Pub Date : 2024-07-28DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102153
Yao Yao , Qian Zhao , Feng Xu , Tingting Yao
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide. Sorafenib (Sf) is currently the first-line treatment for HCC. However, due to the side effects and unsatisfied efficiency of Sf, it is urgent to combine different therapeutic agents to inhibit HCC progression and increase the therapeutic efficacy. Here, our study constructed a Sf and KIAA1199-siRNA co-loaded liposome Sf-Lp-KIAA, which was prepared by electrostatic interaction of KIAA1199-siRNA and Sf loaded liposome (Sf-Lp). The particle size, zeta potential, the in vitro cumulative release was investigated. The physical and chemical properties were characterized, and the inhibition of HepG2 growth and metastasis in vitro was investigated. The cellular uptake of the co-loaded liposome was significantly higher than that of free siRNA, and the drug/siRNA could be co-delivered to the target cells. Sf-Lp-KIAA could significantly inhibit the growth, migration, invasion and down-regulate KIAA1199 expression of HepG2 cells in vitro than that of single Sf treated group. In addition, the co-delivery liposome accumulated in the HepG2 subcutaneous tumor model and suppress tumor growth after systemic administration without induce obvious toxicity. The present study implied that the co-delivery of Sf and KIAA1199-siRNA through the co-loaded liposomes exerted synergistic antitumor effects on HCC, which would lay a foundation for HCC therapy in the future.
{"title":"Enhanced anti-tumor therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma via sorafenib and KIAA1199-siRNA co-delivery liposomes","authors":"Yao Yao , Qian Zhao , Feng Xu , Tingting Yao","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102153","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102153","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide. Sorafenib (Sf) is currently the first-line treatment for HCC. However, due to the side effects and unsatisfied efficiency of Sf, it is urgent to combine different therapeutic agents to inhibit HCC progression and increase the therapeutic efficacy. Here, our study constructed a Sf and KIAA1199-siRNA co-loaded liposome Sf-Lp-KIAA, which was prepared by electrostatic interaction of KIAA1199-siRNA and Sf loaded liposome (Sf-Lp). The particle size, zeta potential, the in vitro cumulative release was investigated. The physical and chemical properties were characterized, and the inhibition of HepG2 growth and metastasis in vitro was investigated. The cellular uptake of the co-loaded liposome was significantly higher than that of free siRNA, and the drug/siRNA could be co-delivered to the target cells. Sf-Lp-KIAA could significantly inhibit the growth, migration, invasion and down-regulate KIAA1199 expression of HepG2 cells in vitro than that of single Sf treated group. In addition, the co-delivery liposome accumulated in the HepG2 subcutaneous tumor model and suppress tumor growth after systemic administration without induce obvious toxicity. The present study implied that the co-delivery of Sf and KIAA1199-siRNA through the co-loaded liposomes exerted synergistic antitumor effects on HCC, which would lay a foundation for HCC therapy in the future.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"32 9","pages":"Article 102153"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016424002032/pdfft?md5=1330afed65f042a0816e5ca68999ef5e&pid=1-s2.0-S1319016424002032-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141846149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-07-23DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102151
Lobna Aljuffali , Amjad Faihan BinLebdah , Rihaf Alfaraj , Dalal Alkhelb , Jawza F. Alsabhan , Ahmed Z. Alanazi , Khalid Alhazzani
This study explores the course review process implemented by the College of Pharmacy at King Saud University for its Pharm.D. program. Through a qualitative research design, a dedicated course review committee was established to oversee the evaluation process. The committee gathered and analyzed data from various sources, including course reports, student evaluations, and exam center reports, to achieve a holistic understanding of each course’s effectiveness. The evaluation process was structured into a Four-Step Course Evaluation Approach: data collection, data review and recommendations, taking appropriate action, and communicating the outcomes. The “closing the loop” stage ensured that recommendations were effectively implemented, and course evaluation data were systematically archived for future reference. The results of this study, based on the evaluation of 25 courses, revealed significant improvements in course quality, alignment with program learning outcomes, and adherence to accreditation standards. Key findings included the identification of gaps and discrepancies, leading to targeted interventions and enhanced course content. Overall, this study highlights the effectiveness of a structured course review process in enhancing the quality of education and ensuring continuous improvement within the college. The committee focuses on refining evaluation criteria, conducting workshops, and providing training to stay current with emerging accreditation standards and best practices. This systematic course review process demonstrates the College’s commitment to providing high-quality education and preparing students for successful careers in pharmacy, with significant implications for the improvement of pharmacy education and the overall student learning experience.
{"title":"Closing the loop: Strengthening course quality of Pharm.D. program via applying a comprehensive four-step review approach","authors":"Lobna Aljuffali , Amjad Faihan BinLebdah , Rihaf Alfaraj , Dalal Alkhelb , Jawza F. Alsabhan , Ahmed Z. Alanazi , Khalid Alhazzani","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102151","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102151","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study explores the course review process implemented by the College of Pharmacy at King Saud University for its Pharm.D. program. Through a qualitative research design, a dedicated course review committee was established to oversee the evaluation process. The committee gathered and analyzed data from various sources, including course reports, student evaluations, and exam center reports, to achieve a holistic understanding of each course’s effectiveness. The evaluation process was structured into a Four-Step Course Evaluation Approach: data collection, data review and recommendations, taking appropriate action, and communicating the outcomes. The “closing the loop” stage ensured that recommendations were effectively implemented, and course evaluation data were systematically archived for future reference. The results of this study, based on the evaluation of 25 courses, revealed significant improvements in course quality, alignment with program learning outcomes, and adherence to accreditation standards. Key findings included the identification of gaps and discrepancies, leading to targeted interventions and enhanced course content. Overall, this study highlights the effectiveness of a structured course review process in enhancing the quality of education and ensuring continuous improvement within the college. The committee focuses on refining evaluation criteria, conducting workshops, and providing training to stay current with emerging accreditation standards and best practices. This systematic course review process demonstrates the College’s commitment to providing high-quality education and preparing students for successful careers in pharmacy, with significant implications for the improvement of pharmacy education and the overall student learning experience.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"32 9","pages":"Article 102151"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016424002019/pdfft?md5=f3ce18a8cfe7a433e00b35bb41aa57db&pid=1-s2.0-S1319016424002019-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141954500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-07-21DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102148
Abdullah F. AlAsmari , Mohammed M. Alshehri , Nemat Ali , Fawaz AlAsmari , Youssef Sari , Wayne E. Childers , Magid Abou-Gharbia , Metab Alharbi , Doaa M. Elnagar , Wejdan S. AL-Qahtani
Drug addiction is considered a worldwide concern and one of the most prevailing causes of death globally. Opioids are highly addictive drugs, and one of the most common opioids that is frequently used clinically is fentanyl. The potential harmful effects of chronic exposure to opioids on the heart are still to be elucidated. Although β-lactam antibiotics are well recognized for their ability to fight bacteria, its protective effect in the brain and liver has been reported. In this study, we hypothesize that β-lactam antibiotic, ceftriaxone, and the novel synthetic non-antibiotic β-lactam, MC-100093, are cardioprotective against fentanyl induced-cardiac injury by upregulating xCT expression. Mice were exposed to repeated low dose (0.05 mg/kg, i.p.) of fentanyl for one week and then challenged on day 9 with higher dose of fentanyl (1 mg/kg, i.p.). This study investigated cardiac histopathology and target genes and proteins in serum and cardiac tissues in mice exposed to fentanyl overdose and β-lactams. We revealed that fentanyl treatment induced cardiac damage as evidenced by elevated cardiac enzymes (troponin I). Furthermore, fentanyl treatment caused large aggregations of inflammatory cells and elevation in the areas and volumes of myocardial fibers, indicating hypertrophy and severe cardiac damage. Ceftriaxone and MC-100093 treatment, However, induced cardioprotective effects as evidenced by marked reduction in cardiac enzymes (troponin I) and changes in histopathology. Furthermore, ceftriaxone and MC-100093 treatment decreased the levels of hypertrophic genes (α-MHC & β-MHC), apoptotic (caspase-3), and inflammatory markers (IL-6 & NF-κB). This study reports for the first time the cardioprotective effect of β-lactams against fentanyl-induced cardiac injury. Further studies are greatly encouraged to completely identify the cardioprotective properties of ceftriaxone and MC-100093.
{"title":"Ceftriaxone and MC-100093 mitigate fentanyl-induced cardiac injury in mice: Preclinical investigation of its underlying molecular mechanisms","authors":"Abdullah F. AlAsmari , Mohammed M. Alshehri , Nemat Ali , Fawaz AlAsmari , Youssef Sari , Wayne E. Childers , Magid Abou-Gharbia , Metab Alharbi , Doaa M. Elnagar , Wejdan S. AL-Qahtani","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102148","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102148","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Drug addiction is considered a worldwide concern and one of the most prevailing causes of death globally. Opioids are highly addictive drugs, and one of the most common opioids that is frequently used clinically is fentanyl. The potential harmful effects of chronic exposure to opioids on the heart are still to be elucidated. Although β-lactam antibiotics are well recognized for their ability to fight bacteria, its protective effect in the brain and liver has been reported. In this study, we hypothesize that β-lactam antibiotic, ceftriaxone, and the novel synthetic non-antibiotic β-lactam, MC-100093, are cardioprotective against fentanyl induced-cardiac injury by upregulating xCT expression. Mice were exposed to repeated low dose (0.05 mg/kg, i.p.) of fentanyl for one week and then challenged on day 9 with higher dose of fentanyl (1 mg/kg, i.p.). This study investigated cardiac histopathology and target genes and proteins in serum and cardiac tissues in mice exposed to fentanyl overdose and β-lactams. We revealed that fentanyl treatment induced cardiac damage as evidenced by elevated cardiac enzymes (troponin I). Furthermore, fentanyl treatment caused large aggregations of inflammatory cells and elevation in the areas and volumes of myocardial fibers, indicating hypertrophy and severe cardiac damage. Ceftriaxone and MC-100093 treatment, However, induced cardioprotective effects as evidenced by marked reduction in cardiac enzymes (troponin I) and changes in histopathology. Furthermore, ceftriaxone and MC-100093 treatment decreased the levels of hypertrophic genes (α-MHC & β-MHC), apoptotic (caspase-3), and inflammatory markers (IL-6 & NF-κB). This study reports for the first time the cardioprotective effect of β-lactams against fentanyl-induced cardiac injury. Further studies are greatly encouraged to completely identify the cardioprotective properties of ceftriaxone and MC-100093.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"32 9","pages":"Article 102148"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016424001981/pdfft?md5=3181f8429d815e4bff699a7b674f3bcc&pid=1-s2.0-S1319016424001981-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141847027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-07-08DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102140
Dilan Çakmak , Muhammed Yunus Bektay , Anmar Al‑Taie , Saad Ahmed Ali Jadoo , Fikret Vehbi Izzettin
Background
Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, is effectively managed with medications, yet many patients struggle due to irregular treatment and poor adherence. Pharmacists play a crucial role in improving asthma care through pharmaceutical care (PC) services. This study aims to assess pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding asthma PC in Türkiye.
Methods
This cross-sectional study in Türkiye evaluated community (CP) and hospital pharmacists’ (HP) knowledge level, attitudes, and behaviors regarding asthma care. A validated Asthma Pharmaceutical Care Knowledge (APCL) and Asthma Attitudes and Behaviors (AAB) questionnaires were used to assess their knowledge levels and attitudes toward asthma pharmaceutical care.
Results
Out of 400 pharmacists participated the questionnaire, the majority were CP (297, 74.25 %). Both CP and HP demonstrated adequate knowledge scores, 79.39 ± 12.32 and 80.66 ± 12.25, respectively. APCL mean scores of CP and HP were 4.22 ± 0.523 and 4.29 ± 0.383. No statistically significant difference in asthma knowledge levels was observed between CP and HP. Both groups reported positive attitudes and behaviors toward asthma care, with CP scoring 4.71 ± 0.446 and HP scoring 4.74 ± 0.330 on the AAB questionnaire.
Conclusions
This study revealed that both CP and HP have sufficient knowledge about asthma and they have positive attitudes towards providing asthma PC. Pharmacists have crucial role in asthma care with leveraging their expertise, patient interactions, and ability to referral capabilities.
{"title":"Pharmacists’s knowledge, attitude, and practices towards pharmaceutical and patient-centred care in asthma management: A national study","authors":"Dilan Çakmak , Muhammed Yunus Bektay , Anmar Al‑Taie , Saad Ahmed Ali Jadoo , Fikret Vehbi Izzettin","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102140","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102140","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, is effectively managed with medications, yet many patients struggle due to irregular treatment and poor adherence. Pharmacists play a crucial role in improving asthma care through pharmaceutical care (PC) services. This study aims to assess pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding asthma PC in Türkiye.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>This cross-sectional study in Türkiye evaluated community (CP) and hospital pharmacists’ (HP) knowledge level, attitudes, and behaviors regarding asthma care. A validated Asthma Pharmaceutical Care Knowledge (APCL) and Asthma Attitudes and Behaviors (AAB) questionnaires were used to assess their knowledge levels and attitudes toward asthma pharmaceutical care.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Out of 400 pharmacists participated the questionnaire, the majority were CP (297, 74.25 %). Both CP and HP demonstrated adequate knowledge scores, 79.39 ± 12.32 and 80.66 ± 12.25, respectively. APCL mean scores of CP and HP were 4.22 ± 0.523 and 4.29 ± 0.383. No statistically significant difference in asthma knowledge levels was observed between CP and HP. Both groups reported positive attitudes and behaviors toward asthma care, with CP scoring 4.71 ± 0.446 and HP scoring 4.74 ± 0.330 on the AAB questionnaire.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This study revealed that both CP and HP have sufficient knowledge about asthma and they have positive attitudes towards providing asthma PC. Pharmacists have crucial role in asthma care with leveraging their expertise, patient interactions, and ability to referral capabilities.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"32 8","pages":"Article 102140"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016424001907/pdfft?md5=b86e754a5617716df144535af3f97c5d&pid=1-s2.0-S1319016424001907-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141606244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-07-06DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102139
Kun Gao , Zujian Chen , Na Zhang , Pu Jiang
Lung cancer ranks as the 2nd most common cancer globally. It’s the most prevalent cancer in men and the 2nd most common in women. The prominent events in EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) include the emergence of the L858R mutation within EGFR exon 21. Despite the promising efficacy of EGFR inhibitors in managing lung cancer, the development of acquired resistance poses a significant hurdle. In the current investigation, we focused on the screening of two phytochemicals, namely Dehydrocostus lactone and Mokkolactone, derived from the Saussurea lappa plant, as potential inhibitors targeting EGFR L858R mutant lung cancer. The chloroform and ethanol extract of the plant demonstrated anti-proliferative activity through the Resazurin chemosensitivity assay, exhibiting an IC50 value of 37.90 ± 0.29 µg/ml with selectivity index 2.4. Through a GC–MS study, we identified 11 phytochemicals for further insilico analysis. These compounds underwent ADMET assessment followed by drug likeliness analysis before being subjected to molecular docking against EGFR L858R, identified through protein–protein interaction network analysis. All phytochemicals exhibited binding energy scores ranging from −6.9 to −8.1 kcal/mol. Dehydrocostus lactone and Mokkolactone were specifically identified for their binding profile. Findings from 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated their enhanced stability compared to the reference ligand DJK. This was evident in the root mean square deviation (RMSD) values, ranging from 0.23 ± 0.01 nm to 0.30 ± 0.05 nm, the radius of gyration values, from 1.71 ± 0.01 nm to 1.72 ± 0.01 nm, and the solvent accessible surface area values, from 155.39 ± 2.40 nm2 to 159.32 ± 2.14 nm2. Additionally, favourable characteristics were observed in terms of hydrogen bonding, principal component analysis, and free energy landscape analysis. Examination of their electronic structure via density functional theory revealed efficient properties, with the highest occupied molecular orbital-least unoccupied molecular orbital energy gap values ranging from −3.984 eV to −6.547 eV. Further, in vivo analysis is required to gain a more comprehensive understanding and efficacy of these identified phytochemicals against lung cancer.
{"title":"High throughput virtual screening and validation of Plant-Based EGFR L858R kinase inhibitors against Non-Small cell lung Cancer: An integrated approach Utilizing GC–MS, network Pharmacology, Docking, and molecular dynamics","authors":"Kun Gao , Zujian Chen , Na Zhang , Pu Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102139","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102139","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Lung cancer ranks as the 2nd most common cancer globally. It’s the most prevalent cancer in men and the 2nd most common in women. The prominent events in EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) include the emergence of the L858R mutation within EGFR exon 21. Despite the promising efficacy of EGFR inhibitors in managing lung cancer, the development of acquired resistance poses a significant hurdle. In the current investigation, we focused on the screening of two phytochemicals, namely Dehydrocostus lactone and Mokkolactone, derived from the <em>Saussurea lappa</em> plant, as potential inhibitors targeting EGFR L858R mutant lung cancer. The chloroform and ethanol extract of the plant demonstrated anti-proliferative activity through the Resazurin chemosensitivity assay, exhibiting an IC50 value of 37.90 ± 0.29 µg/ml with selectivity index 2.4. Through a GC–MS study, we identified 11 phytochemicals for further <em>insilico</em> analysis. These compounds underwent ADMET assessment followed by drug likeliness analysis before being subjected to molecular docking against EGFR L858R, identified through protein–protein interaction network analysis. All phytochemicals exhibited binding energy scores ranging from −6.9 to −8.1 kcal/mol. Dehydrocostus lactone and Mokkolactone were specifically identified for their binding profile. Findings from 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated their enhanced stability compared to the reference ligand DJK. This was evident in the root mean square deviation (RMSD) values, ranging from 0.23 ± 0.01 nm to 0.30 ± 0.05 nm, the radius of gyration values, from 1.71 ± 0.01 nm to 1.72 ± 0.01 nm, and the solvent accessible surface area values, from 155.39 ± 2.40 nm<sup>2</sup> to 159.32 ± 2.14 nm<sup>2</sup>. Additionally, favourable characteristics were observed in terms of hydrogen bonding, principal component analysis, and free energy landscape analysis. Examination of their electronic structure via density functional theory revealed efficient properties, with the highest occupied molecular orbital-least unoccupied molecular orbital energy gap values ranging from −3.984 eV to −6.547 eV. Further, in vivo analysis is required to gain a more comprehensive understanding and efficacy of these identified phytochemicals against lung cancer.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"32 9","pages":"Article 102139"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016424001890/pdfft?md5=a51465e98e81c700d0056ef142719b03&pid=1-s2.0-S1319016424001890-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141689022","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-07-04DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102138
Alaa A. Alameen , Shakir D. AlSharari , Musaad A. Alshammari , M.I. Damaj , Y. Sari
Background
The recent global increase in obesity rates, coupled with excessive palatable food (PF) consumption, has become a serious societal concern. Literature indicates that rewarding PF, especially upon cessation, can lead to overeating, binge eating, and compulsive eating, potentially resulting in obesity. Challenges in dietary paradigms, alongside limitations in approved treatments for eating disorders and anti-obesity medications, underscore the need to explore novel targets. In this context, α7nAChR (alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor) may serve as a promising therapeutic target in combating food dependence and obesity. The present study aims to assess the role of α7nAChR in palatable food-induced dependence-like behaviors.
Method
The study involved male C57BL/6J mice exposed to three different feeding paradigms over 6 weeks to induce obesity and food addiction. On day 43, palatable food was replaced with standard chow, and the mice received treatments (vehicle, PNU-282987 [α7nAChR agonist], or methyllycaconitine citrate [MLA; α7nAChR antagonist]). Addiction-like behaviors, including craving for palatable food, motivation-effort interaction tests, and compulsive eating-like behavior, were measured during abstinence with and without treatment.
Results
The present study shows that chronic intermittent and continuous exposure to palatable food induces craving, motivation, and effort interaction behaviors as well as compulsive eating-like behaviors in palatable food-abstinent mice. Administration of the α7nAChR agonist, PNU-282987, significantly attenuated the craving behavior only in mice continuously fed palatable food (reduced calorie intake from 63.19 % to 48.21 %; p = 0.0053). Also, PNU-282987 suppressed the effort behaviors in either intermittently or continuously fed mice (significant reduction in the Δ number of active events per minute; p-values = 0.038 and 0.0098, respectively). However, it attenuated the compulsive-like eating behavior exclusively in the continuously fed group (p = 0.0433). Active and total interaction efforts were reversed by the MLA. These findings indicate the involvement of α7nAChR in dependence-like behaviors toward palatable food in mice.
Conclusion
Our findings demonstrate that dependence-like behaviors toward palatable food can emerge after prolonged exposure. Mice fed on palatable food continuously exhibited more dependence-like behaviors toward palatable food, and activation of α7nAChR signaling attenuated the vulnerability to develop such behaviors.
{"title":"The potential effect of α7 nicotinic receptors modulation on palatable food-induced dependence-like behaviors","authors":"Alaa A. Alameen , Shakir D. AlSharari , Musaad A. Alshammari , M.I. Damaj , Y. Sari","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102138","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102138","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The recent global increase in obesity rates, coupled with excessive palatable food (PF) consumption, has become a serious societal concern. Literature indicates that rewarding PF, especially upon cessation, can lead to overeating, binge eating, and compulsive eating, potentially resulting in obesity. Challenges in dietary paradigms, alongside limitations in approved treatments for eating disorders and anti-obesity medications, underscore the need to explore novel targets. In this context, α7nAChR (alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor) may serve as a promising therapeutic target in combating food dependence and obesity. The present study aims to assess the role of α7nAChR in palatable food-induced dependence-like behaviors.</p></div><div><h3>Method</h3><p>The study involved male C57BL/6J mice exposed to three different feeding paradigms over 6 weeks to induce obesity and food addiction. On day 43, palatable food was replaced with standard chow, and the mice received treatments (vehicle, PNU-282987 [α7nAChR agonist], or methyllycaconitine citrate [MLA; α7nAChR antagonist]). Addiction-like behaviors, including craving for palatable food, motivation-effort interaction tests, and compulsive eating-like behavior, were measured during abstinence with and without treatment.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The present study shows that chronic intermittent and continuous exposure to palatable food induces craving, motivation, and effort interaction behaviors as well as compulsive eating-like behaviors in palatable food-abstinent mice. Administration of the α7nAChR agonist, PNU-282987, significantly attenuated the craving behavior only in mice continuously fed palatable food (reduced calorie intake from 63.19 % to 48.21 %; p = 0.0053). Also, PNU-282987 suppressed the effort behaviors in either intermittently or continuously fed mice (significant reduction in the Δ number of active events per minute; p-values = 0.038 and 0.0098, respectively). However, it attenuated the compulsive-like eating behavior exclusively in the continuously fed group (p = 0.0433). Active and total interaction efforts were reversed by the MLA. These findings indicate the involvement of α7nAChR in dependence-like behaviors toward palatable food in mice.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Our findings demonstrate that dependence-like behaviors toward palatable food can emerge after prolonged exposure. Mice fed on palatable food continuously exhibited more dependence-like behaviors toward palatable food, and activation of α7nAChR signaling attenuated the vulnerability to develop such behaviors.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"32 8","pages":"Article 102138"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016424001889/pdfft?md5=f6fcf019484601b0ca9a61ffe1d599d9&pid=1-s2.0-S1319016424001889-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141637368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-22DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102137
Shareefa A. AlGhamdi , Ranjini Ghosh Dastidar , Maciej Rybiński , Hadeil M. Alsufiani , Sawsan O. Khoja , Nusaibah N. Enaibsi , Safa F. Saif , Carsten Carlberg
The concept of the vitamin D response index was developed based on vitamin D intervention studies conducted with Finnish cohorts. In this study, we challenged the concept by performing a single vitamin D3 bolus (80,000 IU) intervention with a cohort of 100 native Saudis. The change of serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6, interleukin 8 and tumor necrosis factor measured directly before intervention in comparison to samples taken one and thirty days after vitamin D3 supplementation were used as biomarkers for distinguishing low, mid and high responders. Interestingly, we identified 39 % of the study participants as low responders. In contrast, when we used in a subset of 37 study participants whole blood expression changes of seven well-known vitamin D target genes one and thirty days after supplementation as alternative biomarkers, only 9 persons (24 %) were identified as low responders. In conclusion, in Saudi Arabia the rate of low vitamin D responders is equal or even higher than that in Finland. Therefore, similar to Nordic countries also in Saudi Arabia appropriate vitamin D3 supplementation is essential, in order to fulfill the needs of low responders.
维生素 D 反应指数的概念是在芬兰队列维生素 D 干预研究的基础上提出的。在本研究中,我们对这一概念提出了质疑,对 100 名沙特本地人进行了一次维生素 D3 栓剂(80,000 IU)干预。干预前直接测量的血清促炎细胞因子白细胞介素 6、白细胞介素 8 和肿瘤坏死因子的水平变化,与补充维生素 D3 一、三十天后采集的样本进行比较,以此作为区分低、中、高应答者的生物标志物。有趣的是,我们发现 39% 的研究参与者属于低反应者。与此相反,当我们使用补充维生素 D 一、三十天后七个著名维生素 D 目标基因的全血表达变化作为替代生物标志物时,37 名研究参与者中只有 9 人(24%)被确定为低反应者。总之,在沙特阿拉伯,维生素 D 低反应者的比例与芬兰相当,甚至更高。因此,与北欧国家类似,沙特阿拉伯也必须适当补充维生素 D3,以满足低反应者的需求。
{"title":"Evaluation of the vitamin D response index in a Saudi cohort","authors":"Shareefa A. AlGhamdi , Ranjini Ghosh Dastidar , Maciej Rybiński , Hadeil M. Alsufiani , Sawsan O. Khoja , Nusaibah N. Enaibsi , Safa F. Saif , Carsten Carlberg","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102137","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102137","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The concept of the vitamin D response index was developed based on vitamin D intervention studies conducted with Finnish cohorts. In this study, we challenged the concept by performing a single vitamin D<sub>3</sub> bolus (80,000 IU) intervention with a cohort of 100 native Saudis. The change of serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6, interleukin 8 and tumor necrosis factor measured directly before intervention in comparison to samples taken one and thirty days after vitamin D<sub>3</sub> supplementation were used as biomarkers for distinguishing low, mid and high responders. Interestingly, we identified 39 % of the study participants as low responders. In contrast, when we used in a subset of 37 study participants whole blood expression changes of seven well-known vitamin D target genes one and thirty days after supplementation as alternative biomarkers, only 9 persons (24 %) were identified as low responders. In conclusion, in Saudi Arabia the rate of low vitamin D responders is equal or even higher than that in Finland. Therefore, similar to Nordic countries also in Saudi Arabia appropriate vitamin D<sub>3</sub> supplementation is essential, in order to fulfill the needs of low responders.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"32 8","pages":"Article 102137"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016424001877/pdfft?md5=302054847328ca6ca8769d43ccc18177&pid=1-s2.0-S1319016424001877-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141479071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-12DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102134
Basmah N. Aldosari, Areej M. Al-Mutairi, Alanood S. Almurshedi, Iman M. Alfagih, Bushra T. Al Quadeib, Eram Eltahir, Salma S. Almarshidy, Mohamed A. Ibrahim, Amal El Sayeh F. Abou El Ela
This study aimed to investigate the impact of storage conditions on the dissolution performance of commercial metronidazole (MTZ) tablets available in Saudi Arabia; these were coded as the reference and Test A, Test B, and Test C products. Moreover, the hardness and the disintegration time were measured. The UV spectrophotometrically analytical technique was utilized to quantify MTZ. All the control tablets, which were tested upon receipt, met the USP requirement as not less than 85 % of the labeled amount of MTZ was dissolved in 60 min. The MTZ reference released 91.79 % ± 1.23 after 60 min, while the products A, B, and C released 87.96 % ± 2.60, 93.26 % ± 2.01, and 88.61 % ± 2.04, respectively. The different dissolution parameters calculated for all the control tablets showed that the MTZ products A and B had optimal dissolution performances and were considered similar to the reference product. The product C showed a significantly reduced dissolution performance and was considered different from the reference. The in vitro dissolution of the MTZ tablets stored at 40oC ± 2 oC/75 % RH ± 5 % for 6 months indicated that the tablets maintained compliance with the USP requirement. The MTZ reference released 89.36 % ± 3.64 after 60 min, while the products A, B, and C released 95.79 % ± 3.91, 88.52 % ± 2.52, and 87.79 % ± 5.04, respectively. However, a slight reduction in the percentage released after 30 min (% DE30) and a slight increase in the mean dissolution time (MDT) were observed during the first 3 months of storage under stressed conditions. These changes were more obvious after 6 months of storage under the same conditions. Furthermore, in vitro dissolution of the product C stored at 40oC ± 2 oC/75 % RH ± 5 % for 3 months with further protection against high humidity revealed an improvement in the dissolution parameters due to the similar protective effects exerted by the two packaging forms. Furthermore, the study shows that storage conditions such as humidity and temperature affect in vitro dissolution of MTZ marketed tablets which may have an impact on efficiency and patient safety.
{"title":"Impacts of storage conditions on the dissolution performance of commercial metronidazole tablets available in Saudi Arabia","authors":"Basmah N. Aldosari, Areej M. Al-Mutairi, Alanood S. Almurshedi, Iman M. Alfagih, Bushra T. Al Quadeib, Eram Eltahir, Salma S. Almarshidy, Mohamed A. Ibrahim, Amal El Sayeh F. Abou El Ela","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102134","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102134","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study aimed to investigate the impact of storage conditions on the dissolution performance of commercial metronidazole (MTZ) tablets available in Saudi Arabia; these were coded as the reference and Test A, Test B, and Test C products. Moreover, the hardness and the disintegration time were measured. The UV spectrophotometrically analytical technique was utilized to quantify MTZ. All the control tablets, which were tested upon receipt, met the USP requirement as not less than 85 % of the labeled amount of MTZ was dissolved in 60 min. The MTZ reference released 91.79 % ± 1.23 after 60 min, while the products A, B, and C released 87.96 % ± 2.60, 93.26 % ± 2.01, and 88.61 % ± 2.04, respectively. The different dissolution parameters calculated for all the control tablets showed that the MTZ products A and B had optimal dissolution performances and were considered similar to the reference product. The product C showed a significantly reduced dissolution performance and was considered different from the reference. The in vitro dissolution of the MTZ tablets stored at 40oC ± 2 oC/75 % RH ± 5 % for 6 months indicated that the tablets maintained compliance with the USP requirement. The MTZ reference released 89.36 % ± 3.64 after 60 min, while the products A, B, and C released 95.79 % ± 3.91, 88.52 % ± 2.52, and 87.79 % ± 5.04, respectively. However, a slight reduction in the percentage released after 30 min (% DE30) and a slight increase in the mean dissolution time (MDT) were observed during the first 3 months of storage under stressed conditions. These changes were more obvious after 6 months of storage under the same conditions. Furthermore, in vitro dissolution of the product C stored at 40oC ± 2 oC/75 % RH ± 5 % for 3 months with further protection against high humidity revealed an improvement in the dissolution parameters due to the similar protective effects exerted by the two packaging forms. Furthermore, the study shows that storage conditions such as humidity and temperature affect in vitro dissolution of MTZ marketed tablets which may have an impact on efficiency and patient safety.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"32 8","pages":"Article 102134"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016424001841/pdfft?md5=cc653970d673cc732dc29b0b01582191&pid=1-s2.0-S1319016424001841-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141328891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-08DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102126
Noura M. Alshiban , Munirah S. Aleyiydi , Majed S. Nassar , Nada K. Alhumaid , Thamer A. Almangour , Yahya M.K. Tawfik , Laila A. Damiati , Abdulaziz S. Almutairi , Essam A. Tawfik
In the past two decades, the world has witnessed devastating pandemics affecting the global healthcare infrastructure and disrupting society and the economy worldwide. Among all pathogens, viruses play a critical role that is associated with outbreaks due to their wide range of species, involvement of animal hosts, easily transmitted to humans, and increased rates of infectivity. Viral disease outbreaks threaten public health globally due to the challenges associated with controlling and eradicating them. Implementing effective viral disease control programs starts with ongoing surveillance data collection and analyses to detect infectious disease trends and patterns, which is critical for maintaining public health. Viral disease control strategies include improved hygiene and sanitation facilities, eliminating arthropod vectors, vaccinations, and quarantine. The Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Public Health Authority (also known as Weqayah) in Saudi Arabia are responsible for public health surveillance to control and prevent infectious diseases. The notifiable viral diseases based on the Saudi MOH include hepatitis diseases, viral hemorrhagic fevers, respiratory viral diseases, exanthematous viral diseases, neurological viral diseases, and conjunctivitis. Monitoring trends and detecting changes in these viral diseases is essential to provide proper interventions, evaluate the established prevention programs, and develop better prevention strategies. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the epidemiological updates of the recently reported viral infections in Saudi Arabia and to provide insights into the recent clinical treatment and prevention strategies.
{"title":"Epidemiologic and clinical updates on viral infections in Saudi Arabia","authors":"Noura M. Alshiban , Munirah S. Aleyiydi , Majed S. Nassar , Nada K. Alhumaid , Thamer A. Almangour , Yahya M.K. Tawfik , Laila A. Damiati , Abdulaziz S. Almutairi , Essam A. Tawfik","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102126","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102126","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In the past two decades, the world has witnessed devastating pandemics affecting the global healthcare infrastructure and disrupting society and the economy worldwide. Among all pathogens, viruses play a critical role that is associated with outbreaks due to their wide range of species, involvement of animal hosts, easily transmitted to humans, and increased rates of infectivity. Viral disease outbreaks threaten public health globally due to the challenges associated with controlling and eradicating them. Implementing effective viral disease control programs starts with ongoing surveillance data collection and analyses to detect infectious disease trends and patterns, which is critical for maintaining public health. Viral disease control strategies include improved hygiene and sanitation facilities, eliminating arthropod vectors, vaccinations, and quarantine. The Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Public Health Authority (also known as Weqayah) in Saudi Arabia are responsible for public health surveillance to control and prevent infectious diseases. The notifiable viral diseases based on the Saudi MOH include hepatitis diseases, viral hemorrhagic fevers, respiratory viral diseases, exanthematous viral diseases, neurological viral diseases, and conjunctivitis. Monitoring trends and detecting changes in these viral diseases is essential to provide proper interventions, evaluate the established prevention programs, and develop better prevention strategies. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the epidemiological updates of the recently reported viral infections in Saudi Arabia and to provide insights into the recent clinical treatment and prevention strategies.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"32 7","pages":"Article 102126"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016424001762/pdfft?md5=53a1759f76f230ade2db7c873edf2163&pid=1-s2.0-S1319016424001762-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141313219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-02DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102124
Tao Wang , Zhong-Yu Fu , Yan-Juan Li , Lei Zi , Cheng-Zhu Song , Yu-Xuan Tao , Mei Zhang , Wen Gu , Jie Yu , Xing-Xin Yang
Natural products (NPs) play an irreplaceable role in the intervention of various diseases and have been considered a critical source of drug development. Many new pharmacodynamic compounds with potential clinical applications have recently been derived from NPs. These compounds range from small molecules to polysaccharides, polypeptides, proteins, self-assembled nanoparticles, and extracellular vesicles. This review summarizes various active substances found in NPs. The investigation of active substances in NPs can potentiate new drug development and promote the in-depth comprehension of the mechanism of action of NPs that can be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of human diseases.
{"title":"Recognition on pharmacodynamic ingredients of natural products","authors":"Tao Wang , Zhong-Yu Fu , Yan-Juan Li , Lei Zi , Cheng-Zhu Song , Yu-Xuan Tao , Mei Zhang , Wen Gu , Jie Yu , Xing-Xin Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102124","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102124","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Natural products (NPs) play an irreplaceable role in the intervention of various diseases and have been considered a critical source of drug development. Many new pharmacodynamic compounds with potential clinical applications have recently been derived from NPs. These compounds range from small molecules to polysaccharides, polypeptides, proteins, self-assembled nanoparticles, and extracellular vesicles. This review summarizes various active substances found in NPs. The investigation of active substances in NPs can potentiate new drug development and promote the in-depth comprehension of the mechanism of action of NPs that can be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of human diseases.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"32 7","pages":"Article 102124"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016424001749/pdfft?md5=05fd39e3f4ca02f2c228904a1753882c&pid=1-s2.0-S1319016424001749-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141281700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}