@article { author = {Eldemerdash, Ayatallah}, title = {THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF PINOCEMBRIN ON INDOMETHACIN-INDUCED GASTRIC ULCER MODEL IN RATS}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {56}, number = {2}, pages = {1-9}, year = {2017}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2017.28415}, abstract = {Indomethacin considered one of the most commonly used NSAIDs to treat pain and inflammation among elder patients. Ironically, it has high risk of gastrointestinal complication, ulceration and in some cases perforation. Pinocembrin is one of the natural flavonoid present in honey and posses anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic activities. The present study was conducted to investigate the possible therapeutic effects of  Pinocembrin on indomethacin induced gastric ulcer model in rats. Animals either pre-treated with pinocembrin 50mg/kg for 3 days before ulcer induction with one single dose of indomethacin (48 mg/kg) orally or post-treated with pinocembrin 50mg/kg/3 days and 50mg/kg/5days after 1 hr of ulcer induction with same dose of indomethacin. The therapeutic effects were determined via measuring oxidative stress  markers as well as histopathological investigation.  Pinocembrin protected gastric tissues which was confirmed histopathologically. It also increased levels of CAT, GSH and decreased levels of MDA enzymes. In conclusion, these findings show that pinocembrin have therapeutic effects in indomethacin induced gastric ulcer.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28415.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28415_b0242099d9545f50eaf23f12e1c9afe0.pdf} } @article { author = {Othman, Ahmed}, title = {PHYTOCONSTITUENTS AND BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF JUSTICIA SPICIGERA CULTIVATED IN EGYPT}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {56}, number = {2}, pages = {10-19}, year = {2017}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2017.28456}, abstract = {Four compounds were isolated from the aerial parts of Justicia spicigera Schltdl. (Acanthaceae) and were identified as uracil (1), uridine (2),megastigmane vomifoliol-9-O-β-D-Glucopyranoside (3) and β-sitosterol (4). The structures of these compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods (IR, 1H-NMR, APT, 2D NMR and EI/MS). The different crude extracts showed selective inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB), remarkable cytotoxic activities against Human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines and Human lung carcinoma (A-549) cell lines and weak antimicrobial activities. This is the first report concerning the isolation of compounds (1-3) from genus Justicia.  }, keywords = {Justicia spicigera,phytoconstituents,Anti-TB and Cytotoxicity}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28456.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28456_8de99e4cc0eb89b9e933c0782470690f.pdf} } @article { author = {Galal, Mahmoud}, title = {ANGIOGENESIS IN BOTH NORMAL AND PATHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {56}, number = {2}, pages = {20-30}, year = {2017}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2017.28457}, abstract = {Angiogenesis is the formation and development of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature. Inadequate balance of angiogenesis can cause various pathological disorders and considered mainly in cancer development. The blood vessels in solid tumors have abnormal physiological and morphological characteristics compared to the normal vasculatures. Two main gene expressions (matrix metalloproteinases-9) and (tumor necrosis factor-α) have very critical role in development of angiogenesis associated with cancer as well as its further metastasis. As stem cells are considered the source for all cell differentiation in every process in the body, they also are the source for the whole process of tumor tissues development. Stem cells participate in angiogenesis by differentiation into vascular lineage and/or by releasing angiogenic factors. Cancer stem cells are tumor initiating cells and predicted as a critical population of tumor cells which might mainly drive each step of tumor development.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28457.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28457_89338b0bed3ed7f3e825a535f1775ee5.pdf} } @article { author = {Hamza, Manal}, title = {DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF ORODISPERSIBLE FILMS OF LAMOTRIGINE: HYDROXYPROPYL Β CYCLODEXTRIN INCLUSION COMPLEX.}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {56}, number = {2}, pages = {31-46}, year = {2017}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2017.28458}, abstract = {Orodispersible film is the type of drug delivery systems which when placed in the oral cavity disintegrates or dissolves within few seconds without water intake. This type of technology offer a convenient alternative way of dosing medication, not to special population groups, but also to the general population. The present investigation highlights on the formulation and evaluation of orodispersible films of poorly soluble antiepileptic drug lamotrigine. Dissolution characteristics of the drug was improved by forming inclusion complexes with hydroxypropyl β‐cyclodextrin (HPβCD) employing co-evaporation technique and the complexes were  characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Orodispersible films of LMN-HPβCD (1:1) were prepared by the solvent-casting method; using water soluble film forming polymers such as hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC15), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (SCMC).Propylene glycol and glycerin were used as plasticizers. The prepared films were evaluated for their physicochemical characteristics such as appearance, thickness, folding endurance, drug content uniformity, surface pH, disintegration time and mechanical properties, in vitro drug release and stability studies were performed for the optimized formula according to the ICH guideline under 40°C/75% RH for three months. Amongst all formulations F2 films prepared with1% w/v PVA plasticized with 3% glycerin was considered as the optimized formulation, it has the highest drug release, satisfactory in vitro disintegration time, tensile strength, % elongation, folding endurance and stable formula. Overall results suggest that PVA is an excellent film former for antiepileptic drug lamotrigine. Therefore, orodispersible films is considered to be potentially suitable for the immediate release whenever required of lamotrigine to improve patient compliance.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28458.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28458_9baa7a1e1770c0acb75331ec7f69b3b4.pdf} } @article { author = {Hamouda, Maryam}, title = {EFFECTS OF ROSUVASTATIN IN EXPERIMENTALLY-INDUCED CARDIAC ISCHEMIA AND ON AORTIC VASCULAR REACTIVITY.}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {56}, number = {2}, pages = {47-66}, year = {2017}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2017.28459}, abstract = {Myocardial infarction (MI) continues to be a major public health problem in the world. The present study aimed to elucidate the protective effect of  different doses  of rosuvastatin and cilostazol, as well as their combination on isoprenaline-induced MI in rats as well as their effects on isolated aorta. Methods: I- Adult rats received different doses of rosuvastatin (1,2,5,10, & 20mg/kg), cilostazol (18mg/kg) and combination of rosuvastatin 1mg/kg and cilostazol 18mg/kg by oral gavage daily for 16 days, then rats  were subcutaneously injected with two doses 24-h apart of 150mg/kg isoprenaline in the last two days. ECG pattern was monitored, myocardial injury markers (CK-MB and LDH) and inflammatory biomarker  (CRP) were measured in serum. MDA, catalase and SOD were quantified in cardiac homogenates and heart tissue damage was examined by histopathology. II- Effects of rosuvastatin (0.2 µg/ml – 6.4 µg/ml), cilostazol (7.5 µg/ml – 480 µg/ml) and combination  cilostazol (30 µg/ml) and rosuvastatin (0.2 µg/ml – 6.4 µg/ml) on NE-induced contraction in rabbit aortic strip were recorded. Each dose of either rosuvastatin or cilostazol were incubated for 10 min and 15min respectively  then NE (0.5 µg/ml) was added and the contraction was recorded for one and half min. Results: I- Pretreatment with different doses of rosuvastatin (1,2,5 & 10), cilostazol 18mg/kg and the combination markedly ameliorated ISO-induced alterations in ECG, cardiac markers, inflammatory marker, oxidative markers and heart architecture. However, protection disappeared at higher dose of rosuvastatin 20mg/kg. II- Addition of either rosuvastatin (0.2-6.4 µg/ml), cilostazol (7.5-480µg/ml) or combination rosuvastatin (0.2-6.4 µg/ml) and cilostazol 30µg/ml produced a significant decrease in the height of NE-induced contraction in a dose dependent manner. Conclusion:  I-This study provides evidence that rosuvastatin,  cilostazol and their combination possess cardioprotective effect on isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction. II- The drugs had vasorelaxant effect on aorta. Mechanism of drug action are discussed.}, keywords = {}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28459.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28459_992db9eb450964b8054121ac9c2d18b2.pdf} } @article { author = {Afifi, Sherif}, title = {ISOFLAVONES, PHENOLICS CONTENT AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF THREE EGYPTIAN SOYBEAN CULTIVARS}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {56}, number = {2}, pages = {67-74}, year = {2017}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2017.28460}, abstract = {Soybean (Glycine max L.) is an important worldwide crop, mainly used as raw material for oil production, and the residue is mainly used as feedstuff. The medicinal functions of consuming soybean have been shown to be effective against number of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis and menopausal symptoms. The objective of this work was to evaluate isoflavone and phenolic content and their antioxidant activity in three Egyptian soybean cultivars Giza 22, Giza 35 and Giza 111. Significant differences among the studied cultivars were found for genistein, daidzein, glycitein and total isoflavones due to genetic effects since all cultivars were collected at the same location. The total isoflavones ranged from 470.6 mg/100 g dry soybean (Giza 22) to 200.3 mg/100 g (Giza 111). The rank of total phenolic content (TPC) was Giza 22 > Giza 35 > Giza 111. At a concentration of 10 mg/mL, the free radical scavenging (antioxidant) capabilities were 79.34, 65.97 and 59.35 % for the extracts of Giza 22, Giza 35 and Giza 111, respectively. In conclusion, the present study or related studies are of great importance to identify the best soybean cultivar with the highest isoflavone content to be used as source for production of nutraceutical products rather than as a nutritional source of protein.}, keywords = {HPLC,soybean cultivars,isoflavone,Phenolic,antioxidant,Glycine max L}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28460.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28460_3aba7ef8efec83f08fdf627dbc25177c.pdf} } @article { author = {Abd elkhalek,, Naglaa}, title = {OVARIAN RESERVE PARAMETERS IN WOMEN USING NO CONTRACEPTION, USING ORAL CONTRACEPTION OR IUCD}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {56}, number = {2}, pages = {75-88}, year = {2017}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2017.28462}, abstract = {Background:- The Pill is one of the most popular forms of contraception ,its use is different in different countries, and among women of different ages and levels of education.  Oral contraceptives  may alter parameters related to ovarian reserve assessment but the extent of the reduction is uncertain. The main goal of ovarian reserve testing is to identify those individuals who are at risk of decreased or diminished ovarian reserve. Objective:- To quantify  endocrine  and  sonographic  parameters of ovarian reserve in women using combined oral contraceptive pills and comparing them with IUCD users and non contraceptive users . Patients and methods:- Cross sectionl study included 100 healthy volunteer women divided into 35 COC users  (all using monophasic preparations, ethinylestradiol 30&35ug   and progestin, norgestimate and gestodene)  and 65 non-users (35 IUCD users and 30 non contraceptive users). On day 2–5 of the menstrual cycle or during withdrawal bleeding, blood sampling to measure anti-mullerian  hormone(AMH) and transvaginal  ultrasonography to measure antral follicle count(AFC) and ovarian volume were performed. Results:- ovarian reserve parameters were  significantly lower among COC users than  non-users of hormonal contraception(IUCD users &non contraceptive users) .For AMH ,Pvalue.004;AFC,P -.006; ovarian volume, P-.001  . Further more we found that AFC  of intermediate (5–7 mm) and large (8–10 mm) size categories were significantly lower in COC users than  non-users with p value .001  .while  that of  small ( 2–4 mm) size were increased P-.001. Also negatively linear association was observed between duration of COC use and ovarian reserve parameters. Conclusion:- This study indicates that ovarian reserve markers (AMH, AFC&ovarian volume) are lower in women using COC compared to IUCD users and non contraceptive users.}, keywords = {ovarian reserve tests/ Antral follicle count/Ovarian volume/Anti,Mullerian hormone/Oral contraception}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28462.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28462_2a1ac6a2011dcbd699554640a43c09c3.pdf} } @article { author = {El Baz, alaa}, title = {THE EFFECT OF EICOSAPENTANOIC ACID ADMINISTRATION ON CLINICAL OUTCOME OF PATIENTS WITH MAJOR DEPRESSION: A PILOT STUDY}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {56}, number = {2}, pages = {89-101}, year = {2017}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2017.28463}, abstract = {Background. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common brain disorder that affects approximately 10% of the world population and leads to significant disability. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of Omega3 PUFAs administration on the clinical outcome of patients with depression. Patients and Methods. A prospective, randomized controlled study conducted at the outpatient clinics of a University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt on patients diagnosed with depression according to a strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Forty two patients were randomly assigned to either; Group1; (intervention n=21); received the prescribed antidepressant + omega3 (2100mg) for 8 weeks, or Group 2; (control, n=21); received the prescribed antidepressant only for 8 weeks. Baseline evaluation and 8-week assessment included; patient demographic-data collection, history taking and clinical assessment of DSM-5 criteria & HAM-D score. Laboratory assessment included; complete blood picture (CBC), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Patients were followed up regularly every 2 weeks for 8 weeks for the occurrence of side effects due to antidepressants/ Omega 3 and compliance with medications. Results. The 2 groups were comparable at baseline. The test group showed a significant improvement in the HAMD score from baseline values and versus the control. There was no significant difference in the reported side effects between the 2 groups. Conclusion. Omega -3 PUFAs administration at a dose of 2100 (EPA1350 mg/ , DHA 600 mg/ 150 mg other omega 3 FA) for 8 weeks, improved depression symptoms and was well tolerated.}, keywords = {Omega-3 PUFAs,depression,HAMD,EPA/DHA}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28463.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28463_f436f13de1abddbac4dad66aa90739ac.pdf} } @article { author = {Shahein, alaa}, title = {WOUND HEALING PROPERTIES OF GREEN TEA EXTRACT IN EXCISION-WOUNDED RATS}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {56}, number = {2}, pages = {102-114}, year = {2017}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2017.28464}, abstract = {The wound healing potential of green tea extract (GTE) was determined in two concentrations (0.6 and 6% in Vaseline base) for topical treatment of excision wounds in rats. Treatments were applied for 14 days. GTE, in both concentrations, caused a significant increase in wound contraction rate and glutathione level, as well as a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation and transforming growth factor-β expression. Moreover, histological examination showed a marked improvement in the skin condition.             This study concludes that GTE was effective in enhancing the healing process in excision wounds.}, keywords = {green tea,Wound healing,Oxidative Stress}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28464.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28464_586d89d1ee115f90aeb6d39fba074cb9.pdf} } @article { author = {Azab, Maryam}, title = {EUGENOL AMELIORATES PATHOGENIC FEATURES IN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF NAFLD IN RATS}, journal = {Al-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences}, volume = {56}, number = {2}, pages = {115-122}, year = {2017}, publisher = {Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy}, issn = {1110-1644}, eissn = {2535-1958}, doi = {10.21608/ajps.2017.28465}, abstract = {Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging one of the major causes of chronic liver damage that includes a wide spectrum of liver injury ranging from steatosis to steatohepatitis evolving to fibrosis. Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the possible effect of EUG on NAFLD induced by high fat cholesterol diet. Methods:Rats were fed either normal rat chow diet (control) or high fat cholesterol diet and both received olive oil (10 mg/kg) for eight weeks to induce NAFLD model. Eugenol (10 mg/kg) was administrated to rats by oral intubation 3 times weekly for 8 weeks. Results:Our results showed that EUG significantly ameliorated the histopathological lesions induced by HFCD. Furthermore, HFCD induced a significant elevation in liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)). This was significantly attenuated by EUG co-treatment. Conclusion:These findings indicate that EUG possess es  a marked role in modulation of NAFLD.}, keywords = {eugenol,NAFLD}, url = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28465.html}, eprint = {https://ajps.journals.ekb.eg/article_28465_27ec71d4d3eaf2ec6212ed326bcd4577.pdf} }