@article { author = {Akool, El-Sayed}, title = {MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF TGF-/SMAD SIGNALING CASCADE INDUCED BY CYCLOSPORIN A IN A549 LUNG EPITHELIAL CELLS}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {50}, number = {2}, pages = {1-13}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2016.6920}, abstract = {Transforming growth factor-b (TGF-b) and downstream Smad signaling pathways have been found to be the most important pathways involved in tissue fibrosis via induction of the profibrotic genes connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1). Cyclosporin A (CsA) is one of the most efficient immunosuppressive drugs that has been shown to induce a rapid activation of TGF-b/Smad signaling pathway. The present work demonstrates that CsA similar to TGF-b causes a rapid phosphorylation of Smad-2 in A549 lung epithelial cells which is abrogated by the addition of neutralizing TGF-b-antibody. By using the TGF-b receptor I kinase inhibitor, activin receptor-like kinase-5 (ALK-5) a critical involvement of TGF-b receptor in CsA-triggered Smad signaling was depicted. Furthermore, TGF-b release and Smad-2 phosphorylation induced by CsA were highly reduced in the presence of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), indicating that ROS is required for TGF-b release and Smad-2 phosphorylation induced by CsA. Moreover, the present work demonstrates that CsA via ROS generation and activation of TGF-b/Smad signaling cascade can cause an increase in the expression of the profibrotic genes CTGF and TIMP-1 in A549 lung epithelial cells. Collectively, these data demonstrate that CsA causes a rapid activation of the fibrogenic Smad signaling cascade in A549 lung epithelial cells via generation of ROS and subsequent activation of latent TGFβ that is sufficient to elicit fibrogenic cell responses as indicated by increasing the expression of the fibrogenic genes CTGF and TIMP-1 that play an important role in tissue fibrosis. }, keywords = {}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6920.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6920_6338e262b9447ac35e6140a77eff26cf.pdf} } @article { author = {Badary, Osama}, title = {EFFECT OF ACETYL-L-CARNITINE ON THE INCIDENCE AND THE SEVERITY OF PACLITAXEL- INDUCED PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY IN CANCER PATIENTS}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {50}, number = {2}, pages = {14-30}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2016.6928}, abstract = {Aim. To evaluate the impact of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) administration on the incidence and severity of sensory and motor paclitxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) in patients with breast cancer. Methods. Prospective, randomized, controlled study. Patients presenting to the Clinical Oncology Department, Ain Shams University, Cairo, were assessed for eligibility. Forty eligible patients with breast cancer were randomized to one of 2 groups. Control group (n=20) received three cycles of paclitaxel on a weekly dose schedule. Test group received the same regimen plus 1000 mg of oral ALC 3 times/ day for 12 weeks. Baseline evaluation included clinical examination, nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and serum nerve growth factor (NGF) estimation. Incidence and severity of sensory and motor PIPN and treatment related toxicity were assessed after each cycle using the common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) version 4, (2010). Results. In the 1st cycle, no significant difference was evident between both groups in frequency of sensory and motor PIPN.  In the 2nd cycle and in the 3rd cycle, test group showed a significantly lower frequency of; sensory neuropathy and motor neuropathy versus control. At baseline, the median NGF levels were significantly lower in test group versus control. At the end of the study the median NGF levels were significantly lower in the control group versus their initial baseline levels. While, the test group median levels were higher than their baseline levels. The delta change in NGF was significantly different between the 2 groups. Conclusion Acetyl-l-carnitine administration led to a reduction in the frequency of motor and sensory PIPN, an improvement in NGF levels and was accompanied with less side effects and.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6928.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6928_40610fcba7b69c71946d14257ab3065e.pdf} } @article { author = {Akool, El-Sayed}, title = {CYCLOSPORIN A ACTIVATES TGF-/SMAD SIGNALING PATHWAY IN RAT LIVER}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {50}, number = {2}, pages = {31-42}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2016.6929}, abstract = {Cyclosporin A (CsA) is one of the most important immunosuppressive agents and therefore is widely used in organ transplantation. However, the clinical use of CsA is strongly limited by several side effects including hepatotoxicity which remains a major clinical problem. Transforming growth factor-b (TGF-b) and downstream Smad signaling pathways have been found to play an important role in liver fibrosis via induction of profibrotic genes such as tissue inhibitors of matrix metallproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). The present work demonstrates that treatment of animals with CsA causes a rapid activation of TGF-b/Smad signalingcascade in rat liver as demonstrated by an increase in plasma TGFb level and Smad-2 phosphorylation. Activation of TGF-b/Smad signalingcascade was accompanied by activation of Smad-dependent expression of TIMP-1and CTGF. However, concomitant administration of neutralizing anti-TGF-b antibody markedly reduced Smad-2 phosphorylation as well as CTGF and TIMP-1 expression induced by CsA. Furthermore, it was found that administration of the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) along with CsA significantly reduced plasma TGF-b level, Smad-2 phosphorylation as well as CTGF and TIMP-1 expression. These data demonstrates for the first time that administration of CsA causes a rapid activation of TGF-b/Smad signaling pathway and subsequent CTGF and TIMP-1 expression in rat liver.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6929.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6929_8f867584e00e7a00d22b2779c0eddef5.pdf} } @article { author = {Ayyad, Rezk}, title = {SYNTHESIS AND ANTICONVULSANT ACTIVITY OF 6-IODO PHTHALAZINEDIONE DERIVATIVES}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {50}, number = {2}, pages = {43-54}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2016.6930}, abstract = {A series of phthalazinedione bearing substituted sulfonamide moiety acetanilide esters hydrazide and oxadiazole derivatives (3a-f ),(4a-g),(5a-d) , (6), (7), (8), (9a-d) was synthesized in good yield and evaluated for their possible anticonvulsant activity. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed on the basis of their spectral data and elemental analysis. Their anticonvulsant  activity was evaluated by the maximal electroshock induced seizure (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) tests. All the tested compounds showed considerable anticonvulsant activity in at least one of the tested compounds exhibited moderate anticonvulsant activity in both MES and PTZ tests. From these results, phthalazinedione bearing chloroacetyl benzene sulfonamide  (3a-f-), acetanilide(4a-g) ester (5a-d), hydrazide (6), oxadiazole (7) and ester (9a-d) derivatives could be recommended as novel structures of broad spectrum anticonvulsants.}, keywords = {Epileptics Anticonvulsant,Iodophthalazindione and Oxadiazole}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6930.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6930_8ab648f7bb9f14d82770ba661f59316a.pdf} } @article { author = {Balah, Amany}, title = {WHEAT GERM OIL ATTENUATES CYCLOSPORIN A-INDUCED RENAL INJURY IN RATS VIA INHIBITION OF ROS, INOS, AND NF-B EXPRESSION}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {50}, number = {2}, pages = {55-66}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2016.6932}, abstract = {Cyclosporin A (CsA) is one of the most efficient immunosuppressive drugs that are widely used in organ transplantation. However, its clinical use is often limited by acute and chronic nephrotoxicity. One of the possible mechanisms of CsA-induced nephrotoxicity is thought to be reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. The present work was designed to investigate the potential protective effect of wheat germ oil (WGO) as antioxidant on CsA-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. It was found that treatment of animals with CsA alone significantly increased the levels of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. In addition, CsA has also reduced the renal content of reduced glutathione, as well as the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Furthermore, these effects were associated with an increase in lipid peroxidation, inducible NO-synthase (iNOS), and NF-kB expression. Moreover, histopathological examination showed severe damage of the renal tissue in animals treated with CsA alone. The present work demonstrates that administration of WGO 5 days before and concurrently during CsA administration ameliorated all these negative effects and improved renal function via inhibition of ROS, iNOS and NF-kB expression. Most interestingly, the immunosuppressive effect of CsA has not been affected by WGO.  }, keywords = {}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6932.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6932_31c15992f3224a16cf7c322cbc1c4f31.pdf} } @article { author = {Abu-Seada, Hamed}, title = {STABILITY – INDICATING SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC METHODS FOR DETERMINATION OF LAMOTRIGINE IN PURE FORM AND PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {50}, number = {2}, pages = {67-83}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2016.6934}, abstract = {Three simple, sensitive, accurate, and precise methods were developed for determination of lamotrigine (LTG) in bulk powder and pharmaceutical preparations. The first method depends on charge transfer complexing of LTG with chloranilic acid (CA) as will as with 2,3-Dichloro-5,6-Dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) to produce purple color measured at 520 and 588 nm for CA and DDQ respectively. Beer’s low was obeyed in the range of 25 –200 and 6- 42 µg ml-1 with LOD of 3.06 and 0.498 µg ml-1 and LOQ of 10.19 and 1.66 µg ml-1 respectively. The second method depends on ion pairing of LTG with bromothymol blue (BTB), bromophenol blue (BPB) and bromocresol green (BCG) to  produce red colored complexes measured at 419, 417 and 417 nm for the three reagents respectively. Beer’s low was obeyed in the range of 2 – 12 µg ml-1 for all reagents. LOD was found to be 0.56, 0.18 and 0.13 µg ml-1 while LOQ was 1.66, 1.86 and 0.53 respectively. The third method is the adopting of the first derivative spectrophotometry at 291 nm for direct determination of lamotrigine in presence of its degradation product. A linear relationship between peak height and drug concentration was obtained in the range of 10 – 70 µg ml-1.LOD and LOQ were found to be 0.68 and 2.26 µg ml-1 respectively. The percent recoveries ± RSD% of these methods were 99.52-100.36 ± 0.78-1.34, 99.65-100.48 + 0.85-1.38, and 99.62-100.26 ± 1.17-1.22 % respectively. The obtained results were compared with those of the reported method and no significant difference was observed regarding accuracy and precision}, keywords = {lamotrigine,Charge-transfer and Ion-pair determinations - Stability - indicating first derivative spectrophotometry}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6934.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6934_9c770b835f9a6ad5964958eddfd5c47d.pdf} } @article { author = {HEFESHA, HOSSAM}, title = {CATIONIC LIPID NANOEMULSION AS A DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM IN CANCER AND VIRAL IMMUNOTHERAPY}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {50}, number = {2}, pages = {84-102}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2016.6935}, abstract = {The activation of Toll-like receptors (TLR) by natural or synthetic ligands results in cytokine secretion and increased phagocytosis by macrophages and cytolytic activity by natural killer (NK) cells. So,wedeveloped a stable, efficient, and nontoxic cationic nanoemulsion (CNE) suitable for TLR ligand oligonucleotide (ssRNA) delivery. The nanoemulsion is based on squalene, cationic lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-trimethylammoniumpropane (DOTAP), helper lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), tween 80, and poloxamer 188. Factorial design was used to investigate the influence of of tween 80 and poloxamer 188 on particle size, single strand RNA (ssRNA) binding %, Interferon (INF α induction). Results showed that by increasing the poloxamer 188 and/or tween 80, the particle size decreased.The influence of tween 80 and poloxamer 188 concentrations on the particle surface on ssRNA binding efficiency is evident. Although most of the formulations showed a high binding efficiency of ssRNA, only two formulations produced high amount of INF α. Interestingly that in both formulations either poloxamer 188 is present (F3) or tween 80 is present (F4) but where both together in one formulation, the INF α production decreased relatively. In conclusion, cationic nanoemulsion could be a promising drug delivery system for nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) in cancer and viral immunotherapy.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6935.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6935_93a0d72fe328ebf265598a9f1bd9f26e.pdf} } @article { author = {Hosny, Mohammed}, title = {PHENOLIC CONSTITUENTS AND THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF MENTHA LONGIFOLIA}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {50}, number = {2}, pages = {103-116}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2016.6936}, abstract = {Phytochemical investigation of the constituents in acetone extract of the aerial parts of Mentha longifolia Linn. Hudson resulted in the isolation of five phenolic components. They were identified as rosmarinic acid [1], 4, 10-dihydroxy-3, 9-dimethoxy-pterocarpan (Melilotocarpan D) [2], Apigenin-4`-methoxy-7-O-glucoside (Tilianin) [3], quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (Rutin) [4] and p-methoxy benzoic acid (p-anisic acid) [5]. Their structures have been identified by their MS and NMR spectral data and confirmed by comparison with reference values. Compounds [2-5]were isolated from the genus Mentha for the first time, and compound [1]was isolated from M. longifolia for the first time. The cytotoxic, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the acetone extract were evaluated.  }, keywords = {}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6936.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6936_f38f8ea9989b0a3a75ff13571f915020.pdf} } @article { author = {Mahmoud, Nesreen}, title = {PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ALLOPURINOL ON PARACETAMOL-INDUCED LIVER INJURY IN RATS}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {50}, number = {2}, pages = {117-136}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2016.6937}, abstract = {Background Liver injury is a major health problem that challenges not only healthcare professionals but also the pharmaceutical industry and drug regulatory agencies. Continuous exposure to certain chemotherapeutic agents, drugs, environmental toxins, viral infections and bacterial invasion within the body can trigger liver injury and eventually lead to various liver diseases.             Aim: The present investigation aims to elucidate the possible hepatoprotective effect of allopurinol on liver injury induced by administration of a single dose of paracetamol (PCM) to adult male albino rats.             Methodology: Animals were divided into 4 groups, each of 6 rats. The first group was kept as normal control group received (carboxy methyl cellulose 1 % + tween 80 p.o.). The second group (hepatotoxicity control group) received (750 mg/kg PCM p.o. as a single dose at day 14). The third group received (NAC; 300 mg/kg/day p.o.) on a daily basis for 14 consecutive days. The fourth group (treatment group) received allopurinol (50 mg/kg/day p.o.) also for 14 consecutive days. Method of induction of liver injury by PCM: After 13 days of pre-treatment, animals were fasted for 18 hours then administered the last protected dose at day 14. After 2 hours, PCM was administered then animals were further fasted for 24 hours. After that, animals were sacrificed and blood tissue samples were collected.             Results: Administration of PCM caused liver injury in rats evidenced by significant increase in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, total nitrate/nitrite (NOx) production. In addition, significant decreases in hepatic catalase (CAT) activity and hepatic glutathione (GSH) content. Treatment with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) or allopurinol protect against liver injury as evidenced by significant decreases in hepatic MPO activity, NOx production and MDA content, In addition, significant increases in hepatic CAT activity and GSH content.             Conclusion: It seems that allopurinol might be protective against liver injury in rats and is promising for further clinical trials.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6937.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6937_62e8d3bafeb8b2d8420f1349423b2437.pdf} } @article { author = {Abd-Allah, Fathy}, title = {RIZATRIPTAN BENZOATE FAST DISSOLVING TABLETS FOR QUICK RELIEVE OF MIGRAINE: DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {50}, number = {2}, pages = {137-153}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2016.6949}, abstract = {Objective: Rizatriptan benzoate (RB) is a new generation anti-migraine drug. After oral administration, the peak plasma concentrations (tmax) occur in about 1 to 2.5 hrs depending on the formulation and the bioavailability which is about 40 to 45%. Food may delay the tmax by about 1 hour.  The aim of this work was to design and develop fast dissolving tablets of RB to improve the bioavailability and patient compliance applying the Mixture Experimental Design. Methods: Twenty formulations were prepared by direct compression each containing 14.53 mg of RB equivalent to 10 mg Rizatriptan with different proportions of superdisintegrants (X1-X3) according to the experimental design. The independent factors selected were the percentages of: Croscarmellose sodium (X1), Explotab (X2) and Polyplasdone XL 10 (X3). The dependent variables investigated were: hardness (Y1), disintegration time (Y2) and cumulative % drug release after 10 minutes (Y3). The formulations were evaluated for the pre-compression parameters to assess the powder compressibility and flowability (bulk and tapped density, Hausner’s ratio, Carr’s index and angle of repose) as well as the post-compression parameters (weight variation, friability, hardness, disintegration time, wetting time, water absorption ratio, drug content and in-vitro drug release). The optimized formulation was prepared and evaluated in the same manner. Results: All the evaluated parameters, either for powder blend or for the compressed tablets, were within the acceptable limits. The values of dependent variables ranged between 3.13-3.68 kg/cm2; 12.23-21.81 sec; and 94.44-99.83% for Y1, Y2 and Y3 respectively. Polynomial regression equations for the variables (Y1-Y3) were generated and the quantitative effects of X1-X3 at different levels on Y1-Y3 could be predicted. Surface response and contour plots were plotted. The optimal ratios of different disintegrants were used to prepare the optimized formulation. The difference between the predicted and the observed data for the optimized formula were minimal. Conclusions: The use of direct compression technique and the mixture experimental design succeeded to produce fast dissolving tablets of RB with optimal hardness, minimal disintegration time and maximal in vitro drug release. The quantitative effects of the selected factors tested on the different variables were explored. Based on the obtained results, fast dissolving tablets of RB could be a potential dosage form for quick relieve of migraine patients.}, keywords = {Fast Dissolving tablets,Rizatriptan benzoate,Experimental Design}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6949.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6949_f99746ff1973f0b4fdce5000bb13cbd8.pdf} } @article { author = {Mohamed, Menshawy}, title = {DESIGN, SYNTHESIS AND EVALUATION OF SOME NOVEL 3-ALLYL-6-IODO-2-SUBSTITUTED THIOQUINAZOLINONE DERIVATIVES FOR ANTICONVULSANT ACTIVITY}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {50}, number = {2}, pages = {154-172}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2016.6950}, abstract = {The urgent demand for the development of new antiepileptic drug with a better efficacy inspired us to design and synthesize a new derivatives of the fused heterocyclic analogs 3-allyl-6-iodo-2-(substituted thio)quinazolin-4(3H)-one that prepared and evaluated for their anticonvulsant activity. Compounds 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 22 were found to be the most active anticonvulsant of this series. The achieved results proved that the distinctive compounds could be valuable as a model for future devise, acclimatization and investigation to construct more active analogues.}, keywords = {Synthesis,3-allyl-6-iodo-2-(substituted thio)quinazolin-4(3H)-one,anticonvulsant screening,pentylenetetrazole}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6950.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6950_c87228ac722842ed7db4d20e89003d98.pdf} } @article { author = {Khella, Mina}, title = {THE ROLE OF FAT MASS AND OBESITY-ASSOCIATED GENE POLYMORPHISM IN OBESE EGYPTIANS}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {50}, number = {2}, pages = {173-180}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2016.6951}, abstract = {Introduction: Variations in fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene increased the risk of obesity in many European populations but with inconclusive results in other populations. There are no previous reports about polymorphism of FTO gene and its association with obesity in Egyptian Arab population. Aim of the study: this study was designed to investigate the allele frequency and genotype distribution of FTO gene rs9939609 and its association with obesity and insulin resistance (IR).}, keywords = {}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6951.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6951_d27b38ef164165239b4bbea53161b8b2.pdf} } @article { author = {El-Mezayen, Ahmed}, title = {MINERALOGICAL AND CHEMICAL STUDIES ON SOME MINERALS USED IN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES IN EGYPT}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {50}, number = {2}, pages = {181-190}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2016.6952}, abstract = {Background: Suitable minerals for use in the pharmaceutical industry can be derived from Egyptian desert. Aim: mineralogical & chemical studies on some minerals used in pharmaceutical industries in Egypt. Large numbers of minerals are used in pharmaceutical industries as well as in cosmetic product. Physiochemical properties of these minerals play an important role in using of these minerals in pharmaceutical industries; hence, these properties were evaluated and compared with commercial brands that stipulated with the enforced pharmacopoeia.  A material to be used in pharmaceutical formulations must have low or zero toxicity & non carcinogen. And we were able through tests to prove that minerals under study conformed to international standards for minerals use in medicines and prescribed in British pharmacopeia (2009) & European Medicines Agency Pre-authorization Evaluation of Medicines for Human Use.      Introduction                        The role of industrial minerals in pharmaceuticals falls into one of two main categories: excipients or active substance. The excipients have no intrinsic health benefit on their own; they are used solely as carriers, allowing the intake of minute amounts of active substances, in a practical way. Minerals in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations a large number of minerals are used as active ingredients in pharmaceutical preparations as well as in cosmetic products.  Some minerals have been used for therapeutic purposes since prehistoric times. The therapeutic activity of these minerals is controlled by their physical and physico-chemical properties as well as their chemical composition; a material to be used in pharmaceutical formulations must have low or zero toxicity. Those minerals with a high sorption capacity and a large specific surface area can also function in pharmaceutical preparation as gastrointestinal and dermatological protectors, and anti-inflammatories and local anesthetics, while water-soluble species can be used as homeostatics, antianemics and decongestive eye drops. Likewise, minerals with a high heat retention capacity can serve as anti-inflammatories and local anesthetics, minerals with high astringency are used as antiseptics and disinfectants and minerals which react with cysteine can serve as keratolytic reducers In other hand Water-soluble species can be utilized in cosmetic product as ingredients in toothpastes and bathroom salts. Those minerals with a high sorption capacity and a large specific surface area can function as creams, powders and emulsions while minerals with proper hardness can act as abrasives in toothpastes. Highly opaque minerals and minerals of high reflectance are used in creams, powders and emulsions. Likewise, minerals with high astringency are included in deodorants. Acid neutralization increases the pH of the gastric fluid from 1.5–2.0 to ≥7, depending on mineral type. According to current opinion, an effective antacid is one that elevates the pH by 3–4 units, and causes the disappearance of "free acidity". When the pH of the gastric fluid exceeds 7, "acid rebound" may occur by which the parietal glands are stimulated in order to restore normal acidity.  }, keywords = {}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6952.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6952_31495d498208150acd63946724a32b2a.pdf} } @article { author = {Abdel Bary, Ghada}, title = {PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THERMOSENSITIVE MUCOADHESIVE IN_SITU GELS FOR NASAL DELIVERY OF ONDANSETRON HYDROCHLORIDE}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {50}, number = {2}, pages = {191-207}, year = {2014}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2014.6953}, abstract = {                A nasal mucoadhesive thermo reversible in-situ gel appears very attractive since it is fluid-like prior to nasal administration and can thus easily be installed as a drop allowing accurate drug dosing. The feasibility of developing an efficacious intranasal formulation of the potent antiemetic drug Ondansetron HCL has been undertaken in this work. The ultimate goal is to circumvent the first-pass elimination of the drug when taken orally. Poloxamers P407 and P188 (20/5% w/v) were used using cold method to prepare thermo reversible gels as they have excellent thermo-sensitive gelling properties, water solubility , good drug release, low toxicity and irritation. Mucoadhesive polymers like chitosan high molecular weight (HMW), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose low molecular weight (LMW) and polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP) were used at concentration of 0.5 % (w/v) to form thermo reversible gels. Three nasal in-situ gels with desirable Tsol-gel in the range of 30-35ºC were developed. pH, mucoadhesion, rheological measurements, in vitro release and ex-vivo permeation studies were performed to evaluate the prepared gels. The incorporation of chitosan to poloxamer polymers showed significant increase in the mucoadhesion ability. The prepared gels exhibited non-Newtonian shear thinning behavior at 35ºC. Drug contents were in the range of 97.8-100.1%. The release pattern was enhanced by the PVP polymer, in opposition; chitosan and NaCMC retarded it. Concerning permeation through sheep nasal mucosa, the steady state flux (Jss) of the three formulae was found to be 3.57, 5.64 and 3.81 µg/cm2.min., respectively. No marked alteration in the histological structure of the nose epithelial cell membrane of male Wister rats after application of the formed gels was observed to confirm their safety. The bioavailability for the optimized formulation was 86.98% providing that intranasal route could be promising for Ondansetron HCL delivery.  }, keywords = {}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6953.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_6953_baa7fb95145a143314ef337c661717c7.pdf} }