Scientia Pharmaceutica

1304 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stability Study and a 14-Day Oral Dose Toxicity in Rats of Plantain Leaf Extract (Plantago lanceolata L.) Syrup

by Kenza Mansoor, Fadi Qadan, Mathias Schmidt, Eyad Mallah, Wael Abudayyih and Khalid Matalka

Sci. Pharm. 2017, 85(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm85010015 - 22 Mar 2017

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6464

Plants have been used since antiquity to treat and prevent diseases. Plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) is traditionally used for the treatment of the common cold and associated symptoms such as cough. This study was designed to evaluate the oral toxicity of plantain [...] Read more.

Plants have been used since antiquity to treat and prevent diseases. Plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) is traditionally used for the treatment of the common cold and associated symptoms such as cough. This study was designed to evaluate the oral toxicity of plantain leaf extract-containing syrup. In preparation of the toxicological examination and to ensure the quality of the herbal preparation, analytical methods were developed and validated, and stability testing was performed. Physicochemical and microbial quality, thin layer chromatography patterns and high performance liquid chromatography fingerprints complied with the specifications during the entire period of stability testing. The marker substance, acteoside, remained within the stability-defining limits of 90%–110% for quantitative determinations. No hint of toxicity emerged from 14-day repeat dose toxicity testing in rats. The animals were given doses of 3, 6, or 12 mL of syrup per kg body weight by gavage twice daily. All animals showed normal appearance and behavior. Body and organ weights at the end of the study were similar to those in the control group. Overall, P. lanceolata syrup was found to be stable and non-toxic under the test conditions. Full article

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155 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combination Effect of Antituberculosis Drugs and Ethanolic Extract of Selected Medicinal Plants against Multi-Drug Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates

by Prabasiwi Nur Fauziyah, Elin Yulinah Sukandar and Dhyan Kusuma Ayuningtyas

Sci. Pharm. 2017, 85(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm85010014 - 20 Mar 2017

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5819

Abstract

Adverse drug reaction and resistance to antituberculosis drugs remain the causes of tuberculosis therapeutic failure. This research aimed to find the combination effect of standard antituberculosis drugs with Hibiscus sabdariffa L., Kaempferia galanga L., and Piper crocatum N.E. Br against multi-drug resistant (MDR) [...] Read more.

Adverse drug reaction and resistance to antituberculosis drugs remain the causes of tuberculosis therapeutic failure. This research aimed to find the combination effect of standard antituberculosis drugs with Hibiscus sabdariffa L., Kaempferia galanga L., and Piper crocatum N.E. Br against multi-drug resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates. Two MDR strains (i.e., isoniazid/ethambutol resistant and rifampicin/streptomycin resistant) of M. tuberculosis were inoculated in Löwenstein–Jensen medium containing a combination of standard antituberculosis drugs and ethanolic extracts of H. sabdariffa calyces, K. galanga rhizomes, and P. crocatum leaves using various concentration combinations of drug and extract. The colony numbers were observed for 8 weeks. The effect of the combination was analyzed using the proportion method which was calculated by the mean percentage of inhibition reduction in a number of colonies on drug–extract containing medium compared to extract-free control medium. The results showed that all three plant extracts achieved good combination effects with rifampicin against the rifampicin/streptomycin resistant strain. Antagonistic effects were, however, observed with streptomycin, ethambutol and isoniazid, therefore calling for caution when using these plants in combination with antituberculosis treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the International Seminar on Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy (ISPCP-ITB 2016))

1313 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Feeding Protects Liver Steatosis in Obese Breast Cancer Rat Model

by Reza Hakkak, Andrea Bell and Soheila Korourian

Sci. Pharm. 2017, 85(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm85010013 - 20 Mar 2017

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6132

Abstract

Obesity is a major health problem in the US and globally. Obesity is associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancers, hyperlipidemia, and liver steatosis development. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a dietary supplement used as an anti-obesity supplement. Previously, we reported [...] Read more.

Obesity is a major health problem in the US and globally. Obesity is associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancers, hyperlipidemia, and liver steatosis development. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a dietary supplement used as an anti-obesity supplement. Previously, we reported that DHEA feeding protects 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumors. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of obesity and DHEA feeding on liver steatosis, body weight gain, and serum DHEA, DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels. Female Zucker rats were randomly assigned to either a control diet or a control diet with DHEA supplementation for 155 days. Livers were collected for histological examination. Serum was collected to measure DHEA, DHEA-S, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3. Our results show that DHEA-fed rats had significantly less liver steatosis (p < 0.001) than control-fed rats and gained less weight (p < 0.001). DHEA feeding caused significant decreases (p < 0.001) in the serum levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 and significantly increased (p < 0.001) serum levels of DHEA and DHEA-S. Our results suggest that DHEA feeding can protect against liver steatosis by reducing body weight gain and modulating serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels in an obese breast cancer rat model. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Alginate-Based Composite Sponges as Gastroretentive Carriers for Curcumin-Loaded Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems

by Arpa Petchsomrit, Namfa Sermkaew and Ruedeekorn Wiwattanapatapee

Sci. Pharm. 2017, 85(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm85010011 - 15 Mar 2017

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 7551

Abstract

Alginate-based composite sponges were developed as carriers to prolong the gastric retention time and controlled release of curcumin-loaded self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (Cur-SMEDDS). Liquid Cur-SMEDDS was incorporated into a solution made up of a mixture of polymers and converted into a solid form [...] Read more.

Alginate-based composite sponges were developed as carriers to prolong the gastric retention time and controlled release of curcumin-loaded self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (Cur-SMEDDS). Liquid Cur-SMEDDS was incorporated into a solution made up of a mixture of polymers and converted into a solid form by freeze-drying. The ratio of alginate as the main polymer, adsorbent (colloidal silicon dioxide), and additional polymers—sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)—was varied systematically to adjust the drug loading and entrapment efficiency, sponge buoyancy, and the release profile of Cur-SMEDDS. The optimum composite sponge was fabricated from a 4% alginate and 2% HPMC mixed solution. It immediately floated on simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2) and remained buoyant over an 8 h period. The formulation exhibited an emulsion droplet size of approximately 30 nm and provided sustained release of Cur-SMEDDS in SGF, reaching 71% within 8 h compared with only 10% release from curcumin powder. This study demonstrates the potential of alginate-based composite sponges combined with self-microemulsifying formulations for gastroretention applications involving poorly soluble compounds. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

n-Hexane Insoluble Fraction of Plantago lanceolata Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Mice by Inhibiting Cyclooxygenase-2 and Reducing Chemokines Levels

by Nanang Fakhrudin, Eny Dwi Astuti, Rini Sulistyawati, Djoko Santosa, Ratna Susandarini, Arief Nurrochmad and Subagus Wahyuono

Sci. Pharm. 2017, 85(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm85010012 - 13 Mar 2017

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6576

Abstract

Inflammation is involved in the progression of many disorders, such as tumors, arthritis, gastritis, and atherosclerosis. Thus, the development of new agents targeting inflammation is still challenging. Medicinal plants have been used traditionally to treat various diseases including inflammation. A previous study has [...] Read more.

Inflammation is involved in the progression of many disorders, such as tumors, arthritis, gastritis, and atherosclerosis. Thus, the development of new agents targeting inflammation is still challenging. Medicinal plants have been used traditionally to treat various diseases including inflammation. A previous study has indicated that dichloromethane extract of P. lanceolata leaves exerts anti-inflammatory activity in an in vitro model. Here, we examined the in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of a n-hexane insoluble fraction of P. lanceolata leaves dichloromethane extract (HIFPL). We first evaluated its potency to reduce paw edema induced by carrageenan, and the expression of the proinflammatory enzyme, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, in mice. The efficacy of HIFPL to inhibit COX-2 was also evaluated in an in vitro enzymatic assay. We further studied the effect of HIFPL on leukocytes migration in mice induced by thioglycollate. The level of chemokines facilitating the migration of leukocytes was also measured. We found that HIFPL (40, 80, 160 mg/kg) demonstrated anti-inflammatory activities in mice. The HIFPL reduced the volume of paw edema and COX-2 expression. However, HIFPL acts as an unselective COX-2 inhibitor as it inhibited COX-1 with a slightly higher potency. Interestingly, HIFPL strongly inhibited leukocyte migration by reducing the level of chemokines, Interleukine-8 (IL-8) and Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Serum Cystatin C as a Biomarker in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

by Nada E. Hammouda, Manal A. Salah El-Din, Mamdouh M. El-Shishtawy and Amal M. El-Gayar

Sci. Pharm. 2017, 85(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm85010009 - 8 Mar 2017

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3852

Abstract

Elevated serum levels of cystatin C are found to be related to poor outcome and metastatic potential of some malignant disorders. To evaluate the clinical prominence of serum cystatin C in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), blood samples were obtained from 58 patients [...] Read more.

Elevated serum levels of cystatin C are found to be related to poor outcome and metastatic potential of some malignant disorders. To evaluate the clinical prominence of serum cystatin C in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), blood samples were obtained from 58 patients at the time of diagnosis and paired blood samples were obtained from 22 patients at the time of remission. Also, serum cystatin C level was measured in matched healthy controls. Serum cystatin C levels were significantly more elevated in DLBCL patients than in controls (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, paired-sample analysis revealed that pretreatment cystatin C levels were reduced significantly in patients who achieved remission after therapy (p = 0.016). High serum cystatin C levels were correlated with age over 60 years (p = 0.049), extra-nodal involvement (p = 0.005) and with high serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (p < 0.013). Elevated serum cystatin C levels were associated with extra-nodal involvement and they were significantly reduced to normal range after the remission. However, Kaplan–Meier curves revealed no survival difference in the pretreatment serum cystatin C levels. Therefore, serum cystatin C may be a novel biomarker that reflects tumor burden in DLBCL but bears no prognostic significance regarding survival. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Six-Month Chronic Toxicity Study of Tamarind Pulp (Tamarindus indica L.) Water Extract

by Irene Iskandar, Finna Setiawan, Lucy D N Sasongko and I Ketut Adnyana

Sci. Pharm. 2017, 85(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm85010010 - 8 Mar 2017

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5747

Abstract

Tamarind water extract has been shown to demonstrate an anti-obesity effect. In this research, long-term use of tamarind pulp water extract safety was evaluated. Tamarind pulp was extracted by reflux method, followed by freeze-drying to obtain dry extract. Wistar rats were divided into [...] Read more.

Tamarind water extract has been shown to demonstrate an anti-obesity effect. In this research, long-term use of tamarind pulp water extract safety was evaluated. Tamarind pulp was extracted by reflux method, followed by freeze-drying to obtain dry extract. Wistar rats were divided into six groups, with 20 animals of each sex per group. The control group and satellite control group received carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC-Na) 0.5% 1 mL/100 g bw (body weight) per day. Treatment groups received tamarind pulp extract at doses of 75, 200, 1000, satellite 1000 mg/kg bw per day for six months. After six months, control groups and the treatment group were sacrificed. Satellite groups were sacrificed one month later. Relative organ weights, hematology and clinical biochemistry profiles were determined. After six months, there were no significant change in body weight, hematologic, and clinical biochemistry profiles of the tested group. Body weight of male rats in the satellite 1000 mg/kg bw group was significantly increased in week 30 compared to the satellite control group (p < 0.05). The relative spleen weight of female rats of the 200 mg/kg bw group was reduced (p < 0.05). The relative kidney weight of male rats in the 1000 mg/kg bw group was increased (p < 0.05). This study showed that tamarind pulp extract was generally safe and well tolerated at the tested dose. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the International Seminar on Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy (ISPCP-ITB 2016))

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1629 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anticancer Dose Adjustment for Patients with Renal and Hepatic Dysfunction: From Scientific Evidence to Clinical Application

by Tomi Hendrayana, André Wilmer, Verena Kurth, Ingo GH Schmidt-Wolf and Ulrich Jaehde

Sci. Pharm. 2017, 85(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm85010008 - 27 Feb 2017

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 7904

Abstract

Most anticancer agents exhibit a narrow therapeutic index, i.e., a small change in plasma concentrations can lead to a less efficacious treatment or an unacceptable degree of toxicity. This study aimed at providing health professionals with a feasible and time-saving tool to adapt [...] Read more.

Most anticancer agents exhibit a narrow therapeutic index, i.e., a small change in plasma concentrations can lead to a less efficacious treatment or an unacceptable degree of toxicity. This study aimed at providing health professionals with a feasible and time-saving tool to adapt the dose of anticancer agents for patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction. A guideline for anticancer agents was developed based on a literature search. An algorithm was generated to enhance the efficiency of the dose adaptation process. Finally, the dosing guideline was converted into an easy-to-use Excel^TM tool. The concept was applied to a total of 105 adult patients at the Centre for Integrated Oncology, Bonn, Germany. In total, 392 recommendations for dose adaptation were made and 320 (81.6%) recommendations were responded to by the oncologists. 98.4% of the recommendations were accepted. The algorithm simplifies the decision and screening process for high-risk patients. Moreover, it provides the possibility to quickly decide which laboratory tests are required and whether a dose adjustment for a particular anticancer drug is needed. The Excel^TM tool provides a recommended individual dose for patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction. The effectiveness of this strategy to reduce toxicity should be investigated in further studies before being adopted for routine use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the International Seminar on Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy (ISPCP-ITB 2016))

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155 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antimutagenic Activity of Ethanol Extract of Rhaphidophora pinnata (L.f) Schott Leaves on Mice

by Masfria, Sumaiyah and Aminah Dalimunthe

Sci. Pharm. 2017, 85(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm85010007 - 17 Feb 2017

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3903

Abstract

Rhaphidophora pinnata is suggested to prevent or treat cancer of genetic mutations. In this study, antimutagenic activity of an ethanol extract of Rhaphidophora pinnata leaves was evaluated by using a bone marrow micronucleus assay on mice. Male mice (20–30 g) were treated for [...] Read more.

Rhaphidophora pinnata is suggested to prevent or treat cancer of genetic mutations. In this study, antimutagenic activity of an ethanol extract of Rhaphidophora pinnata leaves was evaluated by using a bone marrow micronucleus assay on mice. Male mice (20–30 g) were treated for sevendays with an ethanol extract of Rhaphidophora pinnata leaves at a dose of 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg/day/orally, prior to exposure to cyclophosphamide (i.p. 30 mg/kg), 24 h after the end of the treatment. Antimutagenic activity was determined by the decrease of micronuclei (MN). The results showed that a single administration of all variant doses of the extract had significantly decreased the micronucleus formation in bone marrow cell of mice as compared to the cyclophosphamide group. The ethanol extract of Rhaphidophora pinnata leaves had antimutagenic activity against cyclophosphamide-induced gene mutation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the International Seminar on Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy (ISPCP-ITB 2016))

784 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Validated Stability-Indicating HPLC Method for Simultaneous Determination of Amoxicillin and Enrofloxacin Combination in an Injectable Suspension

by Nidal Batrawi, Shorouq Wahdan and Fuad Al-Rimawi

Sci. Pharm. 2017, 85(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm85010006 - 16 Feb 2017

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 9203

Abstract

The combination of amoxicillin and enrofloxacin is a well-known mixture of veterinary drugs; it is used for the treatment of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In the scientific literature, there is no high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-UV method for the simultaneous determination of this combination. [...] Read more.

The combination of amoxicillin and enrofloxacin is a well-known mixture of veterinary drugs; it is used for the treatment of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In the scientific literature, there is no high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-UV method for the simultaneous determination of this combination. The objective of this work is to develop and validate an HPLC method for the determination of this combination. In this regard, a new, simple and efficient reversed-phase HPLC method for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative determination of amoxicillin and enrofloxacin, in an injectable preparation with a mixture of inactive excipients, has been developed and validated. The HPLC separation method was performed using a reversed-phase (RP)-C18e (250 mm × 4.0 mm, 5 μm) column at room temperature, with a gradient mobile phase of acetonitrile and phosphate buffer containing methanol at pH 5.0, a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min and ultraviolet detection at 267 nm. This method was validated in accordance with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines and showed excellent linearity, accuracy, precision, specificity, robustness, ruggedness, and system suitability results within the acceptance criteria. A stability-indicating study was also carried out and indicated that this method can also be used for purity and degradation evaluation of these formulations. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Transmission Electron Microscopy of XDR Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates Grown on High Dose of Oﬂoxacin

by Mohammad Arjomandzadegan, Maryam Sadrnia, Leonid Titov, Larissa Surkova, Hossein Sarmadian, Reza Ghasemikhah and Hossein Hosseiny

Sci. Pharm. 2017, 85(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm85010003 - 2 Feb 2017

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4761

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate behavior of resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) isolates under a high dose of oﬂoxacin and its morphological changes. 19 extensively drug resistant (XDR) clinical isolates of MTB were grown on Löwenstein–Jensen medium containing progressively increasing concentrations [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to investigate behavior of resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) isolates under a high dose of oﬂoxacin and its morphological changes. 19 extensively drug resistant (XDR) clinical isolates of MTB were grown on Löwenstein–Jensen medium containing progressively increasing concentrations of oﬂoxacin (2, 4, 8, 16, 32 mg/L). Ultra-structure analyses of resistant isolates grown on oﬂoxacin were conducted by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fixation was carried out by 4% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M sodium cacodylate buffer on 300 mesh carbon formvar copper grid. The samples were negatively stained with uranium acetate suspension. All19XDRMTBisolatesweregrownandformedcoloniessuccessfullyon2,4,8mg/L,sevenisolates on16mg/L,andfourisolateson32mg/Loﬂoxacin. Morphologicalchangesandunusualformswere detected in 8, 16 and 32 mg/L oﬂoxacin at 43%, 76.5% and 81% of cells, respectively. Swollen form (protoplast like), ghost-like cell, degraded forms, and in a few cases, detached cytoplasm from cell wall were clearly detected in high drug concentrations in comparison to control. Changes in morphology were increased with increasing oﬂoxacin concentrations (p < 0.05). Some XDR isolates could be successfully grown on high doses of oﬂoxacin (32 mg/L), but with changes in morphology. It was concluded that several magnitudes of the drug doses could not prevent growth of drug resistant forms. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Natural Products as New Treatment Options for Trichomoniasis: A Molecular Docking Investigation

by Mary Snow Setzer, Kendall G. Byler, Ifedayo Victor Ogungbe and William N. Setzer

Sci. Pharm. 2017, 85(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm85010005 - 27 Jan 2017

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 6898

Abstract

Trichomoniasis, caused by the parasitic protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common non-viral sexually-transmitted disease, and there can be severe complications from trichomoniasis. Antibiotic resistance in T. vaginalis is increasing, but there are currently no alternatives treatment options. There is a need [...] Read more.

Trichomoniasis, caused by the parasitic protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common non-viral sexually-transmitted disease, and there can be severe complications from trichomoniasis. Antibiotic resistance in T. vaginalis is increasing, but there are currently no alternatives treatment options. There is a need to discover and develop new chemotherapeutic alternatives. Plant-derived natural products have long served as sources for new medicinal agents, as well as new leads for drug discovery and development. In this work, we have carried out an in silico screening of 952 antiprotozoal phytochemicals with specific protein drug targets of T. vaginalis. A total of 42 compounds showed remarkable docking properties to T. vaginalis methionine gamma-lyase (TvMGL) and to T. vaginalis purine nucleoside phosphorylase (TvPNP). The most promising ligands were polyphenolic compounds, and several of these showed docking properties superior to either co-crystallized ligands or synthetic enzyme inhibitors. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Chrysin Protects Rat Kidney from Paracetamol-Induced Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Apoptosis, and Autophagy: A Multi-Biomarker Approach

by Fatih Mehmet Kandemir, Sefa Kucukler, Eyup Eldutar, Cuneyt Caglayan and İlhami Gülçin

Sci. Pharm. 2017, 85(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm85010004 - 26 Jan 2017

Cited by 100 | Viewed by 8318

Abstract

Paracetamol (PC) is a safe analgesic and antipyretic drug at therapeutic doses, and it is widely used in clinics. However, at high doses, it can induce hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Chrysin (CR) is a natural flavonoid that has biological activities that include being an [...] Read more.

Paracetamol (PC) is a safe analgesic and antipyretic drug at therapeutic doses, and it is widely used in clinics. However, at high doses, it can induce hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Chrysin (CR) is a natural flavonoid that has biological activities that include being an antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory, and an anti-cancer agent. The main objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of CR against PC-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. CR was given orally via feeding needle to male Sprague Dawley rats as a single daily dose of 25 or 50 mg/kg for six days. PC was administered orally via feeding needle as a single dose on the sixth day. PC caused significant glutathione depletion, lipid peroxidation, increased serum toxicity markers (serum urea and creatinine), and reductions in activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase — SOD, catalase — CAT, and glutathione peroxidase — GPx). The renal protective effect of CR was associated with decreasing the regulation of serum renal toxicity markers and increasing the regulation of antioxidant enzyme activities. Additionally, PC led to significant increases in the levels of inflammatory markers including tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-33 (IL-33). Furthermore, PC induced apoptotic tissue damage by increasing cysteine aspartate-specific protease-3 (caspase-3) activity and autophagic tissue damage by increasing the expression of light chain 3B (LC3B). CR therapy significantly decreased these values in rats. This study demonstrated that CR has antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-autophagic effects on PC-induced kidney toxicity in rats. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

New Synthesis, Structure and Analgesic Properties of Methyl 1-R-4-Methyl-2,2-Dioxo-1H-2λ⁶,1-Benzothiazine-3-Carboxylates

by Liliana Azotla-Cruz, Irina V. Lijanova, Igor V. Ukrainets, Natalya V. Likhanova, Octavio Olivares-Xometl and Natalya L. Bereznyakova

Sci. Pharm. 2017, 85(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm85010002 - 12 Jan 2017

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4946

Abstract

According to the principles of the methodology of bioisosteric replacements a series of methyl 1-R-4-methyl-2,2-dioxo-1H-2λ⁶,1-benzothiazine-3-carboxylates has been obtained as potential analgesics. In addition, a fundamentally new strategy for the synthesis of compounds of this chemical class involving the introduction [...] Read more.

According to the principles of the methodology of bioisosteric replacements a series of methyl 1-R-4-methyl-2,2-dioxo-1H-2λ⁶,1-benzothiazine-3-carboxylates has been obtained as potential analgesics. In addition, a fundamentally new strategy for the synthesis of compounds of this chemical class involving the introduction of N-alkyl substituent at the final stage in 2,1-benzothiazine nucleus already formed has been proposed. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and X-ray diffraction analysis it has been proven that in the DMSO/K₂CO₃ system the reaction of methyl 4-methyl-2,2-dioxo-1H-2λ⁶,1-benzothiazine-3-carboxylate and alkyl halides leads to formation of N-substituted derivatives with good yields regardless of the structure of the alkylating agent. The peculiarities of NMR (¹Н and ¹³С) spectra of the compounds synthesized, their mass spectrometric behavior and the spatial structure are discussed. In N-benzyl derivative the ability to form a monosolvate with methanol has been found. According to the results of the pharmacological testing conducted on the model of the thermal tail-flick it has been determined that replacement of 4-ОН-group in methyl 1-R-4-hydroxy-2,2-dioxo-1H-2λ⁶,1-benzothiazine-3-carboxylates for the methyl group is actually bioisosteric since all methyl 1-R-4-methyl-2,2-dioxo-1H-2λ⁶,1-benzothiazine-3-carboxylates synthesized demonstrated a statistically significant analgesic effect. The majority of the substances can inhibit the thermal pain response much more effective than piroxicam in the same dose. Under the same conditions as an analgesic the N-methyl-substituted analog exceeds not only piroxicam, but more active meloxicam as well. Therefore, it deserves in-depth biological studies on other experimental models. Full article

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2561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interaction between DNA and Drugs Having Protonable Basic Groups: Characterization through Affinity Constants, Drug Release Kinetics, and Conformational Changes

by Liliana P. Alarcón, Yolima Baena and Rubén H. Manzo

Sci. Pharm. 2017, 85(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm85010001 - 4 Jan 2017

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4833

Abstract

This paper reports the in vitro characterization of the interaction between the phosphate groups of DNA and the protonated species of drugs with basic groups through the determination of the affinity constants, the reversibility of the interaction, and the effect on the secondary [...] Read more.

This paper reports the in vitro characterization of the interaction between the phosphate groups of DNA and the protonated species of drugs with basic groups through the determination of the affinity constants, the reversibility of the interaction, and the effect on the secondary structure of the macromolecule. Affinity constants of the counterionic condensation DNA–drug were in the order of 10⁶. The negative electrokinetic potential of DNA decreased with the increase of the proportion of loading drugs. The drugs were slowly released from the DNA–drug complexes and had release kinetics consistent with the high degree of counterionic condensation. The circular dichroism profile of DNA was not modified by complexation with atenolol, lidocaine, or timolol, but was significantly altered by the more lipophilic drugs benzydamine and propranolol, revealing modifications in the secondary structure of the DNA. The in vitro characterization of such interactions provides a physicochemical basis that would contribute to identify the effects of this kind of drugs in cellular cultures, as well as side effects observed under their clinical use. Moreover, this methodology could also be projected to the fields of intracellular DNA transfection and the use of DNA as a carrier of active drugs. Full article

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Sci. Pharm., Volume 85, Issue 1 (March 2017) – 15 articles

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