Activated HSCs have increased ROS-detoxifying capacity compared to quiescent HSCs. Glutathione levels increase during HSC activation and protect against ROS-induced necrosis, whereas hydrogen peroxide-detoxifying enzymes protect against apoptotic cell death.

Hemicelluloses are biopolymers with versatile properties for biomedical applications. Herein, hemicellulose (arabinoxylan)-based antibacterial film dressings were prepared and characterized. Arabinoxylan was isolated from psyllium husk. Blank and gentamicin-loaded films were prepared by the solvent cast method using glycerol as the plasticizer. The appropriate composition of the films was obtained by varying the amounts of arabinoxylan, glycerol, and gentamicin. The films were found to be transparent, smooth, bubble-free, flexible, and easily peelable with 2% to 3% arabinoxylan. They had uniform thickness and swelled up to 60% of their initial size. The mechanical properties and water vapor transmission rate through the films were found to be suitable for wound-dressing application. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed drug–film compatibility. In an in vitro release study, more than 85% of the gentamicin was released from the films in 12 h. The antibacterial activities of the gentamicin-loaded films were found to be close to the standard gentamicin solution. The films were found to be cytocompatible in cell viability assay. These results suggested that hemicellulose-based films are promising materials for the dressing of infected wounds.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the neurodegenerative disorder characterized by impairment of higher intellectual dysfunctions associated with changes in the cognitive, behavioral, and social activities. Aim of the study: The current study was designed to evaluate the potential of aldosterone antagonist in the treatment of AD. Methodology: The study was conducted on albino mice of either sex (n = 60). Mice were subcategorized into six groups, each group having 10 mice. Group Inormal control (CMC 1 mL/kg), group IIdiseased [streptozotocin (STZ), 3 mg/kg, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.)], group IIIstandard (piracetam, 200 mg/kg, i.p.), and groups IV−VI designated as the treatment group (eplerinone at dose levels of 4, 8, and 16 mg/kg, orally), respectively. The study was carried out for 14 consecutive days. STZ was administered through the i.c.v. route on first and third days of the study for memory impairment. The molecular docking was performed to investigate the chemical behavior of compounds to inhibit the AChE. Anti-Alzheimer's effect was assessed by using the behavioral paradigms such as passive avoidance, elevated plus maze, Morris water maze, open field, and balance beam. Various endogenous antioxidants such as SOD, GSH, nitrite, MDA, CAT, and AChE were identified in brain tissues of treated mice to assess the oxidative stress index. Biochemical markers for AD such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, Aβ 1−40, Aβ 1−42, NF-κB, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were analyzed in brain tissues of mice. Expression of beta amyloid was observed by PCR. Results: The in silico study indicated the distinct mechanism of eplerinone to inhibit the AChE. The outcomes of the in vivo study manifested that eplerinone at the highest dose was found to be more effective in the treatment of AD. Conclusion: It may be concluded from the research work that eplerinone can be effective for cognitive improvement which proposes its therapeutic effect in many neurodegenerative disorders such as AD.

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<p class="Abstract"><em>Phragmites karka</em> has been reported for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Here, extracts of leaf and rhizome of the plant were individually investigated in CCl₄-induced hepatofibrosis in male Wistar rats by administering CCl₄ intraperitoneally biweekly for 6 weeks.  Afterwards the animals were investigated for liver fibrosis at biochemical, molecular and histological levels, and it showed a profound increase (p&lt;0.001) in elevation of serum levels of transaminases, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, mRNA expression of α smooth muscle actin, collagen and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), and extracellular matrix deposition and perilobular necrosis. Both extracts markedly (p&lt;0.001) decreased the elevated levels of these markers. Histopathological investigations also substantiated the above results by exhibiting a decreased in extracellular matrix deposition in post-treatment animals. In conclusion, both extracts had substantially modified the biochemical and molecular markers of liver fibrosis, in addition to histological improvement in architecture of liver.</p>

Co-encapsulated econazole nitrate-triamcinolone acetonide loaded biocompatible, physically stable, and non-irritating mesoporous silica nanoparticles (EN-TA–loaded MSNs) were prepared and optimized by using a central composite rotatable design (CCRD) for providing better therapeutic efficacy against commonly prevailed resistant fungal infections. These drugs loaded MSNs can significantly overcome the deficiencies and problems like short duration of action, requirement of frequent administration, erythema, and burning sensation and irritation associated with conventional drug delivery systems. The stability of optimized drugs loaded MSNs prepared with 100 gm of oil at pH 5.6 with a stirring time of 2 h was confirmed from a zeta potential value of −25 mV. The remarkable compatibility of formulation ingredients was depicted by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and size analysis represented a very fine size distribution of nanoparticles ranging from 450–600 nm. The CCRD clearly predicted that the optimized parameters of drugs loaded MSNs have better values of percentage yield (85%), EN release (68%), and TA release (70%). Compared to pure drugs, the decreased cytotoxicity of EN-TA–loaded MSNs was quite evident because they showed a cell survival rate of 90%, while in the case of pure drugs, the survival rate was 85%. During in vivo antifungal testing against Candida albicans performed on three different groups, each consisting of six rabbits, the EN-TA–loaded MSNs were relatively superior in eradicating the fungal infection as a single animal exhibited a positive culture test. Rapid recovery of fungal infection and a better therapeutic effect of EN-TA–loaded MSN were quite evident in wound healing and histopathology studies. Likewise, on the 14th day, a larger inhibitory zone was measured for optimized nanoparticles (15.90 mm) compared to the suspension of pure drugs (13.90 mm). In skin irritation studies, MSNs did not show a grade of erythema compared to pure drugs, which showed a four-fold grade of erythema. As a result, MSNs loaded with combination therapy seem to have the potential of improving patient compliance and tolerability by providing enhanced synergistic antifungal effectiveness at a reduced dose with accelerated wound healing and reduced toxicity of therapeutics.

Background: Nature has always been considered as the primary source of pharmaceutical ingredients. A variety of hemicelluloses, as well as their modified forms, have been under investigation. Herein, a study was designed to explore the biocompatibility of hemicellulose and its modified form (thiolated hemicellulose) as well as its potential as a pharmaceutical excipient.Method: For thiol modification thiourea was used as the thiol donor, HCl as the catalytic reagent, and methanol was used for washing purposes. Modified polymers were characterized for physicochemical characteristics, including surface morphology, the amorphous or crystalline nature of the particles, modification of polymer by FTIR, and biocompatibilities. For acute oral toxicity study, a single dose of 2 g/kg was administered to albino rats of 200 g average weight (n = 3). Polymers were evaluated as pharmaceutical excipients by preparing compressed tablets of antiplatelet drug (Ticagrelor), followed by various quality control tests, such as swelling index, thickness and diameter, disintegration, and in-vitro drug release.Results: From the results, it was observed that thiol modification has been successfully accomplished as characteristic peaks belonging to –SH group appeared at 2667.7691 cm−1 in FTIR scan. The modified polymer was found safe in the use concentration range, confirming their safe use for in vivo analysis. No significant effect has been observed in the behavior, biological fluid (blood), or on vital organs. Thiolated hemicellulose was found to be an excellent drug retarding polymer as 8 h of dissolution studies showed that 67.08% of the drug has been released.Conclusion: Conclusively, incorporation of thiol moiety made the polymer more mucoadhesive with, and a worthy carrier of, the drug with good biocompatibilities.