylsuccinate obtaining possibilities]

In this study we tried to improve the erythromycin ethylsuccinate obtaining, having in view to separate the erythromycin ester by crystallization in water.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The erythromycin acylation and the erythromycin ethylsuccinate crystallization were realized, following the next steps: 1. the acylation of the erythromycin with a methylene chloride solution of monoethylsuccinyl chloride, at 25-28 degrees C for 3 hours in the presence of NaHCO3; 2. the transfer of the erythromycin ethylsuccinate from methylene chloride solution in acetone solution by distillation of mixture methylene chloride: acetone 1:1 at 25-28 degrees C; 3. erythromycin ethylsuccinate separation by crystallization in water at pH = 8-8.5 and 5 degrees C for 90 minutes. The quality control for the erythromycin ester was performed according to the Xth edition of Romanian Pharmacopoeia standards using national standard for erythromycin ethylsuccinate and national standard for erythromycin with an activity of 1: 937 U and 2.02% humidity. The Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341 was used as a test microorganism and a thin layer cromatography was performed for qualitative control.

RESULTS

13.1 g of erythromycin ethylsuccinate were obtained with an output of the process of 82.02%. Using water for the separation of erythromycin ethylsuccinate the output of the process is greater (82.02%) than in case of using petroleum ether (74.14%) or hexane (80.25%). The thin layer cromatography revealed an Rf = 0.56 and the microbiological activity of the erythromycin ethylsuccinate was 98.7% compared with the standard.

CONCLUSIONS

Using water instead of hexane or petroleum ether is gainful for the separation of erythromycin ethylsuccinate from the reaction medium. The obtained erythromycin ethylsuccinate corresponds to the Xth edition of Romanian Pharmacopoeia standards. So, the raw materials consumption is decreased, the costs are cut down, the obtained product purity is high and the output of the process is greater.

[Evaluation of the antifungal effect of a new propiconazole derivative against 64 yeast strains isolated from vaginal mycosis]

Worldwide, vaginal candidosis represents a significant health problem in women of childbearing age. The aim of this paper is to evaluate under in vitro conditions resembling the vaginal microenvironment, the antifungal activity of a new propiconazole derivative against 64 strains of yeast species isolated from vulvovaginitis. The tests exhibited low MICs for all strains and this finding may be useful in using of this new azole compound for treatment of mycotic vaginitis.

[New biological active derivatives of indomethacin and acetylsalicylic acid. Synthesis, physico-chemical characterisation and structure validation]

It is well known that niflumic acid glycinamide has a good antiinflammatory action useful in gum inflammatory diseases. The objective of this study was to obtain new glycinamides of acetylsalicylic acid and indomethacin, which could have a better antiinflammatory action than niflumic acid glycinamide. The study presents the synthesis, physico-chemical characterisation and structure validation of these glycinamides.

[Chemical composition of one source of sodium chloride mineral water from Neamţ county]

This paper describes the analytical study of a sodium chloride mineral water from Bălţăteşti Spa--Neamţ county. From the obtained analytical data it was observed that the dominant ions are those of Cl- (48.11 mEq%) and Na+ (43.07 mEq%), respectively. Also, the water contains a significant proportion of Mg2+ ions (6.12 mEq%) compared with the one of Ca2+ ions (0.339 mEq%). It can be remarked that the analysed source consists of a very concentrated, hypertonic water with a high content in chlorine, sodium and magnesium. This kind of mineral water is recommended in external treatments.

[Comparative study of several sulfurated mineral water sources from Iasi County]

The comparative study aimed the actualization of the analytical panel of some mineral water sources, sulfurated, iso- and hypertonic (existing in Nicolina area, Iaşi county), that is the constant physico-chemical composition, in order to signal the alteration of water's quality. From the performed analysis, along the time and the presented ones, it can be observed than the sources maintain intact, along many decades, the chemical composition and their physical characteristics, and also their therapeutical action, due to the fact they are localised deep underground.

[Analytical data on the mineral water sources of the Botanical Gardens, Iaşi]

The paper presents a comparative analytical study of five sources of mineral water at the Botanical Gardens, Iaşi, Romania, to assess the possibility of its being used as either drinking or curative water.

[Analytical data on the aquifer strata in the city of Iaşi]

In this paper are presented the results of the analytical study of some sources of water from Botanic Garden, Iaşi, Romania. This sources contained a distinguished water, hypo and hypertonic, which can be used as curative magnesiene water.

[Pell-Nicol, a medicinal toothpaste]

A medicinal toothpaste based on an atomized extract obtained out of sulfurous mud of Nicolina Iassy (a natural organic-mineral complex) has been formulated and physico-chemically characterized. The optimal formula has been chosen corresponding to following parameters: aspect, colour, taste, smell; weight/tube (65 g +/- 5%); Dentine Abrasion Value (D. A. V.) = 30; pH = 6.95-7.42; foaming capability of foam, in minutes = 0.40-0.60; residue on the sieve (g% = 0.09); heavy metals content; abrasive substances; g% = 32-37 at least; sodium chloride g% = 0.30 at least; firmness time = 30 sec. Also it have been effectuated rheological measurements and dynamic viscosity. The medicinal toothpaste Pell-Nicole presents a plastic behaviour with thixotropic character, which confers a good stability in time, an adequate firmness and comparable properties with others marketed products. The therapeutical effects have been tested, such as the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. The medicinal dentifrice toothpaste Pell-Nicole is recommended for gum affections, superficial chronic inflammatory forms, deep paradontopathies, as well as for a proper dental hygiene.