Physical and mechanical properties of ocular thin films: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The ocular thin film presents a potential solution for addressing challenges to ocular drug delivery. In this review, we summarise the findings of a comprehensive review analysing 336 formulations from 68 studies. We investigated the physical and mechanical properties of ocular thin films, categorised into natural polymer-based, synthetic polymer-based, and combined polymer films. The results showed that the type of polymers used impacted mucoadhesion force, moisture absorption:moisture loss ratio, pH, swelling index, and elongation percentage. Significant relationships were found between these properties within each subgroup. The results also highlighted the influence of plasticisers on elongation percentage, mucoadhesion force, swelling index, and moisture absorption:moisture loss ratio. These findings have implications for designing and optimising ocular drug formulations and selecting appropriate plasticisers to achieve formulations with the desired properties.

Oxybutynin gel versus nanoemulgel for treating primary palmar hyperhidrosis: A pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Palmar hyperhidrosis or excessive palmar sweating can reduce one's quality of life as it is associated with significant physical and occupational disabilities. We compared the gel and nanoemulgel of oxybutynin in treating these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This pilot study was performed as a double-blind controlled randomized clinical trial at Shahid Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. In two randomly allocated groups of 15, patients diagnosed with primary palmar hyperhidrosis by an attending dermatologist applied half a fingertip (roughly 0.25 g) of 1% oxybutynin topical gel or 1% oxybutynin nanoemulgel to both palms every 12 h for one month. The Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were used to assess the patients at the beginning and end of the study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. RESULTS: The groups were similar in terms of age (p = 0.800), sex (p = 0.096), and baseline HDSS, VAS, and DLQI scores. The mean HDSS scores decreased significantly (p = 0.001) over time in patients receiving the gel (3.00 ± 1.00 vs. 2.33 ± 0.61) or nanoemulgel (2.92 ± 0.82 vs. 2.14 ± 0.53), without a significant difference between the groups. The same was true for the VAS and DLQI scores. Three patients in each group experienced transient, self-limited anticholinergic side effects (p = 0.983). CONCLUSION: Oxybutynin gel and nanoemulgel offer equal safety and similar efficacy in reducing the disease severity and increasing the quality of life of patients with palmar hyperhidrosis.

Pulmonary drug delivery: an effective and convenient delivery route to combat COVID-19.

The recent outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China has spread rapidly around the world, leading to a widespread and urgent effort to develop and use comprehensive approaches in the treatment of COVID-19. While oral therapy is accepted as an effective and simple method, since the primary site of infection and disease progression of COVID-19 is mainly through the lungs, inhaled drug delivery directly to the lungs may be the most appropriate route of administration. To prevent or treat primary SARS-CoV-2 infections, it is essential to target the virus port of entry in the respiratory tract and airway epithelium, which requires rapid and high-intensity inhibition or control of viral entry or replication. To achieve success in this field, inhalation therapy is the most attractive treatment approach due to efficacy/safety profiles. In this review article, pulmonary drug delivery as a unique treatment option in lung diseases will be briefly reviewed. Then, possible inhalation therapies for the treatment of symptoms of COVID-19 will be discussed and the results of clinical trials will be presented. By pulmonary delivery of the currently approved drugs for COVID-19, efficacy of the treatment would be improved along with reducing systemic side effects.

Effects of probiotic and magnesium co-supplementation on mood, cognition, intestinal barrier function and inflammation in individuals with obesity and depressed mood: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Background: The co-occurrence of obesity and mood impairments named as "metabolic mood syndrome" (MMS) is often neglected in the obesity management. This study aimed to evaluate effects of Probio-Tec ®BG-VCap-6.5 and magnesium co-supplementation on mood, cognition, intestinal barrier function and serum C reactive protein (CRP) levels in participants with obesity and depressed mood. Design: Seventy-four eligible participants were randomly allocated to either Probio-Tec®BG-VCap-6.5 [containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG®) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis (BB-12®)] + Magnesium chloride or placebo for 9 weeks. Sociodemographic data were collected in the beginning. Anthropometric, dietary and physical activity (PA) assessments were carried out. Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores were assessed through validated questionnaires. Fasting plasma zonulin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and (CRP) were measured by ELIZA kits. Results: Of seventy-four participants (mean age 37.51 ± 8.10), 52 completed the study. Changes in serum LPS and zonulin were not different significantly between groups (-3.04 ± 44.75 ng/dl, 0.11 ± 5.13, ng/dl, p > 0.05 for LPS and 1.40 ± 48.78 ng/dl, -0.17 ± 6.60, p > 0.05 for zonulin, respectively). CRP levels reduced significantly in intervention group compared to placebo [-474.75 (-1,300.00, -125.00) mg/l vs. 175.20 (-957.75, 1,683.25) mg/l, p = 0.016]. Changes in BDI-II and MoCA scores were not significantly different between intervention (-7.13 ± 5.67, 1.20 ± 2.16, respectively) and placebo (-5.42 ± 6.71, 1.94 ± 1.86, respectively) groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Nine weeks of probiotic and magnesium co-supplementation resulted in decreased CRP levels as an indicator of inflammatory state with no significant effects on mood, cognition and intestinal integrity in individuals with obesity and depressed mood.

Montelukast as an effective adjuvant in the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris.

Although antibiotics are among the most commonly used treatments of acne, there are refractory cases, or they can cause some complications. Recently, leukotriene B4 has been found to play a major role in inflammatory acne lesions. This double blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted on 108 patients with acne who needed systemic therapy and referred to dermatology clinics affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. One group (53 patients) received 100 mg doxycycline daily plus placebo and the other group (55 patients) received 100 mg daily doxycycline plus 10 mg daily montelukast. Both groups also received topical benzoyl peroxide 5% every other night. The study period was 3 months and the patients were investigated by lesion count, investigator global assessment (IGA), global acne grading system (GAGS), and Cardiff acne disability index (CADI) scoring systems. Total lesion count, inflammatory lesion count, and non-inflammatory lesion count as well as IGA and GAGS decreased in both treatment groups. At the end of the study, however, the inflammatory lesion count and IGA score reduced more significantly in the montelukast group (p = 0.018 and 0.045, respectively). In addition, the two groups were significantly different with regard to the percentage of decrease in the total lesion count, inflammatory lesions, and IGA (p = 0.033, 0.003, and 0.044, respectively). Thus, montelukast can be used as an adjuvant therapy besides other treatments of acne, especially for inflammatory lesions.

Carrier Effect in Development of Rifampin Loaded Proliposome for Pulmonary Delivery: A Quality by Design Study.

Purpose: Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a worldwide life-threatening infection. Therecommended anti-TB regimen contains oral administration of classical first-line drugs suchas rifampin for 6-24 months which often leads to low patient compliance due to high adverseeffects; therefore, lung localized pulmonary delivery of anti-TB agents may be a suitablealternative. Proliposomes free-flowing powders are well-known carriers for lung delivery sincethey can form liposomes by hydration. Liposomes are safe and useful carriers for lung deliverydue to their phospholipid structure. Methods: Porous lactose and mannitol as proliposome carriers were prepared by spray dryingtechnique using sucrose and citric acid as templating agents. Design Expert® software wasused to develop forty formulations based on the porous and non-porous carriers, which werecharacterized with respect to their weight yield, density, and flowability. Rifampin-loadedhydrated liposomes were produced and evaluated for size, morphology, loading capacityand encapsulation efficiency. The optimized proliposomes in vitro release and aerosolizationproperties were evaluated. Solid-state analysis was confirmed by differential scanningcalorimetry (DSC). Results: Porous lactose surface area was 80 folds higher than non-porous one, respectively.Optimized porous-based proliposome indicated the acceptable aerosolization properties,including mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 6.21 ± 0.36 µm and fine particlefraction (FPF) of 9.17 ± 0.18% with a fast rifampin release (80%) within one hour. DSC resultsproved that there was no change in the solid-state of rifampin during the production process. Conclusion: Hence, it seems; rifampin loaded inhalable proliposomes may be a suitable systemfor delivering liposomal rifampin into the lungs.

The Effect of Oral Vitamin E on Semen Parameters and IVF Outcome: A Double-Blinded Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Male infertility is a main clinical problem that affects about 7% of all men worldwide. Many patients with male infertility are caused by a reduced antioxidant capacity of semen. Several antioxidant supplements, especially vitamin E, are proposed to help male infertility treatment. This project was goaled to study the effects of oral synthetic vitamin E (400 IU/day) for eight weeks on betterment of semen parameters and pregnancy rate. METHODS: After dropping the cases, 124 infertile couples with a male factor who were admitted to the IVF program were included. The male patients with idiopathic abnormal motility and/or morphology were randomized into two groups: 61 receiving vitamin E and 63 as the control group receiving placebo for eight weeks. The pretreatment semen parameters of both groups were compared with those of posttreatment. The pregnancy outcomes were considered between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences statistically between before and after treatment in the term of sperm volume, count, motility, and morphology. Furthermore, the IVF outcomes of the two groups were not different significantly, either. Interestingly, the percent of normal sperm in the placebo group was significantly decreased after eight weeks. CONCLUSION: Vitamin E supplementation might neutralize free radical activity to keep sperm from more oxidative damages. Further studies regarding the influence of higher acceptable doses of vitamin E on semen characteristics and fertility rates are needed. This study was registered as a two-arm, blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial (IRCTID: IRCT2014020616506N1, 2014-03-18).

Green Synthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles by Cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis (abdf2224): Cultivation Condition Quality Controls.

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are well-known bioactive compounds. Various chemical and biological methods have been applied to SeNP synthesis. Spirulina platensis is a widely used blue-green microalgae in various industries. In this study, the biosynthesis of SeNPs using sodium selenite and Spirulina platens has been developed. The SeNP synthesis was performed at different cultivation condition including pH and illumination schedule variation. The SeNPs were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, size, and zeta potential measurements, and the antioxidant activities of selected SeNPs were evaluated by DPPH and FRAP assays. FT-IR analysis showed the production of SeNPs. The 12 h dark/12 h light cycles and continuous light exposure at pH 5 led to the production of stable SeNPs with sizes of 145 ± 6 and 171 ± 13 nm, respectively. Antioxidant activity of selected SeNPs was higher than sodium selenite. It seems that green synthesis is a safe method to produce SeNPs as well as a convenient method to scale-up this production.

Sustained release of linezolid in ocular insert based on lipophilic modified structure of sodium alginate.

OBJECTIVES: Ocular inserts are usually polymeric thin films with increased ocular residence time and sustained drug release capacity. Sodium alginate is a biocompatible and biodegradable carrier; however, initial burst release of encapsulated drug within it, is recognized as a challenge. Grafting -addition of functional moieties to a polymer- is a technique to modify polymers' physicochemical properties, including higher ability to control drug release. Linezolid (LNZ) solution is used in consecutive doses in treatment of antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive bacterial infections especially induced by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Grafted alginate copolymers were synthesized using butyl methacrylate (BMC) and lauryl methacrylate (LMC) at two different reaction times (12 hr and 24 hr). Copolymerization was evaluated by 1H-NMR, Ft-IR, and TGA. Copolymer safety was examined by cytotoxicity test against HEK-293 cell. Linezolid inserts were prepared using optimized copolymers and characterized. RESULTS: 1H-NMR, Ft-IR, and TGA confirmed the successful grafting of alginate copolymers. ALG-B24 and ALG-L12 showed the highest safety against HEK-293 cell line comparing with intact alginate. Linezolid insert characterization results indicated a slower linezolid release profile related to creation of a lipophilic structure. A better strength property for linezolid loaded ALG-B24 and ALG-L12 inserts was obtained while ALG-L12 showed a stronger adhesive force compared with intact alginate. Antibacterial efficacy on clinical isolated MRSA after 24 hr was similar to linezolid solution. CONCLUSION: Lipophilic alginate copolymer (ALG-L12) showed a sustained release capability while retaining its main feature in strong film forming ability so it seems to be a promising safe carrier.

Rapid High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Method for Levodopa Quantitation at Low UV Wavelength: Application of Pharmacokinetics Study in Rat Following Intranasal Delivery.

Levodopa is widely administered orally in clinical treatment of Parkinson's disease; however, due to levodopa various oral absorption and low bioavailability, intranasal delivery seems to be a suitable alternative route of administration. Pluronic F-127 is a thermosensitive polymer, which can form gel at nasal cavity temperature and increase drug residence time. In this study, a rapid High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method was validated in presence of internal standard to determine pharmacokinetic parameters following levodopa administration to rats in three different intravenous solution, intranasal solution and intranasal thermosensitive gel groups. A precised (96.7%) and accurate (95.0%) HPLC method was validated at low UltraViolet (UV) wavelength of 208 nm that showed limit of detection and limit of quantitation of 59 and 177 ng/mL, respectively. Specificity results showed no interference for levodopa with endogenous serum materials, and serum extraction efficacy was 93%. Pharmacokinetic parameters including bioavailability of 75 and 85% with mean residence time of 78 and 94 min were estimated for intranasal solution and thermosensitive gel using the validated HPLC method, which indicated that levodopa nasal gel may be a good alternative with appropriate pharmacokinetic outcome. Therefore, the validated levodopa HPLC analysis method at low UV wavelength was efficiently applied in pharmacokinetic study.

Aloe Vera; A new treatment for atrophic vaginitis, A randomized double-blinded controlled trial.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Vaginal atrophy is of the most common problems during menopause with significant psychosocial and medical consequences. Estrogen as an approved therapy for vaginal atrophy can be associated with adverse effects and several contraindications in menopause patients. The aim is to compare the effect of Aloe Vera vaginal cream with commercially available estrogen vaginal cream for management of vaginal atrophy in menopause females. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a double-blinded randomized controlled trial on 60menopause female with complaints of vaginal atrophy symptoms. Subjects were randomly allocated in two groups of 30 patients, named as estrogen and Aloe Vera groups. Vaginal health index (VHI), maturity value (MV), vaginal cytologic smear, transvaginal sonography (TVS) and severity of symptoms related to vaginal atrophy were assessed before and after 6-weeks of vaginal cream administration. RESULTS: Comparison of MV before and after treatment revealed that superficial cells were significantly increased after administration of both vaginal cream (6.67 VS 54.33 in Aloe Vera group; 4.33 VS 59.67 in estrogen group). In addition, VHI (13.83 vs 20.13 in Aloe Vera group; 13.97 vs 19.93 in estrogen group) and symptoms of vaginal atrophy (3.63 vs 1.10 in Aloe Vera group; 3.90 vs 0.66 in estrogen groups) were also significantly improved after treatment in both groups. There was no significant difference between groups after treatment except for fluid volume with a superiority in Aloe Vera group (P-value = 0.004) CONCLUSION: Aloe Vera vaginal cream can be as effective as estrogen vaginal cream in the management of vaginal atrophy in menopause females.

Efficacy of topical dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) 50% solution vs tretinoin 0.5% cream in treatment of patients with primary macular amyloidosis: A split-side single-blinded randomized clinical trial.

Primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis (PLCA) is a recalcitrant sporadic dermatological condition and most treatments have failed so far. We studied the efficacy of topical dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) 50% solution in comparison with tretinoin 0.5% cream in treatment of macular amyloidosis. In this split-side within-person single-blinded randomized clinical trial, 18 patients with bilateral macular amyloidosis received topical DMSO 50% solution and tretinoin 0.5% cream either on their right or the left side. The colorimetry, pruritus scoring, and photography were done. A significant pigmentation decline per each follow-up was observed in DMSO group compared to the tretinoin group (tretinoin: -1.31 vs DMSO: -7.34; difference in slopes: -6.03 [95% confidence interval: -12.06 to -0.01], PInteraction = .049). An insignificant diminution trend in pigmentation was observed for both treatments (Ptretinoin = .672, PDMSO = .092). Also, both treatments relived itchiness, but DMSO completely dispatched itchiness from the first follow-up (P = .003 for tretinoin and <.0001 for DMSO). In conclusion, our results showed DMSO and tretinoin cream have the positive effect on the both pigmentation and itchiness in PLCA. DMSO may be more beneficial than tretinoin, since DMSO was significantly better in reducing itchiness. More investigations are warranted to provide sufficient evidence.

Liposomal and Non-Liposomal Formulations of Vitamin C: Comparison of the Antihypertensive and Vascular Modifying Activity in Renovascular Hypertensive Rats.

BACKGROUND: Liposomes constitute a promising drug delivery vehicle, and are believed to improve drugs' effectiveness. This study was aimed to compare antihypertensive and vascular modifying activities of liposomal and non-liposomal forms of ascorbic acid. METHODS: Forty-nine male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n=7): A sham vehicle-receiving (Sham-veh), hypertensive (HTN), vehicle-receiving hypertensive (HTN-Veh), two liposomal Ascorbic acid-treated hypertensive at 50 or 100 mg/kg/day (LVC-50 and LVC-100), and two non-liposomal Ascorbic acid-treated hypertensive at 50 or 100 mg/kg/day (VC-50 and VC-100). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured weekly; after 4 weeks, dose-responses to phenylephrine (PE) in the absence and presence of nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), acetylcholine (Ach), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were obtained on aortic rings. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range test at a P value of <0.05 using Sigmastat statistical software. RESULTS: Compared to the non-liposomal form, the liposomal one was associated with more prominent effects on the final SBP. Both forms of Ascorbic acid decreased SBP dose-dependently. The basal and stimulated release of Nitric Oxide (NO) was significantly recovered by both forms of Ascorbic acid. The PE maximal responses were not significantly different between the liposomal and non-liposomal groups (P=0.08). Although the Emax of Ach-relaxation response was not different in two preparation forms, Ach-relaxation response induced a lower concentration of the liposomal form of Ascorbic acid (P=0.03. CONCLUSION: The liposomal Ascorbic acid exhibited relaxation activity in significantly lower concentrations. The observed effects were partly mediated by the increased basal release of NO.

Methotrexate and Curcumin co-encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles as a potential breast cancer therapeutic system: In vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Nanoparticulate delivery systems have been noticed for chemotherapeutical delivery due to their ability in controlling the drug release and reducing the side effect. These systems could also be used to deliver two drugs or more simultaneously, inhibiting the development of resistant cancerous cells. Methotrexate (MTX), one of the most frequently used chemotherapeutic agent, and Curcumin (CUR), a natural chemopreventive compound, have shown promising results in treatment or controlling the progression of cancer. The aim of this study is to prepare and evaluate polymeric nanoparticles for co-delivery of MTX and CUR. The PLGA nanoparticles were prepared and characterized in respect of their particles size, morphology, drug encapsulation efficiencies, release patterns, cell cytotoxicity, and in vivo efficacy. Altering MTX and CUR amounts leads to particle size of 142.3 ±â€¯4.07 nm with MTX encapsulation efficiency of 71.32 ±â€¯7.8% and CUR encapsulation efficiency of 85.64 ±â€¯6.3%. These particles showed significantly higher cytotoxicity in comparison with free MTX or CUR or even their solo-loaded formulations. The in vivo results showed the synergic effect of MTX and CUR co-delivery on inhibiting the progression of breast cancer. Considering the appropriate in vitro properties of acquired nanoparticles for controlled drug delivery and the satisfactory in vivo efficacy results, it seems that the prepared formulation is a promising candidate for further in vivo studies.

Effect of low-dose aspirin on the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques in the women with PCOS, a randomized double-blinded clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a major complication of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a risk factor for OHSS. The aim of this randomized clinical trial (RCT) was to study the effect of low-dose aspirin (LDA) on the development of OHSS and ART outcomes in PCOS during ART. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This double-blinded placebo controlled RCT was performed on 232 PCOS infertile women in their first ART cycles during 2010-2016. LDA and placebo capsules were prepared, packed and specified by code numbers in similar shapes. One package was given to every woman and asked to take one capsule/day since the 21st day of her cycle prior to the gonadotropin stimulation. Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist long protocol and triggering by human chorionic gonadotropin were used. Development of moderate to severe OHSS and their ART outcomes were documented then the codes were broken and data analyzed. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for the statistical analyses. RESULTS: Eighteen cases that did not follow the study design were excluded. 214 cycles remained for the final analyses with 109 cases in LDA and 105 in the placebo group. Rate of the moderate to severe OHSS in LDA group was 34.9% compared to 30.5% in placebo group (P = 0.494). Fertilization rate was 71.8% vs 65.1% (P = <0.001) and the mean number of grade III embryos were 3.28 ± 3.53 vs 1.46 ± 1.42 (P = 0.014) in LDA and placebo groups, respectively. The mean number of the oocytes in different grades, total and frozen embryos also implantation and clinical pregnancy rates were not different between the groups. CONCLUSION: Moderate to Severe OHSS was not decreased but fertilization rate and the mean number of poor quality embryos were increased in LDA arm. REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT 201105216541N1.

The effect of vitamin D and E vaginal suppositories on tamoxifen-induced vaginal atrophy in women with breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Vaginal atrophy is one of the most common side effects of using tamoxifen in women with breast cancer. Hormone therapy for vaginal atrophy is prohibited in these women. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of vitamin D and E vaginal suppositories on vaginal atrophy in women with breast cancer receiving tamoxifen. METHODS: Women under breast cancer management receiving tamoxifen and showing symptoms of vaginal atrophy were randomized triple-blind to an 8-week trial on vaginal suppository vitamin E or vitamin D or placebo administered every night before bedtime. The genitourinary atrophy self-assessment tool was administered, and pH was measured in all three groups before the intervention and at the end of weeks 2, 4, and 8 of the intervention. The Vaginal Maturation Index (VMI) was also measured before the intervention and at the end of the eighth week. Data were analyzed with paired t tests, repeated measures analysis of variance, and chi-square test. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were randomized in each group. The results obtained showed an increase in the VMI by the end of the eighth week of the intervention in the groups receiving the vitamin D and E vaginal suppositories compared with the placebo group (P < 0.001). The vaginal pH also reduced in both groups compared with that in the placebo group (P < 0.001). The symptoms of self-reported genitourinary atrophy also improved in the two intervention groups compared with those in the placebo group by the end of the eighth week (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These data support that vitamin D and E vaginal suppositories were beneficial in improving vaginal atrophy in women with breast cancer receiving tamoxifen. Given the prohibition on hormone therapy in these women, the suppositories can be used as an alternative therapy to improve these symptoms.

Design and development of vitamin C-encapsulated proliposome with improved in-vitro and ex-vivo antioxidant efficacy.

Vitamin C, as an antioxidant additive in pharmaceutical and food products, is susceptible to environmental conditions, and new design strategies are needed to enhance its stability. The aim of this study is to prepare vitamin C proliposome using film deposition on the carrier by applying different factors, and optimise the characteristics of the obtained powder using the design expert® software. The optimised formulation demonstrated acceptable flowability with 20% vitamin C loading. This formulation released about 90% vitamin C within 2 h and showed higher (1.7-fold) in-vitro antioxidant activity. Ex-vivo antioxidant activity was 1.9 and 1.6 times higher in brain and liver cells, respectively. A 27% reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) level of liver cell was obtained comparing free vitamin C. Therefore, this study results suggest that the vitamin C-encapsulated proliposome powder might be an appropriate carrier for oral drug delivery of vitamin C with better antioxidant efficacy.

Development, evaluation and optimization of superparamagnetite nanoparticles prepared by co-precipitation method.

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are of high interest due to their application in medical fields, in particular for theranostics. Specific properties required for such particles include high magnetization, appropriate size and stability. Biocompatible magnetically soft magnetite particles (Fe3O4) have been investigated for biological purposes. The intrinsic instability of these nanoparticles and their susceptibility to the oxidization in air, are limitations for their applications. Various methods have been described for synthesis of these nanoparticles among which co-precipitation method is widely experimented. In order to illustrate the synthesis of MNPs elaborately, the effect of different factors on particle formation were studied. The particles morphology, stability, paramagnetic effect, chemical structure and cytotoxicity were evaluated. Particles of 58 and 60 nm obtained by oleic acid coated (OMNPs) and citric acid coated (CMNPs) magnetite nanoparticles respectively. Transmission electron microscopy images exhibited the real sizes are 15 and 13 nm. Magnetic saturations of these nanoparticles were 72 and 68 emu/g which is suitable for medical applications. Both OMNPs and CMNPs were non-toxic to the SK-Br-3 and MCF-7 cells in the concentrations of <2.5 µg/mL. Since these particles exhibit relatively high magnetic saturation, low dose of such material would be required; therefore, these NPs seem to be suitable for theranostics.

Effect of Melatonin on the Outcome of Assisted Reproductive Technique Cycles in Women with Diminished Ovarian Reserve: A Double-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial.

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) significantly decreases the success rate of the assisted reproductive technique (ART). In this study, we assessed the effect of melatonin on the ART outcomes in women with DOR. A double-blinded, randomized, clinical trial was performed on 80 women with DOR as a pilot study in Shiraz, between 2014 and 2015. DOR was defined as the presence of 2 of the following 3 criteria: 1) anti-Müllerian hormone ≤1, 2) follicle-stimulating hormone ≥10, and 3) bilateral antral follicle count ≤6. The women received 3 mg/d melatonin or a placebo since the fifth day of one cycle prior to gonadotropin stimulation and continued the treatment up to the time of ovum pickup. The ART outcomes were compared between the groups using SPSS software. Finally, there were 32 women in the case and 34 in the placebo groups. The mean age and basal ovarian reserve test were the same between the groups. The serum estradiol level on the triggering day was significantly higher in the case group (P=0.005). The mean number of MII oocytes was higher in the case group, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Number of the patients who had mature MII oocytes (P=0.014), top-quality embryos with grade 1 (P=0.049), and embryos with grades 1 and 2 (P=0.014) was higher among the women who received melatonin. However, the other ART outcomes were not different between the groups. The serum estradiol level was higher and more women with DOR had good-quality oocytes and embryos after receiving melatonin; however, no other outcome was different between the case and control groups. Trial Registration Number: IRCT2014041417264N1.