Crystal structure of the inclusion complex of the antibacterial agent triclosan with cyclomaltoheptaose and NMR study of its molecular encapsulation in positively and negatively charged cyclomaltoheptaose derivatives

The inclusion complexes of triclosan with native cyclomaltoheptaose (beta-cyclodextrin, betaCD) as well as with negatively and positively charged derivatives are studied. The structure of the inclusion complex betaCD/triclosan in the crystalline state [P1, a=15.189(5), b=15.230(6), c=16.293(6), alpha=91.07(4), beta=91.05(3) gamma=100.71(3)] comprises two crystallographically independent host macrocycles A and B. The packing results in betaCD dimers that align head-to-head and form infinite channels along the c-axis. Only one guest molecule statistically disordered over two positions, (the dichlorophenyl ring in the cavities of either A or B) corresponds to each dimer (a 2:1 host/guest complex). The enclosed dichlorophenyl ring enters the dimer through the primary side, whereas the hydrophilic chlorophenol ring extends in the space between dimers. Water molecules in five positions are also enclosed in the intradimer region, arranged on a plane perpendicular to the sevenfold axis of betaCD. The NMR spectroscopic studies in aqueous solution show the presence of both 1:1 and 2:1 betaCD/triclosan complexes. In the first case, two different 1:1 complexes are simultaneously present, each with either ring entering the narrow primary side of one betaCD molecule. In the 2:1 complex both rings of triclosan are included in two independent betaCD hosts, a precursor to the supramolecular arrangement found in the crystalline form. In the case of the negatively charged sodium heptakis[6-deoxy-6-(3-thiopropionate)]-betaCD, the NMR studies at pH 7.9 show a complete inclusion of triclosan inside the host in two orientations, one for the non-ionized (phenol) and reverse for the ionized (phenolate) form. Finally, for the positively charged heptakis(6-aminoethylamino-6-deoxy)-betaCD, inclusion of triclosan is possible only when the pH is raised to 10 and it is concluded that both aromatic rings are alternatively inside the cavity. However in that case also, inclusion of the entire guest in the elongated cavity is suggested.     

The self-association of the drug acemetacin and its interactions and stabilization with beta-cyclodextrin in aqueous solution as inferred from NMR spectroscopy and HPLC studies

Strongly concentration dependent, (1)H NMR chemical shifts of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug acemetacin sodium salt (sodium [[1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3-yl]acetoxy]acetate), were observed in aqueous solution. Self-titration and nOe experiments, point to a self-association model where stacking takes place via the indole portion of the drug. In addition, conformational isomerism (atropisomerism) of the anti to syn form was confirmed. Further increase of the concentration eventually led to stable chemical shifts and nearly simultaneous appearance of microcrystals. In the presence of betaCD, 1:1 inclusion complexation occurred through the p-chlorobenzoyl part of the drug, whereas with excess betaCD the indole part seemed to participate to a minor degree. The anti isomer is suggested to be involved in the inclusion process. In addition, aggregation of acemetacin was also evident, as competing with the conformational and inclusion equilibria. The present case demonstrates that many competitive processes are simultaneously active in a seemingly simple system. The measurements were strongly dependent upon the pH and use of buffered solutions was mandatory. Finally, for the quantitative analysis of acemetacin in the presence of betaCD, a special HPLC method was developed. The stability of the drug, studied by the identification of the degradation products and the pseudo-first order rate of hydrolysis, was found to be unaffected by the presence of betaCD.     

Influence of hydrophilic polymers on celecoxib complexation with hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin

Complexation of celecoxib with hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HPbetaCD) in the presence and absence of 3 hydrophilic polymers-polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-was investigated with an objective of evaluating the effect of hydrophilic polymers on the complexation and solubilizing efficiencies of HPbetaCD and on the dissolution rate of celecoxib from the HPbetaCD complexes. The phase solubility studies indicated the formation of celecoxib-HPbetaCD inclusion complexes at a 1:1M ratio in solution in both the presence and the absence of hydrophilic polymers. The complexes formed were quite stable. Addition of hydrophilic polymers markedly enhanced the complexation and solubilizing efficiencies of HPbetaCD. Solid inclusion complexes of celecoxib-HPbetaCD were prepared in 1:1 and 1:2 ratios by the kneading method, with and without the addition of hydrophilic polymers. The solubility and dissolution rate of celecoxib were significantly improved by complexation with HPbetaCD. The celecoxib-HPbetaCD (1:2) inclusion complex yielded a 36.57-fold increase in the dissolution rate of celecoxib. The addition of hydrophilic polymers also markedly enhanced the dissolution rate of celecoxib from HPbetaCD complexes: a 72.60-, 61.25-, and 39.15-fold increase was observed with PVP, HPMC, and PEG, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffractometry indicated stronger drug amorphization and entrapment in HPbetaCD because of the combined action of HPbetaCD and the hydrophilic polymers.     

Physicochemical characterization,in vitro dissolution behavior,and pharmacodynamic studies of rofecoxib-cyclodextrin inclusion compounds. Preparation and properties of rofecoxib hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex: A technical note

Conclusion  An inclusion complex of rofecoxib and HPβ-CD was prepared successfully by the spray-drying method in a molar ratio of 1∶1. The inclusion complex was found to have improved in vitro drug release compared with the pure drug. The solubility profile of complexes of rofecoxib prepared using HPβ-CD as the complexing agent in a molar ratio of 1∶1 by the spray-drying method in pH 1.2 and pH 7.4 indicated that the acid solubility of rofecoxib was enhanced considerably by formation of an inclusion complex with HPβ-CD. The above results also clearly demonstrated a significant decrease in the gastric ulcerogenic activity of rofecoxib through complexation with cyclodextrins. Even though the physical mixture of rofecoxib with cyclodextrins reduced ulcer formation, it was the spray-dried complex formation approach that minimized gastric ulceration. These findings are extremely important from a commercial point of view as the prepared complex removes a major drawback for rofecoxib in therapy. Published: September 20, 2005     

Imazalil-cyclomaltoheptaose (beta-cyclodextrin) inclusion complex: preparation by supercritical carbon dioxide and 13C CPMAS and 1H NMR characterization

An inclusion complex between imazalil (IMZ), a selected fungicide, and cyclomaltoheptaose (beta-cyclodextrin, betaCD) was obtained using supercritical fluid carbon dioxide. The best preparation conditions were determined, and the inclusion complex was investigated by means of 1H NMR spectroscopy in aqueous solution and 13C CPMAS NMR spectroscopy in the solid state. Information on the geometry of the betaCD/IMZ complex was obtained from ROESY spectroscopy, while the dynamics of the inclusion complex in the kilohertz range was obtained from the proton spin-lattice relaxation times in the rotating frame, T(1rho) (1H).     

A study of the actions of naloxone and morphine on gastric acid secretion and gastric mucosal damage in the rat

There exists a considerable controversy in the literature with regard to the effect of either opiate receptor blockade or that of morphine in different gastric and intestinal ulcer models in the rat. We performed experiments to evaluate the effects of naloxone and morphine on gastric acid secretion and gastric mucosal damage in different experimental models of gastric mucosal injury, namely in indomethacin-, HCl (0.6N)- and ethanol (96%)-models. We found that: 1) 10 mg/kg naloxone ip given twice, effectively protected gastric mucosa against indomethacin (30 mg/kg ip) and against the acid-dependent injury caused by 0.6 N HCl (1 mL ig), but not against the non acid-dependent injury caused by 96% ethanol (1 mL ig); 2) morphine (10 + 10 mg/kg ip) increased ulcers in the HCl-model, but had no effect in the two other models; 3) this ulcer-aggravating effect of morphine in the HCl-model was blocked by pretreatment of 2 mg/kg ip naloxone; and 4) both naloxone (5 + 5 and 10 + 10 mg/kg ip) significantly decreased gastric acid secretion in 1-h pylorus ligated rats. We conclude that: 1) naloxone dose-dependently protects against the indomethacin- and HCl-, but not against the ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage; 2) morphine aggravates the HCl-induced ulcerogenesis; and 3) both opiod receptor agonist and antagonist decrease gastric acid secretion.     

Carbohydrate composition of lymphocyte plasma membrane from pig mesenteric lymph node.

Pig lymphocyte plasma membrane isolated from mesenteric lymph node contained 69 mug of carbohydrate/mg dry wt., which was made up of neutral sugar, amino sugar and sialic acid in the molar proportions 5:1.7:1. The neutral sugar comprised fucose, ribose, mannose, glucose, galactose and inositol (molar proportions 2:9:11:15:26:1), and the amino sugar glucosamine and galactosamine (molar ratio 2:1). The ribose was most probably derived from RNA. All of the fucose and mannose and almost all of the glucosamine were associated with the membrane protein whereas the membrane lipid contained all of the inositol. The remaining sugars were distributed in various ratios between the protein and lipid fractions.     

Differences in action of topical and systemic cysteamine on gastric blood flow,gastric acid secretion and gastric ulceration in the rat

The effect of cysteamine on gastric blood flow and on the indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal damage was studied. In anesthetized rats, cysteamine (280 mg/kg) given subcutaneously (sc) decreased gastric blood flow measured by the laser Doppler flowmetry technique. In contrast, cysteamine (1–60 mg/ml) applied topically to the serosal surface of the stomach evoked a concentration-dependent and long-lasting increase in gastric blood flow. At 60 mg/ml, cysteamine increased blood flow by 166.8 ± 26.1% of predrug control value. Pretreatment with indomethacin (20 mg/kg, sc), intravenous (iv) atropine (1 mg/kg), propranolol (1 mg/kg, iv), combined H₁ and H₂-blockade or bilateral cervical vagotomy alone or combined with iv guanethidine (8 mg/kg), or pretreatment with the capsaicin analogue resiniferatoxin did not reduce the vasodilator response to cysteamine. The vasodilator response to topical capsaicin, was not reduced after sc cysteamine (280 mg/kg) pretreatment. In conscious pylorus-ligated rats, sc cysteamine (100 or 280 mg/kg) given simultaneously with indomethacin inhibited gastric acid output but had variable effects on the indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal damage. Cysteamine (100 or 280 mg/kg) administered sc 4 h prior to indomethacin enhanced gastric injury by sc indomethacin, but did not prevent the gastroprotective action of capsaicin. In contrast, orally administered cysteamine (60 mg/ml) reduced gastric injury induced by sc indomethacin plus intragastric HCl. These data provide the first evidence for the effect of cysteamine on gastric microcirculation in the rat and suggest a direct vasodilator effect for topical cysteamine. The microvascular effects of cysteamine are largely responsible for the different effects of this agent on experimental gastric injury.     

The key-role of vagal nerve and adrenals in the cytoprotection and general gastric mucosal integrity.

BACKGROUND: Our laboratory group observed earlier that the gastric mucosal cytoprotective effect of prostacyclin (PGI(2)) disappeared after surgical vagotomy in rats. Similarly to this, the beta-carotene induced gastric cytoprotection disappeared in adrenalectomized rats too. AIMS: In these studies we aimed to investigate the possible role of vagal nerve and adrenals in the development of gastric mucosal lesions induced by exogenously administered chemicals (ethanol, HCl, NaOH, NaCl and indomethacin), and on the effects of cytoprotective and antisecretory drugs (atropine, cimetidine), and scavengers (vitamin A and beta-carotene). METHODS: The observations were carried out in fasted CFY strain rats. The gastric mucosal lesions were produced by intragastric (i.g.) administration of narcotising agents (96% ethanol; 0.6 M HCl; 0.2 M NaOH; 25% NaCl) or subcutaneously (s.c.) administered indomethacin (20 mg/kg) in intact, surgically bilaterally vagatomized, and adrenalectomized rats without or with glucocorticoid supplementation (Oradexon, 0.6 mg/kg given i.m. for 1 week). The gastric mucosal protective effect of antisecretory doses of atropine (0.1-0.5-1.0 mg/kg i.g.) and cimetidine (10-25-50 mg/kg i.g.), and vitamin A and beta-carotene (0.01-0.1-1.0-10 mg/kg i.g.) was studied. The number and severity of mucosal gastric lesions was numerically or semiquantitatively measured. In other series of observations the gastric acid secretion and mucosal damage were studied in 24 h pylorus-ligated rats without and with acute bilateral surgical vagotomy. RESULTS: It was found that: (1) the chemical-induced gastric mucosal damage was enhanced in vagotomized and adrenalectomized rats, meanwhile the endogenous secretion of gastric acid, and the development of mucosal damage can be prevented by surgical vagotomy; (2) the gastric cyto- and general protection produced by the drugs and scavengers disappeared in vagotomized and adrenalectomized rats; (3) the gastric mucosal protective effects of drugs and of scavengers returned after sufficient glucocorticoid supplementation of the rats. CONCLUSION: It has been concluded that the intact vagal nerve and adrenals have a key role in the gastric mucosal integrity, and in drugs- and scavengers-induced gastric cyto- and general mucosal protection.     

Non-covalent associations of cyclomaltooligosaccharides (cyclodextrins) with carotenoids in water. A study on the alpha- and beta-cyclodextrin/psi,psi-carotene (lycopene) systems by light scattering,ionspray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry

Water-soluble complexes of the dietary carotenoid psi,psi-carotene (lycopene 1) with cyclomaltohexaose (alpha-cyclodextrin, alphaCD) and cyclomaltoheptaose (beta-cyclodextrin, betaCD) have been prepared and characterized via multiangle light scattering (MALS), ionspray/electrospray ionization (IS/ESI) mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem MS. MALS experiments point out that large aggregates of particles, on the nanometer-size scale, are present in water, with meaningful differences in the shape of the alphaCD/1 aggregates with respect to betaCD/1 analogues. The true 1:1 alphaCD/1 inclusion complex has been observed by IS/ESIMS and confirmed by tandem MS. The structure of CD/1 aggregations in water is proposed which are consistent with the combined MALS and MS experimental results.     

Use of cyclodextrins as a cosmetic delivery system for fragrance materials: Linalool and benzyl acetate

The aim of this study was to increase the stability and water solubility of fragrance materials, to provide controlled release of these compounds, and to convert these substances from liquid to powder form by preparing their inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins (CDs). For this purpose, linalool and benzyl acetate were chosen as the fragrance materials. The use of beta-cyclodextrin (beta CD) and 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (2-HP beta CD) for increasing the solubility of these 2 fragrance materials was studied. Linalool and benzyl acetate gave a B-type diagram with beta CD, whereas they gave an A(L)-type diagram with 2-HP beta CD. Therefore, complexes of fragrance materials with 2-HP beta CD at 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios (guest:host) were prepared. The formation of inclusion complexes was confirmed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H-NMR) spectroscopy and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The results of the solubility studies showed that preparing the inclusion complex with 2-HP beta CD at a 1:1 molar ratio increased the solubility of linalool 5.9-fold and that of benzyl acetate 4.2-fold, whereas the complexes at a 1:2 molar ratio increased the solubility 6.4- and 4.5-fold for linalool and benzyl acetate, respectively. The stability and in vitro release studies were performed on the gel formulations prepared using uncomplexed fragrance materials or inclusion complexes of fragrance materials at a 1:1 molar ratio. It was observed that the volatility of both fragrance materials was decreased by preparing the inclusion complexes with 2-HP beta CD. Also, in vitro release data indicated that controlled release of fragrances could be possible if inclusion complexes were prepared.     

Quebrachitol-induced gastroprotection against acute gastric lesions: Role of prostaglandins, nitric oxide and KATP channels

The effect of Quebrachitol (2-O-methyl-l-inositol), a bioactive component from Magonia glabrata fruit extract was investigated against gastric damage induced by absolute ethanol (96%, 0.2 ml/animal) and indomethacin (30 mg/kg, p.o.), in mice. Quebrachitol at oral doses of 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg markedly attenuated the gastric lesions induced by ethanol to the extent of 69%, 64%, and 53% and against indomethacin by 55%, 59%, and 26%, respectively. While pretreatment with TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) failed to block effectively the gastroprotective effect of quebrachitol (25 mg/kg) against ethanol damage, the non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (10 mg/kg, p.o.), almost abolished it. Furthermore, quebrachitol effect was significantly reduced in mice pretreated with l-NAME, or glibenclamide, the respective inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase and K⁺_ATP channel activation. Thus we provide the first evidence that quebrachitol reduces the gastric damage induced by ethanol and indomethacin, at least in part, by mechanisms that involve endogenous prostaglandins, nitric oxide release, and or the activation of K⁺_ATP channels.     

An investigation of the inclusion complex of beta-cyclodextrin with p-nitrobenzoic acid in the solid state

The weak inclusion complex of cyclomaltoheptaose (beta-cyclodextrin, betaCD) with p-nitrobenzoic acid was investigated in the solid state. Crystallography shows that two betaCD molecules co-crystallize with two p-nitrobenzoic acids and 28.5 water molecules [2(C(42)H(70)O(35))x2(C(7)H(5)NO(4))x28.5H(2)O] in the triclinic system.     

Molecular Modeling and Physicochemical Properties of Supramolecular Complexes of Limonene with α- and β-Cyclodextrins

This study evaluated three different methods for the formation of an inclusion complex between alpha- and beta-cyclodextrin (α- and β-CD) and limonene (LIM) with the goal of improving the physicochemical properties of limonene. The study samples were prepared through physical mixing (PM), paste complexation (PC), and slurry complexation (SC) methods in the molar ratio of 1:1 (cyclodextrin:limonene). The complexes prepared were evaluated with thermogravimetry/derivate thermogravimetry, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, complexation efficiency through gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses, molecular modeling, and nuclear magnetic resonance. The results showed that the physical mixing procedure did not produce complexation, but the paste and slurry methods produced inclusion complexes, which demonstrated interactions outside of the cavity of the CDs. However, the paste obtained with β-cyclodextrin did not demonstrate complexation in the gas chromatographic technique because, after extraction, most of the limonene was either surface-adsorbed by β-cyclodextrin or volatilized during the procedure. We conclude that paste complexation and slurry complexation are effective and economic methods to improve the physicochemical character of limonene and could have important applications in pharmacological activities in terms of an increase in solubility.     

Are all "cytoprotective" drugs gastroprotective?

The effect of three--structurally different--groups of compounds was compared against gastric mucosal damages induced by ethanol or prostaglandin (PG) synthesis inhibitors, as well as against carrageenan-induced inflammation. All the compounds studied--SH-compounds (cysteamine, 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid, D,L-penicillamine), SH-blocking N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) and morphine-exerted dose-dependent inhibition on carrageenan edema test and against ethanol-induced gastric damage. Mucosal lesions induced by PG synthesis inhibitors (indomethacin 20 mg/kg, naproxen 75 mg/kg, piroxicam 60 mg/kg) were inhibited by drugs studied when the compounds were given before the damaging agents. However, when the drugs were injected 1 h after the inhibitors of PG synthesis opposite actions were observed; SH-compounds exerted protective, while NEM (2 mg/kg p.o.) and morphine (5 mg/kg p.o.) aggravating action. The results suggest that: 1. SH-compounds might have therapeutic importance in the treatment of gastric damage induced by prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors. 2. Reconsideration of the use of the term "cytoprotection" is necessary, since "cytoprotective" agents may aggravate mucosal damage in other ulcer model.     

Peripheral GLP-1 gastroprotection against ethanol: the role of exendin, NO, CGRP, prostaglandins and blood flow

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of peripherally injected glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage and the mechanisms included in the effect. Absolute ethanol was administered through an orogastric cannula right after the injection of GLP-1 (1, 10, 100, 1000 or 10,000 ng/kg; i.p.). The rats were decapitated an hour later, the stomachs removed and the gastric mucosal damage scored. 1000 ng GLP-1 inhibited gastric mucosal damage by 45% and 10,000 ng GLP-1 by 60%. The specific receptor antagonist exendin-(9-39) (2500 ng/kg; i.p.), calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist CGRP-(8-37) (10 microg/kg; i.p.), nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor l-NAME (30 mg/kg; s.c.) and cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (5 mg/kg; i.p.) inhibited the preventive effect of GLP-1 on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage. GLP-1 also prevented the decrease in gastric mucosal blood flow caused by ethanol when administered at gastroprotective doses (1000 and 10,000 ng/kg; i.p.). In conclusion, GLP-1 administered peripherally prevents the gastric mucosal damage caused by ethanol in rats. CGRP, NO, prostaglandin and gastric mucosal blood flow are thought to play a role in this effect, mediated through receptors specific to GLP-1.     

Relationship between PAF-acether and thromboxane A2 biosynthesis in endotoxin-induced intestinal damage in the rat

PAF-receptor antagonists are known to inhibit gastrointestinal damage induced by endotoxin. In the present study, the interaction between the biosynthesis of PAF and thromboxane (TX) A2, as putative mediators of the acute intestinal damage induced by endotoxin, has been investigated in the anaesthetised rat. Bolus intravenous administration of lipopolysaccharide from E. coli (5-50 mg/kg) induced dose-related jejunal damage, assessed using both macroscopic and histological techniques. This damage was accompanied by significant increases in the jejunal formation of PAF determined by bioassay, and of TXB2, determined by radioimmunoassay. Pretreatment with the structurally-unrelated thromboxane synthase inhibitors, 1-benzyl imidazole (10-50 mg/kg) or OKY 1581 (25 mg/kg) substantially reduced both jejunal damage and TXB2 formation, but did not inhibit PAF formation. Likewise, pretreatment with indomethacin (5 mg/kg) or BW 755C (50 mg/kg) reduced jejunal damage and TXB2 formation but did not affect PAF formation. Pretreatment (2h) with dexamethasone (4 mg/kg) reduced jejunal damage and the formation of both TXB2 and PAF. Intravenous infusion of PAF (100 ng/kg/min for 10 min) induced jejunal damage and significantly increased the formation of TXB2, whereas non-specific jejunal damage induced by oral administration of ethanol did not augment PAF formation. The present findings that inhibition of jejunal thromboxane formation is associated with a substantial reduction in jejunal damage, with no corresponding inhibition in PAF formation, therefore suggests a complex interaction or sequential release of these tissue destructive mediators underlying the intestinal damage induced by endotoxin.     

Alkaline elution of DNA from stomach pyloric mucosa of rats treated with glyoxal

DNA damage in the pyloric mucosa of the stomach of male F344 rats was determined by the alkaline elution method after administration of glyoxal, a direct-acting mutagen present in various heated foods, by gastric intubation. Glyoxal at doses of 50-550 mg/kg body weight induced DNA damage in the pyloric mucosa of rat stomach, detected by a 5- to 12-fold increase in the elution rate constant 2 h after its administration. N-Methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, a glandular stomach carcinogen, used as a positive control at doses of 1-100 mg/kg body weight induced a 11- to 24-fold increase in the elution rate constant, while 2-acetylaminofluorene, which is not a gastric carcinogen, given as a negative control at doses of 200-400 mg/kg body weight did not increase the elution rate constant. Thus glyoxal, which was previously suggested to induce unscheduled DNA synthesis in the pyloric mucosa of rat stomach, was confirmed to be genotoxic in this region.     

Supramolecular self-assembly of beta-cyclodextrin: an effective carrier of the antimicrobial agent chlorhexidine

The supramolecular assembly between chlorhexidine and cyclomaltoheptaose (beta-cyclodextrin, betaCD) was characterized using NMR spectroscopy ((1)H, T(1), and ROESY), ESIMS and ITC. NMR data suggest the formation of high ordered complexes. ESIMS and ITC allowed the confirmation of the average stoichiometry as 1:4 and the thermodynamic data, also obtained by ITC, showed that the assembly is strongly stabilized by short distance interactions, but suffers a strong, opposite effect of entropy reduction. The antimicrobial activity of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4 Clx/betaCD molar ratio mixtures was investigated in aqueous solution and after incorporation into mucoadhesive gels. These were used to determine the initial and the long-term antimicrobial activity, respectively, toward Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.) (Y4-FDC) and Enterococcus faecalis (E.f.) (ATCC 14508) strains. The results showed that A.a. and E.f. were more susceptible to the 1:4 molar ratio mixture in either solution or gel (p<0.05).     

In vitro testing for genotoxicity of violacein assessed by Comet and Micronucleus assays

Chromobacterium violaceum is a Gram (-) bacteria found in water samples and soils from tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Violacein, the major pigment produced by these bacteria, has been shown to have antibiotic, antitumoral and trypanocidal activities. In the present work, the genotoxicity of violacein was investigated in four different cell lines by using the alkaline Comet assay and in VERO cells using the Micronucleus test. In the alkaline Comet assay, violacein, when tested at concentrations ranging from 0.19 to 1.5 microM, did not induce a significant increase in DNA damage in HEp-2 and MA104 cells. However, violacein was positive for DNA damage in FRhK-4 cells and for both DNA damage and micronuclei in VERO cells, in a concentration-response relationship. The results of this study indicated that violacein is genotoxic in VERO and FRhK-4 cells. These findings contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of the pharmacological potential of violacein.