The Flavonoid Agathisflavone from Poincianella pyramidalis Prevents Aminochrome Neurotoxicity.

Flavonoids have been suggested to protect dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease based on studies that used exogenous neurotoxins. In this study, we tested the protective ability of agathisflavone in SH-SY5Y cells exposed to the endogenous neurotoxin aminochrome. The ability of aminochrome to induce loss of lysosome acidity is an important mechanism of its neurotoxicity. We demonstrated that the flavonoid inhibited cellular death and lysosomal dysfunction induced by aminochrome. In addition, we demonstrated that the protective effect of agathisflavone was suppressed by antagonists of estrogen receptors (ERα and ERß). These results suggest lysosomal protection and estrogen signaling as mechanisms involved in agathisflavone neuroprotection in a Parkinson's disease study model.

A drug information center module to train pharmacy students in evidence-based practice.

OBJECTIVE: To use a drug information center training module to teach evidence-based medicine to pharmacy students and to assess their satisfaction with the experience. DESIGN: During the 5-week module, students were taught how to develop information search strategies and to conduct critical analysis of scientific papers. The instructors developed activities based on past requests received by the university's Drug Information Center. The complexity of the assignments increased throughout the module. ASSESSMENT: One hundred twenty-one students were trained between August 2009 and July 2010. Sixty-seven (55.4%) completed a voluntary assessment form at the completion of the 5-week module. Students' feedback was positive, with 11 students suggesting that the module be integrated into the undergraduate curriculum. The most frequently (52.2%) mentioned area of dissatisfaction was with the performance of computers in the computer laboratory. CONCLUSIONS: The drug information center training module was an effective tool for teaching evidence-based medicine to pharmacy students. Additional research is needed to determine whether graduates are able to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the module to the pharmacy practice setting.