The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a γ-Lactone Isolated from Ostrich Oil of Struthio camelus (Ratite) and Its Formulated Nano-Emulsion in Formalin-Induced Paw Edema

The ostrich oil of Struthio camelus (Ratite) found uses in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory in eczema and contact dermatitis. The anti-inflammatory effect of a γ-lactone (5-hexyl-3H-furan-2-one) isolated from ostrich oil and its formulated nano-emulsion in formalin-induced paw edema was investigated in this study. Ostrich oil was saponified using a standard procedure; the aqueous residue was fractionated, purified, and characterized as γ-lactone (5-hexyl-3H-furan-2-one) through the interpretation of IR, NMR, and MS analyses. The γ-lactone was formulated as nano-emulsion using methylcellulose (MC) for oral solubilized form. The γ-lactone methylcellulose nanoparticles (γ-lactone-MC-NPs) were characterized for their size, shape, and encapsulation efficiency with a uniform size of 300 nm and 59.9% drug content. The γ-lactone was applied topically, while the formulated nanoparticles (NPs) were administered orally to rats. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (diclofenac gel) was used as a reference drug for topical use and ibuprofen suspension for oral administration. Edema was measured using the plethysmograph method. Both γ-lactone and γ-lactone-MC-NPs showed reduction of formalin-induced paw edema in rats and proved to be better than the reference drugs; diclofenac gel and ibuprofen emulsion. Histological examination of the skin tissue revealed increased skin thickness with subepidermal edema and mixed inflammatory cellular infiltration, which were significantly reduced by the γ-lactone compared to the positive control (p-value = 0.00013). Diuretic and toxicity studies of oral γ-lactone-MC-NPs were performed. No diuretic activity was observed. However, lethargy, drowsiness, and refusal to feeding observed may limit its oral administration.     

羧甲基纤维素钠水凝胶的制备及其生物降解性研究

用羧甲基纤维素钠(CMC—Na)制得了含水量高达98％的水凝胶，考察了防腐剂、交联剂、无机态氮素、有机态氮素、碳水化合物的加入量以及环境中pH值等因素对生物降解性的影响。结果表明：制备条件不同，水凝胶的生物降解性不同；环境中一定量铵根离子的存在有利于水凝胶的生物降解；在pH=5．2的环境中纤维素酶活性最高，降解程度最大。     

Electrochemistry of the bis(1,4,7-triazacyclodecane) cobalt(III) complex and its role in the catalytic reduction of hydrogen

The electrochemistry of the bis(1,4,7-triazacyclodecane) cobalt(III) complex at a mercury electrode, HMDE, in aqueous Britton–Robinson buffer solutions was investigated using cyclic voltammetry, double-potential-step chronoamperometry and chronocoulometry. The cyclic voltammetric data were analyzed by digital simulation to confirm and to measure the heterogeneous and homogeneous parameters for the suggested electrode mechanism. Generally, the complex is electrochemically reduced giving rise to two cyclic voltammetric waves. The first wave is a diffusion-controlled reversible wave. It is assigned to the stable Co(III)/Co(II) redox couple. The second one is found to be irreversible and corresponding to a reduction of Co(II) to Co(I) species. The monovalent cobalt, highly unstable, is rapidly protonated, and then forms cobalt hydride. The hydride decomposes to hydrogen molecules and regenerates Co(II) species following a disproportionation pathway. The overall reduction mechanism is concluded to be an EECC kinetics.     

Gastroprotective Effect of Nicorandil in Indomethacin and Alcohol-Induced Acute Ulcers

Despite the fact that dietary habits and lifestyles are incredibly advancing, gastric ulceration is still a terrible complaint. Extensive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and alcohol, in addition to stress, are all predisposing factors for ulcers. Most medical treatments are always time consuming and not efficient or satisfactory to the patients. Cardiovascular patients always need NSAIDs, or mostly cannot quit alcohols, while using many cardiovascular drugs. We aim to study a possible benefit of a common nitrogen oxide donor, anti-anginal drug, nicorandil [N-(2-hydroxyethyl) nicotinamide nitrate ester], in managing acute gastric ulcers through studying its effect on some relevant intermediates to ulcerogenesis as lipid peroxidation, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nitric oxide (NO). In addition, gastric mucosal histology was studied to pursue the drug effects on tissue level. Our study revealed that both indomethacin and alcohol induced gastric ulcer mainly through up-regulation of gastric mucosal lipid peroxidation, local tissue inflammation, leukocytic infiltration, and necrosis. Both ulcerogens significantly elevated TNF-α and decreased NO, initiating ulcer formation. Nicorandil pretreatment depicted a higher preventive index in indomethacin- (89.8%) and alcohol-induced (77.7%) acute ulceration. On the tissue level, it also protected the gastric mucosa combating leukocyte infiltration and tissue congestion. Nicorandil protected tissue necrosis through decreasing oxidative stress, elevating NO levels, and down-regulating the ulcerogen-induced TNF-α elevation and improved sub-mucosal blood supply. We conclude that nicorandil may be a suitable bimodal treatment for cardiovascular patients who are at high risk of gastric ulcers by using variable analgesics to alleviate possible cardiac pain episodes, and probably frequent doses will offer a more established and long-lasting protection.     

Effect of ionizing radiation on polyaniline solutions

This communication presents the optical studies associated with transition doped (metallic)-neutral (semiconductor or insulator) state for conducting polymers. Special attention is focused on the electronic properties of polyaniline. The interconversion of different oxidation states of polyanilines has been studied by chemical and radiolytic methods. The polyaniline system is described by three sets of chromophores of three different oxidation states: fully reduced leucoemeraldine base (LB), partially oxidized emeraldine base (EB), and fully oxidized pernigraniline (PB). Each oxidation state can exist in its protonated form by treatment with an acid. All members of polyaniline family are spectroscopically distinguishable. The radiolytic study presents evidence that the polyaniline can exist in a continuum of oxidation states. The highly conducting form of polymer, i.e. emeraldine salt can be converted by using ionizing radiation into leucoemeraldine salt. The leucoemeraldine base is the final product of radiolysis of emeraldine base solution. The fully oxidized form of polyaniline can also be obtained by the irradiation of EB in the presence of CCl₄ or chlorobenzene.     

Correlation of Nucleophilic Reactivity,Dissociation Constant and Proton Magnetic Resonance of Some 2-Substituted Naphthols

The rates of reaction of a series of substituted naphthoxides with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene in methanol, and the pK_a values of the naphthols in 50% methanol have been measured. A linear free energy relationship applies well to these reactions. The rate constants are correlated with the pK_a values of the corresponding naphthols via the Brönsted equation giving a β values of 0.94. A linear correlation between ΔH^? and ΔS^? is indicative of single mechanism. The nmr spectra of the substituted naphthols have been measured in DMSO·d₆.     

Oxidative stress, lipid profile and liver functions in average Egyptian long term depo medroxy progesterone acetate (DMPA) users

Depo-medroxy progesterone acetate (DMPA, Depo-Provera) is used in more than 80 countries as a long-acting contraceptive administered as a single intramuscular(i.m) injection of 150 mg/3 months. The present study was set up to investigate the effects of DMPA on 80 average Egyptian women classified into four groups comprising those using the drug for one, two, three and four years, respectively, compared to a control group (N = 20) of married non-hormonally - treated women of similar ages. The drug showed a transient significant elevation of alanine aminotransferase activity (ALT)without an apparent effect on other liver indices, namely total bilirubin (T.Bil) level,aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities. Only the low density/high density lipoproteins cholesterol ratio (LDLC/HDLC) was gradually and non-significantly (ns) increased in comparison to control group, however, neither total cholesterol (TC) nor triglycerides (TG) were affected by the drug. The lipid peroxide product malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly elevated in an gradual manner with a corresponding decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH), without any change in blood nitric oxide (NO) levels. It can be concluded that DMPA may be considered as a safe contraceptive medication for the studied group of women, but that special care should be exercised for cardiovascular, hepatic and other patients more sensitive to the harmful effects of free radicals. Alternatively, supportive medications are advisable for each exposed case to secure against the possible irreversible adverse effects of the drug by continuous use. In addition, annual re-evaluation is much more advisable despite the proven safety of the drug.     

Use of p-chloranilic acid for the colorimetric determination of some antimalarials

A simple and sensitive colorimetric method for the assay of quinine sulphate, primaquine diphosphate, amodiaquine hydrochloride and pyrimethamine is described. The method is based on the interaction of the drugs and p-chloranilic acid to give a stable product with an intense colour which can be used for the determination of these antimalarials in their pharmaceutical preparations.     

Valency stabilization of polyvalent ions during gamma irradiation of their aqueous solutions by sacrifical protection

Polyvalent ions are very sensitive to gamma irradiation in aqueous solutions. The present work is a part of a more comprehensive study dealing with the stabilization of certain oxidation states of some polyvalent ions during their gamma irradiation in aqueous systems. Sulphite ions, being well known reducing agents has been used for stabilizing Fe(II) ions in aqueous solutions during gamma radiolysis. Fe(II) ions in solution are known to be readily oxidized by gamma radiations in such a way that a 10^–3N solution decays completely in about 2 hours at a dose rate 310 Gy/hr. In presence of an excess of sulphite ions it was found that Fe(II) ions were stabilized for extended time periods depending on the amount of sulphite ions used. The conditions of stabilization and its limits in the studied case has been identified.     

Oxidation of bis(µ-halo)-bis[(diamine)copper(I)] complexes [LCuX]2; L = TMED, X = Cl, Br or I, L = TEED or TMPD, X = Cl, with the two electron organo oxidizing agent, tetrachloro-1,2-benzoquinone(TClBQ) in aprotic media: models for intermediates in catalytic catechol oxidase

Well structurally characterized bis(μ-halo)-bis[(diamine)copper(I)] complexes [LCuX]₂; L = TMED, tetramethylethylenediamine, X = Cl, Br or I and L = TEED, tetraethylethylenediamine, or TMPD, tetramethylpropane-diamine, X = Cl, react quantitatively with tetrachloro-1,2-benzoquinone (TClBQ) as two electron oxidizing agent in O₂-free CH₂Cl₂ or PhNO₂ to form a dimeric [LCuX]₂Cat (Cat = catechol) as indicated by cryoscopic measurements. Infrared spectra was in agreement with total reduction of TClBQ to the corresponding catechol. Electronic spectra indicated a dimeric distorted five coordinate Cu(II) and EPR spectra suggested a square pyramidal arrangement around the Cu(II) centers in [LCuX]₂Cat. The ligand field strength for diamine ligand was higher for the five member chelating ring (TMED) relative to the six membered one (TMPD). Electrochemical reduction of Cu centers in [LCuX]₂Cat were irreversible and occurred at a less negative potential when X = I.