Amelioration of Cell Phone and Wi Fi induced Pancreatic Damage and Hyperglycemia (Diabetes Mellitus) with Pomegranate and Vit E in Rats

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus has become a global concern. To date numerous studies have been conducted but little literature is available to explain the effects of mobile phone radiation on pancreas, where from Insulin is secreted. In Some studies, effects of ionizing radiation have been examined and established the relationship between cell phone exposure and cell damage. Objectives: Objectives of study were to observe the effects of mobile phones, connected with WiFi on the pancreas. Methods: 40 male Wistar Albino rats were exposed tomobile phones connected with Wi-Fi for eight weeks. Results: The histopathological examination of the rat pancreas revealed that, exposure of rats to cell phones and Wi-Fi causes significant damage to the rat pancreas. Conclusion: The ionizing radiation emitted from cell phones and WiFi causes increase in oxidative stress leading to inflammation and pancreatic cell death that may affect glucose homeostasis.

Erectile Dysfunction in Migraine in Indian Patients

Background:

Migraine is one of the common causes of primary headache worldwide. Migraine headaches significantly affect family and social activities. Migraine also impacts the sexual function of the sufferers. There are no published studies in India so far where they have studied the erectile function in male migrainers. This study is done to look for erectile dysfunction in male migrainers.

Materials and Methods:

This case-control study was done to look for presence of erectile dysfunction in male migrainers and the factors affecting it. Thirty age matched males with migraine and without migraine were studied. The International Headache Society's International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3^rd Edition, was used to diagnose migraine with or without aura. Migraine disability assessment scale was used to assess migraine-related disability, Numerical Rating Scale was used assess to the severity of headaches, Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire to assess the quality of life, and International Index of Erectile Function score was used to assess the erectile function.

Results:

The mean age of the cases was 38.83 ± 5.7 years and that of the controls was 38.63 ± 5.3 years. The erectile dysfunction was seen in 80% of migrainers and none in the control group had erectile dysfunction. Those with erectile dysfunction had more severe headache which were severely disabling.

Conclusion:

Erectile dysfunction is common in migraine. There is a significant negative correlation of erectile dysfunction with severe disabling migraine.

The assessment of Hair Transplantation Outcomes in Cicatricial Alopecia

Background

Cicatricial alopecia (CA) is scarring alopecia due to a diverse group of disorders which destroy the hair follicle, replace it with scar tissue causing permanent hair loss. Spontaneous regrowth of hair in CA is rarely seen and thus it has a negative impact on the self-esteem of the patient. However, hair transplantation (HT) has emerged as an effective modality of treatment to replace lost hair for cosmetic benefit.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective analysis of patients affected with CA, who underwent HT from January 2015 to December 2017. Demography of patients along with the duration of disease, stability, biopsy, technique of HT, number of grafts, and other procedures done were noted on a pro forma and analyzed. A test patch of HT was done in all primary CA to assess stability and few secondary CA to look for graft uptake. The patients were followed up for a year and the outcomes were graded by patient and a single observer on a 10 point scale as poor, satisfactory, good, and very good at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results

A total of 50 patients with CA underwent follicular unit extraction. Majority of them were males(84%) with a male to female ratio of 5.25:1. Secondary CA was seen in majority(90%) of the study group. Moustache (56%) was the most common site affected, followed by scalp (22%), beard(14%) and eyebrow(8%). Around 38%(12 atrophic scars; 7 hypertrophic scars) underwent fractional CO2 laser/Erbium YAG laser with or without intralesional steroid injections in a stepwise manner prior to HT. Excellent-to-very good outcome was seen in 82% while 18% were lost for follow up.

Conclusion

Scarring in CA has a significant effect on quality of life of affected patients. HT when done taking into consideration the stability of disease has good-to-excellent outcomes thus leading to a positive impact on the patient's life.

Assessment of Alteration of Serum Adiponectin Levels in Migraineurs: An Interventional Case Control Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Migraine is one of the major headache disorders. Epidemiological studies have shown its high prevalence and negative impact on personal and socioeconomic aspects. It is currently ranked 19th by the "World Health Organization" amongst all diseases, leading to disability worldwide. Inflammatory mediators, which include adipokines, have been analyzed in migraine pathophysiology. Nevertheless, their role is not well recognized. This study is aimed to assess serum high molecular weight adiponectin (HMW-ADP) levels in migraineurs: during the ictal phase, prior to, and postabortive treatment.

METHODS

This was a hospital-based interventional case-controlled study, checking the peripheral blood samples from migraineurs during an acute attack and after one hour of treatment with naproxen sodium (10-15 mg/kg). Age, sex, and BMI matched controls without headache were taken, and a single blood sample was drawn in them. HMW-ADP levels were evaluated by immunoassays.

RESULTS

A total of 120 patients which included 60 migraine patients along with 60 controls without headache were involved in the study. HMW-ADP was higher in migraine patients (9.89 ± 5.04 mcg/mL) than in patients without headache history (4.63 ± 2.98 mcg/mL; P = < .001); along with this, serum HMW-ADP (6.4 ± 4.09 mcg/mL; P = <.001) was found to be significantly lower in responders 60 min after acute abortive treatment.

CONCLUSION

HMW-ADP levels were raised in migraineurs. Additionally, among responders following abortive treatment a considerable reduction in the levels was noted. These results recommend that the HMW-ADP might be a possible "novel biomarker of acute remedy response in acute migraineurs".

Synthesis and Structural Elucidation of Novel Benzothiazole Derivatives as Anti-tubercular Agents: In-silico Screening for Possible Target Identification

BACKGROUND

Benzothiazole derivatives are known for anti-TB properties. Based on the known anti-TB benzothiazole pharmacophore, in the present study, we described the synthesis, structural elucidation, and anti-tubercular screening of a series of novel benzothiazole (BNTZ) derivatives (BNTZ 1-7 and BNTZ 8-13).

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to carry out the development of benzothiazole based anti-TB compounds.

METHODS

Title compounds are synthesized by microwave method and purified by column chromatography. Characterization of the compounds is achieved by FT-IR, NMR (1H and 13C), LCMS and elemental analysis. Screening of test compounds for anti-TB activity is achieved by Resazurin Microplate Assay (REMA) Plate method.

RESULTS

It was noted that the BNTZ compound with an isoquinoline nucleus (BNTZ 9) exhibited remarkable anti-tubercular activity at 8 µg/mL against both the susceptible strain H37Rv and the multi-drug resistant tuberculosis strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. On the other hand, the BNTZ compound with a naphthalene nucleus (BNTZ 2) revealed anti-tubercular activity at 6 µg/mL and 11 µg/mL against both the susceptible strain H37Rv and the multi-drug resistant tuberculosis strains of M. tuberculosis, respectively. One of the selected BNTZ derivatives BNTZ 13 was used for single crystal X-ray studies.

CONCLUSION

To identify the appropriate target for potent BNTZ compounds from the series, molecular modeling studies revealed the multiple strong binding of several BNTZs with mycobacterium lysine-ɛ-aminotransferase and decaprenyl-phosphoryl-β-D-ribose 2'-oxidase. The interaction is derived by forming favorable hydrogen bonds and stacking interactions. This new class of BNTZ compounds gave promising anti-tubercular actions in the low micromolar range, and can be further optimized on a structural basis to develop promising, novel, BNTZ pharmacophore-based anti-tubercular drugs.

Design, Synthesis, Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity and Docking Studies of New Thiazole-based Chalcones

BACKGROUND

Thiazole derivates as well as chalcones, are very important scaffold for medicinal chemistry. Literature survey revealed that they possess wide spectrum of biological activities among which are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.

OBJECTIVES

The current studies describe the synthesis and evaluation of antimicrobial activity of twenty eight novel thiazole-based chalcones.

METHODS

The designed compounds were synthesized using classical methods of organic synthesis. The in vivo evaluation of antimicrobial activity was performed by microdilution method.

RESULTS

All compounds have shown antibacterial properties better than that of ampicillin and in many cases better than streptomycin. As far as the antifungal activity is concerned, all compounds possess much higher activity than reference drugs bifonazole and ketoconazole. The most sensitive bacterial species was B. cereus (MIC 6.5-28.4 µmol × 10-2/mL and MBC 14.2-105.0 µmol × 10-2/mL) while the most resistant ones were L. monocytogenes (MIC 21.4-113.6 µmol × 10-2/mL) and E. coli (MIC 10.7- 113.6 µmol × 10-2/mL) and MBC at 42.7-358.6 µmol × 10-2/mL and 21.4-247.2 µmol × 10-2/mL, respectively. All the compounds exhibited antibacterial activity against the three resistant strains, MRSA, P. aeruginosa and E.coli. with MIC and MBC in the range of 0.65-11.00 µmol/mL × 10-2 and 1.30-16.50 µmol/mL × 10-2. Docking studies were performed.

CONCLUSION

Twenty-eight novel thiazole-based chalcones were designed, synthesized and evaluated for antimicrobial activity. The results showed that these derivatives could be lead compounds in search of new potent antimicrobial agents. Docking studies indicated that DNA gyrase, GyrB and MurA inhibition may explain the antibacterial activity.

Response of localized, resistant, tingling vitiligo to pregabalin: A case report

Vitiligo is a common depigmenting disease with complex pathogenesis. One of the proposed pathogenesis is the neural hypothesis, which suggests an altered reaction to neuropeptides, catecholamines, and their metabolites affecting melanocytes. Here, we report a case of 26-year-old female patient, whose vitiligo patches were associated with unusual crawling and tingling sensation and responded to a clinical trial of pregabalin.

New Benzothiazole-based Thiazolidinones as Potent Antimicrobial Agents. Design, synthesis and Biological Evaluation

BACKGROUND

Thiazole and benzothiazole derivatives, as well as thiazolidinones are very important scaffolds in medicinal chemistry. Literature has revealed that they possess a wide spectrum of biological activities including antimicrobial activity.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this paper is the designing of new benzothiazole based thiazolidinones and the evaluation of their biological activities.

METHODS

The designed compounds were synthesized using classical organic synthesis methods. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the method of microdilution.

RESULTS

The twelve newly synthesized compounds showed antimicrobial properties. All compounds appeared to be more active than ampicillin in most studied strains and in some cases, more active than streptomycin. Antifungal activity, in most cases was also better than the reference drugs ketoconazole and bifonazole. The prediction of cytotoxicity revealed that the synthesized compounds were not toxic (LD50 350-1000 mg/kg of body weight). Docking studies on the antibacterial activity confirmed the biological results.

CONCLUSION

The twelve new compounds were synthesized and studied for their antimicrobial activity. The compounds appeared to be promising antimicrobial agents and could be the lead compounds for new, more potent drugs. According to the docking prediction, the compounds could be MurB inhibitors.

Benzothiazole analogs as potential anti-TB agents: computational input and molecular dynamics

Biotin is very important for the survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 7,8-Diamino pelargonic acid aminotransaminase (DAPA) is a transaminase enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of biotin. The benzothiazole title compounds were investigated for their in vitro anti-tubercular activity against two tubercular strains: H37Rv (ATCC 25,177) and MDR-MTB (multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis, resistant to isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol) by an agar incorporation method. The possible binding mode and predicted affinity were computed using a molecular docking study. Among the synthesized compounds in the series, the title compound {2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl-methoxy)-5-fluorophenyl}-(4-chlorophenyl)-methanone was found to exhibit significant activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 1 μg/mL and 2 μg/mL against H37Rv and MDR-MTB, respectively; this compound showed the highest binding affinity (-24.75 kcal/mol) as well.

Efficient synthesis and characterization of novel indolizines: exploration of in vitro COX-2 inhibitory activity and molecular modelling studies

Novel indolizine scaffolds as COX-2 inhibiting agents.

Design, synthesis, and characterization of (1-(4-aryl)- 1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl, substituted phenyl-6-methyl-2-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylates against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The novel (1-(4-aryl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl, substituted phenyl-6-methyl-2-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate derivatives were synthesized by the click reaction of the dihydropyrimidinones, bearing a terminal alkynyl group, with various substituted aryl azides at room temperature using a catalytic amount of Cu(OAc)₂ and sodium ascorbate in a 1:2 ratio of acetone and water as a solvent. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by a number of spectroscopic techniques, such as infrared, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, ¹H, and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance along with single crystal X-ray diffraction. The current procedure for the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazole hybrids with dihydropyrimidinones is appropriate for the synthesis of a library of analogs 7a-l and the method accessible here is operationally simple and has excellent yields. The title compounds 7a-l were evaluated for their in vitro antitubercular activity against H37R_V and multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by resazurin microplate assay plate method and it was found that compound 7d was promising against H37R_V and multidrug-resistant strains of M. tuberculosis at 10 and 15 μg/mL, respectively.

Sexual dysfunction in women with epilepsy

BACKGROUND

Sexual functioning and variables that influence sexual functioning have not been studied in Indian women with epilepsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a pilot study, female (age, 18-45 years) outpatients with epilepsy who were in a stable sexual relationship for at least 1-year were screened using the mini international neuropsychiatric interview. Those without anxiety or depressive disorders (n = 60) were studied using the female sexual function index (FSFI; higher scores indicate better functioning). Findings were compared with age- and sex- matched sample of healthy control women drawn from the same sociodemographic population.

RESULTS

Women with epilepsy had significantly poorer sexual functioning on all FSFI subscales (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain), as well as on the total scale scores, and >70% of these women were rated as dysfunctional on individual FSFI subscales and on the total scale. In multivariate analysis, use of clobazam and phenobarbitone, and longer time after the last seizure were each associated with significantly higher FSFI scores; and longer duration of epilepsy was associated with significantly lower FSFI scores.

CONCLUSION

There is a substantial impairment of sexual functioning in women with epilepsy. This study demonstrates the need for increased awareness of the problem, better case identification, and improved seizure control.

Design, synthesis, and computational studies on dihydropyrimidine scaffolds as potential lipoxygenase inhibitors and cancer chemopreventive agents

Dihydropyrimidine scaffold has a wide range of potential pharmacological activities such as antiviral, antitubercular, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. 5-Lipoxygenase enzyme is an enzyme responsible for the metabolism of arachidonic acid to leukotrienes. The elevated levels of this enzyme and its metabolites in cancer cells have a direct relation on the development of cancer when compared to normal cells. The development of novel lipoxygenase inhibitors can have a major role in cancer therapy. A series of substituted 1,4-dihydropyrimidine analogues were synthesized and characterized by (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR, and HRMS. Molecular docking against lipoxygenase enzyme (protein data bank code =3V99) was done using Molecular Operating Environment 2013.08 and Leadit 2.1.2 softwares and showed high affinities. The synthesized compounds were tested for their lipoxygenase inhibitory activity and showed inhibition ranging from 59.37%±0.66% to 81.19%±0.94%. The activity was explained by a molecular docking study. The title compounds were also tested for cytotoxic activity against two human cancer cell lines Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 and human melanoma cells and a normal peripheral blood mononuclear cell line.

Development and evaluation of buccal films impregnated with selegiline-loaded nanospheres

Poor peroral therapeutic efficiency of selegiline is primarily due to the extensive hepatic metabolism and hence the need for an alternative route of administration. The present study is based on evaluation of a buccal film which is impregnated with selegiline nanospheres to enhance the systemic bioavailability. Selegiline-loaded nanospheres prepared using poly(lactide-co-glycolide) was embedded into buccal films (F₁-F₄) with varying polymer composition [hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and eudragit]. The developed films were evaluated for their physicomechanical properties, hydration, mucoadhesive strength, in vitro drug release and ex vivo permeation in order to identify the ideal system suitable for further development. In vivo studies were carried out on rabbits to assess the comparative pharmacokinetics profile of the selected buccal film with oral solution. Preliminary studies indicated that the prepared films exhibited excellent physical properties, adequate mucoadhesive strength and moderate hydration. In vitro drug release data of the buccal films (F₁, F₂ and F₃) showed distinct profiles. Permeation studies indicated higher steady-state flux from film F₃ (p < 0.0001) when compared to film F₂. In-vivo results of film (F₃) demonstrated significant increase in absorption (p < 0.0001), C_max (∼1.6-fold), T_max, AUC_0-α (∼3-fold, p < 0.0001) and improved bioavailability, when compared to control. This study concludes that the buccal delivery of selegiline using the developed buccal film (F₃) would be a promising alternative approach for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Skin uptake and clearance of ciclopirox following topical application

The assessment of skin uptake and clearance are important to determine the efficiency and systemic safety of dermatological formulations. The objective of this study was to assess the skin uptake, clearance and possible systemic delivery of ciclopirox following topical application in Wistar rats. In vitro studies (3 h) were carried out in excised pig skin to assess the permeation and retention capacity of ciclopirox in skin layers using gel formulations (1% and 2% w/v). In vivo dermatopharmacokinetics (DPK) parameters were determined by measuring the drug levels in the skin as a function of time post application (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 h) and post removal (3, 4, 6 and 8 h) of the formulation in Wistar rats. The plasma drug concentrations were also determined in the same animals. In vitro data indicate the low permeability and high retention of ciclopirox in the stratum corneum. The DPK data observed indicate a higher Cmax value (175.43 ± 25.62 μg/cm2) and AUC (632.14 ± 102.26 μg.h/cm2) with the 2% (w/v) gel formulation. Further, the skin elimination of ciclopirox follows first order kinetics with a short half-life (t1/2 ~2 h). The fraction of drug reaching the systemic circulation was found to be significantly low (~0.15% of the applied dose). A relation between the drug concentration in the skin layers and the plasma was observed with a short lag period. The topical availability of ciclopirox was found to be relatively low and endured rapid clearance with minimal systemic uptake.

Sensibility of male rats fertility against olive oil, Nigella sativa oil and pomegranate extract

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the modulatory effects of daily consumption of pomegranate extract (PE), olive oil (OO) and Nagilla sativa oil (NSO) on antioxidant activity, sperm quality and pituitary-testicular axis of adult male wistar rats.

METHODS

Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were divided into four equal groups, eight rats each. Using rat gastric tubes, 1.0 mL distilled water, 1.0 mL PE, 0.4 mL NSO and 0.4 mL OO were orally administered daily for 6 weeks in the first, second, third and fourth groups, respectively. Reproductive organs, body weight, sperm criteria, testosterone, FSH, LH, inhibin-B, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzyme activities were investigated. At the end of the study protocol, analyses occurred at the same time. Data were analysed by ANOVA test and P<0.05 was considered to be a significant value.

RESULTS

In all studied groups, malondialdehyde level was significantly decreased accompanied with an increases in glutathione peroxidase and glutathione. Rats treated with PE showed an increase in catalase activities accompanied with an increase in sperm concentration which was also observed in NSO group. In PE treated group, sperm motility was also increased accompanied with decreased abnormal sperm rate. NSO, OO and PE treated groups shows an insignificant effect on testosterone, inhibin-B, FSH and LH in comparison with control group.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that administration of PE, NSO and OO could modify sperm characteristics and antioxidant activity of adult male wistar rats.

Enhanced oral bioavailability of acyclovir by inclusion complex using hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin

The therapeutic potential of acyclovir is limited by the low oral bioavailability owing to its limited aqueous solubility and low permeability. The present study was a systematic investigation on the development and evaluation of inclusion complex using hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin for the enhancement of oral bioavailability of acyclovir. The inclusion complex of acyclovir was prepared by kneading method using drug: hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (1:1 mole). The prepared inclusion complex was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, NMR spectroscopy and evaluated in vitro by dissolution studies. In vivo bioavailability of acyclovir was compared for inclusion complex and physical mixture in rat model. Phase solubility studies indicate the formation of acyclovir-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin complex with higher stability constant and linear enhancement in drug solubility with increase in hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin concentration. Characterization of the prepared formulation confirms the formation of acyclovir-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex. Dissolution profile of inclusion complex demonstrated rapid and complete release of acyclovir in 30 min with greater dissolution efficiency (90.05 ± 2.94%). In vivo pharmacokinetic data signify increased rate and extent of acyclovir absorption (relative bioavailability ∼160%; p < 0.0001) from inclusion complex, compared to physical mixture. Given the promising results in the in vivo studies, it can be concluded that the inclusion complex of acyclovir could be an effective and promising approach for successful oral therapy of acyclovir in the treatment of herpes viruses.

The 'forgotten disease' (or the never known)

Lemierre's syndrome is an acute oropharyngeal infection with secondary septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and frequent metastatic infections. Despite its rarity, it is important to have a high degree of clinical suspicion to recognise it early. A history of sore throat followed by metastatic infections and abscesses should alert the clinician to the possibility of this unusual infection. We present a case of Lemierre's syndrome presenting with meningitis in a previously healthy young adult along with a review of the pathophysiology of necrobacillosis and its diagnosis, diagnostic difficulty and treatment.

Pharmaceutical suspension containing both immediate/sustained-release amoxicillin-loaded gelatin nanoparticles: preparation and in vitro characterization

Pharmaceutical suspension containing oral dosage forms delivering both immediate-release and sustained-release amoxicillin was developed as a new dosage form to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. Amoxicillin-loaded gelatin nanoparticles are able to bind with the mucosal membrane after delivery to the stomach and could escalate the effectiveness of a drug, providing dual release. The objective of this study was to develop amoxicillin nanoparticles using innovative new technology – the Büchi Nano Spray Dryer B-90 – and investigate such features as drug content, particle morphology, yield, in vitro release, flow properties, and stability. The nanoparticles had an average particle size of 571 nm. The drug content and percentage yield was 89.2% ± 0.5% and 93.3% ± 0.6%, respectively. Angle of repose of nanoparticle suspension was 26.3° and bulk density was 0.59 g/cm³. In vitro drug release of formulations was best fitted by first-order and Peppas models with R² of 0.9841 and 0.9837 respectively; release profile was 15.9%, while; for the original drug, amoxicillin, under the same conditions, 90% was released in the first 30 minutes. The nanoparticles used in this study enabled sustained release of amoxicillin over an extended period of time, up to 12 hours, and were stable for 12 months under accelerated storage conditions of 25°C ± 2°C and 60% ± 5% relative humidity.

Basic considerations in the dermatokinetics of topical formulations

Assessing the bioavailability of drug molecules at the site of action provides better insight into the efficiency of a dosage form. However, determining drug concentration in the skin layers following topical application of dermatological formulations is a great challenge. The protocols followed in oral formulations could not be applied for topical dosage forms. The regulatory agencies are considering several possible approaches such as tape stripping, microdialysis etc. On the other hand, the skin bioavailability assessment of xenobiotics is equally important for topical formulations in order to evaluate the toxicity. It is always possible that drug molecules applied on the skin surface may transport thorough the skin and reaches systemic circulation. Thus the real time measurement of molecules in the skin layer has become obligatory. In the last two decades, quite a few investigations have been carried out to assess the skin bioavailability and toxicity of topical/dermatological products. This review provides current understanding on the basics of dermatokinetics, drug depot formation, skin metabolism and clearance of drug molecules from the skin layers following application of topical formulations.

High-performance thin layer chromatography: A powerful analytical technique in pharmaceutical drug discovery

Analysis of pharmaceutical and natural compounds and newer drugs is commonly used in all the stages of drug discovery and development process. High-performance thin layer chromatography is one of the sophisticated instrumental techniques based on the full capabilities of thin layer chromatography. The advantages of automation, scanning, full optimization, selective detection principle, minimum sample preparation, hyphenation, and so on enable it to be a powerful analytical tool for chromatographic information of complex mixtures of pharmaceuticals, natural products, clinical samples, food stuffs, and so on.

Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of spray-dried carboplatin microspheres: lung targeting via intravenous route

For cancer therapy, microspheres can be used to increase effectiveness while decreasing side effects of treatments. We prepared gelatin microspheres containing carboplatin (GCPtM) for treating lung cancer. We prepared gelatin microspheres of carboplatin (GCPtM) for use in treating lung cancer. Microspheres were prepared using a Buchi B-90 nano spray-drier. Surface morphology was found to be shriveled to nearly spherical, with an average size of 14.7 μm. Drug loading and percentage yield were found to be 72 ± 0.4 and 88 ± 0.2 %, respectively. In vitro release studies indicated that diffusion followed the Peppas model, with 99.3 % of total carboplatin released from GCPtM after 12 h, while for the pure drug this value was 92.4 % in 0.5 h. Liquification was observed during stability studies at 37 °C with an relative humidity of 75 %. Plasma concentration profile was described using a two-compartment model after intravenous injection of GCPtM. Carboplatin containing microspheres distributed in the lung, spleen, liver, and blood were found to be primarily distributed in the lungs. We used a powder technology (spray-dryer) method in this study to significantly reduce the overall production time and desired particle size, without using organic solvents; additionally, this method is economically feasible. Thus, microsphere may be an effective method for successfully delivering carboplatin to the lungs.

Infantile Alexander disease: A rare leukodystrophy

Infantile Alexander disease (AD) is a rare leukodystrophy characterized by its early onset within 2 years of life and clinically presents with macrocephaly, seizures, and retarded psychomotor development. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows characteristic symmetric white matter abnormalities with frontal predominance. We present a case of infantile AD with typical clinical characteristics and MRI features.

A comprehensive study to evaluate the effect of constant low voltage iontophoresis on transungual delivery

Treatment of nail diseases by topical drug delivery continues to draw much attention in the recent days. This study aims to systematically investigate the effect of constant voltage iontophoresis in the transungual drug delivery, using ciclopirox as a model drug. Preliminary permeation studies were carried out by applying constant voltage (6 V for 24 h) using a gel formulation across the human nail plate in a Franz diffusion cell. Different protocols have been studied to authenticate the potential of the proposed technique. Antifungal studies were carried out to assess the pharmacodynamic effect of drug depot formed in the nail plate. Initial studies revealed that application of constant voltage iontophoresis enhanced the permeation by an order of magnitude (p = 0.019) and delivered significant amount of drug into the deeper nail layers. Noticeably higher permeation was observed during the active phase in on-off studies. Excellent correlation was observed in permeation (r(2) = 0.98) and drug load (r(2) = 0.97) with the increase in applied voltage (3-12 V), indicating that the current technique is predictable. The data observed suggest that any further increase in voltage could eventually lead to increase in the permeation and drug load, as the saturation level is very distant. Furthermore, the enhancement in permeation with the applied voltage (3-12 V) was found to be 6-20 folds, compared to the passive process. Results of step up and step down studies substantiated the viability of the current technique. Zone of inhibition measured during the antifungal studies demonstrated that the drug molecules loaded into the nail plate by low voltage iontophoresis is active and releases over an extended period of time (~32 days). Given the excellent results, the current technique could be used as an effective approach for the delivery of antimycotics, which would localize the drug at the infection site and potentially offer higher patient compliance.

Dual drug delivery system for targeting H. pylori in the stomach: preparation and in vitro characterization of amoxicillin-loaded Carbopol® nanospheres

Background and methods:

A dual (immediate/sustained-release) oral amoxicillin suspension was developed as a new dosage form to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. Carbopol^®-loaded amoxi-cillin nanospheres could bind with the mucosa after delivery to the stomach and could increase the efficiency of the drug, providing both an immediate and a sustained action.

Results:

The objective of this research was to develop amoxicillin nanospheres using a spray-drying technique and to investigate such features as their particle size, drug content, percentage yield, surface morphology, in vitro release, and stability. The nanospheres had a particle size range of 280–320 nm after optimizing the preparation method using a central composite design. The drug content and percentage yield was 85.3% ± 0.7% and 92.8% ± 0.9%, respectively. The in vitro release profile of the amoxicillin nanospheres was consistent with a Korsmeyer-Peppas pattern, and the release after one hour was 19%, while for the original drug, amoxicillin, under the same conditions, 90% was released in the first 30 minutes.

Conclusion:

The nanospheres used in this study enabled controlled release of amoxicillin over an extended period of time for up to 12 hours and the formulation was stable for 12 months.

Hyperglycemia: an unusual cause for hemichorea

Hemichoreais a rare neurologic disorder due to oxidative stress leading to neurodegenerationof the dentate nuclei and striata. It is rarely observed in diabetes. One such case occurring in an adult female diabetic is described here.