Probucol Release from Novel Multicompartmental Microcapsules for the Oral Targeted Delivery in Type 2 Diabetes

In previous studies, we developed and characterised multicompartmental microcapsules as a platform for the targeted oral delivery of lipophilic drugs in type 2 diabetes (T2D). We also designed a new microencapsulated formulation of probucol-sodium alginate (PB-SA), with good structural properties and excipient compatibility. The aim of this study was to examine the stability and pH-dependent targeted release of the microcapsules at various pH values and different temperatures. Microencapsulation was carried out using a Büchi-based microencapsulating system developed in our laboratory. Using SA polymer, two formulations were prepared: empty SA microcapsules (SA, control) and loaded SA microcapsules (PB-SA, test), at a constant ratio (1:30), respectively. Microcapsules were examined for drug content, zeta potential, size, morphology and swelling characteristics and PB release characteristics at pH 1.5, 3, 6 and 7.8. The production yield and microencapsulation efficiency were also determined. PB-SA microcapsules had 2.6 ± 0.25% PB content, and zeta potential of −66 ± 1.6%, suggesting good stability. They showed spherical and uniform morphology and significantly higher swelling at pH 7.8 at both 25 and 37°C (p < 0.05). The microcapsules showed multiphasic release properties at pH 7.8. The production yield and microencapsulation efficiency were high (85 ± 5 and 92 ± 2%, respectively). The PB-SA microcapsules exhibited distal gastrointestinal tract targeted delivery with a multiphasic release pattern and with good stability and uniformity. However, the release of PB from the microcapsules was not controlled, suggesting uneven distribution of the drug within the microcapsules

Genotoxic effect induced by hydrogen peroxide in human hepatoma cells using comet assay

Background: Hydrogen peroxide is a common reactive oxygen intermediate generated by variousforms of oxidative stress. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the DNA damage capacity ofH2O2 in HepG2 cells. Methods: Cells were treated with H2O2 at concentrations of 25 μM or 50 μM for5 min, 30 min, 40 min, 1 h or 24 h in parallel. The extent of DNA damage was assessed by the cometassay. Results: Compared to the control, DNA damage by 25 μM and 50 μM H2O2 increasedsignificantly with increasing incubation time up to 1 h, but it was not increased at 24 h. Conclusions:Our Findings confirm that H2O2 is a typical DNA damage inducing agent and thus is a good modelsystem to study the effects of oxidative stress. DNA damage in HepG2 cells increased significantlywith H2O2 concentration and time of incubation but later decreased likely due to DNA repairmechanisms and antioxidant enzyme

Legal status of the pharmacy practice in the European Union and the Republic of Macedonia

From a historical point of view, one can notice that the role of the pharmacists employed in community and hospital pharmacies became more complex. Today, they do not only supply, store, prepare and dispense medicines with ensured quality, but they also provide professional services based on the concept of pharmaceutical care and good pharmacy practice. In this paper, detailed review on the current legislative regulating the status and practice of the community and hospital pharmacies in some EU-member countries and in Macedonia is given. The implementation of the concept of pharmaceutical care and good pharmacy practice in selected EU member-countries, Great Britain, Germany and Slovenia, and in Croatia as a future EU member as well as in Macedonia is also discussed. In addition, set of recommendations for establishing the good pharmacy practice standards is prepared and presented. At the end, an attempt is made to establish a basis for development a modern Law on Pharmacy Practice in the Republic of Macedonia

Midazolam-sirupus, formulation and pharmacodynamic efficacy

Due to its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties (sedation, amnesia and relief of anxiety) Midazolam has become a comm only used agent for conscious sedation of children before diagnostic or therapeutic procedure or before induction of anesthesia. Con sidering the advantage of oral administration to avoid the additional trauma of starting an IV in the child, and the fact that there is no ad equate dosage form (Midazolam - Syrupus) on the drug market in our country, the aim of the presented work was to formulate syrupus using syrupus b ase/aqueous solution of viscosity enhancer - HPMC, in combination with suitable sweetener, flavor, and preservatives, and to evaluate its q uality and stability. The pharmacodynamic efficacy/sedative effect of Midazolam HCl - Syrupus formulation was evaluated in 33 pediatric patients comp aring this with the efficacy of intramuscularly administered Midazolam HCl (35 pediatric patients) in accordance with the Ramsay scale for analgosedation. The formulation manifested good quality in respect to physical properties, physico-chemical parameters (pH value, relative dens ity, drug content, ingredients content) antimicrobial efficacy and microbiological quality according to Ph Eur 3. In the conditions chara cteristic of the second (II) climate zone, the dosage form was stable for four months. The sedative effect of orally administered Midazolam was manifested in a period necessary for surgical premedication (30 - 45 min). The majority of patients (71%) entered the second phase on the Ramsa y scale, when Midazolam was administered in a dose of 0.40 mg/kg