Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Go-Wun Choi, Sangno Lee, Dong Wook Kang, Ju Hee Kim, Hea-Young Cho
Summary: Novel formulations of DNP-loaded microspheres with a one-month duration of effect were developed to reduce dosing frequency and improve patient adherence. Various factors affecting drug release were studied, and animal models were used to optimize formulations and evaluate pharmacokinetic properties. The developed PK model was extrapolated to humans to show that a formulation with PLGA 7525A and a DPR of 1/9 could maintain drug concentration for a month with controlled initial burst release.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Mohsen Vafaei Salarpoor, Ali Kadivar, Najmeh Davoodian, Pegah Khosravian, Naser Shams Esfandabadi, Abdonnaser Mohebbi, Hossein Mehrban
Summary: This study aimed to develop slow-release progesterone micro-particles for estrus synchronization in non-breeding season ewes. Different doses of progesterone were injected into ewes, and progesterone levels and estrus behavior were measured. The results showed that the injectable progesterone formulation was effective in inducing estrus in ewes, and it can be used as an alternative to conventional intravaginal devices.
REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Frederik Bock, Angela Hu, Vincent Cicale, Susan Weng Larsen, Xujin Lu, Jesper Ostergaard
Summary: This study developed a porous matrix for visualizing transport within human tissue and improving optical transparency and resolution. Real-time imaging demonstrated the interaction between convective and diffusive transport upon injection of drugs and the effect of ion-exchange resins on drug retention. This research is highly significant for assessing the potential role of electrostatic interactions in the injection of biotherapeutics.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yun Bae Ji, Soyeon Lee, Hyeon Jin Ju, Hee Eun Kim, Jung Hyun Noh, Sangdun Choi, Kinam Park, Hai Bang Lee, Moon Suk Kim
Summary: In this study, donepezil-loaded PLGA and PLA microspheres were prepared and wrapped in a polyethylene glycol-b-polycaprolactone hydrogel to reduce the dosing frequency of injections for Alzheimer's disease treatment. The Dp-PLA-M/PC formulation showed good injectability and sustained release pattern, making it a promising choice for reducing the dosing frequency of Dp injections.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Madiha Melha Yahoum, Selma Toumi, Hichem Tahraoui, Sonia Lefnaoui, Mohammed Kebir, Abdeltif Amrane, Aymen Amin Assadi, Jie Zhang, Lotfi Mouni
Summary: This study aimed to prepare xanthan gum microspheres using ionotropic gelation for the encapsulation of metformin hydrochloride. The obtained microspheres, based on different fractions of xanthan gum, showed an average size ranging from 110.96 μm to 208.27 μm. The encapsulation efficiency reached 93.11% at a 1.25% biopolymer concentration. The swelling study demonstrated significant swelling in the gastric and intestinal environments, with release profiles showing sustained release kinetics.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Majd Alrashdan, Ziad A. Shraideh, Samer R. Abulateefeh
Summary: This study developed a novel injectable long-acting carvedilol-ISFD, which exhibited tunable extended-release behavior by choosing the appropriate grade of polymer. The PLGA-based ISFD formulations demonstrated excellent release behaviors and were able to extend the release of carvedilol over 30 days.
PHARMACEUTICAL DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christian Isalomboto Nkanga, Oscar A. Ortega-Rivera, Matthew D. Shin, Miguel A. Moreno-Gonzalez, Nicole F. Steinmetz
Summary: By formulating CPMV nanoparticles in injectable hydrogels, slow release and prolonged immunostimulation can be achieved, eliminating the need for multiple doses. When used as a vaccine platform, the hydrogel can elicit sustained antibody response for up to 20 weeks, making it a promising single-dose vaccine for future pandemics.
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Youssef W. Naguib, Brittany E. Givens, Giang Ho, Yang Yu, Shun-Guang Wei, Robert M. Weiss, Robert B. Felder, Aliasger K. Salem
Summary: PD98059 is being investigated as a potential treatment for neurochemical changes in the brain associated with heart failure, inhibiting sympathetic excitation in a rat model similar to human heart failure. A sustained release PD98059-loaded PLGA microparticle formulation was prepared to increase tissue availability, showing steady plasma levels for up to 2 weeks after injection in rats with heart failure.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Manali Patki, Siddhant Palekar, Sandra Reznik, Ketan Patel
Summary: This study developed a self-injectable extended release subcutaneous injection of Remdesivir (SelfExRem) for the treatment of COVID-19, which showed promising results in providing a steady release of drug for 48 hours. The extended release subcutaneous injection may offer benefits such as reducing face-to-face contact, minimizing hospitalization, reducing dosing frequency, and lowering overall healthcare cost, making it a potential breakthrough approach for the treatment of COVID-19.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guohua Dong, Zhonghua Mu, Dongni Liu, Luwen Shang, Wenzhi Zhang, Yueyue Gao, Ming Zhao, Xiaohong Zhang, Shijie Chen, Minghui Wei
Summary: In this study, a novel starch phosphate carbamate hydrogel (SPC-Hydrogel) and its corresponding urea hydrogel (SPCU-Hydrogel) slow-release fertilizer were prepared by copolymerization. The hydrogels showed superior water absorption and retention capacity. Specifically, the SPCU-Hydrogel demonstrated excellent performance in promoting plant growth.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Weilin Zhou, Sibei Lei, Mei Liu, Dan Li, Yong Huang, Xiaoyi Hu, Jinrong Yang, Jing Li, Mengxi Zhang, Fengling Wang, Jiaqian Li, Ke Men, Wei Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of an injectable and photocurable Gelatin Methacryloyl hydrogel as a delivery system for CAR-T cells, showing enhanced anti-tumor effect and extended survival in mouse models. This therapeutic strategy holds promise for the treatment of patients with unresectable tumors.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
A. Alhowail
Summary: Metformin, commonly used for type 2 diabetes, has potential benefits for other conditions but long-term use can lead to side-effects like memory impairment.
EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jong Hee Kim, Seung Hyun Song, Sang Hoon Joo, Gyu Hwan Park, Kwon-Yeon Weon
Summary: A gastroretentive in situ oral gel containing metformin hydrochloride was prepared using sodium alginate, calcium carbonate, and hydroxyethylcellulose. The optimal formulation was determined based on design of experiments, and the results showed delayed release of metformin hydrochloride without any unexpected interaction.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ahmed A. H. Abdellatif, Ahmed M. Mohammed, Imran Saleem, Mansour Alsharidah, Osamah Al Rugaie, Fatma Ahmed, Shaaban K. Osman
Summary: The present study developed an innovative method for treating breast cancer by using chitosan hydrogel for localized drug delivery. The modified hydrogel demonstrated excellent physicochemical properties and sustained release of the drug. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that the hydrogel exhibited superior anticancer activity and reduced side effects.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Weichen Luo, Ling Qian, Weiwei Liu, Xin Zhang, Qi Wang, Haiyang Jiang, Beijiu Cheng, Huan Ma, Zhengyan Wu
Summary: The Mg-enriched biochar fertilizer (MBF) demonstrated excellent slow-release performances of total P and N, with mechanisms involving Mg-P precipitates and 'P-trap' effect of MgO for P-release, as well as confinement effect and electrostatic attraction for N-release. MBF significantly promoted corn growth and enhanced nutrient uptake efficiency, suggesting promising potential for sustainable agriculture with multiple environmental benefits.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Federica Viti, Francesca Micaela Pramotton, Michela Martufi, Raffaella Magrassi, Nicoletta Pedemonte, Mario Nizzari, Francesca Cella Zanacchi, Benedetta De Michele, Manuela Alampi, Martina Zambito, Giuseppe Santamaria, Adriana Bajetto, Sabah Sardar, Valeria Tomati, Paolo Gandullia, Costanza Giampietro, Tullio Florio, Francesco Beltrame, Massimo Vassalli, Isabella Ceccherini
Summary: This study analyzed the morpho-mechanical phenotype of human dermal fibroblasts from patients with VSCM and found that they retained a clear signature of the disease compared to different control groups. The measurement of cellular traction forces was identified as a potential non-specific biomarker of the disease. The authors propose the development of a simple assay based on traction forces to support clinical decision-making or preclinical research.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Federica Barbieri, Adriana Bajetto, Irene Dellacasagrande, Agnese Solari, Roberto Wuerth, Virginia Fernandez, Silvia Rancati, Davide Ceresa, Irene Appolloni, Giuseppa De Luca, Mariella Dono, Paolo Nozza, Piero Schiapparelli, Monica Gambaro, Pietro Fiaschi, Gabriele Gaggero, Nicolo Costanzo, Stefano Thellung, Paolo Malatesta, Aldo Pagano, Gianluigi Zona, Davide De Pietri Tonelli, Tullio Florio
Summary: This study isolated meningioma stem cells from human samples and identified the role of the CXCR4/CXCR7 chemokine axis in stem cell-related functions. The findings suggest that CXCR4/CXCR7 antagonists may be a useful approach for high-risk meningiomas.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Martina Zambito, Federica Viti, Alessia G. Bosio, Isabella Ceccherini, Tullio Florio, Massimo Vassalli
Summary: The evaluation of cell elasticity is important due to its impact on physiological and pathological processes. However, single-cell mechanical measurements often vary due to instrumental errors and the nature of the sample. In this study, the authors used a nanoindenter to characterize the experimental procedure and found that technical replicates had minimal influence, but biological conditions significantly affected the results. Experiments should be designed carefully to minimize inhomogeneous scenarios and avoid divergences in measured phenotype.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Giuseppe Fanciulli, Roberta Modica, Anna La Salvia, Erika Maria Grossrubatscher, Tullio Florio, Francesco Ferrau, Alessandro Veresani, Flaminia Russo, Annamaria Colao, Antongiulio Faggiano
Summary: This study aims to summarize the role of proteasome inhibitors (PrIn) in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) based on in vitro and in vivo data. The results revealed a discrepancy between preclinical studies and clinical trials, suggesting the need for more accurate clinical trials to determine the effectiveness of PrIn in MTC treatment.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rosa Maria Vitale, Fabio Arturo Iannotti, Tullio Florio
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2023)
Correction
Plant Sciences
Silvana Alfei, Debora Caviglia, Susanna Penco, Guendalina Zuccari, Fabio Gosetti
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manuela Stella, Giammarco Baiardi, Stefano Pasquariello, Fabio Sacco, Irene Dellacasagrande, Alessandro Corsaro, Francesca Mattioli, Federica Barbieri
Summary: Glioblastoma is a fast-growing cancer with genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity and resistance to radio-chemo-therapy. Medical comorbidities associated with glioblastoma, especially neurodegeneration, cognitive impairment, and glioblastoma-related epilepsy, greatly affect patients' quality of life. Non-malignant cells within the tumor microenvironment play a key role in glioblastoma aggressive behavior, particularly through hyper-excitability of neurons mediated by glutamatergic and GABAergic imbalance. This review focuses on the neuron-to-glioma interface, discussing the mechanisms and management of glioblastoma-related epilepsy and the potential of antiepileptic drugs as antitumor treatment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federica Pigliasco, Alessia Cafaro, Manuela Stella, Giammarco Baiardi, Sebastiano Barco, Nicoletta Pedemonte, Claudia D'Orsi, Federico Cresta, Rosaria Casciaro, Carlo Castellani, Maria Grazia Calevo, Francesca Mattioli, Giuliana Cangemi
Summary: The new breakthrough CF drug combination of IVA, TEZ, and ELX directly modulates the activity and trafficking of CFTR protein. We developed and validated a LC-MS/MS method for rapid quantification of IVA, TEZ, and ELX in the plasma of CF patients. The method is suitable for therapeutic drug monitoring and may help assess dose-concentration-response correlations.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessia Cafaro, Federica Pigliasco, Giammarco Baiardi, Sebastiano Barco, Manuela Stella, Roberto Bandettini, Francesca Mattioli, Maura Faraci, Giuliana Cangemi
Summary: Personalization of busulfan exposure through therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is recommended for high-dose conditioning regimens. However, current methods lack standardization. This study developed and validated a standardized LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of busulfan, enabling specific and rapid dose recommendations for pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Guendalina Zuccari, Eleonora Russo, Carla Villa, Alessia Zorzoli, Danilo Marimpietri, Leonardo Marchitto, Silvana Alfei
Summary: A solid dispersion of fenretinide (4-HPR) was prepared using a hydrophilic copolymer (P5) to improve its solubility and dissolution. The solid nanoparticles exhibited high drug payload and showed strong antiproliferative activity. This study provides an efficient approach to enhance the bioavailability of 4-HPR.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Giammarco Baiardi, Giulia Calvini, Serena Panarello, Chiara Fioravanti, Manuela Stella, Antonietta Martelli, Giancarlo Antonucci, Francesca Mattioli
Summary: The appropriateness of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) in polypharmacy is debated. This study assessed the implementation of a validated PPIs deprescription flow chart in a real-life internal ward activity, with the presence of a clinical pharmacologist as an additional factor. Results showed that 70.4% of patients adhered to the flow chart, leading to low recurrence of symptoms. The presence and influence of clinical pharmacologists may contribute to the success of deprescription strategies in real-life hospital settings.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Medicinal
Danilo Marimpietri, Guendalina Zuccari
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Guendalina Zuccari, Alessia Zorzoli, Danilo Marimpietri, Chiara Brullo, Silvana Alfei
Summary: Neuroblastoma (NB) is a severe tumor that mainly affects young children and originates from nerve cells in the abdomen or next to the spine. Current treatments have limited effectiveness and often cause unpleasant health problems. Cationic nanoparticles loaded with pyrazole (CB1H-P7 NPs) show promising cytotoxicity against NB cell lines and have the potential to be a new treatment option.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Silvana Alfei, Valentina Orlandi, Federica Grasso, Raffaella Boggia, Guendalina Zuccari
Summary: Nitrites are an environmental issue derived from the oxidation of ammonia by various sources. Cationic resins forming hydrogels showed high efficiency in removing anionic dyes from water. In this study, the removal efficiency of these hydrogels in adsorbing nitrites was evaluated, and they were found to successfully remove nitrites from water. The regenerable nature of these hydrogels make them promising for the treatment of nitrite-contaminated drinking water.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Giorgia Ailuno, Sara Baldassari, Alice Balboni, Giuliana Drava, Cristina Spalletti, Elena Tantillo, Michele Mazzanti, Federica Barbieri, Stefano Thellung, Tullio Florio, Gabriele Caviglioli
Summary: Metformin hydrochloride (MH) has shown potential clinical efficacy in glioblastoma (GBM), but there is a lack of data on MH levels in the brain. This research proposes a GC-MS method for quantifying MH in brain tissues, using optimized derivatization conditions and deuterated MH as the internal standard. The method has been validated on brain samples from mice, both healthy and xenografted with GBM cells, and can be applied in preclinical studies to understand MH's mechanism of action in brain tumors.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS
(2023)