Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
Yiling Hong
Western University of Health Sciences, USA
Keynote: Rapid generation of sub-type, region-specific neurons and neural networks from human pluripotent stem cells for neurological disorders
Time : 10:00-10:30 AM
Biography:
Dr Yiling Hong is an Associate Professor at Western University of Health Sciences. Dr. Hong received her Ph. D degree from University of Kentucky in 1997. She had in depth training in molecular biology, and stem cell biology. As Principal Investigator of the National Institute of Health grant, her research interest is focus on stem cell differention and determination of cytotoxicity and genotoxocity of manufactured nanoparticle in stem cells. She had published over 40 papers.
Abstract:
Stem cell-based neuronal differentiation has provided a unique opportunity for regenerative medicine, disease modeling and drug discovery. Neurospheres are commonly used neuroprogenitors for neuronal differentiation, but their clumping in culture has always been a challenge for neurodifferentiation. Here, we report a novel defined culture conditions and method for generating sub-type or region-specific neurons from human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells without any genetic manipulation. Round and bright-edged neurospheres were generated in supplemented knockout serum replacement medium (SKSRM) under 10% CO2, which doubled the expression of NESTIN, PAX6 and FOXG1 genes compared to 5% CO2. Furthermore, an additional step (AdSTEP) was introduced to fragment the neurospheres and facilitate the formation of a monolayer neuroepithelial-type sheet and neural tube type rosette (NTTR) structure. The NTTR expressed higher level of PAX6, SOX2 and NESTIN genes compared to neuroectoderm-derived neuroprogenitors. Using these neuroprogenitors, different layers of cortical, pyramidal, GABAergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic neurons appeared within 27 days which is faster than traditional neurodifferentiation-protocols (42-60 days). With additional supplements, dopaminergic and purkinje neurons were also able to generate around 45 day too. Furthermore, our in vivo results indicated that fragmented neurospheres facilitated significantly better neurogenesis in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse brains compared to the non-fragmented neurospheres. Therefore, this neurosphere-based neurodifferentiation protocol is a valuable tool for studies of neurodifferentiation, neuronal transplantation and high throughput screening assays.
Keynote Forum
Ibrahim M El-Sherbiny
Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
Keynote: Smart nano- and nano-in-microparticles carrier systems for controlled pulmonary drug delivery
Time : 10:30-11:00 AM
Biography:
Prof El-Sherbiny has earned his PhD in Smart Drug Delivery in 2007 from Massey University, New Zealand. He joined the University of New Mexico as a post-doctoral fellow, then Texas University, USA as Research Assistant Professor. He is currently Professor of Nanomaterials and Director of the Center for Materials Science at Zewail City of Science and Technology. He has more than 50 papers in reputed journals, and same number in international conferences. He is the author of three books, twelve book chapters, and more than eight review articles. Besides, El-Sherbiny is a named inventor on more than fifteen patents.
Abstract:
A substantial body of research has focused recently onto pulmonary drug delivery as a well-accepted treatment for many lung diseases. This work was aiming to develop and evaluate (in-vitro and in-vivo) new series of carriers for controlled pulmonary drug delivery. The developed carriers combine the benefits of nanoparticles (NPs) and respirable/swellable microparticles while avoiding their shortcomings. The carriers are based on PEG-grafted-chitosan (PEG-g-CS) and crosslinked with sodium tripolyphosphate and/or sodium hyaluronate in form of hydrogel NPs. Drug-loaded hydrogel NPs were then used to develop respirable/swellable 2-5 microns size microparticles (MPs) through controlled spray drying of an aqueous suspension of the NPs and lactose as excipient. Particle size was determined by laser diffraction and DLS. Surface morphology was investigated by AFM and SEM. In-vitro aerosolization was performed using a next generation impactor. Dynamic swelling, in-vitro biodegradation, particle density and moisture contents were also determined. In-vitro release profile of the loaded drug was investigated in simulated body fluids. In-vivo investigation of the drug was also performed using insufflation method. The average sizes of the PEG-g-CS NPs and MPs were found to be 83.2±2.4 nm and 4.1±0.03 μm, respectively. The NPs-MPs carriers showed high swelling within few minutes, low aerodynamic density (0.2±0.03 g/cc), moisture content of 4.1-9.0%, good in-vitro biodegradation, high drug loading capacity exceeding 93%, and a promising sustained drug release both in-vitro and in-vivo. In conclusion, the newly developed NPs-MPs systems are very promising and could be utilized as potential carriers for sustained delivery of various drugs to the lung.
Keynote Forum
Gautam Sethi
National University of Singapore, Singapore
Keynote: Targeted inhibition of transcription factor STAT3 for the prevention and treatment of cancer
Time : 11:20-11:50 AM
Biography:
After completion of his postdoctoral training at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Prof. Gautam Sethi joined Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore in 2008 as an Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2015. The focus of his research over the past few years has been to elucidate the mechanism(s) of activation of oncogenic transcription factors such as NF KB/STAT3 by carcinogens and inflammatory agents and the identification of novel inhibitors of these proteins for prevention of and therapy for cancer. From traditional Chinese and Indian medicinal plants, his group has identified numerous small molecules that can suppress various pro-tumorigenic signaling cascades involved in cancer initiation and promotion. The novel findings of his research work have so far resulted in more than one fifty scientific publications in high impact factor peer reviewed journals and several international awards. He currently serves as an Academic Editor for prestigious PLOS One journal and ad-hoc reviewer for several other international journals.
Abstract:
STATs comprise a family of cytoplasmic transcription factors that transmit signals, mediate intracellular signaling usually generated at cell surface receptors and transmitted to the nucleus. Numerous studies have demonstrated constitutive activation of STAT3 in a wide variety of human tumors, including blood malignancies (leukemias, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma) as well as solid tissues (such as head and neck, breast, lung, gastric, hepatocellular and prostate cancers). There is a strong evidence to suggest that aberrant STAT3 signaling promotes development and progression of human cancers by either inhibiting apoptosis or inducing cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. However, the development of novel drugs for the targeting STAT3 that is both safe and efficacious remains an important scientific and clinical challenge. We will present the data that shows that novel small molecule inhibitors of STAT3/JAK2 pathway can suppress the expression of genes involved in cancer initiation, and promotion both in vitro and in vivo.
- Track 4 & 5: Advancements in Pharmaceutics, Trends in Nanotechnology
Track 7 & 3: Pharmacological Studies, Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
Location: Ramada Plaza Dua Sentral
Chair
Yiling Hong
Western University of Health Sciences, USA
Co-Chair
Gautam Sethi
National University of Singapore, Singapore
Session Introduction
Ibrahim M El-Sherbiny
Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
Title: Smart nano- and nano-in-microparticles carrier systems for controlled pulmonary drug delivery
Biography:
Prof. El-Sherbiny has earned his PhD in Smart Drug Delivery in 2007 from Massey University, New Zealand. He joined the University of New Mexico as a post-doctoral fellow, then Texas University, USA as Research Assistant Professor. He is currently Professor of Nanomaterials and Director of the Center for Materials Science at Zewail City of Science and Technology. He has more than 50 papers in reputed journals, and same number in international conferences. He is the author of three books, twelve book chapters, and more than eight review articles. Besides, El-Sherbiny is a named inventor on more than fifteen patents.
Abstract:
A substantial body of research has focused recently onto pulmonary drug delivery as a well-accepted treatment for many lung diseases. This work was aiming to develop and evaluate (in-vitro and in-vivo) new series of carriers for controlled pulmonary drug delivery. The developed carriers combine the benefits of nanoparticles (NPs) and respirable/swellable microparticles while avoiding their shortcomings. The carriers are based on PEG-grafted-chitosan (PEG-g-CS) and crosslinked with sodium tripolyphosphate and/or sodium hyaluronate in form of hydrogel NPs. Drug-loaded hydrogel NPs were then used to develop respirable/swellable 2-5 microns size microparticles (MPs) through controlled spray drying of an aqueous suspension of the NPs and lactose as excipient. Particle size was determined by laser diffraction and DLS. Surface morphology was investigated by AFM and SEM. In-vitro aerosolization was performed using a next generation impactor. Dynamic swelling, in-vitro biodegradation, particle density and moisture contents were also determined. In-vitro release profile of the loaded drug was investigated in simulated body fluids. In-vivo investigation of the drug was also performed using insufflation method. The average sizes of the PEG-g-CS NPs and MPs were found to be 83.2±2.4 nm and 4.1±0.03 μm, respectively. The NPs-MPs carriers showed high swelling within few minutes, low aerodynamic density (0.2±0.03 g/cc), moisture content of 4.1-9.0%, good in-vitro biodegradation, high drug loading capacity exceeding 93%, and a promising sustained drug release both in-vitro and in-vivo. In conclusion, the newly developed NPs-MPs systems are very promising and could be utilized as potential carriers for sustained delivery of various drugs to the lung.
Wing Hin Lee
Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Australia
Title: Development of inhalable paclitaxel and curcumin formulation for lung cancer therapy
Time : 11:50-12:10 PM
Biography:
Dr Wing Hin Lee is an Early Career Fellowship researcher funded by Cancer Institute New South Wales, and is based in Woolcock Institute of Medical Research. He obtained his PhD in 2013 on the modulation of protein adsorption on calcium phosphate-based biomaterials. During his PhD, he collaborated with Ultraceuticals Ltd in developing sunscreen for skin cancer prevention. He is highly interested in the treatment of cancer using nanotechnology approaches. Currently, he is actively devoting his efforts to develop potential lung cancer treatments via inhalation. He has published almost 40 peer reviewed articles and 1 book chapter. In addition, he serves as a reviewer for several well-known international scientific journals in the field of cancer therapeutics and pharmaceutical sciences.
Abstract:
Chemotherapy is a first-line treatment for advanced stage of lung cancer in which chemotherapeutic drugs are administered intravenously for systemic circulation. Even though the basic principle of chemotherapeutic drug is to inhibit the proliferation of cells growing at an abnormal state, it should not be overlooked that most chemotherapeutic drugs is toxic to neighbouring healthy tissues (pain, nerve damage, allergic reactions etc.). Owing the route of administration, the delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs is often not target-specific, hence the unavoidable toxic effects. Inhalation of chemotherapeutic agents could be an effective approach to deliver sub-optimal concentration of chemotherapeutic drugs at tumor region while significantly reduces the toxicity effects towards healthy local tissues or other organs. In this study, inhalable formulations containing paclitaxel (PAX) and curcumin (Cur) has been engineered via milling technique. Our results demonstrated that these formulations had superior aerosol performance as fine particle fractions (FPF) were above 60% while mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) ranged between 2 to 3 μm. In addition, the efficacies of mono-therapy (PAX or Cur alone) or co-therapy were evaluated with human lung carcinoma (A549), human lung adenocarcinoma (Calu-3) and non-cancerous human bronchial epithelial cells (Beas-2B). It was noted that co-formulation of PAX and Cur demonstrated synergistic killing against A549 cells compared to mono-therapy. In addition, the viability of Beas-2B cells was low when PAX alone was used based on MTS, apoptosis and cell cycle assays. The introduction of Cur significantly improved the viability of Beas-2B cells. In conclusion, PAX and Cur particles could be delivered via pulmonary administration for lung cancer treatment. The presence of Cur provided protective effects towards healthy cells.
Tian Hai-Yan
Jinan University, China
Title: Novel bufadienolides with rearranged skeletons from traditional chinese medicine ChanSu
Time : 12:10-12:30 PM
Biography:
Tian Hai-Yan has completed her PhD at the age of 27 years from China Pharmaceutical University and postdoctoral studies from Jinan University College of Pharmacy. Now, she is an associate professor of Jinan University. She has published more than 40 papers in reputed journals including Chemistry-A European Journal, Journal of Natural Products, etc. She has held two national funds and is the obtainer of the Special Support Young talent Plan of Guangdong Province, China.
Abstract:
Toad venom, locally called ChanSu, is the secretion of the postauricular and skin glands of toads Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor or B. Melanostictus Schneider, has been widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of superficial infection, odontalgia and skin cancer, and is also useful as a chemical weapon against the natural enemies of toads. During our system chemical investigation of ChanSu, three novel rearranged bufadienolides, bufogargarizins A-C (1-3) were isolated from the CH2Cl2 extraction of ChanSu. Their structures with absolute configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, single crystal X-ray diffraction, and computational calculations. Compounds 1, 2 and 3 had unprecedented 7/5/6/5/6, 5/7/6/5/6 and 6/7/6/5/6 ring systems, respectively, instead of the 6/6/6/5/6 skeleton presented in common bufadienolides. Our proposed biosynthetic pathways as well as the identification of the key intermediates supported that they were biosynthesized from the normal bufadienolides.
Norhayati Ahmad
Universiti of Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Darussalam
Title: Evaluation of antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of several medicinal plants in Brunei Darussalam
Time : 12:30-12:50 PM
Biography:
Norhayati Ahmad obtained her PhD from University of Warwick, United Kingdom. She is currently a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam. Her current research work involves the study into the role of Nigella sativa and its active components in diabetes disease model and pancreatic islet regeneration. She is also interested in determination of cytotoxic activity of natural products on cancer cell lines.
Abstract:
In the current study, the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of six plant species; Litsea elliptica Blume, Dillenia suffroticosa (Griff.) Mart, Dillenia excelsa, Aidia racemosa (Cav.) Tirveng., Vitex pinnata L., and Senna alata (L.)Roxb found in Brunei Darussalam were evaluated. The crude methanol, ethanol and aqueous extracts of the leaves of these plants plus the roots and bark of D. excelsa were evaluated for their total-phenolic-content (TPC), total-flavonoid-content (TFC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-radical-scavenging activity. A majority of the methanol extracts produced the highest TPCs and DPPH radical scavenging activities while majority of ethanol extracts showed highest TFCs. L. elliptica, D. suffroticosa, D. excelsa and A. racemosa extracts showed the overall highest TPCs and radical-scavenging activities, while L. elliptica, S. alata, D. suffroticosa and A. racemosa extracts showed the overall highest TFCs. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays were carried out on A549 (lung carcinoma) and CaSki (cervical carcinoma) cell lines. It was found that L. elliptica was the most cytotoxic against A549 cells followed by D. suffroticosa. For CaSki cells, A. racemosa was found to be the least cytotoxic while L. elliptica remained as the most cytotoxic followed by D. suffroticosa. Our findings have indicated that the extracts from the leaves of L. elliptica, D. suffroticosa, D. excelsa and A. racemosa showed antioxidant and anti-cancer properties against A549 and CaSki cells.
Fatima Grace Xavier
Sri Ramachandra University, India
Title: Scientific validation of bioenhancing property of a natural mucilage incorporated with a DMARD
Time : 13:40-14:00 PM
Biography:
X Fatima Grace completed her Ph.D. from Sri Ramachandra University where she did her under and post graduation too. Additionally she had completed PG diploma in IPR from Anna University. Currently she is working as an Assistant Professor at SRU. She has published more than 35 papers in peer reviewed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of several reputed journals. She has attended and presented research papers in various national and international conferences. She has guided UG (9 students) and PG (3 students) projects. She has authored two books and a chapter in a book and has got two patents.
Abstract:
Arthritis, a leading cause of disability in adults all over the world which limits day-to-day activities for billions of people. Generally, NSAIDs and DMARDs are prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis, these drugs have to be given for long periods; they accumulate in tissues produce toxic effects which can be minimized by increasing bioavailability thereby lowering the dose of the drug. Both synthetic and herbal drugs face a problem of reduced bioavailability. Maximum bioavailability is attained by drugs administered intravenously, whereas drugs administered orally usually undergo first pass metabolism and are poorly bioavailable due to incomplete absorption. Such drugs which have not been utilized by the body may lead to drug resistance and adverse effects. The best way to achieve reduction in drug dosage, thereby drug toxicity and cost is by increasing the drugs bioavailability. One of the ways of increasing the bioavailability of drugs is by addition of molecules which do not have similar therapeutic activity but increase the bioavailability when incorporated in the formulation of another drug called as bioenhancers and they do not show synergistic effect with the drug. Based on this information, the present study was aimed to isolate the mucilage from aerial parts of Cardiospermum halicacabum, to incorporate with leflunomide as a bioenhancer and to develop a stable capsule thereby decreasing the adverse effects of the drug on long term use.
Yiling Hong
Western University of Health Sciences, USA
Title: Stem cell in nanotoxicity testing
Time : 14:00-14:20 PM
Biography:
Yiling Hong is an Associate Professor at Western University of Health Sciences. She received her PhD degree from University of Kentucky in 1997. She had in depth training in molecular biology, and stem cell biology. As Principal Investigator of the National Institute of Health grant, her research interest is focus on stem cell differentiation and determination of cytotoxicity and genotoxocity of manufactured nanoparticle in stem cells. She had published over 35 papers.
Abstract:
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used extensively as antimicrobial agents in cosmetics, food products and various medical tools, but little is known about their potential toxic effects. Our aims are to determine the effects of AgNPs embryonic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, and use stem cell as cellular model for nanotoxicity testing. Our results indicated that AgNPs increased free radical productions and induced cell cycle arrest to stem cell via activation of p53, dephosphorylation of Rb proteins, and altered stem cell factors Oct4 expression. Furthermore we assessed neurotoxicity of AgNPs in human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived glutamatergic neurons (hGNs). Studies showed that citrate-coated AgNPs (AgSCs) with a zeta potential of -48 mV induced severe neurotoxicity, damaged neurite extensions and outgrowths and significantly reduced the expression of the neuronal marker MAP2, the post-synaptic density protein PSD95 and the vesicular glutamate transporter 1 at concentrations as low as 0.1 µg/ml. In contrast, polyvinlypyrrolidone (PVP)-coated AgNPs (AgSPs) with a zeta potential of -37 mV only exhibited neurotoxicity at a higher concentration (5 µg/ml). Therefore, our results indicated that proper coating and lower dosages of AgNPs could limit or reduce toxicity. Stem cell is an excellent cellular model to study the toxicity associated with nanoparticle exposure and the pharmaceutical drug screening.
Gautam Sethi
National University of Singapore, Singapore
Title: Potential role of pharmacological STAT3 inhibitors for cancer therapy
Time : 14:20-14:40 PM
Biography:
After completion of his postdoctoral training at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Prof. Gautam Sethi joined Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore in 2008 as an Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2015. The focus of his research over the past few years has been to elucidate the mechanism(s) of activation of oncogenic transcription factors such as NF KB/STAT3 by carcinogens and inflammatory agents and the identification of novel inhibitors of these proteins for prevention of and therapy for cancer. From traditional Chinese and Indian medicinal plants, his group has identified numerous small molecules that can suppress various pro-tumorigenic signaling cascades involved in cancer initiation and promotion. The novel findings of his research work have so far resulted in more than one fifty scientific publications in high impact factor peer reviewed journals and several international awards. He currently serves as an Academic Editor for prestigious PLOS One journal and ad-hoc reviewer for several other international journals.
Abstract:
Conventional anti-cancer therapeutic strategies involve the use of chemically synthesized drugs and/or administration of high-energy radiation to circumvent tumor growth. However, these strategies are generally poorly tolerated, often resulting in adverse side effect. As such, there is an urgent need to develop novel anti-cancer therapeutic agents that not only overcome the chemoresistance barricade, but also elicit minimal side effects and is well tolerated amongst patients of diverse demographics. Plant-based natural drugs contributes to primary health care in approximately 80% of the world’s population, with uses dating back to the ancient times as traditional herbal medicine by physicians such as Hippocrates. Our group is currently exploring the role of STATs family of cytoplasmic transcription factors that transmit signals, mediate intracellular signaling usually generated at cell surface receptors and transmitted to the nucleus. There is a strong evidence to suggest that aberrant STAT3 signaling promotes development and progression of human cancers by either inhibiting apoptosis or inducing inflammation, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Suppression of activation of STAT3 results in the induction of apoptosis in tumor cells, and accordingly its inhibition by approaches such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, antisense oligonucleotides, decoy nucleotides, dominant negative proteins, RNA interference and chemopreventive agents have been employed to suppress the tumorigenicity. However, the development of novel drugs for the targeting STAT3 that is both safe and efficacious remains an important scientific and clinical challenge. My talk will provide the evidence for critical roles of STAT3 in oncogenesis and discusses the potential for development of novel cancer therapies based on mechanistic understanding of STAT3 signaling.
Naglaa M El-Lakkany
Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Egypt
Title: Antifibrotic effects of gallic acid on activation/proliferation of cultured hepatic stellate cells and in thioacetamide-induced liver fibrogenesis in rats
Time : 14:40-15:00 PM
Biography:
Naglaa M El-Lakkany has completed her PhD from Ain Shams University, Faculty of Science. She is the Head of Pharmacology Dept., TBRI. She shared in establishment of “Drug evaluation and discovery unit”, and is one of the senior Staff of the “ANDI Centre of Excellence on anti-trematodal R&D”. She published 25 articles in peer review journals. She awarded the TBRI best research articles 2011, 2012 and the TBRI Excellence award 2014. She was included in Marquis Who’s Who in Medicine and Health care, 2009-2010, in the International Health Professional of The Year 2010 and Selected for the institute’s WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2011. She awarded in 2015 an appreciation certificate as a recognized reviewer in all Elsevier Journals.
Abstract:
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), activated during liver injury, constitute a prime target for antifibrotic therapy. The presence of phenolic compounds in fruit- and vegetable-rich diets has attracted researchers' attention due to their health-promoting effects. This study investigates the antifibrotic effect of gallic acid (GA) of Punica granatum L. on experimental liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo and its possible mechanism. The anti-proliferative activity of GA on cultured HT-6 HSCs was determined by cell viability using sulforhodamine base (SRB) cytotoxicity assay. Preliminary data showed that cell viability of HSCs was significantly decreased when treated with 5, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 400 and 500 µg/ml of GA for 24 and 48 hours, in a concentration and time-dependent manner, with IC50 equals 42 and 18 µg/ml respectively. Oral administration of GA in a dose of 50 mg/kg daily for 8 weeks successfully alleviated the thioacetamide (TAA)-induced rat liver damage, decreased collagen accumulation, serum ALT and AST activities, liver tissue TIMP-1, TGF-β1 and PDGF-BB levels, and liver fibrosis grade (from S4 to S2 with mild, thin fibrous bands). Additionally, immunohistochemistry of liver fibrosis related markers such as α-SMA and PCNA were reduced, and the activity of GSH as well as the MDA content was reversed in treated rats. These results suggested that GA decreased HSCs viability and could act against TAA-induced liver injury and fibrosis in rats by a mechanism related to its antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effect and its ability to attenuate HSCs activation and proliferation.
Peter Gal
Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, Slovak Republic
Title: Pharmacological targeting of estrogen receptors-α and -β differently modulates the phenotype of keratinocytes with impact on skin wound healing
Time : 15:00-15:20 PM
Biography:
Peter Gal has completed his PhD at the age of 30 years from The University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice, Slovak Republic. He is doing his second PhD thesis at the Charles University, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic. He has published more than 35 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
It is well known that wound repair efficiency in elderly is reduced, and the skin becomes more fragile and susceptible to trauma. Estrogen deprivation in post-menopausal women can be responsible for many age-related processes including poor wound healing. Guided by previous observations that estradiol accelerates re-epithelialization via the estrogen receptor (ER)-β, the question whether selective ER agonists (PPT – ER-α agonist; DPN – ER-β agonist) affect the expression of basic proliferation and differentiation markers (Ki-67, keratins-10, -14, and -19, galectin-1, Sox-2) of keratinocytes was answered using the model of HaCaT cells. In parallel, ovariectomised rats were treated daily with ER modulator, and wound tissue was removed 21 days after wounding and routinely processed for basic histology. Our study revealed that HaCaT keratinocytes express both ER-α and -β, thus being suited for study of ER agonists on epidermis regeneration. Stimulation of ER-α led to a protein expression pattern as seen in control culture with moderate expression of Ki-67. On the other hand, activation of ER-β led to an increase in cell proliferation and keratin-19 expression as well as to a decrease of galectin-1 expression. Fittingly, rat wounds treated with the ER-β agonist showed the most prominent progress of epidermis regeneration. Thus, we herein add information on how estrogens affect expression patterns of selected markers en route to modulate keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation with direct impact on wound healing.
Sayed H Seif el-Din
Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Egypt
Title: Treatment with pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione insulin sensitizer, and/or β-carotene and diet control ameliorate liver function and metabolic markers in hyperlipidemic rats
Time : 15:20-15:40 PM
Biography:
Sayed H Seif el-Din has completed his PhD from Ain Shams University. He is now a Professor of Pharmacology in TBRI. He shared in establishment of “Drug Evaluation and Discovery Unit”, and is one of the senior staff of the “ANDI Centre of Excellence on anti-trematodal R&D”. He has published 25 articles in reputed journals and is serving as a reviewer for many peer journals. He was awarded the TBRI best research article in 2012. He was included in Marquis Who’s Who in Science and Engineering, 2011 and 2015 editions. He was also selected by the American Biographical Institute (ABI) to be inducted into the Professional Hall of Fame 2011 and by the International Biographical Centre (IBC) to be included in the “2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st century” 2012 edition.
Abstract:
Insulin resistance and oxidative stress are key pathophysiological mechanisms in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study was conceived to explore the effect of treatment with the insulin sensitizer, pioglitazone (PGZ) and/or the antioxidant, β-carotene (βC) on regression of NAFLD, in a rat experimental model induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) for twelve weeks. For an additional four weeks, rats were either maintained on HFD or switched to standard regular diet (RD) along with PGZ, βC alone or in combination. Serum lipid levels, liver function and antioxidant enzymes, adipocytokine markers were measured and liver injury was evaluated by histopathological examination. Liver sections of NAFLD-HFD rats revealed steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis. In addition, liver index, activities of serum liver enzymes ALT, AST, ALP, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL and VLDL were elevated (P<0.05) versus normal. This was coupled with an increase in hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-) and transforming growth factor-1 (TGF-1) and depletion (P<0.05) of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, GSH content in liver, serum HDL and adiponectin compared with normal. These changes were to a less extent in NAFLD-RD group. Treatment with PGZ and/or C almost improves all previously mentioned parameters. Moreover, PGZ+C treatment decreased hepatic steatosis and markedly ameliorated inflammation than groups treated with each drug alone. In conclusion, data in this study indicate that βC can be used as promising adjuvant therapy to PGZ in treatment of NAFLD.
Abbah Okpachi Christopher
Kogi State University, Nigeria
Title: Phytochemical screening, proximate analysis, lethality studies and anti-tumor potential of Annona Muricata L. (Soursop) fruit extract in Rattus novergicus
Time : 16:00-16:20 PM
Biography:
Abbah Okpachi Christopher completed degree in Biochemistry at the Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria in 2003, and a Master's degree in Biochemistry (parasite biochemistry and ethnopharmacology) from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria in 2008. For his PhD, he is currently studying the efficacy and safety of extracts of Annona muricata L. (soursop) fruit pulp in animal models with experimental benign prostate hyperplasia at the Biochemistry Department of Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria, where he works as Lecturer. He has over 15 papers in reputable journals to his credit. His research interests are medicinal plants, toxicology, environmental management and nanotechnology.
Abstract:
Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is becoming a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in human male adults aged 50 years and above. The study was set out to undertake phytochemical screening and proximate analysis of the pulp of A. muricata fruit - soursop; to determine the acute toxicity of the fruit pulp extract and its effect on male albino Wistar rats with concurrent induction of experimental BPH. All rats were dosed aqueous A. muricata extract orally. Tumor was induced with exogenous Testosterone propionate:Estradiol valerate at 300µg:80µg/kg b.w. respectively in olive oil as vhicle, administered subcutaneously in the inguinal region of the rats on alternate days for 21 days. Administration of the fruit pulp at graded doses up to 5000mg/kg resulted in no lethality even after 72 hours. Results from tumor studies revealed that the administration of the fruit extracts significantly (p<0.05) reduced the relative prostate weight of the Test Group compared with the Hormone Control. Treatment with vehicle, soursop and vehicle with soursop caused no significant (p>0.05) change in prostate size, compared with Test Group. Also, treatment with A. muricata fruit extract significantly decreased (p<0.05) serum prostate specific antigen in Test Group compared with Hormone Control. The preventive property of soursop against experimental BPH was corroborated by histological evidence in this study. The study concludes that A. muricata fruit holds a great potential for benign prostate tumor prevention and, possibly, management.
Ligong Chen
Tsinghua University School of Medicine, China
Title: Role of organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3) in adipogenesis and novel OCT3 isoforms with internalized subcellular localization
Time : 16:20-16:40 PM
Biography:
Ligong Chen has completed his PhD from University of California at Berkeley and Postdoctoral studies from UCSF School of Medicine and Pharmacy. He is the principal investigator in pharmacology and toxicology of Tsinghua University School of Medicine, a premier University in China. He has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals including Nature Genetics, PNAS, and JBC et al. He is an expert in transporter physiology and pharmacology. His lab is working on various transporters’ role in human diseases, using metabolomics, genomics and proteomics as major tools.
Abstract:
Organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3) mediates the uptake of the neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine and histamine and the neuromodulators agmatine, Cyclo (His-Pro) and salsolinol. It also plays a role in the therapeutic action of anti-diabetic drug metformin. Recent studies have identified OCT3 as a strong susceptibility gene for coronary artery disease (CAD) and prostate cancer. OCT3 exhibits a broader tissue distribution and is found relatively high-expressed in prostate，skeletal muscle，liver，adipose, yet the roles of OCT3 in adipose are largely unknown. Here，we used the pre-adipocyte 3T3-L1 to study the role of OCT3 in adipogenesis. We found that overexpression of mouse oct3 enhanced 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation, as evidenced by increased lipid accumulation by oil red o staining and elevated mRNA levels of both CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α (C/EBPα), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (aP2). We also uncovered two novel isoforms of human SLC22A3 gene during cloning of OCT3 from human tissues and cell lines, which lack of exon 6 and exon 6，7 respectively. Transportation capacity of MPP＋ by those truncated OCT3 isoforms were significantly decreased compared with that of transfected full-length OCT3 HEK293 cells. GFP-tagged OCT3 novel isoforms revealed that truncated OCT3 retained in cytoplasm while full-length OCT3 is detected on cell plasma membrane.
Elisabeth Zeukoo Menkem
University of Yaounde 1, Cameroon
Title: Acute and subacute (28 days) oral toxicity studies of ethanolic leave extracts of Uvariodendron Calophyllum
Biography:
Elisabeth Zeukoo Menkem is working in Antimicrobial Agents Unit at Laboratory for Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Studies, Department of Biochemistry in University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Abstract:
Uvariodendron calophyllum is a plant of the Annonaceae family used in the treatment of microbial infections in the Centre region of Cameroon. However, little scientific evidence exists in literature on the safety of this plant. The present study was carried out to evaluate the safety of the ethanolic leaf extract of Uvariodendron Calophyllum by the acute and subacute toxicity.The acute and sub-acute toxicity study was conducted in 8 weeks old mice by using OECD 425 and OECD 407 guidelines respectively. In the acute toxicity study, mice were administered a single dose of 2000 mg/kg orally and then observed individually for the first four hours, then over a period of 24 hours and at least once daily for 14 days. In the subacute toxicity studies, ethanolic leaf extract of Uvariodendron Calophyllum (UCL EtoH) was given orally at doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight daily for 28 days to male and female mice respectively. General behaviour, adverse effects and mortality were observed throughout the experimental period. Food intake, water intake, body weight, organ weight, hematological and biochemical parameters, histopathological changes were evaluated.The results of acute toxicity of UCL EtoH showed LD50 value >2000 mg/kg by oral route and did not cause any mortality or signs of acute toxicity in the mice tested during the observation period. The subacute toxicity of the UCL EtoH extract revealed no major adverse reactions on the organs and the hematological parameters at the treatment doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg. The oral lethal dose of ethanolic leaf extract of UCL is >2000 mg/kg and no observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of the extract for both male and female mice at 400 mg/kg per day for 28 days.
Lenka Varinska
Pavol Jozef Safárik University, Slovak Republic
Title: Galectin-1-exposed dermal and tumor-associated fibroblasts produce biologically active extracellular matrix which improves growth of endothelial cells in vitro
Biography:
Lenka Varinska has completed her PhD at the age of 27 years from Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Slovak Republic. She is the postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Kosice, Slovak Republic. She has published more than 19 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
The tumor microenvironment is formed by both malignant and non-malignant cells as well as by extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Stromal cells located in the tumor are primarily considered as sources of promalignant factors. Toward this end, we here address the issue of testing whether ECM affects vessel growth, considering the impact of a potent effector for conversion of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts and ECM production, i.e. the adhesion/growth-regulatory galectin-1. This endogenous lectin, known for triggering diverse cellular responses such as growth modulation, invasion or motility and production of vascular endothelial growth factor-C, is here studied for its impact on the qualities of ECM to sustain proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Fibroblasts had been cultured for 10 days with the lectin, followed by removing cellular constituents after an osmotic shock. Freshly isolated HUVECs were placed on the ECM. In parallel, HUVECs were seeded on untreated and gelatin-coated surfaces as controls. A positive control for growth of HUVECs culture using medium supplemented with vascular endothelial growth factor completed the test panel. Cells were kept in contact to the substratum for two days and then processed for immunocytochemistry. HUVECs seeded on fibroblast-generated ECM presented a comparatively high degree of proliferation. Furthermore, contact to substratum produced by tumor-associated fibroblasts led to generation a meshwork especially rich in fibronectin. Galetctin-1 is apparently capable to trigger ECM production favorable for growth of HUVECs, prompting further work on characterizing structural features of the ECM and in situ correlation of lectin presence, ECM constitution and neo-angiogenesis.
Anil Kumar Saxena
International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia
Title: The neuroprotective effect of Tocotrienol in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion-induced neurodegeneration in rats
Biography:
Anil Kumar Saxena obtained his undergraduate degree from G.S.V.M. Medical College, Kanpur, India. Subsequently, he attained MD (Pharmacology) from K.G. Medical University, Lucknow, India. He worked as Research Associate, Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor at K. G. Medical University, India from 1975 to 2007. Currently he is Professor in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, IIUM, Kuantan, Malaysia. He is actively involved in teaching Undergraduate and Postgraduate students and is deeply involved in research and has published about 70 research papers in journals of repute. He is a Member of International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) and Life Member of Indian Pharmacological Society.
Abstract:
Introduction: Reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) is associated with aging and neurodegenerative disorders. CBF-induced neurodegeneration is related with the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is fatal to neurons at high concentration. To study the neuropathological consequences of a reduced CBF, a similar condition has been created in rats by common carotid artery occlusion (2 vessel occlusion, 2VO). Since vitamin E is known to be a potent antioxidant, the present study, therefore, was designed to assess the effects of vitamin E as an antioxidant and neuroprotective agent in 2VO rat model. Materials & Methods: After acclimatization, twenty four Sprague Dawley rats weighing 200-250 g were equally divided into three groups. Group A – sham control, Group B–2VO, and Group C–2VO+E (treated daily with Vit E, 100 mg/kg, orally following 2VO). On the 8th week, all the rats were euthanized and the hippocampi were isolated. Viable neuronal cell count in the hippocampal CA-1 region was estimated. The Isoprostane F2 (Iso-F2) levels were also measured in the brain homogenates to quantify the oxidative stress levels. Results: There was significant difference in neuronal cell death in 2VO group as compared to sham group. In 2VO+E rats, the viable neuronal cell count of the hippocampal CA-1 region was significantly higher (p<0.05) as compared to the 2VO group. Moreover, Iso-F2 levels in 2VO group was significantly higher (p<0.05) as compared to 2VO+E group, implying high oxidative stress in 2VO group and reduction of oxidative stress levels in 2VO+E group. Conclusion: This study clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of Vit E as a neuroprotective and antioxidant agent in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion induced-neurodegeneration in rats.
A J Halim
Lincoln University College, Malaysia
Title: Eco-ultrafiltrates for revitalization and as complementary therapy to the protocol of live cell therapy
Biography:
A J Halim is currently Professor of Pediatrics at Lincoln University College, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia and is a Consultant Pediatrician at KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital, 24. He was formerly Director of the Reproductive Research Centre, the National Population and Family Development Board. He is currently active in research on fetal precursor stem cells since 2006 and on the use of eco-ultrafiltrates for treatment of genetic and chromosomal abnormalities in children. He is currently senior medical consultant/scientist to Fetal Cell Technologies International and is the author of 4 books on child health and 3 books on live cell therapy.
Abstract:
Tissue extracts (placenta, bones) have been used from 5000 years ago in China for revitalization and rejuvenation. The latest in molecular technology, traditional ultrafiltrates have been produced in Germany since 1940s. Extracts of tissues and cells were obtained by hot processes and filtered to yield proteins and peptides. The very successful treatment of an 8 year old girl who sustained deep burns to the upper right side of her body and face following a petroleum stove explosion. Some 40 years ago practically gave impetus to the research and development of eco-ultrafiltrates. Thereafter cell extracts of other organs have been manufactured all derived from closed colony animals such as rabbits. These organ and system-specific eco-ultrafiltrates, all derived from closed colony animals such as rabbits are now manufactured by cold enzymatic process and filtered to yield nano dimensional peptides < 3 nanometer and of molecular weight <10,000 daltons. These peptides, the building blocks for corresponding organs and tissues are easily absorbed by the mucosal layer of the mouth and will penetrate the skin, the pores of which are 50-100 nanometers in size. Optimum effectiveness of fetal precursor stem cells is bound in the whole cell. Though eco-ultrafiltrates are not as potent as fetal precursor stem cells, they complement the effects. Even when used by themselves the results are sometimes remarkable. The range and therapeutic use of eco- ultrafiltrates such as in diabetes type II, in anti aging and as a complement to the protocol of live cell therapy for currently untreatable medical disorders will be highlighted and discussed.
Daishun Ling
Zhejiang University, China
Title: Controlled synthesis, modification and assembly of multifunctional nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery system
Biography:
Daishun Ling is currently working as a Professor in College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, PRC. He did his Ph.D. during 2009-2013 in School of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Seoul National University. He is a Senior Researcher at Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), ROK.
Abstract:
Nanotechnology has received extraordinary attention recently due to its burgeoning role in pharmaceutical research. The materials composing the nanoparticles produce fascinating and diverse functionalities as a result of their exceptionally small size. Size control, both during synthesis and in particle suspensions, is a sine qua non for functionality. This can be accomplished by masking the particle surface with a multitude of different ligands. Ligands are essentially fungible and can be exchanged at various times to confer the desired properties to the particle. This can include protecting the particle from harsh aqueous conditions, such as pH extremes, maximizing optical properties for diagnostics or shielding the particle from potentially hostile conditions found in the body. The design of the ligand can have crucial effects on bio-distribution as well as evasion of biological defenses. Ligands can even be designed to provide new functionality in response to various environmental stimuli to improve their therapeutic or diagnostic capabilities. Clever combination of different nanoscale materials via ligand directed self-assembly will lead to the development of multifunctional nano-biomedical platforms for advanced drug delivery system such as simultaneous targeted delivery, fast diagnosis, and efficient therapy.
Ahmad Nazrun Shuid
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
Title: Targeted deliveries of Tocotrienol and Statin accelerate healing of osteoporotic fracture
Time : 16:40-17:00 PM
Biography:
Dr Ahmad Nazrun Shuid is a Professor of Pharmacology at the Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine UKM (University Kebangsaan Malaysia). He graduated with a medical degree from Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 1997 and completed his PhD in UKM in 2005. Currently, he is a lecturer and researcher at UKM. He is a member of the Bone Metabolism Research Group with interest on the use of natural product for treatment of osteoporosis and study on drug delivery to bone.
Abstract:
Combination of oral tocotrienol and oral statin has been shown to be effective in the prevention of osteoporosis. In this study, tocotrienol and statin were combined with their carriers and delivered directly to the fracture site (controlled drug delivery system) of osteoporosis fracture model. Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley female rats were divided into 6 groups. The first group was sham-operated (SO), while the others were ovariectomized. After two months, the right tibiae of all rats were fractured at proximal upper third area and fixed with plates and screws. The SO and ovariectomized-control rats (OVxC) were given two single injections of carriers. The estrogen group (OVx+ERT) was given daily oral gavages of Premarin®. The Lovastatin treatment group (OVx + Lov) was given a single injection of lovastatin particles. The tocotrienol group (OVx + TT) was given a single injection of tocotrienol particles. The combination treatment group (OVx+ Lov+ TT) was given two single injections of lovastatin particles and tocotrienol particles. After 4 weeks of treatment, the fractured tibiae were dissected out for micro-CT and biomechanical assessments. Only combined treatment group (OVx+ Lov+ TT) showed significantly better callous structure but all treatment groups showed better callous strength than OVxC group. In conclusion, combined lovastatin and tocotrienol may promote better fracture healing of osteoporotic bone.
Huda G Hameed
Al mustansiriya University College of Medicine, Iraq
Title: Antiproliferative effects of Aspirin and Diclofenac against the growth of cancer and fibroblast cells: In vitro comparative study
Biography:
Huda G Hameed has completed her MSc at the age of 29 years from Al mustansiriya University College of medicine, Iraq. She has published one paper in Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal.
Abstract:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit the growth of several cancer cell lines. The aim of this study is to compare the cytotoxic effect of aspirin with diclofenac on the growth of HeLa cell, mammary cell carcinoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and fibroblast cell lines in the culture media. The cells are cultured in RPMI-1640 culture media supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum and antibiotics. Aspirin (5 mg/well) and diclofenac (0.625 mg/well) significantly inhibit the growth of HeLa, rhabdomyosarcoma and fibroblast cells. The cytotoxic effect of aspirin against rhabdomyosarcoma is significantly (p < 0.001) higher than that of diclofenac with a potency approximated 2.6. It concludes that aspirin and diclofenac inhibit the growth of fibroblast and cancer cell by inhibiting the up-regulation of cyclooxygenases enzymes in cancer cells. Aspirin is more effective than diclofenac against the growth of rhabdomyosarcoma cell line.
Muhammad Imran Khan
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Title: Ultrasonic processor technique as a green preparation approach for Diacerein loaded niosomes
Biography:
Mr. Muhammad Imran Khan has completed his PhD at the age of 34 years from The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. During his PhD research, he has been awarded 6 month research grant for Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki. He is assistant professor in subject of Pharmaceutics at department of Pharmacy, Akhtar Saeed Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan. He has published 10 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
Niosomes have potential to act as a drug carrier with improved solubility and dissolution profile and, hence, enhanced bioavailability. In this study, the feasibility of less utilized ultrasonic processor (UP) technique for niosome production was evaluated as an alternative green preparation method instead of thin film hydration (TFH) process. Also effect of different surfactant systems on niosomes’ characteristics were analyzed with diacerein as a model drug. The studied surfactant systems were Span 20, Pluronic L64 and their mixture (Span 20 and Pluronic L64). Niosomes were prepared using both the TFH technique, which involves organic solvents i.e. chloroform and methanol, and the UP technique. Both the production techniques produced well defined spherical vesicles, while the UP technique produced smaller and more monodisperse niosomes than TFH. The entrapment efficiencies with the UP method were little lower than with TFH, but still at a feasible level. All the niosomal formulations released diacerein faster than the dissolution of pure drug, and the drug release rates from the niosomes produced by the UP method were higher than from the TFH produced niosomes. With UP technique the optimum process conditions for small niosomal products with low PDI values and high entrapment efficiencies were obtained when 70% amplitude and 45 minutes sonication time were used. The overall results demonstrated the potency of UP technique as an alternative fast, cost-effective and green preparation approach for niosome production.
Deepak S Mohale
P Wadhwani College of Pharmacy, India
Title: Determination of MDA by HPLC in blood of Levofloxacin treated rats
Biography:
Deepak S Mohale completed his PhD from PRIST University, Vallam Thanjavur, Tamilnadu, India. Deepak S Mohale published 27 research and review articles in reputed journals. Deepak S Mohale presented research paper in international conference at Dubai for that he have received international travel grant from Indian Council of Medical Research, Delhi, India. He is serving as Editorial Board Member for Reputed journals. He has nearly about 9 years of teaching experience in the mean while guided 9 Post graduate students and guiding 2 Post graduate students, also guided 34 undergraduate students.
Abstract:
Present work demonstrates the applicability of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV-Vis detection for the quantification of malondialdehyde as malondialdehyde-thiobarbituric acid complex (MDA-TBA) in-vivo in rats. The HPLC method for MDA-TBA was achieved by isocratic mode on a reverse-phase C18 column (250 mm×4.6 mm) at a flow rate of 1.0 mLmin−1 followed by detection at 532 nm. The chromatographic conditions were optimized by varying the concentration and pH of water followed by changes in percentage of organic phase optimal mobile phase consisted of mixture of water (0.2% triethylamine pH adjusted to 2.3 by ortho-phosphoric acid) and acetonitrile in ratio (80:20 v/v). The retention time of MDA-TBA complex was 3.7 min. The developed method was sensitive as limit of detection and quantification (LOD and LOQ) for MDA-TBA complex were (standard deviation and slope of calibration curve) 110 ng/ml and 363 ng/ml respectively. Calibration studies were done by spiking MDA into rat plasma at concentrations ranging from 500 to 1000 ng/ml. The precision of developed method measured in terms of relative standard deviations for intra-day and inter-day studies was 1.6–5.0% and 1.9–3.6% respectively. The HPLC method was applied for monitoring MDA levels in rats subjected to chronic treatment of levofloxacin (LEV) (5 mg/kg/day) for 21 days. Results were compared by findings in control group rats. Mean peak areas of both study groups was subjected for statistical treatment to unpaired student t-test to find p-values. The p value was <0.001 indicating significant results and suggesting increased MDA levels in rats subjected to chronic treatment of LEV of 21 days.
Nasrin Takzaree
Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Title: Synergistic effect of honey and propolis on cutaneous wound healing in rats
Biography:
Nasrin Takzaree is working as an Assistant professor in Anatomy Department, School of Medicine at Tehran University of Medical Sciences ,Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Accelerating wound healing is now considered as a principle clinical treatment and increasing the quality and speed of healing which has always been emphasized by the scientists. Propolis and honey are natural bee products with wide range of biological and medicinal properties. This study was aimed to determine the synergistic effect of honey and propolis in wound healing of rat skin. 75 Wistar rats weighing 200 -250 gr were placed under general anesthesia and sterile conditions. Then a square shape wound with 1.5×1.5 mm dimension was made on the back of the neck. Animals were randomly divided into control, honey, propolis, combined honey propolis and phenytoin 1% groups, respectively. Rats were randomly divided into the following groups: 4th, 7th and, 14th days of treatment in each period of study. Wound area in the experimental group were covered once daily with a fixed amount of thyme honey, propolis, propolis and honey and phenytoin cream (1%), control group did not receive any treatment. For histological studies, during the fourth, seventh and fourteenth day’s rats were sacrificed and samples were taken from the wound and adjacent skin. After histological staining fibroblast, neutrophils, macrophages and vascular sections were counted in wound bed. The macroscopic and microscopic evaluations showed that the percentage of wound healing on different days in the experimental and control groups were significant (p< 0.05). The macroscopic and microscopic evaluation showed that the percentage of wound healing on different days in combined propolis and honey experimental group was significantly different with the control group (Multivariate ANOVA test) (p <0.05). Combined application of propolis and honey on the open wound healing in rats has a synergistic effect.
Harun Rashid
Huazhong Agricultural University,College of Plant Science and Technology, P.R China
Title: Total polyphenols and DPPH free radicals scavenging activity of Six leafy vegetables of Bangladesh
Biography:
Harun Ar Rashid has completed his bachelor from Khulna University ,Bangladesh and has been awarded the Chinese goverment scholarship and studing mastars in the Huazhong Agricultural University. Now he is working in the molecular cytogenetics lab under the key laboratory of crop genetic and improvement Wuhan,China. He has published a article in the international journals and try to publish more article in the reputated journals.
Abstract:
Total Polyphenols and DPPH Free Radicals Scavenging Activity of Six Leafy Vegetables of Bangladesh: Vegetables are the most important sources of essential bioactive compounds providing health benefits.It is also cheap and available in most of the country. To seek out the potential cheap sources of dietary bioactive compounds, ethanol extracts of six commonly consumed Bangladeshi leafy vegetables were screened for polyphenols and DPPH free radical scavenging activity. Among the extracts, Lagenaria siceraria showed the highest total polyphenol content (21.45 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g extract), followed by Basella alba (15.51 mg GAE/g) and Coriander sativum (14.37 mg GAE/g) whereas Centella asiatica showed the lowest polyphenol content (9.62 mg GAE/g extract), aftreward Chenopodum album (12.93 mg GAE/g) and Pisum sativum (13.17 mg GAE/g). Pisum sativum showed the most potent DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 76.64 μg/ml subsequently Lagenaria siceraria 123.78 μg/ml. From the given results it can be concluded that Pisum sativum followed by Lagenaria siceraria are most potential sources of antioxidants among the six leafy vegetables.
Neeraj Mishra
ISF College of Pharmacy, India
Title: Glycyrrhetinic acid conjugated embelin loaded PLGA nanoparticles for management of alcohol induced hepatotoxicity
Biography:
Dr. Neeraj Mishra is working as Associate Professor in Department of Pharmaceutics at ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga (Punjab) since July 2012. He has completed his B. Pharm (2000), M. Pharm (2003) and Ph.D. (2011) in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. H.S. Gour Central University, Sagar (M.P.). He was qualified in National Level Test GATE conducted by IIT, Kanpur in 2001. He is having 12.5 years teaching experience at post graduate and under graduate level. He is also having four years of research experience in Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. H.S. Gour Central University, Sagar (M.P.). (2006-2010). He is also having one year of industry experience as production chemist in Symbiotec Pvt. Ltd., Indore (2000-2001). He was recipient of ICMR- SRF (New Delhi, India) during his Ph.D. tenure. He has also filed two Indian patents. He is having 38 International and 14 National Publication typically in recent concept of novel drug delivery system, particularly in vaccine delivery and drug targeting. He is also written 4 book chapter in national and International publisher (Nova Science Publishers). He is having membership of the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (Life Time membership). He also guided 17 students for their M. Pharm project work. He has published book on Impurity profiling of a new drug entity: Experimental Insights by Lambert Academic Publishing House, Germany (2014).
Abstract:
The liver diseases such as viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis,and hepatotoxicity need immediate attention to sustain life and as a result are often exposed to the prolonged treatment with drugs/herbal medications. The ligand decorated nanoparticles play important roles to the specific target drug delivery to the liver sites. Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) conjugated to the PLGA for effective liver targeting.Preparation of surface modified Embelin loaded GA-PEG-PLGA nanoparticles for specific drug delivery. Surface modified Embelin loaded GA-PEG-PLGA NPs were prepared using nanoprecipitation method and conjugation of GA-PEG-PLGA was attained through hemisuccinate chemistry. These nanoparticles were evaluated by NMR, FTIR, TEM techniques and in vitro release tudies. These surface modified nanoparticles were further evaluated for its targeting mechanism for uptake in liver cells line (Hep G2), liver enzymes and biodistribution studies in liver respectively. The biodistribution of the nanoparticles was assessed by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the cellular uptake study was evaluated using Hep G2 cells (liver cells lines). The hepatoprotecttive effect of the Embelin-loaded nanoparticles (GA-PEG-PLGA) was also investigated in-vitro and in-vivo. The surface modified Embelin loaded GA-PEG-PLGA nanoparticles significantly increases the uptake of drug in liver by 2.5 folds more than plain drug. So it can be attributed that Glycyrrhetinic acid has the ligand properties for the receptors presents in the liver, so can be used for liver targeting, as well as it is efficient against hepatotoxicity.
Shrirao A V
P Wadhwani College of Pharmacy, India
Title: Antihyperlipidemic activity of butea monosperma in triton wr 1339 induced hyperlipidemic rats
Biography:
Shrirao A V has completed his MPharmacy from NMIMS University, Mumbai. He has completed his dissertation work in the field of BABE. He has an experience of 1.5 years in Clinical R & D, Cadila Healthcare Ltd., mumbai. Currently, he is working as Assistant Professor at P Wadhwani College of Pharmacy, Yavatmal. Three students have completed MPharm under his guidance and supervision. Currently, two students of MPharm are completing dissertation work under his supervision.
Abstract:
The flower extract of Butea monosperma herb has been used traditionally in India for medicinal purposes. The plant has been reported to treat hyperglycemia and associated hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress are known to accelerate coronary artery disease and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. The present work was undertaken to investigate the possible antihyperlipidemic and antioxidative effect of Butea monosperma flowers on hyperlipidemic rats. Hyperlipidemia was induced in rats by a single intraperitonial (i.p.) injection of Triton WR 1339 (400 mg/kg) and it showed sustained elevated levels of serum cholesterol and triglyceride. Ethanolic extract of Butea monosperma flowers (Et-BM) (250 and 500 mg/kg/day) was administered to normal and hyperlipidemic rats for 14 days. Serum and liver tissue were analyzed at three different time intervals for lipid profile and antioxidants enzymes and the activity were compared to the cholesterol-lowering drug, Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg). Parameters were altered during hyperlipidemia and reverted back to near normal values after Et-BM treatment or standard drug Atorvastatin. Lipid peroxidation decreased whereas the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase increased in Et-BM treated rats. Pronounced changes were observed at 500 mg/kg of Et-BM for 2 weeks and it was comparable to the standard drug Atorvastatin. The current study provides strong evidence that Et-BM has a remarkable beneficial effect in treating hyperlipidemia and ROS without any side effects at the dosage and duration studied.
Ouahab Ammar
Batna University, Algeria
Title: Simulation study of the mechanism of uptake of cell pentrating peptides in cancer cells
Biography:
Ouahab Ammar has completed his PhD from China Pharmaceutical University. He is an Assistant Professor in the department of Pharmacy at Batna University. He has succefully developped a novel oral delivery system of indomethacin for Roche hoffman when he was a master student. He has been active in research on new smart drug delivery systems and has published 12 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
It is somehow easy to understand why it is still so controversial the mechanisms of cellular uptake of cell-penetrating peptides (CPP). Although there is evidence that these peptides are capable of directly crossing the plasma membrane without any intermediate step, still several researchers claim that endocytosis is an intermediate step required for entry into the cells. It is well known that ionic interactions play a critical role for the binding to the plasma membrane and translocation of CPPs. A simulation of the interaction between arginine-glycine (RG)5 and histidine-glutamic acid (HE)5, as well as with DOPC of the lipid bilayer was conducted in order to calculate the free binding energy. The results supported the data obtained in the in vitro release, cell uptake and cytotoxicity studies. The absolute value of binding energy of (RG)5 with (HE)5 was the highest, however a decrease in the pH was found to diminish this strong bond. Interestingly, the conjugation of (RG)5 to PEG-PLA copolymer increased the binding energy to DOPC. In summary, the peptides tend to interact with the cell membrane which facilitates the uptake in an energy and receptor independent manner as postulated by many researchers.
Biography:
Alok Shiomurti Tripathi has submitted his PhD from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Jharkhand, India. He has published 29 research and review articles in reputed journals and also have two chapters in Elsevier publication. He has presented research paper in international conference at Japan & Dubai for that he has received international travel grant from ICMR & DST, Delhi, India. He has nearly about 7 years of teaching experience in the mean while guided 8 Post graduate students and guiding 2 Post graduate students.
Abstract:
The present study evaluates the possible drug interaction between glimepiride (GLIM) and sildenafil citrate (SIL) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced in diabetic nephropathic (DN) animals and also postulates the possible mechanism of interaction by molecular modeling studies. Diabetic nephropathy was induced by single dose of STZ (60 mg/kg, ip) and confirms it by assessing the blood and urine biochemical parameters on 28th day of its induction. Selected DN animals were used for the drug interaction between GLIM (0.5 mg/kg, p.o.) and SIL (2.5 mg/kg, p.o.) after 29th and 70th day of protocol. Drug interaction was assessed by evaluating the plasma drug concentration using HPLC-UV and also determines the change in the biochemical parameter in blood and urine. Mechanism of the interaction was postulated by molecular modeling study using Maestro module of Schrodinger software. DN was confirmed as there was significant alteration in the blood and urine biochemical parameter in STZ treated groups. The concentration of SIL increased significantly (p<0.001) in rat plasma when co administered with GLIM after 70th day of protocol. Molecular modeling study revealed few important interactions with rat serum albumin and CYP2C9.GLIM has strong hydrophobic interaction with binding site residues of rat serum albumin compared to SIL. Whereas, for CYP2C9, GLIM has strong hydrogen bond with polar contacts and hydrophobic interactions than SIL. Present study concludes that bioavailability of SIL increases when co-administered chronically with GLIM in the management of DN animals and mechanism has been supported by molecular modeling studies.
Govind shukla
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, India
Title: Natural remedies: The futuristic therapy for antibiotic resistant superbugs
Biography:
Govind Shukla is a Research Scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in Hyderabad, India.
Abstract:
Imagine being sick in the hospital with a bacterial infection and doctors can't stop it from spreading. This so-called "superbug" scenario is not science fiction. It's an urgent, worldwide worry that is prompting swift action. Antibiotic-resistant illnesses currently kill an estimated 700,000 people a year globally. By 2050, these illnesses are expected to kill 10 million people. Based on recent research, it could be even worse—and coming even sooner. Ancient remedies, including essential oils and their components, have been explored as a source of new antimicrobials. Many are known to possess significant antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microorganisms. Additionally, combination of existing drugs with essential oils and/or components may provide an alternative approach to combat emerging drug resistance. Since antibiotic resistance is currently outpacing research and development to find new drugs, humanity is facing a return to the ‘pre-antibiotic era’. Perhaps the remedies of the past combined with scientific study may provide the antibiotics of tomorrow. The present paper emphasized the role of Natural Remedies for Antibiotic Resistant superbugs.
Nazia Hoque
East West University, Bangladesh
Title: Antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of various extracts of Thysanolyna maxima (Roxb.) Kuntze available in Bangladesh
Biography:
Nazia Hoque is a PhD student of Centre of Natural Product Research, Department of Pharmacy, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. She has completed her MS in Pharmaceutical science and B. Pharm from the same institution. She is now working as a senior Lecturer in the Department of Pharmacy, East West University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Abstract:
The objective of the study was to evaluate the presence of different phytoconstituents and investigate in vitro bioactivities of pet ether extract, chloroform extract and methanol extract of Thysanolyna maxima available in Bangladesh. Phytochemical screening was conducted using specific standard procedure. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging assay, determination of total phenolic content, determination of total flavonoid content and reducing power assay. Antibacterial and cytotoxic activities were investigated using disc diffusion method and brine shrimp lethality bioassay respectively. The methanol extract of T. maxima showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity and highest phenolic content (IC50 value for DPPH is 37.76μg/ml and total phenolic content is 74.39±2.87 in mg/g, Gallic acid equivalents) compared to the pet ether and chloroform extract. On the other hand, chloroform extract possess maximum flavonoid content (81±7.542 in mg/g, Quercetin equivalents) and highest reducing power compare to other extracts. In antibacterial study, all the extracts showed mild to moderate activity against 5 gram positive and 6 gram negative bacteria with zone of inhibition ranging from 7 mm to 15 mm. In Brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the LC50 values for pet ether, chloroform and methanol extract were 1351.9μg/ml, 975.6μg/ml and 1136.74μg/ml respectively which revealed very weak cytotoxic potential of the extracts. The results indicate that T. maxima could be a very potent source of natural radical scavenger and antimicrobial agents. Further studies are needed to be conducted to identify the compounds responsible for producing such bioactivities.
Kabir O. Otun
Kwara State University, Nigeria
Title: Molecular docking of HIV-1 env gp120 using diterpene lactones from Andrographis paniculata
Biography:
Otun K.O. has completed his MSc at the age of 22 and he is currently serving as an assistant lecturer in the department of chemistry, Kwara State University, Nigeria. He specialized in medicinal/organic chemistry and he has more than five publications to his credits.
Abstract:
The search for effective drugs to treat HIV/AIDS has been the major task of most researchers since several years of its discovery. Most synthetic drugs such as Efavirenz, Tenofovir, Emtricibatine among others are employed in the antiretroviral treatment which have dangerous effects on patients. Thus, herbal medicine can be used as an alternative source of treatment for HIV positive patients as they exhibit little or no side effects when compared to synthetic drugs. This research work sought to examine whether plant diterpene lactones isolated from Andrographis paniculata exhibit anti-HIV activity using molecular docking studies. The HIV-1 env gp120 was docked by two diterpene lactones namely; andrographolide and neoandrographolide using docking tool (igemdock v2.1) after retrieving protein structure from Protein Data Bank (PDB). The result indicates that neoandrographolide is a more promising drug against HIV-1 than andrographolide due to its low interaction energy for the formation of ligand-receptor complex.
G Poovi
Mother Theresa Post Graduate and Research Institute of Health Sciences, India
Title: Challenges and advances in solid lipid nanoparticle drug delivery systems
Biography:
G Poovi is currently working as Asst. Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics in College of Pharmacy, Mother Theresa Post Graduate and Research Institute of Health Sciences, (A Govt. of Puducherry Institution), Puducherry, India. She has 6 years of academic and research experience in the field of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Her current areas of interest for research are formulation and development of novel and conventional pharmaceutical products, nanomedicine and novel drug delivery systems. She has guided 16 B. Pharm and 3 M. Pharm graduate students in various projects. She has published 17 research paper and 2 review paper in reputed national and international journals along with 18 presentations in national and international Conferences/ Seminar. She served as the Recruit committee member of Vector Control Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India, and Puducherry, India.
Abstract:
In recent decades, a variety of pharmaceutical research projects have been conducted to develop new dosage forms, but the field of drug development experiences very low success rates with regards to drugs that enter the market, also it has become more and more evident that the development of new drugs alone is not sufficient to ensure progress in drug therapy. Exciting experimental data obtained in vitro are very often followed by disappointing results in vivo. Main reasons for the therapeutic failure include poor drug solubility leading to lowered bioavailability, insufficient drug concentration, high fluctuation of drug plasma levels, toxicity of the therapeutic compounds and thus reduced efficacy. Various approaches have been explored to address these challenges with little success. Scientific community believe that nanotechnology based drug delivery system offers new ways to address residual scientific concerns for the treatment of many diseases. In nanotechnology based drug delivery system, the Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) are a new form of interesting nanoparticulate or lipid based drug delivery carriers in addition to the more conventional ones such as liposomes, lipid emulsions and polymeric nanoparticles. The potential advantages include: the possibility of controlled, sustained or prolonged drug release and drug targeting, increased drug stability, high drug payload, non - biotoxicity of the carriers, avoidance of organic solvents, suitability for large scale production and sterilization. Moreover, SLN promotes the oral absorption of poorly water soluble lipophilic drugs and enhances the bioavailability. The addition of PEGylation molecules prevents immune-protein adsorption and minimizes phagocytic uptake by macrophages, thus increasing blood plasma circulation time. An additional advantage involves the production of SLN in a powder form, which may be loaded into pellets, capsules or tablets for further enhancement of drug delivery.
Narhari Das
University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Title: Phytochemical screening and in vitro anthelmintic activity of methanol extract of Terminalia citrina leaves
Biography:
Narhari Das is currently working as Faculty of Pharmacy in Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology at University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Abstract:
Objective: To evaluate acute and sub-acute toxicity of methanol extract of Terminalia citrina leaves belonging to Combretaceae family in Sprague Dawley rats. Methods: The acute toxicity studies were conducted where the limit test dose of 3200 mg/kg body weight used. Observations were made and recorded systemically on 1, 2, 4, 24 and 48 h after dose administration for behavior, breathing, cutaneous effects, sensory nervous system response or gastrointestinal effects. For the sub-acute toxicity, four groups of 10 female rats were received; distilled water (control), 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg of extracts respectively every 24 h orally for 28 days. Results: No significant variation in the body and organ weights between the control and the treated group was observed after 28 days of treatment. Haematological analysis and biochemical parameters revealed no toxic effects of the extract. Pathologically, neither gross abnormalities nor histopathological changes were observed. No mortality was recorded in 28 days. Conclusions: It was safer and non toxic to rats even at higher doses and therefore could be well considered for further investigation for its medicinal and therapeutic efficacy.
Mitali Shrimanker
Saraswati Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, India
Title: A comparative pharmacognostic study of two anti-diabetic herbal drugs-Gymnema sylvestre and Costus Igneus
Biography:
Mitali Shrimanker is presently working as an Assistant Professor in Department of Pharmacognosy at Saraswati Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, India with an experience of 5.5 years. Also published papers in various journals and attended conferences.
Abstract:
Diabetes mellitus is interminable metabolic issue that influence human body as far as physical, mental and social wellbeing. It is characterized as a gathering of clutters lipids, starches and proteins. It is turning into the third "executioner" of the soundness of humanity alongside malignancy, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ailments. As we travel through life, the extent of each of the three doshas continually varies as indicated by your surroundings, our eating regimen, the seasons, the atmosphere, our age, and numerous different elements. As they move into and out of parity, the doshas can influence your wellbeing, vitality level, and general temperament. Gymnema sylvestre is a woody, climbing plant of tropical backwoods of focal and southern India and in parts of Africa. Costus igneus normally known as blazing costus, Step stepping stool or Spiral banner or Insulin plant, is local to South and Central America. Both the arrangement is utilized as a part of to diabetes. This research separate both the anti-diabetic plant by their pharmacognostic mean. Both the plants were studied for Morphological, Microscopically evaluation for leaf and stem part showed their inner cellular structure differed from each other. Physical evaluation includes ash value, extractive value, pH, Moisture content showed the quality of both the drug were upto the standard. Preliminary phytochemical examination through the chemical tests explains about the chemical nature of the plants and also explains the correlation between the chemical moiety and their pharmacological activity. TLC and HPTLC showed the quality and the quantity of the active compounds which are actively involved into the activity. Oxidation also one of the cause for the diabetes. Antioxidant activity of both the plants was studied through the in-vitro models; DPPH model, Ferric reducing model and H2O2 which showed the good oxygen scavenging activity of both plants said Gymnema sylvestre and Costus igneus.
Muhammad Imran Khan
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Title: Ultrasonic processor technique as a green preparation approach for Diacerein loaded niosomes
Biography:
Muhammad Imran Khan has completed his PhD at the age of 34 years from The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. During his PhD research, he has been awarded 6 month research grant for Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki. He is assistant professor in subject of Pharmaceutics at department of Pharmacy, Akhtar Saeed Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan. He has published 10 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
Niosomes have potential to act as a drug carrier with improved solubility and dissolution profile and, hence, enhanced bioavailability. In this study, the feasibility of less utilized ultrasonic processor (UP) technique for niosome production was evaluated as an alternative green preparation method instead of thin film hydration (TFH) process. Also effect of different surfactant systems on niosomes’ characteristics were analyzed with diacerein as a model drug. The studied surfactant systems were Span 20, Pluronic L64 and their mixture (Span 20 and Pluronic L64). Niosomes were prepared using both the TFH technique, which involves organic solvents i.e. chloroform and methanol, and the UP technique. Both the production techniques produced well defined spherical vesicles, while the UP technique produced smaller and more monodisperse niosomes than TFH. The entrapment efficiencies with the UP method were little lower than with TFH, but still at a feasible level. All the niosomal formulations released diacerein faster than the dissolution of pure drug, and the drug release rates from the niosomes produced by the UP method were higher than from the TFH produced niosomes. With UP technique the optimum process conditions for small niosomal products with low PDI values and high entrapment efficiencies were obtained when 70% amplitude and 45 minutes sonication time were used. The overall results demonstrated the potency of UP technique as an alternative fast, cost-effective and green preparation approach for niosome production.