Optimization and validation of a bioanalytical HPLC-UV technique for simultaneous determination of underivatized phenylalanine and tyrosine in the blood for phenylketonuria diagnosis and monitoring.

This study aimed to develop a fast, accurate, and precise high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection method for simultaneous analysis of underivatized phenylalanine (Phe) and tyrosine (Tyr) in biological samples. Separation of the analytes was accomplished using a Discovery HS F5-3 column, which offered better retention and peak symmetry for the tested analytes. Chromatographic conditions were optimized using central composite experimental design, and three factors were investigated: the concentration of ammonium acetate (A), the acetonitrile proportion in the mobile phase (B) and the column oven temperature (C). The approach was verified using ß-expectation tolerance intervals for total error measurement that did not exceed 15%. Optimal settings were A = 50 mm, B = 24% and C = 28°C. The method applicability was determined using human plasma from 75 volunteers. The limits of detection and quantification of the technique were satisfactory at 9 and 29 µm for Phe and 4 and 13 µm for Tyr. The mean analytical bias in spiking levels was acceptable, ranging from -1.649 to +1.659% for both substances, with RSD <5% in all instances. The suggested approach was successfully used to analyze Phe and Tyr in human blood samples and calculate the Phe/Tyr ratio.

In-vivo anti-inflammatory activity and safety assessment of the aqueous extract of Algerian Erica arborea L. (Ericaceae) aerial parts.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Erica arborea known as Khlenj in Algeria is a small shrub belonging to Ericaceae family. E. arborea Aqueous extract (EAAE) is used in traditional medicine for anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antimicrobial, and antiulcer purposes. AIM OF THE STUDY: To our knowledge, no data reveal the combination between in-vivo anti-inflammatory and toxicological studies of EAAE. For this purpose, the aim of this study is to evaluate the biological activity cited above and assess its safety. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anti-inflammatory activity was undergone using carrageenan-induced paw edema and croton oil-induced ear edema. The acute and sub-acute toxicity were conducted following the OECD guidelines 423 and 407, respectively. Phytochemical identification was carried out using HPLC-DAD-MS. Quantitative evaluation of polyphenols; flavonoids and antioxidant activity of EAAE were also determined. RESULTS: Oral administration of EAAE (250 and 500 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the edema induced by carrageenan. Administration of EAAE dosed at 250 and 500 mg/kg exhibited efficacy in reducing edema induced by croton oil. The acute administration of EAAE at doses of 2000 and 5000 mg/kg did not cause any mortality or adverse effects indicating that the LD50 is above 5000 mg/kg. The prolonged administration of EAAE (500 and 1000 mg/kg) showed a significant reduction in triglycerides levels in male and female rats whereas no significant changes in other biochemical and hematological parameters were observed. Histopathological damages were recorded in both liver and kidney animal's tissues of both sexes treated with medium and maximum doses of EAAE. Phytochemical characterization of EAAE revealed a high amount of phenolic compounds, HPLC-DAD-MS analysis led to the identification of chlorogenic acid and five flavonol glycosides: myricetin pentoside, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-O-pentoside, and quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside. CONCLUSION: In the light of the results obtained in this study, EAAE corroborates the popular use to treat the anti-inflammatory impairments. EAAE can be considered as non-toxic in acute administration and exhibited a moderate toxicity in sub-acute administration. High phenolic content and in-vitro antioxidant activity observed indicate that EAAE may reduce oxidative stress markers in-vivo.

Study of congenital heart diseases in patients with Down syndrome in Algeria.

This study aimed to describe and evaluate the type, frequency and patterns of congenital heart diseases (CHDs) in patients with Down Syndrome (DS) in Sétif, Algeria. Down Syndrome, or trisomy 21, is the most common genetic disorder in the world. Data were collected and followed from January 2009 to December 2013. Parental consanguinity documenting pedigree analyzing, chromosome analysis and clinical examination were carried out for all cases. Results have shown that 22 (15.4%; ± 0.06) of the total 143 known cases of DS from DS centres have CHDs and 88 (10.6%; ± 2.2) of the total 770 patients with CHDs collected from public departments at the child and maternity teaching hospital, Sétif, have DS. Among the 110 cases, 75 (68%) have single cardiac abnormalities and 35 (32%) have multiple cardiac abnormalities. The most frequent CHDs were Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD). In conclusion, our study will be helpful to demonstrate the current status of DS and to identify the distribution of CHD in patients with DS in Sétif, Algeria, for further study.

Asthma causes inflammation of human pulmonary arteries and decreases vasodilatation induced by prostaglandin I2 analogs.

OBJECTIVE: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with increased cardiovascular events. This study assesses the presence of inflammation and the vascular reactivity of pulmonary arteries in patients with acute asthma. METHODS: Rings of human pulmonary arteries obtained from non-asthmatic and asthmatic patients were set up in organ bath for vascular tone monitoring. Reactivity was induced by vasoconstrictor and vasodilator agents. Protein expression of inflammatory markers was detected by western blot. Prostanoid releases and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels were quantified using specific enzymatic kits. RESULTS: Protein expression of cluster of differentiation 68, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and cyclooxygenase-2 was significantly increased in arteries obtained from asthmatic patients. These effects were accompanied by an alteration of vasodilatation induced by iloprost and treprostinil, a decrease in cAMP levels and an increase in prostaglandin (PG) E2 and PGI2 synthesis. The use of forskolin (50 µmol/L) has restored the vasodilatation and cAMP release. No difference was observed between the two groups in reactivity induced by norepinephrine, angiotensin II, PGE2, KCl, sodium nitroprusside, and acetylcholine. CONCLUSION: Acute asthma causes inflammation of pulmonary arteries and decreases vasodilation induced by PGI2 analogs through the impairment of cAMP pathway.