Archives of Pharmacy

Hypromellose-based films and film-forming systems for topical application: current status and perspective in drug delivery

2024-12-25T20:43:20+01:00

Films and film-forming systems (FFS) are increasingly recognized for their potential as convenient carriers for precise and efficient drug delivery to or via the skin and mucous membranes. Among them, those based on hypromellose as a film-forming polymer demonstrate many favorable characteristics. To better understand the role of hypromellose in topical films and film-forming drug delivery systems, this review presents physicochemical characteristics and film-forming performances of different types of hypromellose. Furthermore, the review encompasses relevant studies demonstrating the broad application of hypromellose as a film-forming agent in films and FFS for dermal, oromucosal, vaginal, ocular, and nasal application, reflecting the growing interest of researchers in this field. It also highlights the observed advantages of hypromellose over other film-forming polymers and implies future development of films and FFS in general.

Challenges and advances in waterless cosmetic product development – raising awareness of water sustainability

2024-12-25T20:43:20+01:00

Water conservation is an essential strategy for managing the world's limited water resources. The life cycle of cosmetic products, which are used in immeasurable quantities in everyday life, involves significant water consumption. Water is a common ingredient in cosmetic products, and it is also used in the manufacturing process. Numerous strategies are being developed to reduce water consumption in the life cycles of different cosmetic products. This paper therefore focuses on efforts to minimize water use in formulation development and challenges which accompany these efforts. Waterless cosmetic products are a trend that started with less motivation for sustainability, but combined with the global awareness of environmental benefits, it has become an attractive formulation strategy for water sustainability. Waterless cosmetic formulations reduce direct water footprint by not using water as a main ingredient in the formulations. Nevertheless, designing waterless cosmetics is a great challenge. This paper summarizes the tendencies, principles and key considerations of formulation, as well as the benefits and advantages of waterless cosmetic products. It points out the importance of reducing both the water and carbon footprint of cosmetic products, and consequently the contribution cosmetics can make to quality of life and sustainable development.

Sexual dimorphism in the response to antidepressant therapy: Biological basis and clinical implications

2024-12-25T20:43:20+01:00

Depression represents a complex mental health problem worldwide, affecting millions of people and causing significant societal and personal distress. A plethora of evidence has emerged indicating an important role of gender dimorphism in depression, with prevalence rates, symptomatology, and treatment responses differing between men and women. Women are generally more likely to suffer from depression, which is often attributed to hormonal influences, psychosocial stressors, and gender-specific coping mechanisms. In contrast, men may exhibit different depressive patterns, characterized by externalizing behaviors and higher suicide rates. Neurobiological studies highlight gender-specific differences in brain structure and function, as well as in neurotransmitter systems, which may impact treatment efficacy and response variability. While conventional pharmacotherapy remains pivotal, personalized approaches that integrate psychotherapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based interventions have increased in recent years. However, gender differences in treatment outcomes emphasize the need for differentiated, gender-sensitive clinical strategies. This review summarizes the current literature to highlight the complexity of depression and the importance of tailoring interventions to optimize clinical outcomes in diverse populations.

Understanding schizophrenia through animal models: the role of environmental stressors

2024-12-25T20:43:21+01:00

Schizophrenia and other related disorders represent a major clinical challenge, with environmental and genetic factors contributing to their occurrence. Animal models are indispensable tools for understanding the complex neurobiological mechanisms underlying psychosis and for developing new therapeutic approaches. This review focuses on the animal models commonly used in schizophrenia research, especially those based on prenatal and postnatal environmental risk factors. Prenatal exposure to infections, such as bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and viral components such as poly I:C, activates immune responses that lead to long-lasting structural and functional changes in the brain, including hippocampal atrophy and cortical thinning. Postnatal factors such as early life stress, social isolation and drug abuse, particularly cannabis, are also being modelled to investigate their effects on brain development and the onset of psychosis. These models allow controlled manipulation of environmental challenges and provide insights into the aetiology and pathophysiology of the disease. However, the variability of experimental protocols and lack of female representation in many studies underscore the need for more robust and inclusive animal models. Ultimately, these models are crucial for a better understanding of schizophrenia and for testing potential therapeutic interventions.

Heuristic analysis of structure, activity and selectivity relationships of isocoumarin derivatives as potential antifungal agents

2024-12-25T20:43:22+01:00

A series of recently synthetized and biologically evaluated isocoumarin derivatives (n=16, including voriconazole as standard) were used for heuristic analysis of structure, activity and selectivity relationships. While research of isocoumarins found in the literature was mainly focused on antifungal properties of 3-alkyl/aryl compounds, this study used structures synthetized by a strategy merging antifungal properties of isocoumarins with some known fungal pharmacophores. Rationalization of activity and selectivity was performed using the results of testing against C. albicans (CA) and testing on a normal human lung fibroblast cell line (MRC5). Structures were created and optimized using the ChemDraw Ultra 8.0 and MOPAC software. Calculation of molecular descriptors and the heuristic method, using the Codessa software, were applied for the selection of the most significant descriptors for activity against CA, as well as selectivity against CA versus MRC5. Biological tests for determination of activity against CA used in studies include inhibition of hyphal growth, so the activity against resistant cells was also considered. The supposed mechanisms of action, including lacton opening and electrophilic attack on nucleophiles, as well as inhibition of lanosterol 14a-demethylase (CYP51), were in agreement with the results obtained. The results could serve as a basis for further optimization of isocoumarin derivatives with respect to better activity, selectivity and action against resistant species.

Patterns of biofilm production and antiseptic resistance in multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates

2024-12-25T20:43:22+01:00

Acinetobacter baumannii is a notorious pathogen known for its extensive drug resistance and ability to form biofilms, making infections difficult to treat and control. This study investigated antibiotic resistance profiles, biofilm production, and environmental adaptability of 32 A. baumannii clinical isolates. Predominantly hospital-derived, the isolates showed a high proportion of antimicrobial drug resistance, with 93.75% classified as extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and the rest as multidrug-resistant (MDR). Notably, isolates demonstrated high resistance to amikacin and meropenem (MIC₅₀ >4096 μg/mL and 64 μg/mL, respectively). Biofilm production analysis revealed 13 strong producers, 14 moderate, 4 weak, and 1 non-producer. Strong and moderate biofilm producers exhibited higher antibiotic resistance on average. The most favorable conditions for biofilm formation proved to be in glucose-supplemented BHI and at room temperature. Six selected strong biofilm producers displayed significant variability in biofilm production across different media and temperatures. In antiseptic and topical antibiotic persistence tests, isolates showed varied survival and biofilm production, with some thriving and enhancing biofilm in saline and boric acid. The findings emphasize the adaptability and resilience of A. baumannii in clinical settings, highlighting the challenges in treating biofilm-associated infections.

Opportunities for sustainable waste management in the pharmaceutical industry

2024-12-25T20:43:22+01:00

The pharmaceutical industry significantly impacts the environment through its activities, primarily by generating pharmaceutical waste. Pharmaceutical products can be released into aquatic environments at every stage of their life cycle: from production, through use, to disposal. The majority of pharmaceutical products discharged into the environment, particularly into wastewater, originates from patient excretions. This paper, after defining and classifying waste, outlines the legal regulations as well as the possibilities for sustainable management of pharmaceutical waste. The modern concept of pharmaceutical waste management aims to ensure that the pharmaceutical industry remains successful while becoming sustainable. Sustainable development and waste management are directly linked to the circular economy. Sustainable pharmaceutical waste management encompasses reduction, reuse, recycling, energy recovery, and disposal. These activities should be carried out by manufacturers, prescribers, distributors, pharmacists, and consumers. The waste management hierarchy represents a widely accepted and recommended order of priority actions, with waste prevention (reducing waste generation) being the most desirable option, followed by reuse, recycling, recovery, and finally disposal, which is the least desirable activity in waste management. Positive changes in the sustainability of the pharmaceutical industry cannot be achieved without active collaboration involving pharmaceutical companies, academia, and policymakers. The scientific community should intensively explore possibilities for sustainable pharmaceutical waste management. Harmonizing regulations across different countries is essential, and pharmacists in community pharmacies should work to raise public awareness about pharmaceutical waste.