ABSTRACT
Developing targeted and slow-release antibiotic delivery systems can effectively reduce drug overdose and side effects. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of vancomycin-loaded soy protein nanoparticles (vancomycin-SPNs). For the preparation of SPNs, the desolvation method was applied in different concentrations of vancomycin and soy protein (15:5, 10:15, 6:20, 8:25, and 10:30 of vancomycin:soy protein). Scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and FTIR were used for nanoparticle characterization. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by the radial diffusion assay (RDA) and absorbance methods. Proper synthesis was demonstrated by characterization. The best drug loading (% entrapment efficiency = 90.2%), the fastest release rate (% release = 88.2%), and the best antibacterial activity were observed in ratio 10:30 of vancomycin:SPNs. Results showed that SPNs are a potent delivery system for antibiotic loading and slow release to control antibiotic use.
ABSTRACT
Colchicine has shown clinical benefits in the management of COVID-19 via its anti-inflammatory effect. However, the exact role of colchicine in COVID-19 patients is unknown. The current clinical trial was performed on 202 patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive up to a 3-day course of 0.5 mg colchicine followed by a 12-day course of 1 mg colchicine in combination with standard care or a 15-day course of standard care. Among 202 randomized patients, 153 completed the study and received colchicine/standard care or continued standard care (M age, 54.72 [SD, 15.03] years; 93 [63.1%] men). On day 14, patients in the colchicine/standard care group had significantly higher odds of a better clinical status distribution on chest CT evaluation (p = .048). Based on NYHA classification, the percentage change of dyspnea on day 14 between groups was statistically significant (p = .026), indicating a mean of 31.94% change in the intervention group when compared with 19.95% in the control group. According to this study, colchicine can improve clinical outcomes and reduce pulmonary infiltration in COVID-19 patients if contraindications and precautions are considered and it is prescribed at the right time and in appropriate cases.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Colchicine/adverse effects , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , SARS-CoV-2 , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Renal toxicity has limited gentamicin use in clinical practice. The aim of the present clinical trial was to assess the possible nephroprotective effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) against gentamicin nephrotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on patients who had the indication for systemic gentamicin for at least 7 days. Sixty people were selected and randomly assigned. For patients in the intervention and control groups, 400 mg PTX sustained release tablet and placebo were given orally three times daily, respectively. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic information of patients were recorded. malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in serum were measured on days 0 and 7. RESULTS: The incidence of nephrotoxicity in the placebo group was 19.6 times higher than that in the PTX group (OR = 19.6, 95%CI = 3.08-114.32; P value = 0.001). The mean ± SD time onset of ATN was 4.00 ± 2.32 and 5.58 ± 1.59 days in PTX and placebo recipients, respectively (P value < 0.001). No significant differences were observed for hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, potassium and magnesium wasting between the two groups. The mean ± SD levels of serum MDA and TNF-α at day 7 were significantly lower in the PTX compared to those in the placebo group (P value < 0.001 for both indexes). CONCLUSION: The co-administration of 400 mg PTX orally three times daily along with gentamicin was both well-tolerated and effective in preventing the nephrotoxicity of gentamicin in patients with different infectious diseases.
