Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences最新文献

Background and purpose: Wound dressings are essential in managing chronic wounds like pressure ulcers, which increase healthcare costs and hospital stays. There is a rising demand for advanced dressings that effectively promote healing. This study developed electrospun gelatin-hyaluronic acid (Gel/HA) nanofibers loaded with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and phenytoin to enhance wound healing.

Experimental approach: Ag NPs were synthesized via silver nitrate reduction using trisodium citrate and tannic acid, and characterized for size, zeta potential, PDI, UV-Vis absorption, and XRD patterns. Drug-free and drug-loaded Gel/HA nanofibers were fabricated and analyzed using FE-SEM, FTIR, DSC, XRD, swelling behavior, drug loading, and release profiles. In vitro antibacterial and in vivo wound healing studies were conducted.

Findings/results: Optimized Ag NPs had a size of 41.96 ± 1.2 nm, zeta potential of -23.77 ± 1.31 mV, and PDI of 0.35 ± 0.02. The ideal nanofiber formulation (20 g Gel and 0.25 g HA/100 mL) showed drug loading efficiencies of 56.02 ± 1.8% (Ag NPs) and 61.02 ± 2.82% (phenytoin), with release times of 22.23 and 28.53 h, respectively. The nanofibers demonstrated high swelling (822.2%) and strong antibacterial activity. In vivo studies revealed significantly faster wound closure, improved epithelialization, collagen deposition, and complete healing within 15 days. These effects reflect the synergy between Ag NPs' antimicrobial and phenytoin's regenerative properties.

Conclusion and implications: Gel/HA nanofibers loaded with Ag NPs and phenytoin show great promise as advanced wound dressings. Further studies in larger animal models and clinical trials are warranted.

Background and purpose: Gastric cancer (GC) is a major global health concern, ranking as the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer. New treatment strategies like chemoprevention with oxaliplatin (OXA) are emerging, but safety data for GC patients are limited. This in silico study aimed to predict potential paradoxical effects of OXA treatment in GC patients using computational analysis.

Experimental approach: RNA-sequencing data from GSE26942, GSE66229, and TCGA-STAD datasets were analyzed. Differential gene expression was identified using GEO2R and DESeq2. Pathway enrichment and protein-protein interaction networks were constructed to pinpoint genes crucial for GC progression. Finally, the R Survival package identified survival-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Interactions between OXA and GC-related genes were retrieved from the CTD database and compared with DEGs.

Findings/results: A total of 151 dysregulated genes were identified across the datasets, comprising 112 downregulated and 39 upregulated genes. Thirteen genes emerged as potential prognostic biomarkers for overall survival. OXA interacted with 97 genes, of which 14 were linked to both OXA and differentially expressed genes in GC. OXA potentially reversed the expression of seven genes associated with GC progression (BIRC5, CAV1, CDH2, IL6, JUN, SERPINB2, TYMS), while promoting the expression of six others (BLVRB, CDKN2A, MAPK3, PLAU, PTGS2, SERPINE1). Notably, SERPINE1 showed a strong correlation with overall survival.

Conclusion and implications: Our findings suggest that a patient's genetic profile, particularly SERPINE1 expression levels, might be crucial for determining the safety and efficacy of OXA treatment for GC.

Background and purpose: LL37 peptide is a human antimicrobial peptide with potential application in bone tissue engineering through the stimulation of cell proliferation and osteogenesis. The current study aimed to fabricate chitosan/gelatin/glycerophosphate (CTS/G/GP) and chitosan/collagen/glycerophosphate (CTS/C/GP) thermosensitive hydrogels loaded with LL37 and compared their ability to support cell growth, proliferation, and osteogenesis.

Experimental approach: The hydrogel systems were prepared by the physical mixture of chitosan, gelatin, collagen, and GP at the concentrations of 2.5, 1, 1, and 10% w/v, respectively. LL37 was added at a fixed concentration of 1 μg/mL of the hydrogels. The viscosity, friability, release properties, and biological experiments were evaluated based on standard procedures.

Findings/results: The viscosity of CTS/C/GP increased to 7000 cP at 35 °C in 100-120 s, while for CTS/G/GP, the viscosity and gelation time were recorded as 14000 cP and 30 s, respectively. The friability percent for CTS/G/GP after 72 h was reported as 28%, which was significantly lower than that of 38% for CTS/C/GP. LL37 was released during 8 h from both scaffold systems, and it did not demonstrate any significant differences between the hydrogel systems. Cell viability and alkaline phosphatase activity revealed that the incorporation of LL37 in the hydrogels could accelerate cell proliferation compared to empty scaffolds, and it was higher in gelatin-containing scaffolds.

Conclusion and implications: LL37 was successfully loaded into both hydrogel systems and demonstrated the ability to accelerate cell proliferation and differentiation compared to the empty scaffold.

Background and purpose: Jatropha podagrica Hook, belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, which possesses anticancer activities and is traditionally applied to treat skin diseases. No reports of J. podagrica anti-neoplastic activity on an amelanotic melanoma and associated inflammatory mediators exist.

Experimental approach: The biological activities, including cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects of J. podagrica extracts, were evaluated. Key compounds in the extracts were identified using LC-MS/MS analysis.

Findings/results: The hexane extract of the root (RMH) demonstrated the highest inhibition of NO production with an IC₅₀ of 4.94 ± 0.25 μg/mL, followed by the ethanolic extracts of the root (RME) and stem (SME) with IC₅₀ values of 24.90 ± 1.06 and 25.20 ± 0.10 μg/mL, respectively. However, RMH showed cellular toxicity at 50 pg/mL, while other extracts were non-toxic up to 100 μg/mL. None of the extracts affected the concentrations of inflammatory mediators PGE₂ or TNF-α. The cytotoxic activity of SME showed an IC₅₀ of 5.62 ± 0.58 μg/mL, comparable to that of the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil, with an IC₅₀ of 0.59 ± 0.01 μg/mL. The selectivity index of SME was >17.79, significantly higher than that of 5-fluorouracil, which was 0.08. LC-MS/MS analysis identified two main compounds from the coumarin group: fraxetin at 5.357 min and its positional isomer tomentin at 5.943 min.

Conclusion and implications: The study indicates that SME exhibits good cytotoxic activity and inhibits key cancer hallmarks such as NO production. The presence of coumarins, identified through LC-MS/MS, suggests that these compounds may play a crucial role in the extract's anticancer effects, highlighting the potential for future development as cancer therapeutics.

Background and purpose: Selegiline, an irreversible monoamine oxidase B inhibitor, has been shown to have potential in reducing cell damage. The present study design focused on the cardioprotective effect of selegiline and its possible mechanism of action through phosphoinositide-3-kinase/serine-threonine kinase AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) pathway.

Experimental approach: Myocardial ischemia was induced in male Wistar rats by isoproterenol injection. Selegiline was administered (2 and 5 mg/kg) for 14 days. Electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters and serum markers were measured. PI3K, AKT, and mTOR protein expression and histopathological examination of cardiac tissue were performed. All data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism.

Findings/results: Pre-treatment with selegiline (5 mg/kg) effectively restored ECG parameters changes and cardiac serum markers elevation seen in isoproterenol receiving groups, with a reduction of lactate dehydrogenase by 55.2% and creatine kinase-myoglobin bind level by 80.1%. Histopathological examination of cardiac tissue revealed successful prevention of fibrosis and inflammation following isoproterenol administration in selegiline-treated groups. Furthermore, western blot analysis demonstrated that pre-treatment with selegiline (5 mg/kg) increased the proportion of phosphorylated to non-phosphorylated proteins involved in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Conclusions and implications: Selegiline administration could protect against myocardial ischemia, induced following isoproterenol injection, which is mediated through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. However, future study needs to focus more on the exact protective route of selegiline action.

Background and purpose: Lung injury is one of the most important diseases, which is accompanied by hypoxemia, organ failure, and a high mortality rate. There are several symptoms and causes of lung injuries. In the past years, special attention has been given to investigating the pathophysiology and the treatment of this disease. Octreotide, as an anti-inflammatory, anti-secretory, tissue-repairing, and anti-fibrotic drug, has been considered and administered for the treatment of lung injury. This review article considered the pharmacological effects of octreotide on physiopathological conditions in patients or animal models that have direct or indirect lung injury.

Search strategy and findings: Keywords including "octreotide" OR "sandostatin" AND "lung injury" OR "ARDS" OR "respiratory distress" OR "lung fibrosis" were searched in the database of PubMed, and 44 articles were found. According to the direct or indirect lung injury, the articles were classified.

Conclusion: It appears that octreotide is a protective drug for the treatment of direct and indirect lung injuries, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, anti-hypersecretory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-neutrophil permeability effects, while also increasing endogenous antioxidants. However, there is still room for extensive research to fully clarify the effectiveness of octreotide for direct or indirect lung injury.

Background and purpose: Valsartan (Val), administered for hypertension, exhibits poor water solubility, resulting in low oral bioavailability. This study aimed to enhance the dissolution of Val by preparing orodispersible tablets (ODT) using solid dispersion (SD) technology with PVP and HPMC as hydrophilic carriers.

Experimental approach: After preparation of the SDs and physical mixtures of Val: PVP and Val: HPMC at various ratios, the physicochemical characteristics of these mixtures were analyzed. Then, the ODTs were prepared using the best SD sample and evaluated through USP tests.

Findings/results: The saturation solubility of Val: PVP 1:1 and 1:2 at pH 6.8 was notably higher than that of pure Val. The SDs exhibited a superior dissolution rate compared to pure Val and its physical mixtures. Increasing the drug/carrier ratio resulted in a decrease in the percentage of drug in SD, with Val: PVP 1:1 SD showing significantly higher drug loading percentage compared to other formulations. All formulations exhibited entrapment efficiencies above 80%. Also, the flow of the SDs was good based on the Hausner ratio.

Conclusion and implications: The SDs exhibited more favorable attributes compared to pure Val and its physical mixtures. The research suggests that PVP and HPMC are effective carriers for improving the solubility and dissolution rate of Val. Additionally, mannitol was identified as a beneficial excipient for achieving the desired properties of ODTs. The findings can be applied to other drugs with similar solubility issues, paving the way to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients.

Background and purpose: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) in the first and second generations of diabetic rats and improving kidney function by gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) were investigated.

Experimental approach: Male and female rats and their offspring were used. Diabetes was induced by a high-fat diet and a low dose of streptozotocin. Animals were divided into the diabetic positive control (D) group, the diabetic group receiving insulin (D + insulin), and the diabetic group receiving GABA (D + GABA). In addition, two groups of non-diabetic parents were assigned as negative control (NDC) groups. Each animal was monitored for 16 weeks, and offspring were fed with normal diet. The blood glucose level, urine volume, and water intake, as well as renal function, including the serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were assessed. Also, the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and gene expressions of Nox4 and Icaml in the kidneys were measured for all subjects.

Findings/results: GABA administration in parents and offspring decreased blood glucose level, insulin resistance, GFR, serum levels of BUN and Cr compared to the D groups. GABA reduced the urine Cr, BUN, and albumin loads in both parents and offspring in comparison to the D groups. GABA decreased Nox4 and Icaml gene expression in both parents and offspring.

Conclusion and implications: GABA decreased the risk of DN, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance in both diabetic parents and their offspring by improving kidney function, highlighting the potential therapeutic benefits of GABA in managing type 2 diabetes complications.

Background and purpose: Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) can be applied in various biomedical fields, such as antibacterial and anti-cancer agents. Synthesizing metallic NPs by green chemistry procedures makes them eco-friendly and easier to prepare. This study aimed to develop 3 different gold (Au) NPs, using plant extracts including Artemisia absinthium (AA) aerial parts, Morus nigra (MN) fruits, and Peganum harmala (PH) seeds.

Experimental approach: Green AuNPs were synthesized by mixing plant extracts and HAuCl₄3H₂O and heating the mixture at 60 °C. Cytotoxic activity of synthesized AuNPs was evaluated using the MTT assay, followed by flow cytometry to assess its mechanism. Synthesis of plant AuNPs was confirmed by relevant color change, DLS, Zeta potential, and were characterized by a relevant surface plasmon resonance peak for AuNPs between 500 to 600 nm.

Findings/results: AA-AuNPs, MN-AuNPs, and PH-AuNPs were cytotoxic against cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Results also revealed that PH-AuNPs were the most potent NPs (IC₅₀ values of 7.7, 16.7, 30, and 40 μg/mL against HeLa, HT-29, OVCAR3 and MCF-7 cell lines, respectively). HeLa cells were the most sensitive cell line toward all tested NPs, significantly. Flow cytometry results confirmed that the cytotoxic effects of AuNPs were mediated through apoptosis induction.

Conclusion and implications: Using plants to formulate metallic NPs is inexpensive, easily accessible, and renewable. Additionally, due to their considerable cytotoxicity, their applications as a cancer treatment option is a promising approach that warrants further investigation. Thus, the rapidly synthesized AuNPs can play a role in nanotechnology and biomedical applications.

Background and purpose: Leishmaniasis has been categorized as one of the most significant tropical illnesses, often ignored. This study aimed to find effective plant compounds to combat the pathogenicity of the Leishmania parasite.

Experimental approach: The 3D structures of the zinc leishmanolysin glycoprotein 63 (GP63), farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS), and N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) proteins from L. major, as well as blockers and 4000 herbal compounds, were retrieved from the PubChem database. A molecular docking study was performed on Leishmania proteins using PyRx software. The activity, ADMET characteristics, and daily carcinogenicity were taken from "Swiss ADME", "way 2 drug", and "Lazar" websites. Molecules with the greatest docking scores for each protein were chosen for molecular dynamics simulation using GROMACS.

Findings/results: Molecular docking experiments revealed that withaperuvin D and lagerstannin A have a strong affinity for the GP63 protein. Moreover, strictinin showed the highest binding affinity for FPPS, whereas the top compounds for NMT were chelidimerine, friedelin, and hypericin. Additionally, luteolin 3'-o-glucuronide, protohypericin, and amentoflavone had high binding affinity for all three proteins, and amentoflavone had the highest binding energy of all the proteins. Based on RMSD, RMSF, Rg, PCA, MM/PBSA binding energy, and SASA, the molecular dynamic simulation results indicated relatively stable interactions between these ligands and the mentioned proteins during the simulation period.

Conclusion and implications: Given the pharmaceutical information, the mentioned substances may have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties in addition to blocking proteins. Therefore, experimentally examining these compounds in the future can help control and treat leishmaniasis.