Screening of Cyclodextrins in the Processing of Buserelin Dry Powders for Inhalation Prepared by Spray Freeze-Drying.

Purpose: In this study, we prepared inhalable buserelin microparticles using the spray freeze-drying (SFD) method for pulmonary drug delivery. Raffinose as a cryoprotectant carrier was combined with two levels of five different cyclodextrins (CDs) and then processed by SFD. Methods: Dry powder diameters were evaluated by laser light scattering and morphology was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were utilized for the determination of crystalline structures. The aerodynamic properties of the spray freeze-dried powders were evaluated by twin stage impinger (TSI) and the stability of prepared samples was assessed under normal and accelerated conditions. Results: The prepared powders were mostly porous spheres and the size of microparticles ranged from 9.08 to 13.53 µm, which are suitable as spray-freeze dried particles. All formulations showed amorphous structure confirmed by DSC and XRD. The aerosolization performance of the formulation containing buserelin, raffinose and 5% beta-cyclodextrin (ß-CD), was the highest and its fine particle fraction (FPF) was 69.38%. The more circular and separated structures were observed in higher concentrations of CDs, which were compatible with FPFs. The highest stability was obtained in the formulation containing hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HP-ß-16. CD) 5%. On the contrary, sulfobutylether beta-cyclodextrin (SBE-ß-CD) 5% bearing particles showed the least stability. Conclusion: By adjusting the type and ratio of CDs in the presence of raffinose, the prepared formulations could effectively enhance the aerosolization and stability of buserelin. Therefore, they can be proposed as a suitable career for lung drug delivery.

Spray freeze drying to solidify Nanosuspension of Cefixime into inhalable microparticles.

PURPOSE: Spray-freeze drying (SFD) incorporating diverse carbohydrates and leucine was employed to obtain dried nanosuspension of cefixime with improved dissolution profile, good dispersibility, and excellent inhalation performance. METHODS: Nanoprecipitation was utilized to prepare nanoparticles (NPs). Nanosuspensions of cefixime were solidified via SFD to access inhalable microparticles. The aerosolization efficiencies were evaluated through twin stage impinger (TSI). Laser light scattering and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided assistance to determine the particle size/size distribution and morphology, respectively. Amorphous/ crystalline states of materials were examined via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Release profiles of candidate preparations were evaluated. RESULTS: The fine particle fraction (FPF) ranged from 18.96 ± 0.76 to 79.28 ± 0.45%. The highest value resulted from trehalose with NP/carrier ratio of 1:1 and leucine 20%. The particle size varied from 5.24 ± 0.97 to 10.17 ± 1.01 µm. The most and the least size distribution were achieved in mannitol and trehalose containing formulations, respectively. The majority of samples demonstrated ideally spherical morphology with diverse degrees of porosity and without needle-shaped structure. Percentages of release in F7 and F8 were 89.33 ± 0.88% and 93.54 ± 1.02%, respectively, via first 10 min. CONCLUSION: SFD of nanosuspensions can be established as a platform for the pulmonary delivery of poorly water-soluble molecules of cefixime. Trehalose and raffinose with a lower ratio of NP to the carrier and higher level of leucine could be introduced as favorable formulations for further respiratory delivery of cefixime.

Triarylpyrazole Derivatives as Potent Cytotoxic Agents; Synthesis and Bioactivity Evaluation "Pyrazole Derivatives as Anticancer Agent".

BACKGROUND: During the last recent years, several anti-cancer agents were introduced for the treatment of diverse kinds of cancer. Despite their potential in the treatment of cancer, drug resistance and adverse toxicity such as peripheral neuropathy are some of the negative criteria of anti-cancer agents and for this reason, the design and synthesis of new anti-cancer agents are important. OBJECTIVE: Design, synthesis, and anticancer activity evaluation of some pyrazole derivatives. METHODS: A series of Target compounds were prepared using multistep synthesis. Their cytotoxic activity against three different human cancer cell lines namely human colon carcinoma cells (HT-29), epithelial carcinoma cells (U-87MG), pancreatic cancerous cells (Panc-1) as well as AGO1522 normal cell line using in vitro 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was investigated. RESULTS: 1,3-Diaryl-5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole and 1,3-Diaryl-5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)- 1H-pyrazole were synthesized in good yields and their structure and purity were confirmed using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and elemental analysis. Generally, the synthesized scaffolds exhibited good cytotoxicity against cancerous cell lines in comparison to the reference standard, paclitaxel. Compounds 3A: and 3C: , in Annexin V/ PI staining assay, exerted remarkable activity in apoptosis induction in HT-29 cell lines. Both of them also led to cell cycle arrest in the sub-G1 phase which is inconsistent with the results of apoptosis assay. CONCLUSION: Concerning obtained results, it is interesting to synthesis more pyrazole derivatives as anticancer agents.

Human Serum Albumin, a Suitable Candidate to Stabilize Freeze-Dried IgG in Combination with Trehalose: Central Composite Design.

Freeze-dried immunoglobulin G (IgG) incorporating trehalose and human serum albumin (HSA) was statistically evaluated regarding the existence of synergism between additives on the stability profile. The levels of HSA (X1) and trehalose (X2) were independent variables. Aggregation following the process (Y1), after 2 and 3 months at 40°C (Y2) and (Y3), respectively, along with the rate constant of aggregation (Y4) were dependent variables. Aggregation and beta-sheet conformation were quantified through size-exclusion chromatography (SEC-HPLC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Central composite design (CCD) suggested the best formulation. The integrity and thermodynamic stability of optimized formulation were investigated through sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The calculated responses were Y1, 0-0.90%; Y2, 0.4-4.3%; Y3, 2.10-13.46%; and Y4, 0.16-0.69 1/month. The optimized formulation had 10 mg IgG, 86 mg trehalose, and 1 mg HSA with observed responses of Y1, 0.01%; Y2, 0.51%; Y3, 3.08%; and Y4, 0.33 1/month. The models were statistically well-fitted. The optimized formulation was amorphous during freeze-drying (FD), and no fragmentation was observed. Trehalose and HSA demonstrated statistical synergism. CCD was successfully employed to recommend the best ratio of stabilizers and achieve the maximum stabilization of IgG as a model freeze-dried antibody.

Optimization of Stable IgG Formulation Containing Amino Acids and Trehalose During Freeze-Drying and After Storage: a Central Composite Design.

The physical and structural stability of freeze-dried immunoglobulin G (IgG) were examined by applying trehalose and amino acids (glycine, phenylalanine, and serine). The efficacy of amino acids was statistically compared considering their side-chain characteristics. The amount of amino acids (X1) and trehalose (X2) was considered as independent variables. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC-HPLC) was utilized to calculate the soluble aggregates, as dependent variables. The amounts of excipients were optimized through the central composite design (CCD). The beta-sheet conformation of IgG was quantified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermal behavior and molecular integrity of IgG were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Optimized formulations of powders were as follows: 24.5 mg serine-139.5 mg trehalose, 14 mg glycine-118 mg Trehalose, and 25 mg phenylalanine-139.5 mg trehalose. The amounts of soluble aggregates after processing were 0, 4.50, and 2.20%, respectively. The corresponding induced aggregates following storage conditions were 1.02, 7.0, and 3.70%. In all preparations, there were no detectable fragments. The native conformation of IgG was well preserved in the presence of amino acids. Excluding the glycine-based sample with minor endotherm at about 45°C, serine and phenylalanine incorporating powders were fully amorphous at examination temperatures. Trehalose was more potent than the amino acids in the stabilization of IgG. Serine was the most effective amino acid; phenylalanine and glycine were the next ones, respectively. Glycine crystallization was assumed to have accounted for low stabilization capability. The statistically synergistic phenomenon was only observed in the co-application of trehalose and phenylalanine. Graphical abstract.

Application of disaccharides alone and in combination, for the improvement of stability and particle properties of spray-freeze dried IgG.

PURPOSE: Spray-freeze drying (SFD) is a recently applied method to develop pharmaceutical powders. This study aimed to analyze the competence of Trehalose, Mannitol, Lactose, and Sorbitol instability and aerosolization of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) via SFD. METHODS: Induced soluble aggregates were quantified at 0 and 3 months, and 45 °C using size-exclusion chromatography. Conformation and thermogravimetric assessments were done by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Laser light scattering was performed to determine the particle sizes. Aerodynamic features were characterized by twin stage impinger and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Although sugars/polyols preferably stabilized IgG following the process, storage stabilization was achieved in Trehalose, Trehalose-Lactose, Lactose, and Trehalose-Mannitol-based powders with soluble aggregates <5%. The conformation of antibody was preserved with ß sheet content from 66.28% to 76.37%. Particle sizes ranged from 5.23 to 8.12 µm. Mannitol exhibited the best aerodynamic behavior, fine particle fraction (FPF: 70%) but high degree of protein aggregation during storage. CONCLUSIONS: SFD could favorably stabilize antibody using Trehalose and its combination with Lactose and Mannitol, and also, Lactose alone. Sorbitol disturbed IgG powder recovery. Incorporation of other types of excipient is required for efficient respiratory delivery of IgG molecules.

A COMPARISON OF OCCUPATIONAL DOSES IN CONVENTIONAL AND INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY IN IRAN.

Occupational exposures in conventional and interventional radiology were investigated over a period of 10 years for all radiation workers. The statistical analysis carried out on the refined data showed that the average annual effective doses in conventional and interventional radiology were 0.28 and 0.59 mSv for measurably exposed workers and 0.18 and 0.52 mSv for all monitored workers in 2014. More than 99.9 and 82.8% of radiation workers in conventional and interventional radiology received annual doses less than the public dose limit (1 mSv) in 2014. Comparing the occupational dose levels of different countries (including Iran) in conventional as well as interventional radiology showed a poor comparability among them. Regarding the doses above the investigation level, the analysis showed that majority of them were due to improper use of personal dosimeters (false doses) and only 0.01 and 0.12% of the dose records actually crossed the level in conventional and interventional radiology in 2014.

Preparation, characterization and optimization of sildenafil citrate loaded PLGA nanoparticles by statistical factorial design.

BACKGROUND AND THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of the present study was to formulate and optimize nanoparticles (NPs) of sildenafil-loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) by double emulsion solvent evaporation (DESE) method. The relationship between design factors and experimental data was evaluated using response surface methodology. METHOD: A Box-Behnken design was made considering the mass ratio of drug to polymer (D/P), the volumetric proportion of the water to oil phase (W/O) and the concentration of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the independent agents. PLGA-NPs were successfully prepared and the size (nm), entrapment efficiency (EE), drug loading (DL) and cumulative release of drug from NPs post 1 and 8 hrs were assessed as the responses. RESULTS: The NPs were prepared in a spherical shape and the sizes range of 240 to 316 nm. The polydispersity index of size was lower than 0.5 and the EE (%) and DL (%) varied between 14-62% and 2-6%, respectively. The optimized formulation with a desirability factor of 0.9 was selected and characterized. This formulation demonstrated the particle size of 270 nm, EE of 55%, DL of 3.9% and cumulative drug release of 79% after 12 hrs. In vitro release studies showed a burst release at the initial stage followed by a sustained release of sildenafil from NPs up to 12 hrs. The release kinetic of the optimized formulation was fitted to Higuchi model. CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil citrate NPs with small particle size, lipophilic feature, high entrapment efficiency and good loading capacity is produced by this method. Characterization of optimum formulation, provided by an evaluation of experimental data, showed no significant difference between calculated and measured data.

Loading hydrophilic drug in solid lipid media as nanoparticles: statistical modeling of entrapment efficiency and particle size.

Solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) is a very well tolerated carrier systems for dermal application due to the employment physiological and/or biodegradable lipids. The effects of five factors, two categorical and three quantitative factors, were studied on the mean diameter and entrapment efficiency of the produced SLNs using response surface method (RSM), D-optimal design. Two methods of microemulsion and solvent diffusion and two types of lipid, cetyl palmitate and stearic acid, were examined comparatively. The quantitative variables were studied in three levels; amount of original Paromomycin (60, 90 and 120 mg), fraction of surfactant (0.5, 0.75 and 1 w/v %) and drug to lipid ratio (2, 4 and 6). Mean particle size and entrapment efficiency of the loaded Paromomycin were modeled statistically and the optimal condition was determined to approach to the maximum entrapment efficiency. The drug release profile of the optimal formulated material was examined in aqueous media and 64% of the Paromomycin loaded in SLNs was gradually released during 24h, which reveals efficient prolonged release of the drug.

Preparation of 5-fluorouracil nanoparticles by supercritical antisolvents for pulmonary delivery.

This study concerns the supercritical antisolvent process which allows single-step production of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) nanoparticles. This process enhances the physical characteristics of 5-FU in order to deliver it directly to the respiratory tract. Several mixtures of methanol with dichloromethane, acetone, or ethanol were used for particle preparation, and their effects on the physical characteristics of the final products were studied. The conditions of the experiment included pressures of 100 and 150 bar, temperature of 40°C, and a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The particles were characterized physicochemically before and after the process for their morphology and crystallinity. In spite of differences in size, the particles were not very different regarding their morphology. The resulting particles were of a regular shape, partly spherical, and appeared to have a smooth surface, whereas the mechanically milled particles showed less uniformity, had surface irregularities and a high particle size distribution, and seemed aggregated. Particles of 5-FU precipitated from methanol-dichloromethane 50:50 had a mean particle size of 248 nm. In order to evaluate the aerodynamic behavior of the nanoparticles, six 5-FU dry powder formulations containing mixtures of coarse and fine lactose of different percentages were prepared. Deposition of 5-FU was measured using a twin-stage liquid impinger and analyzed using a validated high pressure liquid chromatography method. Addition of fine lactose improved the aerodynamic performance of the drug, as determined by the fine particle fraction.

Three phase liquid phase microextraction of phenylacetic acid and phenylpropionic acid from biological fluids.

Three phase liquid phase microextraction (three phase LPME) technique coupled with HPLC-UV has been applied as a sensitive and efficient sample preparation method to determine phenylacetic acid (PAA) as a biomarker of depressive disorders and phenylpropionic acid (PPA) in biological fluids. The compounds were extracted from 3.0 ml aqueous solution with the adjustment of pH at a fixed value in the range of 2.0-3.5 (donor solution) into an organic phase (1-hexanol) layered on the surface of the donor solution and finally back-extracted into 4.0 microl of the acceptor microdrop (pH 11.1) located at the end of the microsyringe needle. After a prescribed back-extraction time, the acceptor microdrop was withdrawn into the microsyringe and then directly injected into the HPLC system. In order to achieve maximum extraction efficiency, different parameters affecting the extraction conditions were optimized. At the optimum conditions (donor solution: 2.3M Na(2)SO(4), pH 2.0-3.5; organic membrane: 95 microl of 1-hexanol; acceptor solution: 4.0 microl of 0.1M NH(3)/NH(4)(+) with pH 11.1; donor solution temperature: 45-50 degrees C; extraction time: 20 min and back-extraction time: 12 min), up to 110-fold enrichment factor was obtained. The calibration curve for these analytes was linear in the range of 1-5000 microg/l with r(2)>0.998. The intraday and interday RSD% were below 6.5% and the limits of detection (LODs) for both analytes were 0.2 microg/l (based on S/N=3). The proposed technique is a low cost, simple and sensitive method with highly clean-up effect. Finally, this technique was successfully utilized for the detection of target analytes in human urine, serum and plasma.

Effects of combined therapy with thalidomide and glucantime on leishmaniasis induced by Leishmania major in BALB/c mice.

For treating Leishmania major infection in BALB/c mice, we used thalidomide in conjunction with glucantime. Groups of mice were challenged with 510(3) metacyclic promastigotes of L. major subcutaneously. A week after the challenge, drug treatment was started and continued for 12 days. Thalidomide was orally administrated 30 mg/kg/day and glucantime was administrated intraperitoneally (200 mg/kg/day). It was shown that the combined therapy is more effective than single therapies with each one of the drugs since the foot pad swelling in the group of mice received thalidomide and glucantime was significantly decreased (0.9 +/- 0.2 mm) compared to mice treated with either glucantime, thalidomide, or carrier alone (1.2 +/- 0.25, 1.4 +/- 0.3, and 1.7 +/- 0.27 mm, respectively). Cytokine study showed that the effect of thalidomide was not dependent on IL-12; however, it up-regulated IFN-gamma and down-regulated IL-10 production. Conclusively, thalidomide seems promising as a conjunctive therapy with antimony in murine model of visceral leishmaniasis.