{"title":"Deep Learning-Based Drug Half-Life Classification to Enhance Drug Development and Pharmacokinetics.","authors":"Affaf Khaouane, Hadjer Barki, Samira Ferhat","doi":"10.34172/apb.025.45420","DOIUrl":"10.34172/apb.025.45420","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Predicting drug half-life is essential in pharmacokinetics (PK), influencing dosing strategies and guiding drug development. Traditional regression models estimate exact half-life values but are sensitive to pharmacokinetic variability, limiting their practical use. This study introduces a classification-based approach that separates drugs into short and long half-life groups using a 12-hour threshold, offering clearer clinical interpretability.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Molecular structures were processed using a convolutional neural network (CNN), specifically a fine-tuned AlexNet, to extract high-level features. These extracted features served as inputs for a neural network classifier. A holdout validation strategy was applied, with data split into 70% for training, 15% for validation, and 15% for testing. Model performance was assessed based on classification accuracy and F1-score.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The model achieved an F1-score of 90.9% at the optimal feature dimension of 10. Accuracy reached 96.2% on validation data and 92.3% on test data, demonstrating strong generalization capabilities. Compared to regression-based methods, this framework better accounts for variability in drug half-life and yield results that are easier to interpret in clinical contexts.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This work proposes an efficient method for drug half-life classification, supporting drug formulation and dosing strategies. The findings highlight the value of classification in early drug development and provide a robust, scalable tool for pharmacokinetic research.</p>","PeriodicalId":7256,"journal":{"name":"Advanced pharmaceutical bulletin","volume":"15 4","pages":"836-843"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12980250/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147462535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Investigating the Role of Empagliflozin in the Pathological Progress of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rat Kidneys: The Involvement of Nitric Oxide.","authors":"Amin Hasanvand, Abdolreza Tajdar, Azita Zafar Mohtashami, Zahra Haghighatian, Elham Goodarzi, Peyman Amanolahi Baharvand, Babak Hadian","doi":"10.34172/apb.025.46028","DOIUrl":"10.34172/apb.025.46028","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Renal ischemia-reperfusion (RIR) is a pathological condition that can lead to severe outcomes due to damage to kidney structures. Additionally, oxidative stress is triggered by mitochondrial disruption during reperfusion, potentially resulting in necrosis and, ultimately, cell death through the destruction of cellular membranes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty rats were included in this study and divided into the following groups: healthy rats, an ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) group, an I/R group treated with empagliflozin, an I/R group treated with empagliflozin plus L-NAME, and an I/R group treated with empagliflozin plus L-arginine. The drugs were administered from three days before I/R induction to one day post-operation. Blood samples were collected 24 hours after I/R induction to evaluate renal function, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress. Subsequently, the right kidney was harvested for nitric oxide (NO) measurement, while the left kidney was used for histological analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Empagliflozin administration significantly reduced creatinine, urea, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress levels. Moreover, empagliflozin increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes and NO. Histopathological analysis indicated that empagliflozin mitigated ischemia-reperfusion injury in renal tissue. The protective effects were further enhanced with the co-administration of empagliflozin and L-arginine. In contrast, simultaneous treatment with empagliflozin and L-NAME led to pathological changes associated with ischemia-reperfusion and attenuated the beneficial effects of empagliflozin.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings of this study suggest that empagliflozin exerts protective effects against ischemia-reperfusion injury, likely through the NO pathway.</p>","PeriodicalId":7256,"journal":{"name":"Advanced pharmaceutical bulletin","volume":"15 4","pages":"939-947"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12980191/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147462586","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dito Anurogo, Ririn Tri Ratnasari, Novi Irmania, Muhammad Sobri Maulana, Kholis Abdurachim Audah, Novi Sekar Sari, Maratu Soleha, Amir Su'udi, Ahmad Hafidul Ahkam, Andi Weri Sompa, Riswal Nafi' Siregar, Maulida Mazaya, Riri Rimbun Anggih Chaidir, Azzah Khoridah Maulidiya, Suryani As'ad, Ami Febriza Achmad, Nur Rahmah Awaliah, Gangga Anuraga, Waode Fifin Ervina, Noorman Rinanto, Era Catur Prasetya, Tzu-Jen Kao, Tria Astika Endah Permatasari, Arli Aditya Parikesit, Nguyen Quoc Khanh Le, Nadhirah Nordin
{"title":"The Art of Nanoimmunobiotechnomedicine in Depression Management.","authors":"Dito Anurogo, Ririn Tri Ratnasari, Novi Irmania, Muhammad Sobri Maulana, Kholis Abdurachim Audah, Novi Sekar Sari, Maratu Soleha, Amir Su'udi, Ahmad Hafidul Ahkam, Andi Weri Sompa, Riswal Nafi' Siregar, Maulida Mazaya, Riri Rimbun Anggih Chaidir, Azzah Khoridah Maulidiya, Suryani As'ad, Ami Febriza Achmad, Nur Rahmah Awaliah, Gangga Anuraga, Waode Fifin Ervina, Noorman Rinanto, Era Catur Prasetya, Tzu-Jen Kao, Tria Astika Endah Permatasari, Arli Aditya Parikesit, Nguyen Quoc Khanh Le, Nadhirah Nordin","doi":"10.34172/apb.025.42757","DOIUrl":"10.34172/apb.025.42757","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To explore the role of nanoimmunobiotechnomedicine in depression management, emphasizing how nanotechnology and immunobiology offer innovative approaches to understanding and treating depression. We investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying depression and integrated multi-omics approaches such as genomics, epigenomics, and bioinformatics to advance therapeutic strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An interdisciplinary approach was applied, synthesizing data from epigenetics, nutrigenomics, and advanced bioinformatics. Furthermore, molecular and cellular neuroscience techniques were utilized alongside pharmacogenomics to deepen the understanding of depression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings highlight the effectiveness of nano-based interventions, like targeted drug delivery systems and anti-inflammatory treatments, in reducing neuroinflammation and enhancing neuroplasticity. Multi-omics data show the importance of neurotrophic factors and gut-brain axis interactions in depression management. Additionally, pharmacogenetics suggests personalized treatment strategies, tailoring therapeutic responses based on individual genetic profiles.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Nanoimmunobiotechnomedicine represents a frontier for personalized depression therapies. The integration of nanotechnology and immunobiology enhances bioavailability and specificity in targeting depressive disorders at the molecular level. This convergence of molecular biology, and bioinformatics studies holds significant potential to revolutionize depression treatment, offering more effective and individualized solutions for better mental health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":7256,"journal":{"name":"Advanced pharmaceutical bulletin","volume":"15 4","pages":"750-765"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12980192/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147462381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Diabetes and NAFLD: A Synergistic Threat to Metabolic Health.","authors":"Shilpa Chaudhary, Keerti Manocha, Praveen Malik, Monica Aggarwal, Rekha Rao, Minakshi Garg","doi":"10.34172/apb.025.44094","DOIUrl":"10.34172/apb.025.44094","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes (T2Dm) are increasingly recognized as interrelated metabolic disorders, each contributing to the other's progression. NAFLD, a leading cause of chronic liver disease globally, is often underdiagnosed due to its asymptomatic nature. The startlingly high frequency of NAFLD, especially in those with T2Dm, emphasizes the need of thorough screening in high-risk groups. In the setting of T2Dm, the pathophysiology of NAFLD comprises intricate metabolic pathways that exacerbate the disease's progression. These pathways include insulin resistance, lipotoxicity, and chronic inflammation. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial to prevent the advancement of NAFLD to more severe stages, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. Current guidelines advocate for routine NAFLD screening in patients with T2Dm, emphasizing the importance of early detection. Therapeutic approaches have evolved that are pivotal in managing these intertwined conditions. Each of these treatments offers unique benefits, from improving glycemic control to mitigating liver fat accumulation and reducing cardiovascular risks. This review highlights the pathophysiological linkages, clinical implications, and therapeutic advancements in managing these conditions. By exploring global prevalence, emerging diagnostic tools, and novel therapies, we propose an integrative framework for improved patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":7256,"journal":{"name":"Advanced pharmaceutical bulletin","volume":"15 4","pages":"766-778"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12980267/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147462583","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hyaluronic Acid-Functionalized Liposomes for Co-delivery of 5-Fluorouracil and Cannabidiol Against Colorectal Cancer.","authors":"Soheil Abbaspour-Ravasjani, Mahdi Zeinali, Leila Asadollahi, Malahat Safavi, Amin Mahoutforoush, Mehdi Talebi, Hamed Hamishehkar","doi":"10.34172/apb.025.43401","DOIUrl":"10.34172/apb.025.43401","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a formidable global health challenge, ranking as the third most prevalent cancer. Conventional treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are limited by adverse effects, driving the search for more effective alternatives.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study investigates the synergistic potential of co-delivering 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cannabidiol (CBD) using hyaluronic acid (HA)-decorated liposomes. While 5-FU is a cornerstone of CRC treatment, CBD offers promise as an anti-tumor agent. The HA-decorated liposomes enable potential targeted drug delivery to CD44 receptors, which are overexpressed in CRC, while minimizing systemic toxicity by reducing the concentrations of anticancer drugs required.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The liposomal formulation displays optimal physicochemical properties (a sub100nm size and an appropriate negative zeta potential) and acceptable encapsulation and loading efficiencies, ensuring effective drug release. In vitro studies demonstrate that the targeted liposomes have superior anticancer effects, inducing apoptosis (up to 59.1%), cell cycle arrest in the Sub-G1 and G0-G1 phases, reduction of cell viability to 6.98% in human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT-29) cells, induction of oxidative stress, and inhibition of colony formation. Additionally, HepG2 (non-CD44-expressing) cells were used as a control to evaluate CD44-targeting efficiency. Gene expression analysis by real-time PCR indicates modulation of key genes associated with cell cycle progression and apoptosis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This multifaceted approach presents a promising strategy for CRC therapy, but requires additional optimization and rigorous in vivo investigations to facilitate successful clinical translation. In particular, optimization of drug-release kinetics and thorough in vivo validation are essential to advance this platform toward clinical application.</p>","PeriodicalId":7256,"journal":{"name":"Advanced pharmaceutical bulletin","volume":"15 4","pages":"819-835"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12980252/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147462528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"MUC1-Driven Guanylin Gene Delivery via Succinylated PEI-9 Nanocarrier for Colorectal Cancer Treatment: An in Silico and In vitro Study.","authors":"Pouria Samadi, Fatemeh Rahbarizadeh, Fatemeh Nouri, Meysam Soleimani, Rezvan Najafi, Akram Jalali","doi":"10.34172/apb.025.45741","DOIUrl":"10.34172/apb.025.45741","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Addressing colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant challenge, demanding the precise delivery of therapeutic agents to eliminate cancer cells while minimizing the impact on healthy cells. The strategic selection of therapeutic targets, the utilization of nanocarriers with optimal efficacy and low toxicity, and the development of gene constructs with targeted expression in cancer cells are crucial aspects of this pursuit.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study employed a systems biology approach to comprehensively investigate the guanylin hormone-encoding gene (GUCA2A). Exploration encompassed expression patterns across tissues and single cells, clinical endpoints, methylation profiles, mutations, and immune and functional analyses. Subsequently, GUCA2A was identified as a potential target for gain of function studies, leading to its amplification and cloning into gene constructs featuring both a robust CMV promoter and a cancer-specific MUC1 promoter. The succinylated PEI-9, characterized by low toxicity and high gene transfer efficiency, was then fabricated and characterized on HCT-116 cancer cells and normal Vero cell lines.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>systems biology studies revealed guanylin's aberrant expression patterns, methylation variations, and mutational changes as well as its remarkable association with immune engagement and poor survival outcomes in CRC. Moreover, SPEI-9 was introduced as a highly efficient and safe nanocarrier for gene delivery purposes. Additionally, in vitro studies revealed that both guanylin-expressing gene constructs exhibited the potential to inhibit cell growth and proliferation, inducing apoptosis, suppressing cell migration, and curtailing colony formation. Notably, these effects were more robust but non-specific in cancer cells treated with constructs containing the CMV general promoter, while induction via the MUC1 promoter was more specific.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A genetic construct featuring strong universal CMV and specific MUC1 promoter, expressing the guanylin peptide hormone, demonstrated highly effective and specific anticancer effects when transfected with nanocarriers characterized by high efficiency and low cytotoxicity. This nano-system holds promising implications for future targeted CRC therapy clinical trials.</p>","PeriodicalId":7256,"journal":{"name":"Advanced pharmaceutical bulletin","volume":"15 4","pages":"844-870"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058149/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147643779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mebendazole-Treated Human Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells Represent Promoted Immunogenic Phenotype with Augmented Expression of Inflammatory Markers.","authors":"Shiva Alipour, Sepideh Sohrabi, Amirhossein Mardi, Negin Karamali, Elham Baghbani, Vahid Khaze, Behzad Baradaran","doi":"10.34172/apb.025.43394","DOIUrl":"10.34172/apb.025.43394","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Dendritic cells (DCs) play a critical role in regulating immune responses by influencing the balance between immune tolerance and immunogenicity. While mebendazole (MBZ) is known to polarize macrophages toward a tumor-suppressive phenotype, its effect on DCs remains unclear. This study investigates the effects of MBZ on the phenotype and inflammatory profile of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were separated from the obtained blood from healthy donors using Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. Then, monocytes were isolated via plastic adhesion and subsequently differentiated into moDCs. Cells were treated with MBZ and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or just LPS, and then surface markers and inflammatory/anti-inflammatory gene expression were measured using flow cytometry and real-time PCR.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study compared surface marker expression and gene expression of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines between moDCs and MBZ-moDCs. MBZ-moDCs showed significantly higher CD86 surface expression but lower CD11c and HLA-DR expression in comparison to moDCs. Additionally, MBZ-moDCs exhibited increased interleukin (IL)-12, IL-18, IL-1β, and TNF-α gene levels and decreased IL-10 and IDO levels.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>MBZ holds significant potential for reshaping immunotherapy by exerting a profound impact on dendritic cells. By comprehending the intricate interaction between MBZ and dendritic cell function, innovative interventions can be developed.</p>","PeriodicalId":7256,"journal":{"name":"Advanced pharmaceutical bulletin","volume":"15 4","pages":"883-890"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12980283/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147462581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Stefano Ruga, Raffaele Petti, Mara Masullo, Fabio Castagna, Roberto Bava, Michelangelo Armenise, Elisabetta Labbate, Carmen Lombardi, Antonio Giordano, Massimiliano Quintiliani, Luigi Alfano, Emilia Langella, Giovanna Liguori, Renato Lombardi
{"title":"The Phenomenon of Antimicrobial Resistance in Southern Italy: An Overview of the Current Situation.","authors":"Stefano Ruga, Raffaele Petti, Mara Masullo, Fabio Castagna, Roberto Bava, Michelangelo Armenise, Elisabetta Labbate, Carmen Lombardi, Antonio Giordano, Massimiliano Quintiliani, Luigi Alfano, Emilia Langella, Giovanna Liguori, Renato Lombardi","doi":"10.34172/apb.025.45467","DOIUrl":"10.34172/apb.025.45467","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an escalating global health challenge with region-specific implications. This study investigated AMR prevalence in Southern Italy, with particular attention to demographic variables such as gender and age.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective analysis of antibiograms from 146 patients (68 males and 78 females, aged 36-101 years) collected between 2022 and 2023 was conducted. Given the retrospective design and reliance on routinely collected clinical data from a local hospital microbiology laboratory, molecular analyses were not feasible, as isolates were processed solely for diagnostic purposes and not preserved.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The most frequently isolated pathogens were <i>Escherichia coli</i> (52.3%), <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> (14.9%), <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> (6.9%), <i>Proteus mirabilis</i> (6.3%), <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (4.6%), and <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> (4.3%). In males, the highest resistance rates were recorded for ciprofloxacin (47.9%), levofloxacin (47.2%), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (40.5%). Female patients showed greater resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanate, levofloxacin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, with women≥70 years displaying particularly elevated resistance compared with age-matched men and younger females.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite the absence of molecular data, phenotypic surveillance through antibiograms remains a critical tool for monitoring AMR trends in underrepresented regions. Incorporating gender-specific differences into clinical practice may improve therapeutic efficacy and stewardship strategies. These findings provide a foundation for future molecular and epidemiological investigations.</p>","PeriodicalId":7256,"journal":{"name":"Advanced pharmaceutical bulletin","volume":"15 4","pages":"871-882"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12980278/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147462369","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}