Mucoadhesive microcapsules of glipizide formulated with gum kondagogu: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Mucoadhesive microcapsules are proposed for the antidiabetic drug glipizide, to obtain controlled release. Glipizide microcapsules with a coat consisting of alginate and gum kondagogu were prepared by employing ionic gelation process and emulsification ionotropic gelation process. The microcapsules were evaluated for flow properties, Carr’s index, Hausner factor, microencapsulation efficiency, drug release characteristics, surface characteristics, compatibility studies, mucoadhesive properties and in-vivo hypoglycemic activity. These two methods showed individual, large sized, free flowing spherical microcapsules without any interactions. Glipizide release from the microcapsules was slow and followed zero order kinetics and followed non–fickian release and depended on the coat: core ratio and the method employed in the preparation of microcapsules. Among the two methods emulsification ionotropic gelation method was found to be more suitable for slow and complete release of glipizide over a long period of time. These microcapsules exhibited good mucoadhesive property in the in vitro wash-off test. In vivo evaluation in rabbits demonstrated significant hypoglycemic effect of glipizide.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

Pharmacological Evaluation of Antidepressant-Like Effect of Genistein and Its Combination with Amitriptyline: An Acute and Chronic Study

The present study was designed to evaluate the acute and chronic antidepressant effect of genistein in combination with amitriptyline in mice. Animals were divided into six groups (n=6) for treatment with water, genistein, or amitriptyline, either alone or in combination for ten days. Animals were subjected to locomotor activity testing; tail suspension test (TST); and forced swim test (FST) and immobility time was recorded on day one and day ten. Acute treatment of all treatment groups did not significantly reduce the immobility time (p>0.05). Chronic treatment of combination of genistein (10 mg/kg) and amitriptyline (5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg) significantly reduced the immobility time as compared to control group (p<0.001) and was comparable to amitriptyline alone (10 mg/kg). However, no changes in anti-immobility activity in combination of subeffective doses of genistein (5 mg/kg) and amitriptyline (5 mg/kg) were observed. Genistein at its standard dose (10 mg/kg) rendered synergistic effects in combination with subeffective dose of amitriptyline (5 mg/kg) and additive effects in combination with therapeutic dose of amitriptyline (10 mg/kg)

Emerging Paradigms in Bioengineering the Lungs

In end-stage lung diseases, the shortage of donor lungs for transplantation and long waiting lists are the main culprits in the significantly increasing number of patient deaths. New strategies to curb this issue are being developed with the help of recent advancements in bioengineering technology, with the generation of lung scaffolds as a steppingstone. There are various types of lung scaffolds, namely, acellular scaffolds that are developed via decellularization and recellularization techniques, artificial scaffolds that are synthesized using synthetic, biodegradable, and low immunogenic materials, and hybrid scaffolds which combine the advantageous properties of materials in the development of a desirable lung scaffold. There have also been advances in the design of bioreactors in terms of providing an optimal regenerative environment for the maturation of functional lung tissue over time. In this review, the emerging paradigms in the field of lung tissue bioengineering will be discussed.</jats:p

Pharmacological Evaluation of Antidepressant-Like Effect of Genistein and Its Combination with Amitriptyline: An Acute and Chronic Study

The present study was designed to evaluate the acute and chronic antidepressant effect of genistein in combination with amitriptyline in mice. Animals were divided into six groups ( = 6) for treatment with water, genistein, or amitriptyline, either alone or in combination for ten days. Animals were subjected to locomotor activity testing; tail suspension test (TST); and forced swim test (FST) and immobility time was recorded on day one and day ten. Acute treatment of all treatment groups did not significantly reduce the immobility time ( &gt; 0.05). Chronic treatment of combination of genistein (10 mg/kg) and amitriptyline (5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg) significantly reduced the immobility time as compared to control group ( &lt; 0.001) and was comparable to amitriptyline alone (10 mg/kg). However, no changes in anti-immobility activity in combination of subeffective doses of genistein (5 mg/kg) and amitriptyline (5 mg/kg) were observed. Genistein at its standard dose (10 mg/kg) rendered synergistic effects in combination with subeffective dose of amitriptyline (5 mg/kg) and additive effects in combination with therapeutic dose of amitriptyline (10 mg/kg)

Vaccine for Diabetes—Where Do We Stand?

Diabetes is an endocrinological disorder with a rapidly increasing number of patients globally. Over the last few years, the alarming status of diabetes has become a pivotal factor pertaining to morbidity and mortality among the youth as well as middle-aged people. Current developments in our understanding related to autoimmune responses leading to diabetes have developed a cause for concern in the prospective usage of immunomodulatory agents to prevent diabetes. The mechanism of action of vaccines varies greatly, such as removing autoreactive T cells and inhibiting the interactions between immune cells. Currently, most developed diabetes vaccines have been tested in animal models, while only a few human trials have been completed with positive outcomes. In this review, we investigate the undergoing clinical trial studies for the development of a prototype diabetes vaccine.</jats:p

Artificial Intelligence in Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Research

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that allows machines to work efficiently, can analyze complex data. The research focused on AI has increased tremendously, and its role in healthcare service and research is emerging at a greater pace. This review elaborates on the opportunities and challenges of AI in healthcare and pharmaceutical research. The literature was collected from domains such as PubMed, Science Direct and Google scholar using specific keywords and phrases such as &lsquo;Artificial intelligence&rsquo;, &lsquo;Pharmaceutical research&rsquo;, &lsquo;drug discovery&rsquo;, &lsquo;clinical trial&rsquo;, &lsquo;disease diagnosis&rsquo;, etc. to select the research and review articles published within the last five years. The application of AI in disease diagnosis, digital therapy, personalized treatment, drug discovery and forecasting epidemics or pandemics was extensively reviewed in this article. Deep learning and neural networks are the most used AI technologies; Bayesian nonparametric models are the potential technologies for clinical trial design; natural language processing and wearable devices are used in patient identification and clinical trial monitoring. Deep learning and neural networks were applied in predicting the outbreak of seasonal influenza, Zika, Ebola, Tuberculosis and COVID-19. With the advancement of AI technologies, the scientific community may witness rapid and cost-effective healthcare and pharmaceutical research as well as provide improved service to the general public

Effect of Costus igneus: The insulin plant, on prediabetes and diabetes in neonatal streptozotocin rats

Introduction: Pre-diabetes is a condition that persists for a considerable duration before progressing into type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Development of resistance to insulin is the underlying cause of pre-diabetes, preventive measures such as diagnosis, treatment and exercise will preclude its development into T2DM. The present study aims at studying the effect of pre-treatment and post-treatment with isolated fraction of Costus igneus on pre-diabetes and diabetes in neonatal streptozotocin (STZ) induced T2DM.Methods: Neonatal rats were treated with STZ and differentiated for pre-treatment and post-treatment. Rats of pre-treated group were treated with isolated fraction of Costus igneus (CIF) from 4th week after STZ administration and after 12th week in non-treated rats of post-treatment group. The antihyperglycemic was studied on 7th and 12th week after STZ treatment using oral glucose tolerance test and the hypoglycemic effect was studied on day 1, 7, 14 and 21 of treatment after 12th week of STZ treatment in both pre and post treated groups.Results: Oral glucose tolerance test on 7th and 12th week had shown a protective effect against increase in blood glucose levels in pre-treated groups whereas, no such significant decrease was observed in non-treated groups. In the effect on hypoglycemia, a reduction in blood glucose levels was observed on treatment with CIF in both pre and post treated rats on 14th and 21st day.Conclusions: Treatment with CIF in pre-diabetic stage could reduce the chances of progression into T2DM and is also beneficial in diabetic rats, which could be due to increase in the peripheral utilization of glucose and the insulin mimetic effect of Costus igneus

Transform diabetes care with precision medicine

Abstract Background and Aims Diabetes is a global concern. This article took a closer look at diabetes and precision medicine. Methods A literature search of studies related to the use of precision medicine in diabetes care was conducted in various databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus). Results Precision medicine encompasses the integration of a wide array of personal data, including clinical, lifestyle, genetic, and various biomarker information. Its goal is to facilitate tailored treatment approaches using contemporary diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that specifically target patients based on their genetic makeup, molecular markers, phenotypic traits, or psychosocial characteristics. This article not only highlights significant advancements but also addresses key challenges, particularly focusing on the technologies that contribute to the realization of personalized and precise diabetes care. Conclusion For the successful implementation of precision diabetes medicine, collaboration and coordination among multiple stakeholders are crucial

Effect of madecassoside in reducing oxidative stress and blood glucose in streptozotocin–nicotinamide-induced diabetes in rats

Objectives Madecassoside (MAD) is a triterpenoid constituent of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., an ethnomedical tropical plant, extracts of which were shown to reduce blood glucose in experimental diabetes. This study examines MAD for its anti-hyperglycaemic effects and tests the hypothesis that it reduces the blood glucose in experimentally induced diabetic rats by protecting the β-cells. Methods Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, i.v.) followed by nicotinamide (210 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)). MAD (50 mg/kg) was administered orally for 4 weeks, commencing 15 days after induction of diabetes; resveratrol (10 mg/kg) was used as a positive control. Fasting blood glucose, plasma insulin, HbA1c, liver and lipid parameters were measured, along with antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde as an index of lipid peroxidation; histological and immunohistochemical studies were also undertaken. Key findings MAD normalized the elevated fasting blood glucose levels. This was associated with increased plasma insulin concentrations. MAD alleviated oxidative stress by improving enzymatic antioxidants and reducing lipid peroxidation. Histopathological examination showed significant recovery of islet structural degeneration and an increased area of islets. Immunohistochemical staining showed increased insulin content in islets of MAD-treated rats. Conclusions The results demonstrate an antidiabetic effect of MAD associated with preservation of β-cell structure and function