Milk-derived exosomes as a promising vehicle for oral delivery of hydrophilic biomacromolecule drugs

Exosomes,as promising vehicles,have been widely used in the research of oral drug delivery,but the generally low drug loading efficiency of exosomes seriously limits its application and transformation.In this study,we systematically investigated the effects of drug loading methods and physicochemical properties(lipophilicity and molecular weight)on drug loading efficiency of milk-derived exosomes to explore the most appropriate loading conditions.Our finding revealed that the drug loading efficiency of exosomes was closely related to the drug loading method,drug lipophilicity,drug molecular weight and exosome/drug proportions.Of note,we demonstrated the universality that hydrophilic biomacromolecule drugs were the most appropriate loading drugs for milk-derived exosomes,which was attributed to the efficient loading capacity and sustained release behavior.Furthermore,milk-derived exosomes could significantly improve the transepithelial transport and oral bioavailability of model hydrophilic biomacromolecule drugs(octreotide,exendin-4 and salmon calcitonin).Collectively,our results suggested that the encapsulation of hydrophilic biomacromolecule drugs might be the most promising direction for milk exosomes as oral drug delivery vehicles.

Liver injury from direct oral anticoagulants

BACKGROUND Drug-induced liver injury(DILI)can be caused by any prescribed drug and is a significant reason for the withdrawal of newly launched drugs.Direct-acting oral anticoagulants(DOACs)are non-vitamin K-based antagonists recently introduced and increasingly used for various clinical conditions.A meta-analysis of 29 randomised controlled trials and 152116 patients reported no increased risk of DILI with DOACs.However,it is challenging to predict the risk factors for DILI in individual patients with exclusion of patients with pre-existing liver disease from these studies.AIM To determine the risk factors and outcomes of patients who developed DILI secondary to DOACs by systematic review and meta-summary of recent case reports and series.METHODS A systematic search was conducted on multiple databases including PubMed,Science Direct,Reference Citation Analysis,and Google Scholar.The search terms included“Acute Liver Failure”OR“Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure”OR“Acute Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury”OR“Chronic Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury”AND“Factor Xa Inhibitors”OR“Dabigatran”OR“Rivaroxaban”OR“apixaban”OR“betrixaban”OR“edoxaban”OR“Otamixaban”.The results were filtered for literature published in English and on adult patients.Only case reports and case studies reporting cases of DILI secondary to DOACs were included.Data on demographics,comorbidities,medication history,laboratory investigations,imaging,histology,management,and outcomes were extracted.RESULTS A total of 15 studies(13 case reports and 2 case series)were included in the analysis,comprising 27 patients who developed DILI secondary to DOACs.Rivaroxaban was the most commonly implicated DOAC(n=20,74.1%).The mean time to onset of DILI was 40.6 d.The most common symptoms were jaundice(n=15,55.6%),malaise(n=9,33.3%),and vomiting(n=9,33.3%).Laboratory investigations showed elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin levels.Imaging studies and liver biopsies revealed features of acute hepatitis and cholestatic injury.Most patients had a favourable outcome,and only 1 patient(3.7%)died due to liver failure.CONCLUSION DOACs are increasingly used for various clinical conditions,and DILI secondary to DOACs is a rare but potentially serious complication.Prompt identification and cessation of the offending drug are crucial for the management of DILI.Most patients with DILI secondary to DOACs have a favourable outcome,but a small proportion may progress to liver failure and death.Further research,including post-marketing population-based studies,is needed to better understand the incidence and risk factors for DILI secondary to DOACs.

Antihypertensive drugs and glucose metabolism

Hypertension plays a major role in the development and progression of micro-and macrovascular disease.Moreover,increased blood pressure often coexists with additional cardiovascular risk factors such as insulin resistance.As a result the need for a comprehensive management of hypertensive patients is critical.However,the various antihypertensive drug categories have different effects on glucose metabolism.Indeed,angiotensin receptor blockers as well as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors have been associated with beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis.Calcium channel blockers(CCBs)have an overall neutral effect on glucose metabolism.However,some members of the CCBs class such as azelnidipine and manidipine have been shown to have advantageous effects on glucose homeostasis.On the other hand,diuretics andβ-blockers have an overall disadvantageous effect on glucose metabolism.Of note,carvedilol as well as nebivolol seem to differentiate themselves from the rest of theβ-blockers class,being more attractive options regarding their effect on glucose homeostasis.The adverse effects of some blood pressure lowering drugs on glucose metabolism may,to an extent,compromise their cardiovascular protective role.As a result the effects on glucose homeostasis of the various blood pressure lowering drugs should be taken into account when selecting an antihypertensive treatment,especially in patients which are at high risk for developing diabetes.

Risk Factors Affecting Ischemic Stroke: A Potential Side Effect of Antihypertensive Drugs

Background: Stroke is a worldwide health problem, the world’s second-leading cause of death and third-leading cause of disability. Currently, the majority of stroke patients are ischemic stroke patients. It is necessary to evaluate risk factors to prevent ischemic stroke. Data and Methods: The risk factors for stroke in the previous fiscal year were analyzed. They were divided into nonmodifiable and modifiable factors. The probit and ordered probit models were used in the study, with 59341 and 50542 observations used in the estimation of the models, respectively. Results: Among the nonmodifiable factors, age, gender and cerebrovascular disease history are important risk factors. The history of cerebrovascular diseases is considered to be an especially important factor. Among the modifiable factors, taking antihypertensive drugs and recent large weight change are negative risk factors;however, sleeping well significantly reduces the probability of ischemic stroke. Conclusion: It is very important to ensure that medical personnel know a patient’s history of cerebrovascular diseases for proper treatments. Ischemic stroke might be considered an important side effect of antihypertensive drugs. Limitations: The dataset was observatory. There are various types of antihypertension drugs, and their effects are not analyzed.

An Analysis of the Effects of Blood Pressure and Antihypertensive Drugs on Heart Disease

Background: The American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA) and other organizations announced a new hypertension guideline (2017 ACA/AHA Guideline) in November 2017. However, other organizations such as the European Society of Cardiology and European Society of Hypertension maintained their diagnostic thresholds. It is necessary to evaluate the effects of blood pressure (BP) and antihypertensive drugs on the probability of having heart disease (HD). Data and Methods: The effects of BP, antihypertensive drugs and other factors on the probability of undergoing HD treatment were analyzed. We used a dataset containing 83,287 medical check-up and treatment records obtained from 35,504 individuals in 5 fiscal years. The probit models were used in the study. Considering the possibility of endogeneity problems, different types of models were used. Results: We could not find evidence that a higher systolic BP increased the probability of undergoing HD treatment. However, diastolic BP increased the probability in most of the models. Taking antihypertensive drugs also increased the probability of undergoing HD treatment. Diabetes was another important risk factor. Conclusion: The results of this study did not support the new 2017 ACC/AHA Guideline. It is necessary to choose proper drugs and methods to reduce the risks of side effects. Limitations: The dataset was observatory, the data were obtained from just one medical society, and sample selection bias might exist.

Synthesis of (2S,4S)-2-Substituted-3- (3-Sulfanylpropanoyl)-6- Oxohexahydropyrimidine-4-Carboxylic Acids as Potential Antihypertensive Drugs

Proceeding from natural amino acid L-asparagine and commercially available aldehydes a stereoselective synthesis was developed of (2S,4S)-2-alkyl(aryl)-3-(3-sulfanylpropanoyl)-6-oxohexahy- dropyrimidine-4-carboxylic acids, potential antihypertensive drugs, inhibitors of the angiotensin converting enzyme.

Research on the World’s Most Valuable Antihypertensive Drugs Based on Patent Analysis

Objective To find out several patented technologies of antihypertensive drugs with the most market value through analysis,and provide a reference for the research and development of enterprises.Methods The most valuable patented technologies of antihypertensive drugs from 2009 to 2019 were analyzed to explore the patent layout and technical characteristics of the main patent applicants,and then the key directions of their research and development were gotten.Results and Conclusion Based on the method of patent analysis,five patents with the most market value are extracted to provide important technical support and market value reference for the research and development of generic drugs or new drugs.

Early effects of Lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablets on intragastric pH in CYP2C19 extensive metabolizers

AIM: To compare rabeprazole (RPZ; 10 mg) with Lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablets (LPZ; 30 mg OD) in terms of antisecretory activity and blood drug concentration after a single dose. METHODS: Eight H pylori-negative cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 extensive metabolizers were assigned to receive a single oral dose of RPZ 10 mg or LPZ 30 mg OD. Twelve hour intragastric pH monitoring was perform- ed on the day of treatment. Blood samples were also collected after the administration of each drug. RESULTS: LPZ 30 mg OD induced a significantly earlier rise in blood drug concentration than RPZ 10 mg; consequently, LPZ 30 mg OD induced a significantly earlier rise in median pH in the third and fourth hours of the study. CONCLUSION: In H pylori-negative CYP2C19 extensive metabolizers, LPZ 30 mg OD induced a significantly faster inhibition of gastric acid secretion than RPZ 10 mg.

Clinical Observation on Treatment of Acquired Paralytic Strabismus by Acupuncture Plus Oral Administration of Chinese Herbs

From June 1996 to June 2002, the author treated 38 cases of acquired paralytic strabismus by acupuncture plus oral administration of Zheng Rong Tang (正容汤), with another 38 cases of acquired paralytic strabismus treated only with oral administration of Chinese herbs as the controls. The results are reported as follows.

Fifty-six Cases of Stubborn Eczema Treated by Oral Administration and Topical Application of Herbal Medicine

Eczema is a kind of very common dermatopathy. The cases with a long course of illness and hard to be cured are termed as stubborn eczema. We have obtained good results in its treatment since 1995 with the Chu Shi Tang (除湿汤Dampness-Clearing Decoction) for oral intake and the Fu Fang Ku Shen Xi Ye (复方苦参洗液) for topical application. The following is a clinical report for treating 56 patients with stubborn eczema.

Preparation of Ionic Liquid Functionalized Silica Nanoparticles for Oral Drug Delivery

The objective of this study is to utilize the pH sensitivity of modified silica nanoparticles (SNIL) by imidazole-based ionic liquid for oral delivery of insulin. In the first time, the imidazole was covalently attached to the 3-trimethoxysily-lpropyl chloride with replacement of all the chlorine atoms. Then, a silica nanoparticle was modified by N-(3-trimeth-oxysilylpropyl) imidazole. The nanocapsule (NCIL) was achieved after the etching of the modified silica nanoparticle template with hydrofluoric acid. The nanoparticles connected through an ionic liquid-like network were characterized by FTIR and SEM. Insulin was entrapped in these carriers and the in vitro release profiles were established separately in both enzyme-free simulated gastric and intestinal fluids (SGF, pH 1) and (SIF, pH 7.4), respectively. When these drug-loaded nanoparticles was placed in physiological buffer solution (pH 7.4), a partial negative surface charge on the modified silica nanoparticle was generated due to the deprotonation of silanol groups, and the strong electrostatic repulsion triggered a sustained release of the loaded molecules.

Usefulness and limitations of taste sensors in the evaluation of palatability and taste-masking in oral dosage forms

The purpose of this review is to discuss the advantages and limitations of taste sensors in the evaluation of the taste of palatability of different oral dosage forms. First, we consider some ways in which the palatability of various pharmaceutical formulations including orally disintegrating tablets(ODTs) are tested using two different taste sensors. Second, we focus on the evaluation of palatability of ODTs. We compare the usefulness of three pieces of apparatus for estimating the disintegration time of ODTs. Finally, we compare the characteristics of the two taste sensors in the evaluation of palatability of various kinds of drug formulations.

UNIQUE ORAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

An oral drug delivery system using proteinoid microspheres is discussed with respect to itsunique dependence on pH. It has been found that certain drugs such as insulin and heparin canbe encapsulated in proteinoid spheres at stomach pH's (1--3). These spheres also dissemble atintestinal pH's (6--7) releasing the drug for absorption. Using this technique low molecularweight heparin and human growth hormone have been orally delivered successfully to severalanimal species. Future work has been proposed to study the interaction and binding of thespecific drugs with synthesized oligopeptides.

From oral formulations to drug-eluting implants:using 3D and 4D printing to develop drug delivery systems and personalized medicine

Since the start of the Precision Medicine Initiative by the United States of America in 2015,interest in personalized medicine has grown extensively.In short,personalized medicine is a term that describes medical treatment that is tuned to the individual.One possible way to realize personalized medicine is 3D printing.When using materials that can be tuned upon stimulation,4D printing is established.In recent years,many studies have been exploring a new field that combines 3D and 4D printing with therapeutics.This has resulted in many concepts of pharmaceutical devices and formulations that can be printed and,possibly,tailored to an individual.Moreover,the first 3D printed drug,Spritam®,has already found its way to the clinic.This review gives an overview of various 3D and 4D printing techniques and their applications in the pharmaceutical field as drug delivery systems and personalized medicine.

Treatment of systemic diseases and oral focal infection

Oral lesions are highly correlated with the occurrence and development of many diseases. In addition, the treatment of systemic diseases may aggravate oral focal infections, affect the life quality of patients, interfere with the treatment of systemic diseases, and even cause systemic infection in serious cases. Treatment strategies for systemic diseases may induce or aggravate oral local lesion infections. In specific, administration of oral anti-epileptic drugs and immunosuppressive drugs may induce gingivitis, radiotherapy or chemotherapy for malignant tumors may cause oral mucositis, long-term use of bisphosphonates for inhibition of tumor bone metastasis or prevention of osteoporosis may cause osteonecrosis of the jaw, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation that may cause oral rejection reactions.

Utilization Pattern of Oral Hypoglycemic Agents for Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Patients Attending Out-Patient Department at a University Hospital in New Delhi

Diabetes mellitus is the chronic disorder emerging as major world health problem which increases the rate of morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to ascertain patterns of prescription of oral hypoglycemic agents to type 2 diabetic patients attending a university hospital, and to assess patient compliance. A prospective, observational and non comparative study was conducted in 200 established diabetes mellitus type 2 patients attending outpatient department at Majeedia Hospital, New Delhi, India. Prescriptions from registered patients were included in the study. Once the consultation by the physician was over, the prescriptions were reviewed and the patients were interviewed. The information was collected in an inhouse designed documentation proforma. In a pool of 200 type 2 diabetics, more than half were female (n=106, 53%). The mean age of the patients were found to be 50.4 ± 11.7 years and mean body mass index, 25.8 ± 4.4 kg/m2. A total of 432 oral hypoglycemic agents were prescribed to the patients. Highly significant number of patients were prescribed combination therapy, (n=143, 71.5%) as compared to monotherapy (n=57, 28.5%),

Pharmacogenomics in oral diseases

The availability of newer technologies for identification and characterization of the human genome has enabled our understanding of the genetic variations in a majority of human diseases.Human genomic sequence varies in less than 1%among the different population group and these differences known as gene polymorphisms are the primary reasons for differences in individuals’response to various drug therapy.Also understanding the genetic changes may enable implementation of targeted therapy,thus providing for effective treatment strategies and minimizing the adverse side effects.Pharmacogenomics is a recent development in the field of personalized medicine which focuses on the genetic determinants of drug response at the levels of entire human genome.It primarily deals with tailoring of drug therapy for every individual based on their genetic make-up and identifying new target in various diseases for drug therapy.While the application of pharmacogenomics in systemic illness is well researched,its role in oral diseases needs documentation.Identifying specific targets in periodontitis,head and neck cancer,infections and genetic disorders can be beneficial in discovery of new drugs.This editorial provides an overview of basics of pharmacoge-nomics,its current role in disease management and its potential role in various head and neck diseases.

Systematic review on the adverse reactions of oral administration of Indigo Naturalis and its preparations

Objective:This article systematically analyses the effects of adverse drug events/adverse drug reactions(ADEs/ADRs)of oral Indigo Naturalis(Qingdai)preparations in order to provide references for its rational clinical application.Methods:All clinical studies reporting ADE/ADR related to the oral administration of Qingdai preparations were searched through electronic databases,including PubMed,the Cochrane Library,Embase,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),China Biology Medicine disc(CBM),VIP Information Chinese Journal Service Platform(VIP),and Wanfang database,from inception to September 27,2020.Information were extracted from these literatures,including primary disease,type of adverse reactions,dose,treatment,outcomes and so on.Incidence of ADE/ADR was estimated,as well as distribution of primary diseases and victim organs and systems were analyzed.Results:A total of 682 articles were included,with 651 clinical population studies and 31 case reports.Among them,604 detailed ADR/AE involving 33459 patients using oral Qingdai preparations,and a total of 5061 cases were found to present adverse events,including 2827 cases of digestive system(abdominal pain,diarrhea,etc.),469 cases of blood system damage(thrombocytopenia,leukopenia,anemia,etc.),313 cases of liver damage(abnormal liver function,liver toxicity,elevated liver enzymes,etc.),327 cases of nervous system reactions(headache,dizziness,poor sleep,etc.)and 1186 cases of other systems and organs.Severe adverse events(SAEs)mainly were liver damage,and could be relived after symptomatic treatment.Conclusion:From the systematic information retrieval and analysis,it is found that oral Qingdai preparations application may clinically cause ADEs/ADRs in terms of gastrointestinal tract and liver damage.Therefore,when using oral Qingdai preparations,liver and stomach protection should be done.At the same time,pay close attention to various biochemical indicators and the patient's drug response during the treatment process,and,if necessary,deal with it in time so as not to deteriorate the condition.Moreover,active surveillance system should be conducted to monitor ADE/ADR,so as to establish a clearer causal relationship between the drug and the adverse event.

Rational design of oral drugs targeting mucosa delivery with gut organoid platforms

Effective oral drugs and vaccines require high delivery efficiency across the gastrointestinal epithelia and protection of medically effective payloads(i.e.,immunogens)against gastric damage.In this study,hollowed nanocarriers(NCs:silica nanospheres and gold nanocages)with poly-l-lysine(PLL)coating and mammalian orthoreovirus cell attachment proteinσ1 functionalization(NC-PLL-σ1)were explored as functional oral drug delivery vehicles(ODDVs).The transport of these ODDVs to mucosal lymphoid tissues could be facilitated by microfold cells(M-cells)mediated transcytosis(viaσ1-α2–3-linked sialic acids adherence)across gastrointestinal epithelia.PLL coating provided protection and slow-release of rhodamine 6 G(R6G),a model payload.The transport effectiveness of these ODDVs was tested on intestinal organoid monolayers in vitro.When compared with other experimental groups,the fully functionalized ODDV system(with PLL-σ1)demonstrated two significant advantages:a significantly higher transport efficiency(198%over blank control at 48 h);and protection of payloads which led to both better transport efficiency and extended-release of payloads(61%over uncoated carriers at 48 h).In addition,it was shown that the M cell presence in intestinal organoid monolayers(modulated by Rank L stimulation)was a determining factor on the transport efficiency of the ODDVs:more M-cells(induced by higher Rank L)in the organoid monolayers led to higher transport efficiency for ODDV-delivered model payload(R6G).The fully functionalized ODDVs showed great potential as effective oral delivery vehicles for drugs and vaccines.