Analysis of the mucosal chemokines CCL28, CXCL14, and CXCL17 in dry eye disease: An in vitro and clinical investigation.

Mucosal chemokines have antimicrobial properties and play an important role in mucosal immunity. However, little is known about their expression on the ocular surface. This study aimed to analyze the expression of the mucosal chemokines CCL28, CXCL14 and CXCL17 in corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells under in vitro dry eye (DE) conditions, and in conjunctival samples from healthy subjects and DE patients. Human corneal epithelial cells (HCE) and immortalized human conjunctival epithelial cells (IM-HConEpiC) were incubated under hyperosmolar (400-500 mOsM) or inflammatory (TNF-α 25 ng/mL) conditions for 6 h and 24 h to measure CCL28, CXCL14, and CXCL17 gene expression by RT-PCR and their secretion by immunobead-based analysis (CCL28, CXCL14) and ELISA (CXCL17). Additionally, twenty-seven DE patients and 13 healthy subjects were included in this study. DE-related questionnaires (OSDI, mSIDEQ and NRS) evaluated symptomatology. Ocular surface integrity was assessed using vital staining. Tactile sensitivity was measured with Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer, and mechanic and thermal (heat and cold) sensitivity using Belmonte's non-contact esthesiometer. Subbasal nerve plexus and dendritic cell density were analyzed by in vivo confocal microscopy. Conjunctival cells from participants were collected by impression cytology to measure mucosal chemokines gene expression by RT-PCR. Our results showed that HCE and IM-HConEpiC cells increased CCL28, CXCL14, and CXCL17 secretion under hyperosmolar conditions. The gene expression of CCL28 was significantly upregulated in conjunctival samples from DE patients. CCL28 expression correlated positively with symptomatology, corneal staining, heat sensitivity threshold, and dendritic cell density. CXCL14 expression correlated positively with age, ocular pain, conjunctival staining, tactile sensitivity, and image reflectivity. CXCL17 expression correlated positively with corneal staining. These results suggest that corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells could be a source of CCL28, CXCL14, and CXCL17 on the ocular surface and that CCL28 might be involved in DE pathogenesis.

Living Lab Data of Patient Needs and Expectations for eHealth-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation in Germany and Spain From the TIMELY Study: Cross-Sectional Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The use of eHealth technology in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a promising approach to enhance patient outcomes since adherence to healthy lifestyles and risk factor management during phase III CR maintenance is often poorly supported. However, patients' needs and expectations have not been extensively analyzed to inform the design of such eHealth solutions. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to provide a detailed patient perspective on the most important functionalities to include in an eHealth solution to assist them in phase III CR maintenance. METHODS: A guided survey as part of a Living Lab approach was conducted in Germany (n=49) and Spain (n=30) involving women (16/79, 20%) and men (63/79, 80%) with coronary artery disease (mean age 57 years, SD 9 years) participating in a structured center-based CR program. The survey covered patients' perceived importance of different CR components in general, current usage of technology/technical devices, and helpfulness of the potential features of eHealth in CR. Questionnaires were used to identify personality traits (psychological flexibility, optimism/pessimism, positive/negative affect), potentially predisposing patients to acceptance of an app/monitoring devices. RESULTS: All the patients in this study owned a smartphone, while 30%-40% used smartwatches and fitness trackers. Patients expressed the need for an eHealth platform that is user-friendly, personalized, and easily accessible, and 71% (56/79) of the patients believed that technology could help them to maintain health goals after CR. Among the offered components, support for regular physical exercise, including updated schedules and progress documentation, was rated the highest. In addition, patients rated the availability of information on diagnosis, current medication, test results, and risk scores as (very) useful. Of note, for each item, except smoking cessation, 35%-50% of the patients indicated a high need for support to achieve their long-term health goals, suggesting the need for individualized care. No major differences were detected between Spanish and German patients (all P>.05) and only younger age (P=.03) but not sex, education level, or personality traits (all P>.05) were associated with the acceptance of eHealth components. CONCLUSIONS: The patient perspectives collected in this study indicate high acceptance of personalized user-friendly eHealth platforms with remote monitoring to improve adherence to healthy lifestyles among patients with coronary artery disease during phase III CR maintenance. The identified patient needs comprise support in physical exercise, including regular updates on personalized training recommendations. Availability of diagnoses, laboratory results, and medications, as part of a mobile electronic health record were also rated as very useful. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05461729; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05461729.

Fracture risk after deprescription of bisphosphonates: Application of real-world data in primary care.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of discontinuing bisphosphonate treatment on fracture risk in postmenopausal women at high versus low risk of fracture. DESIGN: Retrospective, longitudinal and population-based cohort study. SETTING: Barcelona City Primary Care. Catalan Health Institute. PARTICIPANTS: All women attended by primary care teams who in January 2014 had received bisphosphonate treatment for at least five years were included and followed for another five years. INTERVENTION: Patients were classified according to their risk of new fractures, defined as those who had a history of osteoporotic fracture and/or who received treatment with an aromatase inhibitor, and the continuity or deprescription of the bisphosphonate treatment was analyzed over fiver year follow-up. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The cumulative incidence of fractures and the incidence density were calculated and analyzed using logistic regression and Cox models. RESULTS: We included 3680 women. There were no significant differences in fracture risk in high-risk women who discontinued versus continued bisphosphonate treatment (hazard ratio [HR] 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87-1.58 for total osteoporotic fractures). However, discontinuers at low risk had a lower incidence of fracture than continuers. This difference was significant for vertebral fractures (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47-0.88) and total fractures (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.64-0.92). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that deprescribing bisphosphonates in women who have already received five years of treatment does not increase fracture risk. In low-risk women, continuing this treatment might could even favor the appearance of new osteoporotic fractures.

Inflammation-related molecules in tears of patients with chronic ocular pain and dry eye disease.

The purpose of this study was to analyze inflammation- and pain-related molecules in tears of patients suffering from chronic ocular pain associated with dry eye (DE) and/or a previous corneal refractive surgery (RS). Based on history, symptomatology, and clinical signs, the subjects (n = 180, 51.0 ± 14.7 years, 118 females, 62 males) in this cross-sectional study were assigned to one of five groups: DE and chronic ocular pain after RS (P/DE-RS, n = 52); asymptomatic subjects, i.e., without DE and chronic ocular pain, after RS (A-RS, n = 30); DE and chronic ocular pain without previous RS (P/DE-nonRS, n = 31); DE, no pain, and no previous RS (DE-nonRS, n = 35); and asymptomatic subjects with no previous RS (controls, n = 32). The tear concentrations of 20 cytokines and substance P (SP) were analyzed by immunobead-based assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. We found that tear levels of interleukin (IL)-10 and SP were increased in the RS groups. There were significant differences in IL-8/CXCL8 among the five groups. Nerve growth factor (NGF) tear levels were significantly higher in P/DE-RS than in DE-nonRS and controls. IL-9 had the highest percentage of detection in the P/DE-RS and P/DE-nonRS groups, while macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, IL-2, and interferon (IFN)-γ were higher in the P/DE-RS, A-RS, and P/DE-nonRS groups. IL-17A was detected only in the A-RS group. Moderate correlations were observed in the A-RS, P/DE-nonRS, DE-nonRS and controls groups. A positive correlation was obtained between growth related oncogene concentration and tear break-up time (rho = 0.550; p = 0.012), while negative correlation was found between monocyte chemoattractant protein-3/CCL7 and conjunctival staining (rho = -0.560; p = 0.001), both in the A-RS group. IL-10 correlated positively with ocular pain intensity (rho = 0.513; p = 0.003) in the P/DE-nonRS group. Regulated on Activation Normal T Cell Expressed and Secreted/CCL5 correlated negatively with conjunctival staining (rho = -0.545; p = 0.001) in the DE-nonRS group. SP correlated negatively with corneal staining (rho = -0.559; p = 0.001) in the controls. In conclusion, chronic ocular pain was associated with higher IL-9 tear levels. IL-10, SP, MIP-1α/CCL3, IL-2, and IFN-γ were associated with previous RS. Higher levels of IL-8/CXCL8, MIP-1α/CCL3, IL-2, and IFN-γ were associated with DE-related inflammation, while NGF levels were related to chronic ocular pain and DE in RS patients. These findings suggest that improved knowledge of tear cytokines and neuromodulators will lead to a more nuanced understanding of how these molecules can serve as biomarkers of chronic ocular pain, leading to better therapeutic and disease management decisions.

European Whites May Need Lower Minimum Therapeutic Clozapine Doses Than Those Customarily Proposed.

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: A nomogram from a British naturalistic study proposed that the clozapine dosing needed to reach a serum concentration of 350 ng/mL ranged from 265 mg/d (female nonsmokers) to 525 mg/d (male smokers). Some European reviews have used these dosing recommendations, which seem greater than what we found in an Italian White sample ranging from 245 mg/d (female nonsmokers) to 299 mg/d (male smokers). Five other published samples of European Whites were added to the Italian sample to estimate clozapine doses recommended for reaching 350 ng/mL. METHODS/PROCEDURES: Average clozapine metabolizers were obtained by eliminating outliers with confounding variables: (1) psychiatric inducers and inhibitors; (2) doses less than 100 mg/d; and (3) when possible, patients with inflammation, obesity, or using oral contraceptives. The study included 1363 average metabolizer European Whites: the Italian sample and 5 new samples. Mean averages that reached serum concentration levels of 350 ng/mL were calculated after stratification by sex and smoking status in each sample. Then, weighted mean averages were obtained by combining the 6 samples. FINDINGS/RESULTS: The estimated weighted mean clozapine dosages ranged from 236 to 368 mg/d (236 mg/d in 218 female nonsmokers, 256 mg/d in 340 male nonsmokers, 357 mg/d in 269 female smokers, and 368 mg/d in 546 male smokers). IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: Our recommended dosages are less than those recommended in Europe. Future studies in European Whites need to replicate these recommended doses for average metabolizer patients after sex and smoking stratification and further explore clozapine dosing for those with relevant clinical confounders.

Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Cannabinoids and Potential Drug-Drug Interactions.

Over the past few years, considerable attention has focused on cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the two major constituents of Cannabis sativa, mainly due to the promising potential medical uses they have shown. However, more information on the fate of these cannabinoids in human subjects is still needed and there is limited research on the pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions that can occur in the clinical setting and their prevalence. As the use of cannabinoids is substantially increasing for many indications and they are not the first-line therapy in any treatment, health care professionals must be aware of drug-drug interactions during their use as serious adverse events can happen related with toxic or ineffective outcomes. The present chapter overview summarizes our current knowledge on the pharmacokinetics and metabolic fate of CBD and THC in humans and discusses relevant drug-drug interactions, giving a plausible explanation to facilitate further research in the area.

Contact Lens Discomfort Management: Outcomes of Common Interventions.

PURPOSE: To assess the consecutive implementation of habitual contact lens discomfort (CLD) management strategies: lid hygiene, daily disposable CL (DDCL) fitting, and artificial tear (AT) supplementation. METHODS: Contact lens (CL) wearers with CLD symptoms (CLDEQ-8 ≥12 points) were included in the study. Subjects with Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) were instructed to perform lid hygiene. All participants were fitted with a DDCL (delefilcon A) and evaluated 1 month later. After, half of them were randomly assigned to use AT (Povidone-2%) at least three times/day, and all participants were evaluated 1 month later. Tests performed were: lower tear meniscus area (LTMA), bulbar, limbal, and tarsal hyperemia, noninvasive tear break-up time (NITBUT), and corneal and conjunctival staining. Weighted combined clinical scores (CS) were created to analyze signs. Changes in symptoms (CLDEQ-8) and CS were analyzed using linear mixed models. RESULTS: Forty-two subjects (mean age: 23.2±4.9 years) completed the study. Two CS were created, CS 1 was composed of bulbar, limbal, and tarsal hyperemia and corneal staining, and CS 2 by NITBUT, LTMA, and conjunctival staining. CLDEQ-8 was reduced after lid hygiene (mean: -2.73±2.13; P=0.012) and DDCL use (mean: -10.1±3.54; P<0.01), but not after AT use (P=0.62). CS 1 did not change after any intervention. CS-2 was higher (P=0.04) in DGM subjects after lid hygiene, it decreased (P=0.04) after DDCL use. CONCLUSIONS: Lid hygiene is effective for reducing CLD symptoms in MGD patients. Refitting subjects with delefilcon A is an effective intervention for CLD to reduce symptoms and achieve a healthier ocular surface. Simultaneous administration of AT did not further improve CLD.

Sex-by-formulation interaction in bioequivalence studies: the importance of formulations and experimental conditions.

In a recently published investigation, the authors argued against the likelihood of sex-based subject-by-formulation interactions in bioequivalence studies, i.e. male and female subjects exhibiting different discriminatory potential to detect bioavailability differences between formulations. The researchers performed a strong methodological study showing the increased probability of false-positive findings in exploratory subgroup analysis, a well-known and documented statistical issue. Indeed, the main limitation of assessing a sex-by-formulation interaction in average bioequivalence studies lies in the fact that these clinical trials are not designed for this purpose. In this commentary, we further discuss on why the impact of sex differences in gastrointestinal physiology over in vivo drug dissolution and absorption rate cannot remain hidden behind statistical limitations, particularly when average bioequivalence conclusions could be affected. Regulatory agencies should encourage and support these important issues related to biopharmaceutical quality of drug products in both sexes. In addition, a sex-based analysis of bioequivalence results will enhance the representativeness of conclusions and provide important information regarding formulation performance, thereby promoting the efficacy and safety of generic drugs and reducing consumer risk. The extrapolation of study conclusions from one sex to another is far away from being scientifically proven.

Structural insights into human microsomal epoxide hydrolase by combined homology modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, and molecular docking calculations.

A new homology model of human microsomal epoxide hydrolase was derived based on multiple templates. The model obtained was fully evaluated, including MD simulations and ensemble-based docking, showing that the quality of the structure is better than that of only previously known model. Particularly, a catalytic triad was clearly identified, in agreement with the experimental information available. Analysis of intermediates in the enzymatic mechanism led to the identification of key residues for substrate binding, stereoselectivity, and intermediate stabilization during the reaction. In particular, we have confirmed the role of the oxyanion hole and the conserved motif (HGXP) in epoxide hydrolases, in excellent agreement with known experimental and computational data on similar systems. The model obtained is the first one that fully agrees with all the experimental observations on the system. Proteins 2017; 85:720-730. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Kinetico-mechanistic Studies on the Substitution Reactivity on the {Ru(II)(bpy)2} Core with Nucleosides and Nucleotides at Physiological pH.

The kinetico-mechanistic study of the substitution reactions of the aquo ligands in cis-[Ru(bpy)2(H2O)2](2+) by different nucleotides and nucleosides has been conducted at pH close to the physiological value. The concentration dependence and thermal and pressure activation parameters have been measured to ascertain the activation via which reactions take place. Substitution processes are found associatively activated for nitrogen-bonded nucleosides or nucleotides, with outer-sphere hydrogen-bonded aggregates being determinant. For reactions leading to oxygen-bonded nucleotides, the process is clearly dissociatively activated. A selectively induced lability of the inert {Ru(II)(bpy)2} core is observed on the formation of nitrogen(amide)-bonded complexes at relatively low pH values, which might be relevant for the effective intercalation of designed, ruthenium(II)-bonded, aromatic rings.

Impaired aquaporins expression in the gastrointestinal tract of rat after mercury exposure.

The main route of exposure to mercury in humans is through the diet. Consequently, the gastrointestinal mucosa is exposed to the mercurial forms, where they cause intestinal fluid accumulation, mucosal injuries and diarrhea. The relationship between inorganic mercury (HgCl2 ) and methylmercury (CH3 HgCl) exposure and water movement in the gastrointestinal tract is still unexplored. The leading role of aquaporins (AQPs) in the rapid bidirectional movement of fluid in the gastrointestinal tract of mammals is well established. The present study evaluates the effect of HgCl2 and CH3 HgCl exposure on AQP expression in different portions of the gastrointestinal tract of rats treated by gavage (5 mg kg(-1) of mercury species, single dose, 4 days). The results show that mercury species reduce mRNA and protein levels of AQPs in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract. In the stomach, treated rats show a significant reduction of expression of AQP3 (80-90% for mRNA and 50% for protein) and AQP4 (95-99% for mRNA and 20-40% for protein). In the small and large intestine, treated rats experience a significant reduction of AQP3 and AQP7 expression. Protein contents of both AQPs are reduced in similar proportions in jejunum (AQP3: 40-50%; AQP7: 45-50%) and colon (AQP3: 35-40%; AQP7: 45-60%), regardless of the treatment. Our results indicate that some AQPs are downregulated in the rat gastrointestinal tract by mercury exposure, suggesting a possible role of AQPs in the development of mercury gastrointestinal symptoms.

Kinetico-Mechanistic Studies of Nucleoside and Nucleotide Substitution Reactions of Co(III) Complexes of Fully Alkylated Cyclen.

The solution chemistry of complex [Co{(Me)2(µ-ET)cyclen}(H2O)2](3+) containing a fully substituted tetraammine ligand designed for the avoidance of base-conjugated substitution mechanisms in the 6-8 pH range has been studied. The study should shed some light on the possible involvement of such Co(III) skeleton in inert interactions with biomolecules. The reactivity and speciation of the complex has been found similar to that of the parent cyclen derivative with the presence of mono- and bis-hydroxo-bridged species; at pH < 7.1, all reactivity has been found to be related to the aqua/hydroxo monomeric complexes. Under these pH conditions, the substitution reactions of the aqua/hydroxo ligands by chloride, inorganic phosphate, thymidine, cytidine 5'-monophosphate (5'-CMP), and thymidine-5'-monophosphate (5'-TMP) have been studied at varying conditions; ionic strength has been kept at 1.0 NaClO4 due to the high concentration of 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES) or N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) used to ensure buffering. Except for chloride, the process occurs neatly in a one or two step process, showing dissociatively activated substitution mechanisms, having in general large ΔH(⧧), positive ΔS(⧧), and values of ΔV(⧧) close to those corresponding to the liberation of an aqua ligand to the reaction medium. The actuation of noticeable encounter-complex formation equilibrium constants has been found to be the determinant for the reactions with nucleosides and nucleotides, a clear indication of the relevance of hydrogen-bonding interactions in the reactivity of these molecules, even in this highly ionic strength medium. For the substitution of the active aqua/hydroxo ligands with 5'-TMP, the first substitution reaction produces an Nthymine-bound 5'-TMP complex that evolves to a bis-5'-TMP with an Nthymine,Ophosphate-bonding structure. The formation of outer-sphere complexes between the dangling phosphate group of the Nthymine-bound 5'-TMP and the thymine moiety of another entering 5'-TMP has been found to be responsible for this fact, which leaves only the phosphate group for coordination available.

In vitro characterization of the intestinal absorption of methylmercury using a Caco-2 cell model.

Methylmercury (CH3Hg) is one of the forms of mercury found in food, particularly in seafood. Exposure to CH3Hg is associated with neurotoxic effects during development. In addition, methylmercury has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a possible human carcinogen. Although the diet is known to be the main source of exposure, few studies have characterized the mechanisms involved in the absorption of this contaminant. The present study examines the absorption process using the Caco-2 cell line as a model of the intestinal epithelium. The results indicate that transport across the intestinal cell monolayer in an absorptive direction occurs mainly through passive transcellular diffusion. This mechanism coexists with carrier-mediated transcellular transport, which has an active component. The participation of H(+)- and Na(+)-dependent transport was observed. Inhibition tests point to the possible participation of amino acid transporters (B(0,+) system, L system, and/or y(+)L system) and organic anion transporters (OATs). Our study suggests the participation in CH3Hg absorption of transporters that have already been identified as being responsible for the transport of this species in other systems, although further studies are needed to confirm their participation in intestinal absorption. It should be noted that CH3Hg experiences important cellular acumulation (48-78%). Considering the toxic nature of this contaminant, this fact could affect intestinal epithelium function.

Population pharmacokinetic model to analyze nevirapine multiple-peaks profile after a single oral dose.

Nevirapine (NVP) extensive data obtained after oral single dose administration of 200 mg in a crossover study involving 16 healthy subjects was used to develop a descriptive population pharmacokinetic model including drug recirculation, since secondary peaks were observed in plasma concentration-time profiles for all subjects. Through implementation of model event time feature in NONMEM 7.3.0, a simple mechanistic model physiologically consistent with the process of drug cycling was able to describe multiple peaks phenomena and quantify its pharmacokinetic parameters, achieving a better performance than its analogue conventional one. Absorption process, between subject and-between occasion variability of pharmacokinetic parameters was also assessed. Estimated mean fraction of NVP bioavailable dose undergoing recirculation process was 51.6 %, a magnitude which could hardly be explained by enterohepatic cycling. In this work we propose an alternative disposition process to explain NVP drug recirculation: gastric secretion with posterior intestinal reabsorption. Due to physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of the drug, this neglected phenomenon is more likely to explain the results obtained, and might be present in disposition of several basic drugs.

[Health professionals facing hand hygiene improvement: state-of-the-art strategies versus extended strategies]. / Profesionales de salud ante la mejora de la higiene de las manos: estrategias clásicas versus estrategias avanzadas.

BACKGROUND: The hand hygiene (HH) is one of the preventive practices more .widely and effectively implemented in the control of healthcare associated infections. However, there are several barriers to compliance. OBJECTIVES: To assess which strategy, state-of-the-art strategies (availability of alcohol-based preparations, posters, instructions and training) or extended strategies (feedbacks, formal and informal leadership), are seen as more effective to improve hand hygiene (HH) compliance. METHODS: Analytical study using a self-completed questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization. 2,068 questionnaires, completed by healthcare professionals (HP) in Andalusia (Spain), were received from 2010 to 2012. Analytical technique: Structural equation modeling and multi group measurement invariance. RESULTS: Once the reliability of the proposed constructs was achieved (Cronbach α=0.73, 0.84, 0.70), it was found that those HP working in centers with the highest level of commitment with HH are those who see extended strategies as more effective (χ2=298.3, df=39, CFI=0.972, TLI=0.961, RMSEA=0.057, SRMR=0.028). DISCUSSION: Our results have shown that hospitals' HP, compared to primary care HP, see state-of-the-art strategies as more effective, as well as they give less importance to HH, meanwhile nurses, compared to physicians, see effective both strategies. HP contemplate the combination of state-of-the-art and extended strategies as an effective way to improve the HH compliance. In addition, extended strategies are considered more effective amongst the most "advanced" healthcare settings in terms of their commitment to HH. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the need for commitment at management, collective and individual level in order to maintain patient safety.

Model-Based Bioequivalence Analysis to Assess and Predict the Relative Bioavailability of Valproic Acid Formulations.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Model-based bioequivalence (MBBE) encompasses the use of nonlinear mixed effect models supporting the estimation of pharmacokinetic endpoints to assess the relative bioavailability between multi-source drug products. This application emerges as a valuable alternative to the standard non-compartmental analysis (NCA) in bioequivalence (BE) studies in which dense sampling is not possible. In this work, we aimed to assess the application of MBBE compared to traditional methods in evaluating the relative bioavailability of two formulations with different drug release properties. Additionally, we sought to predict the performance of a modified-release formulation in a multiple-dose scenario, leveraging data from a single-dose study. METHODS: MBBE analysis was implemented to estimate the BE endpoints (90% CI for the Test/Reference geometric mean ratio, T/R GMR) in area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) using data from a single-dose, 2-period, 2-sequence BE study performed in 14 healthy subjects between a locally developed valproic acid extended-release formulation (Test) and the brand-name delayed-release formulation (Reference). RESULTS: Results were compared with the standard approach, revealing that MBBE analysis achieved higher discrimination between formulations for Cmax, addressing limitations of the experimental sampling design and highlighting an advantage for this model-based analysis even when rich data are available. Additionally, the bioequivalence outcome under the multiple-dose scenario was predicted through a simulation-based study for both total and unbound valproic acid concentrations, considering the impact of valproic acid saturable binding on BE conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: The MBBE analysis was superior to the NCA approach in detecting product-related differences, overcoming limitations in the study experimental design. Predictions for the multiple-dose scenario preclude that the extended-release properties of the Test formulation would persist at steady state, resulting in lower peak-to-trough fluctuation and bioequivalent performance in terms of the extent of drug absorption. Overall, these results should discourage unnecessary experimentation in healthy subjects.

Human Data on Pharmacokinetic Interactions of Cannabinoids: A Narrative Review.

Concomitant use of cannabinoids with other drugs may result in pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions, mainly due to the mechanism involving Phase I and Phase II enzymes and/or efflux transporters. Cannabinoids are not only substrates but also inhibitors or inducers of some of these enzymes and/or transporters. This narrative review aims to provide the available information reported in the literature regarding human data on the pharmacokinetic interactions of cannabinoids with other medications. A search on Pubmed/Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library was performed. Some studies were identified with Google search. Additional articles of interest were obtained through cross-referencing of published literature. All original research papers discussing interactions between cannabinoids, used for medical or recreational/adult-use purposes, and other medications in humans were included. Thirty-two studies with medicinal or recreational/adult-use cannabis were identified (seventeen case reports/series, thirteen clinical trials, and two retrospective analyses). In three of these studies, a bidirectional pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction was reported. In the rest of the studies, cannabinoids were the perpetrators, as in most of them, concentrations of cannabinoids were not measured. In light of the widespread use of prescribed and non-prescribed cannabinoids with other medications, pharmacokinetic interactions are likely to occur. Physicians should be aware of these potential interactions and closely monitor drug levels and/or responses. The existing literature regarding pharmacokinetic interactions is limited, and for some drugs, studies have relatively small cohorts or are only case reports. Therefore, there is a need for high-quality pharmacological studies on cannabinoid-drug interactions.

Drug-Drug Interaction Between Cannabidiol, Cyclosporine, and Mycophenolate Mofetil: A Case Report.

Kidney transplantation remains the optimal therapy for many patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Chronic pain is one of the most common and distressing symptoms among patients with ESKD, and its treatment is a complex and challenging task to accomplish. The benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) in chronic pain treatment have been reported recently. Cannabidiol is metabolized by cytochrome P450, mainly CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, and can also undergo direct conjugation via UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzymes, with a growing body of evidence suggesting it is also a potent inhibitor or inducer of these pathways. Cannabidiol was also found to be a potent inhibitor of carboxylesterases in vitro. Because cytochrome P450 enzymes and carboxylesterases are also responsible for the clearance and activation of immunosuppressants, respectively, drug-drug interactions are likely to occur. Here, we report a pharmacokinetic drug interaction between CBD and cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil in a patient with ESKD with a kidney transplantation. It is thus crucial to take into account these interactions and monitor drug levels to avoid drug toxicity or a lack of efficacy. This study is in accordance with the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki and the Declaration of Istanbul.

Drug Exposure During Pregnancy: A Case-Control Study from a Primary Care Database.

Objective: Drug exposure during pregnancy is frequent, even more during first trimester as pregnant women might not be aware of their condition. We used available electronic health records (EHRs) to describe the use of medications during the first trimester in pregnant women and to compare drug exposure between those women who had an abortion (either elective or spontaneous) compared to those who had live births. Materials and Methods: Case-control study of abortions, either elective or spontaneous (cases), and live birth pregnancies (controls) in Sistema d'Informació per al Desenvolupament de la Investigació en Atenció Primària (Catalan Primary Health electronic health records) from 2012 to 2020. Exposure to drugs during first trimester of pregnancy was considered to estimate the association with abortion by conditional logistic regression and adjusted by health conditions and other drugs exposure. Results: Sixty thousand three hundred fifty episodes of abortions were matched to 118,085 live birth pregnancy episodes. Cases had higher rates of alcohol intake (9.9% vs. 7.2%, p < 0.001), smoking (4.5% vs. 3.6%, p < 0.001), and previous abortions (9.9% vs. 7.8%, p < 0.001). Anxiety (30.3% and 25.1%, p < 0.001), respiratory diseases (10.6% and 9.2%, p < 0.001), and migraine (8.2% and 7.3%, p < 0.001), for cases and controls, respectively, were the most frequent baseline conditions. Cases had lower rate of drug exposure, 40,148 (66.5%) versus 80,449 (68.1%), p < 0.001. Association with abortion was found for systemic antihistamines (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-1.27), antidepressants (ORadj 1.11, 95% CI 1.06-1.17), anxiolytics (ORadj 1.31, 95% CI 1.26-1.73), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ORadj 1. 63, 95% CI 1.59-1.67). Conclusions: These high rates of drug exposures during the first trimester of pregnancy highlights the relevance of informed prescription to women with childbearing potential.

Impact of thermo-mechanical skin treatment on refraction and keratometry in patients with dry eye disease and the implications for cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To determine the changes in keratometry measurements and refraction in patients having the thermo-mechanical periorbital skin treatment, Tixel®, to treat dry eye disease (DED). METHODS: A multi-centre, prospective, non-masked study was conducted. DED patients were recruited in 3 international centres and were evaluated in 5 visits separated by an interval of 2 weeks except for the last visit which took place after 18 weeks from visit 1. The same clinical examination was performed at all visits: OSDI questionnaire, tear stability, keratometry, best corrected visual acuity and refraction. Tixel® treatment was applied at the first 3 visits. RESULTS: 89 participants (24 males/65 females; mean age: 55.0 ± 14.2 years) were included: 20 presented moderate DED symptoms and 69 severe DED symptoms. Significant differences were found for the spherocylindrical refraction (vector analysis) between visit 1 and visits 2 and 3. Following cumulative analysis, 11.86 % and 16.94 % of participants had more than 0.5 dioptre (D) change in mean keratometry and keratometric astigmatism, respectively, at 3 months post-treatment. A total of 5.40 % had a sphere and cylinder change greater than 0.50D and 16.21 % had the axis changed more than 10 degrees (vector analysis). These changes were particularly significant in patients with severe DED symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Keratometry readings and refraction can change following thermo-mechanical skin treatment for DED, especially in those patients with severe DED symptoms. This should be considered as potential errors in intraocular lens calculations may be induced.