5^th International Conference and Exhibition on Pharmacology and Ethnopharmacology March 23-25, 2017 Orlando, USA

Se-Young Choung has completed his PhD at the age of 31 years from Tokyo University. He is a professor of Kyung Hee University College of Pharmacy. He has published more than 60 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as a president of repute in Korea Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. He is interested in development of natural product-derived drug and health functional food. (e.g. skin beauty, protection of eye degeneration, and improvement of embolic syndrome)

Melanin protects the skin from UV-induced damage. However, excessive melanin biosynthesis induces hyperpigmentation which can result in pigmentary disorders, such as freckles, moles, and senile lentigines. Oyster hydrolysate(OH) was reported to have antioxidative peptides, and some of the antioxidants downregulate melanogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesized that OH downregulates melanogenesis. To investigate the inhibitory effect of OH on melanin biosynthesis in C57BL/6J mice, hyperpigmentation was induced by UVB irradiation for 10 days. Then the mice were orally administered OH or ascorbic acid (positive control) for 9 weeks. At 3, 6, and 9 weeks, we sacrificed the mice and assessed the inhibitory effect of OH on melanin biosynthesis in the ears by DOPA and Fontana-Masson staining. The number of melanocytes and the distribution of melanin granules were dose-dependently decreased in DOPA and Fontana-Masson staining of the mice treated with OH. Furthermore, we investigated the inhibitory mechanisms of OH on melanin biosynthesis. MITF regulates tyrosinase which is the rate-limiting enzyme. Three melanocyte-specific enzymes (e.g. tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2) catalyze the reaction that tyrosine is converted into melanin pigments. To determine whether OH inhibits the melanin biosynthesis, we detected the protein expressions of MITF, tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2 using western blot analysis. We found that OH downregulated the protein expressions of MITF, tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2 which were increased by UVB irradiation. These results elucidated that OH may be promising as an anti-melanogenic component, and further investigations should be performed regarding its potential as a whitening agent.

Kazuki Oguri completed his PhD from Osaka University at the age of 29 years on March 22, 2017. He got a license for Japanese pharmacist at 2013. His research focuses on longgu; one of the crude drugs using in Kampo medicine (traditional Japanese medicine). He has published three papers in journals.

Longgu (Ryu-kotsu, Fossilia Ossis Mastodii, Os Draconis, or dragon bone) is the only fossil crude drug listed in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia, which defined as “the ossified bone of large mammal.” It is used as sedative component in Keishikaryukotsuboreito (KRB) formula in Kampo medicine (traditional Japanese medicine). In Japan, all longgu is purchased from People’s Republic of China. Longgu resources are facing the threat of depletion. Effective countermeasures are urgently required. However, information is insufficient about role of longgu in Kampo formulas. We investigated the significance of longgu in KRB formula, which comprises seven crude drugs. We analyzed the components in KRB decoction using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and gas chromatography. Slight inorganic components and no organic ones were detected from single decoction of longgu. The organic component profile of KRB decoction is different from that of longgu-free KRB decoction. The result of scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed that decocted longgu captured organic materials at its uneven surface with small pores. We hypothesized that longgu adsorbs the components on its surface. The decocted longgu were submitted into solid state NMR and nitrogen adsorption measurements. The results of them showed that KRB-decocted longgu had smaller water content and specific surface area than raw and single decocted longgu, respectively. These results supported our hypothesis. We suggest recycling of longgu as one of the countermeasure for depletion though development of purging methods is needed.

Aysu Yurdasiper has been working as a researcher in Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Ege University. Her work is focused on dry powder inhalers, dermal delivery (topical, transdermal drug systems), controlled release formulations (nanoparticles, microparticles) for drug delivey and nanomedicine in pulmonary delivery. Her current research interest focus on development of novel nanomedicine including polymers and in vitro-in vivo evaluation for treatment of asthma

Introduction: Statement of the Problem: The introduction of corticosteroids revolutionized the treatment of asthma in the 1950s' and inhaled corticosteroids subsequently produced further substantial benefits for many asthmatics by reducing or abolishing the need for regular oral corticosteroid treatment (1). Some asthmatic patients continue to have symptoms with persistently poor ventilator function despite continuous oral corticosteroid treatment (2). In spite of this, Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are effective in controlling inflammation and improving lung function and asthma symptoms and are recommended as first-line therapy for asthma patients. The objective of this study was to develop triamcinolone acetonide (TA) dry powder inhalers containing chitosan using spray drying technique and characterize the powder in terms of aerolization, flow properties in order to determine which formulations could be the most suitable for pulmonary delivery. Materials and methods: Trehalose and leucine were dissolved in distilled water. TA and chitosan was dissolved in methanol, added into mannitol and leucine solution. The mixture was then spray-dried with constant stirring using a Büchi Nanospray dryer B-90 (3). The in vitro aerosolization performance was investigated using Next Generation Impactor (Copley). Results and discussion: SEM images of TA-DPI formulations showed almost good structures with particle size 1-5 µm. Encapsulation efficiency changed significantly with 30% leucine. Encapsulation efficiency values for F1, F2 and F3 formulations were 76.1±2.2%, 88.9±2.7% and 85.4.±3.1% respectively. On the other hand, the process yield increased in F3 formulation with 40% leucine. Process yield values for F1, F2 and F3 formulations were 72.99±2.6%, 74.53±3.4% and 83.58±2.9%, respectively. Conclusions: The optimized formulation developed in this study exhibited good in vitro aerosolization properties (4). The Carr’s Index was decreased in F3 formulation with 40% leucine (5). F3 formulation showed the best flow properties among all formulations. This work was supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey-TÜBİTAK (Project number: 114S523)

Rajvir Singh, Ph.D. (Bio-statistics) is a Sr. Consultant (Bio-statistics) at Heart Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar. He is actively involved in research, teaching, consultancy and vast experience in data analysis and results interpretation. He is Principal Investigator in 4 National Priority Research program (NPRP) sponsored by Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) worth more than $8 million. He is running two major projects on Organ Donation and Medication error at HMC. He is having 337 peered reviewed publications in international journals to his credit.

Aim The aim of this study is to describe patient safety culture at HMC Qatar. Design/Method A validated questionnaire was used to conduct a web-based cross-sectional survey amongst health professionals; doctors, nurses and pharmacists in HMC. HMC includes seven different hospitals in Doha Qatar. The start date was Feb 2015 until July 2016. Study was approved by IRB, medical Research Center, HMC, Doha, Qatar and funded by the National Priority Research Program (NPRP) cycle 7. Results A total of one thousand, six hundred and four responses were received over the study period. Most responses (67.9%) were received from nurses followed by doctors (13.3%) and pharmacists (12.9%) Around three quarters (70.9%) were female and aged less than 40 years (76.0% and almost half (48.1%) had more than ten years of experience as a health professional in secondary care. The percentage agreement (strongly agree and agree) for each statement and the mean percentage agreement for each domain were calculated. Those domains with the lowest levels of agreement were: non-punitive response to errors (24.0%); staffing (36.2%); communication openness (50.5%); handoffs and transitions (53.1%); and supervisor/manager expectations and actions promoting patient safety (56.5%). The highest levels of agreement were: organisational learning – continuous improvement (85.1%); team working within unit (82.1%); and management support for patient safety (75.4%). Conclusions Most responses were derived from female Nurses comprising of 3/4 of the population aged less than 40 years. Continuous improvement, team working in unit, and management support were found more prominent factors in patient’s safety culture.

Zahra Salehi Najafabadi is an assistant professor of Razi Vaccine and Serum research Institute which is highly skilled in cellular-molecular biology and biotechnology

Snake venom is a complex mixture of enzymatic and non enzymatic peptides and proteins with specific chemical and biological activities that can be used in the treatment of many medical conditions such as cancer. Snake venom cytotoxicity can potentially destroy the tumor cells. Various enzymes isolated form snake venom have anti tumor properties such as metalloproteinase (MPs), L- amino acid oxidase (LAAOs), C-type lectins and phospholipases A2 (PLA2s). These enzymes manage different mechanisms of action. PLA2s have direct toxic action; LAAOs generates free radical; PLA2s, MP, and LAAOs induce apoptosis; and disintegrins and lectins cause antiangiogenesis. Due to the special geographical situation of Iran, this country is suitable habitat of many snakes from different families. The Persian horned viper (Pseudocerastes persicus) belongs to family Viperidae and is found in different province of Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Oman and Iraq. The same as other vipers, the venom of this snake shows the strong hemorrhagic activity. However, few studies have been made on the pharmacological activity of Pseudocerastes persicus venom. In this study, we investigated for the first time that the venom of Pseudocerastes persicus is cytotoxic to tumor cells and inhibits proliferation of human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and Lung Cancer Cell Lines A459.

To be Updated

Anemia, one of the manifestations of HIV/AIDS, could be worsened by zidovudine-containing antiretroviral therapy (ART). The medicinal plant, Ocimum gratissimum, is credited with hematopoietic properties. The study is aimed at finding out if the leaf extract of this plant will protect against anemia in zidovudine-containing antiretroviral therapy. Twenty five (25) adult rats were divided into 5 groups (A, B C, D, E) and treated with normal feeds only; ART alone; extract alone; ART plus extract 40 mg/kg; ART plus extract 80 mg/kg for A, B, C, D and E respectively, all for 28 days. Thereafter, blood samples were collected and analyzed for hemoglobin and packed cell volume values. Mean values (±S.E.M) of hemoglobin and PCV were calculated. Data were tested for normality and further analyzed for statistical significance using Kruskal-Wallis test plus Dunn’s multiple comparison using Graph Pad Prism 7.0. Mean values (±S.E.M.) of hemoglobin were 12.7±0.7, 13.7±0.8, 11.6±1.4, 12.2±1.7, and 13.9±1.0 for groups A, B, C, D and E respectively. Mean values (±S.E.M.) of packed call volume (PCV) are 38.2±2.2, 41.4 ±2.2, 35.0±4.1, 36.8±4.9 and 41.3±3.0 for groups A, B, C, D and E respectively. P values for Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn’s multiple comparison were 0.7368 and 0.7325 for hemoglobin and PCV values, respectively. The results show that neither antiretroviral drugs nor aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum affected the hemoglobin level or the PCV in the rats