Extra Virgin Olive Oil Nanoemulsion Attenuated Inflammatory Response in LPS-Induced Sepsis

The provision of nutritional components in critical illness such as sepsis remains a big issue in clinical application, particularly through oral route due to intestinal integrity damaged-associated absorption problem. The aim of this research was to develop an EVOO nanoemulsion as a nutrient carrier to improve its permeability while maintaining intestinal mucosa integrity in a mouse model of LPS-induced endotoxemia. EVOO nanoemulsion was prepared by using the ultrasonication-mild agitation method. EVOO nanoemulsion (1.5 mL) was administered to the mice via an orogastric tube. The effect of EVOO nanoemulsion was evaluated by assessing the histopathological alterations in the lung, measuring the activation of NF?B-p65, the levels of circulating SP-D, TNF-?, IL-8, and IL-10. The main result, EVOO nanoemulsion decreased circulating SP-D level after 24h. In conclusion, EVOO nanoemulsion is a promising carrier to improve nutrient absorption and decrease circulating SP-D as an organ injury biomarker.

Self-Emulsifying Formulations: A Pharmaceutical Review

The oral route of drug delivery is commonly utilized for administration of medicines and is particularly preferred for the treatment of many chronic diseases which require continuous ingestion over a reasonably prolonged period of time. However the oral delivery of lipophilic drugs presents a major obstacle because of their low aqueous solubility. The aqueous solubility of a drug is a crucial determinant of its dissolution rate, absorption and bioavailability. Drugs with relatively high intrinsic lipophilicity can be dissolved in appropriate mixtures of oils/lipids, surfactants, cosolvents which can rapidly form oil-in-water (o/w) fine emulsions when dispersed in aqueous phase under mild agitation or mixing. These isotropic self-emulsifying formulations or self-emulsifying drug delivery systems are effective for delivery of poorly soluble, lipophilic drugs by dispersing the drugs within fine oil droplets in emulsions and this solubilization of drugs can then improve its absorption, bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. The present paper reviews the concept, design, formulation, characterization and applications of self-emulsifying formulations. Keywords: Self-Emulsifying Formulations, lipophilicity, emulsions

Microvillar Ultrastructural Alterations in the Human Duodenal Mucosa - a SEM-and TEM Study

Biopsies from the second and third portions of the human duodenum have been studied by both SEM and TEM. The biopsies taken for SEM were immediately placed in a rinse solution of Millonigs buffer and 1% urea for 30 minutes with mild agitation at 4°C. The specimen was then fixed in 2% gluteraldehyde in Millonigs buffer overnight at 4°C. Postfixation was OsO4 for 30 minutes at 4°C. The specimen was then examined under a dissecting microscope, and if still covered with mucus, was rinsed for 1 minute in 1% HC1 with mild agitation. The sample was then dehydrated through a graded ethanol series, and critically point dried from CO2. The transmission samples were immediately fixed in 2% gluteraldehyde, postfixed in OSO4, and processed in the usual way.