Hemant Nagar

Hydroxyproline: A Potential Biochemical Marker and Its Role in the Pathogenesis of Different Diseases.

Hydroxyproline is a non-essential amino acid found in collagen and few other extracellular animal proteins. Its two isomeric forms trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline and trans-3-hydroxy-L-proline play a crucial role in collagen synthesis and thermodynamic stability of the triple-helical conformation of collagen and associated tissues. Various abnormalities in hydroxyproline metabolism have been shown to play key roles in the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of different diseases. The elevated level of hydroxyproline is observed in several disorders, e.g., graft versus host disease, keloids, and vitiligo while its decreased level is a marker of poor wound-healing. This review explores the potential of using hydroxyproline as a biochemical marker to understand the pathogenesis, molecular pathophysiology and treatment of these diseases. The review concludes with an outlook on the scope and challenges in the clinical implementation of hydroxyproline as a biomarker.

Drug functionalized microbial polysaccharide based nanofibers as transdermal substitute

In order to promote the natural healing process, drug-functionalized nanofibrous transdermal substitute was fabricated using gellan as chief polymer and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as supporting polymer via electrospinning technique. These fabricated nanofibers physiochemically mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) which supports the cell growth. For neo-tissue regeneration in a sterilized environment, amoxicillin (Amx) was entrapped within these nanofibers. Entrapment of Amx in the nanofibers was confirmed by FESEM, FTIR, XRD and TG analysis. In vitro cell culture studies revealed that the fabricated non-cytotoxic nanofibers promoted enhance cell adherence and proliferation of human keratinocytes. A preliminary in vivo study performed on rat model for full thickness skin excision wound demonstrated the prompt re-epithelialization in early phase and quicker collagen deposition in later phases of wound healing in case of Amx-functionalized gellan/PVA nanofibers. Data collectively confirmed the potential usage of gellan based electrospun nanofibers as transdermal substitute for faster skin restoration.

Ofloxacin loaded gellan/PVA nanofibers - Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of their gastroretentive/mucoadhesive drug delivery potential

The purpose of this investigation is to formulate a gastroretentive sustained drug release system for ofloxacin to improve its retention time, pharmacological activity, bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy in the stomach. Ofloxacin loaded gellan/poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers were fabricated using a simple and versatile electrospinning technique. The fabricated nanofibers were evaluated for percent drug encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release in simulated gastric medium (pH1.2). The in vitro release profile and kinetic studies for drug indicated the sustained release of ofloxacin from the nanofibers through Fickian diffusion kinetics. The antimicrobial activity of the ofloxacin loaded nanofibers was assessed in comparison to the pure ofloxacin by means of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against microbial strains of Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The optimized ofloxacin loaded gellan/PVA nanofibers displayed biphasic drug release profile with considerable mucoadhesion and gastric retention in the rats gastric mucosal membrane. Data obtained, suggested that the developed gastroretentive drug delivery can potentially enhance the pharmacological activity of ofloxacin and can also serve as a viable alternative for improving drug bioavailability via oral route.

Pharmacological Investigation of the Wound Healing Activity of Cestrum nocturnum (L.) Ointment in Wistar Albino Rats

Objectives. The present study was aimed at investigating the wound healing effect of ethanolic extract of Cestrum nocturnum (L.) leaves (EECN) using excision and incision wound model. Methods. Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups each consisting of six animals; group I (left untreated) considered as control, group II (ointment base treated) considered as negative control, group III treated with 5% (w/w) povidone iodine ointment (Intadine USP), which served as standard, group IV treated with EECN 2% (w/w) ointment, and group V treated with EECN 5% (w/w) ointment were considered as test groups. All the treatments were given once daily. The wound healing effect was assessed by percentage wound contraction, epithelialization period, and histoarchitecture studies in excision wound model while breaking strength and hydroxyproline content in the incision wound model. Result. Different concentration of EECN (2% and 5% w/w) ointment promoted the wound healing activity significantly in both the models studied. The high rate of wound contraction (P < 0.001), decrease in the period for epithelialization (P < 0.01), high skin breaking strength (P < 0.001), and elevated hydroxyproline content were observed in animal treated with EECN ointments when compared to the control and negative control group of animals. Histopathological studies of the EECN ointments treated groups also revealed the effectiveness in improved wound healing. Conclusions. Ethanolic extract of Cestrum nocturnum (EECN) leaves possesses a concentration dependent wound healing effect.

Evaluation of potent phytomedicine for treatment of psoriasis using UV radiation induced psoriasis in rats

The aim of present study was to determine the effect of newly formulated gels and suspensions of extractive Phytoconstituents of Woodfordia fructicosa flowers and Gardenia gummifera leaves by using UV Radiation induced psoriasis in rats. Both plants are traditionally claimed to be useful in treatment of number of skin diseases. However, there are no established scientific reports for their potential in psoriasis. Formulated Gels and Suspensions of ethanolic extract of both plants were tested for acute dermal and oral toxicity study respectively. The results of acute dermal toxicity at concentration 1% w/w and oral toxicity at dose 1000mg/kg showed that the gels and suspensions were safe. Psoriasis was induced in Wistar rats by espousing 10% area of total body by UV radiations. Anti-psoriatic activity was performed by applying 0.1% gel and orally at a dose 100mg/kg body weight in rats. Severity Index, histological study and biochemical estimation were analyzed. The results of our studies showed that the test formulations (Gels and Suspensions) of both plant extracts exhibited potential effect in anti-psoriatic activity.

Antipsoriatic activity of ethanolic extract of Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz flowers in a novel in vivo screening model.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the antipsoriatic activity of ethanolic extract of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers (EEWF) using a novel in vivo screening model. Materials and Methods: For induction of psoriasis, 0.1 ml of prepared complete Freunds adjuvant (CFA) and formaldehyde mixture (1:10 ratio) was topically applied for 7 days on the dorsum surface of the skin of Swiss albino mice. Psoriasis severity index (PSI) was evaluated by phenotypic (redness, erythema, and scales) and histological features (epidermal thickness). Therapeutic effect of 0.05% and 0.1% (w/w) ointments of EEWF was evaluated after the induction of psoriasis. Ointments of EEWF flowers were applied once daily for 3 weeks, and antipsoriatic activity was evaluated by scoring the PSI and histological examination. Results: We observed the phenotypic and histological features and found a progressive reduction (P < 0.05) in the severity of psoriatic lesions (redness, erythema, and scales) from day 7 to 21st day and decreased epidermal thickness in animals treated with 0.05% and 0.1% (w/w) ointments of EEWF. Conclusions: The results showed that 0.05% and 0.1% (w/w) ointments of EEWF have dose-dependent beneficial effects in CFA and formaldehyde-induced psoriasis. The present investigation revealed that W. fruticosa flowers possess potent antipsoriatic activity and can be used for psoriasis treatment.

Evaluation of antitussive and anti-asthmatic activity of Tabernaemontana divaricata(L.) R. Br. Ex Roem. and Schult

Background: The study was aimed to investigate the antitussive and anti-asthmatic activities of ethanolic extract of Tabernaemontana divaricata (TDEE) leaves byin vivo andin vitro models. Recently, indole alkaloids (monoterpenoid indole alkaloids) have been approved as investigational new drug for clinical trial in respiratory diseases, and T. divaricata has already proven its potential for the presence of indole alkaloids. Materials and Methods: Acute toxicity studies of TDEE were performed in accordance with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines no. 425. The sensitized guinea pigs were screened out and divided into control, standard, and TDEE-treated groups. Anti-asthmatic activity of TDEE was assessed byin vitro guinea pig tracheal chain method andin vivo bronchoprotective test method using aminophylline as a standard drug. Taken codeine as standard, antitussive activity was evaluated by in vivo citric acid-induced tussive response. Results: TDEE was found to be safe up to 2000 mg/kg, body weight. TDEE exhibits maximum bronchi relaxation of 91.66% and 92.83% against acetylcholine and histamine-induced contraction, respectively. TDEE exhibited maximum and significant (P < 0.001) bronchoprotection of 42.28% at the dose level of 200 mg/kg, body weight. TDEE at aerosolic dose of 6% (w/v) exhibited decreased average cough frequency (4.83 ± 0.30) which is quite significant (P < 0.001) and effective as compared to standard drug codeine. Based on the histopathological evidences, TDEE-treated groups showed reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and had restored epithelial damage. Conclusion: The results of the study revealed the potent antitussive and anti-asthmatic activities of T. divaricata, which support its further implication for the treatment of cough-associated complications such as cough variant asthma.