RESUMEN
The intact porcine eye globe model was used to demonstrate that transscleral iontophoresis could deliver a small protein, cytochrome c (Cyt c), to the posterior segment and to investigate post-iontophoretic biodistribution in the different ocular compartments. The effects of Cyt c concentration (1, 5, and 10 mg/mL), current density (3.5 and 5.5 mA/cm2), and duration of the current application (10 min and 1, 2, and 4 h) were evaluated. The data confirmed that transscleral iontophoresis enhanced the intraocular delivery of Cyt c under all conditions as compared to passive controls (same setup but without the current application). Increasing the Cyt c concentration resulted in a proportional enhancement in the Cyt c delivery. Increasing the current density from 3.5 to 5.5 mA/cm2 increased iontophoretic delivery at a Cyt c concentration of 10 mg/mL but did not appear to do so at 5 mg/mL; this was attributed in part to the effect of melanin binding. Short duration iontophoresis (10 min, 3.5 mA/cm2) of a 10 mg/mL Cyt c solution created a depot in the sclera. When this was followed by a 4 h incubation period, post-iontophoretic Cyt c diffusion from the sclera resulted in a different biodistribution, and Cyt c could be quantified in the posterior segment.
RESUMEN
Sleep disorders are a recurrent complaint in geriatrics. Of multifactorial origin, they have a significant impact on health and quality of life. However, the answer is (too) often the prescription of benzodiazepines or related-drugs (Z-pills), sedative antidepressant, or another psychotropic medication. More recently, melatonin, valerian and, in Switzerland, clomethiazol are widely considered as effective and more suitable alternatives for aged people. We present a systematic review of the literature on the efficacy and tolerance of these molecules, of which the main objective is to demonstrate that non-pharmacological approach must remain the first-line therapy of insomnia in geriatrics.
Les troubles du sommeil sont une plainte récurrente en gériatrie. D'origine multifactorielle, ils ont un retentissement significatif sur la santé et la qualité de vie. Cependant la réponse est (trop) souvent la prescription de benzodiazépines ou apparentés (Z-pills), d'un antidépresseur sédatif ou d'un autre psychotrope. Plus récemment, la mélatonine, la valériane et, en Suisse, le clométhiazole sont largement utilisés car considérés comme des alternatives efficaces et plus adaptées aux personnes âgées. Nous présentons une revue systématique de la littérature sur l'efficacité et la tolérance de ces molécules dont l'objectif principal est de montrer que les mesures non pharmacologiques doivent rester le traitement de première intention des insomnies en gériatrie.
