A oxcarbazepina (OXC) é indicada como terapia adjuvante ou monoterapia no tratamento de crises epilépticas parciais ou crises tônico-clônicas generalizadas em adultos e crianças. A OXC sofre rápida eliminação pré-sistêmica com formação do metabólito ativo 10-hidroxicarbazepina (MHD), o qual possui como enantiômeros o R-(-)- e o S-(+)-MHD. A OXC e o MHD são substratos da glicoproteína-P (P-gp), que pode ser inibida pelo verapamil. O presente estudo avalia a influência do verapamil na farmacocinética e perfusão cerebral da OXC e dos enantiômeros do MHD em voluntários sadios. Os voluntários sadios (n=12) receberam em uma ocasião doses de 300 mg/12h de OXC e em outra ocasião doses de 300 mg/12h de OXC associadas com 80 mg/8h de verapamil. As amostras de sangue foram coletadas no estado de equilíbrio durante 12 horas e a avaliação da perfusão cerebral realizada utilizando a tomografia computadorizada por emissão de fóton único (SPECT) antes do início do tratamento e nos tempos 4, 6 ou 12h após a administração da OXC. As concentrações plasmáticas total e livre da OXC e dos enantiômeros do MHD foram avaliadas por LC-MS/MS. A análise farmacocinética não compartimental foi realizada com o programa WinNonlin e a farmacocinética populacional foi desenvolvida utilizando a modelagem não-linear de efeitos mistos com o programa NONMEM. Os limites de quantificação obtidos foram de 12,5 ng OXC/mL de plasma e 31,25 ng de cada enantiômero MHD/mL de plasma para a análise da concentração total, enquanto foi de 4,0 ng de OXC/mL de plasma e de 20,0 ng de cada enantiômero do MHD/mL de plasma para a determinação da concentração livre. Os coeficientes de variação obtidos nos estudos de precisão e a porcentagem de inexatidão inter e intra-ensaios foram inferiores a 15%, assegurando a reprodutibilidade e repetibilidade dos resultados. A análise farmacocinética não compartimental da OXC em monoterapia resultou nos seguintes parâmetros: concentração plasmática máxima (Cmax) de 1,35 ?g/mL como valor total e 0,32 ?g/mL como concentração livre em 1,0 h, área sob a curva concentração plasmática versus tempo (AUC0-12) de 3,98 ?g.h/mL e meia-vida de eliminação de 2,45 h, volume de distribuição aparente (Vss/F) de 352,17 L e clearance aparente (CLss/F) de 75,58 L/h. A disposição cinética do MHD é enantiosseletiva, com observação de maior proporção para o enantiômero S-(+)-MHD em relação ao R-(-)-MHD (razão AUC0-12 S-(+)/R-(-) de 4,26). A fração livre avaliada no tmax da OXC foi 0,26 para a OXC, 0,42 para o R-(-)-MHD e 0,38 para o S- (+)-MHD, mostrando enantiosseletividade na ligação às proteínas plasmáticas do MHD. O tratamento com o verapamil reduziu o tempo médio de residência (MRT) (4,71 vs 3,83 h) e Cmax como concentração livre (0,32 vs 0,53 ?g/mL) da OXC e aumentou os valores para ambos os enantiômeros do MHD de Cmax como valor total (2,60 vs 3,27 ?g/mL para o R-(-)- e 11,05 vs 11,94 ?g/mL para o S-(+)-MHD), Cmax como concentração livre (3,11 vs 4,14 ?g/mL para o S-(+)-MHD), Cmédia (2,11 vs 2,42 ?g/mL para o R-(-)- e 8,10 vs 9,07 ?g/mL para o S-(+)-MHD) e AUC0-12 (25,36 vs 29,06 ?g.h/mL para o R-(-)- e 97,19 vs 111,37 ?g.h/mL para o S-(+)-MHD). A ii farmacocinética populacional da OXC foi melhor descrita por modelo de dois compartimentos com eliminação de primeira ordem e com um conjunto de três compartimentos de trânsito para descrever o perfil de absorção da OXC. A disposição de ambos os enantiômeros do MHD foi caracterizada por modelo de um compartimento. Os valores de CLss/F estimados na monoterapia foram de 84,9 L/h para a OXC e de 2,0 L/h para ambos enantiômeros do MHD, enquanto os valores de Vss/F foram de 587 L para a OXC, 23,6 L para o R-(-)-MHD e 31,7 L para o S-(+)- MHD. Concluindo, a associação do verapamil aumentou a biodisponibilidade da OXC em 12% (farmacocinética populacional) e aumentou os valores de AUC de ambos os enantiômeros do metabólito MHD (farmacocinética não compartimental), o que está provavelmente relacionado com a inibição da P-gp no trato intestinal. A associação do verapamil aumentou as concentrações cerebrais preditas de ambos os enantiômeros do MHD em maior extensão do que aquelas observadas no plasma. As mudanças no fluxo sanguíneo cerebral (SPECTs realizados 6h após a administração da OXC) associadas à coadministração de verapamil provavelmente foram causadas pelo aumento dos níveis cerebrais de ambos os enantiômeros do MHD. A confirmação dessa observação requer um braço experimental adicional com SPECTs realizados também após a administração do verapamil em monoterapia. / Oxcarbazepine (OXC) is indicated as adjunctive therapy or monotherapy for the treatment of partial or generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children. OXC undergoes rapid pre-systemic reduction with formation of the active metabolite 10- hydroxycarbazepine (MHD), which has the enantiomers R-(-)- and S-(+)-MHD. OXC and MHD are substrates of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), which can be inhibited by verapamil. The present study evaluates the influence of verapamil on the pharmacokinetics and cerebral perfusion of OXC and the MHD enantiomers in healthy volunteers. The healthy volunteers (n=12) received on one occasion doses of 300 mg/12h OXC and on another occasion they received doses of 300 mg/12h OXC associated with 80 mg/8h of verapamil. Blood samples were collected at steady state for 12 hours and the assessment of cerebral perfusion was performed using a single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) before the beginning of treatment and at times 4, 6 or 12 hours after OXC administration. The total and free plasma concentrations of OXC and MHD enantiomers were assessed by LC-MS/MS. The non-compartmental pharmacokinetics analysis was performed using the WinNonlin program, and population pharmacokinetics was developed using nonlinear mixed effects modelling with NONMEM.The limits of quantification obtained were 12.5 ng/mL plasma for OXC and 31.25 ng of each MHD enantiomer/mL plasma for total concentration analysis, while it was 4.0 ng OXC/mL plasma and 20.0 ng of each MHD enantiomer/mL plasma for the free concentration determination. The coefficients of variation obtained in studies of accuracy and the percentage of inaccuracy inter and intra-assay were less than 15%, ensuring the result reproducibility and repeatability. The non-compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis of OXC in monotherapy treatment, resulted in the following parameters: maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 1.35 ?g/mL as total concentration and 0.32 mg/mL as free concentration in 1.0 h, area under the plasma concentration vs time curve (AUC0-12) was 3.98 ?g.h/mL, half-life of 2.45 h, apparent volume of distribution (Vss/F) of 352.17 L and the apparent clearance (CLSS/F) of 75.58 L/h. The MHD kinetic disposition is enantioselective, with observation of a greater proportion of the S-(+)-MHD enantiomer compared to R-(-)-MHD (ratio AUC0-12 S-(+)/R-(-) of 4.26). The free fraction measured in the tmax of OXC was 0.26 for OXC, 0.42 for R-(-)-MHD and 0.38 for S-(+)-MHD, showing enantioselectivity in the plasma protein binding of MHD. Verapamil treatment reduced the mean residence time (MRT) (4.71 vs 3.83 h) and Cmax (0.26 vs 0.31 ?g/mL) as free concentration for OXC and increased the both MHD enantiomers values of Cmax (2.60 vs 3.27 ?g/mL for R-(-)- and 11.94 vs 11.05 ?g/mL for S-(+)-MHD) as total concentration, Cmax (3.11 vs 4,14 ?g/mL for S- (+)-MHD) as free concentration, Cavg (2.11 vs 2.42 ?g/mL for R-(-)- and 8.10 vs 9.07 ?g/mL for S-(+)-MHD) and AUC0-12 (25.36 vs 29.06 ?g.h/mL for R-(-)- and 97.19 vs 111.37 ?g.h/mL for S-(+)-MHD). The population pharmacokinetics of oxcarbazepine was best described by a two-compartment model with first-order elimination and a iv set of three transit compartments to describe the absorption profile of the parent compound. The disposition of both MHD enantiomers was characterised by onecompartment model. The CLss/F estimates in monotherapy were 84.9 L/h for OXC and 2.0 L/h for both MHD enantiomers, whereas the values of Vss/F were 587 L for OXC, 23.6 L for R-(-)-MHD and 31.7 L for S-(+)-MHD. In conclusion, verapamil coadministration increased the OXC bioavailability in 12% (population pharmacokinetics) and increased the AUC of both metabolite MHD enantiomers (non-compartmental pharmacokinetics), which is probably related to the inhibition of P-gp in the intestinal tract. Verapamil co-administration increased the predicted brain concentrations of both MHD enantiomers in a greater extent than those observed in plasma. Changes in cerebral blood flow (SPECTs performed 6h after administration of OXC) associated with co-administration of verapamil were probably caused by an increase in brain levels of both MHD enantiomers. Confirmation of this observation requires additional experimental arm with SPECTs also performed after administration of verapamil in monotherapy.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology / Michael D. Apley / The discovery of modern antimicrobials in the early 20th century revolutionized treatment of infectious diseases. Less than 100 years later, antimicrobial resistance has become a global threat to public health. With the rise of antimicrobial resistance, the question that remains to be answered is: Can dosing regimens provide maximal clinical efficacy, yet minimize the development of antimicrobial resistance? A pharmacokinetic / pharmacodynamic approach was utilized to investigate oxytetracycline regimens that would impart efficacy while minimizing the potential for resistance development due to plasmid transfer. An in vitro pharmacodynamic model was used to quantify the response of a Pasteurella multocida isolate to two oxytetracycline dosing regimens. The PK/PD index most closely related to efficacy was the Cmax:MIC. The in vitro pharmacodynamic model was then used to investigate the effects of antimicrobial exposure on plasmid transfer. A mixed population of oxytetracycline-susceptible and resistant bacteria was exposed to two dosing regimens and plasmid transfer was quantified. When oxytetracycline concentrations exceeded the MIC of the recipient, development of resistance was suppressed. The same donor and recipient bacteria were used in an in situ swine model to validate the in vitro findings. Following surgical implantation of porous membrane straws containing the mixed bacterial population, animal subjects in the treatment groups received one of two oxytetracycline treatments. Oxytetracycline concentrations in the plasma and interstitial fluid were quantified. Plasmid transfer within the implant membranes was quantified and correlated to pharmacokinetic measures in the animal. Plasmid transfer rates in the implant membranes did not correlate to the investigated pharmacokinetic parameters. The study methodologies in this dissertation should serve as a foundation for future studies in antimicrobial pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic research. The results presented here show that the bacterial response to oxytetracycline can be optimized in a concentration dependent manner and that antimicrobial resistance development through plasmid transfer can be suppressed in vitro when oxytetracycline concentrations exceed the MIC of the recipient bacteria. These results suggest that a proper balance between clinical efficacy and minimizing antimicrobial resistance can be achieved for oxytetracycline through appropriate dosing regimens and drug formulations.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction Earlier studies have shown the popularity of herbal products among people as traditional, complementary or alternative medication. One of the major clinical risks in the concomitant administration of herbal products and prescription medicine is pharmacokinetic herb-drug interaction (HDI). This is brought about by the ability of phytochemicals to inhibit or induce the activity of metabolic enzymes and transport proteins. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of the crude extracts of popular medicinal herbs used in South Africa to inhibit major cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and transport proteins through in vitro assessment. Methods Medicinal herbs were obtained from traditional medical practitioners and 15 were selected for this study. The selected herbal products were extracted and incubated with human liver microsomes to monitor the following reactions as markers for the metabolic activities of the respective CYP: phenacetin O-deethylation (CYP1A2), diclofenac 4‟-hydroxylation (CYP2C9), S-mephenytoin 4‟- hydroxylation (CYP2C19) and testosterone 6β-hydroxylation (CYP3A4). In addition, the influence of Lessertia frutescens (formerly Sutherlandia frutescens) and Hypoxis hemerocallidea was investigated on more isozymes: coumarin 7-hydroxylation (CYP2A6), bupropion hydroxylation (CYP2B6), paclitaxel 6α-hydroxylation (CYP2C8), bufuralol 1‟-hydroxylation (CYP2D6), chlorzoxazone 6- hydroxylation (CYP2E1) and midazolam 1‟-hydroxylation (CYP3A4/5). The generation of the CYPspecific substrates/metabolites were monitored and quantified with the aid of LC-MS/MS. The metabolic clearance of midazolam using cryopreserved hepatocytes was monitored in the presence of Lessertia frutescens and Hypoxis hemerocallidea. The potential of both to inhibit human ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter activity was assessed using recombinant MDCKII and LLC-PK1 cells overexpressing human breast cancer resistant protein (BCRP) and human P-glycoprotein (P-gp), respectively. Similarly, the potential for interactions with human organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP1B1 and OATP1B3) was assessed using recombinant HEK293 cells over-expressing OATP1B1 and OATP1B3, respectively. Results Bowiea volubilis, Kedrostis Africana, Chenopodium album, Lessertia frutescens (methanolic extract), Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Spirostachys africana and Lessertia frutescens (aqueous extract), in ascending order of potency demonstrated strong inhibition of CYP1A2 activity (IC50 = 1-100 g/mL). Similarly, Emex australis, Alepidea amatymbica, Pachycarpus concolor, Lessertia frutescens, Capparis sepiaria, Kedrostis africana and Pentanisia prunelloides inhibited CYP2C9 with IC50 less than 100 g/mL. The following demonstrated strong inhibition of CYP2C19 with IC50 values less than 100 g/mL: Acacia karroo, Capparis sepiaria, Chenopodium album, Pachycarpus concolor, Ranunculus multifidus, Lessertia frutescens and Zantedeschia aethiopica. CYP3A4 was inhibited by Lessertia frutescens, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Spirostachys Africana, Bowiea volubilis, Zantedeschia aethiopica, Chenopodium album, Kedrostis Africana, Acacia karroo, Emex australis, Pachycarpus concolor, Ranunculus multifidus, Capparis sepiaria and Pentanisia prunelloides. Time-dependent (irreversible) inhibition of CYP3A4/5 (KI = 296 μg/mL, kinact = 0.063 min-1) and delay in the production of midazolam metabolites in the human hepatocytes, leading to a 40% decreased midazolam upscaled in vivo clearance, was observed with Lessertia frutescens. Further, Lessertia frutescence inhibited the activity of P-gp (IC50 = 324.8 μg/mL), OATP1B1 (IC50 = 10.4 μg/mL) and OATP1B3 (IC50 = 6.6 μg/mL). Hypoxis hemerocallidea inhibited the activity of OATP1B1 (IC50 = 118.7 μg/mL) and OATP1B3 (IC50 = 290.1 μg/mL) with no potent inhibitory effects on P-gp. None of the two inhibited the activity of BCRP within the tested concentrations. Conclusion The result indicates the potential for HDI between the selected medicinal herbs and the substrates of the enzymes investigated in this study, if sufficient in vivo concentrations are achieved. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Inleiding Vroeëre studies het aangedui dat die gebruik van plantaardige produkte as tradisionele, aanvullende en alternatiewe medikasie baie gewild is. Een van die grootste kliniese risiko‟s geassosieer met die gelyktydige gebruik van plantaardige produkte met voorskrifmedikasie is farmakokinetiese kruiegeneesmiddel interaksies (HDI). Hierdie interaksies word veroorsaak deur die vermoë van plantchemikalieë om die aktiwiteit van metaboliese ensieme en transportproteïene te inhibeer of te induseer. Die doel van hierdie studie is om ondersoek in te stel na die moontlikheid van onsuiwer ekstrakte van gewilde Suid-Afrikaanse medisinale kruie om die belangrikste sitochroom P450 (CYP)- ensieme en transportproteïene te inhibeer. Hierdie ondersoek sal plaasvind deur middel van in vitrostudies. Metodes Medisinale kruie is verkry vanaf tradisionele genesers, waaruit ʼn totaal van 15 kruie geselekteer is vir gebruik tydens hierdie studie. Die geselekteerde kruie is geëkstraheer en met menslike lewermikrosome geïnkubeer om die volgende reaksies as merkers vir die metaboliese aktiwiteit van die onderskeie CYP-ensieme te moniteer: fenasetien-O-deëtilasie (CYP1A2), diklofenak-4‟- hidroksilasie (CYP2C9), S-mefenitoïen-4‟-hidroksilasie (CYP2C19) en testosteroon-6β-hidroksilasie (CYP3A4). Afgesien van die voorafgaande, is ook die invloed van Lessertia frutescens en Hypoxis hemerocallidea op verskeie ander iso-ensieme ondersoek. Hierdie iso-ensieme is soos volg: koumarien-7-hidroksilasie (CYP2A6), bupropioonhidroksilasie (CYP2B6), paklitaksiel-6α-hidroksilasie (CYP2C8), bufuralol-1‟-hidroksilasie (CYP2D6), chloorsoksasoon-6-hidroksilasie (CYP2E1) en midasolaam-1‟- hidroksilasie (CYP3A4/5). Die produksie van CYP-spesifieke substrate/metaboliete is gemoniteer en deur middel van LC-MS/MS-analises gekwantifiseer. Die metaboliese opruiming van midasolaam deur middel van krio-gepreserveerde hepatosiete is gemoniteer in die teenwoordigheid van Lessertia frutescens en Hypoxis hemerocallidea. Die moontlikheid van beide om menslike ATPbindingskasset (ABC)-transporteerderaktiwiteit te inhibeer is bepaal deur die gebruik van rekombinante MDCKII- en LLC-PK1-selle wat onderskeidelik menslike borskanker-weerstandige proteïen (BCRP) en menslike P-glikoproteïen (P-gp) potensieel. Op ʼn soortgelyke wyse is die moontlikheid vir interaksies met menslike organiese anion-transportpolipeptiede (OATP1B1 en OATP1B3) bepaal deur rekombinante HEK293-selle te gebruik wat onderskeidelik OATP1B1 en OATP1B3 potensieel. Resultate Bowiea volubilis, Kedrostis Africana, Chenopodium album, Lessertia frutescens (metanol-ekstrak), Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Spirostachys africana en Lessertia frutescens (water-ekstrak), in toenemende potensie, het sterk inhibisie van CYP1A2-aktiwiteit (IC50 = 1-100 g/mL) getoon. In ooreenstemming met die voorafgaande resultate het Emex australis, Alepidea amatymbica, Pachycarpus concolor, Lessertia frutescens, Capparis sepiaria, Kedrostis africana en Pentanisia prunelloides CYP2C9 met IC50–waardes van minder as 100 g/mL geïnhibeer. Die volgende het sterk inhibisie van CYP2C19 met IC50-waardes van minder as 100 g/mL getoon: Acacia karroo, Capparis sepiaria, Chenopodium album, Pachycarpus concolor, Ranunculus multifidus, Lessertia frutescens en Zantedeschia aethiopica. CYP3A4 is deur Lessertia frutescens, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Spirostachys Africana, Bowiea volubilis, Zantedeschia aethiopica, Chenopodium album, Kedrostis Africana, Acacia karroo, Emex australis, Pachycarpus concolor, Ranunculus multifidus, Capparis sepiaria en Pentanisia prunelloides geïnhibeer. Tydafhanklike (onomkeerbare) inhibisie van CYP3A4/5 (KI = 296 μg/mL, kinact = 0.063 min-1) en vertraging in die produksie van midasolaammetaboliete in menslike hepatosiete wat aanleiding gee tot ʼn 40% afname in midasolaam bepaal in vivo opruiming, is waargeneem met Lessertia frutescens. Lessertia frutescens het ook die aktiwiteit van P-gp (IC50 = 324.8 μg/mL), OATP1B1 (IC50 = 10.4 μg/mL) en OATP1B3 (IC50 = 6.6 μg/mL) geïnhibeer. Hypoxis hemerocallidea het die aktiwiteit van OATP1B1 (IC50 = 118.7 μg/mL) en OATP1B3 (IC50 = 290.1 μg/mL) geïnhibeer met geen betekenisvolle effekte op P-gp nie. Geen een van die twee het die aktiwiteit van BCRP geïnhibeer binne die konsentrasies waarin getoets is nie. Gevolgtrekking Die resultate van hierdie studie dui aan dat wanneer voldoende in vivo-konsentrasies bereik word, die moontlikheid vir kruie-geneesmiddel interaksies tussen die geselekteerde medisinale kruie en ensiemsubstrate ʼn werklikheid word.

Thesis (DMed)--Stellenbosch University, 2015 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction The increasing intake of traditional medicines among HIV/AIDS patients in sub-Saharan Africa needs urgent consideration by clinicians and other healthcare providers since the safety of such medications are unknown. The pharmacokinetic parameters - Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Elimination (ADME) play important role in the safety evaluation of drugs, thus implicating drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters as critical indicators for herb-drug interactions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk potential of seven herbal medicines commonly consumed by HIV/AIDS patients for drug interactions applying in vitro models. In this study, inhibition and induction effects of the herbal medicines on cytochrome P450s (CYPs) 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6 and 3A4 as well as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) were investigated. Methods Herbal medicines – Lessertia frutescens, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Kalanchoe integra and Taraxacum officinale were sourced from Medico Herbs, South Africa were identified by experts from Compton Herbarium, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Cape Town. Moringa oleifera, Echinacea purpurea and Kalanchoe crenata were obtained from the repository of the National Centre for Natural Product Research (NCNPR), University of Mississippi, USA. Reversible inhibitory effect of aqueous and methanol herbal extracts were evaluated in recombinant CYPs applying the fluorescent metabolites at specified excitation/emission wavelengths; CYP1A2 (3-cyano-7-hydroxycoumarin (CHC); 405/460 nm), CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 (7-hydroxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)-coumarin (HFC); 405/535 nm) and CYP2D6 (7-hydroxy-4-(aminomethyl)-coumarin (HAMC); 390/460 nm). Comparative studies in human liver microsomes (HLM) and recombinant CYPs were conducted to investigate the inhibitory effect of methanol herbal extracts and fractions on 6β testosterone hydroxylation activity. Time dependent inhibitory (TDI) effect of the herbal extracts were evaluated applying the IC50 shift fold, normalized ratio and the NADPH-, time- and concentration-dependent approaches. Influence of herbal extracts on metabolic clearance of testosterone was assessed in both HLM and human hepatocytes. The effects of each herbal extract on expression of CYP1A2, CYP3A4 and MDR1 genes were evaluated in activated human pregnane X receptor (PXR) co-transfected HepG2 cells. Finally, the inhibitory effect of herbal extracts on P-gp was assessed using the calcein-acetoxymethyl ester (calcein-AM) uptake and the digoxin radiolabelled substrates in MDCKII-MDRI cells. Results The aqueous extracts of Moringa oleifera, Kalanchoe integra, Kalanchoe crenata, Echinacea purpurea and Lessertia frutescens demonstrated high risk of in vivo inhibition on CYPs 3A4 and 1A2 with Cmax/Ki >1.0. Methanol extracts of these herbal medicines also indicated potential risk of reversible drug interaction. The methanol extracts of M. oleifera, K. crenata and L. frutescens showed strong TDI effect on CYP3A4 with IC50 shift fold >1.5 and normalised ratio <0.7. Moringa oleifera intermediately reduced intrinsic clearance of testosterone in human hepatocytes (2 ≤ AUC ratio ≤ 5) when scaled up to humans. Methanol extracts of Echinacea purpurea up-regulated the expression of CYP1A2, CYP3A4 and MDR1 genes in activated PXR. Kalanchoe crenata and Echinacea purpurea indicated strong inhibition on P-gp by reducing transport of digoxin across hMDR1-MDCKII cell monolayer from basolateral to apical with IC50 values of 18.24 ± 2.52 μg/mL and 24.47 ± 4.97 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusion The herbal medicines especially M. oleifera, K. integra and E. purpurea have the potential to cause herb-drug interaction in vivo if sufficient hepatic concentration is achieved in humans. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Inleiding Die verhoogde inname van tradisionele medisynes onder MIV/VIGS-pasiënte in sub-Sahara-Afrika verg dringend oorweging deur klinici en ander gesondheidsorgverskaffers, aangesien die veiligheid van sodanige medikasies onbekend is. Die farmakokinetiese parameters – Absorpsie, Distribusie, Metabolisme en Eliminasie (ADME) – speel ’n belangrike rol by die veiligheidsevaluering van geneesmiddels, en impliseer gevolglik geneesmiddel-metaboliserende ensieme en vervoerders as kritiese indikators vir krui-geneesmiddel-interaksies (HDI). Die oogmerk van hierdie studie is om die risikopotensiaal van sewe kruiemedisynes wat algemeen deur MIV/VIGS-pasiënte geneem word, vir geneesmiddel-interaksies te evalueer deur in vitro-modelle te gebruik. In hierdie studie is die inhiberings- en induseringsuitwerkings van die kruiemedisynes op sitochroom P450’s (verkort na CYP’s) 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6 en 3A4, sowel as P-glikoproteïen (P-gp), ondersoek. Metodes Kruiemedisynes – Lessertia frutescens, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Kalanchoe integra en Taraxacum officinale – is van Medico Herbs, Suid-Afrika, bekom en deur kundiges van die Compton-herbarium, by die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Biodiversiteitsinstituut, Kaapstad, geïdentifiseer. Moringa oleifera, Echinacea purpurea en Kalanchoe crenata is van die bewaarplek van die Nasionale Sentrum vir Natuurlike Produknavorsing (NCNPR) aan die Universiteit van Mississippi in die VSA verkry. Die omkeerbare inhiberende uitwerking van kruie-ekstrakte in water en metanol is in rekombinante CYP’s geëvalueer deur die gebruik van die fluoresserende metaboliete op gespesifiseerde opwekkings-/emissiegolflengtes; CYP1A2 (3-siaan-7-hidroksikumarien (CHC); 405/460 nm), CYP2C9, CYP2C19 en CYP3A4 (7-hidroksi-4-(trifluoormetiel)-kumarien (HFC); 405/535 nm) en CYP2D6 (7-hidroksi-4-(aminometiel)-kumarien (HAMC); 390/460 nm). Vergelykende studies van menslikelewermikrosome (HLM) en rekombinante CYP’s is uitgevoer om die inhiberende uitwerking van metanolkruie-ekstrakte en -fraksies op 6β-testosteroonhidroksileringsaktiwiteit te ondersoek. Die tydafhanklike inhiberende uitwerking (TDI) van die kruie-ekstrakte is geëvalueer deur gebruikmaking van die IC50-verskuiwingsvou-, die genormaliseerdeverhoudings- en die NADPH-, tyd- en konsentrasieafhanklike benaderings. Die invloed van kruie-ekstrakte op metaboliese testosteroonverheldering is in beide HLM en menslike hepatosiete geëvalueer. Die uitwerkings van elke kruie-ekstrak op die uitdrukking van CYP1A2-, CYP3A4- en MDR1-gene is in geaktiveerde menslike pregnaan-X-reseptor(PXR)-, ko-getransfekteerde HepG2-selle geëvalueer. Laastens is die inhiberende uitwerking van kruie-ekstrakte op P-gp geëvalueer, met gebruikmaking van die kalsien-asetoksimetiel-ester (kalsien-AM)-opname en die digoksien- radiogemerkte substrate in MDCKII-MDRI-selle. Resultate Die ekstrakte in water van M. oleifera, K. integra, K. crenata, E. purpurea en L. frutescens het ’n hoë risiko van in vivo-inhibering op CYP’s 3A4 en 1A2 met Cmaks/Ki >1.0 getoon. Ekstrakte van hierdie kruiemedisynes in metanol het verder potensiële risiko van omkeerbare geneesmiddelinteraksie getoon. Die ekstrakte van M. oleifera, K. crenata en L. frutescens in metanol het sterk TDI-uitwerking op CYP3A4 met IC50-verskuiwingsvou >1.5 en genormaliseerde verhouding <0.7 getoon. M. oleifera het intermediêre vermindering van intrinsieke testosteroonverheldering in menslike hepatosiete (2 ≤ AUC verhouding ≤ 5) tot gevolg wanneer die skaal na mense verhoog word. Ekstrakte van E. purpurea in metanol het die uitdrukking van CYP1A2-, CYP3A4- en MDR1-gene in geaktiveerde PXR opgereguleer. K. crenata en E. purpurea het sterk inhibering van P-gp getoon deur die vervoer van digoksien deur die hMDR1-MDCKII-selmonolaag van basolateraal tot apikaal met IC50-waardes van onderskeidelik 18.24 ± 2.52 μg/mL en 24.47 ± 4.97 μg/mL te verminder. Gevolgtrekking Kruiemedisynes, veral M. oleifera, K. integra en E. purpurea, het die potensiaal om HDI in vivo te veroorsaak indien voldoende hepatiese konsentrasie by mense bereik word.

The study of isiZulu medicine names as reflected in indigenous healing system. This research focuses on the meaning of names of nsatural herbs in isiZulu language which form part of traditional medicine within the Zulu society. It plays an important role in the manifestation of a composite picture of Zulu society. This research also proposes to investigate isiZulu medicine as reflected in indigenous healing systems within th Zulu society which forms what is known as Zulu cosmoloy. the primary objective of this research is to contribute to an understanding of the ways in which humans use natural herbs and animal parts in constructing healthy life as part of healing practice. / African Languages / M.A. (African Languages)

Problems of emerging antibiotic resistance are becoming a serious threat worldwide, and at the same time, the interest to develop new antimicrobials has declined. There is consequently a need for efficient methods to develop new treatments that minimize the risk of resistance development and that are effective on infections caused by resistant strains. Based on in silico mathematical models, describing the time course of exposure (Pharmacokinetics, PK) and effect (Pharmacodynamics, PD) of a drug, information can be collected and the outcome of various exposures may be predicted. A general model structure, that characterizes the most important features of the system, has advantages as it can be used for different situations. The aim of this thesis was to develop Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic (PKPD) models describing the bacterial growth and killing after mono- and combination exposures to antibiotics and to explore the predictive ability of PKPD-models across preclinical experimental systems. Models were evaluated on data from other experimental settings, including prediction into animals. A PKPD model characterizing the growth and killing for a range of E. coli bacteria strains, with different MICs, as well as emergence of resistance, was developed.  The PKPD model was able to predict results from different experimental conditions including high start inoculum experiments, a range of laboratory and clinical strains as well as experiments where wild-type and mutant bacteria are competing at different drug concentrations. A PKPD model, developed based on in vitro data, was also illustrated to have the capability to replicate the data from an in vivo study. This thesis illustrates the potential of PKPD models to characterize in vitro data and their usage for predictions of different types of experiments. The thesis supports the use of PKPD models to facilitate development of new drugs and to improve the use of existing antibiotics.

Thesis (MSc in Medical Science)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background: Para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) is one of the first effective anti-tuberculosis agents and has become one of the principal second-line drugs to treat patients with an extended resistance spectrum. Despite being one of the oldest anti-tuberculosis drugs, little data is available regarding its pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, genetic factors and dosing regimens, especially for the relative new granular slow release PAS (GSR-PAS) preparation. Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics, tolerability and safety of a single 8 g once- or 4 g twice-daily GSR-PAS dose in a multidrug- or extensively drug resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB) population, in which some subjects were also co-infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). An additional objective was to investigate the potential covariates (i.e. genetic factors and drug interactions) that can alter the pharmacokinetics of PAS. Study design and methodology A randomised, two-period, open-label cross-over study was conducted in 32 adults (≥18 years old) with M/XDR-TB admitted at Brooklyn Chest Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa and treated for drug resistant tuberculosis with a multidrug regimen containing GSR-PAS. The subjects were randomised to follow a single 8 g once-daily GSR-PAS regimen or a 4 g twice-daily GSR-PAS regimen for 8 days. On the eighth day blood samples were obtained at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 hours. After the 24-hour sample (Day 9) the regimens were crossed-over. The tolerability and safety of the two regimens were determined using Visual Analogue Scales and interviews. PAS plasma concentrations were determined by a developed HPLC-MS/MS method. N-acetyltransferase (NAT1 and NAT2) genotyping was performed. The data of this study together with unpublished data of a previous study in a very similar population were used in a pharmacometric analysis to determine the PK parameters and any subject covariates. Results and Discussion In comparison to the 4 g twice-daily GSR-PAS dose, the single 8 g once-daily GSR-PAS dose generated a pharmacokinetic profile with a significantly higher maximum concentration (Cmax), concentration at 12 hours (C12) and area under the curve 0 to 12 hours (AUC12). The concentrations of all subjects on the twice-daily regimen were maintained above a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) throughout a 12-hour interval, while the single 8 g dose was able to sustain the PAS plasma concentrations above the MIC in 18 out of 29 subjects (62.1%) for the entire 24-hour dosing interval. Both regimens were reasonably well tolerated but most subjects preferred the twice-daily dosing. The clearance of PAS was increased by 45% in HIV positive subjects prescribed antiretroviral treatment (ART), possibly due to interaction with efavirenz (EFV). No significant associations were found for any of the individual NAT1 or NAT2 genotypes, but a difference between mean concentrations of the different genotypic groups was reported. Conclusions The 8 g once-daily dose has the potential to be included in future regimens. The higher peak concentrations achieved can be expected to increase the bactericidal effect of GSR-PAS without significant loss of bacteriostatic effect, i.e. time over MIC. The 8 g once-daily dose has a reasonable tolerability and is potentially easier to supervise in an outpatient setting. Since antiretrovirals (ARVs) increase PAS clearance and decrease PAS exposure in HIV co-infected subjects on ART, the 8 g once-daily dose will be less suitable for maintaining bacteriostasis in these patients (inadequate PAS exposure). Therefore, PAS and ARV interactions need to be clarified before the 8 g once-daily dose can be recommended for the HIV co-infected patients on ART. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Agtergrond Para-aminosalisielsuur (PAS) is een van die eerste effektiewe anti-tuberkulose middels en het een van die hoof tweede-lyn middels geword om pasiënte met 'n uitgebreide weerstand spektrum te behandel. Ondanks die feit dat PAS die oudste anti-tuberkulose middel is, is daar baie min data beskikbaar met betrekking tot die farmakokinetika, middel interaksies, genetiese faktore en dosering, veral in die geval van die relatiewe nuwe granulêre stadige vrystelbare PAS voorbereiding (GSV-PAS). Doel Die doel van die studie was om navorsing te doen oor die farmakokinetika, verdraagsaamheid en veiligheid van ʼn enkele 8 g een keer daaglikse en 4 g twee keer daaglikse GSV-PAS dosering in ʼn multi- of uitgebreide weerstandige tuberkulose (M/XDR-TB) populasie, waar sommige proefpersone ook met die Menslike Immuniteitsgebreksvirus (MIV) geko-infekteer is. ʼn Verdere doel van die studie was om te bepaal of potensiële kovariate soos genetika en medisyne interaksies die farmakokinetika van PAS verander. Metodes ʼn Onwillekeurige, twee-periode, oop-etiket oorkruisingstudie was op 32 M/XDR-TB volwassenes (≥ 18 jaar oud) uitgevoer terwyl hulle vir middel weerstandige tuberkulose in Brooklyn Chest hospitaal (Kaapstad, Suid-Afrika) behandel is. Die deelnemers was onwillekeurig ingedeel om ʼn 8 g eenkeer daaglikse GSV-PAS dosering of ʼn 4 g twee keer daaglikse GSV-PAS dosering vir agt dae te volg. Op die agste dag was bloedmonsters op die volgende ure 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, en 24 geneem. Na die 24-uur monster (Dag 9) was die doserings omgekeer. Die verdraagsaamheid en veiligheid van die twee doserings is bepaal deur gebruik te maak van Visueel Analogiese Skale en onderhoude. PAS plasma konsentrasies is bepaal deur 'n ontwikkelde HPLC-MS/MS metode. N-asetieltransferase (NAT1 en NAT2) genotipering is uitgevoer. Die data van hierdie studie saam met ongepubliseerde data van 'n vorige studie is gebruik in farmakometriese analise om die farmakokinetiese parameters en enige kovariate te bepaal. Resultate en Bespreking In vergelyking met die 4 g GSV-PAS twee keer daaglikse dosis, het die enkele 8 g daaglikse dosis, ‘n pharmakokinetiese profiel met ‘n beduidende hoër maksimum konsentrasie (Cmax), 12-uur konsentrasie (C12) en area onder die kurwe van 0 tot 12 uur (AUC12), gegenereer. Die PAS plasma konsentrasies van alle proefpersone, wat op die twee keer daaglikse dosis was, was tydens die 12-uur interval bo die die minimum inhiberende konsentrasie (MIK) gehou. Terwyl die enkele 8 g dosis die PAS plasma konsentrasies vir die duur van die 24 uur interval bo die MIK in 18 van 29 (62%) proefpersone gehandhaaf het. Die meeste proefpersone het die twee-daaglikse dosering verkies, maar beide doserings was redelik goed verdra. Die verwydering van PAS het met 45% toegeneem in HIV positiewe proefpersone wat antiretrovirale behandeling ontvang het, moontlik weens interaksies met efavirenz. Geen beduidende assosiasies vir enige van die individuele NAT1 of NAT2 genotiepes was gevind nie, maar ‘n verskil tussen die gemiddelde konsentrasies van die verskillende genotiepes is gerapporteer. Gevolgtrekking Die 8 g een keer daaglikse dosis het die potensiaal om in toekomstige doserings ingesluit te word. Die hoër piek konsentrasies van die 8 g daaglikse dosis, kan moontlik die bakterisidiese (kiem-dodende) effek van GSV-PAS verhoog, sonder om die beduidende bakteriostatiese (kiem-inhiberende) effek (o.a. tyd oor MIK), te verloor. Die 8 g een keer daaglikse dosis is redelik verdraagsaam en kan potensieël makliker gekontrolleer word in die geval van buite-pasiënte. Serdert antiretrovirale middels (ARVs) PAS verwydering verhoog en gevolglik die PAS plasma konsentrasies verlaag in die MIV ko-infekteerde proefpersone wat op ARVs is, sal die 8 g een keer daaglikse dosis minder geskik wees vir die handhawing van bakteriostasis in hierdie pasiënte (onvoldoende PAS blootstelling). Dus moet daar klarigheid verkry word oor PAS en ARV interaksies voordat die 8 g een keer daaglikse dosis vir MIV ko-infekteerde pasiënte op ARVs aanbeveel kan word.

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Statistics and Actuarial Science / Master / Master of Philosophy

Simvastatin is a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor that is used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Simvastatin has recently been studied for its potential use in cancer therapy. In-vitro studies have shown that simvastatin displays anticancer activity, but at concentrations unlikely to be achieved in patients being receiving typical antihyperlipidemic treatment doses. Thus, several clinical trials were conducted to study the tolerability of high dose statins in cancer patients. The maximum tolerated dose of simvastatin was determined to be 15 mg/kg/day, 25-fold higher than a typical dose. However, it is not known if simvastatin plasma concentrations can reach those found to be effective in-vitro. In this context, we initiated a clinical study to determine the pharmacokinetics of high dose simvastatin in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. For this purpose, an LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the quantitation of simvastatin and its acid form in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from CLL patients. Results show that simvastatin concentrations were dose proportional relative to the antihyperlipidemic doses, but lower than those required for in-vitro cytotoxicity against cancer cells. These findings demonstrate that the in-vitro effective concentrations of simvastatin are not achievable clinically, which might explain the limited effectiveness of high dose simvastatin in this study and in previous clinical trials. In view of these data, the use of simvastatin as a sole therapy in cancer treatment was not encouraging and led us to examine the use in combination with other anticancer drugs. After screening several chemotherapeutic agents in combination with simvastatin, we showed that tipifarnib (a farnesyltransferase inhibitor) interacts synergistically in several leukemia cell lines. Mechanistically we showed that simvastatin augments the cytotoxicity of tipifarnib by disrupting the localization of RAS in the cell membrane and by subsequent deactivation of the ERK pathway. Consistent with this observation, drug treatment led to the induction of apoptosis through the caspase cascade activation and the cleaved PARP upregulation. Notably, this synergistic effect was observed at clinically achievable concentrations of simvastatin and tipifarnib. Thus, the effectiveness of this combination should be explored further in future clinical studies.

AR-67 is a lipophilic third generation camptothecin analogue, currently under early stage clinical trials. It acts by targeting Topoisomerase 1 (Top1), a nuclear enzyme essential for DNA replication and transcription and is present in two forms, the pharmacologically active lipophilic lactone and the charged carboxylate. In oncology patients participating in a phase I clinical trial, AR-67 lactone was the predominant species in plasma. Similarly to other camptothecins, the identified dose-limiting toxicities for AR-67 were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and fatigue. In addition, in vitro metabolism studies indicated AR-67 lactone as a substrate for CYP3A4/5 as well as the UGT1A7 and UGT1A8 enzymes localizing in the liver and the gut. Numerous studies have demonstrated the over-expression of transporters in certain tumor types. Here, the effect of interactions between AR-67 and efflux or uptake transporters on the antitumor efficacy of AR-67 in vitro was studied. We showed that BCRP and MDR1 overexpression confers resistance to AR-67. Moreover, we demonstrated the therapeutic superiority of protracted dosing over more intense dosing regimens of AR-67 using xenografts models. Our studies indicated the schedule-dependent expression of Top1 and the preferential partitioning of AR-67 in the tumor tissue. We reason that these are factors that need to be taken into consideration when designing dosing schedules aiming to maximize efficacy. As most cytotoxic drugs, AR-67 has a narrow therapeutic window. Thus, it is essential to identify the variables influencing exposure to this camptothecin analogue. A thorough compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on the patient data obtained in a phase 1 clinical trial on AR-67. Moreover, sources of intersubject variability associated with obtaining pharmacokinetic parameter estimates were identified and a population covariate pharmacokinetic model was developed. In conclusion, the drug development of AR-67 is a work in process. Findings presented above provide an insight on the factors contributing to its efficacy and toxicity when given to cancer patients.