Development of novel formulations to enhance in vivo transdermal permeation of tocopherol

Tocopherol represents a big challenge for transdermal permeation owing to its extreme hydrophobicity and large molecular mass. The aim of the present study was to develop alpha-tocopherol (T) topical formulations and evaluate the ex vivo and in vivo permeation. Franz diffusion cells were used for the ex vivo permeation, and neonatal rats were used for in vivo permeation. Seven gel formulations and 21 liquid formulations were investigated for physical stability, viscosity and permeation of T. Analysis of T was performed by a validated HPLC method using a UV detector.The ex vivo permeation from gel and emulsion formulations was very poor (0.001–0.015 %). The highest permeation was observed from monophasic liquid formulations containing dimethyl sulfuxide (DMSO), tocopheryl polyethylene glycols (TPGs), propylene glycol, ethanol, and 9.5 % T. The in vivo results demonstrated higher retention in the epidermis compared to subcutaneous tissues; 1377 and 1.13 µg g–1, respectively. Increasing T concentration from 4.8 to 9.5 % did not increase the amount permeated or % of T retained. It was concluded that simple solutions of T in presence of DMSO and TPGs are more promising systems for effective transdermal permeation; compared to gel, emulsion or oleaginous systems

Study of the Urinary Ratio of 6 β-Hydroxycortisol/Cortisol as a Biomarker of CYP3A4 Activity in Egyptian Patients with Chronic Liver Diseases

The urinary ratio of 6 β-hydroxycortisol/cortisol (6 β-OHC/C) as a biomarker of CYP3A4 metabolizing activity has been studied in Egyptian patients with chronic liver cirrhosis associated with previous hepatic Schistosomiasis infection to determine any possible alteration in enzyme activity. The ratio of 6-β OHC/C was determined in morning urine samples collected from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in healthy adults (n = 36) and patients with liver cirrhosis (n = 57). The median age for control was 27 years (range: 18–50 years) and 50 years (range: 27–75 years) for patients. 6 β-OHC was detected in urine by ELIZA kits (Stabiligen, France). Patients with liver cirrhosis were categorized according to Child Pugh Classification into Child B (n = 28) and Child C (n = 29) classes. Cholestasis was observed in 9/28 of Child B class and 8/29 of Child C class of patients. The control subjects showed gender-related difference in the urinary ratio of 6 β-OHC/C. A significant reduction (P < 0.001) in 6 β-OHC/C ratio was observed only in Child C patients in comparison with control subjects. Regression analysis showed a significant correlation (P < 0.05) between 6 β-OHC/C ratio and serum albumin. The influence of cholestasis on the urinary ratio of 6-β OHC/C was observed on cirrhotic patients of Child B class. In conclusion, patients with chronic liver cirrhosis might have a reduction of metabolizing activity of CYP3A4 enzymes which could be identified by measuring the urinary ratio of 6 β-OHC/C. This reduction is more apparent in severe liver injury (Child C class). Therefore, it is important to understand the metabolic fate of drugs metabolized by 3A4 enzymes in patients with liver cirrhosis to avoid drug accumulation that might lead to development of drug toxicity

Micropropagated banana plants induced by gamma irradiation and resistant to the root-knot nematode reproduction

Micropropagation of banana plants has been used successfully in commerce. Banana plantation has a great interest in Egypt due to suitable climate. However, some problems might thwart the plantation progress like the root-knot nematode; Meloidogyne incognita infection which can affect acclimatization and plantation of in vitro plants. Thus, our investigation aimed to produce nematode resistant in vitro plants using gamma radiation (γ). Banana in vitro plantlets were exposed to gamma radiation at several doses then replanted in vitro. Sensitivity of banana plants to irradiation was determined. Acclimatized plants were infected with M. incognita in greenhouse to see their capability for tolerance. Results indicated that irradiated plants could manage the infection as they tolerated M. incognita infection when exposed to 10 Gy. This response was clear as plant length, leaf number, and leaf width, fresh and dry weight when compared to control. Irradiated plants affected nematode parameters as number of juveniles in soil, developmental stages, galls, and egg masses in banana roots. These were reduced gradually by increasing γ-doses up to 10 Gy. The highest reduction percentages of total nematode populations and build-up of root-knot nematode were also achieved by 10 Gy dose. Gamma irradiation and/or infection by nematode caused variations in leaf content as free amino acids, free proline, glycinebetaine, choline, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids

Experimental three-point bending test of glass fibre aluminium honeycomb sandwich panel with acoustic emission damage assessment

Due to their complexity, detecting and analysing damage modes in composite honeycomb sandwich panels can be difficult. This article describes the way in which a three-point bending test (3PBT) was performed on a glass fibre aluminium honeycomb sandwich panel (HSP). Acoustic emission (AE) was used to identify damage signals, which were then analysed to determine the positions and characteristics of defects. To locate damage positions, Delta-T mapping was used. The test load was progressively applied in three phases, with the specimen being inspected visually during each phase. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the most significant damage was local crushing under the test load, which caused matrix cracking, fibre breakage and pull-out. Damage progression and the damage mode were detected using the cumulative energy and frequency spectra of the AE sources for each phase. Matrix cracking frequencies ranged from 30 kHz to 100 kHz, while fibre damage modes ranged from 157 kHz to 322 kHz. The findings highlighted the utility of Delta-T mapping in locating damage positions on sandwich structures under testing. The investigation also emphasised the value of studying frequency spectra and cumulative energy when analysing AE signals

Development of Novel Formulations to Enhance in Vivo Transdermal Permeation of Tocopherol

Tocopherol represents a big challenge for transdermal permeation owing to its extreme hydrophobicity and large molecular mass. The aim of the present study was to develop alpha-tocopherol (T) topical formulations and evaluate their ex vivo and in vivo permeation. Franz diffusion cells were used for ex vivo permeation, and neonatal rats were used for in vivo permeation. Seven gel formulations and 21 liquid formulations were investigated for physical stability, viscosity and permeation of T. Analysis of T was performed by a validated HPLC method using a UV detector. The ex vivo permeation from gel and emulsion formulations was very poor (0.001-0.015 %). Highest permeation was observed from monophasic liquid formulations containing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), tocopheryl polyethylene glycols (TPGs), propylene glycol, ethanol and 9.5 % T. The in vivo results demonstrated higher retention in the epidermis compared to subcutaneous tissues, 1377 and 1.13 μg g-1, respectively. Increasing T concentration from 4.8 to 9.5 % did not increase the amount permeated or % of T retained. It was concluded that simple solutions of T in the presence of DMSO and TPGs were more promising systems for effective transdermal permeation compared to gel, emulsion or oleaginous systems

Physiological and Anatomical Mechanisms in Wheat to Cope with Salt Stress Induced by Seawater

© 2020 by the authors.Two pot experiments were conducted in a greenhouse to examine 14C fixation and its distribution in biochemical leaf components, as well as the physiological and anatomical adaptability responses of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown with seawater diluted to 0.2, 3.0, 6.0, and 12.0 dS m−1. The results showed significant reductions in chlorophyll content, 14C fixation (photosynthesis), plant height, main stem diameter, total leaf area per plant, and total dry weight at 3.0, 6.0, and 12.0 dS m−1 seawater salt stress. The 14C loss was very high at 12.0 ds m−1 after 120 h. 14C in lipids (ether extract) showed significant changes at 12.0 dS m−1 at 96 and 120 h. The findings indicated the leaf and stem anatomical feature change of wheat plants resulting from adaptation to salinity stress. A reduction in the anatomical traits of stem and leaf diameter, wall thickness, diameter of the hollow pith cavity, total number of vascular bundles, number of large and small vascular bundles, bundle length and width, thickness of phloem tissue, and diameter of the metaxylem vessel of wheat plants was found. In conclusion, salt stress induces both anatomical and physiological changes in the stem and leaf cells of wheat, as well as the tissues and organs, and these changes in turn make it possible for the plants to adapt successfully to a saline environment.This work was part of research project No.: 245159, “SIRRIMED-Sustainable use of irrigation water in the Mediterranean region”, and supported by EU-FP7-KBBE-2009-3. This work was also partially supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Poland.Peer reviewe