Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics (JDDT)
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Zinc balance and the chelating properties of phytic acid
Get PDFObjectives: Zinc deficiency is recognized as a significant global contributor to morbidity and mortality risk. In the absence of a reliable biological marker for determining the absorption coefficient of dietary zinc, a mathematical model is employed. This systematic review aimed to study this mathematical model and evaluate its potential to calculate the recommended dietary intake of zinc (RDI), compared to actual zinc balance in the human body.
Methods: This review analyzes scientific publications from 1980 to 2025 that focus on zinc balance in the bodies of healthy individuals aged 19 and older of both sexes. Special attention is given to experimental results that demonstrate the disruption of the balance between the RDI and the quantity of zinc excreted through the intestines.
Results: A systematic review of the literature has shown that the recommended dietary allowances for zinc intake, the absorption rate into the bloodstream, and the intestinal excretion of zinc—all critical factors for assessing zinc balance — exhibit substantial variations according to data from different research groups. The mathematical model used to determine the absorption coefficient and calculate dietary zinc intake norms has limitations, as it does not account for the polydentate nature of phytate ions.
Conclusions: The RDI of zinc is lower than the actual requirement and needs adjustments to increase it. The analysis of the zinc balance while considering the polydentate nature of phytic acid can help to make more accurate dietary selections and recommendations for zinc-based supplements, thereby maintaining homeostasis and preventing toxic levels in the body.
Keywords: zinc absorption and excretion, zinc homeostasis, phytic acid polydentenc
Unlocking the Power of Phage Therapy in Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: Insights from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Get PDFBackground: Epidemiological research about phage therapy is continuing to highlight the potential of phage as an effective treatment option for antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) infections. Bacteriophage are defined as viruses that especially target and lyse the bacterial cells, offering an appropriate and traditional approach in controlling multi drug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis focuses on evaluating the therapeutic efficacy and safety of bacteriophage treatment by measuring bacterial cell reduction in treating MDR infections.
Methodology: An extensive literature search was done using the PubMed / MEDLINE databases, with no time-bound restrictions. The studies focusing on the therapeutic potential of bacteriophage therapy against antimicrobial resistance were included. The quality assessment was done using the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animals Investigations (SYRCLE) scale, and the pooled data were analyzed using I2 statistics to examine the potential of bacteriophage therapy.
Results: A sum of 16 studies were included in this qualitative synthesis and about 7 studies were analyzed quantitatively. This meta-analysis shows that bacteriophage therapy had significant antibacterial capability against MDR pathogens, leading to a substantial decrease in bacterial load and clinical symptoms. The treatment was also associated with a positive safety profile and minimal side effects.
Conclusion: Bacteriophage therapy represents a promising alternative and also as a supplement to antibiotics for the treatment of MDR infections. Although further research is required to make standard protocols and for optimized treatment strategies, phage therapy paves a way for handling the global AMR crisis.
Keywords: Bacteriophage, Viruses, MDR infections, antimicrobial resistanc
Assessment of Renal Insufficiency among Patients under Anti-retroviral Therapy at Gitwe District Hospital
Get PDFBackground: Several antiretroviral agents (ARVs) are associated with chronic renal impairment. Renal insufficiency is poor function of the kidneys that may be due to a reduction in blood-flow to the kidneys caused by renal artery disease. Globally the prevalence of renal insufficiency, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, among Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) ranges between 3% - 7%.
Aim: This study aims to determine the Prevalence of Renal Insufficiency among Patients under Antiretroviral Therapy at Gitwe District Hospital.
Methodology: An institution-based retrospective study was conducted from 2023 to 2024 on a subset of HIV-infected patients. Data were collected from the register book of patients under antiretroviral therapy attending Gitwe District Hospital.
Results: After data analysis, the findings have shown that the majority of patients 68(46.9%) were with moderate renal insufficiency, 53(36.6%) were with mild renal insufficiency, 20(13.8%) were with normal kidney function and 4(2.8%) were with severe renal insufficiency.
Conclusion: Moderate and mild renal insufficiency have a high prevalence among patients exposed to antiretroviral therapy at Gitwe District Hospital. Severe renal insufficiency was observed to be reduced in HIV Patients exposed to ART. Normal kidney cases were few compared to renal insufficiency cases. Further studies are recommended to determine the need of drinking water in prevention of progression from mild and moderate to severe renal insufficiency.
Keywords: Renal insufficiency, Antiretroviral Therapy, HIV
SNRI (Venlafaxine) induces Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) in Developing Chick Embryos
Get PDFThis research investigates the teratogenicity of SNRI (Venlafaxine) on neural tube formation in Gallus gallus domesticus (chick embryos). Fertilized eggs were exposed to two levels of Venlafaxine (500 ppm and 1000 ppm), and embryonic results were evaluated after 24 hours of incubation. Morphological screening detected evidence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in treated embryos, such as wavy neural tube. These phenotypic defects were associated with dose-dependent decreases in major biochemical markers: total protein (control-1.7 Gms%, 500 ppm- 1.38 Gms%, 1000 ppm- 1.4 Gms%), albumin (control- 1 Gms%, 500 ppm- 0.76 Gms%, 1000 ppm- 0.88 Gms%), globulin (control- 0.7 Gms%, 500 ppm- 0.62 Gms%, 1000 ppm- 0.52 Gms%) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in treated embryos versus controls. Given the key role of alkaline phosphatase in early neurodevelopment and tissue differentiation, its inhibition could play a role in defective neural tube closure. These observations indicate that Venlafaxine interferes with early embryogenesis, specifically with neural tube formation, and raise concerns regarding its safety in pregnancy and emphasize the importance of rigorous risk assessment for prenatal use of antidepressants.
Keywords: Venlafaxine, Teratogenesis, Chick embryo, SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor), Antidepressant, Total protein, Serum Albumin, Serum Globulin, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), SDS-PAGE, Neural Tube Defects (NTDs
Morin: A Powerful Potential Flavonoid for Human
Get PDFObjective: A bioflavonoid obtained from plants in the Moraceae family, morin exhibits strong pharmacological potential because of its hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. It is a promising therapeutic agent for diseases like diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders because of its low toxicity and capacity to alter important cellular signaling pathways like Nrf2/HO-1 and EGFR.
Data Sources: Its antioxidant mechanism effectively reduces oxygen species that are reactive and oxidative damage through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, potentially preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
Study Selection: The effectiveness of morin has been proven in both Parkinson\u27s disease and colitis models, highlighting its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, anti-oxidant, cardioprotective, anti-diabetic, synergistic effects. Morin\u27s anti-inflammatory properties, whereby it reduces glial activation and improves tissue recovery.
Summary of Contents of the Article: Morin acts as a non-competitive inhibitor of PTP1B in anti-diabetic studies, thereby enhancing insulin sensitivity. Its anti-cancer effects consist in increasing death by caspase activation and blocking of metastases in breast cancer. Morin also guards against liver damage, neurotoxicity, and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Conclusion: Although morin has low toxicity and great tolerance, the exact molecular mechanisms of it are yet unknown and demand more in vitro and in vivo research. Establishing safe dosage, efficacy, and dose-response relationships requires clinical trials, which also help to open the path for morin\u27s inclusion into dietary supplements and drug development for chronic diseases.
Keywords: Caspase activation, Flavonoid, Hepatoprotective, Morin, Reactive oxygen species
Extraction and Identification of Volatile Compounds from Ocimum gratissimum Using Gas Chromatography
Get PDFOcimum gratissimum is a well-known aromatic plant extensively utilized in traditional medicine due to its wide range of therapeutic effects, which are attributed to its complex phytochemical composition. This research aims to extract bioactive constituents from the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum and identify them using Gas Chromatography (GC). The plant material underwent drying, powdering, and ethanolic extraction. The concentrated extract was then analyzed using GC to detect both volatile and semi-volatile compounds. The chromatographic analysis identified several significant constituents, including eugenol, thymol, and other terpenoids, which are associated with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. These results highlight the phytochemical richness of Ocimum gratissimum and establish the utility of GC as an analytical tool for evaluating herbal extracts. The study supports the traditional medicinal use of the plant and opens avenues for further pharmacological exploration.
Keywords: Ocimum gratissimum, Gas Chromatography, Herbal Extraction, Phytochemicals, Eugenol, Medicinal Herbs, Volatile Compounds
Conforming to Cure: Advances in Film-Forming Sprays for Targeted Wound Care
Get PDFWound care is still a critical clinical issue, mainly in the handling of chronic as well as drug-resistant injuries that need extended and targeted treatment. Traditional topical treatments often do suffer from limitations, like bad retention, irregular drug distribution, and less patient compliance. Film-forming sprays (FFS) have generally emerged as an alternative, offering several advantages such as uniform application, non-intrusive use, sustained drug release, and protective barrier formation. This review presents the definition and mechanism of film-forming sprays, their characterization, and several of the recent advancements within FFS technology, including the integration of a certain number of smart polymers, pH-responsive systems, and of many nanoparticle-based carriers for improved wound healing and antimicrobial efficacy. Despite their advantages, the translation of FFS into overall clinical practice is obstructed via formulation complexity, scalability issues, regulatory barriers, and a need for standardized evaluation protocols. Furthermore, effective wound care demands many solutions tailored for nearly all diverse wound environments. These FFS are at a higher rate being designed to address them. Research hereafter must focus on how to meet all these needs via interdisciplinary advances, by focusing on incorporating biodegradable substances, tailored treatments of, and multifunctional compounds. Sprays that form films are poised now to become a keystone in advanced systems for next-generation wound care.
Keywords: Film-forming sprays (FFS), wound healing, sustained drug release, pH-responsive systems, nanoparticle carriers, smart polymers, biodegradable polymers, topical drug delivery, chronic wounds, antimicrobial efficacy
Categorization of different forms of Anemia (Faqr al-Dam) among children with an emphasis on iron deficiency anemia: A review
Get PDFBackground and Objectives: Anemia, characterized by decreased hemoglobin (Hb) levels in red blood cells (RBCs), remains a significant public health issue. Globally, the prevalence of anemia among children under five years has decreased from 48% to 39.8% but has stagnated since 2010. In traditional Unani Medicine, anemia is referred to as Faqr al-Dam, literally meaning "shortage of blood." Anemia classifications depend on morphological, functional, and etiological factors, with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) recognized as the most common nutritional anemia among children. This review aims to highlight the importance of iron, its dietary sources, and nutritional requirements to prevent iron deficiency anemia across various age groups, alongside providing guidance on identification and diagnosis.
Methods: Relevant data were gathered through a comprehensive literature search of databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus.
Results: Anemia significantly impacts children, adults, pregnant women, and women of childbearing age. Given the slow progress in anemia reduction, especially among women, the World Health Assembly (WHA) has set a global target of halving anemia prevalence by 2030. Effective clinical management and public health interventions addressing IDA can substantially improve health outcomes and quality of life.
Conclusion: This review provides insights into various anemia types, emphasizing iron deficiency anemia, its diagnosis, and preventive strategies. Despite extensive global research on anemia, critical gaps remain, necessitating future studies on iron absorption mechanisms, the long-term cognitive impacts of iron deficiency, and dietary influences on iron homeostasis.
Keywords: Anemia, Faqr al-Dam, Iron deficiency, Iron homeostasis, Unani Medicin
Preliminary phytochemicals and evaluation of the hypolipidemic effect of a saponin from Asparagus officinalis L. roots in hyperlipidemic rats
No full textHyperlipidemia, a condition of elevated lipids in the blood, is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and subsequently cardiovascular disease (CVD), a leading cause of mortality worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the hypolipidemic properties of the saponin extracted from the roots of A. officinalis (AOe) against Swiss albino Wistar rats. The root extract of A. officinalis was screened for its phytochemical investigation. Initial phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of saponins. The root extract of A. officinalis underwent Soxhlet extraction with a solvent, followed by fractionation with n-butanol to isolate the saoponin-rich fraction. The separated fraction was orally administered to Triton-induced hyperlipidemic Wistar rats for 28 days at increasing doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight. At the end of treatment, serum lipid profiles, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), were assessed and compared with those of a conventional hypolipidemic agent (atorvastatin). The present study found that the saponin-rich fraction therapy from A. officinalis significantly (p<0.001) attenuated the elevation of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), coupled with a concurrent improvement in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, demonstrating pronounced hypolipidemic efficacy. This study demonstrates the hypolipidemic efficacy of the saponin fraction from A. officinalis in rats, exhibiting a reduction in bad cholesterol and an increase in good cholesterol. These findings suggest it could serve as a viable alternative for managing hyperlipidemia.
Keywords: Hyperlipidemia, A. officinalis, Triton, Soxhlet, total cholesterol, hypolipidemi
Chrono-Colonic Delivery in Engineering Time-Responsive Systems for Site-Specific Therapy
No full textBackground: Chrono-colonic drug delivery represents a novel pharmaceutical engineering strategy that combines the principles of circadian rhythm-based chronotherapy with colon-targeted the drug delivery. This approach seeks to optimize therapeutic efficacy by synchronizing drug release with the body’s biological clock while ensuring precise site-specific delivery.
Objective: The primary aim of chrono-colonic delivery is to achieve controlled drug release after a predetermined lag time, ensuring that the therapeutic effect coincides with peak disease activity and that the drug reaches the colon for localized or systemic action.
Methods: This strategy integrates time-dependent and site-specific technologies, employing pH-sensitive polymers, biodegradable coatings, osmotic systems, and microbially triggered release platforms. These delivery systems are designed to withstand the upper gastrointestinal tract environment and to release the active agent in the colon, where favorable physiological conditions such as near-neutral pH, slower motility, and microbial activity can be exploited.
Results: Chrono-colonic delivery systems offer significant therapeutic benefits, including improved precision of drug action, reduced systemic side effects, and enhanced patient compliance. They are particularly beneficial in managing diseases with circadian variability, such as asthma, hypertension, arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Conclusion: By integrating chrono-therapeutic principles with colon-targeted technologies, chrono-colonic drug delivery holds promise as a next-generation approach for achieving site- and time-specific therapy. It represents a forward-looking strategy for addressing both local and systemic diseases with enhanced safety and efficacy.
Keywords: Chrono-Colonic Delivery, Circadian Rhythm, Colon-Targeted Drug Delivery, Time-Responsive Systems, Site-Specific Therapy, Chronotherap