Formulation and rheological evaluation of liposomes-loaded carbopol hydrogels based on thermal waters.

The aims of this study were to develop topical liposomal hydrogels based on thermal waters (TWs) acquired in the region of Biskra (Northeast Algeria) and also to investigate their rheological properties. Liposomes containing two highly mineralized thermal waters, Baraka (BTW) and Salhine (STW), were prepared by probe sonication using phosphatidylcholine (PC) and cholesterol (Chol), plain or mixed with phosphatidylglycerol (PG). Based on their lipid composition, obtained liposomes presented vesicle sizes of 60 nm, a low polydispersity index, and various negative zeta potentials.

Which predilatation balloons provide the best lesion preparation prior to use of drug coated balloons in de-novo lesions? Results from the PREPARE study.

Background: There is a lack of data on the clinical outcomes following the use of different strategies for lesion preparation prior to the use of drug-coated balloons (DCB). In this study, we have explored the clinical outcomes between different types of predilatation balloons: semi-compliant (SB), non-compliant (NB) and scoring balloons (ScB) used when preparing de-novo lesions prior to the use of DCB.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated all patients who underwent treatment with DCB for de-novo lesions between 2011-2019 at 4 high-volume European centres.

Drug-coated balloon for the management of coronary chronic total occlusions.

There is a higher rate of successful recanalization of patients with coronary chronic total occlusions, nevertheless, the rate of patients referred for revascularization remains low. In addition, there is a greater need to improve long-term outcomes of chronic total occlusions after percutaneous coronary intervention, and although the implantation of new-generation drug-eluting stents has been optimized with coronary imaging guidance, the rate of stenting failure remains a major issue and long-term vessel patency could be improved. We reviewed clinical data regarding the benefit of treating chronic total occlusions and the use of drug-coated balloons as an alternative therapeutic modality in this setting.

DCBs as an adjuvant tool to DES for very complex coronary lesions.

Drug eluting stents (DES) have revolutionised interventional cardiology and currently represent the standard for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). However, due to several limitations, new strategies are required, especially in very complex lesions. Drug-coated balloons (DCB) offer an attractive therapeutic alternative, and have already obtained a Class I recommendation for the treatment of in stent restenosis (ISR) with Level A of evidence.

Anti-inflammatory effects of free and liposome-encapsulated Algerian thermal waters in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

The main objectives of this work were to formulate liposomes encapsulating highly mineralized thermal waters (TWs) and to study anti-inflammatory effect of free and encapsulated thermal waters on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). TWs-loaded conventional and deformable liposomes (TWs-Lip and TWs-DLip) were prepared by sonication and extrusion, respectively.