S. Reina, C. Pisoni, R. Arana, Sabrina Ganzinelli, E. Borda
Aims: This paper investigates the presence of M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor autoantibody present in the serum of patients with primary SjOgren syndrome (pSS). Main methods: We detected the levels of M3mAChR peptide IgG, PGE2, IL-1β in serum of SS patients using the enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). To measure the quantity of nitrite/nitrate, we used Griess reagent system. Key findings: Titres of M3mAChR antibody in sera from SS patients are significantly enhanced compared to healthy subjects (control). The enhancement of these autoantibodies is accompanied by the increase of the levels of PGE2, IL-1β and nitrite/nitrate in serum. Under in vitro conditions, the synthetic human M3 peptide impaires the increment of M3mAChR antibody but not that of nati-Ro/SSA antibody. In positive anti-Ro/SSA antibody patients, the increment of M3mAChR peptide IgG and the measured pro-inflammatory substances is related. Significance: On this basis, anti M3mAChR peptide IgG can be said to act as a modulator of the immune system and to play a role in the host-chronic increment of proinflammatory substances in SS patients with positive Ro/SSA antibody. This association between the antibody and the pathogenesis of SS disease may result in useful predicting SS.
{"title":"Role of M3 Muscarinic Acethylcholine Receptor Antibodies as a New Marker in Primary Sjögren Syndrome","authors":"S. Reina, C. Pisoni, R. Arana, Sabrina Ganzinelli, E. Borda","doi":"10.4236/PP.2017.87017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/PP.2017.87017","url":null,"abstract":"Aims: This paper investigates the presence of M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor autoantibody present in the serum of patients with primary SjOgren syndrome (pSS). Main methods: We detected the levels of M3mAChR peptide IgG, PGE2, IL-1β in serum of SS patients using the enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). To measure the quantity of nitrite/nitrate, we used Griess reagent system. Key findings: Titres of M3mAChR antibody in sera from SS patients are significantly enhanced compared to healthy subjects (control). The enhancement of these autoantibodies is accompanied by the increase of the levels of PGE2, IL-1β and nitrite/nitrate in serum. Under in vitro conditions, the synthetic human M3 peptide impaires the increment of M3mAChR antibody but not that of nati-Ro/SSA antibody. In positive anti-Ro/SSA antibody patients, the increment of M3mAChR peptide IgG and the measured pro-inflammatory substances is related. Significance: On this basis, anti M3mAChR peptide IgG can be said to act as a modulator of the immune system and to play a role in the host-chronic increment of proinflammatory substances in SS patients with positive Ro/SSA antibody. This association between the antibody and the pathogenesis of SS disease may result in useful predicting SS.","PeriodicalId":19875,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacology & Pharmacy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87561176","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Recently use of herbal therapies and diet rich in flavonoids and vitamins has augmented significantly to manage minor to modest illnesses. Several anti-hyperlipidemic agents are currently available; however most of them have various unwanted effects. That’s why more people are switching towards safer alternatives, specially derived from plants with fewer side effects. Hence current study was focused to determine the anti-hyperlipidemic potential of Nelumbo nucifera fruit in rabbits fed with high cholesterol diet. This study would surely help in the exploration of a novel agent from the plant source and therefore may recommend the application of traditional medicines in humans. 28 white healthy rabbits of either sex weighing 1000 - 1500 gm were divided into four groups. Control group was given gum tragacanth and 3 groups served as test groups and were given N. nucifera fruit extract 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg for 45 days. Initially animals of all four groups received high cholesterol diet (HCD) 0.125 gm/kg cholesterol in 0.5% corn oil for 30 days. All drugs were given orally. Blood samples were taken thrice from the ear vein of animals, 1st after 24 hours of thirty days of HCD then again after 24 hours of thirty and forty five days dosing of N. nucifera fruit extract. The results showed remarkable cholesterol lowering effects of N. nucifera fruit extract at doses 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg but were particularly dominant at 200 mg/kg at which fruit extract highly significantly reduced TC, TG and LDL-C after 30 and 45 days and increased HDL-C significantly after 30 days and highly significantly after 45 days. Flavonoids, saponins, tannins and procyanidin are significant constituents of N. nucifera fruit which may have contributed in lipid lowering effects of N. nucifera fruit which can contribute in lowering the risk of CVDs and stroke but more preclinical and clinical studies are required to confirm these findings.
{"title":"Evaluation of the Anti-Hyperlipidemic Activity of Nelumbo nucifera Fruit in Rabbits Fed with High Cholesterol Diet","authors":"M. A. Rajput, R. Khan, Tahira Assad","doi":"10.4236/PP.2017.86014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/PP.2017.86014","url":null,"abstract":"Recently use of herbal therapies and diet rich in flavonoids and vitamins has augmented significantly to manage minor to modest illnesses. Several anti-hyperlipidemic agents are currently available; however most of them have various unwanted effects. That’s why more people are switching towards safer alternatives, specially derived from plants with fewer side effects. Hence current study was focused to determine the anti-hyperlipidemic potential of Nelumbo nucifera fruit in rabbits fed with high cholesterol diet. This study would surely help in the exploration of a novel agent from the plant source and therefore may recommend the application of traditional medicines in humans. 28 white healthy rabbits of either sex weighing 1000 - 1500 gm were divided into four groups. Control group was given gum tragacanth and 3 groups served as test groups and were given N. nucifera fruit extract 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg for 45 days. Initially animals of all four groups received high cholesterol diet (HCD) 0.125 gm/kg cholesterol in 0.5% corn oil for 30 days. All drugs were given orally. Blood samples were taken thrice from the ear vein of animals, 1st after 24 hours of thirty days of HCD then again after 24 hours of thirty and forty five days dosing of N. nucifera fruit extract. The results showed remarkable cholesterol lowering effects of N. nucifera fruit extract at doses 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg but were particularly dominant at 200 mg/kg at which fruit extract highly significantly reduced TC, TG and LDL-C after 30 and 45 days and increased HDL-C significantly after 30 days and highly significantly after 45 days. Flavonoids, saponins, tannins and procyanidin are significant constituents of N. nucifera fruit which may have contributed in lipid lowering effects of N. nucifera fruit which can contribute in lowering the risk of CVDs and stroke but more preclinical and clinical studies are required to confirm these findings.","PeriodicalId":19875,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacology & Pharmacy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79645462","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The risk created by infectious microorganisms to humans attracted the development of common medicine. To find an alternative source, medicinal plants with diverse metabolites play an important role in curing the diseases and human disorders caused by microbial pathogens. Medicinal plants namely, Citrullus colocynthis, Hyoscyamus muticus, Ocimum basilicum, Amaranthus lividus, Salvia aegyptiaca and Ruta chalepensis are commonly used as a traditional medicine in Gulf countries. The present study aimed to investigate the antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant potential of the organic crude extracts obtained from the seeds. Besides, the possible antimicrobial mechanisms of the extracts were evaluated by determining the enzyme activities. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the crude extracts were evaluated by the broth micro dilution method and the effect of the extracts on the pathogens were determined by quantifying the alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzymes and intracellular protein leakage. Besides, the antioxidant properties were determined using hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, DPPH radical scavenging assay, reducing power assay and superoxide radical scavenging assay. Results indicated that the extracts of C. colocynthis showed promising activity against all the tested pathogens, especially the MIC values were ranged from 100 to 150 μg/ml for Gram positive bacteria and 100 to 250 μg/ml for Gram negative bacteria respectively. The MIC values of H. muticus, O. basilicum and R. chalepensis against the fungal pathogens were ranged from 100 to 500 μg/mL respectively. The ALP activity was higher in extract treated Klebsiella pneumoniae compared with control, whereas the LDH and protein concentrations for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were comparatively higher. Furthermore, all the studied seed extract showed good antioxidant activities. In conclusion, the studied plant seed extracts documented good antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Therefore, the medicinal plants would be the excellent source for natural antioxidant and antibacterial agents for medical and applications.
{"title":"In Vitro Antibacterial, Antifungal and Other Medical Properties of Endangered Medicinal Plant Seeds","authors":"M. Almalki","doi":"10.4236/PP.2017.85013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/PP.2017.85013","url":null,"abstract":"The risk created by infectious microorganisms to humans attracted the development of common medicine. To find an alternative source, medicinal plants with diverse metabolites play an important role in curing the diseases and human disorders caused by microbial pathogens. Medicinal plants namely, Citrullus colocynthis, Hyoscyamus muticus, Ocimum basilicum, Amaranthus lividus, Salvia aegyptiaca and Ruta chalepensis are commonly used as a traditional medicine in Gulf countries. The present study aimed to investigate the antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant potential of the organic crude extracts obtained from the seeds. Besides, the possible antimicrobial mechanisms of the extracts were evaluated by determining the enzyme activities. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the crude extracts were evaluated by the broth micro dilution method and the effect of the extracts on the pathogens were determined by quantifying the alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzymes and intracellular protein leakage. Besides, the antioxidant properties were determined using hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, DPPH radical scavenging assay, reducing power assay and superoxide radical scavenging assay. Results indicated that the extracts of C. colocynthis showed promising activity against all the tested pathogens, especially the MIC values were ranged from 100 to 150 μg/ml for Gram positive bacteria and 100 to 250 μg/ml for Gram negative bacteria respectively. The MIC values of H. muticus, O. basilicum and R. chalepensis against the fungal pathogens were ranged from 100 to 500 μg/mL respectively. The ALP activity was higher in extract treated Klebsiella pneumoniae compared with control, whereas the LDH and protein concentrations for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were comparatively higher. Furthermore, all the studied seed extract showed good antioxidant activities. In conclusion, the studied plant seed extracts documented good antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Therefore, the medicinal plants would be the excellent source for natural antioxidant and antibacterial agents for medical and applications.","PeriodicalId":19875,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacology & Pharmacy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89179160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anh T. Q. Luong, T. N. Vu, D. Nguyen, S. M. Alshahrani, J. M. Christensen, C. Nguyen
An optimized formulation of capsules containing Lansoprazole enteric-coated pellets using D-Optimal design with a polynomial statistical model were prepared by using Eudragit?L100 as an enteric coated polymer to provide resistance to simulated gastric acid dissolution in buffer media. D-Optimal experimental design was used to determine the optimal level for three coating layers that were applied to formulate the enteric-coated pellets including a drug loading layer, a sub-coating, and an outer enteric coating. Dissolution studies were performed on the prepared Lansoprazole capsules. Less than 5 percent of Lansoprazole was released in 60 minutes in an acidic dissolution medium (pH 1.2) and greater than 90 percent of active ingredient was released in the next 60 minutes in a buffer dissolution medium (pH 6.8). The Lansoprazole capsules were stable with no observable change in physico-chemical properties in accelerated and normal storage conditions for 6 and 18 months, respectively. The pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, Tmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ were determined after administration of the D-Optimal design optimized capsules of LPZ to healthy beagle dogs and were statistically compared to Gastevin? capsules as a reference (KRKA, Slovenia) using the non-compartmental method with the aid of WinNonlin 5.2 software. The analysis of variance showed that the two formulations did not demonstrate bioequivalence using a 90% confidence interval range (80% - 120%) of Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞. No significant difference in Tmax was found at the 0.95 significance level using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. D-Optimal Experimental Design provided definitive direction for an optimal formulation of capsules containing enteric-coated pellets of lansoprazole loaded within the coating of pellets that provided similar bioequivalence to Gastevin.
{"title":"Formulation Optimization Utilizing D-Optimal Experimental Design of Oral Capsules Containing Enteric-Coated Pellets of Lansoprazole and in vivo Bioequivalence","authors":"Anh T. Q. Luong, T. N. Vu, D. Nguyen, S. M. Alshahrani, J. M. Christensen, C. Nguyen","doi":"10.4236/PP.2017.85011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/PP.2017.85011","url":null,"abstract":"An optimized formulation of capsules containing Lansoprazole enteric-coated pellets using D-Optimal design with a polynomial statistical model were prepared by using Eudragit?L100 as an enteric coated polymer to provide resistance to simulated gastric acid dissolution in buffer media. D-Optimal experimental design was used to determine the optimal level for three coating layers that were applied to formulate the enteric-coated pellets including a drug loading layer, a sub-coating, and an outer enteric coating. Dissolution studies were performed on the prepared Lansoprazole capsules. Less than 5 percent of Lansoprazole was released in 60 minutes in an acidic dissolution medium (pH 1.2) and greater than 90 percent of active ingredient was released in the next 60 minutes in a buffer dissolution medium (pH 6.8). The Lansoprazole capsules were stable with no observable change in physico-chemical properties in accelerated and normal storage conditions for 6 and 18 months, respectively. The pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, Tmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ were determined after administration of the D-Optimal design optimized capsules of LPZ to healthy beagle dogs and were statistically compared to Gastevin? capsules as a reference (KRKA, Slovenia) using the non-compartmental method with the aid of WinNonlin 5.2 software. The analysis of variance showed that the two formulations did not demonstrate bioequivalence using a 90% confidence interval range (80% - 120%) of Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞. No significant difference in Tmax was found at the 0.95 significance level using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. D-Optimal Experimental Design provided definitive direction for an optimal formulation of capsules containing enteric-coated pellets of lansoprazole loaded within the coating of pellets that provided similar bioequivalence to Gastevin.","PeriodicalId":19875,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacology & Pharmacy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76331377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Y. Hattori, Yuki Yoshiike, M. Honda, H. Ohno, H. Onishi
Successful gene silencing by small interfering RNA (siRNA) requires efficient uptake of siRNA into targeted cells. For in vitro transfection of siRNA using cationic liposomes, two types of transfection method are currently being used: conventional (forward; Fw) and reverse (Rev) transfections. Here, to investigate an efficient siRNA transfection method using cationic liposomes, we compared the transfection efficiency of siRNA between Fw-transfection and Rev-transfection methods with various types of cationic liposomes. In Fw-transfection, siRNA/cationic liposomes complex (siRNA lipoplexes) was added to pre-plated cells. In contrast, Rev-transfection was performed by co-incubation of cells with siRNA lipoplexes in suspension. As a result, Rev-transfection with 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP)-based or cationic cholesterol derivative-based liposomes could deliver siRNA into the cells via efficient cellular association, and induce an improved gene silencing effect by siRNA compared with Fw-transfection. Furthermore, Rev-transfection did not show increased cytotoxicity compared with Fw-transfection. These findings suggested that Rev-transfection in suspension has better potential for efficient transfection of siRNA into cells with minimal toxicity.
{"title":"Evaluation of Small Interfering RNA Delivery into Cells by Reverse Transfection in Suspension with Cationic Liposomes","authors":"Y. Hattori, Yuki Yoshiike, M. Honda, H. Ohno, H. Onishi","doi":"10.4236/PP.2017.85009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/PP.2017.85009","url":null,"abstract":"Successful gene silencing by small interfering RNA (siRNA) requires efficient uptake of siRNA into targeted cells. For in vitro transfection of siRNA using cationic liposomes, two types of transfection method are currently being used: conventional (forward; Fw) and reverse (Rev) transfections. Here, to investigate an efficient siRNA transfection method using cationic liposomes, we compared the transfection efficiency of siRNA between Fw-transfection and Rev-transfection methods with various types of cationic liposomes. In Fw-transfection, siRNA/cationic liposomes complex (siRNA lipoplexes) was added to pre-plated cells. In contrast, Rev-transfection was performed by co-incubation of cells with siRNA lipoplexes in suspension. As a result, Rev-transfection with 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP)-based or cationic cholesterol derivative-based liposomes could deliver siRNA into the cells via efficient cellular association, and induce an improved gene silencing effect by siRNA compared with Fw-transfection. Furthermore, Rev-transfection did not show increased cytotoxicity compared with Fw-transfection. These findings suggested that Rev-transfection in suspension has better potential for efficient transfection of siRNA into cells with minimal toxicity.","PeriodicalId":19875,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacology & Pharmacy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87572856","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
D. Chino, M. Naramatsu, Keisuke Obara, Yoshio Tanaka
Clonidine is a classically categorized α2-adrenoceptor (α2-AR) agonist that produces vascular contractions by stimulating arterial smooth muscle α2-ARs. However, clonidine inhibits α1-AR-mediated arterial contractions. Recently, it was suggested that repeated stimulation with clonidine induces desensitization of α2-ARs, thus inhibiting noradrenaline-induced smooth muscle contractions. In the present study, we examined whether clonidine-mediated inhibition of α1-AR contractions involves interactions with α2-ARs in rat thoracic aortae. 1) Clonidine and guanfacine inhibited electrical field stimulation-induced contractions in a concentration-dependent, yohimbine-sensitive manner in isolated rat vas deferens preparations. 2) Clonidine almost completely suppressed phenylephrine-induced sustained contractions of rat thoracic aortae. 3) Clonidine competitively inhibited phenylephrine-induced contractions with a pA2 value of 6.77 at concentrations between 10-7 and 10-6 M. At 10-5 M, clonidine inhibited phenylephrine-induced contractions and dramatically reduced maximum contractions. 4) In contrast, clonidine did not inhibit contractions produced by high KCl or prostaglandin F2α. 5) Inhibition of phenylephrine-induced sustained contractions by clonidine was also produced in the presence of yohimbine. However, guanfacine did not inhibit phenylephrine-induced sustained contractions. These findings suggest that clonidine inhibits phenylephrine-induced contraction of rat thoracic aortae by competitive antagonism of α1-ARs, which is mediated through a mechanism independent of α2-AR stimulation.
{"title":"Clonidine Inhibits Phenylephrine-Induced Contraction of Rat Thoracic Aortae by Competitive Antagonism of α1-Adrenoceptors Independent of α2-Adrenoceptor Stimulation","authors":"D. Chino, M. Naramatsu, Keisuke Obara, Yoshio Tanaka","doi":"10.4236/PP.2017.85012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/PP.2017.85012","url":null,"abstract":"Clonidine is a classically categorized α2-adrenoceptor (α2-AR) agonist that produces vascular contractions by stimulating arterial smooth muscle α2-ARs. However, clonidine inhibits α1-AR-mediated arterial contractions. Recently, it was suggested that repeated stimulation with clonidine induces desensitization of α2-ARs, thus inhibiting noradrenaline-induced smooth muscle contractions. In the present study, we examined whether clonidine-mediated inhibition of α1-AR contractions involves interactions with α2-ARs in rat thoracic aortae. 1) Clonidine and guanfacine inhibited electrical field stimulation-induced contractions in a concentration-dependent, yohimbine-sensitive manner in isolated rat vas deferens preparations. 2) Clonidine almost completely suppressed phenylephrine-induced sustained contractions of rat thoracic aortae. 3) Clonidine competitively inhibited phenylephrine-induced contractions with a pA2 value of 6.77 at concentrations between 10-7 and 10-6 M. At 10-5 M, clonidine inhibited phenylephrine-induced contractions and dramatically reduced maximum contractions. 4) In contrast, clonidine did not inhibit contractions produced by high KCl or prostaglandin F2α. 5) Inhibition of phenylephrine-induced sustained contractions by clonidine was also produced in the presence of yohimbine. However, guanfacine did not inhibit phenylephrine-induced sustained contractions. These findings suggest that clonidine inhibits phenylephrine-induced contraction of rat thoracic aortae by competitive antagonism of α1-ARs, which is mediated through a mechanism independent of α2-AR stimulation.","PeriodicalId":19875,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacology & Pharmacy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85947472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
T. Shirakawa, Tomoko Hara, K. Hata, K. Suetsugu, Hideki Kakimoto, K. Ogata, Y. Ikari, H. Sasaki, Makoto Takahashi, M. Fukahori, M. Uoi, T. Esaki, Mikako Hiraike, Toshinobu Hayashi, A. Tokunaga, N. Ureshino, T. Kuwamura, H. Kusaba, K. Mitsugi, E. Baba
[Background] Medical staff have many occasions to be exposed to anticancer drugs (ACDs) in the process of performing cancer chemotherapy. Although guidelines for the safe handling of ACDs have been published, actual measures against exposure to ACDs differ between hospitals, and no surveillance data regarding the conditions of each hospital in relation to performing chemotherapy in Japan are available. [Methods] To understand current measures against exposure to ACDs and problems related to cancer chemotherapy at outpatient departments, we conducted a questionnaire survey on doctors, pharmacists, and nurses in 10 leading hospitals for cancer chemotherapy in Japan. [Results] Responses were received from all 10 institutions. The hospital pharmacists prepared all ACDs for outpatients in each institution. All hospitals took basic measures against ACD exposure, such as using personal protective equipment and penetration-resistant waste containers. Conditions against exposure to ACDs generally improved between 2012 and 2015, especially in terms of conveyance of ACDs and use of a closed-system drug transfer device. However, no measures linking ACDs with administration routes or injection sites were commonly taken in any of the hospitals in 2015. [Conclusions] Conditions against ACD exposure improved between 2012 and 2015, possibly because new guidelines were issued. To improve measures for ACD exposure in Japan, preparing more appropriate manuals and offering more opportunities to medical staff for continuing education are considered important.
{"title":"Analysis of a Questionnaire Survey regarding Current Conditions against Exposure to Anticancer Drugs and Reports of Cancer Chemotherapy at Outpatient Departments in Japan","authors":"T. Shirakawa, Tomoko Hara, K. Hata, K. Suetsugu, Hideki Kakimoto, K. Ogata, Y. Ikari, H. Sasaki, Makoto Takahashi, M. Fukahori, M. Uoi, T. Esaki, Mikako Hiraike, Toshinobu Hayashi, A. Tokunaga, N. Ureshino, T. Kuwamura, H. Kusaba, K. Mitsugi, E. Baba","doi":"10.4236/PP.2017.85010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/PP.2017.85010","url":null,"abstract":"[Background] Medical staff have many occasions to be exposed to anticancer drugs (ACDs) in the process of performing cancer chemotherapy. Although guidelines for the safe handling of ACDs have been published, actual measures against exposure to ACDs differ between hospitals, and no surveillance data regarding the conditions of each hospital in relation to performing chemotherapy in Japan are available. [Methods] To understand current measures against exposure to ACDs and problems related to cancer chemotherapy at outpatient departments, we conducted a questionnaire survey on doctors, pharmacists, and nurses in 10 leading hospitals for cancer chemotherapy in Japan. [Results] Responses were received from all 10 institutions. The hospital pharmacists prepared all ACDs for outpatients in each institution. All hospitals took basic measures against ACD exposure, such as using personal protective equipment and penetration-resistant waste containers. Conditions against exposure to ACDs generally improved between 2012 and 2015, especially in terms of conveyance of ACDs and use of a closed-system drug transfer device. However, no measures linking ACDs with administration routes or injection sites were commonly taken in any of the hospitals in 2015. [Conclusions] Conditions against ACD exposure improved between 2012 and 2015, possibly because new guidelines were issued. To improve measures for ACD exposure in Japan, preparing more appropriate manuals and offering more opportunities to medical staff for continuing education are considered important.","PeriodicalId":19875,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacology & Pharmacy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88167013","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abdullah Zehad, G. J. Islam, M. Rashid, Nusrat Jahan Juthy, Shaheda Zannah
This present study was aimed to investigate the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities of methanolic leaf extract (LE) of Stephania japonica alone and in combination with metformin in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Primarily acute toxicity study and oral glucose tolerance test were performed. Diabetes was confirmed after 12 days of single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (120 mg/kg BW) in albino male rats. Rats were divided into six groups’; normal control (Group I) and diabetic induced groups as (Group II, III, IV, V and VI). Group III & IV were treated with leaf extract of S. japonica (200 mg/kg BW & 350 mg/kg BW). Group V (Met 850 mg/70 kg BW) and group VI: (combination of Met 425 mg/70 kg BW and LE 250 mg/kg BW) for four weeks. Body weight of each rat in the different groups was recorded at 0, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day of treatment. TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C were measured analytically after 28 days of treatment. Alloxan induction also caused left ventricular hypertrophy. LE of S. Japonica showed a good result in OGTT. Oral treatment of different doses of LE and combination therapy reduced elevated level of BG, TC, TG, LDL-C and increased HDL-C level significantly (p S. japonica (Thunb.) Miers showed antihyperlipidemic and antidiabetic effect and hence could be suggested as a potential therapeutic agent for diabetic treatment.
本研究旨在探讨金银花甲醇叶提取物(LE)单用及联用二甲双胍对四氧嘧啶诱导的糖尿病大鼠的降糖和降血脂作用。主要进行急性毒性研究和口服葡萄糖耐量试验。白化雄性大鼠单次腹腔注射四氧嘧啶(120 mg/kg BW) 12天后确诊为糖尿病。将大鼠分为6组;正常对照组(ⅰ组)和糖尿病诱导组(ⅱ组、ⅲ组、ⅳ组、ⅴ组和ⅵ组)，ⅲ组和ⅳ组分别给予粳稻叶提取物(200 mg/kg BW和350 mg/kg BW)处理。V组(蛋氨酸850 mg/70 kg BW)和VI组(蛋氨酸425 mg/70 kg BW和蛋氨酸250 mg/kg BW组合)，连续4周。记录各组大鼠在给药后第0、7、14、21、28天的体重。治疗28 d后分析测定TC、TG、LDL-C、HDL-C。四氧嘧啶诱导也引起左心室肥厚。粳稻的LE在OGTT中表现出良好的效果。口服不同剂量LE及联合用药可显著降低升高的BG、TC、TG、LDL-C水平，并显著升高HDL-C水平(p . S. japonica (Thunb))。具有降血脂、降糖尿病的作用，是一种潜在的治疗糖尿病的药物。
{"title":"Antidiabetic and Antihyperlipidemic Activities of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Stephania japonica in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats","authors":"Abdullah Zehad, G. J. Islam, M. Rashid, Nusrat Jahan Juthy, Shaheda Zannah","doi":"10.4236/PP.2017.84008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/PP.2017.84008","url":null,"abstract":"This present study was aimed to investigate the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities of methanolic leaf extract (LE) of Stephania japonica alone and in combination with metformin in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Primarily acute toxicity study and oral glucose tolerance test were performed. Diabetes was confirmed after 12 days of single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (120 mg/kg BW) in albino male rats. Rats were divided into six groups’; normal control (Group I) and diabetic induced groups as (Group II, III, IV, V and VI). Group III & IV were treated with leaf extract of S. japonica (200 mg/kg BW & 350 mg/kg BW). Group V (Met 850 mg/70 kg BW) and group VI: (combination of Met 425 mg/70 kg BW and LE 250 mg/kg BW) for four weeks. Body weight of each rat in the different groups was recorded at 0, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day of treatment. TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C were measured analytically after 28 days of treatment. Alloxan induction also caused left ventricular hypertrophy. LE of S. Japonica showed a good result in OGTT. Oral treatment of different doses of LE and combination therapy reduced elevated level of BG, TC, TG, LDL-C and increased HDL-C level significantly (p S. japonica (Thunb.) Miers showed antihyperlipidemic and antidiabetic effect and hence could be suggested as a potential therapeutic agent for diabetic treatment.","PeriodicalId":19875,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacology & Pharmacy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72952177","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Geitona, A. Toska, D. Latsou, M. Saridi, A. Evripidou, I. Evripidou
Background: The inappropriate, irrational use or misuse of antibiotics is observed in all health systems and in all patients’ groups worldwide, especially for children, where antibiotics continue to be the drugs most commonly prescribed. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in all public pediatric clinics in the Republic of Cyprus, from April to May 2015. A questionnaire was distributed to pediatricians in order to identify the antibiotic prescription practices in common childhood diseases and attitudes towards Pharmacovigilance. The SPSS 19.0 was used for the statistical analysis. In total 42 pediatricians and pediatric residents filled out the questionnaire. Results: A significant percentage of the respondents administered empirical therapy for possible group A streptococcus infection (59.5%), they implemented the “watchful waiting” tactic in acute otitis media (66.7%), whereas 11.9% of them administered antibiotics for the prevention of secondary respiratory tract infections. The majority of physicians did not feel diagnostic uncertainty leading to antibiotics prescribing (90.2%) and their prescribing habits were not influenced by parental demand (80.5%). Although 23.1% of physicians observed often/very often Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) after antibiotic administration during their clinical practice, however, 47.6% of the pediatricians declared that they did not report them. Conclusion: Health professionals’ continuing education on the use of therapeutic guidelines and protocols and the development of Pharmacovigilance programs could significantly contribute to the avoidance of the misuse of antibiotics in hospital care as well as to health professionals’ awareness on rational prescribing.
{"title":"Antibiotics’ Prescribing and Pharmacovigilance Attitudes among Pediatricians and Pediatric Residents in Cyprus","authors":"M. Geitona, A. Toska, D. Latsou, M. Saridi, A. Evripidou, I. Evripidou","doi":"10.4236/PP.2017.83005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/PP.2017.83005","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The inappropriate, irrational use or misuse of antibiotics is observed in all health systems and in all patients’ groups worldwide, especially for children, where antibiotics continue to be the drugs most commonly prescribed. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in all public pediatric clinics in the Republic of Cyprus, from April to May 2015. A questionnaire was distributed to pediatricians in order to identify the antibiotic prescription practices in common childhood diseases and attitudes towards Pharmacovigilance. The SPSS 19.0 was used for the statistical analysis. In total 42 pediatricians and pediatric residents filled out the questionnaire. Results: A significant percentage of the respondents administered empirical therapy for possible group A streptococcus infection (59.5%), they implemented the “watchful waiting” tactic in acute otitis media (66.7%), whereas 11.9% of them administered antibiotics for the prevention of secondary respiratory tract infections. The majority of physicians did not feel diagnostic uncertainty leading to antibiotics prescribing (90.2%) and their prescribing habits were not influenced by parental demand (80.5%). Although 23.1% of physicians observed often/very often Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) after antibiotic administration during their clinical practice, however, 47.6% of the pediatricians declared that they did not report them. Conclusion: Health professionals’ continuing education on the use of therapeutic guidelines and protocols and the development of Pharmacovigilance programs could significantly contribute to the avoidance of the misuse of antibiotics in hospital care as well as to health professionals’ awareness on rational prescribing.","PeriodicalId":19875,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacology & Pharmacy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89241569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
V. Varney, D. Salisbury, H. Parnell, S. Ratnatheepan, A. Nicholas, G. Quirke, N. Sumar, A. Bansal
Introduction: In cases of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, we have observed an elevation in mean red cell volume, serum gamma glutamyl transferase and peripheral monocyte counts, initially in a pilot study but also in new incident cases. These changes could not be explained by drug therapy, vitamin deficiency or other diseases. Method: We compared the peripheral blood abnormalities in 149 patients with lung fibrosis to 448 age and sex matched controls. We also examined the effect of cotrimoxazole treatment for 12 weeks on these abnormalities. From the pilot study of cotrimoxazole in lung fibrosis patients, the relationship of the peripheral blood monocyte count and serum cytokine transforming growth factor beta-1 was examined. Epstein Barr viral status was examined in a selection of patients in case it explained our observations. Results: The findings confirm the elevation in mean red cell volume, gamma glutamyl transferase and peripheral monocyte counts in patients compared with matched controls. Oral cotrimoxazole ameliorated these 3 blood abnormalities. Serological evidence of Epstein Barr viral infection was present in tested patients but active viral replication was absent. The monocyte count had a linear relationship with the serum transforming growth factor beta-1 levels, which increased by 600 pg/ml for every of 0.1 × 109/l increase in the monocyte count. Conclusion: These observations may reflect oxidative stress which was reduced by cotrimoxazole. A related sulphonamide “dapsone” is known to reduce oxidative stress through direct effects on neutrophil and monocyte function; similar effects may explain these findings and require a formal study.
{"title":"The Beneficial Effects of Oral Cotrimoxazole upon Likely Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Advanced Fibrotic Lung Disease","authors":"V. Varney, D. Salisbury, H. Parnell, S. Ratnatheepan, A. Nicholas, G. Quirke, N. Sumar, A. Bansal","doi":"10.4236/PP.2017.83007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/PP.2017.83007","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: In cases of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, we have observed an elevation in mean red cell volume, serum gamma glutamyl transferase and peripheral monocyte counts, initially in a pilot study but also in new incident cases. These changes could not be explained by drug therapy, vitamin deficiency or other diseases. Method: We compared the peripheral blood abnormalities in 149 patients with lung fibrosis to 448 age and sex matched controls. We also examined the effect of cotrimoxazole treatment for 12 weeks on these abnormalities. From the pilot study of cotrimoxazole in lung fibrosis patients, the relationship of the peripheral blood monocyte count and serum cytokine transforming growth factor beta-1 was examined. Epstein Barr viral status was examined in a selection of patients in case it explained our observations. Results: The findings confirm the elevation in mean red cell volume, gamma glutamyl transferase and peripheral monocyte counts in patients compared with matched controls. Oral cotrimoxazole ameliorated these 3 blood abnormalities. Serological evidence of Epstein Barr viral infection was present in tested patients but active viral replication was absent. The monocyte count had a linear relationship with the serum transforming growth factor beta-1 levels, which increased by 600 pg/ml for every of 0.1 × 109/l increase in the monocyte count. Conclusion: These observations may reflect oxidative stress which was reduced by cotrimoxazole. A related sulphonamide “dapsone” is known to reduce oxidative stress through direct effects on neutrophil and monocyte function; similar effects may explain these findings and require a formal study.","PeriodicalId":19875,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacology & Pharmacy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78710124","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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