فهرست مطالب

Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Research
Volume:7 Issue: 2, Jun 2020

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1400/02/15
  • تعداد عناوین: 8
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  • Parisa Saberi Hasanabadi, Hamidreza Mohammadi* Pages 67-78
    Background

    Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2). The outbreak was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

    Objectives

    This review gives a bird’s-eye view of the COVID-19 pandemic and its various effects on human society. Since knowledge about this virus is rapidly evolving, readers are urged to update themselves regularly.

    Methods

    In this review, our searching was performed on international databases of Embase, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science (ISI) from October 2019 to June 2020.

    Results

    Most patients infected with COVID‑19 have mild symptoms. Approximately 15% of patients have severe pneumonia, and about 5% acute distress syndrome or organ failure. In the absence of definitive treatment and vaccines, the most effective measure is to prevent infection, particularly in those at high risk of taking the severe form of the disease with adverse outcomes. Pharmacotherapy is essentially supportive; the role of antiviral agents is yet to be established. The commonest drugs used in treating this viral disease are tocilizumab, remdesivir, favipiravir, and camostat mesilate. Also, drugs related to malaria, AIDS, and Ebola, such as hydroxychloroquine, are widely used. Based on physical examinations alone, it is impossible to comment with certainty in mild cases of the disease. Accordingly, a wide range of methods is used for diagnosing and treating the disease. Various variables in reducing the severity of the epidemic and the effects of the virus require special management at the national, regional, and global levels. 

    Conclusion

    This review summarizes the latest findings in safety, management, and public services related to the COVID-19 virus epidemic.

    Keywords: COVID-19 Pharmacotherapy, Prevalence, Diagnosis, Managemen
  • Fatemeh Shaki, Melika Teymoori, Farzaneh Sadat Motafeghi, Nasibeh Hemmati, Milad Arab Nozari* Pages 79-86
    Background

    Cadmium is a heavy metal that can cause various injuries in the body, including nephrotoxicity. L-Arginine is a metal chelator that can prevent oxidative damage caused by oxygen free radicals. 

    Objectives

    This study aimed to investigate the effect of L-arginine in inhibiting mitochondrial toxicity induced by subchronic cadmium exposure in the kidney of male mice. 

    Methods

    A total of 42 male mice were randomly divided into six groups (n=6): control (normal saline), cadmium (2 mg/kg), cadmium (2 mg/kg) plus three doses of L-arginine (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) and finally cadmium (2 mg/kg) plus vitamin C (500 mg/kg). After 42 days, the animals were anesthetized with ketamine/xylazine. Their kidney tissues were removed, and mitochondrial fractions were isolated. Oxidative stress factors and mitochondrial damage parameters (MTT, swelling, and mitochondrial membrane potential) were measured in renal isolated mitochondria. Also, evaluation of Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine (Cr) tests were done.

    Results

    Significant rise in BUN and Cr were observed in cadmium-treated mice (P<0.05). Cadmium enhanced oxidative stress in the kidney via increasing lipid peroxidation and oxidation of protein and glutathione. It caused significant mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, and swelling in isolated mitochondria (P<0.05). L-Arginine significantly ameliorated cadmium-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage (P<0.05). Furthermore, a significant reduction in serum BUN and Cr were observed in L-arginine received group (P<0.05).

    Conclusion

    The results showed that L-arginine has significant protective effects against cadmium-induced renal toxicity in male mice.

    Keywords: Cadmium, L-Arginine, Kidney, Oxidative stress, Mitochondria
  • Soroush Bijani, Zahra Gharari, Alireza Ahmadnia, Hossein Danafar, Ali Sharafi* Pages 87-95

    Flavonoid derived components have been studied for their therapeutic properties. Apigenin has shown remarkable anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory features; however having a reliable source of apigenin is necessary. In this study the amount of apigenin in flowers, roots, leaf and stems of three varieties of Cosmos bipinnatus: Dazzler, Xanthos and Sensation pinkie and also in transgenic root culture of C. bipinnatus Dazzler was compared by HPLC method. In addition the antioxidant activity of C. bipinnatus Dazzler transgenic root culture was evaluated using FRAP assay. Dazzler variety flowers showed the highest recovery of apigenin with 0.799 mg/g DW; however the sensation pinkie variety leafs had the lowest recovery with 0.089 mg/g. Apigenin content in transformed roots (0.797 mg/g DW) of C. bipinnatus Dazzler was significantly higher than non-transformed roots (0.42 mg/g DW). The ethanolic extract of hairy root showed the FRAP value of 668.1 µM Fe2+/mg that was comparatively more than wild root FRAP value (426.2 µM Fe2+/mg). In conclusion the presence of apigenin in high amounts in hairy root cultures of C. bipinnatus Dazzler indicates its great potential for future pharmaceutical industry.

    Keywords: Apigenin, antioxidant, Cosmos bipinnatus, FRAP, Transgenic root culture
  • Proteesh Rana, Manik Ghadlinge*, Pratap Singh, R. D. Chandane, Arjun Khanna Pages 97-104
    Background

    The National Task force constituted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and various International agencies has recommended the use of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as prophylaxis for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This measure was taken because of the urgent need to protect high-risk individuals like Health Care Workers (HCW) from contracting COVID-19.

    Objectives

    This study aimed to assess the awareness, attitudes, and practices on using HCQ as prophylaxis to prevent COVID-19 infection.

    Methods

    A cross-sectional study was conducted among the doctors working in Dr RML Hospital, New Delhi, India, a tertiary care public hospital involved in the care of COVID-19 patients. The invitation to participate was electronically circulated, and the consenting participants were allowed to access an online survey. The survey had a total of 23 questions that were designed to understand the awareness, perception, and practices of doctors regarding the use of HCQ as prophylaxis in COVID-19.

    Results

    About 147 doctors participated in this survey. The major source of knowledge regarding HCQ prophylaxis was quoted as regulatory agencies (44%), particularly ICMR, and the main indication was reported as being a healthcare worker (60%). Most of the participants (91%) believed that the HCQ effect is not clear and felt more scientific data regarding the use of HCQ as prophylaxis for COVID-19. But many doctors (51%) still recommend using HCQ to their colleagues. 

    Conclusion

    In this study, we observed that most doctors were aware of the recommendations regarding the HCQ prophylaxis in COVID-19 and had good adherence to therapy but felt the need for more concrete scientific evidence for using HCQ.

    Keywords: COVID-19, Hydroxychloroquine, Prophylaxis
  • Mostafa Alamholo*, Yosof Amraie Pages 105-114
    Background

    Ethnomedicinal plants are used to produce of antimicrobial drugs in pharmaceutical industry.

    Objectives

    The aim of this study was to identify phytochemical compounds of seed extract from ethnomedicinal plants Pistacia atlantica, Cassia absus and Quercucs persica by GC/MS and investigation of antibacterial and antioxidant activities.

    Methods

    The samples were collected from Lorestan province, Iran. Antibacterial and anti-radical activities were analyzed by Disc-diffusion and DPPH assays, respectively. Ethanol (96%), methanol (80%) and distilled water extracts were obtained by soxhlet. The methanol extract was used to analyses of chemical compositions.

    Results

    A number of 40, 31 and 8 compounds were identified by GC/MS in seeds of Cassia absus, Pistacia atlantica and Quercucs persica, respectively. Results indicated that 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol (36.043%) and Tetradecanoic acid (4.92%), were dominated in seed extracts of Cassia absus. However, Germacyclopetene (38.119%) and1,2,3-Benzenetriol (8.115%), were dominated in  seed extracts of Pistacia atlantica. Furthermore, 5H-Tetrazole-5-thione, 1,4-dihydro-1,4-dimethy (38.505%) and Tetradecanoic acid (30.546%), were dominated in  seed extracts of  Quercucs persica. The strongest radical scavenging activity and the highest inhibitory activity against M. luteus were observed on the methanol extract of C. absus. Significant difference between the IC50 values of methanol extract of C. absus compared with ascorbic acid was observed.

    Conclusion

    Due to the presence of antimicrobial compounds from tested ethnomedicinal plants are suggested to use in pharmaceutical and medical industry.

    Keywords: GC, MS, Cassia absus, Pistacia atlantica, Quercucs persica, Infectious bacteria
  • Amirhossein Ghanbarzamani, Aida Sefidani Forough, Jamshid Salamzadeh, Fanak Fahimi* Pages 115-120
    Background

    Hemorrhagic events are amongst the major adverse effects of injectable anticoagulants such as heparin and enoxaparin. This necessitates close monitoring of their use for clinically relevant drug-drug interactions.

    Aim

    To study the rate of hemorrhagic events, the anatomical site, and the severity of the hemorrhage in patients receiving heparin or enoxaparin in combination with clopidogrel, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and warfarin.

    Methods

    A prospective, multi-center, case-series study was designed. Patients admitted to two teaching hospitals who received either an NSAID, and/ or warfarin, and/or clopidogrel were evaluated. Yellow Card Scheme was applied to record any hemorrhagic events. Naranjo scale was utilized for causality assessment.

    Results

    123 patients were eligible for inclusion between November 2014 and April 2015. Sixty-five patients (52.5%) received heparin and 58 patients (47.2%) received enoxaparin. Of 123 patients 115 (93.5%) patients received aspirin, 69 (56.1%) patients received warfarin, 34 (27.6%) patients received an antiplatelet medication, and 121 (98.4%) patients received NSAIDS in combination with heparin or enoxaparin. Overall, 26 (21.1%) cases of hemorrhagic incident were reported of which six (4.9%) cases were categorized as major bleeding. Patients receiving heparin constituted the largest proportion among all 26 haemorrhagic incidents (57.7%). All patients with hemorrhagic incident had aspirin in their medication regimen while 19 (73.0%) patients were concomitantly receiving warfarin as well. Hematuria (46.2%), hematoma in injection site (38.5%) and hematoma (34.6%) were the top three types of the hemorrhagic events. In Naranjo scale analysis, 19 patients scored more than 9 points, indicating a definite ADR causality. Moreover, seven patients scored 5 to 8 affirming a probable association with ADR.

    Conclusions

    The risk of hemorrhagic events can be influenced by undesirable drug-drug interactions. Close monitoring of high-risk patients is advised to prevent adverse hemorrhagic reactions. Further studies to detect the explanatory factors associated with the hemorrhagic events are recommended.

    Keywords: Adverse effects, antiplatelet, enoxaparin, hemorrhage, heparin, oral antithrombotic
  • Hamideh Abbaspour Kasgari, AmirMohammad Shabani*, Hafez Fakheri, Parnian Mohammadzadeh Pages 121-128
    Background

    Various digestive symptoms have been frequently reported in a significant portion of patients infected with the virus since the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Most patients with COVID-19 have a fever accompanied by respiratory signs and symptoms, such as cough and dyspnea. We present 36 cases with a chief complaint of Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms along with respiratory symptoms. In this study, we aimed at investigating the prevalence and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with digestive symptoms.

    Methods

    A variety of observed GI symptoms included nausea and vomiting (72.2%), diarrhea (25%), abdominal pain (19.4%), loss of appetite (14%), and anosmia (14%). The most non-GI symptoms were dyspnea (66.7%), fever (66.7%), dry cough (58.3%), myalgia (52.4%), and others. Six patients (16.6%) were critically ill, 7 (19.4%) were in stable condition, and 23 patients (64%) showed moderate symptoms. Among the patients, 7 (19.5%) needed critical care and were admitted to ICU. Leucopenia, lymphopenia, and elevated acute-phase proteins were other features observed in these patients. The most common antiviral regimen was hydroxychloroquine and oseltamivir. Finally, 32 patients (89%) were discharged, and 4 (11%) died. 

    Conclusion

    This case series study highlights that patients with COVID-19 are prone to GI symptoms along with fever and respiratory symptoms. Patients may even present with digestive symptoms and without any respiratory symptoms. Hence, clinicians should pay more attention to these patients and help diagnose COVID-19 earlier to start prompt treatment before the occurrence of severe disease.

    Keywords: Gastrointestinal symptoms, COVID-19, Case series
  • Maryam Hosseinpoor Tehrani, Seyed Ahmad Mirshokraie, Mehdi Khoobi, Mohsen Amini * Pages 129-140
    Background

     Hyperglycemia is a metabolic disorder that refers to an increase in blood sugar in diabetic patients. α-Glucosidase has been introduced as a membrane-bound enzyme, and it is the main enzyme for carbohydrate digestion in some parts of the intestine. Inhibition of α -glucosidase enzyme activity is a reliable approach to control post-prandial hyperglycemia condition.

    Objectives

    In this study, a series of Pyrazolo[1,2-b]phthalazine-5,10-dione derivatives 5a–t were synthesized via a multicomponent reaction and evaluated as new inhibitors for α-glucosidase.

    Methods

     The biological activity of the synthesized compounds was studied using a source of the α-glucosidase enzyme (EC3.2.1.20, Saccharomyces cerevisiae) at 20 U/mg concentration. 

    Results

     Four compounds showed higher α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in comparison to a standard, i.e., Acarbose. Compound 5q displays the most potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 155.4 ± 6.0 μM). 

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, some of the synthesized compounds, including heterocyclic core molecules, have shown remarkable activity that could be considered as subjects for the development of new, more efficient inhibitors of the α-glucosidase enzyme.

    Keywords: α-Glucosidase inhibitors, Pyrazolophthalazine, Malononitrile, Aldehyde