@article { author = {Azab, Samar}, title = {ROLE OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND IMMUNOMODULATORY AGENTS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS.}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {55}, number = {1}, pages = {1-12}, year = {2017}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2017.28403}, abstract = {This review is an attempt to illustrate the co-relation between inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-6, TNF alpha and IL-1), angiogenic markers (such as VEGF and TGFβ), apoptotic markers (such as Bax and caspase-3) and their relation to bone protection (OPG and RANKL). It also shows the role of each in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progression. As the pathogenesis of RA depends on massive inflammation and neovascularization.  }, keywords = {}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28403.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28403_6f60e37230db00aae1b7ab9bad6840f0.pdf} } @article { author = {Abouzaid, Ahmed}, title = {CONTENT UNIFORMITY DETERMINATION OF IBUPROFEN INTACT TABLETS BY REFLECTANCE NIR SPECTROSCOPY}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {55}, number = {1}, pages = {13-29}, year = {2017}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2017.28404}, abstract = {Content uniformity (CU) is a critical quality attribute in tablet manufacturing process. The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is usually determined off-line techniques such as, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) which is a slow, destructive technique and requires sample preparation. Therefore, Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was employed as a process analytical technology (PAT) tool to determine the API and consequently the content uniformity of tablets. NIR spectroscopy is a fast, non-destructive technique and requires minimal sample preparation. The purpose of this work was to develop and validate NIR reflectance method for the determination of the ibuprofen content (mg) for the content uniformity for ibuprofen tablet. Partial least squares (PLS) model for the NIR reflectance was constructed by using calibration laboratory tablets with different ibuprofen (IBU) contentsspanning from 146.47 mg to 243.91 mg. The predictive performance of the proposed method was evaluated by traditional chemometric criteria. The corresponding values for the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) were equal to 0.96% for NIR reflectance method. Besides, the proposed NIR method was successfully validated and implemented for the determination of the content uniformity for three batches that represent three levels of IBU content (160 mg, 200 mg and 240 mg).}, keywords = {Content uniformity,Ibuprofen,NIR reflectance,PLS regression model}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28404.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28404_d9d4a35201cef65d1ec5d6bea48e747e.pdf} } @article { author = {Abd El-Fattah, Abeer}, title = {TESTICULAR TOXICITY PROTECTION BY MONTELUKAST AND CURCUMIN IN RATS}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {55}, number = {1}, pages = {30-50}, year = {2017}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2017.28405}, abstract = {The success of etoposide for the treatment of testicular cancer is limited by its undesirable side effects on reproductive system,which is generally ascribed to inflammation and oxidative stress. In the current study, the protective effects of montelukast and curcumin on etoposide-induced reproductive toxicity were investigated.Rats were divided into four groups; group 1 was kept as control. In group 2, etoposide was administered at a dose of (20 mg/kg/day, i.p) for 5 days, while in groups 3; montelukast was given at a dose of (10mg/kg/day, p.o) and in group 4; curcumin was given at a dose of (20mg/kg/day, p.o) respectively for 21 days in both groups, during that i.p. injection of etoposide (20 mg/kg/day, i.p) was injected from day 8 through day 12 in both groups.Etoposide induced oxidative stress via significant increase in MDA level and significant decrease in GSH level as well as SOD and CAT activities. Montelukast and curcumin prevented these effects through antioxidant properties. In addition, the deleterious effects of etoposide on spermatogenesis, serum testosterone level, oxidative stress, ATP, mtDNA and nDNA damage as well as histopathological changes were eliminated by montelukast or curcumin treatment, notably curcumin could normalized some of these parameters. The present study showed that montelukast and curcumin can reverse toxic effects of etoposide on the reproductive system that can be contributed due to anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic potential.}, keywords = {Curcumin,Etoposide,Infertility,Montelukast,oxidative damage,spermatogenesis}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28405.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28405_cdb93672ff55b8e3228d1b3cb14ab829.pdf} } @article { author = {Mohafez, Omar}, title = {SAGE OIL CONTROLS DIET INDUCED OBESITY BY MODULATING OF ADIPONECTIN/AMPK SIGNALING PATHWAY IN RATS}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {55}, number = {1}, pages = {51-64}, year = {2017}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2017.28406}, abstract = {Obesity represents a major challenge to the pharmaceutical community due to the minimal availability of anti-obesity drugs and drawbacks of current weight-loss agents. The study was designed to evaluate the use of sage oil as a potential anti-obesity agent via its effect on different physiological, biochemical, and hormonal parameters in rats. Rats were divided into two groups: one group was continued on a standard commercial rodent diet and served as the non-obese control. The other group was fed a high-fat diet for seven weeks to prepare an obese rat model. Then, the obese rats were divided into three groups; one group remained without treatment as positive control, the other two groups received 100 mg/kg orally of the sage oil for 10 or 20 days. The results of the present study showed that treatment with sage oil significantly decreased rats’ food intake, epididymal fat, and body weight, and improved their lipid profile levels; it also modulated the leptin resistance. This anti-obesity effect of sage oil was associated with the increased expression of adiponectin and decreased both of leptin and sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP-1c) levels, and this effect may be mediated through AMPK activation. Additionally, the sage oil did not have any effects on the liver’s integrity, as was proven by the non-altered ALT levels.}, keywords = {Obesity,Sage,adiponectin,AMPK}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28406.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28406_db6d2fefbf4e164a38cbb564dedf9d6a.pdf} } @article { author = {Elhadidy, Rehab}, title = {FORMULATION, IN-VITRO AND EX-VIVO CHARACTERIZATION OF ROPINIROLE HYDROCHLORIDE BUCCAL MUCOADHESIVE FILMS}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {55}, number = {1}, pages = {65-87}, year = {2017}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2017.28407}, abstract = { Ropinirole Hydrochloride (RHCl) is one of the most important highly selective Dopamine agonist drugs for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The aim of the present study is to develop buccoadhesive films of RHCl to overcome the first pass hepatic metabolism of the drug which is the cause for its low bioavailability (50-55%) and to achieve the greater therapeutic efficacy. Buccal films of RHCl were prepared by the solvent casting method using the hydrophilic mucoadhesive polymer chitosan as the base matrix at different concentrations (1& 1.5 %w/v). Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) K25 & K30 at different concentrations ( 0.035& 0.07gm) were incorporated into the films to modify RHCl release rate from formulation. Compatibility studies of drug and polymers were performed by DSC and FTIR spectroscopy. In-vitro and ex-vivo characterization was done as well as stability study. A 24 full factorial design was employed to study the effect of independent variables on ex-vivo mucoadhesive strength, ex-vivo residence time and in-vitro drug release. Results showed the absence of incompatability between the drug and chosen polymers. Prepared Mucoadhesive films were clear, flexible, with good folding endurance, uniform in weight, thickness, drug content and stable either in human saliva for 6 hours or at ambient temperature for 1 year. Formula F4 (1 % w/v chitosan, PVP K25, PEG 400) was the optimal bucoadhesive film having the highest percentage drug release (95.25% ) with high stability.    }, keywords = {}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28407.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28407_663bdd1d4fab2ebff9b4b83ff6392271.pdf} } @article { author = {Sherbiny, Farag}, title = {DESIGN, SYNTHESIS AND EV0ALUATION OF SOME NEW SCHIFF BASE DERIVATIVES AS POTENTIAL ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {55}, number = {1}, pages = {88-96}, year = {2017}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2017.28408}, abstract = {In a trial to discover potential antimicrobial agents against the increasing microbial resistance, eight new Schiff base derivatives of glycine amino acid obtained from the condensation reaction with benzaldehyde were designed and synthesized by conventional approach. The structures of all the synthesized compounds were elucidated using IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR along with MS spectra data. In addition, the antimicrobial activities of the new compounds were screened with gentamycin and ketoconazole as the control against four significant representative strains including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans, using broth microdilution method. The antimicrobial activity results revealed that most of the tested compounds exhibited significant antibacterial activity. In particularly, compound 5 was found to be the most potent antibacterial agent with MIC value of 18 exhibiting better activity against Staphylococcus aureus than Escherichia coli. Additionally, compounds 4, 6, and 10 displayed potent antibacterial activity with MIC value of 15, 16, and 16 respectively. However, compounds 10 and 11 showed good activity against both bacterial strains along with Aspergillus niger, indicating their broad spectrum of activity. The structure-activity relationship analysis suggested that the electronic and lipophilic factors of aromatic substituents on the amide nitrogen significantly contributed to antibacterial activity. Moreover, the presence of aromatic heterocyclic or heterobicyclic containing more nitrogen atoms considerably influenced the antifungal activity.}, keywords = {Benzaldehyde Schiff base,Amino acid Schiff base,Antimicrobial agents}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28408.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28408_4ede23e39d83f95dccef761f612d85e1.pdf} } @article { author = {Gerges, Samar}, title = {EFFECT OF DSS ADMINISTRATION AND SULFASALAZINE TREATMENT ON BODY WEIGHT AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN EXPERIMENTAL ULCERATIVE COLITIS IN MICE}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {55}, number = {1}, pages = {97-108}, year = {2017}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2017.28409}, abstract = {Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. In general, IBD is more common in Western than in Eastern places, and in industrialized than in developing countries. However, the incidence of IBD has been rising recently in Eastern countries including Egypt. Symptoms of IBD include loss of appetite, tenesmus, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and bloody stools. Available treatment options of IBD include drugs, surgery, or a combination of both. One of the most commonly used drugs for IBD management is an aminosalicylate called sulfasalazine. Several factors and symptoms of UC finally contribute to weight loss; thus, most of UC patients suffer from significant weight loss. The pathophysiology of IBD is complicated and involves several factors including immune, genetic, and environmental factors. Recently, a huge amount of research has concentrated on the role of oxidative stress in IBD, and several studies have proven that IBD patients suffer from excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species, while they have lower than normal amounts of antioxidant defenses. This leads to elevated amounts of oxidative stress-end products like malondialdehyde (MDA). In this study, we investigated body weight loss, histopathological alterations, and MDA levels in a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium- induced UC, and the therapeutic effect of sulfasalazine. Our results showed that induction of colitis causes significant body weight loss and induces oxidative stress, and that treatment with sulfasalazine could restore normal mice body weights and combat the colitis-induced oxidative stress.}, keywords = {ulcerative colitis,dextran sulfate sodium,sulfasalazine,body weight,histopathology,Oxidative Stress,Malondialdehyde}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28409.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28409_45b556d990d292468b518393de91192d.pdf} } @article { author = {Abd El-Rhman, Rana}, title = {STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF DIBENZAZEPINE IN RENAL INJURY INDUCED BY CISPLATIN IN RATS}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {55}, number = {1}, pages = {109-117}, year = {2017}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2017.28410}, abstract = {Indeed, cisplatin is a standard anti-cancer agent that is used in the management of different types of solid tumors. Unfortunately, cisplatin significantly accumulates in renal proximal tubular cells where nephrotoxicity is the main side effect limiting its clinical use. The present study was conducted to explore the possible nephroprotective effect of dibenzazepine against cisplatin-induced renal injury in rats. Rats received pre-treatment with three different doses of dibenzazepine for one week before giving cisplatin at a one single dose (7 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. The renal injury was determined by measuring nephrotoxicity markers as well as histopathological investigation.  Dibenzazepine attenuated the elevation in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels. Moreover, the nephroprotective effect of dibenzazepine was further confirmed histopathologically. In conclusion, these findings show that dibenzazepine provides protection against renal injury induced by cisplatin.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28410.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28410_4f7b49cf5da402b3c65e9422735bbe29.pdf} } @article { author = {Zakaria, Nora}, title = {EFFECT OF ESTRADIOL, IMIPRAMINE AND FLUOXETINE ON BRAIN SEROTONIN LEVELS IN OVARIECTOMIZED-INDUCED OSTEOPOROTIC RATS}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {55}, number = {1}, pages = {118-127}, year = {2017}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2017.28413}, abstract = {Aim: The present study aimed to determine the effect of Estradiol, Imipramine and Fluoxetine on brain serotonin levels in ovariectomized-induced osteoporotic rats and to investigate the effect of previous treatments on Electron Microscope results in rats. Methods: Rats were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy. After 2 weeks from operations, rats were treated with Estradiol, Imipramine and Fluoxetine for 14 days. At the end of 6 weeks animals were sacrificed and serotonin levels of brain tissue were determined. Electron microscope examination of femoral bone was also performed. Results: Treatment with Estradiol, Imipramine and Fluoxetine could treat depressive symptoms caused by ovariectomy which was observed in brain serotonin levels. Treatments could decrease the levels of brain serotonin by 28.73%, 35.25% and 32.14% respectively. Regarding Electron microscope, imipramine could partially improve bone structure while estradiol and fluoxetine could significantly restore bone mass compared to the corresponding osteoporosis group. Conclusion: In conclusion, Estradiol, imipramine and fluoxetine could treat depressive symptoms caused by ovariectomy in rats. Treatments have also shown restorative effects on bone structure in ovariectomized-induced osteoporotic rats.}, keywords = {tricyclic antidepressants,selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors,ovariectomized-induced osteoporosis,estradiol,imipramine,fluoxetine,serotonin}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28413.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28413_2b0a8a9aee7da8a17673d531244d76f8.pdf} } @article { author = {Wahsh, Engy}, title = {REAL LIFE EGYPTIAN EXPERIENCE OF COMBINATION THERAPY (SIMEPREVIR/SOFOSBUVIR) IN EXPERIENCED NON CIRRHOTIC HCV PATIENTS}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {55}, number = {1}, pages = {128-135}, year = {2017}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2017.28414}, abstract = {Background Egypt has the highest prevalent in presence of chronic HCV infection that may lead to cirrhosis, portal hypertension, hepatocellular failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. Developing of new drugs in HCV treatment has been developed using direct acting antiviral activity. In this study we assess the safety and efficacy of a combination therapy Sofosbuvir/Simprevir in the treatment of chronic experienced HCV Method Sixty five chronic HCV patients were recruited from the outpatient clinic of Tropical Medicine Department at Fayoum public hospital.A combination of Sofosbuvir (400 mg) and Simeprevir (150 mg) was administered for those patients once daily over a period of 12 weeks. All patients have been followed up for clinical and laboratory parameters and HCV PCR to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this therapy. Result Our results show high Sustained Virologic Response rate (SVR12) which was 98.5% (64/65). Majority of patients (49.45%) reported adverse events (AEs) during treatment and most common AEs were headache, fatigue, pruritus, dizziness and photosensitivity. Conclusion On the basis of the evidence currently available, it seems fair to suggest that the combination therapy of (SMV/SOF) in the treatment of chronic HCV genotype IV experienced patient who are non-cirrhotic is safe and effective. This was evidenced by monitoring patients’ clinically and using hepatic parameters after drug administration. The adverse events affected patients were mild and tolerable among patients.}, keywords = {Chronic hepatitis C,genotype IV,simeprevir}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28414.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28414_393e2d63f782f65f014e369b4488fec5.pdf} }