Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal最新文献

{"title":"Early use of everolimus for neonatal cardiac rhabdomyoma: a pharmacotherapeutic case with pharmacist-led monitoring.","authors":"Mohammad Alsharhan, Omar S Alkhezi, Osamah M Alfayez","doi":"10.1007/s44446-026-00067-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44446-026-00067-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cardiac rhabdomyomas (CRHM) are the most common primary cardiac tumors in neonates and are closely linked to tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). While many tumors regress spontaneously, large or strategically located lesions may require intervention. Everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, has shown efficacy in managing TSC-associated tumors, though its use in neonatal CRHM remains largely supported by case reports. We report a term male neonate diagnosed with multiple CRHMs and found to have a heterozygous variant of uncertain significance in the TSC2 gene. The tumor size and location led to early initiation of oral everolimus at 0.06 mg/kg twice daily. Therapeutic drug monitoring revealed supratherapeutic levels during the first week, requiring stepwise dose reduction. Over five weeks of treatment, serial echocardiograms demonstrated marked regression of all tumor masses without adverse effects. A clinical pharmacist supervised the extemporaneous preparation, dose adjustment, and caregiver education to ensure treatment accuracy and safety. This case highlights the role of early, closely monitored everolimus therapy as a safe, non-surgical alternative for managing neonatal CRHM. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case from Saudi Arabia describing early everolimus treatment for neonatal CRHM and highlighting the critical role of the clinical pharmacist in individualized dosing, therapeutic monitoring, and caregiver education.</p>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"34 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13172176/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147935020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Formulation and optimization of gastroretentive tablets containing famotidine in combination with antacids: In vitro evaluations and stability studies.","authors":"Azizah M Aldosari, Gamal M Mahrous, Awwad A Radwan, Adel F Alghaith","doi":"10.1007/s44446-026-00075-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44446-026-00075-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Famotidine (FMD) is a histamine H₂-receptor antagonist frequently co-administered with antacids to accomplish synergistic effects. It exhibits a rapid onset of action, limited bioavailability, and a short half-life. Effervescent floating tablets (EFTs) are low-density gastroretentive formulations designed to overcome the limited bioavailability of drugs. This study aims to develop single-layer EFTs to provide sustained drug release and prolonged gastric residence time. The EFTs were formulated for FMD in combination with calcium carbonate and aluminum hydroxide as antacids using the direct compression technique. The study investigated the effects of varying ratios of guar gum, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) on parameters including hardness, friability, floating lag time, dissolution efficiency (DE), and cumulative drug release after 8 h. The optimized EFTs formulation was composed of 14.74% w/w guar gum, 7% w/w HPMC, and 15% w/w PVP. It demonstrated a hardness of 54.28 N, friability of 0.74%, a floating lag time of 40.69 min, a DE of 53.25%, and a cumulative drug release of 84.64%. The results closely aligned with the predicted values of 55.2 N, 0.72%, 32.12 min, 59.87%, and 87.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the optimized EFTs formulation remained stable under accelerated stability conditions for 6 months and provided sustained drug release compared with commercial tablets, which released their contents within 30 min.</p>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"34 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13161395/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147870043","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tutorial on non inferiority trial in pharmaceutical research: an important and applied issue.","authors":"Farzan Madadizadeh, Golnaz Afzal","doi":"10.1007/s44446-026-00077-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44446-026-00077-z","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"34 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13149718/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147845085","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the Arabic version of the Medication Adherence Universal Questionnaire among Omani patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.","authors":"Iman Asrawi, Juhaina Salim Al-Maqbali, Ana C Cabral, Margarida Castel-Branco, Isabel V Figueiredo, Fernando Fernandez-Llimos, Raya Al Maskari, Abdullah M Al Alawi, Asma Al Shidhani, Mohammed Al Za'abi","doi":"10.1007/s44446-026-00083-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44446-026-00083-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate an Arabic version of the Medication Adherence Universal Questionnaire (MAUQ-ar-OM) for Omani adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to assess its association with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). A cross-sectional psychometric validation was conducted at a tertiary-care hospital in Oman from October 2024 to January 2025, enrolling 300 participants. The MAUQ was translated and culturally adapted using forward-backward translation, expert panel review (n = 4), and cognitive interview testing and then administered by a trained clinical pharmacist using a standardized script. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) compared second order and bifactor models using CFI, TLI, RMSEA (90% CI) and SRMR. Convergent validity with HbA1c was assessed using Spearman's correlation (ρ). The bifactor model showed superior fit indices (CFI = 0.904; TLI = 0.868; RMSEA = 0.055; SRMR = 0.057) compared with the second-order model (CFI = 0.849; TLI=0.819). Cronbach's α coefficients for total scores, positive attitude towards healthcare and medication (PAM), lack of discipline, aversion towards medication and active coping with health problems subscales were 0.69, 0.71, 0.67, 0.59 and 0.42, respectively. The PAM subscale showed small inverse correlation with HbA1c (ρ = -0.157; 95% CI: - 0.269 to - 0.041; p < 0.01), whereas other subscales and the total score showed no significant correlation. The MAUQ-ar-OM demonstrates construct validity for assessing medication adherence beliefs and behaviors among Arabic-speaking Omani adults with T2DM, with the bifactor structure supporting domain-level interpretation and the total score used descriptively. Further research is warranted to confirm reliability and generalizability across other Arabic-speaking populations, conditions and administration modes.</p>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"34 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13139534/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147822815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Juniper camphor: An emerging sesquiterpene compound with promising chemistry, biological potential, and future perspectives.","authors":"Salma Ebrahim Mohammed, Abdullah Haikal","doi":"10.1007/s44446-026-00082-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44446-026-00082-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Juniper camphor, a sesquiterpene alcohol with selinane-type skeleton, which is a subset of the eudesmane family generated predominantly from several Juniperus species, is an important phytochemical having medicinal benefits. Juniper camphor, also called eudesm-7(11)-en-4-ol, is a sesquiterpene having the chemical formula C₁₅H₂₆O. It is largely made from the essential oils of numerous juniper species, including Juniperus communis and Juniperus californica. Methods of extraction, botanical distribution, and environmental factors can influence the yield of juniper camphor extracted from natural populations. Juniper camphor has gained attention for its diverse applications in traditional medicine, aromatherapy, and the fragrance and flavor industries. Recent studies highlight its significant antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in addition to its allelopathic activity. They are significant prospects for further research in the field of natural health therapies because of their many benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13133301/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147787193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Targeting Neurovascular Pathways: Gene Therapy as a Novel Treatment for Vascular Dementia After Stroke.","authors":"Yousra Nomier, Anugeetha Thacheril Mohanan, Dalin A Hassan, Dania Abunaser, Andleeb Khan, Raya Al Maskari, Aamena Jabeen, Mohamed Eltaib Elmobark","doi":"10.1007/s44446-026-00068-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44446-026-00068-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Stroke is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide, resulting from an interruption of blood flow to the brain, which subsequently diminishes oxygen supply. Although strokes can occur at any age, incidence rises significantly after 55. Vascular dementia, a progressive condition associated with cerebral infarction, is a long-term sequela of stroke that predominantly affects older populations. To date, there is no cure for this form of dementia. Recent experimental studies in rodent models, however, demonstrate promising outcomes in combating neuronal degeneration through gene treatments utilizing brain-derived neurotrophic factor, fibroblast growth factor-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor. These advancements suggest a potential breakthrough in vascular dementia treatment. This comprehensive review delves into the complexities of strokes, exploring their challenges and constraints. Furthermore, we explore the growing field of gene therapy, highlighting successful interventions that may revolutionize the landscape of vascular dementia treatment. This review aims to provide a refined understanding of stroke-related issues and the transformative potential of gene-based interventions in mitigating the burden of vascular dementia.</p>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13133300/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147787230","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The biological functions of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) in cancer.","authors":"Faris Almutairi","doi":"10.1007/s44446-026-00085-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44446-026-00085-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cancer is a metabolic disease marked by disruptions in lipid metabolism, which significantly influences tumor development. The synthesis and breakdown of lipids, governed by various enzymes, play a vital role in this process. One notable enzyme, monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), hydrolyzes monoacylglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids, thereby generating protumorigenic lipid-signaling molecules that facilitate tumor growth and malignancy. MAGL's primary substrate, 2-arachidonoylglycerol, acts as an agonist for endocannabinoid receptors and serves as a precursor for arachidonic acid, which is critical in producing pro-inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins. Dysregulation of MAGL expression has been associated with various cancer types. This review summarizes current knowledge of MAGL's role in cancer progression and proposes MAGL as a promising target for cancer therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13129045/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147787160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy and safety of pharmacological and procedural interventions in the management of hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis: a systematic review.","authors":"Muna Al-Ismail, Tamanna Promi, Rahma Hetai, Sara Ahmed, Ahmed Awaisu","doi":"10.1007/s44446-026-00078-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44446-026-00078-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The optimal management strategy for hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis (HTGAP) remains uncertain, despite widespread use of treatment modalities including insulin therapy, heparin infusion, and plasmapheresis. Current evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of these interventions is limited, leading to ongoing debate about their role in HTGAP treatment. This study aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of various management strategies for HTGAP. Following PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, we conducted a comprehensive search of the following electronic databases from their inception until October 2024: PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct, Cochrane library, ProQuest, and Scopus. Studies were included if they were human-based quantitative study design involving a comparison group. The quality assessment tools applied were Jadad scale and CASP tool. Fourteen eligible studies were included in this review were the majority of which were cohort studies (n = 12) with (n = 10) followed a retrospective observational study design. Plasmapheresis significantly reduced triglyceride levels in six studies, while hemofiltration showed similar effectiveness in two studies. Plasmapheresis also demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in length of hospital stay across four studies. The majority of the studies (n = 12) reported no statistically significant effect on mortality. Safety reporting was notably limited, with only four studies documenting treatment-related adverse events. Plasmapheresis and hemofiltration show potential benefits in HTGAP management, but definitive conclusions regarding efficacy and safety remain challenging due to heterogeneous data and limited high-quality studies. Further robust research is needed to establish a well-informed consensus on optimal treatment strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13129130/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147787165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Targeting beta-2 adrenergic receptor attenuates schizophrenia-like behavioral effects induced by ketamine in mice: cAMP/PKA/BDNF-PEA-3 and RIM-1α signaling pathways involvement.","authors":"Mohammed M Heikal, Ahmed F Mohamed, Nora O Abdel Rasheed, Dalia M El-Tanbouly, Noha N Nassar","doi":"10.1007/s44446-026-00079-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44446-026-00079-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The interplay between cAMP/PKA and neuroplasticity involves intricate signaling pathways that are crucial for brain function and are frequently disrupted in schizophrenia. This study sought to examine the potential neuroprotective effects of formoterol on ketamine-induced schizophrenia-like behaviors with emphasis on several PKA downstream crucial targets for schizophrenia management. Male mice were injected with ketamine (20 mg/kg/day, i.p) for 14 days. From day 8, animals were treated with formoterol (100 μg/kg) with or without, the PKA inhibitor, H89 (0.05 mg/kg). Behavioral endpoints were assessed with n = 15 per group, and following sacrifice animals were stratified into subsets for downstream analyses: histopathology (n = 3), biochemical/neurochemical assays (n = 6), and molecular profiling including western blotting (n = 3) and qRT‑PCR (n = 6). Formoterol improved ketamine- induced anxiety, impaired social interaction and anhedonic behavior. It also restored neurochemical balance and enhanced learning and memory functions. Formoterol attenuated neuro-inflammation and oxidative stress, and modulated synaptic plasticity. Formoterol-induced neuroprotection could be attributed to its boosting action on cAMP/PKA/BDNF signaling to promote RIM-1α and PEA-3 gene expression. Consequently, it upregulated glutamate NMDA receptor subunits namely; GluN2A, and GluN2B and augmented expression of vital synaptic plasticity regulators; kalirin-7, PSD-95, synaptophysin and synapsin-2. Accordingly, formoterol is a promising candidate against schizophrenia-associated synaptic dysfunction and neurotransmitters imbalance. Formoterol neuroprotective effects were abolished upon administration of PKA inhibitor confirming that the cAMP/PKA cascade is a vital key-player in the drug favorable effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13129144/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147787233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phytochemical profiling and antidiarrheal activity of Sophora japonica L. fruit extract.","authors":"Fathia S Elshaarawy, Shimaa K Mohamed, Mohamed I S Abdelhady, Nermine M Mohammed","doi":"10.1007/s44446-026-00081-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44446-026-00081-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>One of the biggest causes of disease and death worldwide is still diarrhea, particularly affecting children in developing nations. Genus Sophora (Fabaceae) comprises over fifty species known for their diverse bioactive secondary metabolites and notable pharmacological benefits. This investigation aimed to isolate and identify the polyphenol components in an 80% aqueous methanolic extract (AME) of Sophora japonica fruits and to assess its antioxidant and antidiarrheal properties. A castor oil-induced diarrhea model in rats was used to assess antidiarrheal efficacy, with animals divided into five groups: three groups treated with AME at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg; a control group; and a reference group treated with loperamide (5 mg/kg). Seven compounds were isolated, including compound 1 (cinnamic acid), compound 2 (gallic acid), compound 4 (rutin), compound 5 (genistein), compound 6 (isoquercitrin), compound 7 (quercetin), and compound 3, a new compound identified as (4'-O-methylgenistein-6'''-acetyl-sophoroside). The extract decreased both total and wet fecal production in a dose-dependent manner. It markedly delayed the onset of diarrhea, demonstrating an antidiarrheal index (ADI) of 71.75, comparable to that of the conventional medication at 1000 mg/kg. These results highlight S. japonica fruit extract as a promising natural source for the development of antidiarrheal agents.</p>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13086991/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147700531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}