A REVIEW ON HYPERHOMOCYSTEINEMIA AND ITS RISK FACTORS

ABSTRACTHyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy) is a pathological condition characterized by abnormally large levels of homocysteine in blood. Homocysteine (Hcy) is a highly reactive sulphur-containing amino acid derived from methionine, an essential amino acid. Excess homocysteine produced in the body is excreted out of the tightly regulated cell environment into the blood. It is the role of the liver and kidney to remove excess Hcy from the blood. Hyperhomocysteinemia increases the generation of ROS by activating NADPH oxidase, downregulates the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and thus reduces the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO). Moreover, it increases the production of proinflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by activating nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). Hyperhomocysteinemia is caused by the excess deficiencies of the vitamins like pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), or B12 and is considered as an independent risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases like endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.Â

Pregnancy, Children and Inter-Relating Factors Affected by Geohelminthiasis

A life-threatening parasitic infection arising in evolving countries, principally prevalent in children below 5 years and pregnant women, has led to the growing interest for understanding the condition acknowledged as geohelminthiasis. Decreased cell-mediated immunity (a necessity in fetal retention) leading to a compromised immunological response is what makes pregnant women more prone to the infection thereby increasing the risk of maternal anemia, preterm deliveries and stillbirths based on reports. An outcome of geohelminthiasis on children is its deteriorative effect on cognition. This chapter highlights the relationship between the helminthic infection with respect to pregnant women and children additionally focusing on other associated factors such as poverty, hygiene, etc. that further contribute to the decline in quality of life in developing countries

Solubility Enhancement of Water Insoluble Drug for Ophthalmic Formulation

Product development of ophthalmic preparations has received considerable attention in the last few years. With the increasing emphasis on their sterility, some of the differences between them and parenteral preparations are becoming less evident. Both classes of preparations employ similar added substances and manufacturing procedures. The successful formulation of poorly water-soluble drugs is one of the major problems in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Poorly water-soluble drugs, such as indomethacin, may show low and erratic oral bioavailability due to poor dissolution of the drug in the fluids of the gastrointestinal tract. Indomethacin is a water insoluble drug, so problems of formulating an aqueous eye-drop are well known. Moreover, unstability of Indomethacin aqueous preparations is also a great challenge. In this research work, considering pharmacological importance of drug Indomethacin, we tried to overcome the problem of poor water solubility by making a salt of it and thus formulating an aqueous ophthalmic preparation.Keywords: ophthalmic preparation, indomethacin salt, aqueous eye drops, poor water soluble drugs

A Review on Drug of Pediatric Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), their Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms

Hypertension, specifically pulmonary hypertension, is a syndromethat can affect pediatric patients as well as adults. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in pediatric patients, while rare, can be a lifethreateningcondition. There is no cure for PAH, only treatment options forchildren that are largely based on the results of adult studies. These therapies, however, can improve quality of life and survival. Treatment can be challenging because of the less approved medications and tolerable dosage forms for pediatric patients. Pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) shares common features of adult disease, but is associated with several additional disorders and challenges that require unique approaches. Current classes of medications primarily used to treat pediatric hypertension include phosphodiesterase inhibitors, endothelin receptor antagonists, and prostacyclins. Additional agents that may be utilized in selected pediatric patients include calcium channel blockers, anticoagulants, and inhalednitric oxide. Updates are provided on issues related to utility of the previous classification system to reflect pediatric-specific aetiologies and approaches to medical and interventional management of PAH. Also updates are provided about currently available drug substance and their details, pharmaceutical dosage forms and their details along with the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics of the drug. These emerging data are improving the identification of appropriate targets for goal-oriented therapy inchildren. Such data will likely improve future advanced pharmaceutical dosage development and product design to enhance outcomes in pediatric PAH. Keywords: Pulmonary arterial hypertension, pediatric hypertension, PA

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTOR OF POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME

ABSTRACTPolycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women. Its clinical manifestation varies from mild to severedisturbance of reproductive and metabolic functions. PCOS is clinical and public health importance because it is affecting up to one in five womenof reproductive age. It is an X-linked dominant condition and has diverse clinical implications such as psychological features (anxiety, depression),reproductive features (hirsutism and hyperandrogenism), and impaired glucose tolerance. It is widely dependent on environmental, genetic, ethnicityfactors including lifestyle and body weight. Weight loss improves the endocrine profile and increases chances of ovulation and pregnancy. It canbe treated with medications such as clomiphene citrate, tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, and gonadotrophins. The last option for fertilization isin vitro fertilization when other treatment fails. Its prevalence is estimated at 4-8% from studies performed in Spain and USA. Lifestyle including diet,exercise, and behavior therapy improves fertility. PCOS has unique interactions with the ever increasing obesity prevalence worldwide as obesityinducedinsulin resistancesignificantlyaggravatesall thefeaturesof PCOS.EducationabouthowPCOSaffectslong-termhealth shouldbe providedtowomenwith this disordertofeelphysicaland psychologicalbenefits so that theycould engagethemselvesmorewith their health careproviders.Keywords: Polycystic ovarian syndrome, Hyperinsulinemia, Hormone disbalance, Hirsutism, Ovarian cyst, Obesity, Sleep disorders

Formulation and evaluation of biodegradable microspheres of tinidazole

The aim of present study is to develop biodegradable microspheres of Tinidazole. Bovine Serum Albumin was used for the preparation of microspheres. They were made in four batches. The emulsion cross-linking method was used for the preparation. The quantity of BSA varies for each formulation. Formulations were evaluated for particle size, Melting point, TLC, entrapment efficiency and in vitro release studies. Depending upon the drug to polymer ratio, the entrapment, loading were found to range between 48, 55, 75 and 78 (in %) respectively. Particle size of prepared microspheres was measured using a compound microscope. The surface topography and internal textures of the microspheres was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The microspheres were spherical, discrete and compact and size distribution was between 33.28 to 36.25 μm. In vitro studies were carried out at different pH for a period of 18 h and compared with marketed formulation. From all the batches it is concluded that when concentration of polymer increases microspheres shows more controlled and prolonged release. The drug release was between 66, 51, 48, 42 (in %). The drug release from 1:4 is most prolonged and constant. Both the IR spectra of drug and formulation were almost same. Combination multitone recorded due to N=O stretching and S=O in the IR region of 1500-1250 cm−1.Keywords: Biodegradable microspheres, BSA, Tinidazole, In vitro release.IntroductionMicrosphere

THERAPEUTIC MICROEMULSION OF CURCUMIN FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF OSTEOARTHRITIS

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a natural polyphenolic compound with potent anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant activities. However, its bioavailability is low as it is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Microemulsions offer the potential to improve the solubility and bioavailability of bioactive compounds; the present work investigated the topical delivery potential of microemulsion gel loaded with curcumas. Curcumin microemulsion was prepared by spontaneous emul­sification method using oil (Oleic acid), surfactant:cosurfactant (Smix) (Ethanol and Tween 80, Span 80 and n Butanol) and water. The optimized formulations of microemulsions were subjected to thermodynamic stability tests. After stability study, stable formulation was characterized for droplet size, pH determination, centrifugation, % drug content in microemulsion, zeta potential and vesicle size measurement and then microemulsion gel were prepared and characterized for spreadability, measurement of viscosity, drug content, In-vitro diffusion, in-vitro release data. Tween 80, Span 80 was selected as surfactant, ethanol, n Butanol as co surfactant and Oleic acid as oil component based on solubility study. The optimized formulation contained Curcumin (10 mg). The in vitro drug release from curcumin microemulsion gel was found to be considerably higher in comparison to that of the pure drug. The in-vitro diffusion of microemulsion gel was significantly good. Based on this study, it can be concluded the solubility and permeability of curcumin can be increased by formulating into microemulsion gel. Keyword: Curcumin, Microemulsion, In-vitro diffusion, Spreadability, Zeta potential, Stability, span 4

Formulation and evaluation of biodegradable microspheres of tinidazole

The aim of present study is to develop biodegradable microspheres of Tinidazole. Bovine Serum Albumin was used for the preparation of microspheres. They were made in four batches. The emulsion cross-linking method was used for the preparation. The quantity of BSA varies for each formulation. Formulations were evaluated for particle size, Melting point, TLC, entrapment efficiency and in vitro release studies. Depending upon the drug to polymer ratio, the entrapment, loading were found to range between 48, 55, 75 and 78 (in %) respectively. Particle size of prepared microspheres was measured using a compound microscope. The surface topography and internal textures of the microspheres was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The microspheres were spherical, discrete and compact and size distribution was between 33.28 to 36.25 μm. In vitro studies were carried out at different pH for a period of 18 h and compared with marketed formulation. From all the batches it is concluded that when concentration of polymer increases microspheres shows more controlled and prolonged release. The drug release was between 66, 51, 48, 42 (in %). The drug release from 1:4 is most prolonged and constant. Both the IR spectra of drug and formulation were almost same. Combination multitone recorded due to N=O stretching and S=O in the IR region of 1500-1250 cm−1.Keywords: Biodegradable microspheres, BSA, Tinidazole, In vitro release.IntroductionMicrosphere

Update Review Article: Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a frequent and severe complication in cirrhotic patients with ascites. To describe spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in the context of currently accepted criteria for diagnosis, treatment and prevention. A review of SBP and its associated etiopathogenic factors is presented. Numerous studies on mechanisms of disease, bacteriology, epidemiology, diagnostic markers, and current guidelines for its diagnosis, treatment and prevention are discussed. Peritonitis in patients with ascites in the absence of secondary causes, such as perforation of a viscus, occurs primarily in patients with end-stage liver disease. Enteric organisms, mainly gram-negative bacilli, probably translocate to regional lymph nodes to produce bacteremia and seeding of ascitic fluid. Signs and symptoms of peritonitis are usually subtle. The ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear leukocyte count is the best determinant for early diagnosis and treatment of SBP. Third-generation cephalosporins such as cefotaxime are considered the drugs of choice for treatment, whereas quinolones such as norfloxacin are used to decrease recurrence. Despite increased awareness, early diagnosis, and prompt and effective antimicrobial therapy, SBP recurs frequently and is associated with a high mortality rate. Patients with SBP should be assessed for candidacy for liver transplantation. Keyword: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, Bacteriology, Epidemiology, Diagnostic markers, Cephalosporin

Formulation and evaluation of matrix transdermal patches of meloxicam

The present study deals with the formulation and evaluation of transdermalpatches of meloxicam towards enhance its permeation through the skin and maintain the plasma levelconcentration. Transdermal patches were prepared by using polymers like Chitosan, HPMC 15cps and EC 20cpsat various concentrations by solvent casting technique employing dibutyl phthalate as plasticizer and isopropylmyristate as permeation enhancer. The transdermal patches were evaluated for their physico-chemical properties and in-vitro drug release. The transdermal patches were found to be transparent and smooth in texture. Amongthe formulations studied, at the end of 12th hour, the minimum and maximum in-vitro drug release was observedfor the formulations F12 and F4i.e. 80.012 ± 2.012 % and 98.365±3.012%. The mechanism of drugrelease was found to be Non-Fickian diffusion controlled. FT-IR studies revealed theintegrity of the drug in theformulations. Keywords: Transdermal Patches, Meloxicam, Chitosan, HPMC 15cps, EC 20 cps, in-vitro diffusion studies