Thesis (M.S.)--University of Louisville, 1997. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Louisville, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Title proper from title frame. Also available in printed format.

No description available.

Ketoprofen is a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug which is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The oral administration of ketoprofen can cause gastric irritation and adverse renal effects. Transdermal delivery of the drug can bypass gastrointestinal disturbances and provide relatively consistent drug concentrations at the site of administration. The release of ketoprofen from proprietary gel products from three different countries was evaluated by comparing the in vitro release profiles. Twenty extemporaneously prepared ketoprofen gel formulations using Carbopol® polymers were manufactured. The effect of polymer, drug concentration, pH and solvent systems on the in vitro release of ketoprofen from these formulations were investigated. The gels were evaluated for drug content and pH. The release of the drug from all the formulations obeyed the Higuchi principle. Two static FDA approved diffusion cells, namely the modified Franz diffusion cell and the European Pharmacopoeia diffusion cell, were compared by measuring the in vitro release rate of ketoprofen from all the gel formulations through a synthetic silicone membrane. High-performance liquid chromatography and ultraviolet spectrophotometric analytical techniques were both used for the analysis of ketoprofen. The validated methods were employed for the determination of ketoprofen in the sample solutions taken from the receptor fluid. Two of the three proprietary products registered under the same manufacturing license exhibited similar results whereas the third product differed significantly. Among the variables investigated, the vehicle pH and solvent composition were found have the most significant effect on the in vitro release of ketoprofen from Carbopol® polymers. The different grades of Carbopol® polymers showed statistically significantly different release kinetics with respect to lag time. When evaluating the proprietary products, both the modified Franz diffusion cell and the European Pharmacopoeia diffusion cell were deemed adequate although higher profiles were generally obtained from the European Pharmacopoeia diffusion cells. Smoother diffusion profiles were obtained from samples analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography than by ultraviolet spectrophotometry in both diffusion cells. Sample solutions taken from Franz diffusion cells and analysed by ultraviolet spectrophotometry also produced smooth diffusion profiles. Erratic and higher diffusion profiles were observed with samples taken from the European Pharmacopoeia diffusion cell and analysed by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The choice of diffusion cells and analytical procedure in product development must be weighed against the relatively poor reproducibility as observed with the European Pharmacopoeia diffusion cell.

No description available.

Colorectal carcinoma is an important, feasible and attractive target for chemoprevention because a) it is a major cause of mortality in the United States and in other developed countries worldwide, b) there is a high mortality associated with advanced disease, c) there is a well described molecular carcinogenesis pathway and d) recent advances in molecular genetics will improve the ability to identify high-risk subjects. Epidemiological data, colonoscopic screening and advances in molecular genetics has made possible the identification and selection of subjects at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Due to this new information it may be possible to impede malignant cellular transformation with drugs. Such intervention with relatively simple maneuvers, such as a low daily dose of aspirin, can potentially reduce mortality from colorectal cancer. Prospective trials need to confirm experimental and epidemiological data supporting the efficacy of aspirin and other NSAID as chemopreventive agents before they can be used in the general population at risk. To use cancer chemopreventives effectively and safely in an asymptomatic population, the risks should be minimized and the benefits maximized by determination of optimal dose, schedule and chemopreventive mechanism of the NSAID. By linking the putative mechanism of drug action to effect endpoints, we expect to know whether the chemopreventive intervention is likely to be effective in a given individual.

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for their analgesic, anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory properties in both human and veterinary patients. Topical ophthalmic NSAIDs are commonly employed in the management of intraocular inflammation (uveitis), corneoconjunctival inflammatory disease and pre-operatively to prevent intraoperative miosis during cataract surgery. Despite their routine application in these clinical scenarios, little is known regarding the corneal penetration and relative anti-inflammatory efficacy of the available topical ophthalmic NSAIDs in the dog. Decisions regarding which of these agents to employ are therefore based upon factors such as cost and ease of acquisition as opposed to established efficacy. Objectives: To investigate the relative intraocular penetration and anti-inflammatory efficacy of two commonly utilized topical ophthalmic NSAIDs in dogs, diclofenac 0.1% and ketorolac 0.5%. Animals: Twenty-two client owned dogs (22 operated eyes) presenting to the VTH ophthalmology service for routine cataract surgery for mature or hypermature cataract. Methods: Subjects were randomized to be treated with either topical ketorolac 0.5% or topical diclofenac 0.1% ophthalmic solutions at specified times in the 24-hour period pre-operatively. Aqueous humor samples were obtained intra-operatively and stored for subsequent evaluation of drug concentrations and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentrations via ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) analysis, respectively. Results: Median aqueous humor drug concentrations were significantly higher in dogs treated with ketorolac 0.5% (1311.6 ng/mL) compared to those treated with diclofenac 0.1% (284.9 ng/mL). There was no significant difference in aqueous humor PGE2 concentrations between the two treatment groups. No significant association was determined between aqueous humor drug concentration and PGE2 concentration. There was no significant association between diabetic status and aqueous humor drug concentration or PGE2 concentration in either group. Conclusions and clinical importance: This study suggests that topical ketorolac 0.5% and diclofenac 0.1% are efficacious in decreasing aqueous humor PGE2 concentrations and are equally suitable for use based on their comparable anti-inflammatory profiles. The results of these assays provide clinically relevant information regarding intraocular penetration and anti-inflammatory efficacy of these medications in dogs with cataract. / Master of Science / Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for their analgesic, anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory properties in both human and veterinary patients. Topical ophthalmic NSAIDs are commonly employed in the management of intraocular inflammation (uveitis), corneoconjunctival inflammatory disease and pre-operatively to prevent intraoperative miosis during cataract surgery. Despite their routine application in these clinical scenarios, little is known regarding the intraocular penetration and relative anti-inflammatory efficacy of the available topical ophthalmic NSAIDs in the dog. Decisions regarding which of these agents to employ are therefore based upon factors such as cost and ease of acquisition as opposed to established efficacy. Efficacy of topical anti-inflammatory medications in controlling intraocular inflammation is primarily related to the ability of the medication to penetrate the cornea and its efficacy at suppressing inflammatory mediators. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to investigate the relative intraocular penetration and anti-inflammatory efficacy of two commonly utilized topical ophthalmic NSAIDs in dogs, diclofenac 0.1% and ketorolac 0.5%. Twenty-two dogs presenting to the VTH ophthalmology service for routine cataract surgery with the presence of a mature or hypermature cataract were enrolled in a prospective, randomized clinical trial. Subjects were treated with either topical ketorolac 0.5% or topical diclofenac 0.1% ophthalmic solutions at specified times in the 24-hour period pre-operatively. Aqueous humor samples were obtained intra-operatively and stored for subsequent evaluation of drug concentrations (n=22) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentrations (n=19) via ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) analysis, respectively. Treatment with topical ketorolac 0.5% resulted in higher median aqueous humor drug concentrations when compared to treatment with diclofenac 0.1% (1311.6 ng/mL vs. 284.9 ng/mL). However, there was no significant difference in anti-inflammatory efficacy when comparing PGE2 concentrations between the two groups. Furthermore, no significant association was determined when drug concentration was directly compared with PGE2 concentration. The results of these assays suggest that topical ketorolac 0.5% and diclofenac 0.1% are equally suitable for use based on their comparable anti-inflammatory profiles, and provides clinically relevant information regarding intraocular penetration and anti-inflammatory efficacy of these medications in dogs with cataract.

Thesis (MScMed (Pharmacology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / During the last two decades the effects of ultrasound on the transdermal diffusion of a wide variety of drugs have been extensively investigated. Because there is much uncertainty regarding the efficacy of and mechanisms involved in this mode of permeation enhancement, the objective of the study was to investigate the effect of ultrasound on the transdermal permeation of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac. For this purpose a dual-stage experimental design and a continuous flow-through diffusion system was used. Therapeutic levels of continuous ultrasound of 3 MHz at an intensity of 2 W/cm2 for 10 min, were used. It was clear from the present study that ultrasound enhanced the permeability of human skin to diclofenac released from a commercially available gel. These results were in contrast with those obtained for ibuprofen in an in vitro study across human skin, but in agreement with those obtained in two in vivo studies of the latter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Steady state flux values of diclofenac remained approximately 1.26 times higher than those of controls during the 24 h of the experiment. These observations concurred with those made in two previous in vivo studies. Furthermore, the in vitro flow-through diffusion model was shown to have predictive value as an in vivo method for sonophoresis. Temperature-dependent flux rates for 3H2O across human skin were also studied. The mechanistic effects of ultrasound on the permeability characteristics of human skin have been reported on in a number of studies. Although various mechanisms have been proposed, there is no consensus regarding their relative importance. In addition the temperature-dependent flux changes of 3H2O across human skin were investigated using a continuous flow-through diffusion system. The same ultrasound parameters as in the permeability experiments were used. The results obtained showed that temperature increases of approximately 10 °C occurred following sonication. The flux changes of 3H2O across human skin between 37 °C and 42 °C were shown to be reversible. The results from the present study do not support the sonication-heating theory in which permeability changes in skin are primarily attributed to thermally-induced changes in stratum corneum lipids. It was therefore concluded that the enhancement of diclofenac permeation by sonication could not be adequately explained primarily on a thermal basis.

Trata-se de estudo comparativo para avaliar a atividade dos medicamentos nimesulida, Arnica TM, Arnica 6CH comparados com H2O no tratamento da Doença Periodontal experimental induzida por ligadura em ratos. Esta doença se caracteriza por processo inflamatório que pode evoluir até ao ligamento periodontal e tecido ósseo provocando perda óssea. Mediadores produzidos pelo hospedeiro e substâncias do biofilme são responsáveis pelos danos que podem levar até a perda do elemento dentário. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver estudo exploratório descritivo para analisar, aprofundar e comparar os efeitos das medicações citadas, investigando possíveis inovações no tratamento da doença periodontal. A metodologia consistiu em: 1) colocação, sob anestesia, da ligadura no primeiro molar inferior esquerdo. 2) administração diária por gavagem de H2O (controle) (1&#x3BC;l/g), nimesulida (1&#x3BC;l/g, de uma suspensão com 5mg/ml), Arnica TM (8&#x3BC;l/300g) ou Arnica 6CH (3,21&#x3BC;l/300g) durante 14, 21 e 28 dias a quatro grupos de ratos Wistar (n=30/ grupo); 3) eutanásia e coleta de material para análises histológica, da perda óssea e RT-PCR (alvos: TNF-&#x3B1;, COX-2, IL-6, OPG e RANKL); 4) análise estatística paramétrica realizada por ANOVA a um ou dois critérios, seguida do teste de Tukey, ou por análise não paramétrica por Kruskal-Wallis, seguido do método de Dunns, nível de significância de 5%. Quanto à perda óssea, não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos e nenhum dos tratamentos foi capaz de contê-la. Os escores para o infiltrado inflamatório não mostraram diferença significativa entre os grupos nos períodos estudados. Quanto ao escore geral, que envolve intensidade do infiltrado inflamatório, migração do epitélio juncional, integridade do cemento e da crista óssea alveolar, não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos nos períodos. Na expressão do RNAm para as citocinas vimos para o TNF-&#x3B1; não haver diferença significativa entre os grupos, quando se analisou isoladamente os períodos de 14 e 28 dias. No entanto, no período de 21 dias, houve redução significativa no grupo nimesulida comparado ao grupo Arnica 6CH (&#x2217;p<0,05). Para a COX-2, não houve diferença significativa quanto à expressão do RNAm entre os grupos, analisando isoladamente cada período de estudo, sendo nítida a redução desta expressão no grupo Arnica 6CH em todos os períodos; para a IL-6, OPG e RANKL não houve diferença significativa quanto à expressão do RNAm entre os grupos nos períodos estudados. No entanto, no grupo Arnica 6CH nota-se tendência nítida para o aumento da expressão do RNAm para OPG, ao longo do tempo. Comparando com o grupo H2O a ação de cada medicamento quanto à expressão do RNAm para todas as citocinas, considerando o conjunto dos 3 períodos, vê-se redução significativa para a expressão de RNAm para COX-2 e RANKL após o tratamento com Arnica 6CH (&#x2217;p<0,05). O mesmo pode ser visto para a nimesulida quando se estuda a expressão do RNAm para RANKL (&#x2217;p<0,05). No estudo ficaram destacados os efeitos biológicos da Arnica 6CH sobre a leitura e transcrição do DNA, notadamente sobre genes relacionados à perda óssea, o que vislumbra a possibilidade de sua utilização terapêutica. / This is a comparative study to evaluate the activity of nimesulide medicines, Arnica TM, Arnica 6CH compared with H2O in the treatment of experimental periodontal disease induced by ligation in rats. This disease is characterized by an inflammatory process that may progress to the periodontal ligament and bone tissue leading to bone loss. Mediators produced by the host and biofilm substances are responsible for the damage that can lead to tooth loss. The aim of this exploratory and descriptive study was to analyze, deepen and compare the effects of the mentioned medications, investigating possible innovations in the treatment of periodontal disease. The methodology consisted of: 1) placing under anesthesia ligature in the first lower left molar. 2) daily administration by gavage H2O (control) (1&#x3BC;l/g), nimesulide (1&#x3BC;l/g, a suspension of 5 mg / ml), Arnica TM (8&#x3BC;l/300g) or Arnica 6CH (3,21&#x3BC;l/300g) for 14, 21 and 28 days to four groups of Wistar rats (n = 30 / group); 3) euthanasia and collection of material for histological, bone loss and RTPCRanalysis (targets: TNF-&#x3B1;, COX-2, IL-6, OPG and RANKL); 4) parametric statistical analysis performed by ANOVA to one or two criteria, followed by Tukey test, or nonparametric analysis by Kruskal-Wallis, followed by Dunns method, 5% significance level. Regarding the bone loss, there was no statistical difference between the groups and none of the treatments was able to contain it. The scores for the inflammatory infiltrate showed no significant difference between the groups in the study periods. Regarding the general score, which involves intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate, migration of the junctional epithelium integrity of the cement and the alveolar bone crest, there was no significant difference between groups in the periods. At the mRNA expression for the cytokines we saw for TNF-&#x3B1; no significant difference between groups when analyzed separately periods of 14 and 28 days. However, in the 21day period, there was significant reduction in nimesulide group compared to the Arnica 6CH group (&#x2217; p <0.05). For COX-2, there was no significant difference in mRNA expression between the groups, separately analyzing each study period, being sharper reduction of this expression in Arnica 6CH group in all periods; for IL-6, OPG and RANKL no significant difference in mRNA expression between the groups in the study periods. However, it is noted in the Arnica 6CH group a clear tendency to increase of the mRNA expression for OPG over time. Comparing with H2O group action of each medicine on the mRNA expression for all cytokines, considering the set of three periods, we see a significant reduction in mRNA expression for COX-2 and RANKL after treatment with Arnica 6CH (&#x2217; p <0.05). The same can be seen for nimesulide when studying the mRNA expression for RANKL (&#x2217; p <0.05). In the study were highlighted the biological effects of Arnica 6CH about reading and transcription of the DNA, notedly about genes related to bone loss, which envisions the possibility of its therapeutic use.