Formulation and Evaluation of Meloxicam Hybrid nano Particles.

The goal of the present study was to prepare meloxicam (MX) entrapped hybrid particles (HPs) to enhance intestinal permeation and anti-inflammatory activity. MX-HPs were prepared by nanoprecipitation method using lipid, chitosan, poloxamer, and TPGS. The formulations (MX-HPs1, MX-HPs2, MX-HPs3) were evaluated for particle size, entrapment efficiency, and drug release to select the optimized composition and further evaluated for permeation study, stability study, morphology, interaction study, and anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema test. The prepared MX-HPs showed nano sized particles (198.5 ± 3.7 to 223.8 ± 2.1 nm) and PDI (<0.3), zeta potential (16.5 ± 2.7 to 29.1 ± 3.6 mV), and high entrapment efficiency (75.1 ± 4.7 to 88.5 ± 3.9%). The surface morphology was assessed by transmission electron microscopy and showed non-aggregated particles. Infra-red (IR) spectroscopy of pure MX as well as formulation revealed no drug-polymer interaction and X-ray diffraction confirmed the conversion of crystalline MX into amorphous form. The release study data revealed prolonged MX release for 24 h. The selected optimized hybrid particles (MX-HPs2) revealed a 2.3-fold improved enhancement ratio than free MX. The storage stability and gastrointestinal stability data demonstrated a stable formulation in SIF as well as SGF. The anti-inflammatory activity showed better therapeutic action than pure MX dispersion. From the study, it can be concluded that the prepared MX-HPs may be a promising delivery system for MX in treating inflammatory disorders.

Formulation of silymarin surface modified vesicles: In vitro characterization to cell viability assessment.

Silymarin (SLR) is a poorly water-soluble bioactive compound with a wide range of therapeutic activities. Nanosized silymarin vesicles (F1-F6) were prepared by the solvent evaporation rehydration method. The silymarin vesicles were evaluated for vesicle size, surface charge, entrapment efficiency, and drug release studies. The optimized SLR lipid vesicle (F3) was further modified with the addition of the cationic polymer chitosan. After that, the modified vesicle (F3C1) was assessed for permeation flux, antimicrobial activity, cell viability, and molecular docking studies. The silymarin vesicles showed nanometric size (<250 nm), low polydispersibility index (<0.05), negative surface charge, and high SLR entrapment (85-95 %). The drug release study result demonstrated a maximum drug release of 91.2 ± 2.8 %. After adding chitosan to the surface, there was a significant change in the size, polydispersibility index, surface charge (positive), and encapsulation efficiency. The drug release was found to be prolonged, and the permeation flux was also increased in comparison to free SLR. A comparative antimicrobial result was observed in comparison to the free SLR and standard drug. The cell viability assay also demonstrated a low IC50 value for F3C1 against the cell line.

Identification of Potential Antitubulin Agents with Anticancer Assets from a Series of Imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxaline Derivatives: In Silico and In Vitro Approaches.

Computer-aided drug design is a powerful and promising tool for drug design and development, with a reduced cost and time. In the current study, we rationally selected a library of 34 fused imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives and performed virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular mechanics for a lead identification against tubulin as an anticancer molecule. The computational analysis and pharmacophoric features were represented as 1A2; this was a potential lead against tubulin, with a maximized affinity and binding score at the colchicine-binding site of tubulin. The efficiency of this lead molecule was further identified using an in vitro assay on a tubulin enzyme and the anticancer potential was established using an MTT assay. Compound 1A2 (IC50 = 4.33-6.11 µM against MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HCT-116, and A549 cell lines) displayed encouraging results similar to the standard drug colchicine in these in vitro studies, which further confirmed the effectiveness of CADD in new drug developments. Thus, we successfully applied the utility of in silico techniques to identify the best plausible leads from the fused azaheterocycles.

Neuroprotectant Effects of Hibiscetin in 3-Nitropropionic Acid-Induced Huntington's Disease via Subsiding Oxidative Stress and Modulating Monoamine Neurotransmitters in Rats Brain.

BACKGROUND: Previously reported data suggest that hibiscetin, isolated from roselle, contains delphinidin-3-sambubioside and cyanidin-3-sambubioside including anthocyanidins and has a broad range of physiological effects. In this study, we aim to analyze the effect of hibiscetin neuroprotective ability in rats against 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA)-induced Huntington's disease (HD). METHODS: To investigate possible toxicities in animals, oral acute toxicity studies of hibiscetin were undertaken, and results revealed the safety of hibiscetin in animals with a maximum tolerated dose. Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 6); (group-1) treated with normal saline, (group-2) hibiscetin (10 mg/kg) only, (group-3) 3-NPA only, and (group-4) 3-NPA +10 mg/kg hibiscetin. The efficacy of hibiscetin 10 mg/kg was studied with the administration of 3-NPA doses for the induction of experimentally induced HD symptoms in rats. The mean body weight (MBW) was recorded at end of the study on day 22 to evaluate any change in mean body weight. Several biochemical parameters were assessed to support oxidative stress (GSH, SOD, CAT, LPO, GR, and GPx), alteration in neurotransmitters (DOPAC, HVA, 5-HIAA, norepinephrine, serotonin, GABA, and dopamine), alterations in BDNF and cleaved caspase (caspase 3) activity. Additionally, inflammatory markers, i.e., tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukins beta (IL-1ß), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were evaluated. RESULTS: The hibiscetin-treated group exhibits a substantial restoration of MBW than the 3-NPA control group. Furthermore, 3-NPA caused a substantial alteration in biochemical, neurotransmitter monoamines, and neuroinflammatory parameters which were restored successfully by hibiscetin. CONCLUSION: The current study linked the possible role of hibiscetin by offering neuroprotection in experimental animal models.

Sepsis triggered oxidative stress-inflammatory axis: the pathobiology of reprogramming in the normal sleep-wake cycle.

In individuals with sepsis-related neurodegenerative illness, sleep and circadian rhythm disturbance are common. The alteration in genomic expression linked with the immune-directed oxidative stress-inflammatory axis is thought to cause these individuals' abnormal sleep. On the other hand, sleep is linked to normal brain activity through common neurotransmitter systems and regulatory mechanisms. Ailments (ranging from cognitive to metabolic abnormalities) are seldom related to aberrant sleep that is made worse by sleep disturbance, which throws off the body's sleep-wake cycle. PubMed/Springer link /Public library of science/ScienceDirect/ Mendeley/Medline and Google Scholar were used to find possibly relevant studies. For the literature search, many keywords were considered, both individually and in combination. 'Sepsis,' 'Epidemiology of sepsis,' 'Sepsis-related hyper inflammation,' 'Relationship of sepsis-associated clock gene expression and relationship of inflammation with the reprogramming of genetic alterations' were some of the key terms utilized in the literature search. Our main objective is to understand better how traumatic infections during sepsis affect CNS processes, particularly sleep, by investigating the pathobiology of circadian reprogramming associated with immune-directed oxidative stress-inflammatory pathway responsive gene expression and sleep-wake behaviour in this study.

Development and Optimization of Hybrid Polymeric Nanoparticles of Apigenin: Physicochemical Characterization, Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity Evaluation.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females and ranked second after skin cancer. The use of natural compounds is a good alternative for the treatment of breast cancer with less toxicity than synthetic drugs. The aim of the present study is to develop and characterize hybrid Apigenin (AN) Nanoparticles (NPs) for oral delivery (AN-NPs). The hybrid AN-NPs were prepared by the self-assembly method using lecithin, chitosan and TPGS. Further, the NPs were optimized by Box-Behnken design (3-factor, 3-level). The hybrid NPs were evaluated for particle size (PS), entrapment efficiency (EE), zeta potential (ZP), and drug release. The optimized hybrid NPs (ON2), were further evaluated for solid state characterization, permeation, antioxidant, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial study. The formulation (ON2) exhibited small PS of 192.6 ± 4.2 nm, high EE 69.35 ± 1.1%, zeta potential of +36.54 mV, and sustained drug release (61.5 ± 2.5% in 24 h), as well as significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced drug permeation and antioxidant activity. The IC50 of pure AN was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the formulation (ON2). It also showed significantly greater (p < 0.05) antibacterial activity than pure AN against Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella typhimurium. From these findings, it revealed that a hybrid AN polymeric nanoparticle is a good carrier for the treatment of breast cancer.

Theranostic Interpolation of Genomic Instability in Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer is a diverse disease caused by mutations in multiple genes accompanying epigenetic aberrations of hazardous genes and protein pathways, which distress tumor-suppressor genes and the expression of oncogenes. Alteration in any of the several physiological mechanisms such as cell cycle checkpoints, DNA repair machinery, mitotic checkpoints, and telomere maintenance results in genomic instability. Theranostic has the potential to foretell and estimate therapy response, contributing a valuable opportunity to modify the ongoing treatments and has developed new treatment strategies in a personalized manner. "Omics" technologies play a key role while studying genomic instability in breast cancer, and broadly include various aspects of proteomics, genomics, metabolomics, and tumor grading. Certain computational techniques have been designed to facilitate the early diagnosis of cancer and predict disease-specific therapies, which can produce many effective results. Several diverse tools are used to investigate genomic instability and underlying mechanisms. The current review aimed to explore the genomic landscape, tumor heterogeneity, and possible mechanisms of genomic instability involved in initiating breast cancer. We also discuss the implications of computational biology regarding mutational and pathway analyses, identification of prognostic markers, and the development of strategies for precision medicine. We also review different technologies required for the investigation of genomic instability in breast cancer cells, including recent therapeutic and preventive advances in breast cancer.

Formulation and Optimization of Alogliptin-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles: In Vitro to In Vivo Assessment.

The nano-drug delivery system has gained greater acceptability for poorly soluble drugs. Alogliptin (ALG) is a FDA-approved oral anti-hyperglycemic drug that inhibits dipeptidyl peptidase-4. The present study is designed to prepare polymeric ALG nanoparticles (NPs) for the management of diabetes. ALG-NPs were prepared using the nanoprecipitation method and further optimized by Box−Behnken experimental design (BBD). The formulation was optimized by varying the independent variables Eudragit RSPO (A), Tween 20 (B), and sonication time (C), and the effects on the hydrodynamic diameter (Y1) and entrapment efficiency (Y2) were evaluated. The optimized ALG-NPs were further evaluated for in vitro release, intestinal permeation, and pharmacokinetic and anti-diabetic activity. The prepared ALG-NPs show a hydrodynamic diameter of between 272.34 nm and 482.87 nm, and an entrapment efficiency of between 64.43 and 95.21%. The in vitro release data of ALG-NPs reveals a prolonged release pattern (84.52 ± 4.1%) in 24 h. The permeation study results show a 2.35-fold higher permeation flux than pure ALG. ALG-NPs exhibit a significantly (p < 0.05) higher pharmacokinetic profile than pure ALG. They also significantly (p < 0.05) reduce the blood sugar levels as compared to pure ALG. The findings of the study support the application of ALG-entrapped Eudragit RSPO nanoparticles as an alternative carrier for the improvement of therapeutic activity.

Formulation of Isopropyl Isothiocyanate Loaded Nano Vesicles Delivery Systems: In Vitro Characterization and In Vivo Assessment.

Isopropyl Isothiocyanate (IPI) is a poorly water-soluble drug used in different biological activities. So, the present work was designed to prepare and evaluate IPI loaded vesicles and evaluated for vesicle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, drug release, and drug permeation. The selected formulation was coated with chitosan and further assessed for the anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic activity. The prepared IPI vesicles (F3) exhibited a vesicle size of 298 nm ± 5.1, the zeta potential of −18.7 mV, encapsulation efficiency of 86.2 ± 5.3% and PDI of 0.33. The chitosan-coated IPI vesicles (F3C) exhibited an increased size of 379 ± 4.5 nm, a positive zeta potential of 23.5 ± 2.8 mV and encapsulation efficiency of 77.3 ± 4.1%. IPI chitosan vesicle (F3C) showed enhanced mucoadhesive property (2.7 folds) and intestinal permeation (~1.8-fold) higher than IPI vesicles (F3). There was a significant (p < 0.05) enhancement in size, muco-adhesion, and permeation flux achieved after coating with chitosan. The IPI chitosan vesicle (F3C) demonstrated an enhanced bleeding time of 525.33 ± 12.43 s, anti-thrombin activity of 59.72 ± 4.21, and inhibition of platelet aggregation 68.64 ± 3.99%, and anti-platelet activity of 99.47%. The results of the study suggest that IPI chitosan vesicles showed promising in vitro results, as well as improved anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic activity compared to pure IPI and IPI vesicles.

In Vivo Assessment of the Ameliorative Impact of Some Medicinal Plant Extracts on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Multiple Sclerosis in Wistar Rats.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that leads to the demyelination of nerve fibers, which is the major cause of non-traumatic disability all around the world. Herbal plants Nepeta hindustana L., Vitex negundo L., and Argemone albiflora L., in addition to anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects, have shown great potential as neuroprotective agents. The study was aimed to develop a neuroprotective model to study the effectiveness of herbal plants (N. hindustana, V. negundo, and A. albiflora) against multiple sclerosis. The in vivo neuroprotective effects of ethanolic extracts isolated from N. hindustana, V. negundo, and A. albiflora were evaluated in lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induced multiple sclerosis Wistar rat model. The rat models were categorized into seven groups including group A as normal, B as LPS induced diseased group, while C, D, E, F, and G were designed as treatment groups. Histopathological evaluation and biochemical markers including stress and inflammatory (MMP-6, MDA, TNF-α, AOPPs, AGEs, NO, IL-17 and IL-2), antioxidant (SOD, GSH, CAT, GPx), DNA damage (Isop-2α, 8OHdG) as well as molecular biomarkers (RAGE, Caspase-8, p38) along with glutamate, homocysteine, acetylcholinesterase, and myelin binding protein (MBP) were investigated. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and GraphPad Prism 8.0. The different extract treated groups (C, D, E, F, G) displayed a substantial neuroprotective effect regarding remyelination of axonal terminals and oligodendrocytes migration, reduced lymphocytic infiltrations, and reduced necrosis of Purkinje cells. The levels of stress, inflammatory, and DNA damage markers were observed high in the diseased group B, which were reduced after treatments with plant extracts. The antioxidant activity was significantly reduced in diseased induced group B, however, their levels were raised after treatment with plant extract. Group F (a mélange of all the extracts) showed the most significant change among all other treatment groups (C, D, E, G). The communal dose of selected plant extracts regulates neurodegeneration at the cellular level resulting in restoration and remyelination of axonal neurons. Moreover, 400 mg/kg dose of three plants in conjugation (Group F) were found to be more effective in restoring the normal activities of all measured parameters than independent doses (Group C, D, E) and is comparable with standard drug nimodipine (Group G) clinically used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The present study, for the first time, reported the clinical evidence of N. hindustana, V. negundo, and A. albiflora against multiple sclerosis and concludes that all three plants showed remyelination as well neuroprotective effects which may be used as a potential natural neurotherapeutic agent against multiple sclerosis.

Phytochemicals Mediated Synthesis of AuNPs from Citrullus colocynthis and Their Characterization.

Engineered nanoparticles that have distinctive targeted characteristics with high potency are modernistic technological innovations. In the modern era of research, nanotechnology has assumed critical importance due to its vast applications in all fields of science. Biologically synthesized nanoparticles using plants are an alternative to conventional methods. In the present study, Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) was used for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). UV-Vis's spectroscopy, XRD, SEM and FTIR were performed to confirm the formation of AuNPs. UV-Vis's spectra showed a characteristic peak at the range of 531.5-541.5 nm. XRD peaks at 2 θ = 38°, 44°, 64° and 77°, corresponding to 111, 200, 220 and 311 planes, confirmed the crystalline nature of AuNPs. Spherical AuNPs ranged mostly between 7 and 33 nm, and were measured using SEM. The FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of phytochemicals on the surface of AuNPs. Successful synthesis of AuNPs by seed extract of Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) as a capping and reducing agent represents the novelty of the present study.

Formulation of Apigenin-Cyclodextrin-Chitosan Ternary Complex: Physicochemical Characterization, In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

The current investigation was performed with an aim to improve the aqueous solubility, dissolution rate, and thus the biological activity of apigenin (APG) using the solubilizers hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HPßCD) and chitosan (CTSN). A binary and ternary inclusion complexes of APG with HPßCD and CTSN were prepared by physical mixing, fusion, and solvent evaporation methods. The liquid state characterization of the APG, the solubilizers, and the physical and chemical interactions between them was done through phase solubility approach. The solid-state characterization was performed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The in vitro dissolution test and antioxidant activity and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the ternary inclusion complex in albino rats were performed to assess the performance of the APG. Phase solubility study results revealed a remarkable increase in apparent stability constant (Kc) and complexation efficiency (CE) of HPßCD in presence of CTSN in ternary complex with above 8 folds more increment in solubility of APG than its binary complex. The in vitro dissolution rate, antioxidant activity, and the anti-inflammatory effect of the APG ternary inclusion complex were found to be significantly higher than that of pure APG. Solid state characterization confirmed the formation of a ternary inclusion complex. 1H-NMR study gave more insight at molecular level into how different groups of APG were responsible for complex formation with the HPßCD and how CTSN was significantly influencing on the APG-HPßCD complex formed. Nevertheless, pharmacokinetic and histopathological studies of our APG-HPßCD-CTSN ternary complex would yield much rewarding results.

Formulation of Piperine-Chitosan-Coated Liposomes: Characterization and In Vitro Cytotoxic Evaluation.

The present research work is designed to prepare and evaluate piperine liposomes and piperine-chitosan-coated liposomes for oral delivery. Piperine (PPN) is a water-insoluble bioactive compound used for different diseases. The prepared formulations were evaluated for physicochemical study, mucoadhesive study, permeation study and in vitro cytotoxic study using the MCF7 breast cancer cell line. Piperine-loaded liposomes (PLF) were prepared by the thin-film evaporation method. The selected liposomes were coated with chitosan (PLFC) by electrostatic deposition to enhance the mucoadhesive property and in vitro therapeutic efficacy. Based on the findings of the study, the prepared PPN liposomes (PLF3) and chitosan coated PPN liposomes (PLF3C1) showed a nanometric size range of 165.7 ± 7.4 to 243.4 ± 7.5, a narrow polydispersity index (>0.3) and zeta potential (-7.1 to 29.8 mV). The average encapsulation efficiency was found to be between 60 and 80% for all prepared formulations. The drug release and permeation study profile showed biphasic release behavior and enhanced PPN permeation. The in vitro antioxidant study results showed a comparable antioxidant activity with pure PPN. The anticancer study depicted that the cell viability assay of tested PLF3C2 has significantly (p < 0.001)) reduced the IC50 when compared with pure PPN. The study revealed that oral chitosan-coated liposomes are a promising delivery system for the PPN and can increase the therapeutic efficacy against the breast cancer cell line.

Formulation of carteolol chitosomes for ocular delivery: formulation optimization, ex-vivo permeation, and ocular toxicity examination.

Background:Conventional delivery systems like solution and suspension are commonly used for the treatment of ocular diseases but have low corneal residence time and hence the duration of effect is limited. These drawbacks of conventional systems can be reduced by preparing bioadhesive chitosan (CH) coated noisome.Methods: Niosomes (NIM) of carteolol (CT) were developed by the thin-film hydration method and optimised by the Box-Behnken statistical design. Further, the optimised CT-NIM was coated with CH to enhance the ocular residence time . The optimised formulation was evaluated for vesicle size, entrapment efficiency, and in-vitro drug release and transcorneal permeation, histopathology, etc.Results: CT-NIM-opt showed the vesicle size and entrapment efficiency of 235 ± 3.54 nm, and 70.45 ± 0.87%, respectively. DSC spectra exhibited that CT was completely encapsulated into the CH-CT-NIM matrix. Drug release from CH-CT-NIM-opt was more sustained (68.28 ± 4.2%) than CT-NIM (75.69 ± 4.5% in 12 h) and CT solution (99.89 ± 2.8% in 4 h). The CH-CT-NIM-opt represented a strong bio-adhesion (89.76 ± 3.6%) than CT-NIM-opt (15.65 ± 3.4%). The permeation flux exhibited 1.13-fold higher permeation than CT-NIM and 3.23 fold than CT solution. The corneal hydration was found to be within the limit value. The histopathology study exhibited no structural damage to the cornea . HET-CAM results showed zero scores indicating no bleeding or haemorrhage. CH-CT-NIM-opt was found to be isotonic and exhibited good stability when stored at 4 °C for the stated duration of time.Conclusion: The above findings suggested that NIM can be a potential carrier for the delivery of CT with better ocular residence time.

Experimental Solubility of Ketoconazole, Validation Models, and In vivo Prediction in Human Based on GastroPlus.

The study aimed to identify a suitable cosolvent + water mixture for subcutaneous (sub-Q) delivery of ketoconazole (KETO). The solubility was assessed for several dimethyl acetamide (DMA) + water mixtures at T = 293.2 to 318.2 K and pressure P = 0.1 MPa. The experimental solubility (xe) was validated using the Van 't Hoff and Yalkowsky models and functional thermodynamic parameters (enthalpy ΔsolH°, entropy ΔsolS°, and Gibbs free energy ΔsolG°). The in vitro drug release study was performed at physiological pH, and the data served as the input to GastroPlus, which predicted the in vivo performance of KETO dissolved in a DMA + water cosolvent mixture for sub-Q delivery in human. The maximum solubility (mole fraction) of KETO (9.81 × 10-1) was obtained for neat DMA at 318.2 K whereas the lowest value (1.7 × 10-5) was for pure water at 293.2 K. An apparent thermodynamic analysis based on xe gave positive values for the functional parameters. KETO dissolution requires energy, as evidenced by the high positive values of ΔsolH° and ΔsolG°. Interestingly, ΔsolG° progressively decreased with increasing concentration of DMA in the DMA + water mixture, suggesting that the DMA-based molecular interaction improved the solubilization. Positive values of ΔsolG° and ΔsolS° for each DMA + water cosolvent mixture corroborated the endothermic and entropy-driven dissolution. GastroPlus predicted better absorption of KETO through sub-Q delivery than oral delivery. Hence, the DMA + water mixture may be a promising system for sub-Q delivery of KETO to control topical and systemic fungal infections.

Formulation of Gelucire®-Based Solid Dispersions of Atorvastatin Calcium: In Vitro Dissolution and In Vivo Bioavailability Study.

Atorvastatin (ATV) is a poorly water-soluble drug that exhibits poor oral bioavailability. Therefore, present research was designed to develop ATV solid dispersions (SDs) to enhance the solubility, drug release, and oral bioavailability. Various SDs of ATV were formulated by conventional and microwave-induced melting methods using Gelucire®48/16 as a carrier. The formulated SDs were characterized for different physicochemical characterizations, drug release, and oral bioavailability studies. The results obtained from the different physicochemical characterization indicate the molecular dispersion of ATV within various SDs. The drug polymer interaction results showed no interaction between ATV and used carrier. There was marked enhancement in the solubility (1.95-9.32 folds) was observed for ATV in prepared SDs as compare to pure ATV. The drug content was found to be in the range of 96.19% ± 2.14% to 98.34% ± 1.32%. The drug release results revealed significant enhancement in ATV release from prepared SDs compared to the pure drug and the marketed tablets. The formulation F8 showed high dissolution performance (% DE30 value of 80.65 ± 3.05) among the other formulations. Optimized Gelucire®48/16-based SDs formulation suggested improved oral absorption of atorvastatin as evidenced with improved pharmacokinetic parameters (Cmax 2864.33 ± 573.86 ng/ml; AUC0-t 5594.95 ± 623.3 ng/h ml) as compared to ATV suspension (Cmax 317.82 ± 63.56 ng/ml; AUC0-t 573.94 ± 398.9 ng/h ml) and marketed tablets (Cmax 852.72 ± 42.63 ng/ml; 4837.4 ± 174.7 ng/h ml). Conclusively, solid dispersion-based oral formulation of atorvastatin could be a promising approach for enhanced drug solubilization, dissolution, and subsequently improved absorption.

Formulation of Chitosan-Coated Piperine NLCs: Optimization, In Vitro Characterization, and In Vivo Preclinical Assessment.

In the present research work, surface-modified nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) with chitosan (CH) were prepared to improve the therapeutic efficacy of piperine (PP). NLCs were developed and optimized (CH-PP-NLCs-opt) by design expert software and the selected NLCs surface was coated with chitosan (0.2% w/v). CH-PP-NLCs-opt have shown a particle size of 149.34 ± 4.54 nm and entrapment efficiency of 80.65 ± 1.23%. The results of the solid-state characterization study exhibited that PP enclosed in lipids and present amorphous form. It might be due to the nanoparticle size of NLCs. The drug release study revealed PP-NLCs-opt and CH-PP-NLCs-opt exhibited significant (P < 0.05) difference in PP release (88.87 ± 5.23% and 76.34 ± 4.54%) as compared to pure PP (19.02 ± 2.87%). CH-PP-NLCs-opt exhibited strong bioadhesion than PP-NLCs-opt which has a positive influence the drug permeation and absorption. CH-PP-NLCs-opt showed higher permeation (1083.34 ± 34.15 µg/ cm2) than pure PP (106.65 ± 15.44 µg/cm2) and PP-NLCs-opt (732.45 ± 28.56 µg/ cm2). The significantly enhanced bioavailability of PP was observed from CH-PP-NLCs-opt (3.76- and 1.21-fold) than PP-dispersion and PP-NLCs-opt. The diabetes was induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (STZ, 40 mg/kg, citrate buffer pH 4.5), and results revealed that PP-NLCs-opt and CH-PP-NLCs-opt reduce the blood glucose level (28.26% and 36.52% respectively) as compared to PP-dispersion (10.87%). It also helps to maintain the altered biochemical parameters. In conclusion, CH-PP-NLC can be a novel oral nanocarrier for the management of diabetes.

Bioactive Apigenin loaded oral nano bilosomes: Formulation optimization to preclinical assessment.

AIM: Diabetic (type-2) is a metabolic disease characterized by increased blood glucose level from the normal level. In the present study, apigenin (AG) loaded lipid vesicles (bilosomes: BIL) was prepared, optimized and evaluated for the oral therapeutic efficacy. EXPERIMENTAL: AG-BIL was prepared by a thin-film evaporation method using cholesterol, span 60 and sodium deoxycholate. The prepared formulation was optimized by 3-factor and 3-level Box-Behnken design using particle size, entrapment efficiency and drug release as a response. The selected formulation further evaluated for ex-vivo permeation, in vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics study. RESULTS: The optimized AG bilosomes (AG-BILopt) has shown the vesicle size 183.25 ± 2.43 nm, entrapment efficiency 81.67 ± 4.87%. TEM image showed a spherical shape vesicle with sharp boundaries. The drug release study revealed a significant enhancement in AG release (79.45 ± 4.18%) from AG-BILopt as compared to free AG-dispersion (25.47 ± 3.64%). The permeation and pharmacokinetic studies result revealed 4.49 times higher flux and 4.67 folds higher AUC0-t than free AG-dispersion. The antidiabetic activity results showed significant (P < 0.05) enhancement in therapeutic efficacy than free AG-dispersion. The results also showed marked improvement in biochemical parameters. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested, the prepared apigenin loaded bilosomes was found to be an efficient delivery in the therapeutic efficacy in diabetes.

Preparation and evaluation of transdermal naproxen niosomes: formulation optimization to preclinical anti-inflammatory assessment on murine model.

The present study was designed with an aim to develop and optimize naproxen proniosomes (NAPRNs) using Box-Behnken Design (BBD). The formulation was optimized using three independent variables [maltodextrin (X1), surfactant concentration (X2) and drug concentration (X3)] at three different levels (low, medium and high). The prepared fifteen formulations were evaluated for drug entrapment efficiency, vesicle size and transdermal flux to select the optimized naproxen niosomes (NAPRNopt). The developed NAPRNs formulations showed the nano-size vesicle (218-417 nm) and high encapsulation efficiency (60.48-92.48%) with high flux value (23.17-27.37 µg/cm2/h). The formulation NAPRNopt has shown the vesicle size of 376.12 ± 4.12 nm with entrapment efficiency 86.43 ± 3.63% and transdermal flux of 27.56 ± 1.43 µg/cm2/h. The SEM study revealed the formulation NAPRNopt showed irregular surface morphology of niosomes. The formulation NAPRNopt gel showed biphasic release behaviour as an initial fast release and later slower release with the Higuchi release mechanism. The anti-inflammatory study results showed a better effect than the standard NAP gel in the rat model.

Formulation of amorphous ternary solid dispersions of dapagliflozin using PEG 6000 and Poloxamer 188: solid-state characterization, ex vivo study, and molecular simulation assessment.

The present study was designed to prepare dapagliflozin (DFG) loaded ternary solid dispersions (SDs) using the carrier blend polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) and poloxamer 188 (PLX 188). The prepared DFG-SDs were evaluated for solubility study, physicochemical characterization and molecular simulation study. The prepared DFG-SDs showed significant higher solubility and dissolution vis-a-vis pure DFG and DFG physical mixture. The composition DFG:PEG:PLX (1:2.25:0.75 mM) showed the highest solubility (0.476 ± 0.016 mg/mL). The physicochemical characterization confirms the polymorphic transition of DFG from crystalline state to stable amorphous form. The prepared DFG-SDs showed a significantly higher dissolution (64.78 ± 2.34% to 78.41 ± 2.39%) than pure DFG (15.70 ± 3.54%). DFG-SD2 showed a significantly enhanced drug permeation (p<.05) (58.76 ± 4.65 µg/cm) as compared to pure DFG (14.97 ± 3.32 µg/cm). The molecular docking study result revealed a good hydrophobic interaction of DFG with the used carrier due to the lowest energy pose. The interaction occurs between the methylene bridges and the central hydrophobic chain of polyoxypropylene of the polymer. Therefore, DFG-SDs prepared by microwave irradiation method using hydrophilic carrier blend might be a promising strategy for improving the solubility and in vitro dissolution performance.