Development, optimization and validation of an analytical method for the determination of voriconazole in plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection: Application for comprehensive study.

OBJECTIVES: Voriconazole is a widely used antifungal agent in clinical settings. However, its use has been associated with neurological side effects in some patients. For this reason, it is crucial to monitor its plasma levels to ensure that they are within the therapeutic range. Thus, in this study, we aimed to develop a simple, fast, and efficient method for the determination of voriconazole in plasma using reversed-phase HPLC-UV. We also aimed to validate the method for its application to routine analysis of immunocompromised patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Plasma samples from immunocompromised patients were subjected to deproteinization with acetonitrile followed by centrifugation. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a C18 column with UV detection at 254nm in isocratic mode. The concentrations were calculated by comparing peak areas to those of the internal standard, ketoconazole. The method was validated using the accuracy profile, which uses a calibration curve established for the therapeutic range of 1 to 5.5µg/mL. RESULTS: The developed method was proved to be rapid by giving a short analysis time for voriconazole at around 5.5min. Additionally, no interference with the biological matrix was detected. The obtained recoveries were higher than 90%. The accuracy profile showed that the method was accurate and precise for the determination of voriconazole in plasma. CONCLUSION: The developed method was proved to be simple, efficient, that requires minimal sample preparation. Thus, it can be routinely applied for the therapeutic monitoring of voriconazole.

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors closer to market launch?

INTRODUCTION: Interest in cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors was stimulated by the demonstration that their pharmacological activities could lead to therapies for numerous diseases. Until now, despite the clinical introduction of a dozen compounds belonging to other classes of kinase inhibitors, no CDK inhibitor has reached the marketplace. AREAS COVERED: This review covers CDK inhibitor patents published between 2009 and September 2012. It presents compounds currently undergoing clinical development, along with our earlier (2010) review of the same topic, as well as descriptions of recently published compounds not disclosed in the patent literature. It provides the reader with an update of all chemical structures of current interest in the CDK inhibitor field. EXPERT OPINION: Though cancer remains the most obvious application for CDK inhibition, other indications, such as HIV infection, could potentially be treated with CDK inhibitors.

Aftins increase amyloid-ß42, lower amyloid-ß38, and do not alter amyloid-ß40 extracellular production in vitro: toward a chemical model of Alzheimer's disease?

Increased production of amyloid-ß (Aß)42 peptide, derived from the amyloid-ß protein precursor, and its subsequent aggregation into oligomers and plaques constitutes a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We here report on a family of low molecular weight molecules, the Aftins (Amyloid-ß Forty-Two Inducers), which, in cultured cells, dramatically affect the production of extracellular/secreted amyloid peptides. Aftins trigger ß-secretase inhibitor and γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) sensitive, robust upregulation of Aß42, and parallel down-regulation of Aß38, while Aß40 levels remain stable. In contrast, intracellular levels of these amyloids appear to remain stable. In terms of their effects on Aß38/Aß40/Aß42 relative abundance, Aftins act opposite to γ-secretase modulators (GSMs). Aß42 upregulation induced by Aftin-5 is unlikely to originate from reduced proteolytic degradation or diminished autophagy. Aftin-5 has little effects on mitochondrial functional parameters (swelling, transmembrane potential loss, cytochrome c release, oxygen consumption) but reversibly alters the ultrastructure of mitochondria. Aftins thus alter the Aß levels in a fashion similar to that described in the brain of AD patients. Aftins therefore constitute new pharmacological tools to investigate this essential aspect of AD, in cell cultures, allowing (1) the detection of inhibitors of Aftin induced action (potential 'anti-AD compounds', including GSIs and GSMs) but also (2) the identification, in the human chemical exposome, of compounds that, like Aftins, might trigger sustained Aß42 production and Aß38 down-regulation (potential 'pro-AD compounds').