Formulation and Optimization of Oral Mucoadhesive Patches of Myrtus Communis by Box Behnken Design

Purpose: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common painful ulcerative disease of oral mucosa happening in ~20% of people. Aimed to develop Myrtus communis L. (Myrtle) containing oral patches, we applied box-behnken design to evaluate the effect of polymers such as Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), Gelatin, Methylcellulose (MC) and Pectin. Methods: The patches properties such as tensile strength, folding endurance, swelling index, thickness, mucoadhesive strength and the pattern of myrtle release were evaluated as dependent variables. Then, the model was adjusted according to the best fitted equation with box behnken design. Results: The results indicated that preparation of myrtle patch with hydrophilic polymers showed the disintegration time up to 24h and more. Using of polyvinyl pyrrolidone as a water soluble polymer and a pore-former polymer led to faster release of soluble materials from the patch to 29 (min-1). Also it decreases swelling index by increasing the patch disintegration. Gelatin and Pectin, with rigid matrix and water interaction properties, decreased the swelling ratio. Pectin increased the tensile strength, but gelatin produced an opposite effect. Thinner Myrtle patch (about 28μm) was obtained by formulation of methyl cellulose with equal ratio with polyvinyl pyrrolidone or gelatin. Conclusion: Altogether, the analysis showed that the optimal formulation was achieved with of 35.04 mg of Gelatin, 7.22 mg of Pectin, 7.20 mg of polyvinyl pyrrolidone, 50.52 mg of methyl cellulose and 20 mg of Myrtle extract

Molecular anti-inflammatory mechanisms of retinoids and carotenoids in Alzheimer's disease : a review of current evidence

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is considered as one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive loss of mental function and ability to learn. AD is a multifactorial disorder. Various hypotheses are suggested for the pathophysiology of AD including “Aβ hypothesis,” “tau hypothesis,” and “cholinergic hypothesis.” Recently, it has been demonstrated that neuroinflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Neuroinflammation causes synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death within the brain. Excessive production of pro-inflammatory mediators induces Aβ peptide production/accumulation and hyperphosphorylated tau generating inflammatory molecules and cytokines. These inflammatory molecules disrupt blood–brain barrier integrity and increase the production of Aβ42 oligomers. Retinoids and carotenoids are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents having neuroprotective properties. They are able to prevent disease progression through several mechanisms such as suppression of Aβ peptide production/accumulation, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory mediator’s secretion as well as improvement of cognitive performance. These observations, therefore, confirm the neuroprotective role of retinoids and carotenoids through multiple pathways. Therefore, the administration of these nutrients is considered as a promising approach to the prevention and/or treatment of AD in the future. The aim of this review is to present existing evidences regarding the beneficial effects of retinoids and carotenoids on AD’s risk and outcomes, seeking the mechanism of their action

Mechanisms of action of ginger in nuclear factor-kappaB signaling pathways in diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is considered a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar. Active disease is associated with low grade chronic inflammation resulting from the enhanced release of inflammatory mediators such as interleukin (IL)-1 β, IL-6, induced nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 enzymes that lead to insulin resistance and disease progression. Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) is a key mediator involved in the inflammatory process which plays an important role in the inflammatory pathogenesis of diabetes. Based on recent evidence, ginger—which contains many phytochemicals—is believed to exert anti-inflammatory properties through multiple mechanisms, such as probably inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway. It can thus be a target agent in the treatment and control of diabetes. It appears that ginger may be a complementary agent in diabetes treatment by targeting the NF-κB cascade pathway and exerting antioxidant or anti-inflammatory actions. In this context, this review aims to present the recent evidence regarding the mechanisms of action of ginger in NF-κB signaling pathways in diabetes mellitus

The whole procedure of the study.

The whole procedure of the study.</p

S6 File -

(DOCX)</p

The conceptual framework designed based on social support model.

The conceptual framework designed based on social support model.</p

Schedule of enrolment, interventions and assessments (SPIRIT).

SPIRIT = Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials. (DOCX)</p

The chart of the intervention phase.

The chart of the intervention phase.</p

Schedule of enrolment, interventions and assessments (SPIRIT).

SPIRIT = Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials. (DOCX)</p