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Community pharmacists’ support for nursing mothers in Serbia: potential cost savings due to breastfeeding continuation
No full textBackground Despite many health benefits to infants, the overall breastfeeding rate remains low among Serbian
women. The community pharmacists’ efforts aimed at supporting nursing mothers are important. The aim of
the study was an evaluation of the pharmacists’ training for breastfeeding support and their perception about its
usefulness. The second aim was an evaluation of the provided structured pharmaceutical care service (SPS) over four
months, through a calculation of theoretical cost savings for counseled families in case of the risk for introduction of
commercial milk formula (CMF).
Methods The continuation of breastfeeding instead of starting with CMF was theoretically monetized through cost
savings analysis, which is based on energy equivalent human milk and CMF, regardless of the differences in health,
social and ecology outcomes of breastfeeding. Cost savings for the counseled families were calculated as financial
differences between continuing breastfeeding and switching to CMF.
Results The 256 pharmacists showed high satisfaction rates with the quality and the usefulness of the training
(mean scores: content value 4.89 ± 0.51, technical value 4.91 ± 0.41, program value 4.96 ± 0.20, and usefulness value
4.94 ± 0.25, respectively), as well as a statistically significant higher level of knowledge (p < 0.001 for each of the 10
questions). The prospective observational study enrolled 256 community pharmacists who voluntarily underwent
training aimed to breastfeeding support. Of all the trained pharmacists, 151 (59%) actively provided 1,243 SPS focused
on breastfeeding support. Of all, 599 mothers of children under 6 months of age received SPS, while 590 provided full
data In 275 cases (22.1%), a risk for early breastfeeding cessation was identified. The average age of children whose
mothers had undergone SPS was 2.83 months, and the total average potential cost savings until 6 months of children
age was 35,884.80 RSD (approximately 306 EUR) for average of 3.17 months.
Conclusions The training of pharmacists adds significant value to their knowledge and skills for breastfeeding
support, which may lead to potential cost savings for families
The Molecular Recognition of Lurasidone by Human Serum Albumin: A Combined Experimental and Computational Approach
No full textLurasidone (LUR) is an antipsychotic drug whose interaction with human serum albumin (HSA) plays a crucial role in its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. A thorough understanding of LUR’s binding mechanism to HSA is crucial for predicting its transport, distribution, and potential drug interactions. Methods: The interaction between LUR and HSA was investigated using fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, followed by molecular docking simulations. Binding characteristics were analyzed through quenching mechanisms, thermodynamic parameters, and competitive site marker experiments. Results: This study revealed a systematic decrease in HSA fluorescence intensity with increasing LUR concentration, indicating a static quenching mechanism driven by non-fluorescent complex formation. Binding constants suggest enhanced complex stability at higher temperatures, with thermodynamic analysis confirming an endothermic, hydrophobic interaction. Competitive site marker assays and synchronous fluorescence spectra confirmed that LUR primarily binds to site I (subdomain IIA) near tryptophan residues. Conformational changes in HSA, observed as a decrease in α-helix content, further demonstrate the structural impact of LUR binding. Conclusions: These findings offer key insights into the molecular interactions between LUR and HSA, enhancing our understanding of LUR’s pharmacokinetics and its potential interactions with other drugs. Understanding these binding characteristics can aid in optimizing LUR’s clinical application and predicting possible interactions with other biomolecules
Sustainable Fluoride Determination in Selected Infant Juices Available on the Serbian Market: Health Risk Assessment
No full textIncreased exposure to fluoride in food and beverages become a global concern in the last few decades. Infant juices and food, besides breast milk, are the main sources of fluoride intake throughout infancy. Monitoring fluoride levels in such formulations is crucial to ensure the youngest consumers’ safety and optimal health. This study aimed to determine the fluoride of selected infant juices from four different producers available on the Serbian market, using fluoride ion-selective electrode. The fluoride content varies between 0.0845 and 0.2810 mg/L, which is below acceptable level (0.7 mg/L). The health risk assessment for children 6 to 48 months of age associated with fluoride in infant juices was evaluated as a non-carcinogenic risk based on estimated daily intake according to USEPA guidelines, including the HQ index. All calculated HQs are less than 1, suggesting no adverse effect after exposure to the fluorides via investigated juices. Since children, especially infants, are highly vulnerable to the harmful effects of fluoride, it is essential to monitor all sources that could be critical in fluorosis development. It is important to highlight fluoride as a toxic element and enforce stricter controls on infant feeding, emphasizing the urgency and importance of this matter
Plant food supplements: Trends, benefits and risks
No full textThere are rising plant-based supplements on the market, which contain plant foods, culinary, aromatic,
and medicinal plants or their products, preparations, a mixture, or isolated phytochemicals. Several
factors contribute to the popularity of these products among consumers, including awareness of health
and well-being through preventive measures rather than treatment, the perception that natural products
are safer, and an understanding of sustainability. Data from mechanistic studies suggest that many
phytochemicals, acting through different molecular pathways, may exert beneficial effects in delaying or
preventing age-associated declines in physical functioning and mental health. These scientific supports
are accompanied by innovation in the food supplement industry, specifically in terms of increasing the
bioavailability and stability of phytochemicals. However, the availability and popularity of plant food
supplements raise concerns about their quality, efficacy, and safety. There are risks of allergic
reactions, adverse effects, and potential interactions with medications. Some of these products are
derived from medicinal plants with a long history of use in traditional medicine. However, these plants
and their extracts are often present in food supplements in doses that exceed those established in
traditional use [1]. A special risk is associated with the inadequate quality and safety control of plant-
based supplements, as well as the growing concern of potential contamination with illegal or prohibited
pharmaceutical ingredients or unauthorized novel substances [2]. Furthermore, marketing health claims
may sometimes be exaggerated and misleading to consumers. Therefore, improved quality control
procedures, monitoring programs, and consumer education are necessary to ensure the proper use,
quality, and safety of plant-based food supplements.3rd European Symposium on Phytochemicals in Medicine and Food (3-EuSPMF), 1- 4 July 2025, Belgrade, Serbi
Multifaceted Biological Properties of Verbascoside/Acteoside: Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Immunomodulatory Effects
No full textVerbascoside is a polyphenolic compound that belongs to the phenylethanoid glucosides.
It occurs in more than 220 plant species. The species with high content of this compound
are used in folk medicine, and in modern phytotherapy, mostly based on its recognized
anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Studies conducted so far confirmed these
effects, and also pointed to others (i.e., anti-cancer, neuro-, cardio-, hepato-, and nephro-
protective). This review presents data on the chemistry, occurrence, and biosynthesis of
verbascoside. Additionally, it focuses on the cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory,
and immunomodulatory effects, as well as the main cellular and molecular mechanisms of
its action
Strengthening the role of community pharmacy in HPV vaccination roll-out in Serbia at national and local levels: A pharmacy-based education approach
No full textCervical cancer is a significant public health concern in Serbia, with high morbidity and mortality rates (27 and 14.2 per 100,000 women, respectively in 2020). The primary cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and HPV vaccination has proven to be an effective prevention strategy. This publication discusses the implementation of the first pharmacy-based education (PBE) program realized through the project of Pharmaceutical Chamber of Serbia – “Ask me about HPV” which aimed at raising awareness of the general population about the importance of HPV vaccination. The program aimed to strengthen the role of community pharmacists in the HPV vaccination roll-out. A total of 250 pharmacists were selected and trained to provide information on HPV infection and promote vaccination uptake. The program aimed to counsel and to educate young adults and parents/ guardians. A total of 24,327 subjects were educated during the program’s implementation from February to May 2023, young adults (N=11,313) and parents/guardians (N=13,014). Data showed that only 4.9% of young adults and 6.4% of children (of the parents/guardians surveyed) in Serbia are vaccinated against HPV. The questionaries of 1,387 subjects already vaccinated were excluded from the further analysis and final analysis was performed based on the counseling of 22,941 participants. A significantly higher percentage of parents/guardians stated that they would have their children vaccinated against HPV after counseling at the pharmacy than young adults (42.3% and 34.1% respectively). On the other hand, of those respondents who stated they would get vaccinated after consulting at the pharmacy, a significantly higher number of young adults (51%), compared to parents/guardians (48%), would receive the vaccine specifically at the pharmacy. The results of the project indicate that education of the general population on the benefits of HPV vaccination is highly needed. The expected outcomes of this educational program are increased awareness of the burden of illness, improved consumer education, the potential for higher vaccination rates, and consequently a reduction in cervical cancer incidence and mortality in Serbia
In Vitro–In Silico Approach in the Development of Clopidogrel Solid Dispersion Formulations
No full textThe aim of this study was to investigate the influence of solid dispersion (SD) formulation factors on improvement of the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profile of clopidogrel after peroral administration using an in vitro–in silico approach. A clopidogrel-specific, physiologically based biopharmaceutical model (PBBM) was developed and validated to predict absorption and distribution of clopidogrel after peroral administration of the tested formulations. Clopidogrel solid dispersions were prepared using two polymers (poloxamer 407 and copovidone) and a drug-to-polymer ratio of 1:5 and 1:9. The results of the in vitro dissolution test under pH–media change conditions showed that the type and ratio of polymers notably influenced the release of clopidogrel from the SDs. It can be observed that an increase in the polymer content in the SDs leads to a decrease in the release of clopidogrel from the SDs. The predictive power of the constructed clopidogrel-specific PBBM was demonstrated by comparing the simulation results with pharmacokinetic data from the literature. The in vitro dissolution data were used as inputs for the PBBM to predict the pharmacokinetic profiles of clopidogrel after the peroral administration of SDs. SDs with copovidone (1:5) and poloxamer (1:9) showed the potential to achieve the highest drug absorption and bioavailability, with an improvement of over 100% compared to an immediate-release (IR) tablet. The sample with poloxamer (1:9) may have the potential to reduce inter-individual variability in clopidogrel pharmacokinetics due to absorption in the cecum and colon and associated lower first-pass metabolism in the liver. This suggests that distal intestine may be the targeted delivery site for clopidogrel, leading to improved absorption and bioavailability of the drug. This study has shown that an in vitro–in silico approach could be a useful tool for the development and optimization of clopidogrel formulations, helping in decision making regarding the composition of the formulation to achieve the desired pharmacokinetic profile
Stability and Efficacy of Mucoadhesive Eye Drops Containing Olopatadine HCl: Physicochemical, Functional, and Preclinical In Vivo Assessment
No full textBackground: The incorporation of polymers into drug delivery vehicles has been shown to be an effective strategy to prolong the residence time of active ingredients in the precorneal tear film and to increase ocular bioavailability. Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop novel, viscous eye drops containing olopatadine (OCH) as the active ingredient, polysaccharides hydroxypropyl guar gum (HPG), and sodium hyaluronate (SH), individually, and in combination as functional polymers. Methods: Viscous eye drops containing 0.1% OCH in combination with HPG (0.25%) and SH (0.4%), were prepared and evaluated for their physicochemical properties, rheological behavior, mucoadhesion, and preliminary stability. A novel rheological method was used to evaluate the resistance of the eye drops under simulated blinking conditions. In vivo efficacy was evaluated using an ocular itch test in mice to compare the formulations with a commercial product. Results: The formulations remained stable and transparent, with physicochemical parameters within acceptable ranges. Rheological studies confirmed pseudoplastic flow, with the HPG-SH combination exhibiting enhanced viscosity and shear-thinning properties for prolonged retention in the eye. Mucoadhesion was highest in SH-HPG formulations. During simulated blinking cycles, eye drops containing a combination of SH and HPG polymers fully regained their initial viscosity during the resting periods. Preliminary stability studies indicate that the formulated eye drops exhibit satisfactory physicochemical stability under various storage conditions. In vivo, OCH-SH and OCH-HPG-SH drops provided prolonged antipruritic and analgesic effects compared to the reference product. Conclusions: Polysaccharide-based innovative formulations improve OCH retention, enhancing therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis
Linseed, Walnut, and Algal Oil Emulsion Gels as Fat Replacers in Chicken Frankfurters: Effects on Composition, Lipid Profile and Sensory Quality
No full textThe replacement of animal fat with unsaturated lipid sources in processed meats enhances nutritional value but introduces challenges regarding oxidative stability and sensory acceptability. In this study, the effects of replacing pork back fat with pre-emulsified walnut, linseed, or algal oils on the proximate composition, fatty acid profile, nutritional indices, lipid oxidation, and sensory properties of chicken frankfurters were investigated. Four formulations were prepared: a control group (25% pork fat) and three groups that were completely reformulated using oil emulsions (ratio inulin/water/oil 1:2:1). The fat substitute significantly reduced total fat, SFA, cholesterol (up to 30%), and calorie density, while Ʃn-3 fatty acids were enriched (p < 0.05). The linseed oil samples had the highest levels of α-linolenic acid (47.53%), while the algal oil had the highest levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (10.98%) and docosahexaenoic acid (64.73%) and the most favourable Ʃn-6/Ʃn-3 ratio (p < 0.05). All reformulated groups showed significantly improved atherogenic and thrombogenic indices and increased hypocholesterolaemic/hypercholesterolaemic ratios, which reached 17.43 in the algal oil samples (p < 0.05). Lipid oxidation was increased in the linseed and algal oil treatments, with the walnut oil group showing moderate TBARS levels and minimal accumulation of secondary oxidation products. Principal component analysis revealed that walnut oil offered the most balanced compromise between nutritional improvement, oxidative stability and sensory acceptability. These findings support a healthier reformulation of meat products by identifying oil-based fat substitutes that improve nutritional value without compromising sensory quality, which is beneficial for both research and industry
Relationship Between Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents in Montenegro
No full textThe pathophysiological mechanism linking oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is not completely elucidated, especially in young individuals. This study aimed to examine redox status in an adolescent Montenegrin population in relation to cardiovascular risk score (CVRS). A cohort of 182 adolescents (76% girls) aged between 16 and 19 was examined. Total antioxidant status (TAS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total oxidant status (TOS) were determined. Pro-oxy score, anti-oxy score, and oxy score were calculated as comprehensive parameters of overall redox homeostasis status. CVRS was calculated by summarizing several risk factors (i.e., sex, age, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, impaired fasting glucose, and smoking). A significant positive correlation between CVRS and TOS (rho = 0.246, p = 0.001) and AOPP (rho = 0.231, p = 0.002) and MDA (rho = 0.339, p < 0.001), respectively, and a negative correlation with the TAS/TOS ratio (rho= −0.208, p = 0.005) was observed. An increase in pro-oxy scores as well as oxy scores with CVRS risk increase were observed. Anti-oxy scores did not differ between CVRS subgroups. There is a significant relationship between cardiovascular risk score and oxidative stress in the adolescent Montenegrin population. These findings support the possibility for improvement of age-specific CVD risk algorithms by adding redox homeostasis parameters in addition to conventional one