Natural Bioenhancers in Drug Delivery: An Overview.

When the bioavailability of a drug increases, a corresponding increase in the levels of that drug in the bloodstream occurs. With this, drug efficacy is augmented and the dosage required to yield a specific therapeutic effect diminishes comparably. Until recently, only a few methods have proven effective in enhancing drug bioavailability, among which are the disaggregation of micronized molecules, the use of timedrelease and topical preparations, mechanization, polymorph and crystal form selection, drug solubilisation, and the use of nanotechnology.

Hypertension and insulin resistance: implications of mitochondrial dysfunction.

Mitochondria are the primary generators of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS); their pathophysiological roles in hypertension and insulin resistance are but imperfectly understood. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to the etiologies of many complex diseases, but many other factors, including the upregulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and vitamin D deficiency, have also been implicated in hypertension pathogenesis. Hypertension resulting from the disruption of the RAS contributes to the risk of cardiovascular disease.

A new concept for an old system: the anti-inflammatory paradigm of the renin-angiotensin system.

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is classically known as a regulator of arterial pressure, which is accomplished by regulating the balance of water and sodium. This has led to the successful development of drugs such as anti-hypertensives that block the system. In addition, this system has a fundamental role in the mechanisms of inflammation and of defense for the cells and tissues of organisms.

GC-MS confirmation of xylazine (Rompun), a veterinary sedative, in exchanged needles.

In order to assess the extent of xylazine (Xyz) injection in Puerto Rico, two waves of used-syringe collections were performed. In the first, syringes were gathered, anonymously and without additional information; in the second, a short interview, also anonymous, was administered. We found Xyz in 37.