Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 69 in total

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  1. Hyperferritinaemia: An Iron Sword of Autoimmunity
    Giemza-Stokłosa J, Islam MA, Kotyla PJ
    Curr Pharm Des, 2019;25(27):2909-2918.
    PMID: 31686632 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190709202804
    BACKGROUND: Ferritin is a molecule that plays many roles being the storage for iron, signalling molecule, and modulator of the immune response.

    METHODS: Different electronic databases were searched in a non-systematic way to find out the literature of interest.

    RESULTS: The level of ferritin rises in many inflammatory conditions including autoimmune disorders. However, in four inflammatory diseases (i.e., adult-onset Still's diseases, macrophage activation syndrome, catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome, and sepsis), high levels of ferritin are observed suggesting it as a remarkable biomarker and pathological involvement in these diseases. Acting as an acute phase reactant, ferritin is also involved in the cytokine-associated modulator of the immune response as well as a regulator of cytokine synthesis and release which are responsible for the inflammatory storm.

    CONCLUSION: This review article presents updated information on the role of ferritin in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases with an emphasis on hyperferritinaemic syndrome.

  2. Guest-host Relationship of Cyclodextrin and its Pharmacological Benefits
    Alshati F, Alahmed TAA, Sami F, Ali MS, Majeed S, Murtuja S, et al.
    Curr Pharm Des, 2023;29(36):2853-2866.
    PMID: 37946351 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128266398231027100119
    Many methods, including solid dispersion, micellization, and inclusion complexes, have been employed to increase the solubility of potent drugs. Beta-cyclodextrin (βCD) is a cyclic oligosaccharide consisting of seven glucopyranoside molecules, and is a widely used polymer for formulating soluble inclusion complexes of hydrophobic drugs. The enzymatic activity of Glycosyltransferase or α-amylase converts starch or its derivatives into a mixture of cyclodextrins. The βCD units are characterized by α -(1-4) glucopyranose bonds. Cyclodextrins possess certain properties that make them very distinctive because of their toroidal or truncated cage-like supramolecular configurations with multiple hydroxyl groups at each end. This allowed them to encapsulate hydrophobic compounds by forming inclusion complexes without losing their solubility in water. Chemical modifications and newer derivatives, such as methylated βCD, more soluble hydroxyl propyl methyl βCD, and sodium salts of sulfobutylether-βCD, known as dexolve® or captisol®, have envisaged the use of CDs in various pharmaceutical, medical, and cosmetic industries. The successful inclusion of drug complexes has demonstrated improved solubility, bioavailability, drug resistance reduction, targeting, and penetration across skin and brain tissues. This review encompasses the current applications of β-CDs in improving the disease outcomes of antimicrobials and antifungals as well as anticancer and anti-tubercular drugs.
  3. GABAA receptors: Various stoichiometrics of subunit arrangement in α1β3 and α1β3ε receptors
    Has ATC, Chebib M
    Curr Pharm Des, 2018;24(17):1839-1844.
    PMID: 29766792 DOI: 10.2174/1381612824666180515123921
    GABAA receptors are members of the Cys-loop family of ligand-gated ion channels which mediate most inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. These receptors are pentameric assemblies of individual subunits, including α1-6, β1-3, γ1-3, δ, ε, π, θ and ρ1-3. The majority of receptors are comprised of α, β and γ or δ subunits. Depending on the subunit composition, the receptors are located in either the synapses or extrasynaptic regions. The most abundant receptors are α1βγ2 receptors, which are activated and modulated by a variety of pharmacologically and clinically unrelated agents such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, anaesthetics and neurosteroids, all of which bind at distinct binding sites located within the receptor complex. However, compared to αβγ, the binary αβ receptors lack a benzodiazepine α-γ2 interface. In pentameric αβ receptors, the third subunit is replaced with either an α1 or a β3 subunit leading to two distinct receptors that differ in subunit stoichiometry, 2α:3β or 3α:2β. The consequence of this is that 3α:2β receptors contain an α-α interface whereas 2α:3β receptors contain a β-β interface. Apart from the replacement of γ by α1 or β3 in binary receptors, the incorporation of ε subunit into GABAA receptors might be more complicated. As the ε subunit is not only capable of substituting the γ subunit, but also replacing the α/β subunits, receptors with altered stoichiometry and different pharmacological properties are produced. The different subunit arrangement of the receptors potentially constructs novel binding sites which may become new targets of the current or new drugs.
  4. Folic Acid Conjugated Nanocarriers for Efficient Targetability and Promising Anticancer Efficacy for Treatment of Breast Cancer: A Review of Recent Updates
    Choudhury H, Pandey M, Wen LP, Cien LK, Xin H, Yee ANJ, et al.
    Curr Pharm Des, 2020;26(42):5365-5379.
    PMID: 32693762 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200721000958
    Breast cancer (BC) is the commonest cause of cancer deaths among Women. It is known to be caused due to mutations in certain receptors, viz. estrogens or progesterones. The most frequently used conventional treatment strategies against BC include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and partial or entire mastectomy, however, these strategies are often associated with multiple adverse effects, thus reducing patient compliance. Advancement of nanotechnology in the medical application has been made to enhance the therapeutic effectiveness with a significant reduction in the unintended side-effects associated with incorporated anticancer drugs against cancer. The surface engineering technology of the nanocarriers is more pronounced in delivering the therapeutics specifically to target cells. Consequently, folic acid, a small molecular ligand for the folate receptor overexpressed cells, has shown immense response in treating BC cells. Folic acid conjugated nanocarriers have shown remarkable efficiency in targeting overexpressed folate receptors on the surface of BC cells. Binding of these target-specific folate-conjugated nanocarriers substantially improves the internalization of chemotherapeutics in BC cells, without much exposing the other parts of the body. Simultaneously, these folate-- conjugated nanocarriers provide imaging for regular monitoring of targeted drug delivery systems and their responses to an anticancer therapy. Therefore, this review demonstrates the potential of folate-conjugated nanotherapeutics for the treatment and theranostic approaches against BC along with the significant challenges to anticancer therapy, and the prospective insights into the clinical importance and effectiveness of folate conjugate nanocarriers.
  5. Fish Gelatin: Current Nutritional, Medicinal, Tissue Repair Applications and Carrier of Drug Delivery
    Soliman AM, Teoh SL, Das S
    Curr Pharm Des, 2022 Jan 28.
    PMID: 35088658 DOI: 10.2174/1381612828666220128103725
    Gelatin is obtained via partial denaturation of collagen and is extensively used in various industries. The majority of gelatin utilized globally is derived from a mammalian source. Several health and religious concerns associated with porcine/bovine gelatin were reported. Therefore, gelatin from a marine source is widely being investigated for its efficiency and utilization in a variety of applications as a potential substitute for porcine/bovine gelatin. Although fish gelatin is less durable and possesses lower melting and gelling temperatures compared to mammal-derived gelatin, various modifications are being reported to promote its rheological and functional properties to be efficiently employed. The present review describes in detail the current innovative applications of fish gelatin involving the food industry, drug delivery and possible therapeutic applications. Gelatin bioactive molecules may be utilized as carriers for drug delivery. Due to its versatility, gelatin can be used in different carrier systems, such as microparticles, nanoparticles, fibers and hydrogels. The present review also provides a perspective on the other potential pharmaceutical applications of fish gelatin, such as tissue regeneration, antioxidant supplementation, antihypertensive and anticancer treatments.
  6. Ethnicity and drug therapy for hypertension
    Amudha K, Wong LP, Choy AM, Lang CC
    Curr Pharm Des, 2003;9(21):1691-701.
    PMID: 12871202
    Physiological and pharmacological responses may be influenced by ethnicity as a result of genetic factors, environmental factors and/or their interaction. This review is divided into 2 parts. Firstly, there will be overview of ethnicity as a determinant of drug metabolism and response with reference to antihypertensive agents. The concept of ethnicity has been applied extensively to the study of hypertension especially in American blacks in whom the hypertension is more common and more aggressive. Thus, the second part of this review will then focus on examining the black-white differences in physiological responses to pharmacological challenge that may provide a link between these models and known ethnic differences in drug responses. We will discuss the hypertension studies that have examined the relative effectiveness of different classes of antihypertensive agents including several recent cardiovascular outcome trials that either have a high proportion of blacks or were conducted entirely in black subjects.
  7. Ellagic Acid Increases Osteocalcin and Alkaline Phosphatase After Tooth Extraction in Nicotinic-Treated Rats
    Al-Obaidi MM, Al-Bayaty FH, Al Batran R, Ibrahim OE, Daher AM
    Curr Pharm Des, 2016;22(16):2403-10.
    PMID: 27139374
    OBJECTIVES: -To examine the effect of nicotine (Ni) on bone socket healing treated with Ellagic acid (EA) after tooth extraction in rat.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-Two Sprague Dawley (SD) male rats were divided into four groups. The group 1 was administrated with distilled water intragastrically and injected sterile saline subcutaneously. The group 2 was administrated with EA orally and injected with sterile saline subcutaneously. The groups 3 & 4 were subcutaneously exposed to Ni for 4 weeks twice daily before tooth extraction procedure, and maintained Ni injection until the animals were sacrificed. After one month Ni exposure, the group 4 was fed with EA while continuing Ni injection. All the groups were anesthetized, and the upper left incisor was extracted. Four rats from each group were sacrificed on 14(th) and 28(th) days. Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) were applied to assess in serum rat at 14th and 28(th) days. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBRAS) levels were assessed to evaluate the antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation accordingly after tooth extraction in homogenized gingival maxilla tissue of rat at 14(th) and 28(th) days. The socket hard tissue was stained by eosin and hematoxylin (H&E); immunohistochemical technique was used to assess the healing process by Osteocalcin (OCN) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) biomarkers.

    RESULTS: Ni-induced rats administered with EA compound (Group 4) dropped the elevated concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines significantly when compared to Ni-induced rats (Group 3) (p<0.05). Ni-induced rats administrated with EA compound (Group 4) showed significant production of SOD and recession in TBRAS level when compared to Ni-induced rats (Group 3) (p<0.05). The immunohistochemistry analysis has revealed that OCN and ALP have presented stronger expression in Ni-induced rats treated with EA (Group 4), as against Ni-induced rats (Group 3).

    CONCLUSION: We have concluded that, Ni-induced rats, treated with EA have exerted positive effect on the trabecular bone formation after tooth extraction in nicotinic rats could be due to the antioxidant activity of EA which lead to upregulate of OCN and ALP proteins which are responsible for osteogenesis.

  8. Effect of Paclitaxel-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles on MDA-MB Type Cell Lines: Apoptosis and Cytotoxicity Studies
    Vijayan V, Shalini K, Yugesvaran V, Yee TH, Balakrishnan S, Palanimuthu VR
    Curr Pharm Des, 2018;24(28):3366-3375.
    PMID: 30179118 DOI: 10.2174/1381612824666180903110301
    BACKGROUND: Triple-Negative Breast Cancer is an aggressive type of breast cancer, which is not treatable by chemotherapy drugs, due to the lack of Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR) expression and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) on the cell surface.

    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of paclitaxel loaded PLGA nanoparticle (PTX-NPs) on the cytotoxicity and apoptosis of the different MDA-MB type of cell lines.

    METHOD: PTX-NPs were prepared by nanoprecipitation method and characterized earlier. The cytotoxicity of PTX-NPs was evaluated by MTT and LDH assay, later apoptosis was calculated by flow cytometry analysis.

    RESULTS: The prepared NP size of 317.5 nm and zetapontial of -12.7 mV showed drug release of 89.1 % at 48 h. MDA-MB-231 type cell showed significant cytotoxicity by MTT method of 47.4 ± 1.2 % at 24 h, 34.6 ± 0.8 % at 48 h and 23.5 ± 0.5 % at 72 h and LDH method of 35.9 ± 1.5 % at 24 h, 25.4 ± 0.6 % at 48 h and 19.8 ± 2.2 % at 72 h with apoptosis of 47.3 ± 0.4 %.

    CONCLUSION: We have found that PTX-NPs showed the cytotoxic effect on all the MDA-MB cancer cell lines and showed potent anticancer activities against MDA-MB-231 cell line via induction of apoptosis.

  9. Editorial: Contemporary siRNA Therapeutics and the Current State-of-Art
    Tekade RK
    Curr Pharm Des, 2015;21(31):4527-8.
    PMID: 26362643
  10. Editorial: Antibody Phage Display: The Evolution of Antibody Therapeutics
    Lim TS
    Curr Pharm Des, 2016 10 27;22(43):6477-6479.
    PMID: 27781936 DOI: 10.2174/1381612822999161019110228
  11. Fulltext Development of Peptide Vaccines in Dengue
    Reginald K, Chan Y, Plebanski M, Poh CL
    Curr Pharm Des, 2018;24(11):1157-1173.
    PMID: 28914200 DOI: 10.2174/1381612823666170913163904
    Dengue is one of the most important arboviral infections worldwide, infecting up to 390 million people and causing 25,000 deaths annually. Although a licensed dengue vaccine is available, it is not efficacious against dengue serotypes that infect people living in South East Asia, where dengue is an endemic disease. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop an efficient dengue vaccine for this region. Data from different clinical trials indicate that a successful dengue vaccine must elicit both neutralizing antibodies and cell mediated immunity. This can be achieved by designing a multi-epitope peptide vaccine comprising B, CD8+ and CD4+ T cell epitopes. As recognition of T cell epitopes are restricted by human leukocyte antigens (HLA), T cell epitopes which are able to recognize several major HLAs will be preferentially included in the vaccine design. While peptide vaccines are safe, biocompatible and cost-effective, it is poorly immunogenic. Strategies to improve its immunogenicity by the use of long peptides, adjuvants and nanoparticle delivery mechanisms are discussed.
  12. Development of Novel miRNA-based Vaccines and Antivirals against Enterovirus 71
    Yee PT, Poh CL
    Curr Pharm Des, 2016;22(44):6694-6700.
    PMID: 27510488 DOI: 10.2174/1381612822666160720165613
    The Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is caused by Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) and Coxsackieviruses. Common HFMD symptoms are high fever (≥ 39°C), rashes, and ulcers but complications due to virulent EV-A71 may arise leading to cardiopulmonary failure and death. The lack of vaccines and antiviral drugs against EV-A71 highlights the urgency of developing preventive and treatment agents. Recent studies have reported the emergence of novel antiviral agents and vaccines that utilize microRNAs (miRNAs). They belong to a class of small (19-24 nt) non coding RNA molecules. As miRNAs play a major role in the host regulatory system, there is a huge opportunity for interplay between host miRNAs and EV-A71 expressions. A total of 42 out of 64 miRNAs were up-regulated in EV-A71-infected cells. There was consistent up-regulation of miR-1246 gene expression that targeted the DLG3 gene which contributes to neurological pathogenesis. In contrast, miR-30a that targets calcium channels for membrane transportation was down-regulated. This leads to repression of EV-A71 replication. The impact of host miRNAs on immune activation, shutdown of host protein synthesis, apoptosis, signal transduction and viral replication are discussed. miRNAs have been used in the construction of live attenuated vaccines (LAV) such as the poliovirus LAV that has miRNA binding sites for let-7a or miR-124a. The miRNAbearing vaccine will not replicate in neuronal cells carrying the corresponding miRNA but could still replicate in the gastrointestinal tract and hence remains to act as immunogens. As such, miRNAs are attractive candidates to be developed as vaccines and antivirals.
  13. Determining effective diabetic care; a multicentre - longitudinal interventional study
    Gillani SW
    Curr Pharm Des, 2016;22(42):6469-6476.
    PMID: 27526787 DOI: 10.2174/1381612822666160813235704
    BACKGROUND: Prevalence of chronic diseases are on the rise with majority occurring in developing countries where the projected death caused by chronic diseases will reach 50 million by the year 2020.
    OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the outcomes of wireless mobile device (Telemonitoring) with Pharmacist intervention and usual care on glycemic control and clinical outcomes.
    METHOD: This study is a six-month parallel groups interventional longitudinal multi-center study with a control arm. The study participants consist of patient diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and attending the outpatient department (OPD) for diabetic treatment. The study protocol is approved from ministry of health Malaysia and clinical research committee (CRC). Data analysis was made using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 22 (Armok, NY).
    RESULTS: A total of 150 participants were selected to enroll in this study. Initial baseline comparison showed 'No significant difference' between the two intervention arms and control group. Findings showed that baseline dataset have no significant change among all three-arms. However last week of study showed significant (p<0.001) improvement among pharmacist intervention arm as compared to telemonitoring and control arm. Glycemic control seems well tolerated and managed among pharmacist intervention arm as compared to telemonitoring and control arm (p<0.001). The study findings also showed reduction of mean 2.72 % (HbA1c) as compare to baseline in six months. The proportion of participants experiencing hypoglycemic/hyperglycemic events was significantly lower in the pharmacist intervention group compared to telemonitoring and control arm (odds ratio: 2.1381; 95% CI: 3.0267-1.6059, p<0.001).
    CONCLUSION: The Pharmacist educational focus-home care program improves the patient knowledge, self-care practices and also significantly reduce the adverse events over study duration.
  14. DNA Methylation: An Epigenetic Insight into Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
    Alam F, Islam MA, Gan SH, Mohamed M, Sasongko TH
    Curr Pharm Des, 2016;22(28):4398-419.
    PMID: 27229720
    DNA methylation, a major regulator of epigenetic modifications has been shown to alter the expression of genes that are involved in aspects of glucose metabolism such as glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction and other conditions, and it ultimately leads to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Current evidences indicate an association of DNA methylation with T2DM. This review provides an overview of how various factors play crucial roles in T2DM pathogenesis and how DNA methylation interacts with these factors. Additionally, an update on current techniques of DNA methylation analysis with their pros and cons is provided as a basis for the adoption of suitable techniques in future DNA methylation research towards better management of T2DM. To elucidate the mechanistic relationship between vital environmental factors and the development of T2DM, a better understanding of the changes in gene expression associated with DNA methylation at the molecular level is still needed.
  15. Current approaches in antiviral drug discovery against the Flaviviridae family
    Baharuddin A, Hassan AA, Sheng GC, Nasir SB, Othman S, Yusof R, et al.
    Curr Pharm Des, 2014;20(21):3428-44.
    PMID: 24001228
    Viruses belonging to the Flaviviridae family primarily spread through arthropod vectors, and are the major causes of illness and death around the globe. The Flaviviridae family consists of 3 genera which include the Flavivirus genus (type species, yellow fever virus) as the largest genus, the Hepacivirus (type species, hepatitis C virus) and the Pestivirus (type species, bovine virus diarrhea). The flaviviruses (Flavivirus genus) are small RNA viruses transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks that take over host cell machinery in order to propagate. However, hepaciviruses and pestiviruses are not antropod-borne. Despite the extensive research and public health concern associated with flavivirus diseases, to date, there is no specific treatment available for any flavivirus infections, though commercially available vaccines for yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and tick-born encephalitis exist. Due to the global threat of viral pandemics, there is an urgent need for new drugs. In many countries, patients with severe cases of flavivirus infections are treated only by supportive care, which includes intravenous fluids, hospitalization, respiratory support, and prevention of secondary infections. This review discusses the strategies used towards the discovery of antiviral drugs, focusing on rational drug design against Dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Yellow Fever virus (YFV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Only modified peptidic, nonpeptidic, natural compounds and fragment-based inhibitors (typically of mass less than 300 Da) against structural and non-structural proteins are discussed.
  16. Current Status and Challenges in Rotigotine Delivery
    Md S, Karim S, Saker SR, Gie OA, Hooi LC, Yee PH, et al.
    Curr Pharm Des, 2020;26(19):2222-2232.
    PMID: 32175832 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200316154300
    Rotigotine is a non-ergoline, high lipophilic dopamine agonist. It is indicated as the first-line therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD) and Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). However, the precise mechanism of rotigotine is yet to be known. Rotigotine has similar safety and tolerability to the other oral non-ergolinic dopamine antagonists in clinical trials, which include nausea, dizziness and somnolence. Neupro® was the first marketed transdermal patch formulation having rotigotine. The transdermal delivery system is advantageous as it enables continuous administration of the drug, thus providing steady-state plasma drug concentration for 24-hours. Intranasal administration of rotigotine allows the drug to bypass the blood-brain barrier enabling it to reach the central nervous system within minutes. Rotigotine can also be formulated as an extended-release microsphere for injection. Some challenges remain in other routes of rotigotine administration such as oral, parenteral and pulmonary, whereby resolving these challenges will be beneficial to patients as they are less invasive and comfortable in terms of administration. This review compiles recent work on rotigotine delivery, challenges and its future perspective.
  17. Comparison of Cell-based and Nanoparticle-based Therapeutics in Treating Atherosclerosis
    Goh WX, Kok YY, Wong CY
    Curr Pharm Des, 2023;29(35):2827-2840.
    PMID: 37936453 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128272185231024115046
    Today, cardiovascular diseases are among the biggest public health threats worldwide. Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease with complex aetiology and pathogenesis, predispose many of these conditions, including the high mortality rate-causing ischaemic heart disease and stroke. Nevertheless, despite the alarming prevalence and absolute death rate, established treatments for atherosclerosis are unsatisfactory in terms of efficacy, safety, and patient acceptance. The rapid advancement of technologies in healthcare research has paved new treatment approaches, namely cell-based and nanoparticle-based therapies, to overcome the limitations of conventional therapeutics. This paper examines the different facets of each approach, discusses their principles, strengths, and weaknesses, analyses the main targeted pathways and their contradictions, provides insights on current trends as well as highlights any unique mechanisms taken in recent years to combat the progression of atherosclerosis.
  18. Chemokine Like Receptor-1 (CMKLR-1) Receptor: A Potential Therapeutic Target in Management of Chemerin Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Cancer
    Perumalsamy S, Aqilah Mohd Zin NA, Widodo RT, Wan Ahmad WA, Vethakkan SRDB, Huri HZ
    Curr Pharm Des, 2017;23(25):3689-3698.
    PMID: 28625137 DOI: 10.2174/1381612823666170616081256
    BACKGROUND: Chemerin is an adipokine that induces insulin resistance by the mechanism of inflammation in adipose tissue but these are still unclear. A high level of chemerin in humans is considered as a marker of inflammation in insulin resistance and obesity as well as in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Despite the role of chemerin in insulin resistance progression, chemerin as one of the novel adipokines is proposed to be involved in high cancer risk and mortality.

    AIM: The aim of this paper was to review the role of CMKLR-1 receptor and the potential therapeutic target in the management of chemerin induced type 2 diabetes mellitus and cancer.

    PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: Increased chemerin secretion activates an inflammatory response. The inflammatory response will increase the oxidative stress in adipose tissue and consequently results in an insulin-resistant state. The occurrence of inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance leads to the progression of cancers.

    CONCLUSION: Chemerin is one of the markers that may involve in development of both cancer and insulin resistance. Chemokine like receptor- 1 (CMKLR-1) receptor that regulates chemerin levels exhibits a potential therapeutic target for insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cancer treatment.

  19. Calixarene: A Versatile Material for Drug Design and Applications
    Hussain MA, Ashraf MU, Muhammad G, Tahir MN, Bukhari SNA
    Curr Pharm Des, 2017;23(16):2377-2388.
    PMID: 27779081 DOI: 10.2174/1381612822666160928143328
    The therapy of various diseases by the drugs entrapped in calixarene derivatives is gaining attraction of researchers nowadays. Calixarenes are macrocyclic nano-baskets which belong to cavitands class of host-guest chemistry. They are the marvelous hosts with distinct hydrophobic three dimensional cavities to entrap and encapsulate biologically active guest drugs. Calixarene and its derivatives develop inclusion complexes with various types of drugs and vitamins for their sustained/targeted release. Calixarene and its derivatives are used as carriers for anti-cancer, anti-convulsant, anti-hypertensive, anthelmentic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antipsychotic drugs. They are the important biocompatible receptors to improve solubility, chemical reactivity and decrease cytotoxicity of poorly soluble drugs in supramolecular chemistry. This review focuses on the calixarene and its derivatives as the state-of-the-art in host-guest interactions for important drugs. We have also critically evaluated calixarenes for the development of prodrugs.
  20. Blastocystis sp., Parasite Associated with Gastrointestinal Disorders: An Overview of its Pathogenesis, Immune Modulation and Therapeutic Strategies
    Kumarasamy V, Anbazhagan D, Subramaniyan V, Vellasamy S
    Curr Pharm Des, 2018;24(27):3172-3175.
    PMID: 30084327 DOI: 10.2174/1381612824666180807101536
    Blastocystis sp. is a unicellular parasitic microorganism commonly found in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals. It causes symptomatic or asymptomatic infection and its route of transmission is via fecal-oral. High prevalence of Blastocystis infection in developing countries is usually due to poor hygiene practices, exposure to animals infected with the parasite and intake of contaminated water or food. Blastocystis infected individuals often suffer from diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and stomach bloating. Even though pathogenicity of Blastocystis is unclear, it is commonly associated with irritable bowel syndrome. In this review, we have analysed the evidence that shows the association between this microorganism and gastrointestinal disorders. There have been a number of studies which showed that the pathogenicity of Blastocystis is related to its different STs. The pathogenicity is speculated to be due to cysteine proteases formation which stimulates mucosal cells to release interleukin-8 which has been associated with extreme dehydration and gut inflammation. In vitro studies on human colonic epithelial cells revealed that incubation of Blastocystis modulated the host immune response by stimulating the formation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and granulocyte macrophage colonystimulating factor. Metronidazole is found to be the first-line drug of choice. Another treatment option is the combination therapy with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.
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