Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences最新文献

Introduction: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with a higher risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality, as well as long-term health issues in newborns. Currently, there is no effective medicine for FGR. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors have been shown in pre-clinical studies to improve FGR. This study aimed to evaluate the latest evidence about the clinical outcomes and safety of PDE-5 inhibitors for the management of FGR. Methods: Eight databases (PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Database and WangFang Database) were searched for English and Chinese articles published from the database inception to December 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the use of PDE-5 inhibitors in FGR were included. The quality of the RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Odds ratio and mean difference (MD) (95% confidence intervals) were pooled for meta-analysis. Results: From 253 retrieved publications, 16 studies involving 1,492 pregnant women met the inclusion criteria. Only sildenafil (15 RCTs) and tadalafil (1 RCT) were studied for FGR. Compared with the control group (placebo, no treatment, or other medication therapies), sildenafil increased birth weight, pregnancy prolongation and umbilical artery pulsatility indices. However, it also increased the risk of pulmonary hypertension in newborns, as well as headache and flushing/rash in mothers. There were no significant differences in gestation age, perinatal mortality or major neonatal morbidity, stillbirth, neonate death, infants admitted to neonatal intensive care unit, intraventricular hemorrhage and necrotizing enterocolitis in infants, as well as pregnancy hypertension and gastrointestinal side effects in mothers between the treatment and the control groups. Discussion: Sildenafil was the most investigated PDE-5 inhibitors for FGR. Current evidence suggests that sildenafil can improve birth weight and duration of pregnancy but at the same time increase the risk of neonatal pulmonary hypertension. It remains uncertain whether the benefits of sildenafil in FGR outweigh the risks and further high-quality RCTs are warranted. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=325909.

Cardiovascular disease including diabetic cardiomyopathy (DbCM) represents the leading cause of death in people with diabetes. DbCM is defined as ventricular dysfunction in the absence of underlying vascular diseases and/or hypertension. The known molecular mediators of DbCM are multifactorial, including but not limited to insulin resistance, altered energy metabolism, lipotoxicity, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy. FoxO1, a prominent member of forkhead box O transcription factors, is involved in regulating various cellular processes in different tissues. Altered FoxO1 expression and activity have been associated with cardiovascular diseases in diabetic subjects. Herein we provide an overview of the role of FoxO1 in various molecular mediators related to DbCM, such as altered energy metabolism, lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, and cell death. Furthermore, we provide valuable insights into its therapeutic potential by targeting these perturbations to alleviate cardiomyopathy in settings of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Purpose: To investigate the preparation of inclusion complexes of diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP)/β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) derivatives using a three-dimensional (3D) ball mill, and verify the inclusion behavior of the solid dispersion. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the effect of DPCP/β-CDs complex formation on the spleens of male C57BL/6 mice in terms of anti-inflammatory effects.

Methods: The inclusion complexes of DPCP with β-CD and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) were prepared using a 3D ball mill. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used to evaluate the solid-state properties. The solubility of the prepared DPCP/β-CD and HPβCD complexes and the intermolecular interaction between DPCP and β-CD derivatives in solution were assessed using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effects of DPCPs in the prepared DPCP/CD complexes were investigated using spleens from male C57BL/6 mice, with measurement of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) secretion as an endpoint. Additionally, the protective effects of each drug on NIH-3T3 cells exposed to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation were examined.

Results: Solid-state characterization confirmed the formation of inclusion complexes in the 3D ground mixture (3DGM) (DPCP/β-CD = 1/1) and 3DGM (DPCP/HPβCD = 1/1) complexes through PXRD and IR analysis. The solubility of 3DGM (DPCP/β-CD = 1/1) and 3DGM (DPCP/HPβCD = 1/1) was 17.5 μg/mL and 58.4 μg/mL, respectively, indicating higher solubility than that of DPCP alone. NMR analysis of 3DGM samples suggested that DPCP/β-CD and DPCP/HPβCD form inclusion complexes at a molar ratio of 1/1 but with different inclusion modes. Regarding the anti-inflammatory activity of DPCP, 3DGM (DPCP/HPβ-CD) showed anti-inflammatory effects at lower doses compared to 3DGM (DPCP/β-CD) in terms of IFN-γ and NIH-3T3 cells injured by UV irradiation.

Conclusion: We successfully formed inclusion complexes of DPCP/β-CD and DPCP/HPβCD using the 3D ground mixture method. NMR analysis suggested that DPCP/β-CD and DPCP/HPβCD form inclusion complexes at a molar ratio of 1/1 but with different inclusion modes. The anti-inflammatory activity of DPCP was more pronounced in 3DGM (DPCP/HPβCD) at lower doses compared to that in 3DGM (DPCP/β-CD), indicating that the HPβCD derivatives were more effective in enhancing the anti-inflammatory properties of DPCP.

Curcumin has been explored for its anti-cancer potential, but is severely limited by its hydrophobicity and sensitivity to light and water. In this study, poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized to encapsulate curcumin via single emulsion method to improve curcumin stability and bioavailability. The PLGA NPs were coated with oligomeric chitosan (COS) and RGD peptide (a peptide consisting of Arg-Gly-Asp) using amine-reactive chemistry (NHS and EDC). Both COS and RGD had been previously shown to accumulate and target many different types of cancer cells. NPs were characterised based on size distribution, zeta potential, and binding efficiency of RGD peptide. They were also evaluated on encapsulation efficiency, and stability, of curcumin within the NPs. OVCAR-3 cancer cells were treated with COS and RGD-coated PLGA NPs loaded with Coumarin-6 dye for fluorescent imaging of cell uptake. They were also treated with curcumin-loaded NPs to determine cytotoxicity and effectiveness of delivery. The NPs exhibited size distribution and zeta potential within expected values, though binding efficiency of RGD was low. Curcumin-loaded NPs showed significant increase in cytotoxicity over free (unencapsulated) curcumin, and void (empty) NPs, suggesting successful delivery of curcumin as an anti-cancer agent; the performance of COS and RGD coated NPs over bare PLGA NPs was inconclusive, however, optimization will be required to improve formulation during the coating steps. This method of NP synthesis serves as proof of concept for a modular solution to the development of various coated polymeric NPs for other drugs or applications.

Elevated levels of circulating branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and their associated metabolites have been strongly linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Despite extensive research, the precise mechanisms linking increased BCAA levels with these conditions remain elusive. In this review, we highlight the key organs involved in maintaining BCAA homeostasis and discuss how obesity and insulin resistance disrupt the intricate interplay among these organs, thus affecting BCAA balance. Additionally, we outline recent research shedding light on the impact of tissue-specific or systemic modulation of BCAA metabolism on circulating BCAA levels, their metabolites, and insulin sensitivity, while also identifying specific knowledge gaps and areas requiring further investigation. Finally, we summarize the effects of BCAA supplementation or restriction on obesity and insulin sensitivity.

Background: Hematologic malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma present treatment challenges due to their genetic and molecular heterogeneity. Ruxolitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy in managing these cancers. However, optimal therapeutic outcomes are contingent upon maintaining drug levels within a therapeutic window, highlighting the necessity for precise drug monitoring.

Methods: We developed a sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to quantify ruxolitinib in human plasma, improving upon traditional methods in specificity, sensitivity, and efficiency. The process involved the use of advanced chromatographic techniques and robust mass spectrometric conditions to ensure high accuracy and minimal matrix effects. The study was conducted using samples from 20 patients undergoing treatment, with calibration standards ranging from 10 to 2000 ng/mL.

Results: The method displayed linearity (R ² > 0.99) across the studied range and proved highly selective with no significant interference observed. The method's precision and accuracy met FDA guidelines, with recovery rates consistently exceeding 85%. Clinical application demonstrated significant variability in ruxolitinib plasma levels among patients, reinforcing the need for individualized dosing schedules.

Conclusion: The validated LC-MS/MS method offers a reliable and efficient tool for the therapeutic drug monitoring of ruxolitinib, facilitating personalized treatment approaches in hematologic malignancies. This approach promises to enhance patient outcomes by optimizing dosing to reduce toxicity and improve efficacy.

Recent literature extensively investigates the crucial role of energy metabolism in determining the inflammatory response and polarization status of macrophages. This rapidly expanding area of research highlights the importance of understanding the link between energy metabolism and macrophage function. The metabolic pathways in macrophages are intricate and interdependent, and they can affect the polarization of macrophages. Previous studies suggested that glucose flux through cytosolic glycolysis is necessary to trigger pro-inflammatory phenotypes of macrophages, and fatty acid oxidation is crucial to support anti-inflammatory responses. However, recent studies demonstrated that this understanding is oversimplified and that the metabolic control of macrophage polarization is highly complex and not fully understood yet. How the metabolic flux through different metabolic pathways (glycolysis, glucose oxidation, fatty acid oxidation, ketone oxidation, and amino acid oxidation) is altered by obesity- and type 2 diabetes (T2D)-associated insulin resistance is also not fully defined. This mini-review focuses on the impact of insulin resistance in obesity and T2D on the metabolic flux through the main metabolic pathways in macrophages, which might be linked to changes in their inflammatory responses. We closely evaluated the experimental studies and methodologies used in the published research and highlighted priority research areas for future investigations.

Childhood obesity has emerged as a major global health issue, contributing to the increased prevalence of chronic conditions and adversely affecting the quality of life and future prospects of affected individuals, thereby presenting a substantial societal challenge. This complex condition, influenced by the interplay of genetic predispositions and environmental factors, is characterized by excessive energy intake due to uncontrolled appetite regulation and a Westernized diet. Managing obesity in childhood requires specific considerations compared with adulthood, given the vulnerability of the critical juvenile-adolescent period to toxicity and developmental defects. Consequently, common treatment options for adult obesity may not directly apply to younger populations. Therefore, research on childhood obesity has focused on genetic defects in regulating energy intake, alongside pharmacotherapy and dietary interventions as management approaches, with an emphasis on safety concerns. This review aims to summarize canonical knowledge and recent findings on genetic factors contributing to childhood obesity. Additionally, it assesses the efficacy and safety of existing pharmacotherapies and dietary interventions and suggests future research directions. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics of childhood obesity, this review aims to offer insights into more targeted and effective strategies for addressing this condition, including personalized healthcare solutions.

Objective: This review aimed to assess the current use and acceptance of real-world data (RWD) and real-world evidence (RWE) in health technology assessment (HTA) process. It additionally aimed to discern stakeholders' viewpoints concerning RWD and RWE in HTA and illuminate the obstacles, difficulties, prospects, and consequences associated with the incorporation of RWD and RWE into the realm of HTA. Methods: A comprehensive PRISMA-based systematic review was performed in July 2022 in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, IDEAS-RePEc, International HTA database, and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination with ad hoc supplementary search in Google Scholar and international organization websites. The review included pre-determined inclusion criteria while the selection of eligible studies, the data extraction process and quality assessment were carried out using standardized and transparent methods. Results: Twenty-nine (n = 29) studies were included in the review out of 2,115 studies identified by the search strategy. In various global contexts, disparities in RWD utilization were evident, with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) serving as the primary evidence source. RWD and RWE played pivotal roles, surpassing relative effectiveness assessments (REAs) and significantly influencing decision-making and cost-effectiveness analyses. Identified challenges impeding RWD integration into HTA encompassed limited local data access, complexities in non-randomized trial design, data quality, privacy, and fragmentation. Addressing these is imperative for optimal RWD utilization. Incorporating RWD/RWE in HTA yields multifaceted advantages, enhancing understanding of treatment efficacy, resource utilization, and cost analysis, particularly via patient registries. RWE complements assessments of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) and rare diseases. Local data utilization strengthens HTA, bridging gaps when RCT data is lacking. RWD aids medical device decision-making, cancer drug reassessment, and indirect treatment comparisons. Challenges include data availability, stakeholder acceptance, expertise, and privacy. However, standardization, training, collaboration, and guidance can surmount these barriers, fostering enhanced RWD utilization in HTA. Conclusion: This study highlights the intricate global landscape of RWD and RWE acceptance in HTA. Recognizing regional nuances, addressing methodological challenges, and promoting collaboration are pivotal, among others, for leveraging RWD and RWE effectively in healthcare decision-making.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.18433/jpps33121.].