Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164449120140301SYNTHESIS AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF NEW N-ETHYL-N-METHYL BENZENE SULFONAMIDE DERIVATIVES3543695410.21608/ajps.2014.6954ENAhmedEl-MorsyOrganic Chemistry Department, faculty of Pharmacy (Boy’s) Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.Journal Article20180513This article describes the synthesis of some novel sulfonamide having the biologically active hydrazones 1,3,4-thiadiazoles and 4-oxothiazolidines moieties 2-4, 7 and 10-13 respectively. Starting with 4-acetyl-<em>N</em>-ethyl-<em>N</em>-methyl benzene sulfonamide (1). The structure of the newly synthesized compounds was confirmed by elemental analysis, IR, <sup>1</sup>H-NMR and mass spectral data.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164449120140301ADDITION OF SITAGLIPTIN TO REPAGLINIDE IMPROVES PANCREATIC ISLET PROLIFERATION AND INSULIN PRODUCTION IN EXPERIMENTALLY-INDUCED TYPE 2 DIABETES IN RATS4459695510.21608/ajps.2014.6955ENShymaaBilasyDepartment of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522,
EgyptJournal Article20180513Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complex heterogeneous group of metabolic conditions characterized by increased levels of blood glucose due to impairment in insulin action and/or insulin secretion. Exploring new drug therapies will benefit in preventing morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes as well as the growing health care costs. Sitagliptin is a highly selective DPP-4 inhibitor that has been shown to improve glycemic control and beta cell function. Repaglinide is a short acting insulin sectretagogue stimulating insulin release. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of combining sitagliptin (5 mg/kg) and repaglinide (0.15 mg/kg & 0.3 mg/kg) on improving hyperglycemia and enhancing the pancreatic function in high fat diet/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus rat model. The current results highlight a significant improvement in glycemic control and pancreatic insulin production upon addition of sitagliptin to repaglinide therapy. Repaglinide either alone or in combination was effective in preserving islet cell integrity. Further, immunohistochemical staining revealed significant higher insulin content in the combination groups compared to corresponding monotherapies. The combination therapy had a positive effect in lowering serum lipids. In conclusion, the present study reinforces the view of using gliptins in combination with repaglinide to enhance the glycemic control and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164449120140301PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF GRAPE SEEDS EXTRACT AGAINST SODIUM NITRITE-INDUCED TOXICITY AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN ALBINO RATS134695610.21608/ajps.2014.6956ENGihanHammoudRegional Center for Food and Feed (RCFF), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, EgyptJournal Article20180513Sodium nitrite (NaNO<sub>2</sub>) is important antimicrobial, flavoring, coloring and preservative agent in meat and fish product. However, nitrite may cause methemoglobinemia and other illness, and may react with certain amines to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of grape seeds extract (GSE) as a potential novel and useful strategy for the modulation of oxidative stress and toxicity induced by NaNo<sub>2 </sub>in male rats. Sodium nitrite was used at two dose levels 1 and 2g/L and orally administrated to rats in drinking water for 4 and 8 weeks. Ingestion of NaNO<sub>2</sub>, resulted in significant time and dose- dependent reduction in RBCs count, WBCs count, hemoglobin (Hb) content, serum albumin and total protein (TP), plasma reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione -S- transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) contents in the treated rats. whereas, blood methemoglobin (MetHb), serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), creatinine, urea, triglycerides, total cholesterol and lipid peroxidation product (malondialdehyde, MDA) were significantly increased in dose and time dependant manner after implication of this preservative. Hyperglycemia was observed in NaNO<sub>2</sub> ingested rats. Moreover, histopathological examination of NaNO<sub>2 </sub>treated rats at the end of experiment revealed marked alterations in liver, kidneys, brain, heart, lung and testes. The degree of severity of noted lesions increased with increase of administrated dose. Fortunately, synergistic administration of ethanolic GSE (150 mg/kg body weight (B.W)/day) and NaNO<sub>2</sub> resulted in significant amelioration of negative effect of NaNO<sub>2 </sub>on the investigated biochemical parameters and improvement of investigated antioxidant especially with low NaNO<sub>2</sub> dose and longer time. Moreover, GSE administration was able to protect most of tested organs against low NaNO<sub>2</sub> dose and minimize the damage induced by high NaNO<sub>2</sub> dose. It was concluded that GSE supplementation could be considered as a promising antioxidant in reducing oxidative stress and toxicity of NaNO<sub>2</sub>. Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164449120140301EFFECTS OF METFORMIN PLUS GLICLAZIDE VERSUS METFORMIN PLUS GLIMEPIRIDE ON CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS6074695710.21608/ajps.2014.6957ENGamilAbd-AllahDepartment of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azahr University, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20180513High plasma glucose level, lipid profile disturbances and high plasma homocysteine (Hcy) are important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare effects of glimepiride/metformin combination versus gliclazide/metformin combination on cardiovascular risk factors in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. One hundred and eighty T2DM patients were randomly allocated for treatment with placebo (control), metformin (500 mg twice daily), glimepiride (3mg once daily), gliclazide (80 mg once daily), metformin plus glimepiride or metformin plus gliclazide for 3 months. We evaluated plasma levels of glucose (PG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), Hcy, vitamin B12, folic acid and lipid profile before treatment and 3 months post treatment. Compared to metformin treated patients, glimepiride plus metformin induced significant reductions in: fasting plasma glucose, postprandial PG, HbA1C % and plasma Hcy level. Conversely, plasma folic acid and vitamin B12 were significantly increased. The levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly decreased; low-density lipoprotein was markedly decreased, whereas high-density lipoprotein was significantly increased and hence risk ratio was significantly decreased. Similar results but with lower values were obtained using combination of metformin plus gliclazide on glycemic control only. Combination of glimepiride with metformin was superior to gliclazide plus metformin in alleviating the cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164449120140301FORMULATION AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF METHAZOLAMIDE ELASTIC VESICULAR SYSTEMS7584695810.21608/ajps.2014.6958ENRaniaElazregPharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy,
Ain Shams University, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20180513Eye is the most unique organ of the body. Various drug delivery systems are used to deliver drug into the eyes but there are various limitations of conventional systems, so various novel approaches like nanovesicular systems were used to improve ocular contact time, bioavailability, residence time and dosing frequency.Nanovesicular system with elastic properties can provide a controlled delivery of Methazolamide (MZA) which is used to treat glaucoma by inhibiting the action of carbonic anhydrase enzyme. The elastic nanovesicular carriers were formulated using Span 60 (SP 60) with one of the following edge activators (EA): Tween 80 (TW80), Tween 60 (TW 60), Brij 35 (BJ 35), and Brij 58 (BJ 58) in the ratio (90:10; 80:20; 70:30 w: w). The prepared formulae were evaluated for their sizes, entrapment efficiencies (EE %), relative deformability, and <em>in vitro</em> release. The results show that the selected formulae (S1, S4, S7, and S8) have the suitable particle size and EE%, thus can be used for any further investigations.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164449120140301TEMPORAL, SPATIAL AND HYDROGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF COPEPODS AT THE WESTERN EGYPTIAN MEDITERRANEAN COAST.85103695910.21608/ajps.2014.6959ENFekryAbo-Senna1- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Boy), Cairo, Egypt.Journal Article20180513At western EgyptianMediterraneanCoast, four cruises (spring 2008, summer 2008, winter 2009 and winter 2010) were carried out to study the temporal, spatial and hydrographical distribution of copepods. 129 copepod species were identified during the present study, dominated by <em>Oithona nana</em>, <em>Calocalanus pavo</em> and <em>Nannocalanus minor</em>. Spring was the most productive and diversified season. The abundance and diversity of copepods was homogeneous among the same seasons at successive two years. A comparison between the present data and that previously recorded in the Egyptian Mediterranean waters indicated large differences in records to the favor of the present work. Fifty five new recorded species of copepods were found in the Egyptian Mediterranean waters for the first time among them thirty two species seem to be recorded in the whole Mediterranean Sea for the first time.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164449120140301MICROBIAL TRANSFORMATION OF 2,5 DIHYDROXYCINNAMIC ACID BY ASPERGILLUS NIGER AND RHIZOPUS ORYZAE104116696010.21608/ajps.2014.6960ENMohammedHosnyDepartment of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article201805132<em>,5-dihydroxy cinnamic acid (<strong>1</strong>), when fermented with fungal culture, </em><em>Rhizopus oryzae RCMB 014002 </em><em>gave mainly two metabolites; </em><em>2,5-dihydroxy cinnamoyl alcohol</em><em> (<strong>Cin-RM-1</strong>) and </em><em>2-Hydroxy-4,5-dimethoxy cinnamoyl alcohol</em><em> (<strong>Cin-RM-2</strong>). </em><em>Aspergillus niger RCMB002007</em><em>, however, transformed 2,5-dihydroxy cinnamic acid (<strong>1</strong>), into a major metabolite;</em><em>2-hydroxy-5-methoxy cinnamic acid</em><em> (<strong>Cin-AM-3</strong>). The structures of the metabolic products were elucidated by means of spectroscopic data. The significance of the metabolites as antioxidants using DPPH radical scavenging assay and lipid peroxidation assay by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) method using rat tissue homogenates in relation to their structure was discussed</em>.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164449120140301CAFFEIC ACID METABOLISM BY ABSIDIA CORYMBIFERA117132696110.21608/ajps.2014.6961ENMohammedHosnyDepartment of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.Journal Article20180513Biocatalytic processes may offer a cheaper alternative to natural production of valuable compounds. Caffeic acid [3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid] (1) metabolism was studied using for the first time the fungus <em>Absidia corymbifera</em>a cosmopolitan filamentous phytopathogenic fungus as a biocatalyst. Results show that caffeic acid is converted to Ferulic acid [Caff-AM-1], 3,4-dimethoxy-cinnamic acid[Caff-AM-2] and 4-hydroxycinnamyl alcohol [Caff-AM-3]. The structures of the metabolic products were elucidated on the basis of their spectral data. A possible metabolic pathway of the biotransformation and the antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging assay and lipid peroxidation assay by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) method using rat tissue homogenates is also discussed.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164449120140301IN VIVO AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF EFFICACY OF HUMIC ACID AGAINST AFLATOXINS133154696210.21608/ajps.2014.6962ENYasserAbd El-ShafeaRegional Center for Food and Feed (RCFF), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt.Journal Article20180513Aflatoxins (AFs), a group of closely related, extremely toxic mycotoxins produced by <em>Aspergillus flavus</em> and <em>A. parasiticus</em>, can occur as natural contaminants of food and feeds. AFs have been shown to be hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic to different animal species. Therefore reducing their toxicity <em>in vivo</em> is of major interest. The potential of humic acid (HA) was evaluated for affinity to adsorb AFs from aqueous solution <em>in vitro</em> and for reducing the AFs-induced toxicity and oxidative stress in rat. <em>In vitro</em> study, three concentrations of HA (20, 60, and 100 mg/ml aqueous solution) and three concentrations of AFs (20, 60 and 100ppb) at three interaction time (1, 2 and 3hr) were tested. The results indicated that HA had a high capacity of adsorbing AFs at different tested concentrations and adsorption not significantly affected by increasing interaction time. The adsorption affinity was increased by elevation HA concentration and decreasing AFs concentration. The <em>in vivo</em> result indicated that rats administrated orally with 1 and 2mg AFs/ kg body weight (b.w)/once/week for 6 week showed significant dose and time- dependant increase in serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), creatinine, urea, triglycerides, total cholesterol and lipid peroxidation product (malondialdehyde, MDA) and significant time and dose- dependent reduction of serum albumin and total protein (TP), plasma reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione -S- transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) contents. Hyperglycemia was observed in AFs ingested rats in time and dose dependant manner. While, HA intake at two examined doses (200 and 400mg/kg b.w/daily) did not alter any of measured parameters along experimental periods except plasma GSH which enhanced significantly along experimental periods. The combined treatment showed significant improvement in all tested parameters. This improvement was more pronounced in the groups received the high dose of HA especially low AFs- co treated group. It could be concluded that HA has a potential activity and protective effect against AFs toxicity and this protection was dose dependant.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164449120140301IMPACT OF GRANZYME B GENE EXPRESSION ON INFLAMMATION AND INSULIN RESISTANCE IN ATHEROSCLEROSIS155167696310.21608/ajps.2014.6963ENHalaEl-MesallamyBiochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abassia, Cairo 11566, EgyptJournal Article20180513<strong>Background/Aim: </strong>Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which many immune cells are accumulated. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes, the dominant immune cells in advanced atherosclerotic lesions, exert their activity via proapoptotic protease granzyme B (GZB). However, increased GZB was detected in atherosclerotic lesions, its exact role and contribution toward atherosclerosis-related key regulatory processes yet unclear.<br /> <strong>Method: </strong>GZB mRNA expression was quantified in peripheral blood of 15 apparently healthy controls and 58 atherosclerotic patients divided into 23 non-diabetic and 35 diabetic patients by Taqman RT-PCR. Serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein and insulin levels were estimated by ELISA.<br /> <strong>Results: </strong>There is a significant 3-fold increase in GZB mRNA in atherosclerotic patients compared to control (<em>P<</em>0.001). Moreover, GZB mRNA levels were positively correlated with cardiovascular risk ratios, markers of inflammation and insulin resistance. Multiple regression analysis revealed that DM and current smoking were significant predictors for GZB gene expression.<br /> <strong>Conclusions: </strong>GZB might have a role in inflammation and insulin resistance processes associated with atherosclerosis development and progression.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164449120140301USES OF 4,5,6,7-TETRAHYDROBENZO[b]THIOPHENE IN THE SYNTHESIS OF PYRIDAZINE, PYRAZOLE, THIAZOLE AND PYRIMIDINE DERIVATIVES TOGETHER WITH THEIR CYTOTOXICITY168182696410.21608/ajps.2014.6964ENKaramEl-SharkawyFaculty of Biotechnology, Chemistry Department, October University of Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), El-Wahat road, 6 October City, Egypt.Journal Article20180513The reaction of N-phenylbutanamide derivative <strong>1</strong> with bromine afforded compound <strong>2 </strong>which it was directed to reacts with activated methylene groups, malononitrile <strong>(3a)</strong> and ethylcyanoacetae <strong>(3b) </strong>to produce compounds <strong>4a</strong> and <strong>4b</strong> respectively, on the other hand the reaction of compound <strong>2</strong> with either hydrazine hydrate <strong>(8a)</strong> or phenylhydrazine <strong>(8b)</strong> afforded pyridazine derivatives <strong>10a,b</strong> respectively, Moreover the reaction of compound <strong>2</strong> with either potassium cyanide <strong>(</strong><strong>11a)</strong> or potassium thiocyanate <strong>(</strong><strong>11b)</strong> produced compounds <strong>12a,b</strong> respectively. Finally the reaction of compound <strong>2</strong> with thiourea <strong>(13a)</strong> afforded thiazole derivative <strong>14. </strong>Compound <strong>4b</strong> reacted with benzenediazonium chloride <strong>(5)</strong> afforded pyridazine derivative <strong>7. </strong>The reactivity of compound <strong>12a</strong> was introduced through the reaction with either hydrazine derivatives <strong>8a,b</strong> or aromatic aldehydes <strong>16, 18 </strong>then compounds<strong> 15a,b, 17, 19 </strong>were produced respectively.As extension of compound<strong> 1 </strong>reactions, malononitrile <strong>(3a)</strong> reacted with compound <strong>1</strong> afforded two isomeric compounds <strong>20</strong> and <strong>21, </strong>the latter product<strong> 20 </strong>was reacted with either hydrazine derivatives<strong> 8a,b </strong>or thiourea and urea<strong> (13a,b) </strong>to produce pyrazole derivatives<strong> 22a,b </strong>and pyrimidine derivatives<strong> 23a,b </strong>respectively.Their cytotoxic activities were tested using three different cell lines.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164449120140301SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)-HYALURONIC ACID BLENDED HYDROGEL MEMBRANES183193696510.21608/ajps.2014.6965ENElbadawyKamounPolymer Materials Research Department, Advanced Technology & New Materials Research Institute (ATNMRI), City of ScientificJournal Article20180513Poly(vinyl alcohol)PVA is a hydrophilic polymer and water soluble . It is used in many biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, due to its advantages such as: non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and biodegradable characteristics with the ease of processing. Physically cross-linked hydrogel membranes composed of different amounts of hyaluronic acid (HA) blend with (PVA) were prepared by freeze–thawing method. This freezing–thawing cycle was repeated for three consecutive cycles. Properties of (PVA–HA) hydrogel membrane such as gel fraction, swelling, mechanical properties(tensile strength, elongation to break),degradation and protein adsorption were investigated. With the increasing of HA content, the gel fraction, the maximum tensile strength and elongation at break(%) of (PVA-HA) hydrogel membranes were decreased. Furthermore, with the increase of HA content, the swelling, the protein adsorption and the hydrolytic degradation of PVA-HA hydrogel membrane were increased.After soaking of hydrogel membrane for three days in phosphate buffer saline (PBS), the maximum weight loss of PVA–HA hydrogel membranes ranged between 18% and 70% according to HA content, this indicates that they are biodegradable.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164449120140301STUDY: THE CORRELATION BETWEEN HOMA-IR AND HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA DEVELOPMENT IN HEPATITIS C PATIENTS194201696610.21608/ajps.2014.6966ENNohaRamadanMicrobiology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo UniversityJournal Article20180513<strong>Background</strong>: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of death from cancer worldwide which accounts for 80%-90% of primary liver cancer. It is characterized by a very poor prognosis. Outcome of HCC depends mainly on its early diagnosis. Serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) is the marker that has been widely used for screening and diagnosis of HCCs. However, development of false-negative or false-positive rates with (AFP) was as high as 30%-40% for patients with small HCCs. Insulin resistance (IR) is found to occur early in the course of Hepatitis C (HCV) infection, independent of BMI (body mass index), stage of liver disease and presence or absence of diabetes. Recently, it has been observed the synergistic effect of IR and viral hepatitis in HCC development among HCV infected patients. Therefore, this study was done to investigate the correlation between HOMA-IR and HCC patients. <strong>Methods: </strong>Clinical and biochemical characteristics were investigated for 50 HCC patients related HCV and 50 normal controls. HCC patients were diagnosed by ultrasound assessment, abdominal triphasic CT and serum AFP. Homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) was investigated to all 100 participants. <strong>Results: </strong>Obese patients in HCC group showed significantly higher frequency of high HOMA-IR when compared to non- obese patients (P=0.001). HOMA-IR value increases as tumor size of HCC increases.
<strong>Conclusion: </strong> Hepatocarcinogenisis may result from a combination of this direct viral effect and the influence of an array of metabolic factors resulting from virus-induced insulin resistanceAl-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164449120140301STUDY THE NEPHRO-PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF LOSARTAN ON RATS202210696710.21608/ajps.2014.6967ENHosnyElewa1Department of Clinical and hospital Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Taibah University, KSAJournal Article20180513 In the <strong>R</strong>eduction of <strong>E</strong>ndpoints in <strong>N</strong>IDDM (noninsulin–dependent diabetes mellitus) with the <strong>A</strong>ngiotensin II <strong>A</strong>ntagonist <strong>L</strong>osartan study (<strong>RENAA</strong>L study), Losartan reduced the risk of the doubling of serum creatinine concentration by 25% and of end stage renal disease (ESRD) by 28%. <strong>Methods</strong>: 40 albino rats were enrolled in this study, and they were divided into four main groups, each group 10 rats. Where, group I, serves as a control, and group II was treated with Gentamicin 80mg/kg. The group III was treated with Losartan. While, group IV was treated with Losartan and Gentamicin. <strong>Results</strong>: showed that Losartan has statistically significant nephro-protective effects. Their nephro-protective effects were assessed by:-1- histopathological studies. 2- Measuring serum levels of BUN, and, creatinnine. <strong>Conclusions</strong>: Losartan has renal-protective effects.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164449120140301SEMICARBAZONES AS ANTICONVULSANTS220241696910.21608/ajps.2014.6969ENMohamedAboul-EneinMedicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza,12622, EgyptJournal Article20180513Approximately 25% of epileptics’ convulsions are inefficiently controlled by currently available remedies; therefore the preparation of new antiepileptic drugs is of great interest. Aryl semicarbazones can be considered a new class of compounds presenting anticonvulsant activity. In addition, they can be orally administered. Semicarbazones derived from aromatic and unsaturated carbonyl compounds as well as from other precursors are reviewed together with their anticonvulsant profile.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164449120140301PYRAZOLINES WITH ANTICONVULSANT AND MAO INHIBITORY ACTIVITIES242252697110.21608/ajps.2014.6971ENMohamedAboul-EneinMedicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza,12622,Journal Article201805132-Pyrazolines (4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole) are an important class of five-membered heterocyclic compounds and were found to be vital building block in medicinal chemistry and led to the discovery of a number of bioactive derivatives. The recent significant anticonvulsant and MAO inhibitory bioactivities of a variety of 2-pyrazolines are reviewed and discussed.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164449120140301PHYTOCONSTITUENTS FROM CALLIANDRA HEMATOCEPHALA LEAVES AND THEIR BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES259268697210.21608/ajps.2014.6972ENEl-SayedEl-ghalyDepartment of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20180513Phytochemical investigation of <em>Calliandra hematocephala</em> (L` Her) Benth leaves (Leguminosae) resulted in isolation of β-sitosterol (1), Lupeol (2) and dodecanoic acid (3). The compounds were identified by chromatographic (TLC, PC) and spectroscopic analysis (<sup>1</sup>H NMR and <sup>13</sup>C NMR). This is the first report for isolation of compounds 2 and 3 from <em>Calliandra hematocephala</em>. All compounds (1-3) showed antifungal activity against <em>Aspergillus fumigates</em>, <em>Penicillium italium</em> and <em>Geotricum candidum</em> .They also showed antimicrobial activity against <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>, <em>Bacillis subtilis</em> and <em>Escherichia coli</em>. Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164449120140301PURIFICATION OF -AMYLASE FROM PENIBACILLUS SP269276697310.21608/ajps.2014.6973ENKhalidEl-ShebawiDepartment of Microbial Biotechnology, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20180513The bacterial strain Penibacillus sp was shown to produce extracellular a-amylases activity. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity with an overall recovery of 24 % and specific activity of 57.1 U/mg. The native protein showed a molecular mass of 160 kDa composed of a homodimmer of 82 kDa polypeptide by SDS-PAGE. The optimum pH and temperature of the amylase were 5.5 and 45ºC, respectively. The purified enzyme was stable from pH 7.5 to 9.0 and able to prolong its thermal stability up to 50ºC. The purified amylase shows interesting properties useful for industrial applications.