Acta Pharmaceutica最新文献

{"title":"Deep eutectic solvents in pharmaceutical applications: A review.","authors":"Li Zechen","doi":"10.2478/acph-2026-0012","DOIUrl":"10.2478/acph-2026-0012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have garnered significant attention in pharmaceutical research in recent years due to their high efficiency, facile separability and biocompatibility. Characterised by hydrogen-bond donors (HBDs) and hydrogen-bond acceptors (HBAs), DESs exhibit low toxicity, favourable biodegradability, and excellent solubilising properties, rendering them promising alternatives to conventional organic solvents in drug synthesis, natural active ingredient extraction and drug delivery. This review systematically evaluates the broad pharmaceutical applications of DESs, with particular emphasis on enhanced drug solubility and bioavailability. In plant extraction, DESs outperform traditional solvents (<i>e.g</i>., diethyl ether) by improving the recovery efficiency of bioactive compounds. In drug synthesis, certain DESs function simultaneously as reaction media and catalysts, enhancing reaction efficiency and selectivity while minimising environmental impact. In drug delivery, DESs facilitate transdermal and oral absorption through interactions with biological membranes, making improved delivery efficiency. Despite these advantages, challenges remain, including high viscosity, formulation complexity, and unresolved regulatory considerations. Future research must focus on physico-chemical optimisation, safety evaluation, and scalable production to fully realise the potential in pharmaceutical applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":7034,"journal":{"name":"Acta Pharmaceutica","volume":" ","pages":"1-22"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148040227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Targeting atherosclerotic inflammation: Advances in NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors beyond LDL-C.","authors":"Ligang Bao, Xialing Dai","doi":"10.2478/acph-2026-0019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acph-2026-0019","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Atherosclerosis, the main pathological background of cardiovascular diseases, is not only characterized by lipid metabolism disorders but also chronic inflammation as a major driver of disease progression. As a key regulator of inflammatory immune responses, the NLRP3 inflamma-some is involved in the development and instability of atherosclerotic plaques. Although reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) confers benefits, residual cardiovascular risk persists, necessitating novel anti-inflammatory therapies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of NLRP3 inflammasome activation mechanisms and its role in plaque inflammation. We systematically summarize current NLRP3 inhibitors under preclinical and clinical development, including small molecules and biologics, with emphasis on design strategies, structural characteristics and pharmacological activities. Challenges in clinical translation, such as tissue targeting and safety, are also discussed. By integrating recent advances in molecular mechanisms and medicinal chemistry, this article aims to provide a theoretical basis for targeted anti-inflammatory therapies beyond lipid lowering.</p>","PeriodicalId":7034,"journal":{"name":"Acta Pharmaceutica","volume":"76 2","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148403378","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"SEM/EDS analysis as a complementary tool for continuous improvement of cefixime granules for oral suspension.","authors":"Ivana Mitrevska, Dino Karpicarov, Ana Mihailovska, Dejan Mirakovski, Olivera Paneva, Gjorgji Petrushevski","doi":"10.2478/acph-2026-0018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acph-2026-0018","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this study was to evaluate scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) as complementary analytical tools for supporting continuous improvement in pharmaceutical granule manufacturing. Pilot-scale cefixime granules for oral suspension were prepared as defined process scenarios, including placebo, reference, intermediate, stress-exposed, and optimised batches. SEM was used to compare granule morphology, surface integrity, and agglomeration behaviour, whereas EDS provided qualitative and semi-quantitative information on localised elemental composition, with emphasis on sulfur as an API-related marker and oxygen-to--sulfur trends as surface-sensitive indicators of process- or stress-related variability. Intermediate and stress-exposed batches showed increased surface roughness, microstructural deterioration, and higher oxygen-to-sulfur ratios, whereas reference and optimised batches showed more uniform morphology and comparable elemental profiles. The findings indicate that SEM/EDS can provide useful material-level insight into process-related variability and may support root--cause investigation and process refinement. Overall, SEM/EDS is proposed as a complementary, localised, and semi-quantitative approach for supporting continuous improvement in pharmaceutical granule manufacturing.</p>","PeriodicalId":7034,"journal":{"name":"Acta Pharmaceutica","volume":"76 2","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148403385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recurrent urinary tract infections in older adults: A systematic review of current challenges and emerging therapeutic strategies.","authors":"Junmei Lv, Ajaz Ahmad Waza","doi":"10.2478/acph-2026-0017","DOIUrl":"10.2478/acph-2026-0017","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>As global life expectancy continues to rise, urinary tract infections (UTIs) have become an increasing concern in older adults. The higher prevalence in this population is attributed to anatomical and physiological changes of the urinary tract, hormonal imbalances, immunosenescence, and the presence of comorbidities. These factors, combined with a distinct microbiological profile and rising antimicrobial resistance, create significant clinical challenges in diagnosis and treatment. We conducted a systematic review of clinical trials and observational studies on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) in older adults. The prevalence of rUTIs increases with age, disproportionately affecting women, with 53 % of those over 55 years experiencing recurrences within one year. Healthcare-associated UTIs (HAUTIs) account for 20-30 % of nosocomial infections, primarily impacting older adults. The host microbiome seemed crucial in UTI pathogenesis, with <i>Escherichia coli</i> being the leading causative agent due to its ability to adhere, colonise, and evade the immune response. In elderly patients, atypical presentations - such as delirium, functional decline, or nonspecific abdominal symptoms - complicate diagnosis, underscoring the critical need to differentiate symptomatic infections from asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) to prevent misdiagnosis and overtreatment. Effective management requires accurate diagnosis, appropriate antibiotic selection, and careful monitoring of adverse effects, especially in patients with comorbidities. Emerging therapies, including faecal microbiota transplantation, bacteriophages, probiotics, and proanthocyanidins, offer promising adjuncts. While long-term antibiotic prophylaxis is effective, it increases the risk of bacterial resistance, particularly in catheterised patients. Behavioural modifications, such as increased fluid intake, aid pathogen clearance, and topical estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women provides additional preventive benefit. Managing recurrent UTIs in ageing populations requires addressing microbiological, diagnostic, and antimicrobial resistance challenges. Despite resistance levels, the first-line treatment, nitrofurantoin, remains a viable therapeutic option, particularly in developed countries. An integrated approach combining individualised care, healthcare provider training, and rational antimicrobial use is essential to improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Future strategies should focus on novel antimicrobials targeting bacterial virulence factors, vaccines against uropathogens, and advanced diagnostic technologies.</p>","PeriodicalId":7034,"journal":{"name":"Acta Pharmaceutica","volume":"76 2","pages":"1-25"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148403419","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synergistic effect of piperine combined with luteolin on anti-non-small cell lung cancer activity\u0000 <i>in vitro</i>\u0000 and in LLC tumour-bearing mice: Mechanistic insights from network pharmacology and molecular docking","authors":"Liangfeng Wang, Yuexing Chang, Yufeng Liu, Ailing Guo, Baorong Wang, Feng Jin, Yun Deng","doi":"10.2478/acph-2026-0015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acph-2026-0015","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7034,"journal":{"name":"Acta Pharmaceutica","volume":"76 2","pages":"1-26"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148394332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of astragaloside IV on a model of isoproterenol-induced hypertrophic injury in H9c2 cells.","authors":"Yang Long, Yuan Xiao, Chun Chen, Chao Peng, Yuxi Zhang","doi":"10.2478/acph-2026-0006","DOIUrl":"10.2478/acph-2026-0006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The objective of this study was to explore the protective effect of astragaloside IV on a model of isoproterenol-induced (ISO) hyper-trophic injury in rat cardiomyocytes H9c2 (cell line derived from embryonic BD1X rat heart tissue). A cell hypertrophy injury model was established (H9c2 cells treated with 100 μmol L-1 ISO). The cells were divided into normal control, a model group, and an astragalo-side IV group at several concentrations. Astragaloside IV was pre-administered for 2 hours, followed by ISO treatment for 24 hours. Cell viability, cell surface area, apoptosis rate, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), the mRNA levels of Bcl-2, Bax, p62, and LC3, the protein expressions of Sirt1, p62, caspase-3, beclin, and p53 and the LC3II/LC3I ratio were detected. Astragaloside IV significantly alleviated ISO-induced hypertrophy injury in H9c2 cells, reduced cell surface area and LDH release, decreased apoptosis rate and intracellular ROS levels, increased SOD levels, upregulated the expressions of autophagy-related mRNA and proteins, and downregulated the expressions of apoptosis-related mRNA and proteins. Astragaloside IV can effectively inhibit ISO-induced hypertrophy and apoptosis in H9c2 cells, and its mechanism may be related to promoting auto-phagy and reducing oxidative stress.</p>","PeriodicalId":7034,"journal":{"name":"Acta Pharmaceutica","volume":"76 1","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147508729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"H3 relaxin mediated neuroprotection in Alzheimer's disease pathology induced by streptozotocin in mouse models: Impact on memory improvement, autophagy and PI3K/Akt-mTOR signalling pathway.","authors":"Huiyu Zhao, Yuhong Sun, Shaik Althaf Hussain, Hua Gao","doi":"10.2478/acph-2026-0009","DOIUrl":"10.2478/acph-2026-0009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterised by β-amyloid (Aβ) plaque accumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation. H3 relaxin, a neuro-peptide, is known to exert neuroprotective effects. In this study, we investigated how H3 relaxin confers neuroprotection in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced mouse model and modulates PI3K/Akt-mTOR signalling. Mice were divided into four groups (<i>n</i> = 6 per group): control (saline), STZ, STZ + H3 relaxin, and STZ + donepezil. Following STZ induction, H3 relaxin (1 µg per day) was administered intracerebro ventricularly (ICV) for 14 consecutive days, whereas donepezil (2.5 mg kg^-1 per day) was administered orally for the same duration. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM) test. Aβ deposition in the cortex was evaluated through immunohistochemistry. Western blotting was conducted for tau phospho rylation, PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling, and autophagy markers in the hippocampus. Oxidative stress and inflammation markers were measured using ELISA. H3 relaxin markedly improved memory by decreasing escape latency and duration while spending more time in the target quadrant in the MWM test. Additionally, H3 relaxin reduced Aβ plaque burden and tau phosphorylation (Ser396/404) while enhancing PI3K/Akt-mTOR signalling. Oxidative stress was attenuated, as evidenced by increased GSH and HO-1 levels and reduced MDA and H₂O₂ concentrations. Moreover, markers of inflammation, NF-κB and TNF-α were suppressed. Overall, H3 relaxin ameliorated cognitive deficits in STZ-induced AD mice through modulation of impaired PI3K/Akt-mTOR signalling, reduction of Aβ and tau pathology, and promotion of autophagy.</p>","PeriodicalId":7034,"journal":{"name":"Acta Pharmaceutica","volume":"76 1","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147508651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sedation management in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients: Meta-analysis review.","authors":"Fawei Yuan, Dong Liu","doi":"10.2478/acph-2026-0003","DOIUrl":"10.2478/acph-2026-0003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sedation is crucial for managing mechanically ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients, but agents differ in their effects. Propofol, benzodiazepines and <i>α</i> ₂-agonists are commonly used, yet their comparative impact remains unclear. This review searched OVID MEDLINE and Embase from January 2006 to June 2025 for randomised controlled trials in adult ICU patients. The primary outcome was duration of mechanical ventilation; secondary outcomes were ICU length of stay, delirium and mortality. Twenty-six trials (<i>N</i> = 4,993) were included. Dexmedetomidine significantly shortened mechanical ventilation (mean difference [MD] -0.60 days; 95 % CI -0.89 to -0.31), with larger effects <i>versus</i> midazolam (MD -1.25 days) and mixed comparators (MD -1.23 days), but not <i>versus</i> propofol (MD -0.34 days). ICU stay was also reduced (MD -0.94 days; 95 % CI -1.49 to -0.39). Delirium risk decreased (odds ratio [OR] 0.58; 95 % CI 0.38-0.87). No mortality difference was found. Dexmedetomidine is therefore associated with a modest but clinically meaningful reduction in ventilation time, ICU stay and delirium, particularly when compared with benzodiaze-pines, though benefits over propofol are less certain.</p>","PeriodicalId":7034,"journal":{"name":"Acta Pharmaceutica","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145909989","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sexually dimorphic and time-dependent influence of active avoidance learning by vilazodone in C57BL/6J mice.","authors":"Kang Hu, Anran Zhang, Yuan Shi, Huizhen Yuan, Xiangxi Kong, Jun Ma","doi":"10.2478/acph-2026-0007","DOIUrl":"10.2478/acph-2026-0007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The effects of vilazodone (VZD) on the acquisition of active avoidance behavior were examined in C57BL/6J mice. Both female and male mice were assigned to three groups (<i>n</i> = 8 per group per sex): the vehicle control group (VEH), the 0.5 mg kg^-1 vilazodone lower dose group (VZD0.5) and the 1 mg kg^-1 vilazodone higher dose group (VZD1.0). Spontaneous locomotion and anxiety-like behaviour were assessed after drug administration intraperitoneally in an open field test (OFT). Another cohort of mice was trained in a three-day shuttle box active avoidance test (AAT) after drug administrations with the aim of evaluating the effects of VZD on the acquisition of active avoidance behaviour. In the OFT, VZD decreased freezing time in the corner area in both female and male mice, indicating reduced anxiety-like behaviours. In the AAT, the active avoidance rate was significantly improved on day 1 in female mice and day 2 in male mice, suggesting that VZD facilitated active avoidance learning with sexual dimorphism. Furthermore, the increased active avoidance rates were negatively correlated with freezing time during training. Interestingly, these group differences and correlations diminished on day 3, implying that the facilitation was restricted to early training phases. Collectively, VZD facilitates the acquisition of active avoidance behaviour in mice with distinct sexual dimorphism and temporal dynamics.</p>","PeriodicalId":7034,"journal":{"name":"Acta Pharmaceutica","volume":"76 1","pages":"1-15"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147508692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beneficial effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on leaky gut, inflammation and oxidative stress in propionic acid-induced autism in aged rats.","authors":"Amal Aloud, Hayat Alzahrani, Shaista Arzoo, Raeesa Mohammed, Islam A Alredah, Alaa R Khatab","doi":"10.2478/acph-2026-0008","DOIUrl":"10.2478/acph-2026-0008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined the effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on gut barrier integrity, systemic inflammation, neurotrans-mission and oxidative stress, in an aged rat model of propionic acid (PPA)-induced neurotoxicity. Twenty-four aged male rats were divided into four groups: control, omega-3, PPA and PPA + omega-3. Serum cytokines, tight-junction proteins (TJP1), dopamine, serotonin, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), oxidative stress markers, and histopathology of the brain and small intestine were evaluated. PPA exposure significantly increased tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and reduced TJP1 expression, confirming gut barrier disruption and systemic inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation selectively reduced IL-6 but did not reverse PPA-induced TNF-α elevation or oxidative stress. CLDN2 expression increased in PPA + omega-3 rats, suggesting a compensatory but incomplete barrier response. Dopamine, serotonin, and SCFA levels showed upward trends with supplementation but were not statistically significant. Histological analysis demonstrated partial preservation of neuronal and intestinal structure in the PPA + omega-3 group. Overall, omega-3 fatty acids exerted modest anti-inflammatory effects but failed to fully restore oxidative balance or barrier integrity in aged rats, suggesting that omega-3 fatty acids may be more effective as a preventive rather than restorative intervention in ageing-related gut-brain axis disruption.</p>","PeriodicalId":7034,"journal":{"name":"Acta Pharmaceutica","volume":"76 1","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147508588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}