Celastrol Nanoemulgel Formulation And In Vitro Penetration Test

Objective: To obtain formulations of Celastrol (Cst) nanoemulgel via transdermal route. Celastrol is classified in BCS 4 class as an anti-inflammatory drug. These routes are considered to reduce the risk of Celastrol side effects and have the same characteristics as skin morphology. Methods: Celastrol nanoemulgel was prepared by a high-pressure homogenizer (HPH) technique. To find the optimum nanoemulsion area by using the Chemix 7.00 ternary phase program. Celastrol nanoemulgel was evaluated by measuring the particle size, PDI, morphology, zeta potential, stability tests and in vitro using Franz diffusion cell Results: Results showed the ideal formula based on the ternary phase diagram using chemix 7.00 is oil: smix: water (5:45:50), with particle size 89.9±5 nm, PDI 0.1, and zeta-21 mV. The morphological shape is quite spherical ≤ 100±5 nm. The pH value of this formula is 4.5, which compatible with the pH of the skin. The highest recovery rate of Celastrol and encapsulation efficiency (EE) were formulas 3 μg/ml and 5 μg/ml, with EE 91.70% and 94.54%, respectively. In vitro test results showed that the formula 3 μg/ml and 5 μg/ml give better penetration results than the formula 2.5 μg/ml. Thus, Celastrol nanoemulgel formula has good potential to be developed as a transdermal anti-inflammatory drug. Conclusion: Transdermal nanoemulgel containing Celastrol has been successfully developed with particle size ≤ 200±2 nm.

Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Malaysia landscape: an aborigines study

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) is a group of parasitic nematodes, including Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus, which can cause gastrointestinal disorders in humans. STH is prevalent among neglected communities in both developing and developed countries. This present study aims to determine the current prevalence of STH infections in Aboriginal population after mass delivering of antihelminthic drugs was proposed by WHO in 2005 and a health education learning package (HELP) was initiated in Malaysia in 2012. A total of 235 human fecal samples were collected and a pre-tested questionnaire was given to gather information about the socio-demographic of the Aborigine communities living in Kedah and Selangor, Malaysia. The samples were screened by a direct-fecal smear and confirmed by formalin-ether sedimentation methods. From human faeces, 81.7% was found to be infected with one or more STH species. T. trichiura was the most commonly detected (76.6%), followed by hookworms (26.4%) and A. lumbricoides (19.1%). Triple infections were found in 6.4% of the studied population. Univariate analysis showed that individuals with age group, male, presence of indoor toilet, family size with <7 members and bad living habits (i.e., without antihelminthic drugs) were significantly associated with STH infections. The analysis further showed that walking barefoot was the significant contributing factor to hookworm infections. The high prevalence of human STH infections is alarming. Thus, the urgency in implementing health education related behavioral practice and hygiene to reduce disease burden in these rural communities are a crucial need.

Celiac disease in children with short stature: a hospital based study

To identify the prevalence of celiac disease [CD] among children with short stature. Celiac disease [CD] is genetically determined gluten-sensitive enteropathy resulting in nutrient malabsorption, with an increasing incidence world-wide. A retrospective, hospital based study is conducted at a pediatric endocrine clinic, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh. During the period between January 1990 and December 2009, the medical records of patients evaluated for short stature were reviewed. After a proper detailed history and physical examination, growth analysis, followed by radiological [bone age], and laboratory screening [CBC, and thyroid function] were performed. Celiac serological screening and chromosomal analysis were performed when appropriate, followed by small intestinal biopsy if indicated. Growth hormone stimulation test was performed in suspected patients, followed by magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] in positive cases. Hundred and ten patients were evaluated for short stature over the period under review. Their age ranged from 2.6 to 14 years. The male to female ratio was 1.3:1. The commonest cause was genetic and found in approximately 51.8%, while in the other 48.2%, variable endocrine and non-endocrine causes were noted. Of the non-genetic short stature, 5 [10%] patients were found to have celiac disease, i.e. 4.5% of short children. The prevalence of celiac disease is not rare in this study, therefore, celiac disease must be considered as an important cause of short stature. As, it could be a silent disease, it is recommended that a serological screening be done first to all patients before performing dynamic growth hormone testing in the evaluation of short stature

Role of norepinephrine & angiotensin II in the neural control of renal sodium & water handling in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Background & objectives: A wealth of information concerning the essential role of renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) in the regulation of renal function and mean arterial blood pressure homeostasis has been established. However, many important parameters with which RSNA interacts are yet to be explicitly characterized. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the impact of acute renal denervation (ARD) on sodium and water excretory responses to intravenous (iv) infusions of either norepinephrine (NE) or angiotensin II (Ang II) in anaesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Methods: Anaesthetized SHR were acutely denervated and a continuous iv infusion of NE (200 ng/min/kg) or Ang II (50 ng/min/kg) was instigated for 1 h. Three 20-min urine clearances were subsequently collected to measure urine flow rate (UV) and absolute sodium excretion (UNaV). Results: Higher UV and UNaV (P<0.05) were observed in denervated control SHR as compared to innervated counterparts. The administration of NE or Ang II to innervated SHR produced lower UV and UNaV (P<0.05 vs. innervated control SHR). Lower diuresis/natriuresis response to ARD was observed in NE-treated SHR compared to denervated control SHR (P<0.05). Salt and water excretions in denervated NE-treated SHR, however, were significantly higher (P<0.05) relative to the excretion levels in control denervated SHR. Conversely, there was a higher (all P<0.05) diuresis/natriuresis response to ARD when Ang II was administered to SHR compared to denervated control or innervated Ang II-treated SHR. Interpretation & conclusions: NE retains its characteristic antidiuretic/antinatriuretic action following ARD in SHR. Typical action of Ang II on salt and water excretions necessitates the presence of an intact renal innervation. Ang II is likely to facilitate the release of NE from renal sympathetic nerve terminals through a presynaptic site of action. Moreover, there is a lack of an immediate enhancement in the renal sensitivity to the actions of NE and Ang II following ARD in a rat model of essential hypertension.