Microbial Stability of Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Products

This review gives a brief overview about microbial contamination in pharmaceutical products. We discuss the distribution and potential sources of microorganisms in different areas, ranging from manufacturing sites, pharmacy stores, hospitals, to the post-market phase. We also discuss the factors that affect microbial contamination in popular dosage forms (e.g., tablets, sterile products, cosmetics). When these products are contaminated, the microorganisms can cause changes. The effects range from mild changes (e.g., discoloration, texture alteration) to severe effects (e.g., changes in activities, toxicity). The most common method for countering microbial contamination is the use of preservatives. We review some frequently used preservatives, and we describe the mechanisms by which microorganisms develop resistance to these preservatives. Finally, because preservatives are inherently toxic, we review the efforts of researchers to utilize water activity and other non-preservative approaches to combat microbial contamination.     

Circulating mitochondrial dysfunction as an early biomarker for contrast media-induced acute kidney injury in chronic kidney disease patients

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is the common hospitalized acute kidney injury (AKI). However, the diagnosis by serum creatinine might not be early enough. Currently, the roles of circulating mitochondria in CI-AKI are still unclear. Since early detection is crucial for treatment, the association between circulating mitochondrial function and CI-AKI was tested as a potential biomarker for detection of CI-AKI. Twenty patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were enrolled. Blood and urine samples were obtained at the time of PCI, and 6, 24, 48 and 72 h after PCI. Plasma and urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) were measured. Oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial function, mitochondrial dynamics and cell death were determined from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Forty percent of patients developed AKI. Plasma NGAL levels increased after 24 h after receiving contrast media. Cellular and mitochondrial oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased mitochondrial fusion occurred at 6 h following contrast media exposure. Subgroup of AKI had higher %necroptosis cells and TNF-α mRNA expression than subgroup without AKI. Collectively, circulating mitochondrial dysfunction could be an early predictive biomarker for CI-AKI in CKD patients receiving contrast media. These findings provide novel strategies to prevent CI-AKI according to its pathophysiology.     

Analgesic,anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties of Thai Perilla frutescence fruit oil in animals

Perilla frutescens fruit oil (PFO) is rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA) and exhibits biological activities. We aimed to investigate analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer activities of PFO and PFO-supplemented soybean milk (PFO-SM) in animal models. Analgesic activity was assessed in acetic acid-induced writhing in mice, while anti-inflammatory activity was performed in ethyl phenylpropiolate (EPP)-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in rats. Anti-ulcer effects were conducted in water immersion stress, HCl/ethanol and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Distinctly, PFO, containing 6.96 mg ALA and 2.61 mg LA equivalence/g, did not induce acute toxicity (LD₅₀ > 10 mL/kg) in mice. PFO (2.5 and 5 mL/kg) and PFO-SM (0.05 mL PFO equivalence/kg) inhibited incidences of writhing (16.8, 18.0 and 32.3%, respectively) in acetic acid-induced mice. In addition, topical applications of PFO (0.1 and 1 mL/ear) significantly inhibited EPP-induced ear edema (59.3 and 65.7%, respectively) in rats, while PFO-SM slightly inhibited ear edema (25.9%). However, PFO and PFO-SM did not inhibit carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in rats. Indeed, PFO (2.5 and 5 mL/kg) significantly inhibited gastric ulcers in rats that induced by water immersion stress (92.4 and 96.6%, respectively), HCl/ethanol (74.8 and 73.3%, respectively) and indomethacin (68.8 and 88.9%, respectively), while PFO-SM did not. PFO displayed potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties, while PFO-SM exerted only analgesic properties. Thus, Thai PFO and its functional drink offer potential benefits in treatment of analgesic, inflammatory diseases and gastric ulcer.