The synthesis and characterisation of strontium and calcium folates with potential osteogenic activity.

Compounds having the general formula MFO·4H2O where M = Ca or Sr and FO = a folate anion were prepared and their structure and physico-chemical properties were determined by elemental and thermal TGA, DSC analysis, FTIR, and EDAX spectroscopies and DRX. The results indicate that the two compounds form stable structures where folic acid acts as a self-bridging ligand via two bidentate carboxylate groups. Moreover the two compounds showed a low toxicity in vitro response as h-osteoblast cell viability was not negatively affected by the presence of folate derivatives within the range of 0.063-0.5 mg ml-1. The results also indicate that the folate derivatives that are formed overcome the toxic effects related to free Sr2+ ions. The range of maximum cell viability corresponding with a concentration of SrFO falls within the in vitro physiologically active range for strontium while within the same range the strontium derivative showed a potential osteogenic activity as indicated by the overexpression of ALP activity.

bFGF interaction and in vivo angiogenesis inhibition by self-assembling sulfonic acid-based copolymers.

The antiangiogenic activity of different families of biocompatible and non-toxic polymer drugs based on 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) or polymethacrylic derivatives of 5-aminonaphthalen sulfonic acid (MANSA) is analyzed using directed in vivo angiogenesis assay and correlated with in vitro results. These active compounds were copolymerized with butylacrylate (BA) and N-vinylpyrrolidone in order to obtain two families of copolymers with different properties in aqueous media. The most hydrophobic copolymers poly(BA-co-MANSA) and poly(BA-co-AMPS) formed amphiphilic copolymers and presented micellar morphology in aqueous media. This supramolecular organization of the copolymers had a clear effect on bioactivity. Poly(BA-co-MANSA) copolymers showed the best antiangiogenic activity and very low toxicity at relatively low dose, with the possibility to be injected directly in the solid tumors alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents such as anti-VEGF drugs. The obtained results demonstrate that not only the chemical structure but also the supramolecular organization of the macromolecules plays a key role in the anti-angiogenic activity of these active polymers.

Propuesta multidisciplinar en la asignatura de Fisicoquímica / Multidisciplinary proposal in Physicochemical subject

En el curso académico 2010-2011, la asignatura de Fisicoquímica, obligatoria del segundo curso del Grado en Farmacia en la Facultad de Farmacia de la Universidad San Pablo CEU, será la primera vez que se imparta en este nuevo plan de estudios. Aunque se llevan varios años ensayando nuevas metodologías docentes encaminadas todas ellas a la adaptación al Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior, se pretende, utilizando la experiencia acumulada, implantar algunas nuevas, de acuerdo con los objetivos y competencias, tanto del Módulo como de la Materia en la que se encuentra la Fisicoquímica englobada como asignatura. En este trabajo se presenta la propuesta de utilizar el método del caso, en un escenario multidisciplinar, que además de desarrollar otras competencias en el alumno, le hagan ver la importancia de la asignatura dentro de su titulación(AU)

The subject Physical Chemistry, that is compulsory for the degree in Pharmacy at the Faculty of Pharmacy at Universidad San Pablo CEU, will be taught in the academic year 2010-11 for the first time in the new study plans. The new teaching methodologies addressed to the adaptation to the European Space for Higher Education have been already tested for several years. However, and taking advantage of the experience achieved, some new ones will be implemented according to the competencies to be developed in the module as well as the subject area where Physical Chemistry is included as a subject. This paper presents the proposal of using the case methodology, in an interdisciplinary environment, where the student – besides acquiring other competencies - is made aware of the importance of the subject in the global context of his degree(AU)