Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164452220150901STUDY OF DES-GAMMA-CARBOXYPROTHROMBIN (DCP) LEVELS IN CHRONIC HEPATITIS C WITH OR WITHOUT HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA (HCC) IN EGYPTIAN PATIENTS1131252810.21608/ajps.2015.12528ENOmniaKamelDepartment of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), AL-Azhar UniversityJournal Article20180904Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is usually asymptomatic in the early stage and does not show elevated alpha-feto protein (AFP). Des-Gamma-CarboxyProthrombin (DCP) and Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) may increase in sera of HCC patients. The ultimate goal is to evaluate the potential role of DCP and CA19-9 compared to AFP as early diagnostic, non-invasive markers for chronic hepatitis C patients with and without HCC. 26 chronic HCV patients, 26 HCC related to HCV and 25 normal controls were studied. Quantitative determination of AFP, DCP and CA19-9 concentrations in sera was done using commercially available Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits.<strong> Results: </strong>In HCC patients, AFP showed the highest diagnostic accuracy (90.2%) followed by DCP (80.4%) and CA19-9 (70.6%). AFP showed the highest specificity and sensitivity (100%-80.8%). DCP and CA19-9 showed the same specificity (92%) but DCP showed higher sensitivity (69.2%) than CA19-9 (50%). In HCV patients, CA19-9 showed the highest diagnostic accuracy (74.5%) followed by DCP (70.6%). AFP showed the lowest diagnostic accuracy (58.8%).Both CA19-9 and DCP showed highest specificity (100%), AFP is the lowest (84%). CA19-9 showed the highest sensitivity (50%), followed by DCP (42.3%) and AFP (34.6%). Significant higher levels of DCP and CA-19-9 were detected in HCC patients with low AFP levels (P<0.05).<strong>Conclusion: </strong>Serum levels of DCP and CA19-9 could be used as sensitive tumor markers to detect HCV patients with HCC and also to detect HCV patients who are at risk to develop cancer.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164452220150901EFFECT OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZATION, BIOFERTILIZER AND THIDIAZURON ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF ANISE (PIMPINELLA ANISUM L.)14371253010.21608/ajps.2015.12530ENDaliaSallamDepartment of medicinal plant and natural products, National Organization for Drug Control and Research, Giza, Egypt.Journal Article20180904This study was conducted duringtwo successive seasons of 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 at Biotechnology Department, Phytochemistry Department and Farm of Applied Research Center of Medicinal Plants (ARCMP) affiliated to the National Organization for Drug Control And Research (NODCAR). The present work aimed to investigate the effect of inoculation <em>Pimpinella anisum</em> L. seeds with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (my) and/or microbein (mi) biofertilizer and foliar spray plants with Thidiazuron (TDZ) combined with chemical fertilizer at half or full dose of NPK on number of spores Am fungi (kg soil<sup>-1</sup>), AM fungi colonization , enzymatic activities (dehydrogenase activity [µg TPF/g dry soil/day] & Nitrogenase activity [nmol C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>4</sub>/g rhizosphere/ hour]), growth parameters (fresh weight of shoots per plant (g), fresh weight of roots per plant (g), dry weight of shoots per plant (g), dry weight of roots per plant (g), Plant height (cm), number of umbel per plant [at full flowering stage] & dry weight of seeds per plant [at harvest stage]) and chemical composition (plant pigments [chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoides], macro elements content (%), total carbohydrates, and crude protein). The results in both seasons showed that, the highest values of number of AM fungi spores (kg soil<sup>-1</sup>) in anise (<em>Pimpinella anisum</em> L.) roots, AM fungi colonization %, enzymatic activities, growth parametersand chemical composition obtained at inoculating seeds with mixture of mycorrhizal and mycrobein at full dose of NPK.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164452220150901PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON ANISE (PIMPINELLA ANISUM L.) PLANT UNDER USING CHEMICAL FERTILIZATION, BIOFERTILIZER AND THIDIAZURON TREATMENTS38561253110.21608/ajps.2015.12531ENDaliaSallamDepartment of medicinal plant and natural products, National Organization for Drug Control and Research, Giza, Egypt.Journal Article20180904A field experiment was conducted during two successive seasons of 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 at Phytochemistry Department and Farm of Applied Research Center of Medicinal Plants (ARCMP) affiliated to the National Organization for Drug Control And Research (NODCAR). Present work aimed to study the effect of inoculation <em>Pimpinella anisum</em> L. seeds with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (my) and/or microbein (mi) and/or foliar spray plants with thidiazuran (TDZ) combine with chemical fertilizer at half or full dose of NPK on the volume of the volatile oil of anise seeds, physiochemical investigation (Specific gravity of each essential oil and Refractive index of each essential oil), Compositional analysis by GLC of each essential oil percentage (linalol, estragole, alpha-terpenol, cis-anethole, trans- anethol and anisaldhyde) , total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of dry seeds. The results showed that inoculation anise (<em>Pimpinella anisum</em> L.) seeds with mixture of mycorrhizal and microbein at full dose of NPK gave the highest yield of the volatile oil of anise seeds , total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of dry seeds. While treated plants with biofertilizer (mycorrhizal and/or microbein) /or sprayed plants with TDZ combine biofertilizer at half or full dose of NPK didn't have any significant effect on physiochemical investigation and compositional analysis of volatile oil by GLC as compared to the control.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164452220150901THE IMPACT OF CLINICAL PHARMACIST MANAGED ANTICOAGULATION MANAGEMENT SERVICE VERSUS ROUTINE MEDICAL CARE ON THE CLINICAL OUTCOME OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION PATIENTS: AN EGYPTIAN PILOT STUDY.57811253310.21608/ajps.2015.12533ENSarahHashemBsc. Pharm Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams UniversityJournal Article20180904<strong>Aim.</strong> To assess impact of pharmacist managed anticoagulation management service on Egyptian atrial fibrillation patients’ anticoagulation management, incidence and severity of bleeding events and thromboembolic events, incidence of warfarin drug and food interactions.
<strong>Methods</strong>. Prospective, randomized, controlled study. Patients presenting to Cardiology Department, Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, from November 2012 to February 2014, were assessed for eligibility. Inclusion criteria; newly diagnosed AF patients who would receive anticoagulation with warfarin, aged 18- 80 years, moderate to high risk of developing stroke. Exclusion criteria; patient with renal disorder or on renal dialysis, pregnancy or lactation, dementia, moderate to severe hepatic disorder, valvular heart disease, clinically significant active bleeding, recurrent DVT or PE. Patients were randomly assigned to; control (routine medical care group); 30 atrial fibrillation patients subjected to regular care, or study (pharmacist group); 30 atrial fibrillation patients subjected to pharmacist managed anticoagulation management service. For both groups; demographics, anticoagulation knowledge assessment questionnaire (AKA) and INR were assessed initially and patients given a side effect self-reporting card. Study group was subjected to a systematic anticoagulation management and education. Follow up was done continuously for 6 months for both groups and final evaluation included; percentage time in therapeutic range (TTR), anticoagulation knowledge assessment questionnaire (AKA), side effect, warfarin drug and food interaction reporting.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164452220150901DESIGN, SYNTHESIS AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF SOME NEW 2,4-DIAMINO PYRIMIDOTHIAZINE DERIVATIVES821001253410.21608/ajps.2015.12534ENHelmySakrDepartment of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20180904The thermal condensation of 2,4-diamino 5-bromo-6-hydroxypyrimidine with 2-amino-3-mercaptopropylaniline derivatives (<strong>6</strong>) and 2-amino-3-mercaptopropymethyllaniline derivatives (<strong>9</strong>) resulted in 2,4-diamino-6-substituted anilinomethlyl 6,7-dihydro-8H-pyrimido[4,5-b][1,4] thiazine derivatives (<strong>13, R= H</strong>) and 2,4-diamino-6-substituted methylanilinomethlyl 6,7-dihydro-8-methyl-pyrimido[4,5-b][1,4] thiazine derivatives (<strong>13, R= CH<sub>3</sub></strong>) respectively. The synthesized compounds were screened for antimicrobial activity and it was found that the screened compounds have antimicrobial and antifungal activity comparable to chloramphenicol and terbinafine.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164452220150901NEPHROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF METFORMIN AGAINST GLYCEROL-INDUCED ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY IN RATS1011131253710.21608/ajps.2015.12537ENAmanyAlzokakyPharmacology and Toxicology Department, Pharmacy College (girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20180904Rhabdomyolysis-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious life-threatening condition. Therefore, more effective strategies are needed for its prevention. The pathophysiological process of rhabdomyolysis-associated AKI involves oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Metformin (MF) has been known to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties. This study explored the possible effect of pretreatment with metformin on the development of glycerol-induced-AKI in rats.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164452220150901EFFECTS OF SHORT RNA SEQUENCES ANALOGS AGAINST HCV GENOTYPE 4(A) IN REPLICON CELLS1141231254010.21608/ajps.2015.12540ENIsmailELSHAFFEIDepartment of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20180904<strong>Aim </strong>
To determine to what extent short RNA sequences structural analogs could inhibit HCV genotype 4a (ED43) replication in cultured cell with sub-genomic HCV replicons.
<strong>Method </strong>
HCV short RNA sequences designed to be structurally similar to X region in the 3’-UTR of HCV 1b genome, were inserted into <strong>B<em>am</em>H I and H<em>in</em>d III</strong> restriction sites in pSilencer 4.1 CMV puro plasmid, transfected into human hepatoma cells Huh 7.5 with subgenomic replicons HCV genotype 4a (ED43/SG.Feo). 48 hrs after decoy transfection HCV RNA were isolated and quantified by real-time Polymerase chain reaction.
<strong>Results</strong>
the RNA structure analogs 5B46, X12, X12a and X12b were able to inhibit RNA levels by 65.5%, 38.5%, 64.5% and 68% respectively, in HCV genotype 4a.
<strong>Conclusion</strong>
Despite the sequence dissimilarity of the HCV RNA analogs and HCV genome in the replicon cells, there were enough 3 dimensional structural similarities to inhibit HCV viral replication. Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164452220150901AMELIORATING EFFECT OF THYMOQUINONE ON THE DELETERIOUS EFFECTS OF MOBILE PHONE RADIATION IN THE RAT BRAIN1241391254110.21608/ajps.2015.12541ENEl SayedEl SayedDepartment of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Ein Helwan, Cairo, Egypt.Journal Article20180904Tremendous concerns have been raised about the possibility that exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from mobile phones could affect people’s health. Many experimental studies suggest the possible role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in EMR-induced damage in brain tissues with subsequent neurobehavioral changes.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of thymoquinone (TQ) on EMR-induced oxidative damage in brain tissue of rats. Results of the current study show that exposure to EMR decreases the time spent in target quadrant of Morris water maze and the percentage time spent in open arms of elevated plus maze, and increases significantly the percentage time spent in closed arms of elevated plus maze, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and norepinephrine (NE) contents in brain tissue. Furthermore, a significant decrease in brain catalase (CAT) activity, reduced glutathione (GSH) contents, serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) contents were also observed. These alterations were prevented by TQ (5, 10 mg/kg). The observed neuroprotective effects of TQ were attributed to its powerful antioxidant activities.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164452220150901THIOREDOXIN REDUCTASE AS BIOMARKER FOR DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF PROSTATE CANCER1401491254310.21608/ajps.2015.12543ENHeshamGadBiochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20180904<strong>AIM </strong>
This study was aimed to determine whether serum thirodoxine reductase (TR) levels would be a prognostic marker or risk assessment factor in patients with prostate cancer and to investigate whether it could differentiate prostate cancer (PCa) from benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).
<strong>PATIENTS AND METHODS</strong>
<strong> </strong>We enrolled 35 patients with PCa subclassified into 2 groups (group1 PCa: 11 patients with Prostate specific antigen (PSA) less than 10 ng/ml and group2 PCa: 24 patients with PSA more than 10 ng/ml)), 42 patients with BPH, and 27 healthy individuals. Serum TR and PSA levels was measured by ELISA and was compared among all groups. All statistical analyses were calculated using ANOVA software and graph pad prism version 6.
<strong>RESULTS</strong>
<strong> </strong>We found statistically significantly increased levels of TR in serum of patients diagnosed with PCa (group 1 and 2 PCa) vs. patients with BPH and healthy subjects at P≤0.0001 while there was no significant difference in PSA level between group 1 PCa and control (BPH and healthy)
<strong>CONCLUSION</strong>
The assessment of serum TR in addition to PSA appears to be of great benefit for a more accurate differential diagnosis of BPH and PCa.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164452220150901EARLY PREDICTION OF GRAM-POSITIVE BACTEREMIA IN FEVERISH EGYPTIAN PATIENTS USING SOME SELECTED INFLAMMATORY MEDIATORS1501601254510.21608/ajps.2015.12545ENRihamYoussefNational Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy AuthorityJournal Article20180904Bloodstream infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Some components of the bacterial cell wall bind to receptors on the cell surface of the host monocytes and macrophages and induce cytokines production. This study assessed the levels of IL- 6 and TNF-α in 36 feverish Egyptian patients, with Gram positive bacterial infections. For early prediction of the infection, blood culture samples from feverish patients were collected from different medical hospitals in Cairo, Egypt. The recovered Gram-positive isolates were identified as <em>Staphylococcus</em> species and <em>Micrococcus</em> species. For patients, IL-6 and TNF-α were measured in the patients’ sera by ELISA. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined for the tested isolates using 16 antibiotics by Kirby Bauer disk diffusion. Cell membrane protein profile was performed to detect the bands responsible for TNF- α production. The IL-6 and TNF-α in sera of all patients, with Gram-positive bacterial infections, showed significantly (P<em> < 0.05</em>) higher levels as compared to that of their counterparts with negative bacterial blood cultures. Tested isolates showed antimicrobial resistance to most tested antibiotics. The bacterial cell membrane proteins bands between 29-36 kDa were detected in the tested isolates. Some Inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) can be used as valuable tools for early prediction of Gram-positive bacterial infections even before culture results are available.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164452220150901DRUG CLASSES PROFILE AMONG ELDERLY PATIENTS ADMITTED TO GERIATRIC UNIT1611711254910.21608/ajps.2015.12549ENSherihanAhmedTeaching Assistant, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni Sueif, EgyptJournal Article20180904<strong>Background </strong>
Elderly people have a higher prevalence of chronic illness, disability and dependency and are more likely to be on medication than younger people. They are often taking several drugs at once to treat concomitant disease processes.
<strong>Aim</strong>
To identify and classify different types of drugs and comorbid diseases encountered among hospitalized elderly patients.
<strong>Methods</strong>
Data were prospectively collected from 320 patients aged ≥ 65 hospitalized at the Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology at a university teaching hospital in Egypt among 17 month study period. Patient’s medical profiles were studied carefully for identification and classification of different types of drugs and comorbid diseases encountered among hospitalized elderly patients.
<strong>Results</strong>
There were different types of comorbid diseases encountered among the patients, with a median of five per patient and a range of 1-11 per patient. The most common medical disorders among the studied patients were hypertension (52.8%), diabetes (42.5%) and chronic liver diseases (40.3%). The total number of medications prescribed was 2985; median number of medications per patient was nine (range 2-20). The most commonly prescribed medications were antacids and peptic ulcer medications (78.1%), antiplatelet and anticoagulants (77.2%) and antibiotics (68.1%). While the less frequently prescribed drugs were skeletal muscle relaxant (0.6%) and antifungal drugs (0.3%).
<strong>Conclusion</strong>
Results of the current study have reported the presence of poly-pharmacy and poly-morbidity among this Egyptian elderly patient’s profile.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164452220150901HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF MATTHIOLA ARABICA BOISS Aganist CARBON TETRACHLORIDE INDUCED ACUTE LIVER INJURY1721801255010.21608/ajps.2015.12550ENEmanMohammedNatural Product Unit, Department of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Desert Research Center, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20180904Chronic liver diseases one of the most common causes of death in the world due to different etiologies. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl<sub>4</sub>) one of the well known toxicant used in most of acute and chronic liver injury. Therefore, several researches have been directed toward natural products to develop a new pharmacologically effective agents in the treatment of liver diseases. <em>Matthila arabica</em> Boiss. one of the brassicaceaeʼs plants which is famous with the presence of pharmacologically active glucsinolates hydrolysis products (GLCsHPs). The present study was performed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of (GLCsHPs) fraction of <em>M. arabica</em> against carbon tetrachloride (CCl<sub>4</sub>) induced acute liver injury at a dose of 1ml/kg injected intraperitoneally as a mixture with corn oil in the seventh day. The (GLCsHPs) fraction was administered in different three doses of 7.5,15 and 30mg/kg orally for six consecutive days followed by single dose of CCl<sub>4</sub> at a dose of 1ml/kg injected intraperitoneally as a mixture with corn oil in the seventh day. The hepatoprotective effect was assessed via liver function tests and histopathological liver sections. Significant reduction in the hepatic enzymes levels was found in animals treated with different doses of (GLCsHPs) fraction particularly at a dose of 30mg/kg as well as restoration of hepatocellular architecture. These findings is indicative for the promising hepatoprotective effect of (GLCsHPs) fraction against CCl<sub>4</sub>-induced acute liver injury.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164452220150901POTENTIAL PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF CHRYSIN ON EXPERIMENTALLY-INDUCED GASTROPATHY IN RATS1811911255110.21608/ajps.2015.12551ENMinaGeorgeDepartment of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20180904Gastric ulcer is one of the major gastrointestinal disorders affecting people worldwide. Despite medical advances, management of gastric ulcer and its complications remains a challenge facing medicine nowadays. In addition, currently available medicines exhibited limited efficacy and several side effects. Chrysin is a naturally occurring flavonoid with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it may play a pivotal part in management of gastric ulcer. The current research suggested that chrysin possesses a potential protective effect against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer via the underlying anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Chrysin was administered to spargue-Dawly rats (200-220 gm) at three different doses; 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, single oral dose (S.O.D) compared to omeprazole given at a dose of 30 mg/kg, S.O.D. Indomethacin was administered at a dose of 48 mg/kg, S.O.D. As indicators of oxidative stress, indomethacin treatment caused significant reduction in catalase enzyme activity. Chrysin pretreatment significally attenuated indomethacin-induced oxidative injury. Additionally, indomethacin provoked inflammatory responses via increasing the level of tumor necrosis factor-ɑ while chrysin pretreatment significally inhibited those inflammatory responses. Furthermore, indomethacin was found to increase acidity in stomach leading to gastric mucosal injury while chrysin pretreatment lead to returnin acidity nearly to normal reducing gastric mucoal injury. Collectively, these findings indicate that chrysin possesses a potential protective effect against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer via suppressing acidity, oxidative stress and inflammation.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164452220150901EVALUATION OF STABILITY, CELLULAR UPTAKE AND ANTI-TUMOUR ACTIVITIES OF AN OPTIMIZED CURCUMIN SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLES FORMULATION.1922071255310.21608/ajps.2015.12553ENHamdyDawabaDepartment of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20180904Curcumin has a wide spectrum of biological and pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities but its main drawbacks (Low stability and poor bioavailability profiles) have restricted its therapeutic applications. In our previous study an optimized formula of solid lipid nanoparticles containing curcumin (C-SLNs) was prepared to overcome its drawbacks. The aim of the optimized C-SLN formula to increase curcumin’s stability, and enhance its anticancer activity against A2780 ovarian cancer cells. The purpose of the current study was characterization of the optimized C-SLN formula through conducting morphological examination, stability, cytotoxicity and cellular uptake studies. The morphological examination using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the spherical nature of the optimized C-SLN formula. The stability of the optimized C-SLN formula at different temperatures was evaluated over the storage period of 6 months. The cytotoxicity and cellular uptake studies revealed enhanced antiproliferative activity of the optimized C-SLN formula compared to native curcumin solution in DMSO<sub>. </sub>The present study indicated the effectiveness of C-SLNs in enhancing the anticancer effect of curcumin in ovarian cancer cells <em>in-vitro</em>.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164452220150901DESIGN, SYNTHESIS AND BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF NOVEL [1,2,4]TRIAZOLO[4,3-A] QUINOXALINONES2082181255410.21608/ajps.2015.12554ENAdelGhiatyAl-Azhar University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Organic Chemistry Department, Cairo 11884, EgyptJournal Article20180904A series of novel [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-<em>a</em>]quinoxalinone derivatives have been synthesized. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by elemental analysis and different spectral techniques. The <em>in</em> <em>vitro</em> antimicrobial screening of some selected compounds was carried out using the diffusion agar technique. Compound <strong>14<sub>c</sub></strong> was found to be the most active antibacterial agent against <em>Escherichia coli using</em> gentamicin as reference drug. All the tested compounds showed no activity against <em>Candida albicans</em> and <em>Pseudomonas aerugeosa</em>.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164452220150901POTENTIAL NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF TETRAMETHYLPYRAZINE IN AN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL MODEL OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE2192321255710.21608/ajps.2015.12557ENHaidyMichelDepartment of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.Journal Article20180904Parkinson's disease (Powers et al.) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder and it is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of PD, of which apoptotic cell death, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are the most prevalent. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) is the major bioactive component of <em>Ligusticum wallichii</em> Franchat (ChuanXiong), Family Apiaceae, which exhibits anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant roles. In the present study, the possible neuroprotective effect of TMP against rotenone-induced model of PD in rats was investigated and the possible mechanisms were elucidated. Results showed that systemic rotenone administration significantly impaired rats’ movement and induced postural instability, compared to the control group. Co-administration of TMP significantly improved rats movement and attenuated postural instability in rotenone-treated rats. Moreover, rotenone-treated rats exhibited altered midbrain histology, evidenced by severe hemorrhage, hyalinosis and blood vessels’ congestion in addition to a significant loss of tissue histo-architecture, where the neurons appeared hyperchromatic, lost the round form of normal ones and phantom nuclei appeared scattered in the field. Co-treatment with TMP showed restoration of normal histological structure in the midbrain and the global appearance of the tissue in sections co-treated with TMP was closer to normal with apparent increased number of normal neurons as compared to rotenone-treated rats. Immunohistochemical staining of the midbrain sections showed that rotenone increased caspase-3 expression compared to the control, while co-treatment with TMP reduced caspase-3 expression compared to rotenone treated rats. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that TMP has neuroprotective effects in rotenone-induced PD. Therefore, TMP can be a promising candidate for further investigations in other neurodegenerative disorders.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164452220150901STABILITY-INDICATING HPLC AND UV SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF SOFOSBUVIR IN PURE FORM AND TABLETS2332471255910.21608/ajps.2015.12559ENAhmadAbdelhalimPharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, 11751, Nasr City, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20180904Four simple, sensitive, accurate and precise stability-indicating methods were developed for determination of sofosbuvir (SFB) in pure form as well as in its pharmaceutical preparation and in presence of its alkaline degradate. The first method is an HPLC stability–indicating method, where the intact drug (SFB), the internal standard (atorvastatin) and SFB degradation product were separated on a Athena C<sub>18</sub> (250 mm X 4.6 mm ID, 5µm particle size) column using methanol–water (70:30, v/v) as a mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 ml/min and UV detection at 260 nm. The second method is the ratio difference method, where the UV absorption spectra of different concentrations of SFB were divided by the absorption spectrum of a certain concentration (30 µg /ml) of its degradation product (divisor) to get the ratio difference spectra. Afterwards, the difference in peak amplitudes between 270 and 245 nm were measured. The third method is the ratio derivative method, where the amplitudes of first derivative of the obtained ratio difference spectra were measured at 282 nm. The fourth method is the mean centering of ratio difference spectra, where the amplitudes of the mean centered ratio difference spectra were measured at 262.6 nm. The calibration curves were linear over the concentration range of 5-35 µg/ml for all methods. The proposed methods can selectively analyse the drug in presence of up to 86 % of its degradation product with mean recoveries of 100.66±1.310, 101.04±1.662, 101.06±1.026 and 99.92<span style="text-decoration: underline;">+</span>1.374 for the four methods, respectively. These methods were validated and successfully applied for the determination of SFB in its commercial preparation. Moreover, the obtained results were statistically compared with those of the reported method by applying t-test and F-test at 95% confidence level. It was found that no significant differences were observed regarding accuracy and precision.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164452220150901FUNCTIONAL MODIFICATION OF POLY VINYL ALCOHOL/ACRYLIC ACID HYDROGELS PREPARED BY Γ-RADIATION THROUGH SOME AMINE COMPOUNDS2482691256210.21608/ajps.2015.12562ENHalaAlyDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of Science (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20180904Radiation induced-poly vinyl alcohol/acrylic acid (PVA/AAc) hydrogels were modified through condensation reaction with various aliphatic and aromatic amines to form amine-treated polymers. The amine compounds are 2-amino-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propanoic acid (<strong>P1</strong>), propane-1,2-diamine (<strong>P2</strong>), 4-amino-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one (4-aminoantipyrine) (<strong>P3</strong>), 2-aminothiazol (<strong>P4</strong>), 4-amino-<em>N</em>-(1-phenyl-1<em>H</em>-pyrazol-5-yl) benzene sulfonamide (<strong>P5</strong>) and 4-amino-<em>N</em>-(4-methoxy-1,2,5-thiadiazol-3-yl) benzene sulfonamide (<strong>P6</strong>). The degree of swelling of amine-modified polymers increased with increasing AAc contents in the PVA/AAc copolymer and lowered irradiation doses, reaching its maximum at PVA: AAc composition; 50:50 wt%. The characterization of all synthesized polymeric compounds was carried out by using IR, NMR and UV spectral analysis, in addition to thermal studies which predicted by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Thermal studies display that the amine-treated polymers have more thermal stability than untreated ones. All the newly synthesized polymeric compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial and antifungal activities in vitro against two Gram-positive bacteria and two Gram negative bacteria as well as two fungi by the disc diffusion method. In general, the newly synthesized polymeric compounds exhibited higher promising biological activities and can be used in medical applications.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164452220150901METFORMIN ATTENUATES THIOACETAMIDE INDUCED HEPATOTOXIC EFFECTS IN RATS2702821256410.21608/ajps.2015.12564ENSoadKabilDepartment of pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University.Journal Article20180904Thioacetamide (TAA) is a well known hepatototoxic chemical that is used to induce liver cirrhosis similar to that occurred in human. This study was performed to investigate the possible protective effect of metformin against deleterious effects induced by thioacetamide in rat livers and to find out the possible mechanisms of action. Male rats were divided into 4 groups control group, TAA group received 300mg/L in drinking water for 12 weeks, metformin group received 50mg/kg/day by gavage for 12 weeks and co- treated group that received metformin 50mg/kg/day by gavage for 12 weeks in addition to TAA in the same previously mentioned dose for the same duration of time and started from the first day of metformin. The rats were weighted and euthanized. Liver tissues and blood samples were collected for estimation of key oxidative stress markers, liver enzymes and pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α). The results showed that TAA induced massive functional and structural damage of the liver. Metformin treated rats significantly attenuated TAA induced changes in both liver function and structure with reduction in rises of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in liver tissue with reduction in serum levels of TNF-α. The liver weights (LW) and the liver/body weight ratios (LW/BW) in thioacetamide rats had significantly increased compared to the control rats. Metformin had significantly reduced liver weights and the liver/body weight ratios compared to thioacetamide rats. On conclusion: metformin attenuates the deleterious effects of thioacetamide on liver tissue and exhibits hepatoprotection against these effects through inhibition of peroxidation, inflammation and oxidative stress and enhanced antioxidant status in rat liver tissues suggesting the potential efficacy of metformin as an addition hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatotoxic agent in treatment of liver toxicity.Al-Azhar University, Faculty of PharmacyAl-Azhar Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences1110-164452220150901PHYTOCHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL STUDY OF (Senecio glaucus subsp. coronopifolius ) (MAIRE) C. ALEXANDER GROWING IN EGYPT2832981256610.21608/ajps.2015.12566ENShazaMohamedPharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), AL-Azhar University, Cairo, EgyptJournal Article20180904<em>Senecio glaucus </em>subsp<em>. coronopifolius </em>(Maire) C. Alexanderis wild annual herb distributed in the Egyptian deserts. Total phenolic and flavonoid content of plant root were determined using both HPLC and colorimetric analysis. Syringic acid and hesperidin (1378.802 and 6638.247 mg / 100 gm. dried plant root powder, respectively) were of the highest concentration compounds resulted from HPLC analysis of total phenolic and flavonoid content. The colorimetric estimation of total phenolic and flavonoid content resulted in concentration of (98.23 ± 0.28 mg/gm. expressed as Gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and35.9± 0.17 mg/gm.expressed as quercetin equivalent (QE), respectively). GC-MS analysis of un-saponifiable matters and fatty acid methyl esters of the plant leaves indicated that octacosane (11.85%) and linolenic acid methyl ester (31.07%) (poly- unsaturated fatty acid) were the major identified compounds, respectively. The DNA of the plant was analyzed using twelve random decamer primers. A total of 52 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were identified. Root extracts (ethyl acetate, acetone and methyl alcohol) were subjected to determine the antimicrobial behavior and also their cytotoxic activity, by using (3- (4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay against colon carcinoma cell lines (HCT-116). Among the fore mentioned extracts, root ethyl acetate extract gave appreciable antibacterial and antifungal behavior and also had promising cytotoxic activity with <em>IC<sub>50</sub></em> = 7.39 ±1.2 µg/ml. Root methyl alcohol extract showed antioxidant activity with <em>IC<sub>50</sub></em> = 79.57 ± 0.74 µg/ml, using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay.