Shahid Husain Ansari

Current remedies for vitiligo

Vitiligo is a disorder with complex causes and is a type of autoimmune disease in which the immune system targets the bodys own pigment cells and tissues. Our aim is to present an overall view of the current remedies widely adopted for the treatment of vitiligo. Medical treatments target the immune system, and try to reverse the destruction. The goal is to restore the skins color by restoring healthy melanocytes to the affected area. Apart from melanocytes, vitiligo autoantigens appear also on other cells. Even though antibodies to pigment cells are not an agent of vitiligo, the most valuable contribution is that anti-melanocyte antibody reactivity can help in identifying relevant antigens. T cells from vitiligo skin are highly reactive towards melanoma cells and serve as an effective source to treat melanoma and stays as a solution for vitiligo. There have been many treatments to cure vitiligo such as use of steroid creams, PUVA (psoralen and ultraviolet A light), narrow band UVB (ultraviolet B), various surgical techniques, vitamin D analogues and pseudocatalase. These treatments are subjected for undesired side effects whereas some herbal and natural treatments act against the immune system with no side effects.

Autoimmune responses in periodontal diseases

Periodontal diseases are characterized by localized infections and inflammatory conditions and directly affect teeth supporting structures which are the major cause of tooth loss. Several studies have demonstrated the involvement of autoimmune responses in periodontal disease. Evidences of involvement of immunopathology have been reported in periodontal disease. Bacteria in the dental plaque induce antibody formation. Lymphocytes, cytokines and complement system are reported to have an important role in the progression of periodontal disease. The present review describes the involvement of autoimmune responses in periodontal diseases. The mechanisms underlying these responses are also discussed.

Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) of the poorly water-soluble grapefruit flavonoid Naringenin: design, characterization, in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Abstract Naringenin (NRG), predominant flavanone in grapefruits, possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, hepato-protective and anti-lipid peroxidation effects. Slow dissolution after oral ingestion due to its poor solubility in water, as well as low bioavailability following oral administration, restricts its therapeutic application. The study is an attempt to improve the solubility and bioavailability of NRG by employing self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery technique. Preliminary screening was carried out to select oil, surfactant and co-surfactant, based on solubilization and emulsification efficiency of the components. Pseudo ternary phase diagrams were constructed to identify the area of nanoemulsification. The developed self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) were evaluated in term of goluble size, globule size distribution, zeta potential, and surface morphology of nanoemulsions so obtained. The TEM analysis proves that nanoemulsion shows a droplet size less than 50 nm. Freeze thaw cycling and centrifugation studies were carried out to confirm the stability of the developed SNEDDS. In vitro drug release from SNEDDS was significantly higher (p < 0.005) than pure drug. Furthermore, area under the drug concentration time-curve (AUC0–24) of NRG from SNEDDS formulation revealed a significant increase (p < 0.005) in NRG absorption compared to NRG alone. The increase in drug release and bioavailability as compared to drug suspension from SNEDDS formulation may be attributed to the nanosized droplets and enhanced solubility of NRG in the SNEDDS.

Enhanced dissolution and bioavailability of grapefruit flavonoid Naringenin by solid dispersion utilizing fourth generation carrier

Abstract Context: Naringenin (NRG), the aglycone flavonoid present in grapefruits, possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, anti-lipid peroxidation and hepato-protective effects. However, it is poorly soluble in water and exhibits slow dissolution after oral ingestion, thus restricting its therapeutic efficacy. Objective: With the aim to enhance the dissolution rate and oral bioavailability of NRG, solid dispersion technique has been applied using Soluplus® as carrier. Methods: Solid dispersions of NRG were prepared by solvent evaporation and kneading methods using various ratios (1:4, 3:7, 2:3 and 1:1) of NRG:Carrier. Characterization of the optimized formulations was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The in vivo behavior of the optimized formulations was also investigated in Wistar Albino rats. Results: NRG solid dispersion showed a significantly higher solubility and drug dissolution rate than pure NRG (p < 0.001) and it followed the Higuchi model. Among the different methods employed for the preparation of solid dispersions, solvent evaporation showed better drug release profile. DSC analysis indicated reduced crystallinity of NRG as no discrete peaks of NRG were observed. This was further substantiated by XRD analysis. Furthermore, area under the drug concentration time-curve (AUC) of NRG from solid dispersion revealed a significant increase in NRG absorption compared to NRG alone. Conclusion: Based on these results, it was concluded that solid dispersion technique markedly enhances the in vitro drug release and in vivo behavior of the grapefruit flavonoid NRG.

Formulation of nanoemulsion: a comparison between phase inversion composition method and high-pressure homogenization method

Abstract There is lot of confusion in the literatures regarding the method of production of nanoemulsion. According to some authors, only the methods using high energy like high-pressure microfluidizer or high-frequency ultra-sonic devices can produce actual nanoemulsions. In contrast to this concept, one research group reported for the first time the preparation of nanoemulsion by a low-energy method. Later on many authors reported about the low-energy emulsification method. The purpose of this work is to formulate, evaluate and compare nanoemulsions prepared using high-energy as well as low-energy method. Nanoemulsions formulated were based on the phase inversion composition technique (low energy method) and were selected from the ternary phase diagram based on the criterion of their being a minimum concentration of Smix used in the formulation. For high-pressure homogenization method (high energy method) Design-Expert software was used, and the desirability function was probed to acquire an optimized formulation. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed in the globule size of formulations made by each method, but the value of poly-dispersibility index between the two methods was found to be extremely significant (p < 0.001). A very significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed in the drug release from formulations made by each method. More than 60% of the drug was released from all the formulations in the initial 2 h of the dissolution study.

Development and evaluation of solid dispersion of spironolactone using fusion method

Introduction: Solubility and dissolution of a poor water-soluble drug are the two major barriers for formulation scientists in development of drug delivery. Many of the potent drugs do not show the therapeutic effects due to solubility issues but may show toxicity issues when used in high doses. Solid dispersion (SD) technology is an excellent tool for enhancing the solubility and dissolution and hence related bioavailability. Materials and Methods: SD of spironolactone (SPL) was developed using an inert carrier polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) by the conventional fusion method and characterized for various characterization parameters. Results: Solubility of pure drug and SD of SPL in water was found to be 23.54 ± 1.75 μg/mL and 61.73 ± 1.26 μg/mL, respectively. The maximum cumulative percentage release from pure drug, SPL marketed product (tablet), physical mixture, and SPL SD at 60 min was 27.25 ± 1.83%, 35.64 ± 3.65%, 47.72 ± 2.45%, and 74.24 ± 3.25%, respectively in 0.1 N HCl. Conclusions: SD of SPL was developed successfully. The solubility of SPL SD was found to be significantly increased (P < 0.05) as compared to SPL active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and physical mixture of PEG 4000 and SPL. The current study indicated that SD of SPL was a better option for enhancing solubility of a poorly soluble therapeutic agent.

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Nondestructive Evaluation of Tablets

A nondestructive evaluation of tablets is possible with the application of near-infrared spectroscopy and appropriate statistical techniques. Tablet hardness, disintegration time, dissolution, drug and excipient content, particle size, identification of actives and/or excipients, etc. are possible with the help of near-infrared spectroscopy. The established methods using this technique are rapid and simple. The technique also has found its place in quality assurance and quality control of tablets. It has been suggested as a useful method for the real time in-process testing and is a valuable process analytical technology tool.

Skin decontamination cream for radiological contaminants: Formulation development and evaluation.

Background: Increased use of the radioactive materials in the field of research, medical, nuclear power plant, and industry has increased the risk of accidental exposure. Intentional use of the radioisotopes by terrorist organizations could cause exposure/contamination of a number of the population. In view of the accidental contamination, there is a need to develop self-usable decontamination formulations that could be used immediately after contamination is suspected. Materials and Methods: Present work was planned to optimize and develop self-usable radiation decontamination cream formulation. Various pharmaceutical parameters were characterized. 99mTc-sodium pertechnetate was used as radiocontaminant. Static counts were recorded before and after decontamination using single photon emission computed tomography. Results: Decontamination efficacy of the cream was found to be 42% ± 3% at 0-0.5 h after the exposure. Primary skin irritancy test was satisfactory as no erythema or edema was observed visually after 2 weeks of the formulation application. Conclusion: The decontamination studies proved the potential of EDTA to remove the radiological contaminants effectively.