Buccoadhesive tablets for delivery of verapamil hci: design, in-vitro analysis and in-vivo evaluation

Buccoadhesive controlled release verapamil HCI tablets have been prepared using mucoadhesive polymers namely; sodium alginate [Na Alg], xanthan gum [XG] and gum tragacanth [GT] either alone or in combination in different ratios 2:8, 8:2, 4:6 and 6:4. The prepared tablets were evaluated for their weight variation, thickness, hardness, friability and dissolution, content uniformity, swelling index, in-vitro adhesion, in-vitro drug release and in-vivo hypertension study. Tablets containing XG showed the highest swelling index and bio adhesive force. The maximum cumulative% released [100%] was observed in F7, F10 and FJl due to high percent of Na alg. The kinetics studies show that the release follows zero order kinetics except Fl that it obeyes a diffusion model The buccoadhesive verapamil HCI tablet had suggested being promising for the transmucosal delivery of verapamil HCI and allowing a controlled drug delivery for 6 hrs

Effect of sex hormones on progression of diabetic renal disease in experimental model of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

In diabetes there is a state of imbalance in the sex hormone levels However, whether these changes in sex hormone correlate with the decline in renal function associated with diabetes is unclear Was to study the effect of 17 beta estradiole in female and testosterone propionate in male diabetic or gonadectionzed diabetic animals on the progression of diabetic renal disease. This work was carried on 40 female and 40 male wistar rats each was furtherly divided into five groups 8 rats each, normal control, diabetic, gonadectomized diabetic, 17 beta estradiol is given to female and testosterone propionate to male diabetic and gonadectomized diabetic. In all groups 24 hours urine, albumin excretion, blood urea, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, fasting blood glucose, reduced glutathione, and malonaldelhyde were measured. Histopathological examination of the kidney of all animals studied were done. Evidence of deterioration of kidney function in diabetic compared to normal and this deterioration become worse with evidence of oxidative stress and hyperglycemia in gonadectomized diabetic of both sexes compared to diabetic alone. 17 beta estradiol, given to diabetic female or ovariectomizead diabetic causes improvement of all renal parameters, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic effect. Testosterone propionate given to diabetic or castrated diabetic causes insignificant change in kidney function when compared to diabetic without testosterone. All these results was evidenced with histopathogical changes in the kidney of all groups studied, however castration causes hyperglycemia which is improved by testosterone also there is evidences of oxidative stress in diabetic male rats and insignificant changes in reduced glutathione and malonaldehyde in castrated male and when testosterone is given to diabetic or castrated diabetic. Estradiol, therapy is renoprotective which could be taken as effective regimen to attenuate the onset and progression of diabetic renal disease. Also caution should be taken when testosterone is considered as a treatment in diabetic with renal complication

Identification and sequence analysis of two antimicrobial peptides in Egyptian native and crossbred frisian cattle

Two antimicrobial peptides namely bovine tracheal antimicrobial peptide [TAP] and bovine neutrophil beta-defensin 4 [BNBD4] were investigated in crossbred Frisian and Egyptian native cattle. TAP and BNBD4 were tested for reaction with cDNA of various cattle tissues such as liver, lung, trachea, intestine, mammary gland, colon and blood using PCR. TAP and BNBD4 were positive in all tissues of the native cattle whereas in crossbred Frisian only the trachea PCR- product sequence was positive with both. NCBI-Blast analysis of TAP and BNBD4 sequences showed 89% and 92% alignment between crossbred Frisian and native cattle, respectively. Blast analysis of TAP PCR-product sequences of both native and crossbred Frisian cattle with GenBank published sequences revealed sequence homology between both native and crossbred Frisian cattle and Bos taunts TAP mRNA. Analysis also revealed homology [90%] between crossbred Frisian TAP and Bos taunts lingual antimicrobial peptide [LAP], whereas native cattle TAP was homologous [86%] to Bubalus bubalis LAP. Blast analysis of BNBD4 PCR-products sequence revealed sequence homology between both native and crossbred Frisian cattle and Bos taurus BNBD4 mRNA. Analysis also revealed homology with Bubalus bubalis enteric beta-defensin preproprotein mRNA, however the native cattle showed higher homology [128 nucleotide shared] than the crossbred Frisian where only 62 nitcleotides were shared. The presence of TAP and BNBD4 in all tested tissues of native cattle may reflect a higher tendency towards disease resistance in native cattle compared to the crossbred Frisian ones. Further studies on the expression of these genes in different organs of the native cattle will shed more light on their disease resistance

Effect of N-acetylcysteine on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of N-acetylcysteine, on interleukin-6, superoxide dismutase activity, and protein kinase C activity in normal and diabetic rat hearts. Rats were divided into four groups eight rats each, control, control treated, diabetic, and diabetic treated groups. One week after induction of diabetes, N-acetylcysteine was administered to the control treated and diabetic treated groups in a dose of 1.5 g/kg daily for eight weeks by intragastric tube. The results of the present work showed that streptozotocin induced diabetes is associated with increased superoxide dismutase activity, interleukin-6 in plasma and cardiac tissue, and increased protein kinase CB2 activity in cardiac tissue. Further, diabetic rats exhibited cardiac hypertrophy indicated by increased heart to body weight and ventricular to body weight ratios. N-acetylcysteine treatment to diabetic rate causes significant decrease in all previous parameters also it significantly attenuate the increase in heart to body weight and ventricular to body weight ratios. These data support the hypothesis that the oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy and N-acetylcysteine an effective antioxidant have a beneficial effects in the treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy

effect of crude extract of purslane on blood coagulation and fibrinolysis

Purslane is a highly nutritious food. It was considered to have haemostatic properties. Purslane succulent leaves contain the highest concentration of essential omega-3 fatty acids. Humans and other mammals can't make omega-3 fatty acids so, they must be taken directly from food. The aim of the present work was to study the effect of crude extract of purslane on coagulation factors and fibrinolysis in albino rat. This study was conducted on twenty Albino rats weighing 200-250 gm divided into two groups one control and the other take purslane alcohol extract in a dose of 5gm/kg by intragastric tube for three weeks. All animals were scarified and blood samples were collected in 3.8% sodium citrate and analyzed for prothrombin time, activated partial thrombolplastin, coagulation factor II, VII, X and plasminogen activator inhibitor. The results show significant increase in prothrombin time significant decrease in coagulation factor II, VII X while activated partial thromboplastin time show insignificant change. As regard plasminogen activator inhibitor it showed significant increase. In conclusion purslane crude extract with its high content with omega-3 fatty acids can prolong coagulation time but has reverse effect on fibrinolysis

Study of some risk factors in diabetic foot ulcer patients

Objectives: To study plasma homocysteine and lipoprotein [a] levels together with sum other conventional tisk factors for atherosclerosis in diabetic foot ulcer [DFU] patients in comparism to diabetic palicnts without foot ulceration

Subjects and Methods: The study included 66 patients with type 2 diabetes [37 with DFU and 29 without DFU] and 20 healthy normal subjects of matched age and sex. DFU patients were classified into neuropathic, ischemic or neuroischemic ulcer according to neuropathy disability score. Plasma levels of total homocysteine [tHcy] was measured by enzyme immunoassay while lipoprotein [a] was measured by immunoturbidimetric method. Serum folic acid and vitamin BIZ were measured by radioimmunoassay

Results: Fasting plasma homocysteine and lipoprotein [a] levels were elevated in diabetic patients compared to the control subjects. DFU patients had significantly higher levels of tHcy and Lp[a] in comparison to non-DFU patients. Serum folate was lower in diabetic patients in comparison to the control subjects. DFU patients had significantly lower levels of folic acid in comparison to non-DFU patients. Serum levels of vitamin BIZ showed non significant changes in DFU, non-DFU and control subjects. Urinary albumin excretion [UAE] was significantly higher in the DFU patients in comparison to non-DFU patients. Homocysteine concentration showed significant positive correlation with UAE and Lp[a] and significant negative correlation with serum folic acid

Conclusion: DFU patients had higher levels of homocysteine and lipoprotein [a] and lower levels of folic acid in comparison to diabetic patients without DFU. Hyperhomocysteinemia and hyperlipoproteinemia [a] may partially explain the increased risk of macrovascular complications in DFU patients

Formulation and evaluation of meloxicam gels for topical administration

For topical administration ofmeloxicam [ME], microemulsion gels and lipogels containing either ethyl oleate or oleic acid as an oil phase were prepared. In addition, Hydrogel and hydroalcoholic gels containing carbopol 940 as a gelling agent were also prepared. In-vitro drug release through cellophane membrane and permeation through the excised rabbit skin in Sorensen's phosphate buffer [pH 7.4] containing 1% w/v sodium lauryl sulphate were performed. The influence of initial drug concentration [0.5, 0.65, 1% w/w] was studied. The permeation properties of ME from ethyl oleate microemulsion which is the best formula achieved was studied in comparison to the commercially available piroxicam gel. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activity of ME after oral and topical administration in rats was studied and compared to that of piroxicam gel. The results of an in-vitro drug release and its percutaneous permeation revealed that the ethyloleate microemulsion gel showed the highest results. Meloxicam gel [ethyl oleate microemulsion gel 1%] showed good protection against inflammation as compared to Feldene gel in rats

Serum cystatin C: a new predictor market for preeclampsia

To evaluate serum level of cystatin C, as early predictor for renal dysfunction in pregnant women developing preeclampsia, and to compare it as a new marker for preeclampsia with the use of serum creatinine or urate for the same diagnostic purpose. One hundred fifteen pregnant women were followed from the 12[th] week of pregnancy to full term. From whom, we got only ten preeclamptic women, and randomly eighteen normal pregnant women as a control group. Serum creatinine, urate and cystatin C were measured. Serum cystatin C, creatinine and urate were significantly increasing progressively in the 20[th] 28[th] and 36[th] weeks samples compared to the 12[th] weeks samples of the preeclamptic group only. The area under curve [AUC] in ROC analysis of cystatin C [0.76,0.79, and 0.95] was significantly greater than that of urate [0.62,0.67 and 0.76] and creatinine [0.43,0.38and 0.63]. Serum cystatin C was an early predictive marker for renal dysfunction in pregnant women developing preeclampsia, better than urate and creatinine. It has a superior diagnostic accuracy for preeclampsia compared to that of serum urate or creatinine in the 36th week sample. Also it has a superior prognostic accuracy in the 20th and 28th week samples as well [comparing AUC in ROC curves]

Hair Dye [Paraphenylene diamine]: systemic and kidney toxicity

Paraphenylene diamine [PPD] is a compound used in hair dye formulations. Intoxication with PPD [intentionally or accidentally] can lead to potentially fatal systemic complications. Angioneurotic oedema and acute renal failure are common complications of PPD intoxication. Other systems are also involved including respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Hepatic, neurological, muscular and ophthalmic toxicities are also common manifestations. Careful history and clinical examination is essential order to reach a diagnosis and to initiate timely therapy

Middle ear cholesteatoma: a CT study

Thirty-two middle cholesteatomas in 30 patients [19 males and 11 females with age ranged from 8 to 48 years] complaining of offensive ear discharge and manifestations of middle ear disease have been fully investigated clinically, audiologically and radiologically and operated upon. The high resolution CT with 1.5-2 mm thickness cuts in axial and coronal planes were sufficient to detect the soft tissue mass of cholesteatoma, bone erosions, ossicular destruction and extent of the lesion. Brain CT was done for cases with intracranial complications. Complications were either extension in the temporal bone and or intracranially. Ossicular necrosis was detected in 23 cases, brain abscess in 5, meningitis in 2 and recurrence in 3 cases. Operative interference was done either urgently or as a planned operation by either closed or opened techniques for the cholesteatomas and their complications

Comparative study of combined therapy in simple obesity

Drug combinations used in small doses are as effective as full doses of individual drugs and produce less side effects. In term of potency, combination of fenfluramine and metformin in the most potent, but in term of absence of tolerance combination of diethyl propion and metformin is the least one to produce tolerance and is the best one to maintain the reduction in body weight. Fenfluramine and metformin combination is the best to be used in android obesity as it produces a significant reduction in W/H ratio which is also well correlated with the reduction in body mass index. Furthermore, it produces a significant reduction in subcutaneous fat [as measured by triceps skin fold and mid arm thickness]. So, a homogenous body fat redistribution can be achieved. The improvement in health indices [blood sugar, serum cholesterol, triglycerides and exercise tolerance] is well correlated with the reduction in body weight. Fenfluramine and metformin combination produces a highly significant improvement in blood sugar so this combination is good for diabetic obese, while fenfluramine and thyroid hormone combination produces significant improvement in serum cholesterol and triglycerides

Evaluation of the role of lipase activity on cholecystokinin release, gastric emptying and pancreatic secretion

These studies shown that lipase plays an important nutrient specific regulatory role on upper gastrointestinal functions which is dependent on the hydrolysis of fat into free fatty acids, thus stimulating the release of CCK. The studies showed also the high potency and specificity of THL as a lipase blocker. Since pancreatic lipase is the first enzyme to show a decrease in activity in patients with pancreatic insufficiency, the results of our study are important for evaluating some pathophysiological aspects of this disease. In the current study can be used in the pharmacotherapy of diseases related to dietary fat intake such as obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and their sequelae

Radiological grading of knee osteoarthritis: a comparative study

Radiographic examination plays an important role in diagnosis and assessment of osteoarthritis; in this respect, plain radiography remains the standard method despite the introduction of modern imaging techniques. There are still no undisputable criteria for this purpose; many sets have been proposed. The suggested [scoring method] seems to provide a valuable alternative with comparable efficacy, better discrimination of the degenerative changes with minimal inter-observer error

behaviour of P-Nitrobenzoresorcinol thermodynamic parameters of ionization and its complexing properties

The thermodynamic properties [pK, and delta G, delta H and delta [delta S] for the ionization of p-nitrabenzeneazaresarcinol were evaluated. The interaction between such ligand and Co, Ni and Cu was discussed. The data were found to follow the William-Irving order

Computed tomography of the mediastinum

CT is the most valuable diagnostic technique for the evaluation of suspected mediastinal masses when other conventional precedures become insufficient as a means of diagnosis. Using CT, a lesion suspected on the plain chest roentgenogram is easily confirmed, its location can be established more precisely and its relations to adjacent structures is accurately defined. With contrast enhancement, CT is reliable in distinguishing vascular from non- vascular structures and can determine whether the etiology is an anatomic variation or a pathalogic alteration of a mediastinal vascular structure. CT allows an accurate evaluation of the mediastinal lymph nodes especially the aorto-pulmonic nodes. CT os the most valuable radiologic technoque in the evaluation of the paraspinal widening

Computed tomography in comatosed patients

Computed axial tomography confirmed the clinical and operative diagnosis in 30 patients who were comatosed or had history of coma. The present study illustrated that CT can be of help in the diagnosis of many of intracranial lesions in comatosed patients and in planning further management of these patients. Causative intracranial lesions were found in 84.5%, while in the remaining patients [15.5%] where no positive intracranial lesions were found, the cause proved to be medical, such as metabolic and intoxication

Dynamic echohysteroscopy versus hysterosalpingography in assessment of tubal patency in cases of female infertility

Tubal obstruction is the commonest cause of infertility. The ability to diagnose tubal occlusion or patency using ultrasonic techniques eliminates unnecessary radiation and avoids the use of iodinated contrast media. Dynamic echohysteroscopy is a new technique in which sterile fluid is injected. A comparative study of hysterosalpingography versus dynamic echohysteroscopy in 50 patients with primary and secondary infertility was performed. Twenty-eight cases had primary infertility and 22 cases had secondary infertility. DEH in primary infertility showed bilateral tubal obstruction in three patients, unilateral tubal obstruction in six patients and 19 patients had patent tubes. In cases of secondary infertility bilateral tubal obstruction was found in one case and unilateral tubal obstruction in three patients and 18 cases had patent tubes. Correlation between HSG, DEH and laparoscopy were discussed

New reactive-disperse dyes

Four new reactive-disperse, 4 new disperse and 2 new reactive dyes were synthesised. The molecule of the reactive-disperse dye contains as a reactive hook an epoxide ring in which a 4-nitrophenyl group substituted at one of its carbon atoms, meanwhile is considered as a derivative of 2,4-dinitrodiphenyl-amine thus acquiring the properties of disperse dyes. The present reactive-disperse dyes are useful for dyeing polyester-cotton blends