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Compounded Hair Solutions and Foams Containing Minoxidil: Does the Color Change Impact Stability?

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Hudson C. Polonini

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Carolina C. V. Silva

Sci. Pharm. 2023, 91(3), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm91030039 - 15 Aug 2023

Viewed by 895

Abstract

An increasing number of pharmacies around the world are producing hair solutions and foams containing minoxidil for alopecia, commonly using ready-to-use vehicles such as TrichoSol^TM or TrichoFoam^TM. However, it is paramount to determine the chemical and microbiological compatibility of these [...] Read more.

An increasing number of pharmacies around the world are producing hair solutions and foams containing minoxidil for alopecia, commonly using ready-to-use vehicles such as TrichoSol^TM or TrichoFoam^TM. However, it is paramount to determine the chemical and microbiological compatibility of these formulations so they can be safely implemented as vehicles of choice. Also, these products usually suffer from a change of color over time, which leads to many patients prematurely discontinuing treatment. As long-term treatment is recommended, this study aimed to assess the physical–chemical and microbiological stability and investigate the color change of compounded minoxidil formulations. For that, HPLC analyses and antimicrobial effectiveness testing were conducted in a bracketed study covering concentrations from 1.0% to 7.0% of minoxidil. HPLC, pH, and metals in 5.0% minoxidil compounded products were determined using ICP-MS to evaluate the mechanisms involved in their color change. The stability of the products varied from 120 to 380 days. The color change was remarkably noticeable, but apart from this parameter, no other quality attribute was affected throughout this period, including minoxidil content, which presented only minor fluctuations. No precipitation was observed, and pH was relatively stable. It is not expected that this yellow color will impact effectiveness. Finally, we created an indicative color chart of the behavior of minoxidil in the studied vehicles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessArticle

Analytical Investigation of Forced Oxidized Anti-VEGF IgG Molecules: A Focus on the Alterations in Antigen and Receptor Binding Activities

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Sci. Pharm. 2023, 91(3), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm91030031 - 28 Jun 2023

Viewed by 2602

Abstract

Alterations in the biological activity of the molecules under stress conditions have not been documented as widely in the literature yet. This study was designed to reveal the functional impacts of various oxidation conditions on a model mAb, a commercial anti-VEGF IgG molecule. [...] Read more.

Alterations in the biological activity of the molecules under stress conditions have not been documented as widely in the literature yet. This study was designed to reveal the functional impacts of various oxidation conditions on a model mAb, a commercial anti-VEGF IgG molecule. The responses to antigen binding, cell proliferation, FcRn receptors, and C1q binding, which rarely appear in the current literature, were investigated. The authors report peptide mapping data, post-translational modification (PTM) analysis, cell proliferation performance, and antigen (VEGF), C1q, and FcRn binding activities of the mAb under various stress conditions. The oxidation-prone site of the mAb was determined as Met252 in the DTLMISR peptide. The VEGF binding activity and anti-cell proliferation activity of the mAbs did not alter, while C1q and FcRn binding capacity significantly decreased under oxidative stress conditions. The full report is vital for many scientific and industrial processes about mAbs. The authors recommend performing functional analyses in addition to the structural studies while investigating the impacts of stress factors on therapeutic mAbs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessArticle

Escherichia coli (Lilly) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Novo) rDNA Glucagon: An Assessment of Their Actions When Supplied Selectively to Periportal Cells in the Bivascularly Perfused Rat Liver

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Lívia Bracht

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Jorgete Constantin

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Rosane Marina Peralta

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Adelar Bracht

Sci. Pharm. 2023, 91(3), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm91030029 - 24 Jun 2023

Viewed by 811

Abstract

The actions of Eli Lilly-rDNA glucagon and Novo Nordisk-rDNA glucagon on glycogen catabolism and related parameters were investigated using the bivascularly perfused rat liver. The technique allows glucagon to be supplied to a selective portion of the hepatic periportal region (≈39%) when the [...] Read more.

The actions of Eli Lilly-rDNA glucagon and Novo Nordisk-rDNA glucagon on glycogen catabolism and related parameters were investigated using the bivascularly perfused rat liver. The technique allows glucagon to be supplied to a selective portion of the hepatic periportal region (≈39%) when the former is infused into the hepatic artery in retrograde perfusion. Both glucagon preparations were equally effective in influencing metabolism (glucose output, glycolysis and O₂ uptake) when supplied to all cells along the liver sinusoids. When only a selective periportal region of the liver was supplied with the hormone, however, the action of Novo Nordisk-rDNA glucagon was proportional to the accessible cell space, whereas the action of Eli Lilly-rDNA glucagon greatly exceeded the action that was expected for the accessible space. Chromatographically, both rDNA preparations were not pure, but their impurities were not the same. The impurities in Eli Lilly-rDNA glucagon resembled those found in the similarly acting pancreatic Eli Lilly glucagon. It was concluded that the space-extrapolating action of Eli Lilly-rDNA glucagon is caused by a yet-to-be-identified impurity. The hypothesis was raised that an impurity in certain glucagon preparations can enhance cell-to-cell propagation of the glucagon signal, possibly via gap junctional communication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessArticle

Mapping Protein Targets of Carnosol, a Molecule Identified in Rosmarinus officinalis: In Silico Docking Studies and Network Pharmacology

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María Taboada-Alquerque

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Danilo Pajaro-Valenzuela

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Karina Caballero-Gallardo

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Alejandro Cifuentes

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Elena Ibáñez

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Maicol Ahumedo-Monterrosa

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Elena E. Stashenko

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Jesus Olivero-Verbel

Sci. Pharm. 2023, 91(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm91020019 - 10 Apr 2023

Viewed by 2078

Abstract

Carnosol is a natural diterpene present in Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) with anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite its importance, the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the interactions between carnosol and human targets are still unclear. The goal was to identify plausible human target for carnosol [...] Read more.

Carnosol is a natural diterpene present in Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) with anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite its importance, the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the interactions between carnosol and human targets are still unclear. The goal was to identify plausible human target for carnosol and the network pharmacology. Rosemary was analyzed using HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Potential carnosol targets were identified using docking and a public database (CTD). Carnosol was screened against 708 human proteins using AutoDock Vina, and affinity values were used as prioritization criteria. The targets set was uploaded to WebGestalt to obtain Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analyses allowed the tentative annotation of nine chemicals, with carnosol being the most ionized. There were 53 plausible targets for carnosol, with 20 identified using virtual screening, including Hsp90α (−10.9 kcal/mol), AKR1C3 (−10.4 kcal/mol), and Hsp90β (−10.4 kcal/mol), and 33 identified from CTD. The potential targets for carnosol identified with PPI and molecular docking were HSP90AA1, MAPK1, MAPK3, CAT, JUN, AHR, and CASP3. GO terms and KEGG pathways analysis found that carnosol is closely related to infection (Chagas, influenza A, toxoplasmosis, and pertussis) and inflammation (IL-17 and TNF signaling pathway and Th-17 cell differentiation). These results demonstrated that carnosol may induce an immuno-inflammatory response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessArticle

Carthamus tinctorius Suppresses LPS-Induced Anti-Inflammatory Responses by Inhibiting the MAPKs/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in HaCaT Cells

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So-Yeon Kim

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Minji Hong

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Ponnuvel Deepa

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Kandhasamy Sowndhararajan

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Se Jin Park

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SeonJu Park

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Songmun Kim

Sci. Pharm. 2023, 91(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm91010014 - 06 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1730

Abstract

This study aimed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory activity of C. tinctorius leaves by measuring inflammatory parameters such as nitric oxide (NO) production and mRNA expression of iNOS, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced HaCaT cells. Further, the effect of C. tinctorius ethanol [...] Read more.

This study aimed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory activity of C. tinctorius leaves by measuring inflammatory parameters such as nitric oxide (NO) production and mRNA expression of iNOS, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced HaCaT cells. Further, the effect of C. tinctorius ethanol extract on the MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathway was examined in HaCaT cells. The phytochemical profile of the ethanol extract of C. tinctorius leaves was determined using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. The results indicated that the ethanol extract of C. tinctorius effectively attenuated LPS-induced secretion of NO, IL-6, and IL-1β in HaCaT cells. Further, LPS-stimulated mRNA and protein expressions of iNOS were decreased by pre-treatment with C. tinctorius ethanol extract at the transcriptional level in HaCaT cells. Moreover, the ethanol extract of C. tinctorius suppressed NF-κB signaling in LPS-induced HaCaT cells. This suppression was mediated by MAPKs/NF-κB signaling, inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38 and p65 in HaCaT cells. However, there is no significant effect on the phosphorylation of JNK by the ethanol extract. The QTOF-MS/MS analysis revealed the identification of 27 components in the ethanol extract of C. tinctorius leaves. The data demonstrate that the ethanol extract of C. tinctorius leaves protects the LPS-induced HaCaT cells by inhibiting the expression of iNOS, IL-6, and IL-1β and suppressing the phosphorylation of the p38, p65, p-JNK via inactivation of MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathway. These results demonstrate that C. tinctorius leaves may serve as a potential candidate to prevent inflammation-related diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessArticle

Detailing the Ten Main Professional Roles of a Pharmacist to Provide the Scope of Professional Functions

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Sci. Pharm. 2023, 91(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm91010005 - 13 Jan 2023

Viewed by 2933

Abstract

As members of a public trust profession, pharmacists are the most accessible medical team members. Therefore, every pharmacist must know the scope of their professional roles (PR) and professional functions (PF). The study aimed to detail the major PR into a pooled set [...] Read more.

As members of a public trust profession, pharmacists are the most accessible medical team members. Therefore, every pharmacist must know the scope of their professional roles (PR) and professional functions (PF). The study aimed to detail the major PR into a pooled set of PF. The research materials were the provisions of the World Health Organization, the International Pharmaceutical Federation, and scientific works on the PR of pharmacists. Methods of critical analysis, concretization, functional decomposition, and scientific generalization were used. As a result of detailing the 10 main PR according to the “ten-star pharmacist” concept for each, a combined set of partial PFs of the pharmacist was obtained. The decomposition takes into account the principle of complexity limitation, which allowed three to six partial PF for the respective PR to be obtained, namely: three PFs for a life-long-learner, five PFs for a caregiver, a decision-maker, a teacher, a leader, a researcher, an entrepreneur, and an agent of positive change, six PFs for a communicator and a manager. Thus, due to the decomposition of each of the 10 main PR of the pharmacist into three or six corresponding partial PFs, we received a multifunctional verbal model of difficult to organize, professional activities, which is identified by a total of 50 PFs. The importance of using this model in formulating professional competencies and learning outcomes of educational programs for pharmacists is emphasized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessArticle

Effect of Aqueous Extracts of Quercus resinosa on the Mechanical Behavior of Bigels

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José Alberto Gallegos-Infante

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María del Pilar Galindo-Galindo

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Martha Rocío Moreno-Jiménez

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Nuria Elizabeth Rocha-Guzmán

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Rubén Francisco González-Laredo

Sci. Pharm. 2022, 90(4), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm90040073 - 28 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1741

Abstract

Quercus resinosa leaves are rich in polyphenol compounds, however, they are unstable to several chemical and physical factors that limit their activity. Several methods have been developed to solve such problems, among which bigels can be mentioned and obtained using hydrogels and oleogels. [...] Read more.

Quercus resinosa leaves are rich in polyphenol compounds, however, they are unstable to several chemical and physical factors that limit their activity. Several methods have been developed to solve such problems, among which bigels can be mentioned and obtained using hydrogels and oleogels. The mechanical characterization of this type of materials is by using rheological methods. Although the use of these methods is well documented, the Carreau-Yasuda model has been little used to evaluate the effect of polyphenols on the mechanical behavior of bigels. Therefore, bigels were obtained from hydrogels (guar gum/xanthan gum, 0.5/0.5% w/v) and oleogels (sesame oil/sorbitan monostearate 10% w/w). Micrographs, linear viscoelasticity range, frequency sweep, and single shear tests were performed. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey test (p < 0.05); micrographs showed linear relationship between polyphenols concentration and droplet size. Liquid fraction of bigels showed a pseudoplastic behavior, while the parameters of Carreau-Yasuda model showed that the highest value of the complex viscosity at zero shear was at the lowest concentration of extract; the relaxation time presented the lowest value at higher concentrations of extracts. These results indicate that the presence of polyphenols modifyes the mechanical behavior of bigels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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New Quinazolin-4(3H)-one Derivatives Incorporating Hydrazone and Pyrazole Scaffolds as Antimicrobial Agents Targeting DNA Gyraze Enzyme

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Eman M. Mohi El-Deen

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Eman S. Nossier

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Eman A. Karam

Sci. Pharm. 2022, 90(3), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm90030052 - 26 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1523

Abstract

The present work includes the synthesis of a new series of quinazolin-4(3H)-one compounds (4a–f, 5a–d) as antimicrobial agents. The starting compound, 2-hydrazinylquinazolin-4(3H)-one (2), was synthesized and treated with different carbonyl [...] Read more.

The present work includes the synthesis of a new series of quinazolin-4(3H)-one compounds (4a–f, 5a–d) as antimicrobial agents. The starting compound, 2-hydrazinylquinazolin-4(3H)-one (2), was synthesized and treated with different carbonyl compounds to afford the hydrazone derivatives 4a–f. In addition, the hydrazone derivatives 4a–d were treated with a DMF/POCl₃ mixture to give the formyl-pyrazole derivatives 5a–d. All the target compounds were evaluated as antimicrobial agents against four bacterial and four fungal strains. The majority of the tested compounds showed potent antimicrobial activity compared with the reference antibiotics. The most potent antimicrobial activity was shown by 5a with MIC values in the range (1–16) μg/mL. In addition, the most potent compounds against E. coli were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against E. coli DNA gyrase, whereas the target compounds 4a, 5a, 5c, and 5d showed the most potent inhibition to the target enzyme with IC₅₀ values ranging from 3.19 to 4.17 µM. Furthermore, molecular docking studies were performed for the most active compounds against the target E. coli DNA gyrase to determine their binding affinity within the enzyme’s active site. Moreover, ADME evaluations of these compounds predicted their high oral bioavailability and good GI absorption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Antidepressant Effect of Neuropeptide Y in Models of Acute and Chronic Stress

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Sci. Pharm. 2022, 90(3), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm90030050 - 23 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1877

Abstract

The search for potential effective antidepressants with minimal side effects is necessary. Peptides are possible applicants for this role. We investigated the antidepressant effect of neuropeptide Y (NY), alone and in combination with clomipramine, in models of acute and chronic stress induced by [...] Read more.

The search for potential effective antidepressants with minimal side effects is necessary. Peptides are possible applicants for this role. We investigated the antidepressant effect of neuropeptide Y (NY), alone and in combination with clomipramine, in models of acute and chronic stress induced by ultrasound of variable frequencies. Rats were divided into the following groups: the control group, stress group, and stress groups with intranasal administration of NY (100 μg/kg) or clomipramine (7.5 mg/kg), or their combination. Rat behavior was evaluated using a sucrose preference test and forced swimming test in an acute stress model, and a sucrose preference test, forced swimming test, social interaction test, open field test, and Morris water maze test in a chronic stress model. The results of our experiment demonstrated a protective effect of intranasal NY in a model of acute stress, which was comparable to the antidepressant effect of clomipramine. When the same dose was chronically administered, NY also demonstrated an antidepressant action, although expressed in a lesser degree than clomipramine. The combination of NY and clomipramine was much less effective in the chronic stress paradigm compared to the separated drug administration, but was just as effective in the acute stress paradigm. Until now, there was no convincing evidence for the efficacy of the chronic administration of neuropeptide Y; we demonstrated its effectiveness in the animal model of depressive-like behavior. However, our hypothesis that neuropeptide Y can enhance the effect of a classical antidepressant was not confirmed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Synthesis and Evaluation of (1,4-Disubstituted)-1,2,3-triazoles as Estrogen Receptor Beta Agonists

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Sci. Pharm. 2022, 90(3), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm90030046 - 01 Aug 2022

Viewed by 1609

Abstract

Estrogen receptors (ER) are nuclear hormone receptors which are responsible for sex hormone signaling in women. A series of (1,4-disubstituted)-1,2,3-triazoles 5–21 were prepared by reaction of azidophenols with terminal alkynes under Fokin reaction conditions. The products were purified by column chromatography [...] Read more.

Estrogen receptors (ER) are nuclear hormone receptors which are responsible for sex hormone signaling in women. A series of (1,4-disubstituted)-1,2,3-triazoles 5–21 were prepared by reaction of azidophenols with terminal alkynes under Fokin reaction conditions. The products were purified by column chromatography or recrystallization and characterized by NMR and HRMS. The compounds were tested for binding to ERβ via a ligand displacement assay, and 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-α-phenyl-1,2,3-triazole-4-ethanol (21) was found to be the most potent analog (EC₅₀ = 1.59 μM). Molecular docking of 5–21 within the ligand binding pocket of ERβ (pdb 2jj3) was performed and the docking scores exhibited a general qualitative trend consistent with the measured EC₅₀ values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Emerging Approach for the Application of Hibiscus sabdariffa Extract Ointment in the Superficial Burn Care

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Mahmoud Saad Abdel-Halim

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Sci. Pharm. 2022, 90(3), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm90030041 - 30 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2285

Abstract

Wound healing comprises organized events involving tissue repair and regeneration. The discovery of toll-like receptors (TLRs) sheds recent light on the mechanisms involved in initiating inflammatory responses throughout the healing cascades. Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) components may exhibit a wound healing action, owing to [...] Read more.

Wound healing comprises organized events involving tissue repair and regeneration. The discovery of toll-like receptors (TLRs) sheds recent light on the mechanisms involved in initiating inflammatory responses throughout the healing cascades. Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) components may exhibit a wound healing action, owing to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study was designed to investigate the early effects of HS loaded in an ointment base on wound healing, antioxidant, antimicrobial effects, burning intensity, and histopathological features on the rat burn model in comparison to the standard treatment, Iruxol^® ointment. A burn injury model was used to evaluate the wound healing potency of the preparation. Rats were treated with ointments three times on the day of the induction of the burn. Findings revealed that the strong antioxidant properties of the HS-loaded ointment augmented the skin healing potential by stimulating biomarkers required for skin regeneration. HS repressed the burning-induced inflammation by the effective reduction in the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and IL-6 through TLR4 protein inhibition. Topical HS downregulates transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) levels. HS extract possesses a potential bactericidal activity against highly resistant clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Overall, this study proclaims that HS-loaded topical preparations could be a valuable product that serves as adjuvants to accelerate burn wound healing through inactivating the TLR4 pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Colorectal Cancer Chemoprevention by S-Allyl Cysteine–Caffeic Acid Hybrids: In Vitro Biological Activity and In Silico Studies

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Angie Herrera-Ramirez

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Andres F. Yepes-Pérez

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Jorge Quintero-Saumeth

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Gustavo Moreno-Quintero

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Tonny W. Naranjo

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Wilson Cardona-Galeano

Sci. Pharm. 2022, 90(3), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm90030040 - 30 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2184

Abstract

Conventional chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) gives only a small increase in patient survival, since it is often diagnosed at late stages, when the tumor has disseminated to other organs. Moreover, it is common to observe that malignant cells may acquire resistance to [...] Read more.

Conventional chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) gives only a small increase in patient survival, since it is often diagnosed at late stages, when the tumor has disseminated to other organs. Moreover, it is common to observe that malignant cells may acquire resistance to conventional chemotherapies through different mechanisms, including reducing drug activation or accumulation (by enhancing efflux), inducing alterations in molecular targets, and inhibiting the DNA damage response, among other strategies. Considering these facts, the discovery of new molecules with therapeutic potential has become an invaluable tool in chemoprevention. In this context, we previously evaluated two hybrids (SAC-CAFA-MET and SAC-CAFA-PENT) that exhibited selective cytotoxicity against SW480 cells, with better results than the conventional chemotherapeutic agent (5-fluorouracil; 5-FU). Here, we investigated the possible mechanisms of these molecules in greater depth, to identify whether they could be valuable therapeutic scaffolds in the search for new molecules with chemopreventive potential for the treatment of CRC. Both compounds reduced ROS formation, which could be related to antioxidant effects. Further evaluations showed that SAC-CAFA-MET induces cell death independent of caspases and the tumor-suppressor protein p53, but probably mediated by the negative regulation of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2. In addition, the lack of activation of caspase-8 and the positive regulation of caspase-3 induced by SAC-CAFA-PENT suggest that this compound acts through an apoptotic mechanism, probably initiated by intrinsic pathways. Furthermore, the downregulation of IL-6 by SAC-CAFA-PENT suggests that it also induces a significant anti-inflammatory process. In addition, docking studies would suggest caspase-3 modulation as the primary mechanism by which SAC-CAFA-PENT elicits apoptosis in SW480human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Meanwhile, density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that both hybrids would produce effects in the modulation of ROS in SW480 cells via the hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) pathway. The present work notes that SAC-CAFA-MET and SAC-CAFA-PENT could be potential candidates for further investigations in the search for potential chemopreventive agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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In Vitro and In Silico Antistaphylococcal Activity of Indole Alkaloids Isolated from Tabernaemontana cymosa Jacq (Apocynaceae)

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Yina Pájaro-González

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Julián Cabrera-Barraza

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Geraldine Martelo-Ramírez

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Andrés F. Oliveros-Díaz

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Juan Urrego-Álvarez

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Wiston Quiñones-Fletcher

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Fredyc Díaz-Castillo

Sci. Pharm. 2022, 90(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm90020038 - 14 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2151

Abstract

The species of the genus Tabernaemontana have a long tradition of use in different pathologies of infectious origins; the antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects related to the control of the pathologies where the species of this genus are used, have been attributed to [...] Read more.

The species of the genus Tabernaemontana have a long tradition of use in different pathologies of infectious origins; the antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects related to the control of the pathologies where the species of this genus are used, have been attributed to the indole monoterpene alkaloids, mainly those of the iboga type. There are more than 1000 alkaloids isolated from different species of Tabernaemontana and other genera of the Apocynaceae family, several of which lack studies related to antibacterial activity. In the present study, four monoterpene indole alkaloids were isolated from the seeds of the species Tabernaemontana cymosa Jacq, namely voacangine (1), voacangine-7-hydroxyindolenine (2), 3-oxovoacangine (3), and rupicoline (4), which were tested in an in vitro antibacterial activity study against the bacteria S. aureus, sensitive and resistant to methicillin, and classified by the World Health Organization as critical for the investigation of new antibiotics. Of the four alkaloids tested, only voacangine was active against S. aureus, with an MIC of 50 µg/mL. In addition, an in silico study was carried out between the four isolated alkaloids and some proteins of this bacterium, finding that voacangine also showed binding to proteins involved in cell wall synthesis, mainly PBP2 and PBP2a. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Ex Vivo and In Vivo Study of Some Isoquinoline Precursors

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Veneta Chaova-Gizdakova

Sci. Pharm. 2022, 90(2), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm90020037 - 13 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2034

Abstract

This article concerns the synthesis and biological activities of some N-(1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propan-2-yl) amides as isoquinoline precursors and compounds with smooth muscle (SM) relaxant activity. Aim: find the biological activity of N-(1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propan-2-yl) amides and compare it with papaverine, an isoquinoline alkaloid that has been known [...] Read more.

This article concerns the synthesis and biological activities of some N-(1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propan-2-yl) amides as isoquinoline precursors and compounds with smooth muscle (SM) relaxant activity. Aim: find the biological activity of N-(1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propan-2-yl) amides and compare it with papaverine, an isoquinoline alkaloid that has been known as a brain and coronary vasodilator and SM relaxant. Materials and methods: In silico simulation with the PASS online program predicts SM relaxant activity for the compounds. The amides were tested on the isolated gastric SM preparations (SMPs) from rats to determine their effects on spontaneous contractile activity (CA) compared with papaverine. The in vivo effect on the learning and memory processes of rats was also assessed. Results: the data from the isometric measurements showed that one of the compounds caused ex vivo relaxation in circular SM tissues isolated from the stomach (corpus) of male Wistar rats. Conclusion: We found that the compound’s SM relaxation uses the papaverine pathway. It also has an improving effect on the cognitive functions of learning and memory processes in rats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Comparison of the Purity and Impurity of Glucagon-for-Injection Products under Various Stability Conditions

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Sci. Pharm. 2022, 90(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm90020032 - 17 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2392

Abstract

Glucagon is a polypeptide hormone that serves as an essential therapeutic agent in the emergency treatment of hypoglycemia. Recently, the first generic glucagon for injection was approved. However, unlike its brand name counterpart, which is produced via recombinant DNA, the generic glucagon is [...] Read more.

Glucagon is a polypeptide hormone that serves as an essential therapeutic agent in the emergency treatment of hypoglycemia. Recently, the first generic glucagon for injection was approved. However, unlike its brand name counterpart, which is produced via recombinant DNA, the generic glucagon is produced using a chemical synthesis method. Regardless of its origin, impurities may occur in both glucagon drug products. While these impurities may greatly compromise the safety and efficacy of the glucagon drug products, studies accessing the impurities of glucagon for injection are limited. This manuscript analyzed the stability and impurities of a generic and brand glucagon for injection, including desamido and non-desamido impurities, under various storage and temperature conditions using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography method. The glucagon products were analyzed after 6 and 24 months of storage under room temperatures (20–25 °C). In addition, the products were also assessed after 6 months of storage under high temperatures (40 °C). Under each stability storage condition, three lots of the synthetic glucagon were evaluated by UPLC with at least one lot of the recombinant glucagon for comparison. A total of 37 peaks were identified (except for the solvent peaks, which appeared at retention times less than 1.5 min) from the synthetic and recombinant glucagon lots. It was found that the number of impurities observed in the synthetic glucagon were lower than the referenced recombinant glucagon across all stability conditions. Throughout all tested conditions, the synthetic glucagon for injection had an averaged purity of 92.8–99.3%, while the referenced recombinant drug had an averaged purity of 70.3–91.7%. Based on the study results, it can be concluded that the impurity profile for the synthetic glucagon for injection has a comparable and even lower level of impurities than the recombinant version under all stability conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Gossypol from Gossypium spp. Inhibits Helicobacter pylori Clinical Strains and Urease Enzyme Activity: Bioactivity and Safety Assessments

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Miroslava Šudomová

and

Sherif T. S. Hassan

Sci. Pharm. 2022, 90(2), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm90020029 - 05 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2256

Abstract

This study investigates the inhibitory activities of gossypol, a natural polyphenolic compound from Gossypium spp., against Helicobacter pylori (HP) clinical strains and a urease enzyme that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of HP. Gossypol was detected to exhibit a bacteriostatic action [...] Read more.

This study investigates the inhibitory activities of gossypol, a natural polyphenolic compound from Gossypium spp., against Helicobacter pylori (HP) clinical strains and a urease enzyme that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of HP. Gossypol was detected to exhibit a bacteriostatic action against all the HP strains tested with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 3.51 to 4.14 µg/mL. The activity of HP urease (HPU) was efficiently impeded by gossypol with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of 3.3 µM using an Electrospray Ionization–Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS)-based method. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay showed no significant cytotoxic properties of gossypol against human gastric epithelial cells. Additionally, molecular docking studies were performed to assess the binding mode and the molecular interactions of gossypol with HPU with a binding affinity value of −8.1 kcal/mol compared with an HPU–acetohydroxamic acid (a standard urease inhibitor) docking complex (–6.1 kcal/mol). The overall results reveal that gossypol might help fight against HP infection by two mechanisms of action: inhibition of the growth of HP and inhibition of urease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessArticle

Preclinical Safety Profile of an Oral Naringenin/Hesperidin Dosage Form by In Vivo Toxicological Tests

by

Carla Georgina Cicero-Sarmiento

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Rolffy Ortiz-Andrade

,

Jesús Alfredo Araujo-León

,

Maira Rubí Segura-Campos

,

Priscila Vazquez-Garcia

,

Héctor Rubio-Zapata

,

Efrén Hernández-Baltazar

,

Victor Yañez-Pérez

,

Amanda Sánchez-Recillas

,

Juan Carlos Sánchez-Salgado

,

Emanuel Hernández-Núñez

and

Durcy Ruiz-Ciau

Sci. Pharm. 2022, 90(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm90020028 - 02 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2581

Abstract

We developed a naringenin–hesperidin molar mixture (MIX–160) with proven antihyperglycemic and vasorelaxant activity in preclinical studies. A solid dosage form was manufactured to improve the bioavailability properties. In the current study, we sought to evaluate the oral preclinical toxicity of the MIX–160 dosage [...] Read more.

We developed a naringenin–hesperidin molar mixture (MIX–160) with proven antihyperglycemic and vasorelaxant activity in preclinical studies. A solid dosage form was manufactured to improve the bioavailability properties. In the current study, we sought to evaluate the oral preclinical toxicity of the MIX–160 dosage form, which showed no mortality or significant changes in the body weight, food consumption and tissue/organ mass in rats. Three daily oral doses (50, 300 and 2000 mg/kg of MIX–160) were assayed for 28 days. The results showed no structural abnormalities in the histological analysis and no significant changes (p > 0.05) in the liver biochemical markers (total bilirubin, AST and ALT) compared to the control group. The above findings showed that the MIX–160 dosage form did not exhibit relevant toxic effects, which suggests its potential safety as a drug candidate for clinical studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessArticle

Compounding in Ukraine: Assessment of the Risks for the Ointment’s Quality by the FMECA Method

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Victoriya Georgiyants

Sci. Pharm. 2022, 90(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm90020025 - 19 Apr 2022

Viewed by 2255

Abstract

The level of compounded medicines (CM) quality has always been questioned in different countries. This problem has been resolved by the introduction of quality assurance system (QAS) standards. One of its main areas of significance is the risks assessment process, which is especially [...] Read more.

The level of compounded medicines (CM) quality has always been questioned in different countries. This problem has been resolved by the introduction of quality assurance system (QAS) standards. One of its main areas of significance is the risks assessment process, which is especially important for the compounding pharmacy according to the requirements of different international documents. Since ointments constitute a large part of CM, quantity assessment of risks for their quality by the FMECA method has been completed. During the first step of the research, 42 potential deviations of compounded ointments (CO) quality were identified. Via the questioning of compounding pharmacies specialists in different regions of Ukraine by a pre-developed ten-point scale, the severity of deviations consequence, their occurrence probability, and detecting possibility were determined followed by the calculation of the priority risk number (PRN) value. The Pareto analysis showed that nine possible CO quality defects represented 21% of their total number. Defects related to the composition or technology of ointments (29%) and their compliance with microbiological purity requirements (23%) had the largest percentage contribution to the total PRN value. It was also found that the deviations consequence had the most serious impact on the CO quality, due to their direct influence on patient health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessArticle

Repurposing of Four Drugs as Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Agents and Their Interactions with Protein Targets

by

Luis C. Vesga

,

Camilo A. Ruiz-Hernández

,

Jeimmy J. Alvarez-Jacome

,

Jonny E. Duque

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Bladimiro Rincon-Orozco

and

Stelia C. Mendez-Sanchez

Sci. Pharm. 2022, 90(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm90020024 - 14 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3119

Abstract

Although there are existing vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), new COVID-19 cases are increasing due to low immunization coverage and the emergence of new variants. For this reason, new drugs to treat and prevent severe COVID-19 are needed. Here, we [...] Read more.

Although there are existing vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), new COVID-19 cases are increasing due to low immunization coverage and the emergence of new variants. For this reason, new drugs to treat and prevent severe COVID-19 are needed. Here, we provide four different FDA-approved drugs against SARS-CoV-2 proteins involved in the entry and replication process, aiming to identify potential drugs to treat COVID-19. We use the main protease (M^pro), the spike glycoprotein (S protein), and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) as protein targets for anti- SARS-CoV-2 drugs. In our constructed database, we selected different drugs against each target (M^pro, S protein, and RdRp) based on their common interactions with relevant residues involved in viral entry at the host cell and replication. Furthermore, their stability inside the binding pocket, as well as their predicted binding-free energy, allow us to provide new insight into the possible drug repurposing of viomycin (interacting with M^pro) due to its interactions with key residues, such as Asn 143, Glu 166, and Gln 189 at the same time as hesperidin (interacting with the S protein) is interacting with residues Tyr 449, Ser 494, and Thr 500, keeping inside the predicted binding pocket, as well as interacting with residues in different variants of concern. Finally, we also suggest nystatin and elvitegravir (interacting with RdRp) as possible drugs due to their stability within the predicted pocket along the simulation and their interaction with key residues, such as Asp 760, Asp 761, and Asp 618. Altogether our results provide new knowledge about the possible mechanism of the inhibition of viomycin, hesperidin, elvitegravir, and nystatin to inhibit the viral life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 and some of its variants of concern (VOC). Additionally, some iodide-based contrast agents were also found to bind the S protein strongly, i.e., iohexol (−58.99 Kcal/mol), iotrolan (−76.19 Kcal/mol), and ioxilan (−62.37 Kcal/mol). Despite the information we report here as the possible strong interaction between these contrast agents and the SARS-CoV-2′s S protein, M^pro, and RdRp, we believe that further investigation, including chemical modifications in their structures, are needed for COVID-19 treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessArticle

Antineoplastic Activity of Water-Soluble Form of Novel Kinase Inhibitor 1-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-3-chloro-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenylamino)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione immobilized on Polymeric Poly(PEGMA-co-DMM) Carrier

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Volodymyr Rybalchenko

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Rostyslav Stoika

Sci. Pharm. 2022, 90(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm90010007 - 21 Jan 2022

Viewed by 2881

Abstract

The maleimide derivative 1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3-chloro-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenylamino)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (MI-1) was synthesized as inhibitor of several protein kinases, however, its application is hindered by its poor water solubility. In this study, the mechanisms of the antineoplastic action of MI-1 and its MI-1/M5 complex with M5 carrier [...] Read more.

The maleimide derivative 1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3-chloro-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenylamino)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (MI-1) was synthesized as inhibitor of several protein kinases, however, its application is hindered by its poor water solubility. In this study, the mechanisms of the antineoplastic action of MI-1 and its MI-1/M5 complex with M5 carrier (poly (PEGMA-co-DMM)) towards human colon carcinoma HCT116 cells were investigated by using the MTT and clonogenic assays, DNA intercalation with methyl green replacement, alkaline DNA comet assay, and Western-blot analysis. MI-1 compound and its MI-1/M5 complex possessed high toxicity towards colon (HCT116), cervical (HeLa) carcinoma cells and melanoma (SK-MEL-28) cells with GI₅₀ value in a range of 0.75–7.22 µg/mL, and demonstrated high selectivity index (SI ˃ 6.9). The p53 status of colon cancer cells did not affect the sensitivity of these cells to the treatment with MI-1 and its MI-1/M5 complex. M5 polymer possessed low toxicity towards studied cells. The MI-1, MI-1/M5, and M5 only slightly inhibited growth of the pseudo-normal HaCaT and Balb/c 3T3 cell lines (GI₅₀ ˃ 50 μg/mL). The MI-1 and its MI-1/M5 complex induced mitochondria-dependent pathway of apoptosis, damage of the DNA, and morphological changes in HCT116 cells, and affected the G2/M transition checkpoint. The MI-1 intercalated into the DNA molecule, while such capability of MI-1/M5 complex and M5 polymer was much lower. Thus, poly (PEGMA-co-DMM) might be a promising carrier for delivery of the maleimide derivative, MI-1, a novel kinase inhibitor, through improving its solubility in aqueous media and enhancing its antiproliferative action towards human tumor cells. Studies are in progress on the treatment of Nemeth-Kellner lymphoma (NK/Ly)-bearing mice with the MI-1 and MI-1/M5 complex. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessArticle

A New Practice to Monitor the Fabrication Process of Fab-Targeting Ligands from Bevacizumab by LC-MS: Preparation and Analytical Characterization

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Sci. Pharm. 2022, 90(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm90010005 - 04 Jan 2022

Viewed by 3461

Abstract

The objective of this study was to qualitatively evaluate a Fab-targeting ligand preparation containing free thiol groups in the hinge region by using bevacizumab as a model. The evaluation focused on the purification of fragments through a nonaffinity-based process using a centrifugal ultrafiltration [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to qualitatively evaluate a Fab-targeting ligand preparation containing free thiol groups in the hinge region by using bevacizumab as a model. The evaluation focused on the purification of fragments through a nonaffinity-based process using a centrifugal ultrafiltration technique and mild reduction conditions for the intact production of F(ab’) fragments with specific inter-heavy-chain disulfide bonds cleavage. Under these conditions, F(ab’) fragments with a defined chemical composition were successfully obtained via proteolytic digestion followed by a controlled reduction reaction process maintaining the integrity of the binding sites. The ultrafiltration purification technique appears to be suitable for the removal of the digestive enzyme but inefficient for the removal of Fc fragments, thus requiring additional processing. A suitable analytical strategy was developed, allowing us to demonstrate the reformation of disulfide bridges between the two reduced cysteines within F(ab’) fragments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessCommunication

Compatibility of Different Formulations in Pentravan^® and Pentravan^® Plus for Transdermal Drug Delivery

by

Hudson Polonini

,

Sarah Taylor

and

Clark Zander

Sci. Pharm. 2021, 89(4), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm89040051 - 23 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2663

Abstract

The potential therapeutic benefit of transdermal delivery systems for some active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) has been well-established for decades within the scientific community. However, together with the clinical efficacy, there is the need for an evaluation of the stability of such APIs in [...] Read more.

The potential therapeutic benefit of transdermal delivery systems for some active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) has been well-established for decades within the scientific community. However, together with the clinical efficacy, there is the need for an evaluation of the stability of such APIs in bases with known transdermal capabilities, which is necessary to provide the compounding pharmacist with confidence when providing transdermal products. In this study, the stability of danazol, metformin HCl, and resveratrol as individual ingredients, as well as metformin HCl, resveratrol, and Vitamin D3 in combinations at bracketed high and low concentrations, were evaluated over a period of 6 months, using a ready-to-use transdermal vehicle for compounding pharmacies (Pentravan^® or Pentravan^® Plus). The five formulations tested (F1: Danazol 50 mg/g + Miodesin^TM 85 mg/g in Pentravan^®, F2: Metformin HCl 200 mg/g in Pentravan^®, F3: Resveratrol 200 mg/g in Pentravan^®, F4: Metformin HCl 100 mg/g + Resveratrol 100 mg/g + Vitamin D3 5000 IU in Pentravan^®, and F5: Metformin HCl 200 mg/g + Resveratrol 200 mg/g + Vitamin D3 5000 IU in Pentravan^® Plus) presented a beyond-use date of at least 6 months, presenting high convenience for the compounding pharmacies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessArticle

Computer-Aided Design of Peptidomimetic Inhibitors of Falcipain-3: QSAR and Pharmacophore Models

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Sci. Pharm. 2021, 89(4), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm89040044 - 29 Sep 2021

Viewed by 2823

Abstract

In this work, antiparasitic peptidomimetics inhibitors (PEP) of falcipain-3 (FP3) of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) are proposed using structure-based and computer-aided molecular design. Beginning with the crystal structure of PfFP3-K11017 complex (PDB ID: 3BWK), three-dimensional (3D) models of FP3-PEPx complexes with [...] Read more.

In this work, antiparasitic peptidomimetics inhibitors (PEP) of falcipain-3 (FP3) of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) are proposed using structure-based and computer-aided molecular design. Beginning with the crystal structure of PfFP3-K11017 complex (PDB ID: 3BWK), three-dimensional (3D) models of FP3-PEPx complexes with known activities (

{IC}_{50}^{\exp}

) were prepared by in situ modification, based on molecular mechanics and implicit solvation to compute Gibbs free energies (GFE) of inhibitor-FP3 complex formation. This resulted in a quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSAR) model based on a linear correlation between computed GFE (ΔΔG_com) and the experimentally measured

{IC}_{50}^{\exp}

. Apart from the structure-based relationship, a ligand-based quantitative pharmacophore model (PH4) of novel PEP analogues where substitutions were directed by comparative analysis of the active site interactions was derived using the proposed bound conformations of the PEPx. This provided structural information useful for the design of virtual combinatorial libraries (VL), which was virtually screened based on the 3D-QSAR PH4. The end results were predictive inhibitory activities falling within the low nanomolar concentration range. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessArticle

A Comprehensive Spectroscopic Analysis of the Ibuprofen Binding with Human Serum Albumin, Part II

by

Anna Ploch-Jankowska

,

Danuta Pentak

and

Jacek E. Nycz

Sci. Pharm. 2021, 89(3), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm89030030 - 22 Jun 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4258

Abstract

Human serum albumin (HSA) is the most abundant human plasma protein. HSA plays a crucial role in many binding endos- and exogenous substances, which affects their pharmacological effect. The innovative aspect of the study is not only the interaction of fatted (HSA) and [...] Read more.

Human serum albumin (HSA) is the most abundant human plasma protein. HSA plays a crucial role in many binding endos- and exogenous substances, which affects their pharmacological effect. The innovative aspect of the study is not only the interaction of fatted (HSA) and defatted (dHSA) human serum albumin with ibuprofen (IBU), but the analysis of the influence of temperature on the structural modifications of albumin and the interaction between the drug and proteins from the temperature characteristic of near hypothermia (308 K) to the temperature reflecting inflammation in the body (312 K and 314 K). Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. IBU is used to relieve acute pain, inflammation, and fever. To determine ibuprofen’s binding site in the tertiary structure of HSA and dHSA, fluorescence spectroscopy was used. On its basis, the fluorescent emissive spectra of albumin (5 × 10⁻⁶ mol/dm³) without and with the presence of ibuprofen (1 × 10⁻⁵–1 × 10⁻⁴ mol/dm³) was recorded. The IBU-HSA complex’s fluorescence was excited by radiation of wavelengths of λ_ex 275 nm and λ_ex 295 nm. Spectrophotometric spectroscopy allowed for recording the absorbance spectra (zero-order and second derivative absorption spectra) of HSA and dHSA under the influence of ibuprofen (1 × 10⁻⁴ mol/dm³). To characterize the changes of albumin structure the presence of IBU, circular dichroism was used. The data obtained show that the presence of fatty acids and human serum albumin temperature influences the strength and type of interaction between serum albumin and drug. Ibuprofen binds more strongly to defatted human serum albumin than to albumin in the presence of fatty acids. Additionally, stronger complexes are formed with increasing temperatures. The competitive binding of ibuprofen and fatty acids to albumin may influence the concentration of free drug fraction and thus its therapeutic effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Phytochemical Components of Crocus sativus Leaves: A New Attractive By-Product

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Victoriya Georgiyants

Sci. Pharm. 2021, 89(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm89020028 - 15 Jun 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4905

Abstract

Crocus sativus L. is one of the world’s most famous saffron production crops and its enormous by-products, such as leaves, are an excellent source of bioactive compounds with potential nutritional applications. The total phenolic content of Crocus leaves was 5.44 ± 0.01 mg [...] Read more.

Crocus sativus L. is one of the world’s most famous saffron production crops and its enormous by-products, such as leaves, are an excellent source of bioactive compounds with potential nutritional applications. The total phenolic content of Crocus leaves was 5.44 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g, and the total flavonoid content was 2.63 ± 0.05 mg RE/g, respectively. The main bioactive compounds in the leaves, such as polyphenols, flavonoids by HPLC and carboxylic acids, and amino acids, were also identified by GC-MS. HPLC analyses revealed mangiferin as a dominant constituent (1.26 ± 0.02 mg/g). C. sativus contains seven essential amino acids (ILE, LEU, LYS, MET, PHE, THR, TRP, VAL) in high concentration. Among them, isoleucine (7965 µg/g) was the dominant compound. In addition, the K and Ca concentrations in the leaves were significant (p < 0.05). The chemical composition revealed α-linolenic acid (22,490 µg/g) and linoelaidic acid (9880 µg/g) to be major constituents among all the acids found in the Crocus leaves. The extracts of C. sativus leaves showed the highest inhibitory activity for Gram-positive (B. subtilis and S. aureus) bacteria in the in vitro assay. The current results identify and underline the potential of natural products from C. sativus leaves that can add value to saffron production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessArticle

Antihyperuricemic, Anti-Inflammatory and Antihypertensive Effect of a Dry Extract from Solidago virgaurea L. (Asteraceae)

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Sci. Pharm. 2021, 89(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm89020027 - 14 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4066

Abstract

Solidago virgaurea L. is a perennial plant used in European traditional medicine as a diuretic or a remedy for inflammatory conditions of the urinary tract but also for gout, especially in the Balkans. The present study was focused on a preclinical, in vivo [...] Read more.

Solidago virgaurea L. is a perennial plant used in European traditional medicine as a diuretic or a remedy for inflammatory conditions of the urinary tract but also for gout, especially in the Balkans. The present study was focused on a preclinical, in vivo evaluation of antihyperuricemic, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive effects of a dry extract from S. virgaurea L. (ESV). Colorimetric and HPLC–MS techniques were used to identify the main chemical constituents of ESV. Antihyperuricemic effect of ESV was assessed in a rat model of hyperuricemia induced by the administration of potassium oxonate. Antihypertensive effect of ESV was evaluated in hyperuricemic rats by monitoring systolic blood pressure with a non-invasive blood-pressure recording system. The anti-inflammatory effect of ESV was tested using a rat model of paw edema. The main chemical constituents of ESV were rutin and phenolic acids represented by chlorogenic and caffeic acid. ESV demonstrated significant antihyperuricemic effects in rats due to an uricosuric mechanism. Additionally, ESV reduced the progression of arterial hypertension in hyperuricemic rats and also showed anti-inflammatory properties slightly inferior to diclofenac. The results suggest that ESV could be a natural remedy for the treatment of gout and protection against endothelial dysfunction caused by hyperuricemia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Review

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Open AccessReview

In Vitro and Ex Vivo Models for Screening Topical Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

by

Juan Luis Pérez-Salas

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Martha Rocío Moreno-Jiménez

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Nuria Elizabeth Rocha-Guzmán

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Rubén Francisco González-Laredo

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Luis Medina-Torres

and

José Alberto Gallegos-Infante

Sci. Pharm. 2023, 91(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm91020020 - 17 Apr 2023

Viewed by 4416

Abstract

Skin inflammation occurs as an immune response to various stimuli such as ultraviolet light, irritants, or any type of skin barrier injury. Finding safe and effective drugs to combat skin inflammation remains a research challenge. Ethical and legal considerations in animal testing encourage [...] Read more.

Skin inflammation occurs as an immune response to various stimuli such as ultraviolet light, irritants, or any type of skin barrier injury. Finding safe and effective drugs to combat skin inflammation remains a research challenge. Ethical and legal considerations in animal testing encourage the development of in vitro and ex vivo models for the detection of skin inflammation. This report presents an updated review of non-animal study models available for screening drugs with anti-inflammatory potential. It includes a description of the basic methods used to inhibit protein denaturation and red blood cell membrane stability. Three in vitro inhibition assay methods for enzymes relevant to the skin inflammatory process are then described. The development of cell culture models is described: relatively simple and easy-to-produce two-dimensional (2D) skin cell cultures that allow assessment of response to a given stimulus, three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures that better mimic human skin physiology by more accurately replicating mechanical and chemical signals, and vascularized 3D skin models with dynamic perfusion and microfluidic devices known as skin on a chip. Finally, ex vivo skin models are presented that could more accurately represent human skin in terms of structure, cell signaling mechanisms, and absorption effects. Although the current development of models without the use of animals is promising, improvements and refinements are needed to make the models more suitable as screening platforms for topical anti-inflammatory drugs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessReview

Medicinal Chemistry of Quinazolines as Anticancer Agents Targeting Tyrosine Kinases

by

Mohamed F. Zayed

Sci. Pharm. 2023, 91(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm91020018 - 28 Mar 2023

Viewed by 2086

Abstract

Cancer is a large group of diseases that can affect any organ or body tissue due to the abnormal cellular growth with the unknown reasons. Many of the existing chemotherapeutic agents are highly toxic with a low level of selectivity. Additionally, they lead [...] Read more.

Cancer is a large group of diseases that can affect any organ or body tissue due to the abnormal cellular growth with the unknown reasons. Many of the existing chemotherapeutic agents are highly toxic with a low level of selectivity. Additionally, they lead to development of therapeutic resistance. Hence, the development of targeted chemotherapeutic agents with low side effects and high selectivity is required for cancer treatment. Quinazoline is a vital scaffold well-known to be linked with several biological activities. The anticancer activity is one of the prominent biological activities of this scaffold. Several established anticancer quinazolines work by different mechanisms on the various molecular targets. The aim of this review is to present different features of medicinal chemistry as drug design, structure activity relationship, and mode of action of some targeted anticancer quinazoline derivatives. It gives comprehensive attention on the chemotherapeutic activity of quinazolines in the viewpoint of drug discovery and its development. This review provides panoramic view to the medicinal chemists for supporting their efforts to design and synthesize novel quinazolines as targeted chemotherapeutic agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessReview

Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia Compared to Placebo and Topical Minoxidil: A Systematic Review

by

Julia Maria Borowiecka

,

Bartosz Dalewski

and

Łukasz Pałka

Sci. Pharm. 2023, 91(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm91010004 - 31 Dec 2022

Viewed by 5261

Abstract

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become an increasingly popular alternative or additional method in treating androgenic alopecia (AGA). AGA is a multifactorial disease, in which testosterone plays a significant role in influencing hair growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness [...] Read more.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become an increasingly popular alternative or additional method in treating androgenic alopecia (AGA). AGA is a multifactorial disease, in which testosterone plays a significant role in influencing hair growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of PRP treatment in AGA affecting men and women. The research was performed using the following databases: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The effects were measured with a TrichoScan by comparing the initial and final hair density. A significant difference was observed between the areas of the scalp where PRP injections were made and those where saline was administered. Compared to conventional minoxidil 5% topical PRP, PRP is more effective in treating alopecia. A beneficial outcome of combined therapy with PRP and minoxidil 5% was observed. Therefore, PRP is not only an excellent alternative for patients in whom the minoxidil 5% topical monotherapy did not bring the expected effects or who experienced unacceptable side effects, but can also be used as a complementary therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessReview

Melt Fusion Techniques for Solubility Enhancement: A Comparison of Hot Melt Extrusion and KinetiSol^® Technologies

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Sci. Pharm. 2022, 90(3), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm90030051 - 24 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2570

Abstract

A successful candidate for oral drug delivery needs to possess adequate solubility and dissolution rate to elicit its therapeutic action. Extensive research is being carried out to enhance the solubility of poorly soluble drugs through a number of techniques involving polymeric and non-polymeric [...] Read more.

A successful candidate for oral drug delivery needs to possess adequate solubility and dissolution rate to elicit its therapeutic action. Extensive research is being carried out to enhance the solubility of poorly soluble drugs through a number of techniques involving polymeric and non-polymeric approaches. Non-polymeric approaches such as micronization and nanocrystals are successful in improving the apparent solubility of drugs, but the sustenance of solubility is not always possible. Amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) lead to solubility enhancement as well as the maintenance of solubility with the assistance of polymers, thereby improving bioavailability. Spray drying, hot melt extrusion (HME), and KinetiSol^® technologies are some of the techniques capable of manufacturing ASDs. Each of these techniques has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of processing challenges and applicability in preparing ASDs. The latter two technologies are similar in being fusion and non-solvent techniques to improve solubility. This review compares both HME and KinetiSol^® techniques regarding mechanism, equipment design, formulation, and process parameters involved and scalability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessReview

Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of Essential and Carrier Oils as Skin Penetration Enhancers in Pharmaceutical Formulations

by

Bahjat Alhasso

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Muhammad Usman Ghori

and

Barbara R. Conway

Sci. Pharm. 2022, 90(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm90010014 - 19 Feb 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6752

Abstract

Oils, including essential oils and their constituents, are widely reported to have penetration enhancement activity and have been incorporated into a wide range of pharmaceutical formulations. This study sought to determine if there is an evidence base for the selection of appropriate oils [...] Read more.

Oils, including essential oils and their constituents, are widely reported to have penetration enhancement activity and have been incorporated into a wide range of pharmaceutical formulations. This study sought to determine if there is an evidence base for the selection of appropriate oils for particular applications and compare their effectiveness across different formulation types. A systematic review of the data sources, consisting of Google Scholar, EMBASE, PubMed, Medline, and Scopus, was carried out and, following screening and quality assessment, 112 articles were included within the analysis. The research was classified according to the active pharmaceutical ingredient, dosage form, in vitro/in vivo study, carrier material(s), penetration enhancers as essential oils, and other chemical enhancers. The review identified four groups of oils used in the formulation of skin preparations; in order of popularity, these are terpene-type essential oils (63%), fatty acid-containing essential oils (29%) and, finally, 8% of essential oils comprising Vitamin E derivatives and miscellaneous essential oils. It was concluded that terpene essential oils may have benefits over the fatty acid-containing oils, and their incorporation into advanced pharmaceutical formulations such as nanoemulsions, microemulsions, vesicular systems, and transdermal patches makes them an attractive proposition to enhance drug permeation through the skin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessReview

Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of Elegia Species: A Review

by

Panagiotis Lymperis

,

Ekaterina-Michaela Tomou

,

Marco Nuno De Canha

,

Namrita Lall

and

Helen Skaltsa

Sci. Pharm. 2022, 90(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm90010004 - 27 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2827

Abstract

In South Africa, plants belonging to the Restionaceae family possess an ecological dominance. As a result, they have been the subject of numerous morphological, anatomical, and evolutionary studies. However, few studies have focused on their phytochemical profile and their potential pharmacological activities. The [...] Read more.

In South Africa, plants belonging to the Restionaceae family possess an ecological dominance. As a result, they have been the subject of numerous morphological, anatomical, and evolutionary studies. However, few studies have focused on their phytochemical profile and their potential pharmacological activities. The genus Elegia L. is the second largest of this family comprising 52 species, which are mainly used as materials for thatching. Limited studies on the chemical constituents of Elegia species and their importance as medicinal plants have been undertaken. This review provides constructive and extensive information about the botanical characterization, distribution, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Elegia. A comprehensive search of previously published literature was performed for studies on this genus, using databases with different key search words. This survey documented 52 Elegia species summarizing their previous taxonomic classification. In addition, 14 species were found to be studied for their phytochemical profile, revealing 14 chemical compounds. Concerning their biological activities, only one species (E. tectorum (L.f.) Moline and H.P.Linder) is reported for its anti-wrinkle activity. Moreover, two species are locally used for thatching and as materials for brooms. The present review highlights the Elegia genus as an important source of bioactive phytochemicals with flavonol glycosides being the main metabolites and reveals the uncharted territory of this genus for new research studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessReview

Using Metabolite Data to Develop Patient Centric Specification for Amide Impurity in Vildagliptin Tablets

by

Naseem Ahmad Charoo

,

Syeed Untoo

and

Ziyaur Rahman

Sci. Pharm. 2022, 90(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm90010001 - 22 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3132

Abstract

Many specified impurities in vildagliptin’s finished product have been disclosed in the literature that are above their qualification threshold. We used the impurity B (amide impurity) as a case example to explore whether existing literature can be leveraged to determine the safe level [...] Read more.

Many specified impurities in vildagliptin’s finished product have been disclosed in the literature that are above their qualification threshold. We used the impurity B (amide impurity) as a case example to explore whether existing literature can be leveraged to determine the safe level of impurity and thereby develop a patient-centric specification (PCS) for impurities. No-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was derived from rate metabolism information and converted to human equivalent dose (HED). The HED was estimated as 6.5 mg/day. The high qualification levels are supported by repeat dose toxicity studies performed in rats, mice and dogs. Maximum theoretical amount (MTA) was correlated with the maximum observed amount (MOA) to verify whether the exposure was due to impurity and/or metabolite. MOA/MTA was found ≥1 suggesting that metabolism contributed to the amount excreted in feces and therefore could be used to further justify a higher specification limit than the usual one of ≤0.5%. Quite often the drug metabolism and degradation pathways overlap, resulting in the formation of identical constituents. Therefore, metabolism data can be leveraged for deriving safe levels of degradation impurities and develop PCS for impurities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessReview

Phytochemistry and Evidence-Based Traditional Uses of the Genus Achillea L.: An Update (2011–2021)

by

Christina Barda

,

Maria-Eleni Grafakou

,

Ekaterina-Michaela Tomou

and

Helen Skaltsa

Sci. Pharm. 2021, 89(4), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm89040050 - 22 Nov 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3259

Abstract

Knowledge within the field of phytochemistry research has accelerated at a tremendous speed. The excess of literature reports featuring plants of high ethnopharmacological importance, in combination with our interest in the Asteraceae family and traditional medicine, led us to acknowledge the value of [...] Read more.

Knowledge within the field of phytochemistry research has accelerated at a tremendous speed. The excess of literature reports featuring plants of high ethnopharmacological importance, in combination with our interest in the Asteraceae family and traditional medicine, led us to acknowledge the value of the Achillea L. genus. In a broad context, the various Achillea species are used around the globe for the prevention and treatment of different diseases, including gastrointestinal problems, haemorrhages, pneumonia, rheumatic pains, diuresis, inflammation, infections, and wounds, as well as menstrual and gynaecologic abnormalities. The present review aims to provide and summarize the recent literature (2011–2021) on the phytochemistry of the Achillea genus. In parallel, this study attempts to bridge the reports on the traditional uses with modern pharmacological data. Research articles that focused on secondary metabolites, traditional uses and pharmacological activities were collected from various scientific databases such as Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Reaxys and Google Scholar. This study revealed the presence of 141 phytochemicals, while 24 traditionally used Achillea spp. were discussed in comparison to current data with an experimental basis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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Open AccessReview

New Frontiers on Adjuvants Drug Strategies and Treatments in Periodontitis

by

,

,

,

,

and

Sci. Pharm. 2021, 89(4), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm89040046 - 22 Oct 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4385

Abstract

Causes of the progression of periodontitis such as an imbalance between the immune response by the host by the release of inflammatory mediators in the response of the oral pathogenic dysbiotic biofilm have been identified. New insights on specific cell signaling pathways that [...] Read more.

Causes of the progression of periodontitis such as an imbalance between the immune response by the host by the release of inflammatory mediators in the response of the oral pathogenic dysbiotic biofilm have been identified. New insights on specific cell signaling pathways that appear during periodontitis have attracted the attention of researchers in the study of new personalised approaches for the treatment of periodontitis. The gold standard of non-surgical therapy of periodontitis involves the removal of supra and subgingival biofilm through professional scaling and root planing (SRP) and oral hygiene instructions. In order to improve periodontal clinical outcomes and overcome the limitations of traditional SRP, additional adjuvants have been developed in recent decades, including local or systemic antibiotics, antiseptics, probiotics, anti-inflammatory and anti-resorptive drugs and host modulation therapies. This review is aimed to update the current and recent evolution of therapies of management of periodontitis based on the adjunctive and target therapies. Moreover, we discuss the advances in host modulation of periodontitis and the impact of targeting epigenetic mechanisms approaches for a personalised therapeutic success in the management of periodontitis. In conclusion, the future goal in periodontology will be to combine and personalise the periodontal treatments to the colonising microbial profile and to the specific response of the individual patient. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)

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