Electrostatic spraying for fine-tuning particle dimensions to enhance oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs

While spray-drying has been widely utilized to improve the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs,the outcomes often exhibit suboptimal particle size distribution and large particle sizes,limiting their effectiveness.In this study,we introduce electrostatic spraying as an advanced technology tailored for poorly water-soluble drugs,enabling the fabrication of nanoparticles with fine and uniform particle size distribution.Regorafenib(1 g),as a model drug,copovidone(5 g),and sodium dodecyl sulfate(0.1 g)were dissolved in 200 ml ethanol and subjected to conventional-spray-dryer and electrostatic spray dryer.The electrostatic spray-dried nanoparticles(ESDN)showed smaller particle sizes with better uniformity compared to conventional spray-dried nanoparticles(CSDN).ESDN demonstrated significantly enhanced solubility and rapid release in water.In vitro studies revealed that ESDN induced apoptosis in HCT-116 cells to a greater extent,exhibiting superior cytotoxicity compared to CSDN.Furthermore,ESDN substantially improved oral bioavailability and antitumor efficacy compared to CSDN.These findings suggest that ESD shows potential in developing enhanced drug delivery systems for poorly water-soluble drugs,effectively addressing the limitations associated with CSD methods.

Effects of anti-hypertensive drugs on esophageal body contraction

AIM:To clarify the effects of anti-hypertensive drugs on esophageal contraction and determine their possi-ble relationship with gastro-esophageal reflux disease.METHODS:Thirteen healthy male volunteers were enrolled. Esophageal body peristaltic contractions and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure were measured using high resolution manometry. All subjects were randomly examined on four separate occasions following administrations of nifedipine,losartan,and atenolol,as well as without any drug administration.RESULTS:Peristaltic contractions by the esophageal body were separated into three segments by two troughs. The peak peristaltic pressures in the mid and lower segments of the esophageal body under atenolol administration were signifi cantly higher than those without medication in a supine position. On the other hand,peristaltic pressures under nifedipine administration were lower than those observed without drug ad-ministration. Losartan did not change esophageal body peristalsis. Atenolol elevated LES pressure and slowed peristaltic wave transition,while the effects of nifedip-ine were the opposite. CONCLUSION:Among the anti-hypertensive drugs tested,atenolol enhanced esophageal motor activity,which was in contrast to nifedipine.

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.

Metal-organic frameworks in oral drug delivery

Metal-organic frameworks(MOFs)offer innovative solutions to the limitations of traditional oral drug delivery systems through their unique combination of metal ions and organic ligands.This review systematically examines the structural properties and principles of MOFs,setting the stage for their application in drug delivery.It discusses various classes of MOFs,including those based on zirconium,iron,zinc,copper,titanium,aluminum,potassium,and magnesium,assessing their drug-loading capacities,biocompatibility,and controlled release mechanisms.The effectiveness of MOFs is illustrated through case studies that highlight their capabilities in enhancing drug solubility,providing protection against the harsh gastrointestinal environment,and enabling precise drug release.The review addresses potential challenges,particularly the toxicity concerns associated with MOFs,and calls for further research into their biocompatibility and interactions with biological systems.It concludes by emphasizing the potential of MOFs in revolutionizing oral drug delivery,highlighting the critical need for comprehensive research to harness their full potential in clinical applications.

Tongluo Jiedu as an adjuvant therapy for oral cancer

Oral cancer is one of the malignant neoplasms that present major global health challenge.It is the sixth most prevalent type of cancer in the world,with a high incidence and mortality rate.This letter is a review of the study by Yin et al which was published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases(2024).The study evaluated the effect of Tongluo Jiedu as an adjuvant treatment for oral cancer.Over the years,there has been a continuous search for effective and less invasive treatments for oral cancer.This article emphasizes and discusses various therapeutic options currently available,and it highlights that early intervention and multidisciplinary management are crucial for improving outcomes.Traditional Chinese medicine,particularly Tongluo Jiedu,presents potential complementary approach to co-nventional oral cancer therapies.Future research on Tongluo Jiedu should be focused on validation of its efficacy and safety through large,well-designed clinical trials,as well as better understanding of the molecular mechanisms in-volved,and optimization of therapeutic combinations.Additionally,continuous education of health professionals is key to the effective and safe integration of this traditional medicine into clinical practice.Continuous research is essential for optimization of therapeutic strategies and for addressing the challenges presented by this neoplasm.

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.

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.

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.

Thermal Decomposition of Some Cardiovascular Drugs (Telmisartane, Cilazapril and Terazosin HCL)

Thermal analysis of some antihypertensive drugs, Telmisartan, Cilazapril and Terazosin HCL was achieved. Thermogravimetry, derivative thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis were used through the work. Thermogravimetric parameters such as activation energy, frequency factor and reaction order were calculated. The results show the stability value decrease in the order Telmisartan > Cilazapril > Terazosin. This method can be used in the quality control of pharmaceutical compounds because it is simple, fast and cheap.

Causative anti-diabetic drugs and the underlying clinical factors for hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes

Recent clinical trials indicated that the intensive glycemic control do not reduce cardiovascular disease mortality among diabetic patients, challenging a significance of the strict glycemic control in diabetes management. Furthermore, retrospective analysis of the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes study demonstrated a significant association betweenhypoglycemia and mortality. Here, we systematically reviewed the drug-induced hypoglycemia, and also the underlying clinical factors for hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes. The sulfonylurea use is significantly associated with severe hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. The use of biguanide(approximately 45%-76%) and thiazolidinediones(approximately 15%-34%) are also highly associated with the development of severe hypoglycemia. In patients treated with insulin, the intensified insulin therapy is more frequently associated with severe hypoglycemia than the conventional insulin therapy and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. Among the underlying clinical factors for development of severe hypoglycemia, low socioeconomic status, aging, longer duration of diabetes, high Hb A1 c and low body mass index, comorbidities are precipitating factors for severe hypoglycemia. Poor cognitive and mental functions are also associated with severe hypoglycemia.

A Critical Review on Traditional Herbal Drugs: An Emerging Alternative Drug for Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease reaching an epidemic proportion in many parts of the world. By the year 2025 it is expected that 333 million people of the world will have diabetes as their main ailment. As today, India assumes the position of the diabetic capital of the world with the highest percentage of its population suffering from diabetes. It is pathetic to mention that in proportion to its people suffering from diabetes, this country has very weak spending power for treatment because of wide spread poverty. Therefore, this review is aimed at opening up new vistas in realizing the therapeutic potential of Ayurveda in treatment of diabetes and other chronic diseases. All drugs which we have discussed in this review have a significant role in therapy of diabetes mellitus.

细胞外囊泡在口腔鳞状细胞癌诊疗中的作用

背景:细胞外囊泡在不同的生理和病理生理条件下由多种细胞类型(包括肿瘤细胞)分泌到细胞外环境中,存在着广泛的生物学信号及细胞之间的信号传导。肿瘤衍生的细胞外囊泡可能会加剧癌症的进展、存活、侵袭和促进血管生成。目的:综述细胞外囊泡在口腔鳞状细胞癌诊疗中的研究进展。方法:由第一作者在Pub Med、万方和中国知网数据库中进行文献检索,关键词为“EVs,Oral squamous cell carcinoma,Diagnosis and treatment,Biopsy,Tissue engineering”及“细胞外囊泡,口腔鳞状细胞癌,诊疗,活检,组织工程”,最终纳入63篇文献进行分析。结果与结论:(1)在口腔鳞状细胞癌唾液活检中,细胞外囊泡作为肿瘤细胞与周围微环境间的信息传递工具,携带包括可溶性蛋白、脂质、DNA和RNA在内的多种生物分子,对口腔鳞状细胞癌的进展起着至关重要的作用,这些微小囊泡不仅在肿瘤的生长和扩散中扮演着关键角色,还提供了有关肿瘤生物学特性的重要信息。(2)唾液活检作为一种非侵入性诊断方法,通过分析其中的细胞外囊泡,可以为口腔鳞状细胞癌的早期诊断和靶向治疗开辟新的可能性。(3)研究发现,细胞外囊泡内含的生物活性分子,如micro RNAs(mi RNAs)和特定蛋白质,能作为口腔鳞状细胞癌的生物标志物,提高早期诊断的准确性。细胞外囊泡中的特定蛋白质如EHD2,CAVIN1,PF4V1和CXCL7等显示了作为新型预测性生物标志物的潜力。(4)此外,文章还强调了细胞外囊泡在口腔鳞状细胞癌治疗中的应用潜力,通过工程化改造,细胞外囊泡可以作为新一代纳米级药物输送系统,增强肿瘤靶向治疗的效率和特异性。(5)未来的研究将进一步深入探索细胞外囊泡在口腔鳞状细胞癌治疗中的作用及其机制,有望改善患者的生存率和生活质量。

氧化石墨烯在口腔种植修复领域的应用

背景:氧化石墨烯凭借优越的理化性质和良好的生物相容性能够促进成骨细胞的分化和抑制细菌增殖,有望提高种植体修复的成功率。目的:总结氧化石墨烯在口腔种植修复领域的研究进展。方法:应用计算机检索CNKI、万方、ScienceDirect、PubMed数据库中2000年1月至2024年6月发表的相关文献,检索词为“氧化石墨烯,口腔种植,生物相容性,抗菌机制,成骨细胞,机械性能,化学性能”“graphene oxide,dental Implantation,biocompatibility,antibacterial mechanism,osteoblasts,mechanical properties,chemical properties”。通过阅读文题和摘要进行初步筛选,排除与文章主题不相关的文献,根据纳入和排除标准,最终纳入65篇文献进行综述分析。结果与结论:氧化石墨烯通过自身抗菌及载药抗菌性能可以增加机体先天性免疫保护反应,抑制种植体周围炎的发生和发展。氧化石墨烯可以促进骨髓间充质干细胞的增殖分化,促进成骨细胞、血管内皮细胞的增殖,抑制破骨细胞的增殖,增加种植体与牙槽骨之间骨结合的速率,有利于种植体周围骨的形成和稳定。氧化石墨烯可以促进种植体与龈组织的结合,减少炎症的发生。氧化石墨烯具有低毒性,其生物安全性有待进一步研究。氧化石墨烯涂层赋予了钛种植体表面优良的理化性能,可显著降低种植体折断等并发症的发生,延长种植体使用时间。

Advancements in oral therapeutic drugs for treating SARS-CoV-2 infections:A comprehensive review

SARS-CoV-2 has undergone five major transformations from its original strain,evolving through Alpha,Beta,Gamma,Delta,and now Omicron.The Omicron variant stands out for its high transmissibility,reduced severity,mild symptoms,and low mortality.Today,Omicron infections have become akin to common upper respiratory tract infections,underscoring the critical role of oral therapeutic drugs in clinical settings.These small-molecule oral antivirals are game-changers,effectively preventing mild and moderate cases from escalating to severe conditions and significantly reducing mortality among severe cases.They have emerged as the frontline defenders in the fight against SARS-CoV-2.Currently,eight oral antiviral drugs have been approved for use,including four 3CL protease inhibitors(nirmatrelvir/ritonavir,simnotrelvir/ritonavir,atilotrelvir/ritonavir,ensitrelvir,and leritrelvir),and three RNA polymerase inhibitors(molnupiravir,azvudine,and deuterium remdesivir).These medications are readily available and have ensured an uninterrupted clinical supply.With the establishment of a robust post-infection immune barrier and the widespread clinical use of oral antiviral drugs,the global threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly diminished.The relentless march of scientific progress and medical innovation has turned the tide,making COVID-19 a manageable part of our lives.

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.

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.

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.

Comparison of drug concentrations in blood and gastric lavage fluid before and after gastric lavage:A case report

BACKGROUND Gastric lavage(GL)is one of the most important early therapies to remove unabsorbed toxins from the gastrointestinal tract.However,the details of performing gastric lavage remain to be established.There is controversy in clinical practice regarding individual choice of the timing of GL and its efficiency.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a young woman who presented to the Emergency Department with drug intoxication for four hours.We used the latest toxicological screening techniques to compare drug concentrations in the patient's blood and gastric lavage fluid before and after gastric lavage.The results confirmed that gastric lavage was effective in reducing drug concentrations in the stomach;a small amount of drug remained in the stomach at the end of gastric lavage.CONCLUSION Gastric lavage is effective in reducing drug concentrations in the stomach,with a small amount of drug remaining in the stomach at the end of gastric lavage.

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.