Hydroxypropyl ß-cyclodextrin nanohybrid monoliths for use in capillary electrochromatography with UV detection: application to the enantiomeric separation of adrenergic drugs, anticholinergic drugs, antidepressants, azoles, and antihistamine.

Two kinds of hydroxypropyl ß-cyclodextrin nanohybrid monoliths were synthesized and applied in capillary electrochromatography with UV detection. One column was fabricated by concurrently using glycidyl methacrylate-bonded hydroxypropyl ß-cyclodextrin (GMA-HP-ß-CD), sodium 3-mercaptopropanesulphonate, and alkoxysilanes in the "one-pot" process. The other was prepared by free radical polymerization of GMA-HP-ß-CD, vinylmethylcyclosiloxane, ethylene dimethacrylate, and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid. Compared to the former hybrid monolith, the latter one displayed improved enantiomeric separation. For ten adrenergic drugs, six anticholinergic drugs, two antidepressants, six azoles, and one antihistamine enantiomeric separation was obtained on the monolith synthesized by free radical polymerization. Twelve out of twenty-five drugs were baseline-separated. Especially, anisodamine with two chiral centers was successfully separated with resolution values of 3.06, 2.11, and 2.17. The nanohybrid monoliths were characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, FT-IR, nitrogen adsorption analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. Relative standard deviation values less than 5% were obtained through run-to-run, day-to-day, and column-to-column investigations (n = 3). Graphical abstract Schematic representation of two kinds of hydroxypropyl ß-cyclodextrin nanohybrid monoliths based on "one-pot" approach (route I) and free radical polymerization approach (route II), respectively.

Improvement of solubility and dissolution of ebastine by fabricating phosphatidylcholine/ bile salt bilosomes.

Although ebastine (EBT) can impede histamine-induced skin allergic reaction and persuade long acting selective H1 receptor antagonistic effects but its poor water solubility circumscribed its clinical application. The main objective of this research work was to improve the aqueous solubility and oral bioavailability of EBT by preparing EBT-loaded bilosomes (EBT-PC-SDC-BS). A thin film hydration method was used to prepare ebastine loaded bilosomes. The prepared-formulations were optimized considering size, morphology and entrapment efficiency. The SEM images revealed regular and spherical shape of bilosomes. Average size of the prepared EBT-PC-SDC-BS was 665.8 nm and zeta potential was around-32.9 mV with 89.05 % average entrapment efficiency (EE).Importantly, the solubility of EBT in water was amplified up to 17.9 µg/ml compared to pure drug (2 µg/mL) reflecting a highest solubility increase of 751 %. In vitro drug release results of prepared EBT-PC-SDC-BS exhibited improved release behavior. Finally, it is established from the results that the EBT-PC-SDC-BS could function as a favorable nano-carrier system to improve the solubility as well as dissolution of EBT.

Design, synthesis and biological activity of a novel ethylenediamine derivatives as H1 receptor antagonists.

In this study, a series of novel ethylenediamine compounds were obtained by structural modification of the lead compounds with thonzylamine, and using the principle of modifying by bioisostere formation and modification with alkyl groups. In vitro assay, the biological activities showed that the target compounds have good properties in inhibiting mast cell degranulation and releasing histamine and ß-aminohexidase, such as the compounds 5c, 5g, 5k, 5l and 5o, especially of compound 5k to mast cell degranulation is IC50 = 0.0106 ±â€¯0.001 µmol⋅L-1, histamine release was IC50 = 0.0192 ±â€¯0.005 µmol⋅L-1 and ß-hexosaminidase release was IC50 = 0.0455 ±â€¯0.002 µmol⋅L-1in vitro. At the same time, in vivo biological activities assay results showed that have a good Histamie induce bronchospasm effect with relatively long duration and good protective effect in vivo, among which the protective effect of compound 5k was 79.74 ±â€¯0.30%, compounds 5c, 5g, 5k, 5l and 5o could inhibit the capillary permeability of increasing which were caused by histamine.

Multi-Layer Self-Nanoemulsifying Pellets: an Innovative Drug Delivery System for the Poorly Water-Soluble Drug Cinnarizine.

Beside their solubility limitations, some poorly water-soluble drugs undergo extensive degradation in aqueous and/or lipid-based formulations. Multi-layer self-nanoemulsifying pellets (ML-SNEP) introduce an innovative delivery system based on isolating the drug from the self-nanoemulsifying layer to enhance drug aqueous solubility and minimize degradation. In the current study, various batches of cinnarizine (CN) ML-SNEP were prepared using fluid bed coating and involved a drug-free self-nanoemulsifying layer, protective layer, drug layer, moisture-sealing layer, and/or an anti-adherent layer. Each layer was optimized based on coating outcomes such as coating recovery and mono-pellets%. The optimized ML-SNEP were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), in vitro dissolution, and stability studies. The optimized ML-SNEP were free-flowing, well separated with high coating recovery. SEM showed multiple well-defined coating layers. The acidic polyvinylpyrrolidone:CN (4:1) solution presented excellent drug-layering outcomes. DSC and XRD confirmed CN transformation into amorphous state within the drug layer. The isolation between CN and self-nanoemulsifying layer did not adversely affect drug dissolution. CN was able to spontaneously migrate into the micelles arising from the drug-free self-nanoemulsifying layer. ML-SNEP showed superior dissolution compared to Stugeron® tablets at pH 1.2 and 6.8. Particularly, on shifting to pH 6.8, ML-SNEP maintained > 84% CN in solution while Stugeron® tablets showed significant CN precipitation leaving only 7% CN in solution. Furthermore, ML-SNEP (comprising Kollicoat® Smartseal 30D) showed robust stability and maintained > 97% intact CN within the accelerated storage conditions. Accordingly, ML-SNEP offer a novel delivery system that combines both enhanced solubilization and stabilization of unstable poorly soluble drugs.

Formulation Development and Evaluation of Diphenhydramine Nasal Nano-Emulgel.

The aim of present study is to formulate diphenhydramine nasal nano-emulgels, having lipophilic nano-sized interior droplets, with better penetration for targeted controlled delivery to mucous membrane. Different diphenhydramine (DPH) nasal nano-emulgels were developed having propylene glycol and olive oil (as permeation enhancers) by using RSM for optimization and then evaluated for physico-chemical characteristics and thermal stability. In-vitro drug release through cellophane membrane was conducted and results were analyzed statistically. Further, gelation, mucoadhesive stress, and ex-vivo and histopathological studies were performed on optimized formulation by using goat nasal membrane. Among all formulations, E2 showed maximum DPH release at higher concentration olive oil (4%) and lower concentration propylene glycol (PG) (25%) within 4 h. All formulations have followed first-order kinetics and drug release mechanism was Fickian diffusion. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA) were used to compare results among formulations and 3D surface plots were constructed also. Optimized formulation showed immediate prolong gelation in artificial nasal mucosa and excellent mucoadhesive property (72.5 ± 1.5 dynes/cm2). Approximately 97.1% optimized formulation was permeated through membrane within 4 h, having a high flux rate (33.19 ± 0.897 µg/cm2/min) with diffusion coefficient (0.000786 ± 4.56 × 10-5 cm2/min) while drug contents remained on mucosal membrane for 24 h. Histopathologically, change on intra-mucosal surface of excised membrane was observed due to passage of drug through it. In summary, combination of PG and olive oil in nasal DPH nano-emulgel can be utilized successfully for targeted controlled delivery. The optimized formulation has excellent permeability and prolonged residence time on mucosal surface, which prove its good anti-histaminic activity in case of allergic rhinitis.

Identification of selective 8-(piperidin-4-yloxy)quinoline sulfone and sulfonamide histamine H1 receptor antagonists for use in allergic rhinitis.

A series of potent, selective and long-acting quinoline-based sulfonamide human H1 histamine receptor antagonists, designed for once-daily intranasal administration for the treatment of rhinitis were developed. Sulfonamide 33b had a slightly lower affinity for the H1 receptor than azelastine, had low oral bioavailability in the rat and dog, and was turned over to five major metabolites. Furthermore, 33b had longer duration of action than azelastine in guinea pigs, lower rat brain-penetration, and did not cause time dependent inhibition of CYP2D6 or CYP3A4. The clinical dose in humans is expected to be low (approximately 0.5mg per day) based on the clinical dose used for azelastine and a comparison of efficacy data from animal models for 33b and azelastine.

Structural Analysis of the Histamine H1 Receptor.

The crystal structure of the human histamine H1 receptor (H1R) has been determined in complex with its inverse agonist doxepin, a first-generation antihistamine. The crystal structure showed that doxepin sits deeply inside the ligand-binding pocket and predominantly interacts with residues highly conserved among other aminergic receptors. This binding mode is considered to result in the low selectivity of the first-generation antihistamines for H1R. The crystal structure also revealed the mechanism of receptor inactivation by the inverse agonist doxepin. On the other hand, the crystal structure elucidated the anion-binding site near the extracellular portion of the receptor. This site consists of residues not conserved among other aminergic receptors, which are specific for H1R. Docking simulation and biochemical experimentation demonstrated that a carboxyl group on the second-generation antihistamines interacts with the anion-binding site. These results imply that the anion-binding site is a key site for the development of highly selective antihistamine drugs.

Increased dissolution rates of tranilast solid dispersions extruded with inorganic excipients.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of Neusilin® (NEU) a synthetic magnesium aluminometasilicate as an inorganic drug carrier co-processed with the hydrophilic surfactants Labrasol and Labrafil to develop Tranilast (TLT)-based solid dispersions using continuous melt extrusion (HME) processing. Twin-screw extrusion was optimized to develop various TLT/excipient/surfactant formulations followed by continuous capsule filling in the absence of any downstream equipment. Physicochemical characterization showed the existence of TLT in partially crystalline state in the porous network of inorganic NEU for all extruded formulations. Furthermore, in-line NIR studies revealed a possible intermolecular H-bonding formation between the drug and the carrier resulting in the increase of TLT dissolution rates. The capsules containing TLT-extruded solid dispersions showed enhanced dissolution rates and compared with the marketed Rizaben® product.

Practical and Sustainable Synthesis of Optically Pure Levocabastine, a H1 Receptor Antagonist.

A practical and sustainable method for the synthesis of levocabastine hydrochloride (1), a H1 receptor antagonist for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, that can be applied to the industrial production of the compound has been developed. Substantial improvements over the previously reported procedure are achieved via efficient preparation of an optically active key intermediate (5) without chiral resolution and with a more effective detosylation, which complements the previous procedure. Notably, our process requires no chromatographic purification and provides levocabastine hydrochloride in greater than 99.5% purity in a 14.2% overall yield.

Solidification of cinnarizine self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems by fluid bed coating: optimization of the process and formulation variables.

Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) offer an efficient choice to improve the poor dissolution and erratic bioavailability of poorly-water soluble drugs. However, liquid SNEDDS experience some manufacturing and stability limitations. To overcome these limitations, the current study aims to investigate and optimize the solidification of cinnarizine (CN) liquid SNEDDS onto pellets by fluid bed coating. The study involved optimization of process and formulation variables. The coated self-nanoemulsifying pellets (SNEP) were characterized, their droplet size and dissolution profiles were compared to the corresponding liquid SNEDDS. Higher spray/microclimate air pressure led to minimal agglomeration and minimal spray drying. However, slight increase in inlet air volume above 35 m3/h led to extensive spray drying. The optimized coating formula included oleic acid/Imwitor308/Cremophor El (25/25/50) as liquid SNEDDS, HPMC E3 as coating polymer and Plasacryl™T20 as anti-tacking agent. The optimum concentration of coating solution was 15% and optimum SNEDDS proportion in the coating layer was 40%. The droplet size of reconstituted SNEP was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than liquid SNEDDS, yet the SNEP aqueous dispersion was still within the nano-metric scale. Pure CN showed sharp precipitation upon shifting the media from pH 1.2 to 6.8. In contrast, Both SNEP and liquid SNEDDS maintained >85% CN in solution, even at pH 6.8. Therefore, CN-SNEP seems to be an excellent dosage form that maintains the solubilization benefits of liquid SNEDDS, overcomes their limitations along with the additional benefits of solid dosage form.

Study of Sedative Tea Phytocomplex within the Framework of Studies Aimed at Creation of a Rectal Dosage Form with Antihistaminic Effect.

We designed a new complex drug with antiallergic effect containing, in addition to the main component loratadine, a phytocomplex for an extra therapeutic effect. A collection of plants with sedative activity is chosen and the optimal agent for extraction of bioactive compounds (40% ethanol) and optimal degree of plant fragmentation are determined. Chemical composition of the sedative tea is evaluated by reverse phase HPLC. The marker components of the species are detected: xanthohumol and isoxanthohumol - Humulus lupulus cone components, Mentha piperita rosmarinic acid, and scutellareine, Menyanthes trifolia element - quercetin-3-rutinoside, and caffeic acid. Standardization of the species by the absolute graduation method in conversion to quercetin-3-rutinoside is suggested.

The discovery of quinoline based single-ligand human H1 and H3 receptor antagonists.

A novel series of potent quinoline-based human H1 and H3 bivalent histamine receptor antagonists, suitable for intranasal administration for the potential treatment of allergic rhinitis associated nasal congestion, were identified. Compound 18b had slightly lower H1 potency (pA2 8.8 vs 9.7 for the clinical goldstandard azelastine), and H3 potency (pKi 9.1vs 6.8 for azelastine), better selectivity over α1A, α1B and hERG, similar duration of action, making 18b a good back-up compound to our previous candidate, but with a more desirable profile.

Physicochemical properties and mechanisms of drug release from melt-extruded granules consisting of chlorpheniramine maleate and Eudragit FS.

The objective of this research project was to characterize the drug release profiles, physicochemical properties and drug-polymer interaction of melt-extruded granules consisting of chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) and Eudragit® FS. Melt extrusion was performed using a single screw extruder at a processing temperature of 65-75 °C. The melt extrudate was milled, blended with lactose monohydrate and then filled into hard gelatin capsules. Each capsule contained 300 mg CPM granules. The release of CPM was determined with the United States Pharmacopeia dissolution apparatus II using a three-stage dissolution medium testing in order to simulate the pH conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Pore structure, thermal properties and surface morphologies of CPM granules were studied using mercury and helium pycnometer, differential scanning calorimeter and scanning electron microscope. Sustained release of CPM over 10 h was achieved. The release of CPM was a function of drug loading and the size of the milled granules. The complexation between CPM and Eudragit® FS as the result of counterion condensation was observed, and the interaction was characterized using membrane dialysis and H(1) NMR techniques. In both 0.1 N HCl and phosphate buffer pH 6.8, CPM was released via a diffusion mechanism and the release rate was controlled by the pore structure of the melt-extruded granules. In phosphate buffer pH 7.4, CPM release was controlled by the low pH micro-environment created by CPM, the pore structure of the granules and the in situ complexation between CPM and Eudragit® FS.

Computational Analysis of Structure-Based Interactions for Novel H1-Antihistamines.

As a chronic disorder, insomnia affects approximately 10% of the population at some time during their lives, and its treatment is often challenging. Since the antagonists of the H1 receptor, a protein prevalent in human central nervous system, have been proven as effective therapeutic agents for treating insomnia, the H1 receptor is quite possibly a promising target for developing potent anti-insomnia drugs. For the purpose of understanding the structural actors affecting the antagonism potency, presently a theoretical research of molecular interactions between 129 molecules and the H1 receptor is performed through three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) techniques. The ligand-based comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) model (Q² = 0.525, R²ncv = 0.891, R²pred = 0.807) has good quality for predicting the bioactivities of new chemicals. The cross-validated result suggests that the developed models have excellent internal and external predictability and consistency. The obtained contour maps were appraised for affinity trends for the investigated compounds, which provides significantly useful information in the rational drug design of novel anti-insomnia agents. Molecular docking was also performed to investigate the mode of interaction between the ligand and the active site of the receptor. Furthermore, as a supplementary tool to study the docking conformation of the antagonists in the H1 receptor binding pocket, molecular dynamics simulation was also applied, providing insights into the changes in the structure. All of the models and the derived information would, we hope, be of help for developing novel potent histamine H1 receptor antagonists, as well as exploring the H1-antihistamines interaction mechanism.

Ufasomes nano-vesicles-based lyophilized platforms for intranasal delivery of cinnarizine: preparation, optimization, ex-vivo histopathological safety assessment and mucosal confocal imaging.

To circumvent the low and erratic absorption of orally administrated cinnarizine (CN), intranasal lyophilized gels containing unsaturated fatty acid liposomes (ufasomes) and encapsulating CN were prepared from oleic acid using a simple assembling strategy. The effects of varying drug concentration and cholesterol percentage on ufasomes size, polydispersity index and entrapment efficiency were investigated using 3(1)4(1) full factorial design. The optimized ufasomes that contained 14% cholesterol relative to oleic acid displayed spherical morphology with average size of 788 nm and entrapment efficiency of 80.49%. To overcome the colloidal instability of CN-loaded ufasomes dispersions and their short residence time in the nasal cavity, the ufasomes were incorporated into mucoadhesive hydrogels that were lyophilized into unit dosage forms for accurate dosing. Scanning electron micrographs of the lyophilized gel revealed that the included ufasomes were intact, non-aggregating and maintained their spherical morphology. Rheological characterization of reconstituted ufasomal lyophilized gel ensured ease of application. Furthermore, the gel induced minor histopathological alterations in sheeps' nasal mucosa. Ex-vivo confocal laser imaging confirmed the ability of ufasomes to penetrate deep through nasal mucosa layers. The results highlighted in the current work confirm the feasibility of using CN-loaded ufasomal gels for intranasal drug delivery.

Magnetic resonance imaging study on the physical stability of menthol and diphenhydramine cream for the treatment of chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus.

A cream that contains menthol and diphenhydramine is widely prepared in hospital pharmacies and prescribed to patients for the treatment of pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease. However, there is a serious concern regarding its physical stability; therefore, we investigated this issue using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For a sample preparation, a menthol-containing ethanol solution was mixed with a commercial diphenhydramine cream. After storage for 7 d at 40°C, substantial phase separation into two distinct layers (upper and lower layers) was observed in the sample. This study further examined the components of the phase-separated layers using magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy and chemical shift selective images, and it was verified that the upper layer consisted of packed oil droplet layers, whereas the lower was an aqueous phase. Subsequently, the time-dependent phase separation of the sample at different temperatures was investigated. From the MR images, including a T2 relaxation time map and apparent diffusion coefficient maps, it was obvious that the phase separation developed further with increasing temperature; the most substantial phase separation was observed from the sample stored at 40°C, while no phase separation was detected at 25°C. In the final phase of this study, we conducted a formulation study and succeeded in improving the cream's physical stability by adding a hydrophilic surfactant to the preparation.

Molecular mechanism of antihistamines recognition and regulation of the histamine H1 receptor.

Histamine receptors are a group of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that play important roles in various physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Antihistamines that target the histamine H1 receptor (H1R) have been widely used to relieve the symptoms of allergy and inflammation. Here, to uncover the details of the regulation of H1R by the known second-generation antihistamines, thereby providing clues for the rational design of newer antihistamines, we determine the cryo-EM structure of H1R in the apo form and bound to different antihistamines. In addition to the deep hydrophobic cavity, we identify a secondary ligand-binding site in H1R, which potentially may support the introduction of new derivative groups to generate newer antihistamines. Furthermore, these structures show that antihistamines exert inverse regulation by utilizing a shared phenyl group that inserts into the deep cavity and block the movement of the toggle switch residue W4286.48. Together, these results enrich our understanding of GPCR modulation and facilitate the structure-based design of novel antihistamines.

Construction and application of H1R ligand screening materials based on SMA stabilization and his-tag covalent immobilization of membrane proteins.

The histamine H1 receptor (H1R) plays a pivotal role in allergy initiation and undergoes the necessity of devising a high-throughput screening approach centered on H1R to screen novel ligands effectively. This study suggests a method employing styrene maleic acid (SMA) extraction and His-tag covalent bonding to immobilize H1R membrane proteins, minimizing the interference of nonspecific proteins interference while preserving native protein structure and maximizing target exposure. This approach was utilized to develop a novel material for high-throughput ligand screening and implemented in cell membrane chromatography (CMC). An H1R-His-SMALPs/CMC model was established and its chromatographic performance (selectivity, specificity and lifespan) validated, demonstrating a significant enhancement in lifespan compared to previous CMC models. Subsequently, this model facilitated high-throughput screening of H1R ligands in the compound library and preliminary activity verification of potential H1R antagonists. Identification of a novel H1R antagonist laid the foundation for further development in this area.

Design, synthesis and biological activity evaluation of desloratadine analogues as H1 receptor antagonists.

A series of N-substituted desloratadine analogues were designed and synthesized. They were tested for H1 antihistamine activity by inhibiting histamine-induced contraction of isolated ileum muscles of guinea-pigs in vitro and inhibiting histamine-induced asthmatic reaction in guinea-pigs in vivo. All the evaluated compounds exhibited significant antihistamine activity compared with desloratadine. Five active compounds induced no sedative effects on mouse and four of them exhibited lower anticholinergic side effects than desloratadine. Among these analogues, compound 10, (1S,4S)-4-chlorocyclohexyl desloratadine displayed the highest activity and best safety profile. And it was believed to be a potential candidate as the 3rd generation antihistamine.

Design and synthesis of novel 2-(3-substituted propyl)-3-(2-methyl phenyl) quinazolin-4-(3H)-ones as a new class of H1-antihistaminic agents.

A series of novel 2-(3-substituted propyl)-3-(2-methyl phenyl) quinazolin-4-(3H)-ones were synthesized by the reaction of 2-(3-bromopropyl thio)-3-(2-methyl phenyl) quinazolin-4-(3H)-one with various amines. The starting material, 2-(3-bromopropyl thio)-3-(2-methyl phenyl) quinazolin-4-(3H)-one was synthesized from 2-methyl aniline. When tested for their in vivo H(1)-antihistaminic activity on conscious guinea pigs, all the test compounds protected the animals from histamine induced bronchospasm significantly. Compound 2-(3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl) propylthio)-3-(2-methyl phenyl) quinazolin-4(3H)-one (OT5) emerged as the most active compound (71.70% protection) of the series when compared to the reference standard chlorpheniramine maleate (70.09% protection). Compound OT5 shows negligible sedation (7%) compared to chlorpheniramine maleate (33%). Therefore, compound OT5 can serve as the leading molecule for further development into a new class of H(1)-antihistaminic agents.