Comparative evaluation of polymeric and amphiphilic cyclodextrin nanoparticles for effective camptothecin delivery

Camptothecin (CPT) is a potent anticancer agent. The clinical application of CPT is restricted by poor water solubility and instability under physiological conditions. Solubilization and stabilization of CPT were realized through nanoparticulate systems of amphiphilic cyclodextrins, poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) or poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL). Nanoparticles were prepared with nanoprecipitation technique, whereas cyclodextrin nanoparticles were prepared from preformed inclusion complexes of CPT with amphiphilic cyclodextrins. Polymeric nanoparticles, on the other hand, were loaded with CPT:HP-β-CD inclusion complex to solubilize and stabilize the drug. Mean particle sizes were under 275 nm, and polydispersity indices were lower than 0.2 for all formulations. Drug-loading values were significantly higher for amphiphilic cyclodextrin nanoparticles when compared with those for PLGA and PCL nanoparticles. Nanoparticle formulations showed a significant controlled release profile extended up to 12 days for amphiphilic cyclodextrin nanoparticles and 48 h for polymeric nanoparticles. Anticancer efficacy of the nanoparticles was evaluated in comparison with CPT solution in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells. Amphiphilic cyclodextrin nanoparticles showed higher anticancer efficacy than PLGA or PCL nanoparticles loaded with CPT and the CPT solution in DMSO. These results indicated that CPT-loaded amphiphilic cyclodextrin nanoparticles might provide a promising carrier system for the effective delivery of this anticancer drug having bioavailability problems.     

Synthesis and study of controlled release of ofloxacin from polyester conjugates

This research compares the anti-tumor efficacy of paclitaxel delivered intratumorally in PLGA nanoparticles, microparticles, or the commercial Paclitaxel Injection^®. The hypothesis of the research is that larger PLGA microparticles adhere to mucus on the cell surface, release paclitaxel locally, and enhance cellular association of paclitaxel. PLGA-paclitaxel particles of mean diameters 315 nm, 1 μm, and 10 μm were prepared and their drug content, in vitro release, and cellular association of paclitaxel into 4T1 cells quantified. These particles were injected intratumorally into tumor xenografts, and the tumor volumes monitored over 13 days. Mean tumor volumes of the groups that received placebo and the 315 nm nanoparticles increased 2 and 1.5 times, respectively. Tumor growth was arrested in groups that received 1 μm and 10 μm microparticles. Additional cell culture studies were performed to test the hypothesis. The size-dependent increase in cellular concentration of paclitaxel was independent of duration of incubation of PLGA particles with 4T1 cells, and was enhanced 1.5 times by coating the particles or 4T1 cells with mucin. These particles were not internalized by clathrin-mediated endocytosis or macropinocytosis. In conclusion, PLGA microparticles sustained drug release, increased cellular concentration, and enhanced anti-tumor efficacy of paclitaxel compared to nanoparticles and Paclitaxel Injection^®.     

Statistically designed enzymatic hydrolysis of an icariin/β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex optimized for production of icaritin

This study focuses on the preparation and enzymic hydrolysis of an icariin/β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex to efficiently generate icaritin. The physical characteristics of the inclusion complex were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Enzymatic hydrolysis was optimized for the conversion of icariin/β-cyclodextrin complex to icaritin by Box–Behnken statistical design. The inclusion complex formulation increased the solubility of icariin approximately 17-fold, from 29.2 to 513.5 μg/mL at 60 °C. The optimum conditions were predicted by Box–Behnken statistical design as follows: 60 °C, pH 7.0, the ratio of enzyme/substrate (1:1.1) and reaction time 7 h. Under the optimal conditions the conversion of icariin was 97.91% and the reaction time was decreased by 68% compared with that without β-CD inclusion. Product analysis by melting point, ESI-MS, UV, IR, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR confirmed the authenticity of icaritin with a purity of 99.3% and a yield of 473 mg of icaritin from 1.1 g icariin.     

Thermo- and pH-sensitive dendrosomes as bi-phase drug delivery systems

Fully supramolecular dendrosomes (FSD) as bi-phase drug delivery systems are reported in this work. For preparation of FSD, amphiphilic linear-dendritic supramolecular systems (ALDSS) have been synthesized by host-guest interactions between hyperbranched polyglycerol having β-cyclodextrin core and bi-chain polycaprolactone (BPCL) with a fluorescine focal point. Self-assembly of ALDSS in aqueous solutions led to FSD. They were able to encapsulate paclitaxel with a high loading capacity. The dendrosome-based drug delivery systems were highly sensitive to pH and temperature. They were stable at 20–37 °C and pH7–8, but dissociated and released drug at temperatures lower than 20 °C or higher than 37 °C and pH lower than 7 quickly. Dissociation of FSD building blocks by temperature or pH resulted in inclusion complexes between the released drugs and polyglycerol as the secondary drug delivery system.From the Clinical EditorThis paper reports on the development of a pH- (below 7) and temperature- (below 20 °C or above 37 °C) sensitive delivery system using supramolecular dendrosomes for more specific delivery and release of drugs using paclitaxel as a model.     

Triple-component nanocomposite films prepared using a casting method: Its potential in drug delivery

The purpose of this study was to fabricate a triple-component nanocomposite system consisting of chitosan, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and drug for assessing the application of chitosan–PEG nanocomposites in drug delivery and also to assess the effect of different molecular weights of PEG on nanocomposite characteristics. The casting/solvent evaporation method was used to prepare chitosan–PEG nanocomposite films incorporating piroxicam-β-cyclodextrin. In order to characterize the morphology and structure of nanocomposites, X-ray diffraction technique, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy were used. Drug content uniformity test, swelling studies, water content, erosion studies, dissolution studies, and anti-inflammatory activity were also performed. The permeation studies across rat skin were also performed on nanocomposite films using Franz diffusion cell. The release behavior of films was found to be sensitive to pH and ionic strength of release medium. The maximum swelling ratio and water content was found in HCl buffer pH 1.2 as compared to acetate buffer of pH 4.5 and phosphate buffer pH 7.4. The release rate constants obtained from kinetic modeling and flux values of ex vivo permeation studies showed that release of piroxicam-β-cyclodextrin increased with an increase in concentration of PEG. The formulation F10 containing 75% concentration of PEG showed the highest swelling ratio (3.42 ± 0.02) in HCl buffer pH 1.2, water content (47.89 ± 1.53%) in HCl buffer pH 1.2, maximum cumulative drug permeation through rat skin (2405.15 ± 10.97 μg/cm²) in phosphate buffer pH 7.4, and in vitro drug release (35.51 ± 0.26%) in sequential pH change mediums, and showed a significantly (p < 0.0001) higher anti-inflammatory effect (0.4 cm). It can be concluded from the results that film composition had a particular impact on drug release properties. The different molecular weights of PEG have a strong influence on swelling, drug release, and permeation rate. The developed films can act as successful drug delivery approach for localized drug delivery through the skin.     

PHARMACEUTICAL NANOTECHNOLOGY: A Novel Composite Hydrogel Based on Chitosan and Inorganic Phosphate for Local Drug Delivery of Camptothecin Nanocolloids

In attempt to overcome the problem of low water solubility and severe toxicity of camptothecin (CPT) after intravenous administration, a novel drug carrier system based on chitosan (CS) and dibasic sodium phosphate (DSP) has been developed in this paper to encapsulate CPT intending for local administration. Nanocolloids of CPT with size about 500 nm were first prepared, followed by encapsulation in the chitosan/dibasic sodium phosphate (CS/DSP) formulation. The formulation was sol state below 37°C and transformed to nonflowing gel state at 37°C. Encapsulation of CPT nanocolloids had greatly effect on the gelling time as well as the micro-structure of hydrogel. In vitro and in vivo degradation studies revealed that the developed CS/DSP hydrogel was biodegradable and biocompatible. In vitro release study revealed that CPT released from CS/DSP hydrogel in an extended period with about 70% of total CPT released from hydrogel after 18 days. Furthermore, nearly 90% of CPT in the chitosan hydrogels could be preserved in the lactone form (active form) even after 7 days's storage at 37°C. Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxicity of CPT nanocolloids on SKOV3 human ovarian cancer cells suggested the well anti-tumor cell efficiency could be gained at a lower concentration.     

Novel folated and non-folated pullulan bioconjugates for anticancer drug delivery

Two new anticancer polymer therapeutics were designed for tumour cell targeting. The bioconjugates were synthesised by pullulan derivatisation with either doxorubicin or doxorubicin and folic acid. Pullulan was activated by periodate oxidation and functionalised by reductive conjugation with cysteamine and 1.9 kDa PEG(NH₂)₂. The cysteamine thiol groups were conjugated to doxorubicin through a pH-sensitive hydrazone spacer while the pending PEG-NH₂ functions of one derivatised pullulan batch were conjugated to folic acid to obtain one of the two polymer therapeutics. The reaction intermediates and the final products were characterised by mass spectrometry, UV–vis analysis and reverse phase and gel permeation chromatography. The folic acid-free derivative [(NH₂ PEG)-Pull-(Cyst-Dox)] contained 6.3% (w/w) doxorubicin while the folic acid-doxorubicin-coupled derivative [(FA-PEG)-Pull-(Cyst-Dox)] contained 6% (w/w) doxorubicin and 4.3% (w/w) folic acid. Photon correlation spectroscopy showed that (NH₂ PEG)-Pull-(Cyst-Dox) and (FA-PEG)-Pull-(Cyst-Dox) assembled into particles of about 150 and 100 nm diameter, respectively. The two bioconjugates displayed similar drug release profiles either at pH 7.4 buffer or in plasma, where less than 20% of doxorubicin was released within three days. At pH 5.5, both conjugates underwent complete drug release in about 40 h. In vitro studies carried out with KB tumour cells over-expressing folic acid receptor showed that both free doxorubicin and (FA-PEG)-Pull-(Cyst-Dox) were rapidly taken up by the cells, while the internalisation of the non-folated derivative was significantly slower. Cell viability studies did not show relevant difference between the two bioconjugates. After 72 h of incubation with folic acid receptor non-expressing MCF7 cells, the IC₅₀ values of doxorubicin, (NH₂PEG)-Pull-(Cyst-Dox) and (FA-PEG)-Pull-(Cyst-Dox) were 0.3 μM, 1.2 μM and 3.1 μM, respectively. After incubation with KB cells over-expressing folic acid receptor, the IC₅₀ values were 0.4 μM, 1.8 μM and 1.1 μM, respectively. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that 4 h after intravenous administration of the conjugates to Balb/c mice about 40% of the administered drug equivalent dose was present in the bloodstream while in the case of unconjugated doxorubicin, 80% of the drug was cleared within 30 min.These findings suggest that the novel doxorubicin–pullulan bioconjugates possess suitable properties for passive tumour targeting. On the other hand, folic acid conjugation has been found to have limited effect on selective cell up-take.     

Physicochemical Characterization,Solubilization, and Stabilization of 9-Nitrocamptothecin Using Pluronic Block Copolymers

Solid-state properties and physicochemical characteristics of 9-nitrocamptothecin (9NC) were investigated with a view of molecular and bulk level understanding of its poor aqueous solubility and hydrolytic instability that prevent efficient drug delivery and pharmacological activity. 9NC bulk drug substance was found to be a nonhygroscopic, yellowish crystalline solid with long rectangular prism-shaped particle morphology and a sharp melting point at 264°C. Hydrolysis of 9NC-lactone occurs above pH 4, whereas complete conversion of lactone to carboxylate was recorded above pH 8. At saturated conditions, appreciable concentrations of 9NC-lactone were detected at pH as high as 11. 9NC undergoes oxidation in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide with formation of 9NC-N-oxide. The total solubility of lactone and carboxylate forms of 9NC in deionized water was found to be less than 5 μg/mL, whereas the solubility of 9NC-lactone in aqueous acidic media was determined to be approximately 2.5 μg/mL. Incorporation of 10% pluronic copolymers P123, F127, and F68 in 10 mM HCl increased 9NC solubility by 13-fold, eightfold, and fivefold, respectively. The thermodynamic stability of drug-loaded pluronic micelles was evaluated under isothermal variable volume conditions and found F127, among all poloxamers, to offer the best hydrolytic protection efficacy for 9NC.     

Crystallization and polymorphic transitions of chlorpropamide in aqueous 2-hydroxybutyl-β-cyclodextrin solution

Effects of cyclodextrins on crystallization of chlorpropamide and the polymorphic transition mechanism of the drug in aqueous solution were investigated. In the presence of 2-hydroxybutyl-β-cyclodextrin, chlorpropamide was exclusively crystallized to metastable Form II and III polymorphs, whereas it was crystallized to stable Form A in the absence of the β-cyclodextrin at 4 °C. The crystallization to metastable Form II or III polymorph was dependent upon 2-hydroxybutyl-β-cyclodextrin concentrations employed, i.e. crystallization to Form III at a lower concentration (0.5 mM), whereas to Form II in a higher concentration (5 mM). At an intermediate concentration (2 mM), the least stable Form II crystal was initially precipitated, but it was transformed to Form III crystal. At higher temperature, Form III crystal was converted to stable Form A crystal. In aqueous solution, chlorpropamide crystallized to stable Form A crystal consecutively through metastable Forms II and III, according to “Ostwald's Rule of Stages”. 2-Hydroxybutyl-β-cyclodextrin inhibits the transition of Form II to Form III at higher concentrations and that of Form III to Form A at lower concentrations. The results suggest that 2-hydroxybutyl-β-cyclodextrin is useful for selective preparation of metastable chlorpropamide polymorphs occurring during crystallization according to the Ostwald's rule.     

Design of a gastroretentive mucoadhesive dosage form of furosemide for controlled release

The aim of the present study was to develop and characterize a gastroretentive dosage form suitable for controlled drug release. It consists of a drug loaded polymeric film made up of a bilayer of immediate (IR) and controlled release (CR) layers folded into a hard gelatin capsule. Gastroretention results from unfolding and swelling of the film and its bioadhesion to the gastric mucosa. Furosemide, a drug with a narrow absorption window, was selected as the model drug. Inclusion of hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin in both layers and Carbopol^® 971P NF in the CR layer of the bilayer film resulted in optimum drug release, bioadhesion and mechanical properties. The film with zig-zag folding in the capsule was shown to unfold and swell under acidic conditions and provide IR of drug over 1 h and CR for up to 12 h in acidic medium. X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy revealed uniform dispersion of furosemide in the polymeric matrices. The results indicate the dosage form is gastroretentive and can provide controlled release of drugs with narrow therapeutic windows.     

Spray freeze drying for dry powder inhalation of nanoparticles

Formulating nanoparticles for delivery to the deep lung is complex and many techniques fail in terms of nanoparticle stability. Spray freeze drying (SFD) is suggested here for the production of inhalable nanocomposite microcarriers (NCM). Different nanostructures were prepared and characterized including polymeric and lipid nanoparticles. Nanoparticle suspensions were co-sprayed with a suitable cryoprotectant into a cooled, stainless steel spray tower, followed by freeze drying to form a dry powder while equivalent compositions were spray dried (SD) as controls. SFD-NCM possess larger specific surface areas (67–77 m²/g) and lower densities (0.02 g/cm³) than their corresponding SD-NCM. With the exception of NCM of lipid based nanocarriers, SFD produced NCM with a mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 3.0 ± 0.5 μm and fine particle fraction (FPF ⩽ 5.2 μm) of 45 ± 1.6% with aerodynamic performances similar to SD-NCM. However, SFD was superior to SD in terms of maintaining the particle size of all the investigated polymeric and lipid nanocarriers following reconstitution (S_f/S_i ratio for SFD ≈ 1 versus >1.5 for SD). The SFD into cooled air proved to be an efficient technique to prepare NCM for pulmonary delivery while maintaining the stability of the nanoparticles.     

Loperamide, an antidiarrhea drug, has antitumor activity by inducing cell apoptosis

Loperamide, an antidiarrhea drug, is a peripheral opiate agonist. Some other opiate agonists have been shown to promote cell apoptosis. In this research, we studied the apoptosis-inducing and cytotoxic activities of loperamide. MTT assay was used to determine its cytotoxicity on nine established human tumor cell lines. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Hypodiploid cells and cell cycles were analyzed by propidium iodide (PI) staining, while early apoptotic cells were detected by annexin V-FITC/PI staining. It was found that loperamide could inhibit the proliferation of the tested tumor cell lines. The IC₅₀ values for SMMC7721, MCF7, SPC-A1, SKOV3-DDP, H460, HepG2, SGC7901, U2OS, and ACHN cells were 24.2 ± 2.1 μM, 23.6 ± 2.5 μM, 25.9 ± 3.1 μM, 27.1 ± 2.5 μM, 41.4 ± 2.1 μM, 23.7 ± 1.3 μM, 35.4 ± 3.5 μM, 11.8 ± 2.8 μM, and 28.5 ± 3.4 μM, respectively. Loperamide was more effective to the human osteosarcoma U2OS cells with an IC₅₀ value of 11.8 ± 2.8 μM. Meanwhile, it could induce cell apoptosis and cause G2/M-phase cell cycle arrest. The apoptotic cells could be found when treating with loperamide for 6 h and most of them belonged to early apoptosis. In loperamide-treated cells, activation of caspase-3 was found, namely that caspase-3 was involved in the loperamide-induced apoptosis. The results of these studies indicate that loperamide is a potential antitumor agent. To our knowledge, this is the first report on antitumor activity of loperamide.     

Equilibrium kinetics of the new experimental anti-tumour compound SK&F 104864-A in aqueous solution

The equilibrium kinetics of lactone ring hydrolysis in the new experimental anti-tumour compound SK&F 104864-A, (S)-dimethylaminomethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin hydrochloride, have been studied. Only one product is formed, SK&F 105992. A stability-indicating HPLC method has been optimized to perform the analysis. The pH is the main factor influencing equilibrium; at pH 10 the lactone ring is quantitatively opened while at pH values 4 the lactone form is exclusively present. Other parameters, such as buffer ions and ionic strength, do not influence equilibrium. Complexation with dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin stabilizes the lactone form. Other cyclodextrins do not show this stabilization.     

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor improves early remodeling in isoproterenol-induced cardiac injury in rats

BackgroundGranulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been used in some animal models and humans with wellestablished cardiovascular diseases. However, its effects in the initial stage of progressive non-ischemic heart failure are unknown.MethodsWistar rats (260–300 g) were divided into three groups: control (without any intervention), ISO (150 mg/kg isoproterenol hydrochloride sc, once a day for two consecutive days), and ISO-GCSF (50 μg/kg/d G-CSF for 7 days beginning 24 h after the last administration of ISO). Echocardiography was performed at baseline and after 30 days of follow-up. Subsequently, animals were anesthetized for hemodynamic analysis. The left ventricle was removed for analysis of interstitial collagen deposition and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.ResultsIsoproterenol led to left ventricular dilation (control, 7.7 ± 0.14 mm; ISO, 8.7 ± 0.16 mm; ISO-GCSF 7.8 ± 0.09 mm; p < 0.05), myocardial fibrosis (control, 2.0 ± 0.18%; ISO, 9.1 ± 0.81%; ISO-GCSF 5.9 ± 0.58%; p < 0.05) and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy (control, 303 ± 10 μm²; ISO, 356 ± 18 μm²; ISO-GCSF 338 ± 11 μm²; p < 0.05). However, G-CSF partially prevented collagen deposition and left ventricular enlargement, with a slight effect on hypertrophy. Characterizing a compensated stage of disease, hemodynamic analysis did not change.ConclusionsG-CSF administered for 7 days was effective in preventing the onset of ventricular remodeling induced by high-dose isoproterenol with decreased collagen deposition and chamber preservation.     

Protective effects of dehydrocostus lactone against hydrogen peroxide-induced dysfunction and oxidative stress in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells

Oxidative stress regulates cellular functions in multiple pathological conditions, including bone formation by osteoblasic cells. To elucidate the protective effects of dehydrocostus lactone on the response of osteoblast to oxidative stress, osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells were incubated with 0.3 mM hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and/or dehydrocostus lactone (0.1–10 μg/ml), and markers of osteoblast function and oxidative damage were examined. Dehydrocostus lactone (0.1–10 μg/ml) significantly increased osteoblast growth compared with control (P < 0.05). H₂O₂-induced reduction of differentiation markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen content, and calcium deposition was recovered in the presence of dehydrocostus lactone (0.4–2 μg/ml). Treatment with dehydrocostus lactone (10 μg/ml) decreased the production of osteoclast differentiation-inducing factors such as interleukin (IL)-6 and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand (RANKL) in the presence of H₂O₂. Moreover, dehydrocostus lactone (0.4–2 μg/ml) decreased the formation of protein carbonyl (PCO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) induced by H₂O₂ in osteoblasts. Taken together, these results demonstrate that dehydrocostus lactone can protect osteoblasts against H₂O₂-induced cellular dysfunction. These results also suggest that dehydrocostus lactone may be valuable as a protective agent against oxidative damage in osteoblasts.     

In vitro characterization and pharmacokinetics in mice following pulmonary delivery of itraconazole as cyclodextrin solubilized solution

This study aims to make a 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) solubilized itraconazole (ITZ) solution (i.e., HPβCD-ITZ) suitable for pulmonary delivery by nebulization, and compare pharmacokinetics of inhaled nebulized aerosols of HPβCD-ITZ versus a colloidal dispersion of ITZ nanoparticulate formulation (i.e., URF-ITZ). Solid state characterizations of lyophilized HPβCD-ITZ by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated the formation of dynamic inclusion complexes between ITZ and HPβCD. Nebulized aerosols of both HPβCD-ITZ and colloidal dispersion of URF-ITZ were confirmed suitable for deep lung delivery. Single doses of the nebulized aerosols (equivalent to 5.3 mg ITZ/mL in 5 mL) in mice produced similar ITZ lung depositions and pharmacokinetic profiles, with ITZ lung levels of approximately 4 μg/g wet lung weight upon completion of nebulization and remained above 0.5 μg/g at 24 h. HPβCD-ITZ demonstrated faster systemic absorption of ITZ across lung epithelium than URF-ITZ, with t_max values of 1.5 and 3.0 h, and AUC_0–∞ of 2513 and 3717 ng h/mL, respectively. The fast absorption of solubilized ITZ across lung mucosal surface may be due in part to the elimination of the phase-to-phase transition.     

Effect of total and partial nephrectomy on the elimination of ciprofloxacin in humans

BackgroundRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common form of kidney cancer. Surgery is a standard procedure to resect the tumor during total (TN) or partial (nephron-sparing) nephrectomy (PN). Ciprofloxacin is most often administered at the usual intravenous dose of 100–400 mg/12 h. The application of such low doses of ciprofloxacin as 200 mg/24 h carries the risk of achieving subtherapeutic concentrations even in patients with limited renal function. The aim of the study was a comparison of concentrations and pharmacokinetics for ciprofloxacin at steady-state in patients after total and partial nephrectomy and evaluation of the effectiveness of the iv dose 200 mg/24 h against the theoretical value of MIC, 0.5 μg/ml.MethodsThe research was carried out on two groups of patients after nephrectomy: total (group 1, n = 21; mean [SD], age, 62.9 [14.4] years; weight, 76.0 [14.6] kg; creatinine clearance, clcr, 90.7 [22.2] ml/min) and partial (group 2, n = 15; 61.7 [9.3] years; 87.8 [16.4] kg; CL_CR, 107.8 [36.4] ml/min). The patients were treated with ciprofloxacin in the dose of 200 mg/24 h (iv). Plasma concentrations of ciprofloxacin at steady state were measured with validated HPLC method with UV detection.ResultsThe mean values of plasma concentrations of ciprofloxacin at steady state in group 1 and 2 were: C^ss_max, 2.012 and 1.345; C^ss_min, 0.437 and 0.244 μg/ml, respectively. The main pharmacokinetic parameters for ciprofloxacin in group 1 and 2 were as follows: AUC_(0–last), 30.9 [17.9] and 19.5 [8.7] μg h/ml; AUMC_(0–last), 177.91 [11.1] and 91.9 [66.5] μg h²/ ml; _t1/2β, 13.9 [7.7] and 9.8 [3.3] h; MRT, 16.5 [12.1] and 9.77 [5.4] h; V_d, 115.0 [67.2] and 142.2 [78.7] l; CL, 6.2 [3.3] and 10.8 [5.7] l/h, respectively. With the assumed MIC = 0.5 μg/ml, the values of C^ss_max/MIC < 10 and AUC/MIC < 125 were obtained in all the patients.ConclusionIn our patients we observed significant differences in some pharmacokinetic parameters of ciprofloxacin after two types of nephrectomy.     

New amphiphilic and pH-sensitive hydrogel for controlled release of a model poorly water-soluble drug

This paper presents the development of new pH-sensitive, amphiphilic and biocompatible hydrogels based on alginate-g-PCL, cross-linked with calcium ions to form beads, prepared for controlled delivery of poorly water-soluble drug. We have focused our study on the effect of the length of PCL chains (530 and 1250 g mol⁻¹). Swelling profiles obtained clearly indicated that these hydrogels swell slightly (10–14%) in a simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2), and strongly (700–1300% before disintegration) in a simulated intestinal fluid (pH 6.8). In both media, rates of swelling were lower for beads based on amphiphilic derivatives than for alginate/Ca²⁺ ones due to the hydrophobic PCL grafts, and decreased when hydrophobic character increased. A model drug, theophylline, was entrapped into these hydrogels and release studies were carried out. The drug was protected in acidic fluid (only 14–20% of release for alginate-g-PCL hydrogel against 35% of release for alginate hydrogel during 350 min). The drug is released completely in neutral fluid due to ion exchanges and disintegration of the hydrogel. PCL leads to decrease in the release kinetics in SIF (2 h for alginate-g-PCL/Ca²⁺ beads against 1 h for alginate/Ca²⁺ beads). It was demonstrated that the establishment of clusters inside beads by intramolecular interactions between PCL grafts of 530 g mol⁻¹ in salt media allowed to retain the drug and to slow down its release considerably.     

Study of omeprazole stability in aqueous solution: influence of cyclodextrins

Omeprazole (OME) is a proto type anti-secretary agent. This compound is very unstable, especially in acidic aqueous solutions. A stability indicating HPLC assay has been developed in order to investigate the effect of different factors on the stability of omeprazole. These factors included the pH with the tested values ranging from 6–10 and the temperature by monitoring the drug stability at 25, 37 and 40°C. The study was then extended to investigate the effect of cyclodextrins, namely beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD), dimethyl-beta-cyclodextrin (DMβ-CD), hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPβ-CD) and maltosyl-beta-cyclodextrin (Mβ-CD) on the stability of omeprazole. The results showed the dependence of drug stability on the pH and temperature with the degradation being significant below pH 7 and at higher temperature. The degradation kinetics follows the first-order kinetics. The addition of different cyclodextrins accelerates the degradation of drug, and this effect was in the following manner: β-CD > DMβ-CD > Mβ-CD > HPβ-CD. The effect of different concentrations of HPβ-CD on the degradation of drug was also studied. It was noted that the degradation of drug depends on the concentration of HPβ-CD up to 1.0 mM; above this concentration the degradation was constant.