PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
Year:2009 | Volume:15 | Issue:1|Papers Count:15

Objectives: Clindamycin is frequently used for treatment of staphylococcal infections, particulary in skin and soft tissue infections. Resistance to this antibiotic may be constitutive or inducible. Although constitutive resistance to clidamycin can be detectd by standard susceptibility testing methods, inducible clindamycin resistance is not detected by standard broth- or agar based susceptibility test methods. This type of resistance can be detected by a simple double disc diffusion test. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of inducible clindamycin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Methods: For detection of inducible clindamycin resistance and to estimate the rate of resistance, 100 clinical isolates of each Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis were tested with disc diffusion method by using of erythromycin (15mg) and clindamycin (2mg) discs according to CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) guidline. Results: Five isolates of Staphylococcus aureus revealed inducible resistance and recorded as D phenotype and one isolate was D+, while only one isolate of Staphylococcus epidermidis was detected as D phenotype. Conclusion: Our results revealed that inducible clindamycin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus (%6) is higher than Staphylococcus epidermidis (%1). Since isolates with inducible resistance may mutate and change to constitutive resistance, can lead to treatment failure. Therefore it is necessary to examine the inducible resistance in Staphylococcus aureus strains which are resistant to erythromycin and sensitive to clindamycin.

Objective: Obese individuals are at high risk for developing endocrine and metabolic dysfunctions. Recent studies have linked obesity with alterations in the vitamin D endocrine system. Hypovitaminosis D can lead to hyperparathyroidism which can stimulate progressive depletion of bone minerals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin D injection on serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D and Parathyroid hormone levels in obese and non obese reproductive age women. Methods: This interventional study was performed on 86 healthy reproductive age women (17-50 years) .43 of these women had stage 1 and 2 obesity (BMI : 30-34.9 and 35-39.9 kg/m2 respectively) and 43 had normal weight (BMI: 18.5-24.9 kg/m2). Biochemical parameters were measured before and two weeks after injection of 600000 IU of vitamin D. Serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D, PTH and alkaline phosphatase were measured by Chemiluminescence Immuno Assay method, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Enzymatic method respectively. Serum calcium and phosphorous were measured colorimetrically.Results: There was no significant difference between basal concentration of serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D in obese and none obese subjects, however, serum PTH concentration in obese group was significantly higher than none obese group (P<0.05). After vitamin D injection there was a significant increase in serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D , calcium and phosphorous and a significant decrease in serum PTH and alkaline phosphatase (P<0.05). Mean elevation in serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D among women with severe, moderate and mild vitamin D deficiency and women with vitamin D adequacy) was significantly different. (P<0.05). Conclusion: Considering strong modifier effect of vitamin D injection on vitamin D endocrine system, vitamin D supplementation can be a suitable method for treatment of these abnormalities.

Objectives: Nasal breathing is the normal breathing route of most people during rest. During training, by increasing ventilation, nasal breathing switches to Oronasal so called OSP. Despite the researches that has done about determination of effective factors on OSP, the effect of nasal breathing tolerance trainings on OSP has not been studied and it is been taken into account in this research. Methods: Ten youth and healthy volunteers (5 men and 5 women) were involved in three protocols: (1) measuring the ventilation, working load and OSP during exercise, (2) entering to the training program of nasal breathing tolerant in condition of 40 minutes per a day, 3 times in week during 8 weeks and finally (3) performing the first protocol again. Results: it was proven in presented research that the amount of working load and OSP in both genders after exercise training is significantly increased in regard to the non training period and in spite of no changes in amount of basic ventilation and during exercise after these trainings in comparison to before that time, ventilation slope has a significant reduction in regard to the time of switching. Conclusion: according to the outcomes of this research it can be announced that both working load and ventilation are important elements involved in OSP and they are able to increase OSP. Therefore it is possible to use this method on increasing training tolerance of asthmas during trainings or for athlete subjects in order to proper halituous infiltration.

Objectives: Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity in the world.This study was aimed to evaluate the preventive role of treadmill exercise and Diosgenin on cardiac marker enzymes, lipids and lipoproteins in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in male Wistar rats. Methods: One hundred Wistar rats were divided into ten groups: control rats (C), saline (S), L-Cremephor alone (LC), Diosgenin dissolved in L-Cremephor (15 mg/kg/day) (D), Exercise (E), Exercise + Diosgenin (E+D) , ISO injected (150 mg/kg) (ISO), Diosgenin + ISO (D+ISO), Exercise + ISO (E+ISO, and Exercise + Diosgenin + ISO (E+D+ISO). After eight weeks all animals anesthetized and blood samples were collected for biochemical estimation. Results: Exercise and Diosgenin pretreatment decreased significantly the LDH level in ISO injected animals but only exercise can lower CK-MB level. Exercise and Diosgenin pretreatment significantly decreased serum total cholesterol and increased HDL-C. Body weight increased (p<0.05) in E group, but Diosgenin treatment lowered it in all exercise groups. Conclusion: Our findings confirmed the efficacy of exercise and Diosgenin pretreatment on alleviating ISO-induced cardiac damage. This effect may be resulted from positive change of lipid metabolism.

Objectives: Ibuprofen can influence the healing processes in soft and hard tissues by inhibiting of COX-Ι and COX-ΙΙ and so prostaglandin synthesis. This study was conducted because accelerating of healing processes in order to reestablishment of physiological functions of tissue after experimental wounding of gum is essential. Methods: In this study clinical and histopathological effect of Ibuprofen was evaluated on the process of healing of experimental wounding. We selected 15 New Zealand white rabbits with the same conditions and after numbering، divided to three groups, so that there were 5 rabbits in each group. Then in each group a experimental wounding was created in the right lateral region of mandible with biopsy punch and scalpel and then، after 12 days، clinical and histopathological effects of drug evaluated in high dose (20mg/kg/day) and low dose (10mg/kg/day) groups compared with control group that received placebo by gavage. A double-blind, placebo-controlled method was employed through the study. Results: It was evident that use of this drug had positive effects on healing also that was obvious in clinical and histopathological findings in both of two low dose and high dose groups compared with control group. Also use of high dose of Ibuprofen had better effects on healing process after experimental wounding and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusion: It was demonstrated that ibuprofen has a dosedependent positive effect on the healing process of gum after experimental wounding and this effect is dose dependent.

Objectives: Hypercholesterolemia is associated with the impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxation in human coronary and peripheral arteries. This impairment of endothelium is the first stage in improvement of atheroma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the preventive effects of atorvastatin and Jermuk mineral water on endothelial dysfunction induced in hypercholesterolemic rats. Methods: In this research 24 SD male rats of 100-150 g weight were used. The animals were randomly allocated into 4 groups. All groups were treated for 60 days. Then, thoracic aorta was dissected and tested. Rings of the aorta with 3-5 mm length were prepared and equilibrated in Krebs’ solution under 2 g tension (37°C ; 95% O2 ; 5% CO2) for 60 min. The vascular response to potassium chloride and phenylephrine was measured using isometric transducer. To determine the endothelium-dependent or – independent, vasorelaxation, in phenylephrine precontracted tissues, carbachol and sodium nitroprusside were employed, respectively. Data were expressed as mean ± sem and analyzed by student’s-test. p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Hypercholesterolemia impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in response to carbachol, significantly (p<0.001). Treatment with Jermuk mineral water prevented endothelial-dependent relaxation failure, nearly equal to atorvastatin and there were no significant difference in artery responses to carbachol at these groups comparing with healthy control group (p>0.05). Endothelium-independent vasodilatation in response to cumulative doses of sodium nitroprusside in different groups was not significantly different, (p>0.05). Conclusion: Results show that in preventing of endothelium dysfunction, atorvastatin is more useful. Jermuk mineral water also, based on its especial chemical composition, prevented endothelial dysfunction and kept its functionality near to healthy control group level. Therefore, clinical trial of atorvastatin and Jermuk mineral water could be suggested.

Objectives: Adiantum capillus-veneris is one of herbs that has been used in traditional medicine of Iran and has mucolytic and antipyretic effects. Antibiotic resistancy is developing against severe bacteria,due to irrational prescription. Therefore, we assessed Adiantum capillus-veneris effects as a medicinal herb on three common bacteria. Methods: Ethanolic extract of Adiantum capillus-veneris was prepared by a pharmacology company with perculation method and was diluted in distilled water to 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8 concentration.blank discs were placed in extracts for one day.Then ,the bacteria were cultured in muller hinton agar plate and the discs were placed on them. We used Gentamicine disc as control. After incubation in 37° for 24 hour, the diameter of no growth hallo around the discs was read. Results: The ethanolic extract of Adiantum capillus-veneris herb has no antimicrobial effects on the bacteria. Conclusion: Results of this study suggested that ethanolic extract of Adiantum capillusveneris has no antimicrobial effects on this three bacteria mentioned above. Because this herb has been used in traditional medicine, we suggest more studies about it.

Objectives: Plantago psyllium is one of the native plants in Iran and produces a kind of polymer which is non toxic and possesses no side effects for patients. Taking safety into account and high amount of the polymer produced by the plant are the most important issues that need to be addressed. In this investigation, a comparative evaluation of the polymer extracted from Plantago psyllium as tablet disintegrant and binder was made with corn starch, Ac-Disol and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in formulation of acetaminophen tablet. Methods: In this investigation the disintegration and binding properties of the polymer is compared with common pharmaceutical excipients at presence of lactose as water soluble filler or dicalcium phosphate (DCP) as insoluble filler. The best tabletting pressure of the formulation containing lactose or DCP as fillers and the polymer or starch or PVP as binder were studied. Results: The results demonstrated the best pressure with the least release time and the suitable hardness was about 100 bar. The best percentage of the polymer was achieved by formulating varied amount of it. The appropriate amount of the polymer was 5 %. Conclusion: In conclusion The natural polymer extracted from Plantago psyllium was comparable with corn starch from release time and tablet hardness points of view and even in some cases was better than starch.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of minocycline on morphine withdrawal syndrome in male rat. Methods: male wistar rats (225 – 275 g) were selected (n=8) randomly and divided in to six groups: In order to evaluate the effect of minocycline on morphine withdrawal syndrome. Morphine was administered subcutaneously for nine days: Day 1: 5mg/kg/12h, Day 2,3: 10 mg/kg/12h, Day 4,5: 15 mg/kh/12h, Day 6,7: 20 mg/kg/12h, Day 8,9: 25 mg/kg/12h. On ninth day only the morning dose of morphine and minocycline were injected. Minocycline was injected just before the morphine injection twice a day, on ninth day an hour after the last dose of morphine, naloxone ( 4 mg/kg’ ip) injected and the withdrawal signs (Jumping, Rearing, Genital Grooming, Abdomen Writhing and Wet Dog Shake) were recorded for 60 minutes. Animals received saline (1 ml/kg/12h’ ip) or {saline (1ml/kg/12h, ip) + morphine (10 mg/kg/12h, sc) } or {minocycline (10,20,40 mg/kg/12h’ip) + morphine (10 mg/kg/12h’sc) }. Result: Results showed that minocycline decreased withdrawal syndrome significantly (p<0.001). Conclusion: minocycline decreased the withdrawal syndrome of morphine and the possible mechanism is related to inhibition of Nitric oxide / N – methyl D – aspartat pathway.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was determining the intestinal permeability of digoxin using the SPIP technique and a range of concentrations in rats and assessing the quantitative contribution of P-gp-mediated efflux in limiting the oral bioavailability of digoxin using erythromycin and clarithromycin as inhibitors of P-gp efflux transporter. Moreover the enhancing effects of the investigated macrolides on digoxin absorption were compared. Methods: The study was performed on jejunal segment of rat. The cannulated segment was perfused by drug solution and samples were obtained from outlet tubing and the remaining drug was assayed. A reverse-phase HPLC method was used for analysis of all samples. Results: Although there were no differences among the obtained permeability coefficients in different concentrations of digoxin, erythromycin and clarithromycin significantly increased the intestinal transport of digoxin (p<0.05).Moreover there was no significant difference between clarithromycin and erythromycin effects on digoxin absorption (P>0.05). Conclusion: At least part of interactions between digoxin and macrolide antibiotics occurs in absorption level. Digoxin can rightly be classified as a low solubility-high permeability Class II BCS drug and its absorption from oral formulations could be affected by erythromycin and clarithromycin. Therefore in dose adjustment for patients using both digoxin and erythromycin or clarithromycin, this important interaction must be considered.

Objectives: Hyperlipidemia is one of the most common diseases in the world which can lead to disorders such as atherosclerosis and therefore coronary heart disease. In Iranian traditional medicine Securigera securidaca L. seed is being used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of total extract of S. securidaca seed on function of isolated thoracic aorta in high-fat fed rats. Methods: Wistar rats were fed with high fat diet for 36 days. Treatment groups were given orally different doses of the extract in the last two weeks of the procedure. After this period inferior vena cava vein blood was collected and then thoracic aorta was excised. A section of aorta was used for histological study. Vascular contraction in isolated vessels was assessed by using KCl and Phenylephrine. Evaluatation of endothelial function was done by investigating carbachol- and sodium nitrioprusside-induced relaxation of pre-contracted aorta. Results: Contraction responses of aorta to phenylephrine and Kcl were significantly lower in hypercholesterolemic rats compared with control group (P<0.001). In hypercholestrolemic group carbachol-induced endothelial-dependant vasodilatation was also decreased significantly (p<0.001). The extract (100mg/kg) improved endothelial-dependant vasodilatation in hyperlipidemic animals (P<0.05). Sodium nitrioprusside-induced relaxation did not yield significant difference between groups. In histological study there was a little lipid formation around aorta in hypercholesterolemic groups but no atherosclerotic lesion was observed. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the extract of S. securidaca’s seeds in addition to having a considerable anti-hyperlipidemic effects, is able to improve vascular endothelium dependent function in high fat fed rats.

Objectives: This study was performed in order to investigate the effect of dry and wet granulation techniques on physicomechanical properties of granules and compression behaviour of HPMC with different degrees of methoxy/hydroxypropyl substitution (HPMC K4M, HPMC E4M and HPMC F4M). Methods: The granules were prepared by both wet and dry procedures. Particle size distribution, mechanical properties (crushing strength, yield point and elastic modulus), bulk and tap densities, and the flow rate of granules were investigated. Then the granules and their corresponding powders were tableted at different compaction forces and their crushing strengths were determined. Results: The results showed that granulation process improved flow ability of the polymers. However the effect of wet granulation process was more apparent. HPMC K4M exhibited the biggest size and the highest flow rate compared to other grades in both wet and dry granulation procedure. The granules produced by wet granulation were very hard and brittle compared to granules produced by dry method which exhibited plastic properties. Granules prepared from HPMC E4M were softer than other grades. Tablets made from HPMC powders were significantly harder than those prepared by wet granulation. However dry granulation affected the hardness of the tablets to lesser extent. The following order was found for the hardness of tablets: direct compression>dry granulation>wet granulation. The hardness of tablets prepared from different grades of HPMC exhibited the following trend: HPMC K4M>HPMC F4M>HPMC E4M. Conclusion: The physicomechanical properties of HPMC granules and their compacts were dependent on granulation method and the grade of HPMC used.

Objectives: Conflicting results have been reported for positive effects of magnesium supplementation on migraine prophylaxis. The objective of this study was to assess whether, magnesium oxide in addition to routine treatments in adults, reduces migrainous headache frequency, migraine days and headache severity. Methods: In this 2-month clinical trial, effects of 500 mg/day oral magnesium oxide for migraine prophylaxis and serum magnesium concentration in 77 migrainous adults (case=33, control=44) aged 34.10±9.61 years, were assessed. Weight and height were measured and body mass index was calculated. Results: Significant reduction in migraines, migraine days, headache severity and migraine index in the both groups compared with baseline, were observed. In magnesium oxide group compared with control group, 50% or greater reduction in migraines (P<0.01) and headache severity (P<0.05) were significant. Statistically non-significant decreases in migraine index and migraine days in the magnesium oxide group were reported. Magnesium supplementation increased significantly (P<0.001) serum magnesium concentration while in control group no difference was seen. Conclusion: In spite of oral magnesium oxide supplementation (500 mg/day) in addition to routine treatments appears to be effective in migraine prophylaxis, larger trials involving this safe, appealing complementary therapy are needed.