Pub Date : 2024-03-25DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.71.e117500
Denny Satria, P. Sitorus, A. Dalimunthe, S. B. Waruwu, Vivi Asfianti
Many medicinal plants are now being chosen because the treatment is safer and cheaper. Artocarpus lacucha Buch-Ham is a plant with many pharmacological activities and is efficacious; its safety has not been studied. Acute oral toxicity evaluation followed Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines using the fixed dose method. The evaluation began with a preliminary test, then a primary test with three groups: a 2000 mg/Kg BW dose test group, a 5000 mg/Kg BW dose test group, and a control group. The results of visual observations, haematological and clinical examinations, and histological examination of organs (liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs and heart) showed no toxicity in the animals, and they did not die during testing. The findings of this study support the safety of Artocarpus lacucha Buch-Ham leaf ethanol extract, which did not produce harmful results in acute toxicity tests.
{"title":"Oral acute toxicity study of ethanol extract of Mobe leaves (Artocarpus lacucha Buch-Ham) in Wistar rats","authors":"Denny Satria, P. Sitorus, A. Dalimunthe, S. B. Waruwu, Vivi Asfianti","doi":"10.3897/pharmacia.71.e117500","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/pharmacia.71.e117500","url":null,"abstract":"Many medicinal plants are now being chosen because the treatment is safer and cheaper. Artocarpus lacucha Buch-Ham is a plant with many pharmacological activities and is efficacious; its safety has not been studied. Acute oral toxicity evaluation followed Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines using the fixed dose method. The evaluation began with a preliminary test, then a primary test with three groups: a 2000 mg/Kg BW dose test group, a 5000 mg/Kg BW dose test group, and a control group. The results of visual observations, haematological and clinical examinations, and histological examination of organs (liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs and heart) showed no toxicity in the animals, and they did not die during testing. The findings of this study support the safety of Artocarpus lacucha Buch-Ham leaf ethanol extract, which did not produce harmful results in acute toxicity tests.","PeriodicalId":508564,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140382088","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}
Pub Date : 2024-03-25DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.71.e120566
Anna Todorova, Mariya Ivanova, V. Petkova
Medical professionals are the most susceptible to professional burnout. An anonymous survey of master pharmacists was conducted to assess burnout with the MBI-HSS-MP tool and analyse the challenges of working in community pharmacies. Burnout affected 53% of the 127 pharmacists surveyed. Factors influencing the scales forming burnout emotional exhaustion (EE) depersonalisation (DP), and personal accomplishment (PA) were: administrative difficulties in servicing the prescriptions of chronically ill patients: affected 57% of respondents and influenced EE (p = 0.036); lack of precise instructions at work (38% of respondents, influenced DP, p = 0.007) and (EE, p = 0.000); lack of prior information about innovations 38% (EE p = 0.002). Lack of time to carry out pharmaceutical care (PhC) influenced EE (p = 0.019) and DP (p = 0.006) and DP was associated with lower empathy for patients, Lack of perceived professional satisfaction (PA; p = 0.042) was increased. The increased administrative duties shifted the focus away from PhC and decreased pharmacists’ motivation.
{"title":"Pharmacists’ burnout and motivation for pharmaceutical care in chronically ill patients – a pilot study for the north-eastern region of Bulgaria","authors":"Anna Todorova, Mariya Ivanova, V. Petkova","doi":"10.3897/pharmacia.71.e120566","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/pharmacia.71.e120566","url":null,"abstract":"Medical professionals are the most susceptible to professional burnout. An anonymous survey of master pharmacists was conducted to assess burnout with the MBI-HSS-MP tool and analyse the challenges of working in community pharmacies.\u0000 Burnout affected 53% of the 127 pharmacists surveyed. Factors influencing the scales forming burnout emotional exhaustion (EE) depersonalisation (DP), and personal accomplishment (PA) were: administrative difficulties in servicing the prescriptions of chronically ill patients: affected 57% of respondents and influenced EE (p = 0.036); lack of precise instructions at work (38% of respondents, influenced DP, p = 0.007) and (EE, p = 0.000); lack of prior information about innovations 38% (EE p = 0.002). Lack of time to carry out pharmaceutical care (PhC) influenced EE (p = 0.019) and DP (p = 0.006) and DP was associated with lower empathy for patients, Lack of perceived professional satisfaction (PA; p = 0.042) was increased.\u0000 The increased administrative duties shifted the focus away from PhC and decreased pharmacists’ motivation.","PeriodicalId":508564,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140382506","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}
Pub Date : 2024-03-05DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.71.e115091
A. Pradana, G. Ritthidej, Vudhiporn Limprasutr, Ausana Wongtayan, V. Lipipun, Iksen
Asiatic acid (AA) is a compound isolated from Centella asiatica, which possesses significant antihypertensive activity. Several studies have shown that its hypertensive activity can be attributed to various mechanisms, such as Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme (ACE) inhibition in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) pathway. Meanwhile, palm oil (PO) is an antioxidant, which has proven to have synergistic effects with the compound by preventing arterial thrombosis and atherosclerosis. Despite these synergistic effects, AA dosage in antihypertensive therapy has been reported to be relatively high compared to the common synthetic drug captopril. Therefore, this study aimed to produce spray-dried powder of nanoemulsion to enhance the solubility of AA, decrease the possibility of oxidation, and increase its activity. Redispersed AA nanoparticles were also successfully obtained during the synthesis process. Several evaluations were carried out, including particle size, particle distribution, zeta potential, cell viability, and antihypertensive activity in rats to ensure the improvement of physicochemical characteristics and activity as antihypertensive agent. The results showed that AA succeeded in forming nanoemulsion with excipients. In addition, it was encapsulated in a maltodextrin carrier, exhibiting good physicochemical characteristics and safety to the Caco-2 cells. The redispersion of the spray-dried powder yielded nanoparticles with a size of 217.4 ± 10.196 nm. The spray-dried nanoemulsion of AA also had faster effect than non-formulated AA (raw powder) in lowering the blood pressure of hypertensive Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Graphical abstract:
积雪草酸(AA)是从积雪草中分离出来的一种化合物,具有显著的降压活性。多项研究表明,其高血压活性可归因于多种机制,如抑制肾素-血管紧张素-醛固酮系统(RAAS)途径中的血管紧张素转换酶(ACE)。同时,棕榈油(PO)是一种抗氧化剂,已被证明与该化合物具有协同作用,可防止动脉血栓形成和动脉粥样硬化。尽管有这些协同作用,但据报道,与常见的合成药物卡托普利相比,AA 在降压治疗中的用量相对较高。因此,本研究旨在生产纳米乳液喷雾干燥粉末,以提高 AA 的溶解度,降低氧化的可能性,并增加其活性。在合成过程中,还成功获得了再分散 AA 纳米粒子。研究人员进行了多项评估,包括粒度、粒度分布、ZETA电位、细胞存活率和大鼠降压活性,以确保改善 AA 的理化特性并提高其作为降压药的活性。结果表明,AA 成功地与辅料形成了纳米乳液。此外,它还被包裹在麦芽糊精载体中,显示出良好的理化特性和对 Caco-2 细胞的安全性。喷雾干燥粉末再分散后得到的纳米颗粒大小为 217.4 ± 10.196 nm。喷雾干燥的AA纳米乳液在降低高血压Sprague-Dawley(SD)大鼠血压方面的效果也比非制剂AA(原粉)更快。图表摘要:
{"title":"Antihypertensive activity of spray-dried nanoemulsion containing Asiatic acid-Palm oil in high salt diet-fed rats","authors":"A. Pradana, G. Ritthidej, Vudhiporn Limprasutr, Ausana Wongtayan, V. Lipipun, Iksen","doi":"10.3897/pharmacia.71.e115091","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/pharmacia.71.e115091","url":null,"abstract":"Asiatic acid (AA) is a compound isolated from Centella asiatica, which possesses significant antihypertensive activity. Several studies have shown that its hypertensive activity can be attributed to various mechanisms, such as Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme (ACE) inhibition in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) pathway. Meanwhile, palm oil (PO) is an antioxidant, which has proven to have synergistic effects with the compound by preventing arterial thrombosis and atherosclerosis. Despite these synergistic effects, AA dosage in antihypertensive therapy has been reported to be relatively high compared to the common synthetic drug captopril. Therefore, this study aimed to produce spray-dried powder of nanoemulsion to enhance the solubility of AA, decrease the possibility of oxidation, and increase its activity. Redispersed AA nanoparticles were also successfully obtained during the synthesis process. Several evaluations were carried out, including particle size, particle distribution, zeta potential, cell viability, and antihypertensive activity in rats to ensure the improvement of physicochemical characteristics and activity as antihypertensive agent. The results showed that AA succeeded in forming nanoemulsion with excipients. In addition, it was encapsulated in a maltodextrin carrier, exhibiting good physicochemical characteristics and safety to the Caco-2 cells. The redispersion of the spray-dried powder yielded nanoparticles with a size of 217.4 ± 10.196 nm. The spray-dried nanoemulsion of AA also had faster effect than non-formulated AA (raw powder) in lowering the blood pressure of hypertensive Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.\u0000 Graphical abstract:\u0000 \u0000 \u0000","PeriodicalId":508564,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140078761","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}
Pub Date : 2024-03-01DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.71.e119755
Ahmed M M Youssef, D. A. M. Maaty, Yousef M Al-Saraireh
The O. natrix belongs to the family Fabaceae and is distributed in Jordan. Different species of the family Fabaceae contain chemical compounds that may have potential antiproliferative, antidiabetic, and anti-Alzheimer’s disease. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied to analyse the phenolic compounds found in O. natrix methanolic extract. Using the MTT assay, the antiproliferative action was studied. The enzymes α-glucosidase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition assays were used to study the antidiabetic and anti-Alzheimer’s disease actions, respectively, of methanolic extract of O. natrix. Eleven phenolics and seven flavonoids were identified in the methanolic extract of O. natrix by HPLC. The highest phenolics and flavonoids were gallic acid (1.25 mg/100 g dry weight) and rutin (1.44 mg/100 g dry weight), respectively. The most cancer cell lines influenced by the extract of O. natrix were PC-3 (IC50 = 55 ± 2 µg/mL) and HepG-2 (IC50 = 68 ± 2 µg/mL) compared to positive control cisplatin. However, the cancer cell lines CaCo-2, MCF-7, and HeLa showed IC50 values of 109 ± 2 µg/mL, 123 ± 2 µg/mL, and 79 ± 1 µg/mL, respectively, related to cisplatin. The O. natrix extract inhibited the α-glucosidase enzyme and butyrylcholinesterase enzyme by 84% and 86%, respectively compared to positive controls acarbose and rivastigmine. The O. natrix may possess antiproliferative effects against prostate cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. It also may have antidiabetic and anti-Alzheimer’s disease effects.
{"title":"Qualitative chemical compounds analysis and in vitro estimation of antiproliferative, antidiabetic and anti-Alzheimer’s disease effects of Ononis natrix (L.) family Fabaceae","authors":"Ahmed M M Youssef, D. A. M. Maaty, Yousef M Al-Saraireh","doi":"10.3897/pharmacia.71.e119755","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/pharmacia.71.e119755","url":null,"abstract":"The O. natrix belongs to the family Fabaceae and is distributed in Jordan. Different species of the family Fabaceae contain chemical compounds that may have potential antiproliferative, antidiabetic, and anti-Alzheimer’s disease. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied to analyse the phenolic compounds found in O. natrix methanolic extract. Using the MTT assay, the antiproliferative action was studied. The enzymes α-glucosidase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition assays were used to study the antidiabetic and anti-Alzheimer’s disease actions, respectively, of methanolic extract of O. natrix. Eleven phenolics and seven flavonoids were identified in the methanolic extract of O. natrix by HPLC. The highest phenolics and flavonoids were gallic acid (1.25 mg/100 g dry weight) and rutin (1.44 mg/100 g dry weight), respectively. The most cancer cell lines influenced by the extract of O. natrix were PC-3 (IC50 = 55 ± 2 µg/mL) and HepG-2 (IC50 = 68 ± 2 µg/mL) compared to positive control cisplatin. However, the cancer cell lines CaCo-2, MCF-7, and HeLa showed IC50 values of 109 ± 2 µg/mL, 123 ± 2 µg/mL, and 79 ± 1 µg/mL, respectively, related to cisplatin. The O. natrix extract inhibited the α-glucosidase enzyme and butyrylcholinesterase enzyme by 84% and 86%, respectively compared to positive controls acarbose and rivastigmine. The O. natrix may possess antiproliferative effects against prostate cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. It also may have antidiabetic and anti-Alzheimer’s disease effects.","PeriodicalId":508564,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140084292","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}
Pub Date : 2024-02-29DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.71.e114547
Khalid M. Alqaisi, M. Abbas, Rand Alshawawreh
Background: Chrysin is known for its pharmacological effects and structural resemblance to estrogen. The study explores the impact of chrysin on steroidogenesis focusing on adrenal and ovarian steroidogenic enzymes. Materials and methods: Thirty female BALB/c mice were divided into three groups: a control group and two chrysin-treated groups (50 mg and 100 mg). Gene expression of key steroidogenic enzymes was assessed in adrenal glands and ovaries using RT-qPCR. Uterine expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) was also examined. Histological analysis of adrenal glands and ovaries was performed. Results: High-dose chrysin downregulated CYP17A1 expression in adrenal glands compared to control and low-dose groups. In contrast, 3β-HSD was significantly downregulated in the high-dose group. In ovaries, high dose chrysin reduced aromatase expression. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that chrysin’s impact on steroidogenesis is dose-dependent. By downregulating CYP17A1 in adrenal glands, potentially affecting androgen and estrogen synthesis, and enhancing aromatase expression in ovaries at lower doses.
{"title":"Chrysin’s dose-dependent effects on steroidogenesis in female BALB/c mice: In vivo study of adrenal, ovarian, and uterine hormone regulation","authors":"Khalid M. Alqaisi, M. Abbas, Rand Alshawawreh","doi":"10.3897/pharmacia.71.e114547","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/pharmacia.71.e114547","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Chrysin is known for its pharmacological effects and structural resemblance to estrogen. The study explores the impact of chrysin on steroidogenesis focusing on adrenal and ovarian steroidogenic enzymes.\u0000 Materials and methods: Thirty female BALB/c mice were divided into three groups: a control group and two chrysin-treated groups (50 mg and 100 mg). Gene expression of key steroidogenic enzymes was assessed in adrenal glands and ovaries using RT-qPCR. Uterine expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) was also examined. Histological analysis of adrenal glands and ovaries was performed.\u0000 Results: High-dose chrysin downregulated CYP17A1 expression in adrenal glands compared to control and low-dose groups. In contrast, 3β-HSD was significantly downregulated in the high-dose group. In ovaries, high dose chrysin reduced aromatase expression.\u0000 Conclusion: Our findings revealed that chrysin’s impact on steroidogenesis is dose-dependent. By downregulating CYP17A1 in adrenal glands, potentially affecting androgen and estrogen synthesis, and enhancing aromatase expression in ovaries at lower doses.","PeriodicalId":508564,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140416977","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}
Pub Date : 2024-02-29DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.71.e113677
Lyubomir Marinov, A. Georgieva, R. Toshkova, Ivanka Kostadinova, I. Mangarov, Tanya Toshkova-Yotova, Irina Nikolova
Targeting the inflammation-related molecules with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) represents a promising approach for cancer prevention/therapy. We evaluated the in vitro anticancer effects of meloxicam, lornoxicam, ketoprofen, and dexketoprofen on the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of human cervical, colorectal, and mammary carcinoma cells. The antiproliferative activity and cytotoxicity of tested NSAIDs on HeLa, HT-29, and MCF-7 cell lines were assessed by the MTT test. The apoptosis-inducing potential was analyzed by fluorescent staining with acridine orange/ethidium bromide and DAPI. Migration activity was assessed by a wound-healing scratch assay. The tested NSAIDs reduced the viability of the used tumor cell lines. The cytomorphological analysis revealed reduced cell density and mitotic activity and the presence of cells with morphological features of early and late apoptosis. Significant inhibition of the migration capacity was established as well. In conclusion, NSAIDs could be candidates for the development of new pharmacological strategies for the treatment and prevention of cancer.
{"title":"The effects of meloxicam, lornoxicam, ketoprofen, and dexketoprofen on human cervical, colorectal, and mammary carcinoma cell lines","authors":"Lyubomir Marinov, A. Georgieva, R. Toshkova, Ivanka Kostadinova, I. Mangarov, Tanya Toshkova-Yotova, Irina Nikolova","doi":"10.3897/pharmacia.71.e113677","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/pharmacia.71.e113677","url":null,"abstract":"Targeting the inflammation-related molecules with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) represents a promising approach for cancer prevention/therapy. We evaluated the in vitro anticancer effects of meloxicam, lornoxicam, ketoprofen, and dexketoprofen on the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of human cervical, colorectal, and mammary carcinoma cells. The antiproliferative activity and cytotoxicity of tested NSAIDs on HeLa, HT-29, and MCF-7 cell lines were assessed by the MTT test. The apoptosis-inducing potential was analyzed by fluorescent staining with acridine orange/ethidium bromide and DAPI. Migration activity was assessed by a wound-healing scratch assay. The tested NSAIDs reduced the viability of the used tumor cell lines. The cytomorphological analysis revealed reduced cell density and mitotic activity and the presence of cells with morphological features of early and late apoptosis. Significant inhibition of the migration capacity was established as well. In conclusion, NSAIDs could be candidates for the development of new pharmacological strategies for the treatment and prevention of cancer.","PeriodicalId":508564,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140417108","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}
Pub Date : 2024-02-28DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.71.e117145
Nabila Ananda, Athaya Sabina, Ulfa Rahmadani, Ali Syahrizal, Nabillah Deskya, Sinta Maria, Muhammad Riza, Lusi Rahmadia, Anni Holila, Dwi Putri, Kevin Gabriel, Ratna Sari Zai, Mega Carensia, Princella Halim, Naomi Regina, Dinda Rizka, Aulia Syahfitri, Tessa Rotua, Maria Belen, Fahmy Nanda, Rizzanda Pramuditya, Khairunnisa Khairunnisa, Emil Salim, F. Nurkolis, Chindy Umaya, Rony Abdi Syahputra
Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted through Anopheles mosquitoes, remains a formidable global health challenge. This abstract provides an overview of the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying malaria pathogenesis, explores current therapeutic approaches, and highlights emerging insights that may shape future strategies for malaria control. The intricate dance between Plasmodium parasites and their human hosts begins with the mosquito’s bite, leading to the invasion of erythrocytes by Plasmodium species. We delve into the molecular mechanisms governing parasite entry and subsequent replication within host cells, shedding light on key factors such as erythrocyte surface receptors and parasite-encoded proteins critical to invasion and survival. While malaria treatment has relied heavily on antimalarial drugs, the emergence of drug resistance necessitates ongoing exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. This abstract reviews current antimalarial drug classes, their mechanisms of action, and the challenges posed by drug resistance. We also highlight promising drug candidates and innovative approaches in the pipeline, including the use of advanced molecular techniques and immunotherapies. Emerging insights from genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics have deepened our understanding of Plasmodium biology and host-parasite interactions. We discuss the potential of these omics approaches in identifying new drug targets, understanding drug resistance mechanisms, and developing vaccines. Additionally, we examine the role of human genetics in influencing susceptibility to malaria and response to treatment. Vector control remains a critical component of malaria prevention. We touch upon emerging strategies, such as genetically modified mosquitoes and novel insecticides, in the context of integrated vector management programs. Finally, we emphasize the importance of a multifaceted approach to malaria control, combining advances in molecular biology, drug development, vector control, and public health interventions.
{"title":"Malaria’s molecular dance: Mechanism, therapies, and emerging insights","authors":"Nabila Ananda, Athaya Sabina, Ulfa Rahmadani, Ali Syahrizal, Nabillah Deskya, Sinta Maria, Muhammad Riza, Lusi Rahmadia, Anni Holila, Dwi Putri, Kevin Gabriel, Ratna Sari Zai, Mega Carensia, Princella Halim, Naomi Regina, Dinda Rizka, Aulia Syahfitri, Tessa Rotua, Maria Belen, Fahmy Nanda, Rizzanda Pramuditya, Khairunnisa Khairunnisa, Emil Salim, F. Nurkolis, Chindy Umaya, Rony Abdi Syahputra","doi":"10.3897/pharmacia.71.e117145","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/pharmacia.71.e117145","url":null,"abstract":"Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted through Anopheles mosquitoes, remains a formidable global health challenge. This abstract provides an overview of the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying malaria pathogenesis, explores current therapeutic approaches, and highlights emerging insights that may shape future strategies for malaria control. The intricate dance between Plasmodium parasites and their human hosts begins with the mosquito’s bite, leading to the invasion of erythrocytes by Plasmodium species. We delve into the molecular mechanisms governing parasite entry and subsequent replication within host cells, shedding light on key factors such as erythrocyte surface receptors and parasite-encoded proteins critical to invasion and survival. While malaria treatment has relied heavily on antimalarial drugs, the emergence of drug resistance necessitates ongoing exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. This abstract reviews current antimalarial drug classes, their mechanisms of action, and the challenges posed by drug resistance. We also highlight promising drug candidates and innovative approaches in the pipeline, including the use of advanced molecular techniques and immunotherapies. Emerging insights from genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics have deepened our understanding of Plasmodium biology and host-parasite interactions. We discuss the potential of these omics approaches in identifying new drug targets, understanding drug resistance mechanisms, and developing vaccines. Additionally, we examine the role of human genetics in influencing susceptibility to malaria and response to treatment. Vector control remains a critical component of malaria prevention. We touch upon emerging strategies, such as genetically modified mosquitoes and novel insecticides, in the context of integrated vector management programs. Finally, we emphasize the importance of a multifaceted approach to malaria control, combining advances in molecular biology, drug development, vector control, and public health interventions.","PeriodicalId":508564,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140417544","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}
Pub Date : 2024-02-27DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.71.e113597
Qassim Mahdi Mutlak, Ali Abdulhussain Kasim
Background: Methotrexate is one of the mainstays for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with a wide range of adverse drug reactions, however, it’s the relationship between adverse drug reactions and genetic polymorphism remains to be highlighted, and there is a lack of studies concerning Arabic Iraqi population regarding this aspect. Objective: Evaluate the association between genetic mutations in the MTHFR gene in SNPs (rs1801133G>A and rs1801131T>G) on the adverse drug reaction for RA Iraqi patients. Methods: An observational study, that involved 95 Iraqi RA patients with established RA. Patients were divided according to the occurrence of adverse drug reactions. A polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was being utilized for MTHFR variants (rs1801133 and rs1801131). The Macrogen Company (Korea) provided the forward and reverse primers in lyophilized form. All PCR procedures are carried out using a PCR thermal cycler (Germany). Results: The study included 95 patients with RA, with a mean age of 43.1 ± 10.6 years, most of the patients were female (85.3%), about 35.8% were smokers, most of the patients had disease low activity (45.2%), followed by moderate (41.1%), high (9.5%), and remission (4.2%). No significant association between individual genetic polymorphism with adverse drug reactions. AG haplotype for rs1801133 rs1801131 polymorphism is associated with reducing the risk of overall adverse drug reactions, meanwhile, GT haplotype for rs1801133, and rs1801131 polymorphism were marginally associated with increased risk of adverse drug reactions. Conclusion: In conclusion, we have successfully found a panel of pharmacogenetic indicators that have the potential to be valuable in predicting the response to methotrexate treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Haplotypes for rs1801133 rs1801131 polymorphism are associated with reducing or increasing the risk of MTX adverse drug reactions. It is very important to evaluate patients’ haplotypes before starting the therapy program so that we can expect the treatment outcome with the most suitable dose and most tolerable one at the same time.
{"title":"Association of the rs1801133 and rs1801131 polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene and the adverse drug reaction of methotrexate treatment in a sample of Iraqi rheumatoid arthritis patients","authors":"Qassim Mahdi Mutlak, Ali Abdulhussain Kasim","doi":"10.3897/pharmacia.71.e113597","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/pharmacia.71.e113597","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Methotrexate is one of the mainstays for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with a wide range of adverse drug reactions, however, it’s the relationship between adverse drug reactions and genetic polymorphism remains to be highlighted, and there is a lack of studies concerning Arabic Iraqi population regarding this aspect.\u0000 Objective: Evaluate the association between genetic mutations in the MTHFR gene in SNPs (rs1801133G>A and rs1801131T>G) on the adverse drug reaction for RA Iraqi patients.\u0000 Methods: An observational study, that involved 95 Iraqi RA patients with established RA. Patients were divided according to the occurrence of adverse drug reactions. A polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was being utilized for MTHFR variants (rs1801133 and rs1801131). The Macrogen Company (Korea) provided the forward and reverse primers in lyophilized form. All PCR procedures are carried out using a PCR thermal cycler (Germany).\u0000 Results: The study included 95 patients with RA, with a mean age of 43.1 ± 10.6 years, most of the patients were female (85.3%), about 35.8% were smokers, most of the patients had disease low activity (45.2%), followed by moderate (41.1%), high (9.5%), and remission (4.2%). No significant association between individual genetic polymorphism with adverse drug reactions. AG haplotype for rs1801133 rs1801131 polymorphism is associated with reducing the risk of overall adverse drug reactions, meanwhile, GT haplotype for rs1801133, and rs1801131 polymorphism were marginally associated with increased risk of adverse drug reactions.\u0000 Conclusion: In conclusion, we have successfully found a panel of pharmacogenetic indicators that have the potential to be valuable in predicting the response to methotrexate treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Haplotypes for rs1801133 rs1801131 polymorphism are associated with reducing or increasing the risk of MTX adverse drug reactions. It is very important to evaluate patients’ haplotypes before starting the therapy program so that we can expect the treatment outcome with the most suitable dose and most tolerable one at the same time.","PeriodicalId":508564,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140426784","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}
Pub Date : 2024-02-27DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.71.e114441
Ahmed Hassan Al-Ghamdi, Mervat Z. Mohamed, Rabei M. Elbadry, A. Fouad
The possible protective effect of sitagliptin (SIT) against nephrotoxicity induced by a single dose 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (150 mg/kg, i.p.) was investigated in rats. SIT treatment (5 and 10 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was given for 7 days, starting 5 days before 5-FU administration. Both SIT doses caused significant reductions of serum creatinine and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels in rats received 5-FU. Both doses of SIT also significantly decreased malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65), Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and cleaved caspase-3 in kidneys of 5-FU-challenged rats. Additionally, SIT, at both doses, significantly increased renal total antioxidant capacity and nuclear factor erythroid 2related factor 2 (Nrf2) in rats received 5-FU. Besides, SIT markedly attenuated the 5-FU-induced histopathological kidney tissue injury in rats. It was concluded that SIT, at both doses, provided a significant nephroprotective effect in 5-FU-challenged rats, through its antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities, and by modulating Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways.
{"title":"Kidney protective effect of sitagliptin in 5-fluorouracil-challenged rats","authors":"Ahmed Hassan Al-Ghamdi, Mervat Z. Mohamed, Rabei M. Elbadry, A. Fouad","doi":"10.3897/pharmacia.71.e114441","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/pharmacia.71.e114441","url":null,"abstract":"The possible protective effect of sitagliptin (SIT) against nephrotoxicity induced by a single dose 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (150 mg/kg, i.p.) was investigated in rats. SIT treatment (5 and 10 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was given for 7 days, starting 5 days before 5-FU administration. Both SIT doses caused significant reductions of serum creatinine and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels in rats received 5-FU. Both doses of SIT also significantly decreased malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65), Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and cleaved caspase-3 in kidneys of 5-FU-challenged rats. Additionally, SIT, at both doses, significantly increased renal total antioxidant capacity and nuclear factor erythroid 2related factor 2 (Nrf2) in rats received 5-FU. Besides, SIT markedly attenuated the 5-FU-induced histopathological kidney tissue injury in rats. It was concluded that SIT, at both doses, provided a significant nephroprotective effect in 5-FU-challenged rats, through its antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities, and by modulating Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways.","PeriodicalId":508564,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140426755","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}
Pub Date : 2024-02-27DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.71.e119708
Salam Shannag, K. Nuseir, Linda Tahaineh, Wael Hananeh
Background: Ploy cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynecological disorder affecting between 4–20% of females worldwide. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric (Curcuma longaZingiberaceae) is a yellow polyphenol with a wide range of pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, neuroprotective and cardioprotective properties. Methods: Letrozole was used to induce PCOS in female Wistar rats. Curcumin, metformin, or a combination of both was given to assess their therapeutic effects. Body weight, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and glucose levels were measured after disease induction and at the conclusion of treatment. Additionally ovarian histomorphology was examined after sacrificing the animals and removal of the ovaries. Results and conclusion: Weight was significantly reduced in the curcumin, metformin and curcumin and metformin combination groups. Testosterone was decreased, progesterone was increased, and normal ovarian morphology was restored in the three groups. Conclusions: curcumin is therapeutically effective for PCOS and is comparable to metformin.
{"title":"Curcumin is comparable to metformin for the treatment of PCOS in rats: a preclinical study","authors":"Salam Shannag, K. Nuseir, Linda Tahaineh, Wael Hananeh","doi":"10.3897/pharmacia.71.e119708","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/pharmacia.71.e119708","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Ploy cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynecological disorder affecting between 4–20% of females worldwide. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric (Curcuma longaZingiberaceae) is a yellow polyphenol with a wide range of pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, neuroprotective and cardioprotective properties.\u0000 Methods: Letrozole was used to induce PCOS in female Wistar rats. Curcumin, metformin, or a combination of both was given to assess their therapeutic effects. Body weight, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and glucose levels were measured after disease induction and at the conclusion of treatment. Additionally ovarian histomorphology was examined after sacrificing the animals and removal of the ovaries.\u0000 Results and conclusion: Weight was significantly reduced in the curcumin, metformin and curcumin and metformin combination groups. Testosterone was decreased, progesterone was increased, and normal ovarian morphology was restored in the three groups. Conclusions: curcumin is therapeutically effective for PCOS and is comparable to metformin.","PeriodicalId":508564,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacia","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140424451","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}