Solid dispersion approach with hydrophilic carriers is one of the most effective methods for improving the solubility, dissolution profile, and ultimately the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. In this study, Griseofulvin (GF), a BCS class II drug with poor solubility and a strong tendency to recrystallize, was formulated using hydrophilic polymers (HPMC E6, Polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP), and Soluplus) at drug to polymer ratios of 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4 using the solvent evaporation method. An experimental polymer-selection approach was employed to determine the optimal carrier type and ratio, wherein drug–polymer compatibility studies (FTIR), solid-state characterization (PXRD), saturated solubility studies, and dissolution behavior were systematically evaluated. The 1:3 HPMC formula demonstrated the most favorable performance, showing superior saturated solubility, enhanced dissolution rate, and good stability at harsh conditions across 90 days. This formulation represents a promising approach for improving the biopharmaceutical properties of Griseofulvin.
Ribwort plantain has shown considerable pharmacological properties that are related to its wide-range secondary metabolites. The present review is aimed to highlight the recent progress on the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anticancer and wound healing effects of acteoside, aucubin, catalpol, apigenin and luteolin as significant metabolites from this plant. Functional evidences support their role in the neutralization of reactive oxygen species, inhibition of pathogen attack, wound healing, prevention of tumorigenesis and neuroprotection via anti-apoptotic pathways and blocking pro-inflammatory signaling cascades. By virtue of these actions, the plant is warranted as a candidate for treating several diseases. The bioactivity in these locations is maximized by the action of synergy occurring between constituents in the phytochemical matrix. Mechanistic studies reveal multi-target action such as enzyme inhibition, gene expression control and receptor modulation. Although preclinical evidences indicate the high polypharmacological potential of this plant, full-scale clinical translation will require more phytochemical standardization and human studies. The present work highlights the integrative therapeutic relevance of broadleaf plantain and its metabolites in the treatment of multifactorial diseases.
Background: Pressure overload, uremic toxins, and deteriorating renal function are the main causes of ventricular hypertrophy in chronic kidney disease, which increases with the severity of the condition. Aims: The study aims to investigate the types and prevalence of cardiac remodeling among outpatients in Thi-Qar city who do not require dialysis and have chronic kidney disease stages (3, 4, and 5). Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 51 non-dialysis CKD patients (stages 3-5) with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 60 mL/min who were categorized according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome guidelines were examined. The eGFR was calculated using the CKD-EPI Creatinine Equation. Interviews were used to get clinical and demographic data as well as comorbidities. Transthoracic echocardiography was also performed on each participant. Results: The study included 25 men and 26 women who had been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, predominantly in the fifth to sixth decades of life, where the BMI differed significantly, with the highest mean value observed in stage 3 group (30.95 ± 5.51 kg/m²; p = 0.005). Participants' median duration of CKD was roughly one to two years, with a range of one to seven years. 39.21% of the subjects had uncontrolled diabetes, while 70.58% of the subjects had uncontrolled hypertension. At stage 3, 63.64% of participants showed cardiac remodeling, 62.96% at stage 4, and 76.92% at stage 5 CKD. The Cardiac Remodeling was more frequent in males versus females (76% vs. 57.69%). Conclusion: According to this study, cardiac remodeling was common among CKD outpatients prior to dialysis and became more prevalent as the severity of the disease increased.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent metabolic liver disorder characterized by fat accumulation in hepatocytes. Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) is a liver-derived enzyme involved in lipid metabolism and may serve as a biomarker of hepatic metabolic function. The current study aimed to assess serum LCAT level in NAFLD patients in comparison with matched controls and to estimate its diagnostic potentials for NAFLD and its predictive potentials in relation to steatosis and fibrosis severity. A case-control study was conducted on 90 individuals, 45 NAFLD patients and 45 age-, sex-, and BMI-matched controls. LCAT level were measured using ELISA. Clinical data, including lipid profile, liver enzymes were recorded. Fibrosis risk was assessed using FIB-4 index, and transabdominal ultrasound was used for steatosis grading. NAFLD patients had significantly lower level of LCAT than control group participants (p < 0.001). However, serum LCAT level was not significantly associated with the severity of steatosis or fibrosis risk in NAFLD patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that LCAT has an excellent diagnostic potential, with an AUC of 0.951, sensitivity of 0.978 and specificity of 0.911 (p < 0.001). In conclusion, LCAT may serve as promising non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers for NAFLD.
Background: Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) are common in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients due to impaired immunity, glycosuria, and chronic comorbidities. Antimicrobial resistance complicates therapy, and inappropriate use further worsens recurrence. Objective: To evaluate antimicrobial treatment patterns, among T2DM Iraqi patients with rUTIs. Methods: A prospective, open-label study was conducted at Al-Zahraa Teaching Hospital and private internal medicine clinics in Wasit, Iraq, from October 2024 to June 2025. Ninety-nine patients with rUTIs were enrolled, including 58 of them with T2DM. Patients underwent structured three follow-up visits from day1 to days 7-14. Laboratory testing, urine cultures, antibiotics sensitivity test, antimicrobial prescriptions, and medication adherence (MARS) were assessed. Results: E. coli was the most frequent uropathogen in this study. Fluoroquinolones—including levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and norfloxacin beside to Aminoglycoside as amikacin consistently showed the highest activity against most pathogens, particularly E. coli, Enterobacter spp., and Pseudomonas spp., with sensitivity rates frequently exceeding 90%. On the contrary, a wide variety of β-lactam antibiotics, including drugs such as cefixime, Augmentin and amoxicillin, show high degrees of resistance among nearly all strains of bacteria, with the percent of resistance often exceeding 90–100%. Although there was generally moderate adherence to medication regimens reported by participants in the MARS surveys, Conclusion: Fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides were the most commonly used antimicrobial treatments in Iraqi T2DM patients with rUTIs. Findings were significantly impacted by adherence and glucose levels.
