Dissolution enhancement of Gefitinib by solid dispersion and complexation with ß-cyclodextrins: In vitro testing, cytotoxic activity, and tablet formulation.

Cancer is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. In patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is often overexpressed. Gefitinib (GEF), an inhibitor of EGFR, is approved for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the low solubility and dissolution of GEF limits its bioavailability. Numerous methods, including solid dispersion (SD) and complexation, have been reported to enhance the dissolution of poorly soluble drugs. In this study, GEF complexes were prepared using methyl-ß-cyclodextrin (MßCD) and hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HPßCD) in two molar ratios (1:1 and 1:2), furthermore, GEF SDs were prepared using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and poloxamer-188(PXM) in three different ratios (1:2, 1:4 and 1:6 w/w). Dissolution studies were conducted on the prepared formulations. Dissolution results showed a 1.22-2.17-fold enhancement in drug dissolution after one hour compared to untreated GEF. Two formulations that showed higher dissolution enhancement were subsequently evaluated for in-vitro cytotoxicity and were formulated into tablets. The selected PVP-GEF (1:4 w/w) and MßCD-GEF (1:1M) formulas displayed improved cytotoxicity compared to untreated GEF. The IC50 values of the PVP-GEF and MßCD-GEF were 4.33 ± 0.66 and 4.84 ± 0.38 µM, respectively which are significantly lower (p < 0.05) than free GEF. In addition, the formulated tablets exhibited enhanced dissolution compared to pure GEF tablets. PVP-GEF SD tablets released (35.1 %±0.4) of GEF after one hour, while GEF-MßCD tablets released (42.2 % ± 0.7) after one hour. In the meantime, tablets containing pure GEF showed only 15 % ± 0.5 release at the same time. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for optimizing the dissolution and hence therapeutic capabilities of GEF while mitigating its limitations.

Design, synthesis and molecular modeling of isatin-aminobenzoic acid hybrids as antibacterial and antibiofilm agents.

Number of factors, including newly emerging infectious diseases and an increase in multi-drug resistant microbial pathogens with particular relevance for Gram-positive bacteria, make the treatment of infectious diseases in hospital-based healthcare a major challenge in the medical community. 4-Aminobenzoic acid (PABA), has demonstrated a variety of biological actions particularly, antimicrobial activity. In our study we coupled this vitamin-like molecule with different isatin derivatives. We investigated the antibacterial activity of the synthesized Schiff's bases. The compounds showed high selective activity against Gram-positive bacteria and showed weak or no activity against both Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. Compound 2a showed highest activity against S. aureus and B. subtilis (MIC 0.09 mmol/L). Additionally, these substances exhibit strong anti-B. Subtilis biofilm formation. We were able to shed insight on the binding mode of these new inhibitors using in silico docking of the compounds in the binding sites of a 3D structure of B. subtilis histidine kinase/Walk. The binding free energy of the compound 2a to the catalytic domain walk, of histidine kinase enzyme of B. subtilis bacteria, was calculated using molecular mechanics/generalized born surface area scoring. The key residues for macromolecule-ligand binding were postulated. The optimized 3D protein-ligand binding modes shed light on the B. subtilis HK/Walk-ligand interactions that afford a means to assess binding affinity to design new HK/Walk inhibitor as antibacterial agents.

Enhancement of the dissolution and in-vitro activity of a new antineoplastic agent.

The cell-surface molecule CD44 plays a major role in the regulation of cancer stem cells. The CD44 inhibitor compound N'-(1-dimethylaminomethyl-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-2-(benzyloxy)benzohydrazide (OYB), anticancer agent is practically insoluble in water. Hence, the solid dispersion (SD) technique was used for enhancing the dissolution of OYB. The SD of OYB was achieved using OYB:poloxamer 188 (1:7) via the fusion method. The anticancer activities of the free-OYB solution and the SD formulation (OYB-SD) were investigated in-vitro. The dissolution rate of OYB-SD (1:7) increased by 2-fold compared with the untreated drug (51.52-100% at pH 1.2 and 8.25-19.15% at pH 7 buffer). In addition, OYB-SD afforded 3-folds cytotoxic effect, against LoVo cells, compared to the untreated compound (IC50 4.72 ± 0.57 and 13.97 ± 0.90 µg/ml, respectively) and against HepG2 (∼3-fold) (4.98 ± 0.368 and 13.85 ± 1.82 µg/ml, respectively) and MCF-7 (1.4-fold) cells (15.20 ± 0.20 and 21.12 ± 0.51 µg/ml, respectively), and enhanced the apoptotic potential in LoVo cells compared with free-OYB. The improved cytotoxic activity of the drug might be attributable to the enhanced dissolution of OYB.

Preparation, characterization, dissolution, and permeation of flibanserin - 2-HP-ß-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes.

Flibanserin (FLB), an antiserotonin drug, is used to treat women with hypoactive sexual appetite disorder. FLB shows low bioavailability (~33%) probably due to its low water solubility. The current study investigated the impact of hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HP-ß-CD) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) on the dissolution and permeation of FLB. HP-ß-CD-FLB inclusion complexes were prepared using physical mixing and kneading at 1:1 and 1:2 M ratios and characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffractometry. The dissolution and permeation of the complexes through a cellophane membrane were performed in, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5% SLS in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8). Derived from the slope of the linear phase solubility diagram, the apparent stability constant (K 1:1) was 372.54 M-1. Kneading changed the crystalline form of FLB to an amorphous appearance characterized by minimal crystalline peaks, indicating successful inclusion complex formation. In addition, the HP-ß-CD-FLB inclusion complexes showed twofold increased dissolution efficiency at 6 h. The cumulative FLB amount permeated at 6 h increased from 14.1% to 21.88% and 34.56% in the presence of 0.1% and 0.3% of SLS, respectively. However, increasing SLS to 0.5% did not show an increase in FLB permeation. Therefore, the HP-ß-CD-FLB inclusion complex has an improved dissolution rate compared to FLB alone. The presence of SLS in the dissolution medium increases the dissolution rate of pure FLB and its complex with HP-ß-CD. kneaded 1:1 complex was formulated bioadhesive buccal tablets and showed enhanced drug release.

Preparation and Characterization of Two Immunogens and Production of Polyclonal Antibody with High Affinity and Specificity for Darunavir.

Darunavir (DRV) is a potent antiviral drug used for treatment of infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Effective and safe treatment with DRV requires its therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in patient's plasma during therapy. To support TDM of DRV, a specific antibody with high affinity is required in order to develop a sensitive immunoassay for the accurate determination of DRV in plasma. In this study, two new and different immunogens were prepared and characterized. These immunogens were the DRV conjugates with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) protein. The first immunogen (DRV-KLH) was prepared by zero-length direct linking of DRV via its aromatic amino group with the tyrosine amino acid residues of KLH by diazotization/coupling reaction. The second immunogen (G-DRV-KLH) was prepared by conjugation of the N-glutaryl derivative of DRV (G-DRV) with KLH. The 5-carbon atoms-spacing G-DRV hapten was synthesized by reaction of DRV via its aromatic amino group with glutaric anhydride. The reaction was monitored by HPLC and the chemical structure of G-DRV was confirmed by mass, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopic techniques. The hapten (G-DRV) was linked to the KLH protein by water-soluble 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) coupling procedure. The pertinence of the coupling reactions of haptens to protein was confirmed, and the immunogens were characterized by ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry. Both DRV-KLH and G-DRV-KLH were used for the immunization of animals and the animal's antiserum that showed the highest affinity was selected. The collected antiserum (polyclonal antibody) had very high affinity to DRV (IC50 value = 0.2 ng mL-1; defining IC50 as the DRV concentration that can inhibit antibody binding by 50% of its maximum binding) and high specificity to DRV among other drugs used in the combination therapy with DRV. Cumulative results from direct and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using this polyclonal antibody proved that the immunogens were highly antigenic and elicited a specific polyclonal antibody. The produced polyclonal antibody is valuable for the development of highly sensitive and selective immunoassays for TDM of DRV.

Target ß-catenin/CD44/Nanog axis in colon cancer cells by certain N'-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-2-(benzyloxy)benzohydrazides.

Cell surface molecule CD44 plays a major role in regulation of cancer stem cells CSCs on both phenotypic and functional level, however chemical inhibition approach of CD44 to targets CSCs is poorly studied. Herein, we report the discovery of certain N'-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-2-(benzyloxy)benzohydrazides as a novel inhibitor of CD44. Molecular docking study showed interference of the scaffold of these compounds with ß-catenin/TCF-4 complex, building a direct relationship between CD44 inhibition and observed well-fitted binding domain. Compound 11a, most potent member elicits inhibition effect on TCF/LEF reporter activity conformed the involvement of Wnt pathway inhibition as a mechanism of action. Furthermore, the treatment by the mentioned compound leads to inhibition of embryonic transcriptional factor Nanog but not Sox2 or Oct-4 suggested specific targeted effect. Moreover, the cytotoxicity and cell cycle effect of this series seems to be dependent on CD44 expression.

Formulation and evaluation of cholesterol-rich nanoemulsion (LDE) for drug delivery potential of cholesteryl-maleoyl-5-fluorouracil.

It has been reported that cholesterol-rich nanoemulsions (LDE) can bind to low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors which can concentrate anticancer drugs in the tissues via LDL receptor overexpression and reduced the adverse effects of the treatment. Therefore, in this study, LDE nanoemulsions of cholesteryl-maleoyl-5-fluorouracil (5-FU conjugate) were developed and evaluated in vitro. LDE nanoemulsions were prepared by high-energy emulsification technique. Developed formulations were characterized in terms of droplet size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, viscosity and refractive index. Optimized formulation (L5) was also evaluated for surface morphology using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Developed formulations were subjected to in vitro drug release studies through dialysis membrane. The droplet size (50 nm), polydispersity index (0.109) and viscosity (32.16 cp) were found to be lowest for optimized formulation L5. The results of zeta potential indicated the stable formation of developed LDE nanoemulsions. TEM images of optimized formulation indicated non-spherical shape of droplets. About 97% of conjugate was found to be released from L5 after 24 h of study. Overall, these results indicated that developed LDE nanoemulsions could be successfully used for oral delivery of 5-FU conjugate.

Design and synthesis of new cholesterol-conjugated 5-Fluorouracil: a novel potential delivery system for cancer treatment.

Cholesterol-conjugated 5-fluorouracil prodrugs were designed to be carried in vivo via low density lipoproteins (LDL) and subsequently undergo LDL-receptor-mediated internalisation into cancer cells. In vivo anti-cancer evaluation was performed using 5-fluorouracil-cholesterol conjugate in a mouse model. The obtained prodrugs were more potent than 5-fluorouracil control drug at the same 5-fluorouracil content (3 mg·kg-1).

In silico studies of quinoxaline-2-carboxamide 1,4-di-n-oxide derivatives as antimycobacterial agents.

Molecular modelling studies were performed on some previously reported novel quinoxaline-2-carboxamide 1,4-di-N-oxide derivatives (series 1-9). Using the LigandScout program, a pharmacophore model was developed to further optimize the antimycobacterial activity of this series of compounds. Using the Dock6 program, docking studies were performed in order to investigate the mode of binding of these compounds. The molecular modeling study allowed us to confirm the preferential binding mode of these quinoxaline-2-carboxamide 1,4-di-N-oxide derivatives inside the active site. The obtained binding mode was as same as that of the novobiocin X-ray structure.

Targeting cancer using cholesterol conjugates.

Conjugation of cholesterol moiety to active compounds for either cancer treatment or diagnosis is an attractive approach. Cholesterol derivatives are widely studied as cancer diagnostic agents and as anticancer derivatives either in vitro or in vivo using animal models. In largely growing studies, anticancer agents have been chemically conjugated to cholesterol molecules, to enhance their pharmacokinetic behavior, cellular uptake, target specificity, and safety. To efficiently deliver anticancer agents to the target cells and tissues, many different cholesterol-anticancer conjugates were synthesized and characterized, and their anticancer efficiencies were tested in vitro and in vivo.

Bioinformatics-driven discovery of novel EGFR kinase inhibitors as anti-cancer therapeutics: In silico screening and in vitro evaluation.

Epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR inhibitors are widely used as first line therapy for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients harboring EGFR mutation. However, the acquisition of a second-site mutation (T790 M) limited the efficacy and developed resistance. Therefore, discovery and development of specific drug target for this mutation is of urgent needs. In our study we used the ChemDiv diversity database for receptor-based virtual screening to secure EGFR-TK inhibitors chemotherapeutics. We identified four compounds that bind to the ATP-binding region of the EGFR-TK using AutoDock 4.0 and AutoDock Vina1.1.2 and post-docking investigations. The ligand showed hydrophobic interactions to the hydrophobic region of the binding site and engaged in hydrogen bonding with Met793. The ligands also explored π-cation interactions between the π-system of the ligand-phenyl ring and the positive amino group of Lys745. Molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area MM/PBSA per-residue energy decomposition analyses revealed that Val726, Leu792, Met793, Gly796, Cys797, Leu798, and Thr844 contributed the most to the binding energy. Biological evaluation of the retrieved hit compounds showed suppressing activity against EGFR auto phosphorylation and selective apoptosis-induced effects toward lung cancer cells harboring the EGFR L858R/T790M double mutation. Our work anticipated into novel and specific EGFR-TKIs and identified new compounds with therapeutic potential against lung cancer.

Design and synthesis of multi-functional small-molecule based inhibitors of amyloid-ß aggregation: Molecular modeling and in vitro evaluation.

Amyloid-ß1-42 (Aß42) peptide aggregate formation in the brain plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease. According to published research, the Aß monomer's amino acid residues KLVFF (16-20) self-associate to create antiparallel ß-sheet fibrils. Small compounds can prevent self-assembly and destroy Aß fibrils by attaching to the Aß16-20 regions of Aß42. To enhance biological characteristics and binding affinity to the amyloid beta peptide, ß-sheet breaker small molecules can be developed and modified with various scaffolds. In the current study, a novel series of 2,3-disubstitutedbenzofuran derivatives was designed and created by fusing the benzofuran core of a known iron chelator, neuroprotective, and neurorestorative agent, like VK-28, with a motif found in the structure of a known muscarinic inhibitor and amyloid binding agent, like SKF-64346. Measurements of the binding affinity and in vitro aggregation inhibition of the Aß42 peptide were made using the thioflavin T (ThT) test. Using AutoDock 4.2 software, molecular docking studies of the synthesized compounds were performed on the monomer and fibril structures of amyloid beta peptide. The compounds 8a-8g exhibited strong binding energy and affinity to Aß fibrils as well as a 50%-67% reduction of the growth of Aß aggregation. Finally, the positive traits of our recently synthesized compounds make them excellent candidates for additional in vivo testing as a "ß-sheet breaking agent."

MicroRNA-539-5p-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles Grafted with iRGD as a Targeting Treatment for Choroidal Neovascularization.

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a major cause of visual impairment that results from excessive growth of blood vessels in the eye's choroid. The limited clinical efficacy of the current therapy for this condition requires the emergence of new treatment modalities such as microRNA (miRNAs). A recent study identified microRNA-539-5p (miR-539) as an angiogenic suppressor in a CNV animal model; however, its therapeutic delivery is limited. Therefore, this study aims to formulate miR-539 in targeted nanoparticles (NPs) prepared from polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA). The NPs were decorated with internalizing arginylglycylaspartic (RGD) peptide (iRGD), which specifically targets the alpha-v-beta-3 (αvß3) integrin receptor that is overexpressed in blood vessels of ocular tissue in CNV patients. The 1H NMR spectra results revealed successful conjugation of iRGD peptide into PLGA NPs. The miR-539-PLGA.NPs and miR-539-iRGD-PLGA.NPs were prepared and showed a particle size of 300 ± 3 and 306.40 ± 4 nm, respectively. A reduction in human retinal microvascular endothelial cell (HRMEC) viability was shown 48 and 72 h post transfection with miR-539 incorporated in PLGA NPs and iRGD-PLGA.NPs. iRGD-functionalized PLGA NPs caused further significant reduction in cell viability when compared with plain ones, revealing an enhancement in the NP uptake with iRGD-grafted NPs. The current study showed that miR-539-PLGA.NPs and miR-539-iRGD-PLGA.NPs are promising approaches that reduced the viability of HRMECs, suggesting their therapeutic potential in the treatment of CNV.

Microwave irradiation-assisted synthesis of a novel crown ether crosslinked chitosan as a chelating agent for heavy metal ions (M(+n)).

Microwave irradiation was used to obtain a di-Schiff base type crosslinked chitosan dibenzocrown ether (CCdBE) via the reaction between the -NH(2) and -CHO groups in chitosan and 4,4'-diformyldibenzo-18-c-6, respectively. The structure of the synthesized compound was characterized by elemental analysis, solid state 13C-NMR and FT-IR spectra analysis. The results showed that the mass fraction of nitrogen in the CCdBE derivative was much lower than those of chitosan. The FT-IR spectra of CCdBE revealed the expected chitosan-crown ether structure, as evidenced by the presence of the characteristic C=N and Ar peaks. The adsorption properties of CCdBE for Pd2+ and Hg2+ were investigated and the results demonstrated that the adsorbent has both desirable adsorption properties with a high particular adsorption selectivity for Hg2+ when in the presence of Pb2+ as well as selectivity coefficients for metal ions of K(Hg(2+)/Pb(2+)) = 8.00 and K(Hg(2+)/Pb(2+)) = 10.62 at pH values of 4 and 6, respectively. The reusability tests for CCdBE for Pb2+ adsorption showed that complete recovery of the ion was possible with CCdBE after 10-multiple reuses while CTS had no reusability at acidic solution because of its higher dissolution. The studied features of CCdBE suggested that the material could be considered as a new adsorbent. It is envisaged that the crosslinking of CTS into CCdBE would enhance practicality and effectiveness of adsorption in ion separation and removal procedures.

Biopharmaceutical applications of nanogold.

The application of nanogold in biopharmaceutical field is reviewed in this work. The properties of nanogold including nanogold surface Plasmon absorption and nanogold surface Plasmon light scattering are illustrated. The physical, chemical, biosynthesis methods of nanogold preparation are presented. Catalytic properties as well as biomedical applications are highlighted as one of the most important applications of nanogold. Biosensing, and diagnostic and therapeutic applications of gold nanoparticles are evaluated. Moreover, gold nanoparticles in drugs, biomolecules and proteins' delivery are analyzed. Gold nanoparticles for the site-directed photothermal applications are reviewed as the most fruitful research area in the future.

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of certain new 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives.

Certain new derivatives of 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines were synthesized through the reaction of 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-7-ol with ethyl bromoacetate to afford the ethyl acetate ester, which upon hydrazinolysis gives the corresponding hydrazide. The hydrazide is the key intermediate which was used for the synthesis of the target compounds. The structures of the new compounds were assigned by spectral and elemental methods of analyses. The synthesized compounds were tested for their in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities. Most of the tested compounds showed comparable results with those of ampicillin and fluconazole reference drugs.

Synthesis and three-dimensional qualitative structure selectivity relationship of 3,5-disubstituted-2,4-thiazolidinedione derivatives as COX2 inhibitors.

In our effort for synthesis of selective COX2 inhibitors, certain new 2,4-thiazolidinedione derivatives were synthesized. It necessitates preparation of potassium salt of 2,4-thiazolidinedione 2, which condensed with intermediate 4a. The resulting 3-[2-(4-methylphenyl)-2-oxo-l-phenylethyl]-2,4-thiazolidinedione 8 was condensed with appropriate aldehyde to afford compounds 10a, 10i-l, 10o and 10p. Compounds (9a-l, 10a-n, 10p, 11 and 12) were obtained through the preparation of 5-arylmethylidene-2,4-thiazolidinediones 6a-p and reaction of its potassium salt 7a-p with compounds 4a, 4b, and 5. Some compounds displayed significant analgesic activity as compared to reference standards. The anti-inflammatory activity of the synthesized compounds revealed that intermediate 8 and compounds 9c, 10c and 10d showed good results. Compound 10c produced no significant mucosal injury. HipHop methodology of Catalyst program was used to build up hypothetical model of selective COX2 inhibitors followed by fitting the synthesized compounds to this model. Compounds 10c and 10d were suspected to be promising selective COX2 inhibitors. Also, compounds (6c, 8, 9a,c,d,k, 10a,c,d,k, 11 and 12) were docked into COX1 and COX2 X-ray structures, using DOCK6 program. Docking results suggested that several of these derivatives are active COX inhibitors with a significant preference for COX2.

Carcinoembryonic antigen and breast carcinoma antigen (CA 15.3) in preoperative staging and postoperative monitoring of patients with carcinoma of the breast.

Serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and breast carcinoma antigen (CA 15.3) were determined in patients with breast carcinoma: in 129 before initial surgical or nonsurgical treatment and in 134 afterwards. Before any initial treatment, CEA was elevated in 15% of patients with Stage IV disease and CA 15.3 was high in 11% with Stage III and 48% with Stage IV. While monitoring management active disease was associated with elevated serum CEA in 66% of the patients, with elevated CA 15.3 in 73% and with at least one of the markers elevated in 86%. Both tests had high specificity (93% and 98%). The rise in serum CEA and, even more so, of serum CA 15.3 roughly paralleled the increase in bulk of the tumor: from locoregional disease through metastases to the lungs, bones, lungs with bones, and liver. Decreases in the levels of serum CEA and CA 15.3 reflected response to therapy, increases in the level of at least one marker-treatment failure, and levels fluctuating above the normal range indicated stationary disease. During follow-up, the predictive value of a negative test (levels within the normal range), suggesting that the patient might be free of disease, was 61% for CEA alone, 67% for CA 15.3 alone, and 80% for the two tests combined. We conclude that an elevated serum level of only one of the markers was useful for staging, implying advanced disease. Determination of both markers jointly was useful for monitoring the effectiveness of the therapy and for follow-up aimed at detection of relapse.