Abstract
Within this study we use a few computational tools for predicting absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADME-Tox), pharmacokinetics profiles, toxic/adverse effects, carcinogenicity, cardiotoxicity and endocrine disruption of some of low molecular weight water soluble derivatives of chitosan that are used in wound healing. Investigated compounds do not possess drug-like properties, their pharmacokinetics profiles reveal poor gastrointestinal absorption and low skin penetration. Chitosan derivatives cannot pass the blood-brain barrier and they are not able to inhibit the enzymes of the cytochrome P450 that are involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics. They do not reflect carcinogenicity and cardiotoxicity and reveal only a low probability to be endocrine disruptors. The main side effects in humans of the investigated compounds are: weight loss, acidosis, gastrointestinal toxicity, respiratory failure. This information is especially important for professional exposure and accidental contamination with these compounds.
Highlights
Chitosan is a cationic polysaccharide obtained from chitin and composed by glucosamine and N-acetyl glucosamine units, via β-(1,4) linkages
The aim of this study is to predict the ADME-Tox profiles, pharmacokinetics and toxic/adverse effects of some low molecular weight Water soluble derivatives of chitosan (WSDC) that can be used for wound healing and to compare them with those of deacetylated chitosan and partially deacetylated chitosan
We considered in this study 14 low molecular weight WSDC known to be useful for wound healing
Summary
Chitosan is a cationic polysaccharide obtained from chitin and composed by glucosamine and N-acetyl glucosamine units, via β-(1,4) linkages. It differs from chitin by having free amino groups. Chitosan is considered to have favourable biological properties revealing nontoxicity, mucoadhesivity, biocompatibility and biodegradability, but it is only soluble in acidic environments [1,2,3]. Literature data reveal that chitosan and WSDC are used as carriers for radioactive elements, carriers for drug delivery and release systems and they have antimicrobial properties [2].
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