Medical and Pharmaceutical Journal

Enhancement of neuroprotective and anti-edema action in mice ischemic stroke model using T3 loaded nanoparticles

2024-01-13T03:27:00-05:00

Background: cerebral ischemia still represents one of the most common causes of death and disability worldwide. A prompt treatment using strong neuroprotective medications is one potential method of pharmacological therapy for brain ischemic stroke patients. Thyroid hormone (T3) has been demonstrated to protect against ischemic damage. Despite the fact that thyroid hormone may pass across the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

Objective: we hypothesized that the effectiveness of thyroid hormone in ischemic brain stroke can be improved by encapsulation in nanoparticulate delivery vehicles.

Methods: We tested our hypothesis by generating thyroid hormone encapsulated in nanoparticles or brain-targeted nanoparticles using biodegradable polymers by utilizing an environment-friendly Supercritical Assisted Atomization (SAA) process as an alternative to a thyroid hormone solution in the setting of the MCAO stroke model. The biggest benefit of our proposed exploit of thyroid hormones in ischemic stroke is the fact that this strategy uses the body’s endogenous hormones at sub-toxic levels to afford significant improvement in a life-endangering situation. According to our preliminary studied considerations, some tests were performed setting the saturator operating conditions in a pressure range between 5 and 15MPa and a temperature range between 70 and 90^oC.

Results: The best results in terms of stability of the process and morphology of thyroid hormone nanoparticles were observed operating at 10MPa and 80^oC. Our preliminary investigations also show that treatment with T3 significantly decreased infarct area (~36%) and analysis of hemispheric areas for edema formation showed that the edema formation induced by transient-MCAO was reduced by ~60% upon T3 treatment.

Conclusion: Thus, innovation in our proposal lies in our hypothesis, and our novel approaches directed at tackling edema in stroke.

Study and microbial evaluation of home-made meat meals sold in the markets of the city of Al-Bayda – Libya

2024-04-14T20:04:24-04:00

Background and aims. This study was conducted to evaluate 40 samples of home-prepared meat in the city of Al-Bayda(20 red meat meals and 20 poultry meat samples).All samples were tested for the total number of viable bacteria, E. coli,The number of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus, psychoactive and Anaerobic bacteria, mold count, and yeast count.The study showed that the average number of home mealsRed meat and processed poultry were 14.63 x 106, 19.19 x 105,10.35 x 510, 16.04 x 105, 104 x 3.8, and 7.39 x 105 CFU/g,respectively.The percentage of Staphylococcus aureus is 46.4% and 40% in processed red meatand poultry meals, respectively. The research showed that aerobic Bacteria did not grow in all the meals that were tested, and these results demonstrated the importance of this, which gave a serious indication that all home-prepared meat is dangerous to human health.

Store and cost of medicine in Libya house.

2024-03-26T19:39:35-04:00

Background: The way we store our medications affects their effectiveness. When patients need to take their prescriptions outside the home, the health care provider should advise them on how to transport and store them safely.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate or determine the storage conditions of medicines, usage habits, and cost of medications in households in Libya.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included questionnaires conducted randomly in 100 Libyan homes. Householders were informed in advance of the survey, which took place from September to November 2023.

Results: the final questionnaire included the following sections: there was demographic data on household storage of medicines in Libya, types of medications found in Libyan households, places for drugs were stored in Libyan households, factors related to medications in Libyan households, and cost of drugs found in Libyan households.

Conclusion: the prevalence of household drug storage in 100-libya households was analgesics, antihypertension, and antiasthmatic. Most drugs kept at home were not appropriately labeled or stored in a safe place. This study highlights the urgent need for improved awareness and education regarding proper medication storage and labeling in Libyan households.

Metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity: Possible central serotonergic and noradrenergic system involvement

2024-04-14T18:38:42-04:00

Background: Metronidazole is a synthetic 5-nitroimidazole antibiotic. It remains a first-line therapy for anaerobic, parasitic, and bacterial infections in human and veterinary medicine. However, Metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity is a rising challenge. The mechanism of neurotoxicity induction is still unknown.
Objective: To investigate a possible interference of metronidazole with central monoaminergic mechanisms using the Forced Swim Test.
Methods: sixty adult rats were divided into 10 groups (n=10 for metronidazole and saline, n=5 for other groups). Group 1 = 5 ml/kg normal saline; Group 2 = 50 mg/kg metronidazole; group 3= 15 mg/kg imipramine; Group 4 =15 mg/kg imipramine + 50 mg/kg metronidazole. Group 5 = 5 mg/kg fluoxetine; Group 6 received 5 mg/kg fluoxetine + 50 mg/kg metronidazole; Group 7 = labetalol 10 mg/kg; Groups 8, 9 and 10 received labetalol 10 mg/kg + 50 mg/kg metronidazole, PCPA (p-chlorophenylalanine) 100 mg/kg and PCPA 100 mg/kg + 50 mg/kg metronidazole daily X 28 days. On day 28, FST was done 1h after the respective treatments. On day 29, blood samples were collected under halothane anesthesia for hematological assessment.
Results: Immobility time increased (P<0.01) in the groups treated with metronidazole, labetalol, PCPA, labetalol + metronidazole, and PCPA+ metronidazole. Swimming was reduced by metronidazole, PCPA, metronidazole + PCPA and metronidazole + labetalol. Metronidazole + labetalol reduced climbing. These effects were not reduced by co-treatment with imipramine or fluoxetine. White blood cell count increased (p<0.01) in all treatment groups. Lymphocyte percent increased in the metronidazole-treated groups.
Conclusion: Interference with postsynaptic central monoaminergic neurotransmission and immunomodulation may contribute to metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity.