Acta Pharmaceutica最新文献

Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces skin photoaging, which manifests as oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen degradation. Multiple approaches (topical or systemic retinoids, antioxidants, alpha-hydroxy acids, laser, surgery) are used in the treatment of photoaged skin, and the use of topical retinoids is currently a primary clinical treatment. Previous studies revealed that retinoic acid promotes keratinocyte proliferation and reduces melanin deposition and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) secretion; it also causes potential allergic and inflammatory damage to the skin. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of trifarotene, a functional retinoic acid analog, on UV-irradiated photoaging ICR and BALB/c nude mice and UVB photodamaged human epidermal keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells by examining indicators such as collagen, oxidoreductase, and inflammatory factor presence through histochemical staining, Western blot, and ELISA. Results suggested that trifarotene significantly reduced UV-induced photoaging in mouse skin tissue, potentially by reducing oxidative stress damage and inflammatory factor release, and inhibiting melanin deposition and collagen degradation by downregulating MMP expression. Concentrations of malondialdehyde, tyrosinase, interleukin-6, interleukin- 12, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in photoaged skin decreased, while SOD content in photodamaged HaCaT cells significantly increased. Trifarotene (3.3 μmol L-1) inhibited phosphorylated JNK and c-Jun expression both independently and collaboratively with the JNK activator anisomycin, demonstrating that trifarotene mitigates UV-induced collagen degradation and apoptosis through inhibition of the JNK/c-Jun/MMPs signaling pathway.

The formulation of biopharmaceutical drugs is designed to eliminate chemical instabilities, increase conformational and colloidal stability of proteins, and optimize interfacial stability. Among the various excipients involved, buffer composition plays a pivotal role. However, conventional buffers like histidine and phosphate buffers may not always be the optimal choice for all monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). In this study, we investigated the effects of several alternative buffer systems on seven different mAbs, exploring various combinations of ionic strengths, concentrations of the main buffer component, mAb concentrations, and stress conditions. Protein stability was assessed by analyzing soluble aggregate formation through size exclusion chromatography. At low protein concentrations, protein instability after temperature stress was exclusively observed in the bis-TRIS/ glucuronate buffer. Conversely, freeze-thaw stress led to a significant increase in aggregate formation in tested formulations, highlighting the efficacy of several alternative buffers, particularly arginine/ citrate, in preserving protein stability. Under temperature stress, the introduction of arginine to histidine buffer systems provided additional stabilization, while the addition of lysine resulted in protein destabilization. Similarly, the incorporation of arginine into histi-dine/HCl buffer further enhanced protein stability during freeze--thaw cycles. At high protein concentrations, the histidine/citrate buffer emerged as one of the most optimal choices for addressing temperature and light-induced stress. The efficacy of histidine buffers in combating light stress might be attributed to the light-absorbing properties of histidine molecules. Our findings demonstrate that the development of biopharmaceutical formulations should not be confined to conventional buffer systems, as numerous alternative options exhibit comparable or even superior performance.

Despite great therapeutic advances in the field of biologics, small synthetic molecules such as thiopurines, including azathioprine, mercaptopurine, and thioguanine, remain an important therapeutic pillar in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, other autoimmune disorders, and cancer. This review presents the latest guidelines for thiopurine administration, highlighting the importance of individualized therapy guided by pharmacogenomics. It emphasizes dose adjustment based on nudix hydrolase 15 (NUDT15) and thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) genotype, along side thiopurine S-methyltransferase activity and thiopurine metabolic profile. In addition, the article takes a critical look at emerging research in the field of thiopurine pharmaco genomics featuring novel genetic markers and technological developments in genetic testing. Finally, the potential of integrated approaches that combine genetic, meta bolic, and clinical factors to further individualize thiopurine therapy is highlighted.

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sorafenib plus transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in treating hepato-cellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT). Twelve randomized controlled trials published until 28^th Sep 2022 were finally included. Of the total 1746 patients, of whom 458 received sorafenib and TACE treatment (Group S+TACE), and 1288 only underwent TACE (Group TACE), were enrolled. Outcomes including time to progression (TTP), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), survival rate (SR), and adverse reactions, were extracted. The OS (HR: 0.596, 95 %CI: 0.507-0.685, p < 0.001; I2 = 0.0 %) and TTP (HR: 0.379, 95 %CI: 0.205-0.553, p < 0.001; I² = 4.5 %) in the S+TACE group were longer than those in the TACE group. The ORR (RR: 2.101, 95 %CI: 1.555-2.839, p < 0.001; I2 = 0.0 %), DCR (RR: 1.547, 95 %CI: 1.126-2.126, p = 0.007; I2 = 79.6 %) and SR (RR: 1.416, 95 %CI: 1.183-1.694, p < 0.001; I² = 83.8 %) in the S+TACE group were higher than those in the TACE group. Compared with the TCAE group, the higher odds of HFSR, oral ulcer, and diarrhea among patients with HCC complicated by PVTT were discovered in the S+TACE group. The marginal significance was found in ascites and gastrointestinal bleeding between the two groups. Sorafenib plus TACE has good efficacy and mild adverse reactions, which may be worthy of clinical promotion.

Polyurethane/hydroxyapatite (PU/HA) composites are well-known for various biomedical applications. This study reports a chemical approach to improve the interaction between HA and PU matrix. HA was surface-modified with 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI). First, an isocyanate-modified HA (IHA) was synthesized by hydro-thermal method. Second, IHA was incorporated into a separately synthesized thermoplastic PU by a solvent casting technique. A series of PU/IHA composites was prepared by varying PU᾿s soft and hard segments. The IHA was added to PU (5 and 10 %). The FTIR spectra exhibited characteristic bands of urethane and HA, confirming the synthesis of the composites. XRD study showed the crystallite size of IHA (20 Å) with hexagonal geometry and an amorphous to semicrystalline nature of composites. SEM showed that composites displayed porous and granular morphology. The TGA thermograms of the composites revealed the thermal stability up to 400 °C. The IHA addition considerably improved hydrophilicity and degradation of the composites in simulated body fluid (SBF). MTT assay revealed improved cytocompatibility (> 80 %) of the composites. These results demonstrated an appreciable improvement in structure, morphology, hydrophilicity, degradation, and cytocompatibility of PU/IHA composites by chemical modification of HA. Hence, these composites possess remarkable potential for biomedical applications such as tissue regeneration.

A new micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatographic (MEKC) method has been developed and optimized for simultaneous quantitation of doxorubicin (Dox) and fullerenol (Frl) in rat serum. The separation was carried out in a capillary (48.5-40 cm to the detector - 50 µm id fused-silica capillary with bubble cell, 150 µm) at an applied voltage of 25 kV and temperature of 25 °C. For the background electrolyte 10 mmol L^{- 1} borate buffer pH 9.3 plus 15 mmol L-1 phosphate buffer pH 7.0 (with the final pH of the mixture adjusted to 7.0 with HCl), with added 10 % (V/V) methanol, and 15 mmol L-1 sodium dodecyl sulfate as a surfactant, were used. The hydrodynamic injection was carried out at 5.0 kPa during the period of 100 s. Linear calibration curves were established over the concentration range 0.5-500.0 mg L^{- 1} for Dox and 10.0-500.0 mg L^{- 1} for Frl (at 234 nm). The proposed MEKC procedure was fully validated and applied for the deter mination of Dox and Frl in Wistar rats after intra pe ritoneal administration of both molecules.

Dry eye disease (DED) is an ocular condition characterized by altered tear film homeostasis, resulting in symptoms like tear film instability, hyperosmolarity, inflammation, and neurosensory abnormalities. It affects visual acuity and quality of life and is influenced by age, gender, and environmental factors. The first line of treatment consists of dynamically developing artificial tears, gels, and eyelid sprays, which can be supplemented with natural ingredients for enhanced efficacy. Other therapeutic steps include auto-logous serum tears, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive eyedrops, or oral tablets. Management also targets Meibomian gland dysfunction and the ocular surface micro-biome. This article explores various therapeutic approaches, including natural compounds and complementary strategies. Natural compounds, such as vitamins, and herbal substances (e.g., trehalose), offer promising benefits in enhancing tear film stability and ocular surface protection. Apitherapeutic products like manuka honey and propolis exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, human tissue-derived solutions, such as auto-logous serum tears and amniotic membrane extracts, hold the potential for ocular surface regeneration. Other strategies, including polyherbal eye drops, liposomal eyelid sprays, and microbiome-supporting solutions offer alternative therapeutic avenues. Moreover, patient education, lifestyle modifications, and interdisciplinary collaboration play crucial roles in DED management, emphasizing the importance of holistic care approaches.

In patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, including ramipril, is recommended to reduce the risk of heart failure worsening, hospitalisation, and death. Our aim was to investigate the influence of body composition on the pharmacokinetics of ramipril and its active metabolite ramiprilat and to evaluate the changes in pharmacokinetics after prolonged therapy. Twenty-three patients with CHF who were on regular therapy with ramipril participated at the first study visit ( median age 77 years, 65 % male, and 70 % New York Heart Association Class II); 19 patients attended the second study visit and the median time between the two visits was 8 months. Pharmacokinetics were assessed using a nonlinear mixed-effects parent-metabolite model comprising two compartments for ramipril and one compartment for ramiprilat. The influence of body size and composition was best described by an allometric relationship with fat-free mass. In addition, ramipril clearance was related to patient age and daily ramipril dose, while clearance of ramiprilat was influenced by glome rular filtration rate and daily ramipril dose. There were no clinically relevant changes in the pharmacokinetics of ramipril and ramiprilat between the study visits. Due to the relatively stable pharmacokinetics of ramipril, regular outpatient visits at 6-month intervals seem appropriate to evaluate ramipril therapy.

This study investigates the 10-year trend in the sedative and anticholinergic burden among older adults in Slovenia, with the aim of identifying opportunities to optimize pharmacotherapy in this population. A retrospective drug utilization analysis was conducted based on a national anonymized database of dispensed prescriptions from 2009 to 2019. The study employed the sedative load model and the anticholinergic cognitive burden scale to assess the sedative and anti cholinergic burden, respectively. The findings indicate that in 2019, 45.6 % and 40.8 % of older adults (≥ 65 years) used sedative and anticholinergic medications, respectively. A high sedative load and a clinically significant anticholinergic burden were observed in a considerable proportion of older adults (13.2 % and 11.2 %, respectively, in 2019). The age-standardized prevalence of sedative load and anti-cholinergic burden significantly decreased over the 10-year study period by 5.6 % and 1.7 %, respectively (absolute difference), while the prevalence of clinically significant anticholinergic burden remained stable. Notably, the age groups 85-89 years and above 90 years had an increase in the proportion of individuals with a clinically significant anticholinergic burden over the years. These results emphasize the need for targeted interventions, particularly in the oldest age groups, to promote safe and effective medication use among older adults.

Oral solid dosage forms are most frequently administered with a glass of water which empties from the stomach relatively fast, but with a certain variability in its emptying kinetics. The purpose of this study was thus to simulate different individual water gastric emptying (GE) patterns in an in vitro glass-bead flow-through dissolution system. Further, the effect of GE on the dissolution of model drugs from immediate-release tablets was assessed by determining the amount of dissolved drug in the samples pumped out of the stomach compartment. Additionally, different HCl solutions were used as dissolution media to assess the effect of the variability of pH of the gastric fluid on the dissolution of three model drugs: paracetamol, diclofenac sodium, and dipyridamole. The difference in fast and slow GE kinetics resulted in different dissolution profiles of paracetamol in all studied media. For diclofenac sodium and dipyridamole tablets, the effect of GE kinetics was well observed only in media, where the solubility was not a limiting factor. Therefore, GE kinetics of co-ingested water influences the drug release from immediate-release tablets, however, in certain cases, other parameters influencing drug dissolution can partly or fully hinder the expression of this effect.