Effect of hydrocolloid coatings (Basil seed gum, xanthan, and methyl cellulose) on the mass transfer kinetics and quality of fried potato strips.

In this research, the effect of different temperatures (160, 180, and 190 °C) and hydrocolloid coatings (Basil seed gum [BSG], xanthan gum [XG], methylcellulose [MC], BSG-XG, and BSG-MC mixtures) were investigated on the physicochemical properties (oil uptake, moisture loss, color, microscopic structure, activation energy, and texture), mass transfer kinetic of fried potato strips in deep-fat frying, and oil partitions using frying and postfrying cooling phase. An increase in frying time reduced the moisture content and hardness of potato strips; however, the oil content and color difference increased. The oil content in the coated samples had lower rates than that in the noncoated ones. The treated samples using BSG-xanthan mixture (50:50) and BSG had the lowest oil uptake at 0.13% and 0.14% Dry basis (d.b.), respectively. The maximum and minimum values of effective moisture diffusivity were measured in control and samples coated with BSG-XG and BSG, respectively. As frying temperature increased, the specific rate of oil uptake increased and the equilibrium oil content decreased. Overall, BSG-XG mixture-coated potato strips can be used as a promising product due to absorbing the lowest oil rate and being similar to the control in terms of organoleptic properties.

Efficacy of orally administered porcine epidemic diarrhea vaccine-loaded hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate microspheres and RANKL-secreting L. lactis.

Here, we examined the efficacy of are combinant subunit antigen-based oral vaccine for preventing porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). First, we generated a soluble recombinant partial spike S1 protein (aP2) from PEDV in E. coli and then evaluated the utility of aP2 subunit vaccine-loaded hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate microspheres (HPMCP) and RANKL-secreting L. lactis (LLRANKL) as a candidate oral vaccine in pregnant sows. Pregnant sows were vaccinated twice (with a 2 week interval between doses) at 4 weeks before farrowing. Titers of virus-specific IgA antibodies in colostrum, and neutralizing antibodies in serum, of sows vaccinated with HPMCP (aP2) plus LL RANKL increased significantly at 4 weeks post-first vaccination. Furthermore, the survival rate of newborn suckling piglets delivered by sows vaccinated with HPMCP (aP2) plus LL RANKL was similar to that of piglets delivered by sows vaccinated with a commercial killed porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PED) vaccine. The South Korean government promotes a PED vaccine program (live-killed-killed) to increase the titers of IgA and IgG antibodies in pregnant sows and prevent PEDV. The oral vaccine strategy described herein, which is based on a safe and efficient recombinant subunit antigen, is an alternative PED vaccination strategy that could replace the traditional strategy, which relies on attenuated live oral vaccines or artificial infection with virulent PEDV.

In situ microemulsion-gel obtained from bioadhesive hydroxypropyl methylcellulose films for transdermal administration of zidovudine.

This study aims to develop in situ microemulsion-gel (ME-Gel) obtained from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films for transdermal administration of Zidovudine (AZT). Firstly, HPMC films containing propylene glycol (PG) and eucalyptus oil (EO) were obtained and characterized. Later, a pseudo-ternary phase diagram composed of water, EO, tween 80 and PG was obtained and one microemulsion (ME) with a similar proportion of the film components was obtained. ME was transformed in ME-Gel by the incorporation of HPMC. Finally, HPMC films were hydrated with Tween 80 solution to yield in situ ME-Gel and its effect on AZT skin permeation was compared with HPMC film hydrated with water (F5hyd). The results showed that the ME and ME-Gel presented a droplet size of 16.79 and 122.13 µm, respectively, polydispersity index (PDI) < 0.39 and pH between 5.10 and 5.40. The incorporation of HPMC resulted in viscosity about 2 times higher than the use of ME. The presence of AZT did not alter the formulation properties. The in situ ME-Gel promoted a two-fold increase in the permeated amount of AZT compared to F5hyd. The results suggest that it was possible to obtain an ME-Gel in situ from HPMC films and that its effect on transdermal permeation of AZT was significant.

Repeated Intraperitoneal Administration of Low-Concentration Methylcellulose Leads to Systemic Histologic Lesions Without Loss of Preclinical Phenotype.

Methylcellulose (MC; 0.5% concentration) is commonly used when evaluating investigational agents for efficacy in preclinical models of disease. When administered by the oral (PO) route, MC is considered a Food and Drug Administration "generally recognized as safe" compound. Yet, there is limited data pertaining to the tolerability and impact on model fidelity of repeated intraperitoneal administration of 0.5% MC. Chronic administration of high-concentration MC (2%-2.5%) has been used to induce anemia, splenomegaly, and lesions in multiple organ systems in several preclinical species. Histopathological findings from a diagnostic pathologic analysis of a single mouse from our laboratory with experimentally induced chronic seizures that had received repeated intraperitoneal administration of antiseizure drugs delivered in MC revealed similar widespread lesions. This study thus tested the hypothesis that chronic administration of intraperitoneal, but not PO, MC incites histologic lesions without effects on preclinical phenotype. Male CF-1 mice (n = 2-14/group) were randomized to receive either 6 weeks of twice weekly 0.5% MC or saline (intraperitoneal or PO) following induction of chronic seizures. Histology of a subset of mice revealed lesions in kidney, liver, mediastinal lymph nodes, mesentery, aorta, and choroid plexus only in intraperitoneal MC-treated mice (n = 7/7). Kindled mice that received MC PO (n = 5) or saline (intraperitoneal n = 6, PO n = 3) had no lesions. There were no effects of intraperitoneal MC treatment on body weight, appearance, seizure stability, or behavior. Nonetheless, our findings suggest that repeated intraperitoneal, but not PO, MC elicits systemic organ damage without impacting the model phenotype, which may confound interpretation of investigational drug-induced histologic lesions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Methylcellulose (0.5% concentration) is commonly used when evaluating investigational agents for efficacy in preclinical models of disease. Herein, we demonstrate that repeated administration of 0.5% methylcellulose by the intraperitoneal, but not oral, route results in systemic inflammation and presence of foam-laden macrophages but does not impact the behavioral phenotype of a rodent model of neurological disease.

Management of chronic constipation in patients with diabetes mellitus.

AIM: The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the clinical assessment and evidence-based treatment options for managing diabetes-associated chronic constipation. METHODS: A literature search of published medical reports in English language was performed using the OVID Portal, from PUBMED and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, from inception to October 2015. A total of 145 abstracts were identified; duplicate publications were removed and 95 relevant full-text articles were retrieved for potential inclusion. RESULTS: Chronic constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with diabetes, and occurs more frequently than in healthy individuals. Treatment goals include improving symptoms and restoring bowel function by accelerating colonic transit and facilitating defecation. Based on guidelines and data from published literature, food and dietary change with exercise and lifestyle change should be the first step in management. For patients recalcitrant to these changes, laxatives should be the next step of treatment. Treatment should begin with bulking agents such as psyllium, bran or methylcellulose followed by osmotic laxatives if response is poor. Lactulose, polyethylene glycol and lactitol are the most frequently prescribed osmotic agents. Lactulose has a prebiotic effect and a carry-over effect (continued laxative effect for at least 6 to 7 days, post cessation of treatment). Stimulants such as bisacodyl, sodium picosulphate and senna are indicated if osmotic laxatives are not effective. Newer agents such as chloride-channel activators and 5-HT4 agonist can be considered for severe or resistant cases. CONCLUSION: The primary aim of intervention in diabetic patients with chronic constipation is to better manage the diabetes along with management of constipation. The physician should explain the rationale for prescribing laxatives and educate patients about the potential drawbacks of long-term use of laxatives. They should contact their physician if short-term use of prescribed laxative fails to provide relief.

Effect of HPMC - E15 LV premium polymer on release profile and compression characteristics of chitosan/ pectin colon targeted mesalamine matrix tablets and in vitro study on effect of pH impact on the drug release profile.

The study was designed to investigate the in vitro dissolution profile and compression characteristics of colon targeted matrix tablets prepared with HPMC E15 LV in combination with pectin and Chitosan. The matrix tablets were subjected to two dissolution models in various simulated fluids such as pH 1.2, 6, 6.8, 7.2, 5.5. The fluctuations in colonic pH conditions during IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) and the nature of less fluid content in the colon may limit the expected drug release in the polysaccharide-based matrices when used alone. The Hydrophilic hydroxyl propyl methylcellulose ether premium polymer (HPMC E15 LV) of low viscosity grade was used in the formulation design, which made an excellent modification in physical and compression characteristics of the granules. The release studies indicated that the prepared matrices could control the drug release until the dosage form reaches the colon and the addition HPMC E15 LV showed the desirable changes in the dissolution profile by its hydrophilic nature since the colon is known for its less fluid content. The hydrophilic HPMC E15 LV allowed the colonic fluids to enter into the matrix and confirmed the drug release at the target site from a poorly water soluble polymer such as Chitosan and also from water soluble Pectin. The dramatic changes occurred in the drug release profile and physicochemical characteristics of the Pectin, Chitosan matrix tablets when a premium polymer HPMC E15 LV added in the formulation design in the optimized concentration. Various drug release mechanisms used for the examination of drug release characteristics. Drug release followed the combined mechanism of diffusion, erosion, swelling and polymer entanglement. In recent decade, IBD attracts many patents in novel treatment methods by using novel drug delivery systems.

[Oral health care by utilizing food function].

We examined the effects of spices and herbs on Candida albicans to develop therapeutic tools against oral diseases such as oral candidiasis. C. albicans, a dimorphic fungus, is a component of the healthy human microbial flora. However, the excessive overgrowth of C. albicans causes oral candidiasis, and the symptoms, accompanied by severe inflammation, reduce the quality of life of elderly people. We found that spices such as clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and cassia (Cinnamomum aromaticum) exhibit inhibitory activity against Candida mycelial growth and show therapeutic efficacy in a murine oral candidiasis model. Our studies also demonstrated that the inhibitory activity of cinnamaldehyde was strengthened in parallel with a prolonged treatment time. Furthermore, when cinnamaldehyde in combination with methylcellulose was administered to the model mice, the therapeutic effect was potentiated. Here, we summarize up-to-date findings on how to use spices and herbs on a daily basis to improve or prevent oral problems such as oral candidiasis with the presentation of our recent data.

Arginine, soy isoflavone and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose have protective effects against obesity in broiler breeder hens fed on high-energy diets.

1. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of arginine, soy isoflavone (ISF) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) on obesity in broiler breeder hens. 2. A total of 320 Cobb 500 hens, 45 weeks of age, were assigned to 64 floor pens. The experiment was conducted as a completely randomised design in a factorial arrangement (2 × 2 × 2 × 2) with 4 replicates of 5 hens in each pen. Factors included two concentrations of HPMC (0 and 1%), two concentrations of arginine (8.4 and 12 g/kg), two concentrations of ISF (zero and three times more than that present in basal diets) and two contents of energy (11.7 and 14.6 MJ/kg). Performance criteria and blood characteristics of hens were measured during the experimental period. Expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism was determined in the liver at 55 weeks of age. 3. Hens given high-energy diets showed increased BW (body weight), ovary weight and abdominal fat pad and enhanced plasma glucose, triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, haemoglobin, haematocrit and low lymphocyte percentages. The expression of malic enzyme, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) and inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) increased and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP1c) decreased with increasing energy content of diets. Arginine addition decreased TG, cholesterol and A1-c haemoglobin concentration and increased PPARα, PPARγ and iNOS expression. Inclusion of ISF and HPMC decreased BW, egg weight, plasma TG, cholesterol and increased egg production and also enhanced PPARγ and iNOS expression. Significant interactions were observed between energy concentration and ISF and HPMC on BW. 4. The results of the current study revealed that ISF, HPMC and arginine have beneficial effects on controlling the metabolism of obese broiler breeder hens and using a mix of these products minimises the harmful effects of obesity.

A clinical comparison between DisCoVisc and 2% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose in phacoemulsification: a fellow eye study.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to compare the effects and outcomes of two ophthalmic viscosurgical devices, 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4.0% chondroitin sulfate and 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, during phacoemulsification. METHODS: This prospective, randomized clinical trial comprised 78 eyes (39 patients) that received phacoemulsification performed by the same surgeon using a standardized technique. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4.0% chondroitin sulfate or 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose on the first eye. The other eye was treated later and received the other viscoelastic agent. Preoperative and postoperative examinations (5, 24 and 48 hours; 7 and 14 days; 3 and 6 months) included measurements of the total volume of the ophthalmic viscosurgical device, ultrasound and washout times to completely remove the ophthalmic viscosurgical device, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness and best-corrected visual acuity. The corneal endothelial cell count was measured at baseline and at six months postoperatively. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01387620. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of cataract density or ultrasound time. However, it took longer to remove 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose than 1.6% hyaluronic acid/ 4.0% chondroitin sulfate, and the amount of viscoelastic material used was greater in the 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose group. In addition, the best-corrected visual acuity was significantly better in the hyaluronic acid/ chondroitin sulfate group, but this preferable outcome was only observed at 24 hours after the operation. There were no statistically significant differences between the two ophthalmic viscosurgical devices regarding the central corneal thickness or intraocular pressure measurements at any point in time. The corneal endothelial cell count was significantly higher in the hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate group. CONCLUSION: The ophthalmic viscosurgical device consisting of 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4.0% chondroitin sulfate was more efficient during phacoemulsification and was easier to remove after IOL implantation than 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. In addition, the corneal endothelial cell count was significantly higher following the use of hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate than with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, which promoted an improved level of corneal endothelium protection.

A clinical comparison between DisCoVisc and 2% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose in phacoemulsification: a fellow eye study

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to compare the effects and outcomes of two ophthalmic viscosurgical devices, 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4.0% chondroitin sulfate and 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, during phacoemulsification. METHODS: This prospective, randomized clinical trial comprised 78 eyes (39 patients) that received phacoemulsification performed by the same surgeon using a standardized technique. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4.0% chondroitin sulfate or 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose on the first eye. The other eye was treated later and received the other viscoelastic agent. Preoperative and postoperative examinations (5, 24 and 48 hours; 7 and 14 days; 3 and 6 months) included measurements of the total volume of the ophthalmic viscosurgical device, ultrasound and washout times to completely remove the ophthalmic viscosurgical device, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness and best-corrected visual acuity. The corneal endothelial cell count was measured at baseline and at six months postoperatively. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01387620. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of cataract density or ultrasound time. However, it took longer to remove 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose than 1.6% hyaluronic acid/ 4.0% chondroitin sulfate, and the amount of viscoelastic material used was greater in the 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose group. In addition, the best-corrected visual acuity was significantly better in the hyaluronic acid/ chondroitin sulfate group, but this preferable outcome was only observed at 24 hours after the operation. There were no statistically significant differences between the two ophthalmic viscosurgical devices regarding the central corneal thickness or intraocular pressure measurements at any point in time. The corneal endothelial cell count was significantly higher in the hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate group. CONCLUSION: The ophthalmic viscosurgical device consisting of 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4.0% chondroitin sulfate was more efficient during phacoemulsification and was easier to remove after IOL implantation than 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. In addition, the corneal endothelial cell count was significantly higher following the use of hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate than with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, which promoted an improved level of corneal endothelium protection.

Ultrahigh-viscosity hydroxypropylmethylcellulose blunts postprandial glucose after a breakfast meal in women.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of two water-soluble dietary fibers, ultrahigh-viscosity hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (UHV-HPMC, nonfermentable) and psyllium fiber (fermentable), on postprandial glucose and second meal effects. METHODS: In a single-blind crossover design, 12 healthy adult subjects were given standardized, premeasured breakfast and lunch meals with either 4 g of the fiber supplements or a placebo. Blood glucose was measured with a continuous blood glucose monitoring system (DexCom Seven Plus, San Diego, CA). RESULTS: Subjects consuming UHV-HPMC had significantly (p < 0.05) lower blood glucose area under the curve (AUC) 2 hours after breakfast than those receiving a placebo. Subjects consuming psyllium also tended to have lower glucose levels than the placebo group. Peak glucose concentration following breakfast was significantly (p < 0.01) less with UHV-HPMC when compared with the placebo. No significant differences in AUC or peak glucose concentration between treatments following the second meal (lunch) were detected, suggesting no residual effect from the fiber supplements. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with viscous water-soluble fibers may be an effective means of reducing the glycemic response of a meal in healthy adults.

Physical properties of emulsion-based hydroxypropyl methylcellulose films: effect of their microstructure.

The initial characteristics of emulsions and the rearrangement of the oil droplets in the film matrix during film drying, which defines its microstructure, has an important role in the physical properties of the emulsion-based films. The objective of this work was to study the effect of the microstructure (two droplet size distributions) and stability (with or without surfactant) of HPMC oil-in-water emulsions over physical properties of HPMC emulsion-based edible films. HPMC was used to prepare sunflower oil-in-water emulsions containing 0.3 or 1.0% (w/w) of oil with or without SDS, as surfactant, using an ultrasonic homogenizer. Microstructure, rheological properties and stability of emulsions (creaming) were measured. In addition, microstructure, coalescence of oil droplets, surface free energy, optical and mechanical properties and water vapor transfer of HPMC films were evaluated. Image analysis did not show differences among droplet size distributions of emulsions prepared at different oil contents; however, by using SDS the droplet size distributions were shifted to lower values. Volume mean diameters were 3.79 and 3.77 µm for emulsions containing 0.3 and 1.0% without surfactant, respectively, and 2.72 and 2.71 µm for emulsions with SDS. Emulsions formulated with 1.0% of oil presented higher stability, with almost no change during 5 and 3 days of storage, for emulsions with and without SDS, respectively. Internal and surface microstructure of emulsion-based films was influenced by the degree of coalescence and creaming of the oil droplets. No effect of microstructure over the surface free energy of films was found. The incorporation of oil impaired the optical properties of films due to light scattering of light. Addition of oil and SDS decreased the stress at break of the emulsion-based films. The replace of HPMC by oil and SDS produce a lower "amount" of network structure in the films, leading to a weakening of their structure. The oil content and SDS addition had an effect over the microstructure and physical properties of HPMC-based emulsions which lead to different microstructures during film formation. The way that oil droplets were structured into the film had an enormous influence over the physical properties of HPMC films.

Antihyperglycemic and antioxidative effects of Hydroxyethyl Methylcellulose (HEMC) and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) in mice fed with a high fat diet.

The effect of dietary feeding of hydroxyethyl methylcellulose (HEMC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) on the glucose metabolism and antioxidative status in mice under high fat diet conditions was investigated. The mice were randomly divided and given experimental diets for six weeks: normal control (NC group), high fat (HF group), and high fat supplemented with either HEMC (HF+HEMC group) or HPMC (HF+HPMC group). At the end of the experimental period, the HF group exhibited markedly higher blood glucose and insulin levels as well as a higher erythrocyte lipid peroxidation rate relative to the control group. However, diet supplementation of HEMC and HPMC was found to counteract the high fat-induced hyperglycemia and oxidative stress via regulation of antioxidant and hepatic glucose-regulating enzyme activities. These findings illustrate that HEMC and HPMC were similarly effective in improving the glucose metabolism and antioxidant defense system in high fat-fed mice and they may be beneficial as functional biomaterials in the development of therapeutic agents against high fat dietinduced hyperglycemia and oxidative stress.

Oral liquid in situ gelling methylcellulose/alginate formulations for sustained drug delivery to dysphagic patients.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients with swallowing dysfunction may benefit from the oral administration of liquid dosage forms with in situ gelling properties. AIM: We have designed in situ gelling liquid dosage formulations composed of mixtures of methylcellulose, which has thermally reversible gelation properties and sodium alginate, the gelation of which is ion-responsive, with suitable rheological characteristics for ease of administration to dysphagic patients and suitable integrity in the stomach to achieve a sustained release of drug. METHOD: The rheological and gelation characteristics of solutions containing methylcellulose (2.0%) and sodium alginate (0.25-1.0%) were assessed for their suitability for administration to dysphagic patients. The gel strength and in vitro and in vivo release characteristics of gels formed by selected formulations were compared using paracetamol as a model drug. RESULTS: Mixtures of 2.0% methylcellulose and 0.5% alginate containing 20% d-sorbitol were of suitable viscosity for ease of swallowing by dysphagic patients and formed gels at temperatures between ambient and body temperature allowing administration in liquid form and in situ gelation in the stomach. In vitro release of paracetamol from 2.0% methylcellulose/0.5% alginate gels was diffusion-controlled at pH 1.2 and 6.8. Measurement of plasma levels of paracetamol after oral administration to rats of a 2.0% methylcellulose/0.5% alginate formulation showed improved sustained release compared to that from 2.0% methylcellulose and 0.5% alginate solutions and from an aqueous solution of paracetamol. CONCLUSIONS: Solutions of mixtures of methylcellulose and alginate in appropriate proportions are of suitable consistency for administration to dysphagic patients and form gels in situ with sustained release characteristics.

Dietary hydroxypropyl methylcellulose increases excretion of saturated and trans fats by hamsters fed fast food diets.

In animal studies, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) intake results in increased fecal fat excretion; however, the effects on dietary saturated fatty acids (SATs) and trans-fatty acids (TRANS) remain unknown. This study investigated the effect of HPMC on digestion and absorption of lipids in male Golden Syrian hamsters fed either freeze-dried ground pizza (PZ), pound cake (PC), or hamburger and fries (BF) supplemented with dietary fiber from either HPMC or microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) for 3 weeks. We observed greater excretion of SATs and TRANS by both diets supplemented with HPMC or MCC as compared to the feed. SAT, TRANS, and unsaturated fatty acids (UNSAT) contents of feces of the PZ diet supplemented with HPMC were 5-8 times higher than diets supplemented with MCC and tended to be higher in the PC- and BF-HPMC supplemented diets as well. We also observed significant increases in fecal excretion of bile acids (2.6-3-fold; P < 0.05), sterols (1.1-1.5-fold; P < 0.05), and unsaturated fatty acids (UNSAT, 1.7-4.5-fold; P < 0.05). The animal body weight gain was inversely correlated with the excretion of fecal lipid concentrations of bile acids (r = -0.56; P < 0.005), sterols (r = -0.48; P < 0.005), SAT (r = -0.69; P < 0.005), UNSAT (r = -0.67; P < 0.005), and TRANS (r = -0.62; P < 0.005). Therefore, HPMC may be facilitating fat excretion in a biased manner with preferential fecal excretion of both TRANS and SAT in hamsters fed fast food diets.

Therapeutic effects of cinnamaldehyde and potentiation of its efficacy in combination with methylcellulose on murine oral candidiasis.

We examined the therapeutic effects of cinnamaldehyde and the potentiation of those effects with cassia and cinnamaldehyde when combined with the food additive methylcellulose against murine oral candidiasis. When 19.5mg/ml of cinnamaldehyde was administered in the oral cavity of Candida infected mice, the oral symptoms were improved. Furthermore, when either a cassia or a cinnamaldehyde preparation in combination with methylcellulose was administered to oral candidiasis-inflicted mice, the therapeutic effects of cassia or cinnamaldehyde potentiated. Methylcellulose itself did not affect the oral symptoms or the viable number of C. albicans cells. GC/MS analysis showed that the dose of cinnamaldehyde remaining in the tongue tissue of mice treated with the cinnamaldehyde-methylcellulose mixture was higher than that in mice administered cinnamaldehyde alone, and also showed that cinnamaldehyde was not detected in the blood of any of the tested mice. These findings suggested that the combination of cassia or cinnamaldehyde and methylcellulose may be a useful prophylactic or therapeutic tool against oral candidiasis.

[Preparation and quality evaluation of fufangxiaoyepipa dispersible tablets].

OBJECTIVE: To study the preparation of fufangxiaoyepipa dispersible tablets and evaluate its quality. METHODS: Using the disintegration time as index to screen out the best prescription of the dispersible tablets by orthogonal design. RESULTS: The prescription assembly was 40% of extraction, 15% of MCC, 18% of CCMC-Na, 25% of Calcium sulfate, 2% of Magnesium stearate, the disintegration time met the provision of Pharmacopoeia. CONCLUSION: The dispersible tablets dissolve faster and disperse uniformly and the dissolution percent in vitro is obviously superior to the conventional tablets, improving the bioavailability of the preparation.

Plantago ovata husks-supplemented diet ameliorates metabolic alterations in obese Zucker rats through activation of AMP-activated protein kinase. Comparative study with other dietary fibers.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Our aim was to compare the effects of intake of diets supplemented with different dietary fibers, namely cellulose, methylcellulose or Plantago ovata husks, (insoluble, soluble non-fermentable, and soluble fermentable fiber, respectively), on the abnormalities clustered in the metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Adult obese Zucker rats were distributed in four groups which were fed respectively a standard, a cellulose-supplemented, a methylcellulose-supplemented or a P. ovata husks-supplemented diet, for ten weeks. RESULTS: Increased body weight, hyperlipidemia, hyperinsulinemia and hyperleptinemia, increased TNF-alpha and reduced adiponectin secretion by adipose tissue found in obese Zucker rats were significantly improved in obese rats fed the P. ovata husks-supplemented diet, together with a lower hepatic lipid content which parallels activation of the signaling pathway of AMP-protein kinase in the liver. The methylcellulose-supplemented diet reduced body weight, hyperlipidemia, circulating free fatty acids concentration and ameliorated adipose tissue secretion of adiponectin and TNF-alpha. Feeding with the cellulose-supplemented diet only reduced free fatty acids circulating levels. CONCLUSIONS: The soluble dietary fibers essayed are more beneficial than insoluble fiber in the treatment of metabolic syndrome, being the soluble and fermentable the more efficient to improve metabolic alterations. Fermentation products of P. ovata husks must play an important role in such effects.

Agglomerates containing pantoprazole microparticles: modulating the drug release.

Pantoprazole-loaded microparticles were prepared using a blend of Eudragit S100 and Methocel F4M. The accelerated stability was carried out during 6 months at 40 degrees C and 75% relative humidity. In order to improve technological characteristics of the pantoprazole-loaded microparticles, soft agglomerates were prepared viewing an oral delayed release and gastro-resistant solid dosage form. The agglomeration was performed by mixing the pantoprazole microparticles with spray-dried mannitol/lecithin powders. The effects of factors such as the amount of lecithin in the spray-dried mannitol/lecithin powders and the ratio between pantoprazole microparticles and spray-dried mannitol/lecithin powders were evaluated. The pantoprazole-loaded microparticles present no significant degradation in 6 months. The agglomerates presented spherical shape, with smooth surface and very small quantity of non-agglomerated particles. The agglomerates presented different yields (35.5-79.0%), drug loading (58-101%), and mechanical properties (tensile strength varied from 44 to 69 mN mm(-2)), when the spray-dried mannitol/lecithin powders with different lecithin amounts were used. The biopharmaceutical characteristics of pantoprazole microparticles, i.e., their delayed-release properties, were not affected by the agglomeration process. The gastro-resistance of the agglomerates was affected by the amount of spray-dried mannitol/lecithin powders. The ratio of lecithin in the spray-dried mannitol/lecithin powders was the key factor in the agglomerate formation and in the drug release profiles. The agglomerates presenting better mechanical and biopharmaceutical characteristics were prepared with 1:2 (w/w) ratio of pantoprazole-loaded microparticles and mannitol/lecithin (80:20) powder.

Different solutions used for submucosal injection influenced early healing of gastric endoscopic mucosal resection in a preclinical study in experimental pigs.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesised that different solutions for submucosal injection may influence early healing of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). The aim of this study was to evaluate histological and immunological changes after EMR in experimental pigs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two parallel EMRs on the anterior and posterior wall of the gastric body were performed by means of the cap technique in 21 female pigs. A glycerol-based solution (anterior EMR) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose solution (posterior EMR) were applied for submucosal injection. The animals were sacrificed 7 days later, and tissue sections of all EMRs were stained using combined trichrome. Computer image analysis was used for objective evaluation of elastic and collagen fibres content. Two-colour indirect immunophenotyping of blood and gastric samples were performed using mouse anti-pig monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS: The values of collagen fibre content 7 days after EMR were significantly higher in lesions after the use of solution A in comparison with solution B (2.10 +/- 0.25% versus 1.57 +/- 0.25%, p = 0.009). Concordant results were found in elastic fibres (3.23 +/- 0.49% versus 2.93 +/- 0.61%, p = 0.018). No systemic changes in major leukocyte subpopulations were found. In gastric tissue, lymphocyte subsets exhibited only minor changes. CD4(+) T-lymphocytes were increased in the healing tissue after EMR using solution A (17.08 +/- 9.24% versus 9.76 +/- 7.97%, p = 0.011). Significant increase of SWC3(+) leukocytes was observed after EMR using solution B (47.70 +/- 25.41% versus 18.70 +/- 12.16%, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of glycerol-based solution for submucosal injection was associated with more pronounced histological signs of early healing of EMRs compared with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.