Gene Therapy: Towards a New Era of Medicine.

Over the past years, many significant advances have been made in the field of gene therapy and shown promising results in clinical trials conducted. Gene therapy aims at modifying or replacing a defective, inefficient, or nonfunctional gene with a healthy, functional gene by administration of genome material into the cell to cure genetic diseases. Various methods have been devised to do this by using several viral and non-viral vectors which are either administered by in vivo or ex vivo technique.

Spray-Dried Mucoadhesive Re-dispersible Gargle of Chlorhexidine for Improved Response Against Throat Infection: Formulation Development, In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation.

Drug delivery to the buccal mucosa is one of the most convenient ways to treat common mouth problems. Here, we propose a spray-dried re-dispersible mucoadhesive controlled release gargle formulation to improve the efficacy of chlorhexidine. The present investigation portrays an approach to get stable and free-flowing spray-dried porous aggregates of chlorhexidine-loaded sodium alginate nanoparticles.

Gastroretentive Drug Delivery System in Cancer Chemotherapy.

Background: Chemotherapy for stomach cancer often includes several side effects. The primary reasons for the failure of such treatment approaches are low drug concentrations in target tissues and a short stomach residence time.

Objective: Gastroretentive controlled drug delivery systems improves the therapeutic performance of chemotherapeutic drugs following oral administration because of the longer gastric retention time.

A review: traditional herbs and remedies impacting pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, leading to misbalance and loss of coordination. Current therapies are claimed only for symptomatic relief, on long-term use, which causes alteration in basal ganglia, and give rise to various adverse effects like dyskinesia and extra pyramidal side effects, which is reversed and proved to be attenuated with the help of various herbal approaches. Therefore, in order to attenuate the dopaminergic complications, focus of current research has been shifted from dopaminergic to non-dopaminergic strategies.

Recent advances in topical carriers of anti-fungal agents.

Fungal skin infections are the most common global issue for skin health. Fungal infections are often treated by topical or systemic anti-fungal therapy. Topical fungal therapy is usually preferred because of their targeted therapy and fewer side effects.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Studies of Nifedipine Loaded Microspheres for the Treatment of Hypertension.

Purpose: The purpose of this research work was to evaluate the Pharmacokinetic (PK), Pharmacodynamic (PD), and the distribution pattern of mucoadhesive microspheres of nifedipine.

Methods: Firstly, the emulsion solvent evaporation technique was used to prepare the mucoadhesive microspheres. The microspheres were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and studies were carried on Wistar rats.

Correction to: Embelin Attenuates Intracerebroventricular Streptozotocin-Induced Behavioral, Biochemical, and Neurochemical Abnormalities in Rats.

The original version of this article unfortunately missed to include the other affiliation of the first author Rimpi Arora as listed below.

Development and Characterization of a Clobetasol Propionate Nanostructured Lipid Carrier-Based Gel for the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis.

Background: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease of the skin with lapsing episodes of hyperkeratosis, irritation, and inflammation. Numerous traditional and novel drug delivery systems have been used for better penetration through psoriatic barrier cells and also for retention in the skin. As there is no effective remedy for better penetration, and retention is there because of the absence of an ideal carrier for effective and safe delivery of antipsoriatic drugs.

Protective Effect of Hemin Against Experimental Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Mice: Possible Role of Neurotransmitters.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder characterized by persistent and relapsing fatigue along with long-lasting and debilitating fatigue, myalgia, cognitive impairment, and many other common symptoms. The present study was conducted to explore the protective effect of hemin on CFS in experimental mice. Male albino mice were subjected to stress-induced CFS in a forced swimming test apparatus for 21 days.

Mucoadhesive formulations: innovations, merits, drawbacks, and future outlook.

Mucosa has now been recognized as a potential site for both local and systemic delivery of therapeutics. Mucoadhesive drug delivery systems with customizable release profiles have recently gained considerable interest among formulation scientists to improve clinical outcomes of drugs. This review summarizes the current development in the processing methods and polymers involved in mucoadhesive drug delivery systems.

Topical application of nanoparticles integrated supramolecular hydrogels for the potential treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis.

The current application was aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of selenium and ketoconazole nanoparticles loaded hyaluronic acid gel against seborrhoeic dermatitis (SD). Amalgamation of ketoconazole (antifungal medication) and selenium (pro-oxidant) in an optimized formulation setting may help in the treatment of SD. In this study, selenium and ketoconazole nanoparticles loaded hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel was prepared by mechanical mixing followed by sonication.

Development and characterization of pellets for targeted delivery of 5-fluorouracil and phytic acid for treatment of colon cancer in Wistar rat.

The present study was designed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of metal chelator and anticancer drug in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Pellets containing Phytic acid, 5- Fluorouracil (5-FU), Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) PH 101, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) and Barium sulfate were prepared by using extrusion spheronization technique. Prepared pellets were coated with Eudragit S100 to achieve colon-specific drug delivery.

Formulation and evaluation of UV protective synbiotic skin care topical formulation.

: The objective of current study to investigate the photo protective potential of synbiotic formulation comprising of prebiotic and probiotic. : Selenium nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical reduction method and investigated for physical-chemical properties including morphology, physical state, and free radical scavenging potential. Selection of probiotic biomass was made on the free radical scavenging potential by using NO assay.

Mitochondrial dysfunctioning and neuroinflammation: Recent highlights on the possible mechanisms involved in Traumatic Brain Injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the injury to the vasculature of brain while trauma caused by physical, chemical and biological stimuli. TBI is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity around the world. In this, primary insult leads to secondary injury through the involvement and initiation of various pathological processes.

Quality by design driven development of resveratrol loaded ethosomal hydrogel for improved dermatological benefits via enhanced skin permeation and retention.

Resveratrol is a potent anti-oxidant agent and can be used for the effective management of different skin conditions like extrinsic skin ageing, psoriasis, etc. The objective of this research was to develop a dermal delivery system of resveratrol for its improved dermatological benefits for achieving its enhanced skin deposition profile with limited systemic exposure. Resveratrol loaded ethosomal hydrogel was developed and optimized using systematic Quality by Design approach.

Recent advances in aerosolised drug delivery.

Pulmonary route is extensively studied for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary and extra pulmonary disease conditions such as asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema, and bronchitis. Formulation design, inhalation device and particle size play key role in determining the aerosol performance. The lack of desired clinical outcome along with the problem regarding efficacy or any adverse drug effect may arise due to improper training and education in use of the device to control the actuation and aerosol inhalation.

Development of Nanofibrous Ocular Insert for Retinal Delivery of Fluocinolone Acetonide.

Purpose: Topical formulations are less effective in treating retinal inflammatory diseases due to poor avaliability of drug at target tissues. Nanofibers due to their unique structural features show great promise for drug delivery to retinal segment following topical application.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to design preservative free controlled release ocular drug delivery system for improved drug availability at the target site with higher patient compliance.

Recent advancement in nanocarriers for oral vaccination.

Non-invasive mucosal immune response plays an important role in controlling various infections through mucosal route. Therefore, the appropriate induction of effective immune response should be elicited after immunization. Currently, a lot of strategies have been investigated to enhance the mucosal immunity including microparticles, liposomes, virosomes, cochleates and aracheosomes.

Novel Topical Nanocarriers for Treatment of Psoriasis: An Overview.

Background: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease of the skin with lapsing episodes of hyperkeratosis, irritation and inflammation. Numerous methodologies and utilization of different antipsoriatic drugs with various activity methods and routes of administration have been investigated to treat this terrifying sickness. In any case, till date, there is no remedy for psoriasis because of the absence of an ideal carrier for effective and safe delivery of antipsoriatic drugs.

Development and Characterization of Novel Medicated Nanofiber for the Treatment of Periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a common microbial infection that involves pocket formation due to the destruction of periodontal ligament. The present work is oriented to provide a holistic approach for the treatment of periodontitis comprising localized delivery of nanometric hydroxyapatite as a reinforcing filler and silver-metronidazole as periodontal pocket disinfectant adjunct to current periodontal therapy because of its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and low systemic toxicity. In the present work, electrospinning technique was used to prepare medicated nanofiber enriched with antibacterial-hydroxyapatite layers for dental application.

Nicotinamide reverses behavioral impairments and provides neuroprotection in 3-nitropropionic acid induced animal model ofHuntington's disease: implication of oxidative stress- poly(ADP- ribose) polymerase pathway.

Huntington's disease (HD) is characterized by cognitive and psychiatric impairment caused by neuronal degeneration in the brain. Several studies have supported the hypothesis that oxidative stress is the main pathogenic factor in HD. The current study aims to determine the possible neuroprotective effects of nicotinamide on 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) induced HD.

Nanoparticles as carriers for drug delivery in cancer.

Cancer nanotherapeutics are swiftly progressing and are being applied to solve several limitations of conventional drug delivery systems such as non-specific biodistribution and targeting, lack of water solubility and poor oral bioavailability. Advances in protein engineering and materials science have contributed to novel nanoscale targeting approaches that may bring new hope to cancer patients. Several therapeutic nanocarriers have been approved for clinical use.

Development and Characterization of Gastroretentive High-Density Pellets Lodged With Zero Valent Iron Nanoparticles.

The objective of the present study is to improve iron bioavailability using high-density gastroretentive pellets of zero valent iron nanoparticles (ZVINPs). ZVINPs were prepared by the chemical reduction method and were characterized for surface morphology, surface charge, and thermal properties. High-density gastroretentive pellets of iron nanoparticles were prepared using spheronization technique.

Advancement in the treatment of haemophilia.

Poor understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in Haemophilia is a major obstacle in accessing effective haemophilia disease management. Haemophilia is a life-frightening bleeding problem in which there are repeated bleeding episodes. Various approaches have been used, involves clotting factor replacement therapy for effective bleeding control in Haemophilia.

Recent Advances in Nanosuspension Technology for Drug Delivery.

Background: Discovery and development of BCS class 1 drugs through high throughput screening is one of the biggest challenge faced by formulation scientist.

Methods: There are a number of approaches that have been exploited to enhance the solubility and permeability of drugs. Among them, development of nanosuspension has offered several benefits.