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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Nowadays, drug delivery systems (DDSs) are gaining more and more attention. Conducting polymers (CPs) are efficiently used for DDS construction as such systems can be...
Nowadays, drug delivery systems (DDSs) are gaining more and more attention. Conducting polymers (CPs) are efficiently used for DDS construction as such systems can be used in therapy. In this research, a well-known CP, polypyrrole (PPy), was synthesized in the presence of the polysaccharide heparin (HEP) and chlorpromazine (CPZ) using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as electrolyte on a steel substrate. The obtained results demonstrate the successful incorporation of CPZ and HEP into the polymer matrix, with the deposited films maintaining stable electrochemical parameters across multiple doping/dedoping cycles. Surface roughness, estimated via AFM analysis, revealed a correlation with layer thickness-decreasing for thinner layers and increasing for thicker ones. Moreover, SEM images revealed a change in the morphology of PPy films when PPy is electropolymerized in the presence of CPZ and HEP, while FTIR confirmed the presence of CPZ and HEP within PPy. Due to its lower molecular mass compared to HEP, CPZ was readily integrated into the thin polymer matrix during deposition, with diffusion being unimpeded, as opposed to films with greater thickness. Finally, the resulting system exhibited the ability to release CPZ, enabling a dosing range of 10 mg to 20 mg per day, effectively covering the therapeutic concentration range.
Topics: Polymers; Chlorpromazine; Pyrroles; Drug Delivery Systems; Heparin
PubMed: 38611809
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071531 -
Biosensors Oct 2023Hg, a highly toxic heavy metal, poses significant environmental and health risks, necessitating rapid detection methods. In this study, we employed an electrochemical...
Hg, a highly toxic heavy metal, poses significant environmental and health risks, necessitating rapid detection methods. In this study, we employed an electrochemical aptasensor for rapid and sensitive detection of Hg based on DNA strands (H2 and H3) immobilized graphene aerogels-Au nanoparticles (GAs-AuNPs) hybrid recognition interface and exonuclease III (Exo III)-mediated cyclic amplification. Firstly, Gas-AuNPs were modified on the surface of the ITO electrode to form a sensing interface to increase DNA loading and accelerate electron transfer. Then, DNA helper was generated with the addition of Hg via Exo III-mediated cycling. Finally, the hairpin structures of H2 and H3 were opened with the DNA helper, and then the methylene blue (MB) functionalized DNA (A1 and A2) combined with the H2 and H3 to form an H-shaped structure. The current response of MB as an electrochemical probe was proportional to the concentration of Hg. Under optimal conditions, the aptasensor showed excellent performance for Hg, achieving a linear range from 1 fM to 10 nM and a detection limit of 0.16 fM. Furthermore, the aptasensor was used to detect Hg in spiked milk samples, achieving a high recovery rate and demonstrating promising application prospects.
Topics: Graphite; Gold; Metal Nanoparticles; Biosensing Techniques; Aptamers, Nucleotide; Electrochemical Techniques; DNA; Mercury; Methylene Blue; Limit of Detection
PubMed: 37887125
DOI: 10.3390/bios13100932 -
Biosensors Jan 2024A new fluorescent sensor for the detection of CN was developed based on the conjugation of phenothiazine fluorophore and benzofuran unit. By the nucleophilic attacking...
A new fluorescent sensor for the detection of CN was developed based on the conjugation of phenothiazine fluorophore and benzofuran unit. By the nucleophilic attacking of CN to the fluoroacetylamino group in the sensor, the additional reaction of CN and carbonyl group induced the ICT (intramolecular charge transfer) effect in the molecule and caused the fluorescence quenching sensor. The titration experiments show that the sensor has good sensitivity, selectivity and quick response for CN. In addition, the fluorescent detection of CN in the living cell and zebrafish experiments demonstrated the value of the sensor in tracing the CN in biological systems.
Topics: Animals; Cyanides; Zebrafish; Fluorescent Dyes; Phenothiazines
PubMed: 38248428
DOI: 10.3390/bios14010051 -
Biomaterials Advances Oct 2023Schizophrenia is a severe chronic mental illness characterised by impaired emotional and cognitive functioning. To treat this condition, antipsychotics are available in...
Schizophrenia is a severe chronic mental illness characterised by impaired emotional and cognitive functioning. To treat this condition, antipsychotics are available in limited dosage forms, mainly oral and injectable formulations. Although injectable antipsychotics were designed to enhance adherence, they are invasive, painful and require a healthcare professional to be administered. To overcome such administration issues, extensive research has been focused on developing transdermal antipsychotic formulations. In this work, three microneedle (MN) systems were developed to deliver fluphenazine (FLU) systemically. A decanoic prodrug of FLU called fluphenazine decanoate (FLUD) was used in two of the MN formulations due to its high lipophilicity. FLU-D was loaded into dissolving MNs and nanoemulsion (NE)-loaded MNs. The parent drug FLU was loaded into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-tipped MNs. All MN systems were characterised and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The in vivo evaluation of the three developed MN systems showed their ability to deliver FLU into the systemic circulation, as the C of FLU-D dissolving MNs was 36.11 ± 12.37 ng/ml. However, the C of FLU-D NE loaded dissolving MNs was 12.92 ± 6.3 ng/ml and for FLU-PLGA tipped MNs was 21.57 ± 2.45 ng/ml. Compared to an intramuscular (IM) injection of FLU-D in sesame oil, the relative bioavailabilities were 26.96 %, 21.73 % and 42.45 % for FLU-D dissolving MNs, FLU-D NE dissolving MNs and FLU-PLGA tipped MNs, respectively. FLU plasma levels were maintained above the minimum human therapeutic limits for a week. Consequently, these various MN formulations are considered to be a viable options for the transdermal delivery of fluphenazine and its prodrug. The three MN systems developed offer patients a user-friendly, painless, and convenient long-acting delivery method for FLU. Reducing dosing frequency and using less invasive drug administration methods can enhance adherence and foster positive therapeutic outcomes. This study demonstrates the capability and adaptability of MNs technology to transport hydrophobic molecules from the skin to the systemic circulation.
Topics: Humans; Fluphenazine; Prodrugs; Antipsychotic Agents; Schizophrenia
PubMed: 37348183
DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213526 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Dec 2023Trastuzumab constitutes the fundamental component of initial therapy for patients with advanced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2)-positive gastric cancer...
BACKGROUND
Trastuzumab constitutes the fundamental component of initial therapy for patients with advanced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2)-positive gastric cancer (GC). However, the efficacy of this treatment is hindered by substantial challenges associated with both primary and acquired drug resistance. While S-phase kinase associated protein 2 (Skp2) overexpression has been implicated in the malignant progression of GC, its role in regulating trastuzumab resistance in this context remains uncertain. Despite the numerous studies investigating Skp2 inhibitors among small molecule compounds and natural products, there has been a lack of successful commercialization of drugs specifically targeting Skp2.
AIM
To discover a Skp2 blocker among currently available medications and develop a therapeutic strategy for HER2-positive GC patients who have experienced progression following trastuzumab-based treatment.
METHODS
Skp2 exogenous overexpression plasmids and small interfering RNA vectors were utilized to investigate the correlation between Skp2 expression and trastuzumab resistance in GC cells. Q-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted to evaluate the regulatory effect of thioridazine on Skp2 expression. A cell counting kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, a amplex red glucose/glucose oxidase assay kit, and a lactate assay kit were utilized to measure the proliferation, apoptosis, and glycolytic activity of GC cells in vitro. A xenograft model established with human GC in nude mice was used to assess thioridazine's effectiveness .
RESULTS
The expression of Skp2 exhibited a negative correlation with the sensitivity of HER2-positive GC cells to trastuzumab. Thioridazine demonstrated the ability to directly bind to Skp2, resulting in a reduction in Skp2 expression at both the transcriptional and translational levels. Moreover, thioridazine effectively inhibited cell proliferation, exhibited antiapoptotic properties, and decreased the glucose uptake rate and lactate production by suppressing Skp2/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin/glucose transporter type 1 signaling pathways. The combination of thioridazine with either trastuzumab or lapatinib exhibited a more pronounced anticancer effect in vivo, surpassing the efficacy of either monotherapy.
CONCLUSION
Thioridazine demonstrates promising outcomes in preclinical GC models and offers a novel therapeutic approach for addressing trastuzumab resistance, particularly when used in conjunction with lapatinib. This compound has potential benefits for patients with Skp2-proficient tumors.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Trastuzumab; Lapatinib; Thioridazine; Stomach Neoplasms; S-Phase Kinase-Associated Proteins; Mice, Nude; Receptor, ErbB-2; Cell Proliferation; Glycolysis; Lactates; Cell Line, Tumor; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Mammals
PubMed: 38130998
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i45.5974 -
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023A novel voltammetric sensor based on a self-assembled composite formed by native DNA and electropolymerized N-phenyl-3-(phenylimino)-3H-phenothiazin-7-amine has been...
A novel voltammetric sensor based on a self-assembled composite formed by native DNA and electropolymerized N-phenyl-3-(phenylimino)-3H-phenothiazin-7-amine has been developed and applied for sensitive determination of doxorubicin, an anthracycline drug applied for cancer therapy. For this purpose, a monomeric phenothiazine derivative has been deposited on the glassy carbon electrode from the 0.4 M HSO-acetone mixture (1:1 /) by multiple potential cycling. The DNA aliquot was either on the electrode modified with electropolymerized film or added to the reaction medium prior to electropolymerization. The DNA entrapment and its influence on the redox behavior of the underlying layer were studied by scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The DNA-doxorubicin interactions affected the charge distribution in the surface layer and, hence, altered the redox equilibrium of the polyphenothiazine coating. The voltametric signal was successfully applied for the determination of doxorubicin in the concentration range from 10 pM to 0.2 mM (limit of detection 5 pM). The DNA sensor was tested on spiked artificial plasma samples and two commercial medications (recovery of 90-95%). After further testing on real clinical samples, the electrochemical DNA sensor developed can find application in monitoring drug release and screening new antitumor drugs able to intercalate DNA.
PubMed: 37630955
DOI: 10.3390/nano13162369 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2023Phytoremediation is a promising, cost-effective, and eco-friendly process for wastewater treatment. Herein, the dry biomasses of Vossia cuspidata (Roxb.) Griff. leaves...
Phytoremediation is a promising, cost-effective, and eco-friendly process for wastewater treatment. Herein, the dry biomasses of Vossia cuspidata (Roxb.) Griff. leaves (PL) and rhizomes including aerial stems (PR) were used to effectively remediate methylene blue (MB) dyes. Interestingly, the adsorption uptake and removal efficiency of MB by PR were higher than those of PL; exceeding 97 and 91% in 35 and 25 min for 0.1 and 0.4 g/L MB, respectively. The MB diffusion within the PL and PR was insignificant and the adsorption kinetics was principally controlled by the surface MB-adsorbent interaction, as consistently approved by the pseudo-second order kinetic model. In addition, the adsorption increased rapidly with the plant dosage with high dependence on the initial MB concentration. Moreover, the impact of shaking speed on the adsorption was minor but temperature played a critical role where the highest efficiencies were recorded at 30 and 40 °C on PL (91.9%) and PR (93.3%), respectively. The best removal efficiencies were attained with PR at pH 6, but with PL at pH 8. The Temkin isotherm could perfectly simulate the experimental data (R > 0.97); suggesting a linear decrease of the adsorption heat of MB with the plant coverage.
Topics: Methylene Blue; Powders; Rhizome; Coloring Agents; Kinetics; Adsorption; Plant Leaves; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
PubMed: 37422533
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37987-0 -
Surgical Endoscopy Sep 2023Intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRF) with preoperative optical dye administration is a promising technique for quick and easy intraoperative...
BACKGROUND
Intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRF) with preoperative optical dye administration is a promising technique for quick and easy intraoperative visualization of the ureter and for an improved, real-time assessment of intestinal perfusion. During colorectal surgery, there is a need for simultaneous non-invasive ureteral imaging and bowel perfusion assessment, using one single camera system. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of simultaneous intestinal perfusion and ureteral imaging using a single commercially available NIRF imaging system.
METHODS
Six Landrace pigs underwent laparotomy under general anesthesia in this experiment. An intravenous (IV) dose of 0.2 mg/kg indocyanine green (ICG) was given to assess bowel perfusion. Two pairs received a methylene blue (MB) iv injection of 0.75, 0.50 or 0.25 mg/kg respectively to investigate ureteral visualization. Quest Spectrum Fluorescence Camera (Quest Medical Imaging, Middenmeer, The Netherlands) was used for NIRF imaging.
RESULTS
Ureter visualization and bowel perfusion under NIRF imaging was achieved in all animals. All ureters were visible after five to ten minutes and remained clearly visible until the end of every experiment (120-420 min). A mixed model analysis did not show any significant differences neither between the three groups nor over time. Importantly, we demonstrated that bowel perfusion could be visualized with methylene blue (MB) as well. We observed no interference between ICG and MB and a faster washout of MB.
CONCLUSION
We successfully demonstrated simultaneous fluorescence angiography with ICG and ureteral imaging with MB in the same surgical procedure, with the same commercially available NIRF imaging equipment. More importantly, we showed that the use MB is adequate for bowel perfusion assessment and ureter visualization with this NIRF imaging system. Besides, MB showed an earlier washout time, which can be clinical beneficial as a repeated dye injection may be necessary during a surgical procedure.
Topics: Swine; Animals; Laparoscopy; Ureter; Methylene Blue; Indocyanine Green; Perfusion; Optical Imaging; Fluorescence
PubMed: 37253870
DOI: 10.1007/s00464-023-10142-6 -
BMC Microbiology Sep 2023Microbial skin infections, antibiotic resistance, and poor wound healing are major problems, and new treatments are needed. Our study targeted solving this problem with...
Antibacterial and anti-corona virus (229E) activity of Nigella sativa oil combined with photodynamic therapy based on methylene blue in wound infection: in vitro and in vivo study.
Microbial skin infections, antibiotic resistance, and poor wound healing are major problems, and new treatments are needed. Our study targeted solving this problem with Nigella sativa (NS) oil and photodynamic therapy based on methylene blue (MB-PDT). Antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were determined via agar well diffusion assay and broth microdilution, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) proved deformations in Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified useful compounds that were suggested to be responsible for the potency of the oil. NS oil was tested as an antivirus against low pathogenic coronavirus (229E). Therapies examined, MB-PDT, NS, and MB-PDT + NS oil, to accelerate wound healing. The antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus was promising, with a MIC of 12.5% and TEM showing injured cells treated with NS oil. This oil inhibited 229E virus up to 42.85% and 32.14%. All tested therapies were successful in accelerating wound healing. The most successful was combined therapy (MB-PDT + NS oil), with a faster healing time. The combined therapy (MB-PDT + NS oil) reduced bacterial counts, which may be a key factor in accelerating wound healing. Skin wound histology was investigated; blood hematology and biochemical analysis did not change significantly after the safe combination treatment. A combination treatment could facilitate healing in a simple and inexpensive way in the future. Based on the results of the in vitro and in vivo studies, it was determined that NS oil had antibacterial and anti-corona virus activity when used in conjunction with photodynamic treatment based on methylene blue to treat wound infections.
Topics: Humans; Staphylococcus aureus; Methylene Blue; Coronavirus; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Photochemotherapy; Wound Infection
PubMed: 37773101
DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03018-1 -
Beijing Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban =... Apr 2024The pain-relieving effect and safety of compound aminopyrine phenacetin tablets, tramcontin (tramadol hydrochloride sustained-release tablets) and dolantin in the early... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
OBJECTIVE
The pain-relieving effect and safety of compound aminopyrine phenacetin tablets, tramcontin (tramadol hydrochloride sustained-release tablets) and dolantin in the early stage of autologous tendon reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee joint were compared.
METHODS
Retrospective analysis of postoperative pain and drug analgesia in 45 patients performed by the same group from November 2018 to February 2019. The random area group design was divided into two groups according to whether ACL rupture was combined with meniscal injury, group A was 24 patients with ACL reconstruction of knee joint and group B was 21 patients with ACL fracture combined with meniscus injury. The two groups were divided into three subgroups respectively according to the actual treatment of postoperative analgesic drugs received by the patients, including 4 cases of compound aminopyrine phenacetin tablets, 11 cases of oral tramcontin, 9 cases of intramuscular dolantin combined with phenergan in group A; 3 cases of compound aminopyrine phenacetin tablets, 10 cases of oral tramcontin, and 8 cases of intramuscular dolantin combined with phenergan in group B. When the early postoperative patients complain about pain and actively ask for analgesia. When the patients complained about pain after the operation and actively asked for analgesia, they were randomly given painkillers, tramcontin or dolantin combined with phenergan to relieve pain. Pain visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate pain relief and observe the occurrence of adverse reactions.
RESULTS
There were no significant dif-ferences in gender, age, body mass index, and time of hospital stay between the two groups of patients ( > 0.05). In the patients who used tramcontin and dolantin combined with phenergan to relieve pain judging by VAS score before and 1 h after taking the drug, it was found that the pain situation of the patient was significantly relieved, and the difference before and after taking the drug had statistical significance ( < 0.05). Pairwise comparisons of the three drugs applied in the two groups showed significantly greater pain relief in the dolantin combined with phenergan group than in the remaining two drugs. There was no significant difference ( > 0.05). Dolantin was prone to nausea and vomiting, but the application of phenergan was also used to reduce side effects. In terms of adverse reactions, only 1 case of nausea occurred in the tramcontin group for simple ACL reconstruction, and none of the patients in the other groups showed serious complications and allergic reactions.
CONCLUSION
Whether in cruciate ligament reconstruction alone or combined with meniscus molding or suture, compound aminopyrine phenacetin tablets, tramcontin, dolantin combined with phenergan can effectively relieve pain. Among the three drugs, dolantin caused the largest pain relief. At the same time, the combination of phenergan effectively reduced the adverse reactions, such as vomiting and nausea, and increased the drug safety.
Topics: Humans; Aminopyrine; Analgesics; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Knee Joint; Meperidine; Nausea; Pain, Postoperative; Phenacetin; Promethazine; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Vomiting
PubMed: 38595247
DOI: 10.19723/j.issn.1671-167X.2024.02.014