ENHANCEMENT OF DISSOLUTION CHARACTERISTICS OF CLOPIDOGREL BISULPHATE BY PRONIOSOMES

Objective: The present investigation aims to formulate and evaluate proniosomes of clopidogrel bisulphate for improving its dissolution characteristics. Methods: The slurry method was used for the preparation of proniosomes of clopidogrel using cholesterol, sorbitan monostearate (Span 60) and maltodextrin as a carrier. Clopidogrel proniosomes were evaluated for their entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release. The best formula (F1) that achieved maximum drug release was further evaluated by measurement of the angle of repose, morphological examination, determination of vesicle size, determination of zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential thermal analysis. The in vivo behavior of the selected proniosomal formula (F1) was studied by measuring the antiplatelet activity in adult male mice. Results: The entrapment efficiency of clopidogrel proniosomes was in the range of 83.04±1.99 to 90.14±0.30. % drug released from proniosomal formulations was in the range of 79.73±0.35 to 97.70±1.10 % within 4 h. Clopidogrel proniosomes significantly enhanced the in vitro release of clopidogrel compared with the plain drug that achieved 61.77±2.22 % drug release. F1 significantly (p ≤ 0.001) increased the bleeding time and bleeding volume and significantly (p ≤ 0.05) prolonged prothrombin time and decreased prothrombin activity and increased the international normalized ratio (INR) compared to plain clopidogrel. Conclusion: The present investigation introduced proniosomes as a promising carrier for clopidogrel that could enhance its dissolution and pharmacological effect

Assessment of YME1L and mitofusin2 as a possible diagnostic and/or therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma

Mitochondrial dynamics are a contraversal issue in hepatocellular carcinoma. The present study tries to illustrate the role of mitochondrial dynamics proteins (mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) and YME1L) in hepatocarcinogenesis. Five groups were used: the control group and three HCC groups (after 8, 16, and 24 weeks from DENA induction). The last group was treated with Sorafenib (SP) (10 mg/kg), via oral gavage for 4 weeks after cancer induction. This study revealed that Mfn-2 was downregulated and YME1l was overexpressed in different HCC groups. This dysregulation of mitochondrial dynamics proteins was associated with high hepatic levels of cyclin D1, MMP-9, and MDA and overexpression of ki67 as well as decreasing the hepatic expression of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (Timp-3) and Bax. To confirm the possible role of Mfn2 and YME1L in HCC, we assessed the effect of sorafenib on these parameters and its related HCC characteristics. Sorafenib corrected the level of Mfn2 and YME1L and decreased tumor cell proliferation as well. We also elucidated that mitochondrial dynamics proteins (Mfn2 and YME1L) could be a good therapeutic target for HCC

Potential Anti-Fibrotic Effect of Direct Acting Antiviral Drugs on CCl4 Induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats

Background: Hepatic fibrosis is a hall mark of chronic liver diseases such as chronic HCV. Direct acting antiviral (DAA) regimens such as Sofosbuvir (SOF) and daclatasvir (DAC) have been found to be associated with decreased fibrotic markers in HCV patients. It is not clear however the reported antifibrotic effect is antiviral dependent or not. Aim: This study investigated the effect of SOF and DAC in hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 in rats. Method: Hepatic fibrosis was induced by (0.5 ml/kg) CCl4 IP twice a week for six weeks. SOF (20 mg/kg/d) and DAC (30 mg/kg/d) were added in the last four weeks of treatments. Liver functions, fibrotic markers such as Hyaluronic acid and metalloproteinase-9 were detected using immunoassay. Liver tissues were examined by different stains. Results: SOF and DAC induced marked inhibitions in fibrotic markers expression significantly (P≤0.001). Moreover, the drugs protected liver tissues from progressed fibrosis. Conclusion: SOF/DAC antifibrotic effect is independent on its antiviral activity

Overview of the Molecular Modalities and Signaling Pathways Intersecting with β-Amyloid and Tau Protein in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the major causes of dementia and its incidence represents approximately 60–70% of all dementia cases worldwide. Many theories have been proposed to describe the pathological events in AD, including deterioration in cognitive function, accumulation of β-amyloid, and tau protein hyperphosphorylation. Infection as well as various cellular molecules, such as apolipoprotein, micro-RNA, calcium, ghrelin receptor, and probiotics, are associated with the disruption of β-amyloid and tau protein hemostasis. This review gives an overview on the integrative cellular and signaling molecules that could play a complementary role in the dysregulation of β-amyloid and tau proteins

Assessment of YME1L and mitofusin2 as a possible diagnostic and/ or therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma

43-54The contribution of mitochondrial dynamics to the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. Accordingly, the present study tries to illustrate the role of mitochondrial dynamics proteins (mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) and YME1L) in hepatocarcinogenesis. Five groups were used: the control group and three HCC groups (after 8, 16, and 24 weeks from DENA induction). The last group was treated with Sorafenib (SP) (10 mg/kg), via oral gavage for 4 weeks after cancer induction. This study revealed that Mfn-2 was downregulated and YME1l was overexpressed in different HCC groups. This dysregulation of mitochondrial dynamics proteins was associated with high hepatic levels of cyclin D1, MMP-9, and MDA and overexpression of ki67 as well as decreasing the hepatic expression of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (Timp-3) and Bax. To confirm the possible role of Mfn2 and YME1L in HCC, we assessed the effect of sorafenib on these parameters and its related HCC characteristics. Sorafenib corrected the level of Mfn2 and YME1L and decreased tumor cell proliferation as well. We also elucidated that mitochondrial dynamics proteins (Mfn2 and YME1L) could be a good therapeutic target for HCC