A dry powder inhalable formulation of salvianolic acids for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis: safety, lung deposition, and pharmacokinetic study
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
Authors: Jiang, Linxia; Li, Yijun; Yu, Jiaqi; Wang, Jianhong; Ju, Jiarui; Dai, Jundong
Abstract
Salvianolic acids (SAL), the main bioactive component extracted fromSalvia miltiorrhiza, is a natural product with a reported anti-pulmonary fibrosis (PF) effect. SAL is commonly administrated orally; however, it has a low oral bioavailability (less than 5%). The objective of this work was to develop a new dry powder inhalable formulation intended to facilitate the access of SAL to the target place. We prepared the new SAL powder formulation containing L-arginine and 2% of lecithin using the ball milling technique. L-arginine was used to regulate the strong acidity of the SAL solution, and lecithin was added to disperse the powder and improve the flowability. The resulting powder had a content in salvianolic acid B (SALB, the main active principle of SAL) of 66.67%, a particle size of less than 5 mu m and a good flowability. In vivo fluorescence imaging showed that the powder could be successfully aerosolized and delivered to the lung. The acute lung irritation study proved that the presence of L-arginine improved the biocompatibility of the powder. Finally, according to the pharmacokinetic study, the new SAL powder formulation was found to significantly increase drug concentration in the lung and the bioavailability. In conclusion, the new dry powder inhalable formulation of SAL developed in this study could be a strategy to enhance the performance of SAL at the lung level.
A preliminary assessment of bacteria in "ranched" ball pythons (Python regius), Togo, West Africa
NATURE CONSERVATION-BULGARIA
Authors: D'Cruze, Neil; Bates, Jodie; Assou, Delagnon; Ronfot, Delphine; Coulthard, Emma; Segniagbeto, Gabriel Hoinsoude; Auliya, Mark; Megson, David; Rowntree, Jennifer
Abstract
Captive reptiles are routinely identified as reservoirs of pathogenic bacteria and reports of reptile-associated infections relating to some species are well documented (e.g., sal monellosis). Currently, relatively little is known about the epidemiology and bacteria of ball pythons. We carried out a survey of ball python farms in Togo, West Africa to assess the presence of any potentially pathogenic bacterial taxa that have been identified in recent scientific literature relating to this species. The presence of bacteria belonging to the genera Acinetobacter, Bacteroides, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Lysobacter, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, and Tsukamurella in oral and cloaca! samples taken from five individual ball pythons is of potential concern for horizontal transmission given that pathogenic species belonging to these genera have been previously documented. The presence of bacteria belonging to the genera Clostridium, Escherichia, Moraxella, and Stenotrophomonas in the oral and rectal samples taken from five mice used to feed ball pythons suggests that they represent a potential reservoir of infection for wild caught ball pythons and their progeny. Furthermore, possible sources of environmental contamination include other captive amphibians, birds, reptiles and mammals, as well as free ranging birds and small mammals. Additional surveillance of ball pythons in the wild and in captivity at python farms in West Africa will shed light on whether or not this type of commercial activity is increasing pathogen exposure and lowering barriers to transmission. Meanwhile, as a precautionary measure, it is recommended that python farms should immediately establish biosecurity and disease surveillance practices to minimize potential horizontal and vertical bacterial transfer.