Vitamin E Acetate Research Articles

Immunomodulating multivitamin complex and its role in antioxidant protection of the body

The article presents the results of experimental data on the development of an immunomodulatory multivitamin complex and the establishment of its role in the antioxidant defense of the body. The research objects were recipe ingredients, laboratory and industrial samples of the developed product. We used generally accepted and special methods for assessing the quality and safety of the developed product. The technology includes: preparation of raw materials, preparation of a mixture for encapsulation, encapsulation and sealing of capsules with gelatin, assessment of the quality of the resulting product. The composition of a new multivitamin composition with targeted antioxidant properties is given, mg / 1 capsule: red palm oil - 432; ascorbic acid - 70; ascorbate palmitate - 10; tocopherol acetate, 98% - 15.3 (vitamin E - 15); beta-carotene, 98% - 5.1 (beta - carotene - 0.5); silicon dioxide (carrier) - 17.6; gelatin capsule - 110. Total weight 660 mg. The functional properties of the developed product were assessed. The components of the developed product in the form of a multivitamin complex had a positive effect on the analyzed parameters of the SF-36 test. According to the test results, the general state of health in the group of volunteers after taking the multivitamin complex increased by 17.2%, while in the control group by only 9.5%, in terms of viability by 7.2 and 3.6% in the experimental and control groups respectively. The innovativeness of the new drug lies in the rejection of inert materials and the use as a carrier of a unique composition of red palm oil, rich, along with fat-soluble vitamins, highly active antioxidants - lycopene and coenzyme Q10. The proposed method of encapsulation in a protective gelatin capsule. This provides a fast action - a water-soluble and prolonged effect - of the fat-soluble fraction.

Utilizing primary human airway mucociliary tissue cultures to model ramifications of chronic E-cigarette usage

Electronic cigarettes are battery powered devices that use a vape-liquid to produce a vapor that is inhaled. A consequence of the rise in e-cigarette usage was the 2019 emergence of a vaping-induced respiratory disease denoted as ‘e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury’ (EVALI). One of the suspected causes of EVALI is Vitamin E Acetate (VEA), which was found to be a diluent in certain illicit vape-pens, whereas nicotine is commonly diluted in equal parts propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin (PG:VG). The prevalent use of e-cigarettes and the emergence of a novel illness has made understanding how e-cigarette vapors affect our respiratory tissues a public health concern. We have designed and produced a simple device that can operate e-cigarettes and deliver the vapor to a chamber containing a standard cell culture multi-well plate. Here we utilize our device to model the response of human airway mucociliary tissue after chronic exposure to vapors produced from either PG:VG or VEA. We note several differences between how PG:VG and VEA vapors interact with and alter airway tissue cultures and suggest potential mechanisms for how VEA-vapors can exacerbate EVALI symptoms. Our device combined with primary human airway tissue cultures make an economical and compact model system that allows for animal-free investigations into the acute and chronic consequences of e-cigarette vapors on primary respiratory cells.

Flash NanoPrecipitation as an Agrochemical Nanocarrier Formulation Platform: Phloem Uptake and Translocation after Foliar Administration.

The increasing severity of pathogenic and environmental stressors that negatively affect plant health has led to interest in developing next-generation agrochemical delivery systems capable of precisely transporting active agents to specific sites within plants. In this work, we adapt Flash NanoPrecipitation (FNP), a scalable nanocarrier (NC) formulation technology used in the pharmaceutical industry, to prepare organic core-shell NCs and study their efficacy as foliar or root delivery vehicles. NCs ranging in diameter from 55 to 200 nm, with surface zeta potentials from -40 to +40 mV, and with seven different shell material properties were prepared and studied. Shell materials included synthetic polymers poly(acrylic acid), poly(ethylene glycol), and poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate), naturally occurring compounds fish gelatin and soybean lecithin, and semisynthetic hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS). NC cores contained a gadolinium tracer for tracking by mass spectrometry, a fluorescent dye for tracking by confocal microscopy, and model hydrophobic compounds (alpha tocopherol acetate and polystyrene) that could be replaced by agrochemical payloads in subsequent applications. After foliar application onto tomato plants with Silwet L-77 surfactant, internalization efficiencies of up to 85% and NC translocation efficiencies of up to 32% were observed. Significant NC trafficking to the stem and roots suggests a high degree of phloem loading for some of these formulations. Results were corroborated by confocal microscopy and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence mapping. NCs stabilized by cellulosic HPMCAS exhibited the highest degree of translocation, followed by formulations with a significant surface charge. The results from this work indicate that biocompatible materials like HPMCAS are promising agrochemical delivery vehicles in an industrially viable pharmaceutical nanoformulation process (FNP) and shed light on the optimal properties of organic NCs for efficient foliar uptake, translocation, and delivery.

Co-delivery of minoxidil and tocopherol acetate ethosomes to reshape the hair Follicular Microenvironment and promote hair regeneration in androgenetic alopecia

The most prevalent kind of hair loss is androgenic alopecia (AGA), which is characterized by hair follicle miniaturization and microenvironment dysfunction. Although topical Minoxidil (MXD) was considered to be a safe and effective treatment for AGA, excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lower sulfotransferase activity in the hair follicular microenvironment led to an unsatisfactory treatment of AGA. Here, we developed the ethosome (MTE) load of minoxidil and tocopherol acetate to improve the therapeutic effect of MXD on androgenic alopecia. It could regulate the microenvironment around hair follicles, promote the telogen-to-anagen transition of hair follicles, and boost hair regeneration, thus achieving a synergistic effect of 1 + 1 > 2. The results proved that MTE showed excellent stability, biosafety, and good dermal and follicular permeability in vitro. The hair regeneration ability of AGA model mice showed that the co-delivery ethosome might regulate the microenvironment around the hair follicles and improve hair regeneration in comparison to the commercial minoxidil tincture alone. As a result, the strategy provided a promising new strategy for the treatment of AGA.

Quality assurance programs for vitamin A and E in serum: are we doing enough to assess laboratory performance?

Monitoring serum vitamin A (retinol) and vitamin E (α-tocopherol) concentrations is common practice for assessing nutritional status. Measurement of these vitamins can be challenging due to several factors. Whilst the RCPAQAP Vitamins: Serum Program assists participating laboratories in harmonisation, the materials provided do not contain the analogues of retinol and α-tocopherol that may be present in real patient samples. We aimed to assess participants' capacity to accurately report retinol and α-tocopherol in the presence of the vitamin E analogues tocopherol acetate and γ-tocopherol. A supplementary series of a control sample andthree matched spiked samples were distributed to each laboratory participating in the Program. Retinol and α-tocopherol results for each spiked sample were compared to the results of the control sample submitted by each participant. Acceptability of retinol and α-tocopherol results was determined based on the RCPAQAP allowable performance specifications (APS). Thirteen participants returned results for the supplementary sample series. Interference from α-tocopherol acetate was observed with results below the APS in 30 % (n=4) of laboratories for retinol quantification and in 23 %(n=3) for α-tocopherol quantification. One laboratory returned results above the APS for α-tocopherol when γ-tocopherol was present. This supplementary sample series has shown that the presence of vitamin E analogues can lead to the over or under estimation of nutritional status by some participants. Affected laboratories are encouraged to review their analytical procedures. To further assess laboratory competence, EQA providers should consider using patient samples or spiked challenge samples.

The study of the A, C and E vitamin effect on the electrooxidation processes of E155 food additive

Electrochemical processes such as electrooxidation represent one of the modern methods of degrading organic pollutants, including food additives. This study examines the electrochemical behavior of the food additive E155 (Brown HT) using platinum electrodes in sodium chloride saline solution by two electrochemical methods, cyclic voltammetry and electrolysis at constant current density, to predict the electrochemical behavior and the possibility of its removal from polluted waters. These electrochemical methods are associated with UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis. Coloring food additives are frequently used in the presence of vitamins, which also act as antioxidant food additives. The study highlights the influence of vitamins A-palmitate, vitamin C and vitamin E-acetate on the electrochemical stability of the additive E155. The presence of vitamin C in the electrolyte solution has the effect of delaying the processes of electrochemical degradation of E155 and at the same time the degree of degradation has the minimum value for the same electrolysis time.

Anti-glycation and phytochemical properties of cinnamon stem-bark water extract

The study evaluated the ability of cinnamon stem-bark water extract (CWE) to break established cross-links formed between proteins and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) as well as its anti-glycation effect. The extract showed a dose-dependent anti-glycation effect against total fluorescent AGEs (FAGEs) derived from both glucose and fructose. CWE recorded a uniform IC50 value of 0.13 mg/mL for both glucose and fructose-derived FAGEs while aminoguanidine, a well-known synthetic anti-glycative agent gave IC50 values of 0.14 mg/mL for the glucose and 0.17 mg/mL for the fructose derived FAGEs. The anti-glycative effect of CWE was also significantly higher than aminoguanidine against total immunogenic AGE (TIAGEs) in both sugar models (p < 0.001). While CWE and aminoguanidine showed weak protein cross-link breaking activity selectively on fructose-derived protein cross-links already formed, none whatsoever was detected exerted on the established glucose-derived protein cross-links. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of several important secondary metabolites which may have contributed to the anti-glycative effect of CWE. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry enabled the identification of (+)-alpha-tocopherol acetate, a chain breaker, in the methanol fraction of CWE. Although CWE showed great potential for inhibition of formation of major types of AGEs, it appears to be poor in breaking established cross-links formed between proteins and AGEs.

Treatment of animals with fatty liver disease using a drug based on the seeds of Silybum marianum

Medicinal plants are a source of various therapeutic preparations. Therefore, the aim of our work was to prepare a liposomal drug from extract from the seeds of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., adding tocopherol acetate, lecithin, squalene, and Tween 80. The drug was used on the laboratory animals (rats) intramuscularly to measure the efficacy of treatment of experimentally modeled toxic fatty liver disease. The fatty infiltration of the liver in the rats was caused by tetrachloromethane (ССl4). The efficacy of the liposomal drug based on the extract from S. marianum seeds was studied on 25 animals in which the liver pathology had been caused by 50% oil solution of ССl4, administered in the dose of 5 mL per kg of body weight. The diseased rats were divided into five groups, each consisting five animals. Animals of the four experimental groups – first, second, third, and fourth - received the drug intramuscularly in the doses of 0.05, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.50 mL/kg of body weight three times every two days, respectively. At the same time, the control rats received three-time intramuscular injection of physiological solution in the dose of 0.5 mL/kg of body weight. Treatment of the animals with fatty liver disease by injections of the drug based on the extract from S. marianum seeds normalized the general condition, significantly improved the functions and structure of the liver. Biochemical studies of blood serum of the sick animals after the treatment revealed increase in albumin content, which may suggest reduction of the protein-synthesizing function of the liver. The normalization of the bile-forming and bile-excreting functions of the liver, and also elimination of cholestasis were evidenced by reduced contents of bile acids and total bilirubin and increased total cholesterol in the blood serum of the rats. After treating the animals with the created drug, we saw decrease in the activity of the liver-indicator enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and glutamate dehydrogenase) in the blood serum, which is a sign of recovery of the structure of hepatocytes and elimination of cytolysis. Histological studies of the liver of the treated rats confirmed the positive effect of the liposomal drug on the organ’s structure. In the future studies, we plan to test this combination of agents in treatment of agricultural and domestic animals with liver pathologies.

Increased serum α-tocopherol acetate mediated by gut microbiota ameliorates alveolar bone loss through the STAT3 signalling pathway in diabetic periodontitis.

To evaluate whether and how gut microbiota-meditated metabolites regulate alveolar bone homeostasis in diabetic periodontitis (DP). Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) was employed as a positive modulator of gut microbiota in DP mice. The destruction of alveolar bone was evaluated. Untargeted metabolomics was conducted to screen out the pivotal metabolites. A co-housing experiment was conducted to determine the connection between the gut microbiota and alpha-tocopherol acetate (α-TA). α-TA was applied to DP mice to investigate its effect against alveolar bone loss. Human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were extracted for the in vitro experiment. Transcriptomic analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect the major affected signalling pathways. Positive regulation of the gut microbiota significantly attenuated alveolar bone loss and increased the serum α-TA level. The alteration in gut microbiota composition could affect the serum α-T (the hydrolysates of α-TA) level. α-TAcould alleviatealveolar bone destruction in DP mice and α-T exertbeneficial effects on hPDLCs and HGFs. Mechanistically, the STAT3 signalling pathway was the pivotal pathway involved in the protective role of α-TA. The gut microbiota-α-TA-STAT3 axis plays an important role in the regulation of diabetic alveolar bone homeostasis.

Can vitamin E ester derivatives be excellent alternatives of vitamin E: state of art.

Vitamin E (VE) is a natural antioxidant which is widely used in the food fields, while the shortcomings of easy oxidative inactivation and poor water solubility limit its application. Vitamin E esters' (VEEs) derivatives, such as vitamin E acetate (VEA), are more stable and easier to be absorbed while have similar biological activities and physiological functions compared with VE. In this systematic review, the digestion, absorption and physiological function of VEEs were summarized. To promote their further industrial applications, the synthesis strategies of VEEs were also summarized in-depth. In particular, as a new generation of green solvents, ionic liquids (ILs) have been widely used in enzymatic reactions due to the stabilization and activation of enzymes. Their applications in enzymatic synthesis of VEEs were summarized and discussed. Finally, several future perspectives for developing more efficiency strategies of VEEs synthesis, such as enzyme engineering and design of novel ILs, were also discussed.

Topical treatment of anal condylomata with Propionibacterium acnes lysate: results of a multicentric observational study.

Condylomata are a manifestation of HPV infection of the ano-genital epithelium. Recurrence is frequent after any type of treatment (from 20% up to 50%). We assessed the use of a gel containing panthenol, tocopheryl acetate and Propionibacterium extract in the treatment of anal warts. Enrollment period was from January 15 to June 15, 2018. Main exclusion criteria were immunodepression, extensive condylomatosis and other treatments (topical/ablative) in the previous six months. Seventy-nine patients were included. Median age was 33 years (19-65), 72.2% were males. Median number of partners and symptoms duration were 6 (1-98) and 3 months (1-18), respectively. Almost all cases had perianal disease (97.5%), while endoanal warts were present in 51.9% of cases. After 30 days of treatment, complete regression occurred in 17 (21.5%) patients, while partial or absent response was reported in 36 (45.6%) and 26 (32.9%) cases, respectively. Forty-seven (59.5%) patients underwent a second month of topical therapy. After a 6-month follow-up, complete or partial response was reported in 53 (67.1%) patients, while in 26 (32.9%) cases the disease remained stable or even worsened. Nineteen (24.1%) patients required cryotherapy, 23 (29.1%) surgical excision, while 2 (2.5%) needed both cryotherapy and surgery. Absence of clinical response was associated with a number of partners ≥10 and symptoms duration of 6 months or shorter (P<0.001 and P=0.050). In our study, the gel containing P. acnes lysate was a safe topical treatment for perianal and endoanal condylomata and could help to overcome HPV infection. A high number of partners and short symptoms duration appeared to worsen the outcome.

THE COMPLEX EFFECT OF VITAMIN D AND ALPHA TOCOPHEROL ACETATE ON THE LUNG MICROCIRCULATION IN THE EXPERIMENTAL INDUCTION OF SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Abstract. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of vitamin D3 (vitamin D) and alpha-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E) on the microcirculatory vessels of the lungs in an experimental model of systemic sclerosis (SSc).&#x0D; Methods. We divided the experimental animals into four separate groups: an intact group (IG) consisting of 15 animals, a control group (CG) of 20 animals, experimental group 1 (EG1) and experimental group 2 (EG2) consisting of of 25 animals each. Randomization of groups was carefully performed using the weight variance minimization method. To induce SSc in laboratory animals of EG1, subcutaneous injections of 0.5 ml of 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) were administered 3 times a week for 6 weeks in a row. The CG of rats received an isotonic solution following the same scheme, while the IG was not subjected to any injections. In addition to NaClO, the EG2 received intramuscular injections of vit E (10 mg/100 g) and vit D (1000 IU/100 g) for three weeks during the second half of the experiment.&#x0D; After 8 weeks, the animals were euthanized, and lung tissue samples were obtained for histological and electron microscopic analysis. The histological preparations were examined using light microscopy and photographed using a Leica DME light microscope, a DCM 900 digital microscope camera, and a Nicon Coolpix P5100 camera. Meanwhile, the electron microscopy was performed to visualize the ultrastructural characteristics of the lung tissue by use of "PEM-125K" (Selmi, Ukraine) with subsequent photography at magnifications from 2000 to 20000 times.&#x0D; All animal procedures were carried out in strict compliance with bioethical principles. The Ethics Commission of the IFNMU granted approval for the study under document number 117/20 on November 19, 2020.&#x0D; Results. The histological analysis of the lung specimens of CG animals showed a normal morphological structure. In the EG1, the lungs exhibited abnormalities in the structure of the hemocapillaries, including narrowing of the vessel lumen due to thickening of the vascular wall, edema, and infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells. However, in the EG2, there was an improvement in the histological features, with a reduction in edematous processes and a decrease in the intensity of polymorphonuclear cell infiltration.&#x0D; The electron microscopic examination of the lung samples from EG1 animals revealed the presence of platelet adhesion and aggregation, as well as aggregates of erythrocytes within the hemocapillary lumen. Swelling of endothelial cells and narrowing of the hemocapillary lumen were also observed, along with uneven thickening of the basement membrane. In contrast, the combination of vitamins D and E in EG2 animals resulted in improved rheological properties of blood and ultrastructural characteristics of the hemomicrocirculatory elements. The lumen of the hemocapillaries contained single erythrocytes and inactive platelets. The endothelial cells’ membraines showed minimal alterations, with clear contours and no micropinocytotic vesicles or cytoplasmic growths. The nuclei of the endothelial cells had a fine-grained matrix with evenly distributed chromatin granules.&#x0D; Conclusions. This study proves that the combined use of vitamins D and E has a positive effect on the state of the microcirculatory vessels in the lungs of experimentally induced systemic sclerosis.

Preparation and Physicochemical Evaluation of Injectable Sustained-Release Risperidone by Lipid Liquid Crystal Vehicle

Introduction: Risperidone is a highly effective medicine in patients with mental disorders. Since maintaining blood concentrations of risperidone within the therapeutic index is pivotal during treatment, these patients should receive medication daily and continuously. Method: In this study, an optimal lipid liquid crystal was designed according to the maximum release for 60 days based on different ratios of phosphatidylcholine (PC) to sorbitan monooleate (PC:SMO), tween 80 (w/w%), and tocopherol acetate (w/w%) using Design Expert software with the Central Composite Design (CCD) method. Release evaluations were conducted in vitro to compare the effects of lipid liquid crystal and Risperdal CONSTA®. The structure evaluation was also tested using polarized electron microscopy and in vitro assessment via cell culture. Results: The optimal formulation was selected based on the maximum release (100%) of the drug obtained within 2 months with a PC: SMO ratio of 58.6%, tween 0.82% (w/w), and tocopherol acetate 3.6% (w/w). A hexagonal mesophase with a dihedral structure was observed in the liquid crystal structure. No toxicity was observed in the cell culture test. Conclusion: The comparison of the results of in vitro studies of the liquid crystal formulation containing risperidone and the commercial formulation, Risperdal CONSTA®, showed that the liquid crystal system provides better and more uniform drug release for 60 days. Therefore, it can increase patient compliance and ease the problems of oral administration

An in vitro evaluation of e-vapor products: The contributions of chemical adulteration, concentration, and device power.

Homemade e-liquids and power-adjustable vaping devices may carry higher risks than commercial formulations and fixed-power devices. This study used human macrophage-like and bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cell cultures to investigate toxicity of homemade e-liquids containing propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin (PG/VG), nicotine, vitamin E acetate (VEA), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), phytol, and cannabidiol (CBD). SmallAir™ organotypic epithelial cultures were exposed to aerosols generated at different power settings (10-50 W). Carbonyl levels were measured, and endpoints reflecting epithelial function (ciliary beating frequency [CBF]), integrity (transepithelial electrical resistance [TEER]), and structure (histology) were investigated. Treatment with nicotine or VEA alone or with PG/VG did not impact cell viability. CBD, phytol, and lauric acid caused cytotoxicity in both culture systems and increased lipid-laden macrophages. Exposure of SmallAir™ organotypic cultures to CBD-containing aerosols resulted in tissue injury and loss of CBF and TEER, while PG/VG alone or with nicotine or VEA did not. Aerosols generated with higher power settings had higher carbonyl concentrations. In conclusion, the presence and concentration of certain chemicals and device power may induce cytotoxicity in vitro. These results raise concerns that power-adjustable devices may generate toxic compounds and suggest that toxicity assessments should be conducted for both e-liquid formulations and their aerosols.

Failure of head lice treatment with tocopheryl acetate spray: results of a sponsor-free clinical study.

Failure of head lice treatment with tocopheryl acetate spray: results of a sponsor-free clinical study.

Treatment for cholangiohepatitis in cats

Acute bacterial cholangiohepatitis of cats is a common disease associated with the inflammation of bile ducts and liver parenchyma, characterized by development of a pronounced hepatodepressive syndrome (hypoalbuminemia), cytolysis (increase in serum activity of alanine and asparagine transaminase), cholestasis (increase in serum concentration of bilirubin, cholesterol, activity of alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase), intoxication, dehydration, mesenchymal-inflammatory and pain syndromes. The aim of the research was to study the effectiveness of treatment for acute bacterial cholangiohepatitis in cats with average severity of the pathology course. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, the study included a cohort of cats (n = 12) with acute bacterial cholangiohepatitis. Clinical, hematological, ultrasonographic, statistical methods of investigation were used in this work. For sick cats with medium severity form of cholangiohepatitis, when administered as a complex therapy the combination of marbofloxacin, metronidazole, ursodeoxycholic acid, cyancobolamine, tocopherol acetate, infusion therapy also had a good therapeutic effect, which was accompanied by improved clinical and laboratory performance. In the blood of cats with cholangiohepatitis, in the background of intensive therapy, there was a significant decrease in white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and in serum, there was an increase in albumin concentration, reduction of creatinine, aminotransferase activity, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, lipase.

THE DEVELOPMENT AND STUDY OF THE TOXICITY OF SUPPOSITORIES WITH A MODIFIED SUBSTANCE OF INTERFERON ALFA-2B

Objective: To develop a stable composition with the substance of PEGylated interferon alfa-2b, to study technological and biopharmaceutical characteristics of the dosage form, and to conduct preclinical studies on the chronic toxicity and local irritating effect. Methods: Solid fats Witepsol® H15, Witepsol® W 35, Suppocire® BS2X, and Suppocire® BM brands were used as the suppository bases. Polysorbate 80 was used as an emulsifier. Citric acid, ascorbic acid, sodium tetraborate, lactic acid, ethylenediaminetetetraacetic acid, tocopherol acetate was also introduced into the experimental samples. Fourteen experimental samples were screened for biological and technological indicators. Preclinical studies were performed for the optimal composition on the indicators of chronic toxicity and local irritant effect. Results: The study examined the cytotoxic effects on the Vero cell line of selected suppository bases and excipients, namely, pH regulators and antioxidants. With excipients that did not have cytotoxicity we obtained suppository compositions with the following quality indicators: cytotoxicity, specific activity of interferon, time of complete deformation of suppositories and their melting temperature. A total of 14 compositions were studied, of which 5 were selected on the basis of the results for the study of stability. Only one composition turned out to be stable for the time studied. Conclusion: The most stable in terms of “specific activity” was sample 7, its composition: Witepsol® H15/W35 70/30, polysorbate-80 0.15%, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) 0.15%, sodium tetraborate 0.15%, tocopherol acetate 3.0%. Preclinical studies, that showed the absence of chronic toxicity and local irritant effect, were performed for this composition.

Validation and development of UV-Vis spectrophotometer analysis methods for alpha-tocopherol acetate

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had caused the consumption of vitamins in the community to increase with the aim of maintaining immunity in the body. Objective: This study aims to develop an analysis method with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, which is considered an alternative analysis method that is easier, more practical, and cheaper. Method: Methods for analyzing alpha-tocopherol acetate are validated through specificity tests, linearity measurements, precision tests, accuracy tests, determination of detection limits, determination of quantitation limits, and determination of range using ethanol p.a solvent and UV-Vis Spectrophotometer instruments. Then, examine the alpha tocopherol acetate content of vitamin E dietary supplements. Results: The specificity test showed that matrix had no significant effect on the analysis, the linearity test met the requirements with a concentration range of 20–60 ug/mL (r = 0.9991), the accuracy test was 99.897-100.315%, intraday and interday precision tests were obtained with %RSD less than 2%, the LOD value was 1.859 ug/mL and the LOQ value was 5.635 ug/mL. The determination of levels of vitamin E in dietary supplements showed levels for brand A of 100.508% and brand B of 100.089%. Conclusion: The analytical method developed had met the validation requirements, and the levels of vitamin E food supplements had met the USP requirements. Keywords: method validation, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, alpha tocopherol acetate

Comparative study of lung toxicity of E-cigarette ingredients to investigate E-cigarette or vaping product associated lung injury.

No comparative study has yet been performed on the respiratory effects of individual E-cigarette ingredients. Here, lung toxicity of individual ingredients of E-cigarette products containing nicotine or tetrahydrocannabinol was investigated. Mice were intratracheally administered propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), vitamin E acetate (VEA), or nicotine individually for two weeks. Cytological and histological changes were noticed in PG- and VEA-treated mice that exhibited pathophysiological changes which were associated with symptoms seen in patients with symptoms of E-cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injuries (EVALI) or E-cigarette users. Compared to potential human exposure situations, while the VEA exposure condition was similar to the dose equivalent of VEA content in E-cigarettes, the PG condition was about 47-137 times higher than the dose equivalent of the daily PG intake of E-cigarette users. These results reveal that VEA exposure is much more likely to cause problems related to EVALI in humans than PG. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that PG exposure was associated with fibrotic lung injury via the AKT signaling pathway and M2 macrophage polarization, and VEA exposure was associated with asthmatic airway inflammation via the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. This study provides novel insights into the pathophysiological effects of individual ingredients of E-cigarettes.

Cyclodextrin-Calcium Carbonate Micro- to Nano-Particles: Targeting Vaterite Form and Hydrophobic Drug Loading/Release

Tailor-made and designed micro- and nanocarriers can bring significant benefits over their traditional macroscopic counterparts in drug delivery applications. For the successful loading and subsequent release of bioactive compounds, carriers should present a high loading capacity, trigger release mechanisms, biodegradability and biocompatibility. Hydrophobic drug molecules can accumulate in fat tissues, resulting in drawbacks for the patient's recovery. To address these issues, we propose to combine the advantageous features of both host molecules (cyclodextrin) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) particles in order to load hydrophobic chemicals. Herein, hybrid cyclodextrin-CaCO3 micro- to nano-particles have been fabricated by combining Na2CO3 solution and CaCl2 solution in the presence of an additive, namely poly (vinylsulfonic acid) (PVSA) or glycerol (gly). By investigating experimental parameters and keeping the Na2CO3 and CaCl2 concentrations constant (0.33 M), we have evidenced that the PVSA or gly concentration and mixing time have a direct impact on the final cyclodextrine-CaCO3 particle size. Indeed, by increasing the concentration of PVSA (5 mM to 30 mM) or gly (0.7 mM to 4 mM) or the reaction time (from 10 min to 4 h), particles with a size of 200 nm could be reached. Interestingly, the vaterite or calcite form could also be selected, according to the experimental conditions. We hypothesised that the incorporation of PVSA or gly into the precipitation reaction might reduce the nucleation rate by sequestering Ca2+. The obtained particles have been found to keep their crystal structure and surface charge after storage in aqueous media for at least 6 months. In the context of improving the therapeutic benefit of hydrophobic drugs, the developed particles were used to load the hydrophobic drug tocopherol acetate. The resulting particles are biocompatible and highly stable in a physiological environment (pH 7.4, 0.15 M NaCl). A selective release of the cargo is observed in acidic media (pH lower than 5).