The Effect of Particle Size on the Absorption of Cyclosporin A Nanosuspension Through the Gastrointestinal Barrier

Background: The particle size is one of great important properties of nanoparticles which affects the dissolution rate in vitro and pharmacokinetics in vivo. This study aimed to design an oral cyclosporin A nanosuspension (CsA-NS) and investigate the effect of particle size of cyclosporin A nanosuspension (CsA-NS) on absorption through the gastrointestinal barrier.Results: CsA-NSs with different particle sizes were prepared. Dissolution rate in vitro, transmembrane permeation, gastrointestinal transport properties and the oral absorption of CsA-NSs were promoted by reducing size, except cellular uptake. Specially the particle size of CsA-NSs was nanoscale, their bioavailability was bioequivalent with marked soft capsules (Sandimmun Neoral®) which is self-microemulsion. Conclusions: This study proposed the potential of developing CsA oral multi dosage form, taken the advantage of nanosuspensions.

Susceptibility of Atta sexdens worker ants treated with the immunosuppressant Sandimmun Neoral to Metarhizium anisopliae

The objective of this work was to evaluate if the immunosuppressant Sandimmun Neoral enhances the activity of Metarhizium anisopliae against the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens. The vulnerability to the pathogen was measured by comparing the mortality rate of worker ants subjected to the following treatments: immunosuppressant+control, immunosuppressant+M. anisopliae, excipient+control, excipient+M. anisopliae, control+M. anisopliae, and control. Worker ants treated with immunosuppressant+M. anisopliae showed the highest mortality rate in comparison with those subjected to all other treatments. The use of the immunosuppressant together with entomopathogenic fungus controlled leaf-cutting ants in laboratory conditions.

The evaluation of Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI) test in dogs with Atopic Dermatitis (AD) treated with cyclosporine or prednisone

The evaluation of Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI) test in dogs with Atopic Dermatitis (AD) treated with cyclosporine or prednisone The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical state of dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD) by use of CADESI test in own modification during the first visit in the Dermatology Consult Room as well as during the treatment. The study was performed in two groups (I-E and II-C) of 20 dogs in each group. In dogs which were qualified to the I-E group, as antiallergic, anti-inflammatory and antipruritic treatment, prednisone (oral preparation Encorton - Polfa Pabianice) at dose 0.5 mg/kg b.w./day was administered, while in dogs qualified to the II-C group - cyclosporine (oral preparation Sandimmun Neoral - Novartis Pharma) at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w./day; the treatment was continued for 6 weeks in both groups. During the study, skin lesions were assessed in 15 specified body areas using 4 parameters and 5-point scale. In group I-E and II-C the amount of received points in CADESI test was decreased by 82.26% and by 83% respectively, after the treatment. Statistical analyses of the results obtained revealed no statistically significant (P=0.05) differences between means of I-E and II-C groups in consecutive examinations, which indicates comparable clinical efficacy of both drugs. Statistically significant differences (P=0.05) of the parameters assessed were found after secondary dermatoses treatment, and after every two weeks of antipruritic and anti-inflammatory treatment.