Aneliya Milanova Haritova

Integration of Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Indices of Marbofloxacin in Turkeys

ABSTRACT Fluoroquinolones are extensively used in the treatment of systemic bacterial infections in poultry, including systemic Escherichia coli bacillosis, which is a common disease in turkey flocks. Marbofloxacin has been licensed for use in various mammalian species, but not as yet for turkeys, although its kinetic properties distinguish it from other fluoroquinolones. For example, the longer half-life of marbofloxacin in many animal species has been appreciated in veterinary practice. It is generally accepted that, for fluoroquinolones, the optimal dose should be estimated on the basis of the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) characteristics of the drug under consideration. Knowledge of these specific data for the target animal species allows the establishment of an integrated PK-PD model that is of high predictive value. In the present study, the antibacterial efficacy (PD indices) against a field isolate of Escherichia coli O78/K80 was investigated ex vivo following oral and intravenous administration of marbofloxacin to turkeys (breed BUT 9; six animals per group) at a dose of 2 mg/kg of body weight (BW). At the same time, the serum concentrations of marbofloxacin were measured at different time intervals by a standardized high-performance liquid chromatography method, allowing the calculation of the most relevant kinetic parameters (PK parameters). The in vitro serum inhibitory activity of marbofloxacin against the selected E. coli strain, O78/K80, was 0.5 μg/ml in the blood serum of turkeys, and the ratio of the maximum concentration of the drug in serum to the serum inhibitory activity was 1.34. The lowest ratio of the measured serum concentration multiplied by the incubation period of 24 h to the serum inhibitory activity required for bacterial elimination was lower than the ratio of the area under the serum concentration-time curve (AUC) to the serum inhibitory activity. These first results suggested that the recommended dose of 2 mg/kg BW of marbofloxacin is sufficient to achieve a therapeutic effect in diseased animals. However, considering the risk of resistance induction, the applied dose should be equal to an AUC/MIC of >125, the generally recommended dose for all fluoroquinolones. According to the PK-PD results presented here, a dose of 3.0 to 12.0 mg/kg BW per day would be needed to meet this criterion. In conclusion, the results of the present study provide the rationale for an optimal dose regimen for marbofloxacin in turkeys and hence should form the basis for dose selection in forthcoming clinical trials.

Pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin in lactating sheep

The pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin (ENR) was investigated after its intravenous (iv) and intramuscular (im) administration in six healthy lactating sheep. After iv ENR injection (as a bolus), the elimination half-life (t(1/2beta)), the volume of distribution (Vd(area)), and the area under the concentration vs. time curve (AUC) were 3.30 (0.36)h, 2.91 (0.17)l/kg and 4.19 (0.18) microg h/ml, respectively. The maximum milk concentrations of ENR (C(max)), the area under the milk concentration vs. time curve (AUC(milk)) and the ratio AUC(milk)/AUC(serum) were 2.38 (0.14)microg/ml, 23.76 (2.21) microg h/ml and 5.62 (0.30), respectively. After im administration of ENR the t(1/2beta), C(max), time of C(max) (t(max)) and absolute bioavailability (F(abs)) were 3.87 (0.10)h, 0.74 (0.07) microg/ml, 0.83 (0.12)h and 75.35%, respectively. The C(max), AUC(milk) and the ratio AUC(milk)/AUC(serum) were 1.94 (0.13) microg/ml, 24.81 (2.25) microg h/ml and 8.15 (0.96), respectively.

Pharmacokinetics of paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, in Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus): influence of pharmaceutical formulation and length of dosing

Paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, may be beneficial in the treatment of behavioural disorders in pet birds. The lack of pharmacokinetic data and clinical trials currently limits the use of this drug in clinical avian practice. This paper evaluates the pharmacokinetic properties and potential side effects of single and repeated dosing of paroxetine in Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus). Paroxetine pharmacokinetics were studied after single i.v. and single oral dosing, and after repeated oral administration during 1 month. Plasma paroxetine concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. No undesirable side effects were observed during the study. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed a quick distribution and rapid elimination after i.v. administration. Oral administration of paroxetine HCl dissolved in water resulted in a relatively slow absorption (T(max)=5.9±2.6 h) and a low bioavailability (31±15%). Repeated administration resulted in higher rate of absorption, most likely due to a saturation of the cytochrome P450-mediated first-pass metabolism. This study shows that oral administration of paroxetine HCl (4 mg/kg twice daily) in parrots results in plasma concentrations within the therapeutic range recommended for the treatment of depressions in humans. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the clinical efficacy of this dosage regimen in parrots with behavioural disorders.

Isotherm modeling of organic activated bentonite and humic acid polymer used as mycotoxin adsorbents

The aim of the current study was to evaluate and compare two representative samples of different classes of adsorbents intended for use as feed additives in the prevention or reduction of the adverse effects exerted by mycotoxins, specifically ochratoxin A (OTA) and zearalenone (ZEN). The adsorbents, an organically activated bentonite (OAB) and a humic acid polymer (HAP), were tested in a common in vitro model with a pH course comparing the maximum pH changes that can be expected in the digestive system of a monogastric animal, i.e. pH 7.4 for the oral cavity, pH 3.0 for the stomach, and pH 8.4 for the intestines. In the first experiment, the concentration-dependent adsorbent capacity of OAB and HAB were tested using a fixed concentration of either mycotoxin. Thereafter, adsorption was evaluated applying different isotherms models, such as Freundlich, Langmuir, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and Redlich–Peterson, to characterize the adsorption process as being either homo- or heterogeneous and representing either mono- or multilayer binding. At the recommended statutory level for the mycotoxins of 0.1 mg kg−1 OTA and 0.5 mg kg−1 ZEN, OAB showed an adsorbed capacity of >96% towards both mycotoxins, regardless of the pH. The HAP product was also able to absorb >96% of both mycotoxins at pH 3.0, but extensive desorption occurred at pH 8.4. Based on χ-square (χ2) values, Langmuir and Redlich–Peterson equations proved to be the best models to predict monolayer equilibrium sorption of OTA and ZEN onto the organically activated bentonite and the humic acid polymer. The applied methodology has a sufficient robustness to facilitate further comparative studies with different mycotoxin-adsorbing agents.

A simulation model for the prediction of tissue:plasma partition coefficients for drug residues in natural casings

Tissue residues arise from the exposure of animals to undesirable substances in animal feed materials and drinking water and to the therapeutic or zootechnical use of veterinary medicinal products. In the framework of this study, an advanced toxicokinetic model was developed to predict the likelihood of residue disposition of licensed veterinary products in natural casings used as envelope for a variety of meat products, such as sausages. The model proved suitable for the calculation of drug concentrations in the muscles of pigs, cattle and sheep, the major species of which intestines are used. On the basis of drug concentrations in muscle tissue, the model allowed a prediction of intestinal concentrations and residues in the intestines that remained equal to or below the concentrations in muscle tissue, the major consumable product of slaughter animals. Subsequently, residues in intestines were found to be below the maximum residue limit value for muscle tissue when drugs were used according to prescribed procedures, including the application of appropriate withdrawal times. Considering the low consumption of natural casings (which represents only about 1-2% of the weight of a normal sausage), it was concluded that the exposure to drug residues from casings is negligible.

Expression of MDR1, MRP2 and BCRP mRNA in tissues of turkeys.

MDR1, MRP2 and BCRP are members of the superfamily of ABC membrane transporters that export a large variety of structurally diverse substances out of the cell, hence being an integral part of various biological barriers. Here we report for the first time the tissue distribution of these ABC efflux transporters in the gastrointestinal tract (crop, proventriculus, duodenum, proximal and distal jejunum, ileum, caecum, colon) as well as in liver, kidney, lung, brain, adrenal gland, ovaries, oviduct and testes in BUT9 turkeys. MDR1 and BCRP mRNA expression was detected in all tissue samples, and the highest levels were measured in the small intestines. The tissue distribution of MRP2 mRNA was less consistent and some tissues seemed to lack any significant expression. Moreover, in consideration of previous findings suggesting that fluoroquinolones are substrates and modulators of ABC transporters, the effect of orally administered danofloxacin mesylate on the levels of MDR1, MRP2 and BCRP mRNA expression was investigated. Danofloxacin treatment resulted in a significant up-regulation of the measured transporters at the transcriptional level in the upper part of gastro-intestinal tract, liver and kidneys as well as in barrier-protected organs, such as the brain. However, despite this significant increase in the transcription levels, the pharmacokinetic parameters after repeated application of danofloxacin mesylate were not significantly altered.

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic indices of enrofloxacin in Escherichia coli O78/H12 infected chickens

Aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of quercetin and enrofloxacin with/without quercetin on elimination of pathogen Escherichia coli O78/H12 in infected chickens. Effect of quercetin on disposition of enrofloxacin was investigated and Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic indices were calculated. Enrofloxacin was absorbed after oral administration in infected animals but with large inter-individual variations. Low concentrations of its main metabolite, ciprofloxacin, were found which could be explained with marked reduction of enrofloxacin transformation in infected animals. Quercetin significantly decreased bioavailability of enrofloxacin and its transformation to ciprofloxacin. Lower formation of metabolite was also found in the studied tissues as spleen, heart, lungs and in liver of group treated in combination with quercetin. Results in infected and quercetin (50 mg/kg) treated group shows lower percentage of re-isolates of the pathogen bacteria in comparison to infected and untreated animals, and close to the low dose (10 mg/kg) of enrofloxacin. High dose of enrofloxacin given in a short time in an infection model with high inoculum size, resulted in better eradication of bacteria although re-isolates could be found in spleen. Additional improvement of the outcome of fluoroquinolone therapy could be searched in early start of drug administration according to the terms of metaphylaxis.

Expression of drug efflux transporters in poultry tissues.

Multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) are two prominent members of the super-family of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters that carry a wide range of substrates across biological membranes, using ATP as energy source. The level of expression of these efflux transporters in different tissues has hitherto been studied mainly in mammals, and only P-glycoprotein (P-gp), the product of the MDR1 gene, has been described in chickens as of yet. The aim of this study was to describe the levels of expression of MDR1 and MRP2 mRNAs in different tissues of chickens, as these transporters play an important role in the absorption, distribution and excretion of drugs and toxins. In the gastro-intestinal tract, the highest levels of MDR1 mRNA expression were found in the small intestines, followed by the colon, whereas lower levels were found in the crop, proventriculus and the caeca. High MDR1 expression was also measured in the excretory organs such as liver, kidney and lungs. In contrast to rodents and humans, relatively low levels were found in the adrenals and in the immature sex organs such as testicles and ovaries. MRP2 mRNA expression was high in the liver, kidneys, duodenum and the jejunum, but expression was low in the ileum as well as in the lungs. No MRP2 expression could be detected in the other organs tested. Comparing the findings in chickens with previously published data, in particular those from humans and rodents, an unexpected high degree of similarity in the expression pattern of MDR1 and MRP2 mRNAs was apparent.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin, danofloxacin, and marbofloxacin after intravenous and oral administration in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

Abstract: A population approach was used to evaluate the pharmacokinetic parameters of 3 fluoroquinolones administered to Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Healthy adult quail (n = 50) were divided into 3 groups, each administered a separate intravenous and oral dose of the compounded drug: enrofloxacin at 10 mg/kg (n = 18; 9 male, 9 female), danofloxacin at 10 mg/kg (n = 12; 6 male, 6 female), and marbofloxacin at 5 mg/kg (n = 20; 10 male, 10 female). A fourth group was used as a control (n = 5). Enrofloxacin was metabolized extensively to ciprofloxacin, while no metabolites of either danofloxacin or marbofloxacin were detected. The volume of distribution was high, greater than 1 in all cases, and highest for danofloxacin, followed by enrofloxacin, then marbofloxacin. The total body clearance was higher in quail than that reported for other avian species with the exception of ostriches. As in mammals, the lowest clearance rate of the 3 fluoroquinolones was observed for marbofloxacin. Enrofloxacin was absorbed most rapidly, followed by marbofloxacin, then danofloxacin. The highest bioavailability was observed for danofloxacin followed by marbofloxacin, while very low bioavailability with significant conversion to ciprofloxacin was observed for enrofloxacin. Population analysis showed low intersubject variability for danofloxacin and marbofloxacin in contrast to that for enrofloxacin and its main metabolite, ciprofloxacin. Because of their more favorable pharmacokinetic properties after oral administration, either danofloxacin or marbofloxacin appears to be preferable to enrofloxacin for the treatment of susceptible bacterial infection in Japanese quail.

Effects of fluoroquinolone treatment on MDR1 and MRP2 mRNA expression in Escherichia coli-infected chickens.

Current knowledge about the expression of ABC transport proteins suggests that their expression is regulated by a variety of factors, including pathological conditions, and in particular inflammatory reactions to infection. As ABC transporters are major determinants of absorption, distribution and excretion of many antimicrobials, modulation of their activity may result in increased or decreased tissue levels of drugs, affecting the efficacy of treatment. As fluoroquinolones have been identified as modulators and substrates of a number of drug transporters, we evaluated the effect of danofloxacin mesylate and enrofloxacin treatment on the levels of expression of MDR1 and MRP2 mRNAs in the intestines and livers of broilers with experimentally induced colibacillosis. MDR1 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in infected animals and was partly restored over 5 days of treatment with orally administered danofloxacin mesylate or enrofloxacin. Changes in the level of expression of MRP2 mRNA were less prominent. The study suggests that the treatment of colibacillosis with fluoroquinolones, which resulted in a significant clinical improvement of the animals, also restored the expression of drug transporters. This is of clinical importance as these ABC transporters significantly contribute to the functionality of important biological barriers, protecting the bird and specific tissues from pathogens and bacterial toxins.