Other Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons^™

Proteome-Based Identification And Validation Of Nxpe3 In Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, Najia Tabassum, Yamna Khurshid, Basir Syed, Aftab Ahmad, Sadia Muhammad, Rehan Imad, Talat Mirza

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background: Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (cALL) tends to metastasize to central nervous system. Treatment with antileukemic agents against CNS leukaemia is an essential component for cure in ALL. Hence, it is essential to identify biomarkers for CNS infiltration. Proteomics, supported by mass spectrometry, is the platform for exploring biomarkers in various biological samples, contributing to translational research. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the plasma proteome profile of children across different risk groups of cALL. Neurexophilin and PC-esterase family, member 3 (NXPE3), was validated. The protein-protein interactions (PPI) of NXPE3 were evaluated with bioinformatics analyses. Methods: Plasma …

Dupilumab For The Treatment Of Prurigo Nodularis, Iain Noel Encarnacion, Noelle Desir, Simona A. Alomary, Nicole Baker

SKMC Student Presentations and Publications

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic, intensely pruritic dermatosis driven by neural and immune dysregulation, with historically limited FDA-approved treatment options. In September 2022, dupilumab became the first FDA-approved therapy for PN. To review the clinical efficacy of dupilumab in PN, with emphasis on pivotal clinical trials, real-world evidence, and safety profile. We examined mechanistic studies of dupilumab, early case reports and series, phase 3 LIBERTY-PN PRIME and PRIME2 randomized trials, real world observational studies, and safety data. Dupilumab, a human monoclonal antibody targeting IL-4Rα, suppresses type 2 inflammation. In PRIME (n = 151) and PRIME2 (n = 160), dupilumab …

Absolute Quantification And Identification Of Rna From Rna-Lipid Nanoparticles Using High Resolution Mass Spectrometry, Jason C. Funderburk

Theses and Dissertations

RNA therapeutics are a rising drug category with potential use for a range of conditions encompassing infectious diseases to therapies for cancer, diseases, and genetic disorders. RNA-lipid nanoparticles (RNA-LNPs) are the prominent delivery method for these therapeutics approved products include mRNA vaccines and polyneuropathy treatments. The emergency use authorizations and orphan drug status of current RNA-LNP drugs has allowed approval without finalization of the regulatory analytical procedures for quality monitoring. The objective of the study was to develop an LC-MS assay to simultaneously measure identity and concentration of two therapeutically relevant intact RNA constructs extracted from RNA-LNPs to enhance quality …

Implementing A Standardized App-Led Multidisciplinary Medication Review And Reconciliation To Improve Medication Safety Before Systemic Cancer Therapy: An Ambulatory Oncology Quality Improvement Initiative, Sarah R. Hines

DNP Projects

Background

Adult patients initiating systemic cancer therapy frequently present with pre-existing polypharmacy related to chronic comorbidities and cancer-related symptom management. The addition of anticancer therapies and supportive care medications further increases medication burden and the risk of medication-related harm. Although national organizations and institutional policies recommend comprehensive medication review before treatment initiation, implementation remains inconsistent in ambulatory oncology practice.

Purpose

To implement and evaluate a standardized Advanced Practice Provider (APP)-led multidisciplinary medication review and reconciliation process designed to identify medication medication-related safety risks before initiation of systemic cancer therapy in adult oncology patients receiving care in an ambulatory infusion center. …

Electronic Cigarettes Increase Blood-Brain And Blood-Tumor Barrier Drug Efflux In A Preclinical Lung Cancer Model Of Brain Metastasis, Cullen Parker Wolford

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation (a) provided a comprehensive review of the known therapeutic challenges in nicotine delivery system users with lung cancer and (b) investigated the impact of electronic cigarettes on blood-brain/blood-tumor barrier function and efficacy of small molecule KRAS inhibitors in a syngeneic lung cancer brain metastasis model. The blood-brain barrier is a physiochemical barrier that limits systemic delivery of therapeutics into brain. When tumors invade the central nervous system, the blood-brain barrier is disrupted and subsequently forms a blood-tumor barrier. Despite the inherent leakiness and variable permeability of the blood-tumor barrier, it continues to restrict anti-cancer drugs from accumulating at …

Hepatocyte-Specific Lrp1 Silencing Exacerbates Brain Amyloidosis Without Compensatory Ldl Receptor Family Involvement, Brian Carson, Josephine Chu, Devaraj V. Chandrashekar, Jerome Garcia, Rachita K. Sumbria, Derick Han

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

LDL receptor related protein 1 (LRP1) is a major hepatic receptor involved in lipoprotein metabolism, protease degradation, transmembrane receptor modulation, and clearance of excess protein, such as Aβ. Decreased expression of LRP1 due to liver injury can impair receptor-mediated clearance, increasing Aβ availability in the periphery. We investigated the effects of hepato-specific silencing of LRP1 on Aβ deposition in the brain. Additionally, other LDL family members (LRP5, LRP6, and LDLR) that may participate in Aβ clearance were monitored in the liver to ensure non-compensatory effects of LRP1 silencing.

Method

4-month-old male double transgenic (APP/PS1) AD mice were injected with …

The Mitochondria Is The Source Of Hepatic Amyloid Precursor Protein And Peripheral Amyloid Beta: Implications Of Alcohol-Induced Liver Steatosis In Alzheimer's Disease, Josephine Chu, Ross A. Steinberg, Brian Carson, Devaraj Venkatapura Chandrashekar, Rachita K. Sumbria, Derick Han

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Alcohol-induced liver injury occurs in the pericentral region of the liver and can induce mitochondrial remodeling and exacerbate Alzheimer's Disease (AD) progression. Subpopulations of mitochondria: general mitochondria (GM), peridroplet mitochondria (PDM) and endoplasmic reticulum(ER)-bound mitochondria (ERM) maintain cellular homeostasis via energy synthesis, lipid homeostasis, and regulation of intracellular calcium. Hepatic amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a source of peripheral amyloid beta (aB) and affects AD pathology in the brain. Understanding the localization and expression of hepatic APP in mitochondrial subpopulations are critical to understanding aB metabolism and may play a role in identifying a potential mechanism for metabolic dysfunction. …

Hot-Melt Extrusion-Based Solid Dispersion Of Aripiprazole: Preparation, Characterization, And In Vitro Evaluation, Nensi Raytthatha, Jigar Ramanlal Vyas

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Aripiprazole (ARI), a biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) class IV drug, exhibits poor water solubility and low permeability, resulting in limited bioavailability. Addressing these challenges requires innovative approaches to enhance solubility. This study focuses on the development and evaluation of solid dispersions (SDs) of ARI using “hot-melt extrusion,” (HME) a scalable and solvent-free method known for its ability to create stable amorphous structures. Soluplus^® (SP) and Kollidon® 30 were employed as hydrophilic polymeric carriers to improve the solubility and stability of the amorphous drug form. Results: SDs were prepared by taking drugs and carriers (SP and Kollidon …

Assessment Of Polymeric Chloroquine Formulations For Targeted Therapy Of Ulcerative Colitis And Metastatic Colorectal Cancer, Neha Kumari

Theses & Dissertations

Effective targeted drug delivery is a critical unmet need in the management of both ulcerative colitis and metastatic colorectal cancer, where conventional systemic therapies may be hindered by suboptimal efficacy and significant side effects. This thesis explores the development and preclinical assessment of polymeric chloroquine (PCQ)-based nanotherapeutics, leveraging stimuli-responsive designs for disease-specific delivery and action.

For ulcerative colitis, a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive nanogel system was engineered to release PCQ, a macromolecular derivative of hydroxychloroquine, specifically in the inflamed areas within the colon. Nanogels with well-defined size and positive surface charge were synthesized via reversible fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization …

Investigation Of Aldehyde Oxidase Inhibition By Clopidogrel And Its Thiol Metabolite, Rachel Crouch, Merna Kamal, Hilina Woldeamanuel

Student Scholar Symposium

Aldehyde oxidase (AO) is an enzyme that metabolizes drugs containing aromatic azaheterocycles. Small thiol-containing molecules have been reported to inactivate AO. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet agent used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Clopidogrel is a prodrug that is bioactivated in vivo by cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 into a thiol metabolite. Our research aims to explore whether the clopidogrel thiol metabolite can inhibit AO, leading to potential drug-drug interactions when co-administered with other drugs that are metabolized by AO. In order to determine whether the prodrug clopidogrel and/or its thiol metabolite inhibit AO, O6-benzylguanine (AO substrate) was incubated with human …

Impact Of An Educational Intervention On Pharmacy Students’ Knowledge, Attitudes, And Confidence Regarding Alcohol And Substance Use Disorders, Lina Itenberg

Student Scholar Symposium

This study examines the impact of an educational intervention on student pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, and confidence regarding alcohol and substance use disorders (AUD/SUD) at Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy. Current literature denotes that student pharmacists often feel unprepared to address substance use disorder in practice. This study evaluates whether a targeted educational intervention can enhance student understanding of first-line pharmacological treatments, increase confidence in handling opioid-related emergencies, and improve their ability to educate patients on harm reduction strategies, including naloxone use and opioid overdose risks. Pre- and post-intervention surveys will assess changes in students’ preparedness and identify ongoing concerns about …

Cv: Maria Josefina Natividad (Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician), Maria Josefina Natividad

Rehabilitation and Health Sciences Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Cv: Maria Josefina Natividad (Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technican), Maria Josefina Natividad

Health Sciences Department Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Oral Ketamine For Treatment Resistant Depression: A Literature Review, Maeve Buni, Alanna Eisenbeiser

Physician Assistant Capstones, 2020-current

Objective: Assess the efficacy and safety of oral ketamine as alternative therapy for those with treatment resistant depression (TRD). Design: Literature review. Methods: On November 14, 2024, a search was done in Pubmed and James Madison University’s EBSCO Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection for the terms “ketamine” and “treatment resistant depression,” excluding parenteral routes of administration and including only randomized controlled trials in adults published in 2018-2024. Results: Three randomized controlled trials that utilized evidence-based surveys to assess antidepressant effects were analyzed. Conclusion: The antidepressant effects of oral ketamine found in these RCTs were somewhat mixed. Oral ketamine did appear …

From Incomplete To Impactful—Finalizing Unfinished Nursing Projects In Nart And Polypharmacy For Lasting Improvement, Paula Thanh Nhat Pham, Armine Lianna Chamichyan, Anastasia Yerofeyeva, Stelene Alexis Tragus

Master's Projects and Capstones

This quality improvement project addressed the problem of incomplete or unsustained clinical initiatives at a long-term care facility by introducing Kotter’s Change Model, an evidence-based framework designed to support and sustain lasting improvements in clinical practice. Within the context of a religious-based residential community for older adults with complex chronic needs, the objective was to strengthen the facility’s capacity to implement and sustain change more effectively. By using two previously unfinished initiatives, the NaRT triage tool and Polypharmacy management process, the project applied Kotter’s model to evaluate how structured change strategies can improve staff engagement, leadership alignment, and long-term project …

Disrupting Cell Death: Ferroptosis And Pyroptosis Inhibition In Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Via Modulation Of Gpx4 And Cgas Pathways By Deferoxamine And Octreotide,, Rasha A. Tawfiq, Yasmeen Attia, Hameis M. Sleem, Mai Ghoneim Dr.

Pharmacy

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) is a significant complication of liver transplantation, often precipitating postoperative liver dysfunction/failure. Given the rising global prevalence of end-stage liver disease, which necessitates liver transplantation, protecting against HIRI is crucial. Here, we investigated the effects of octreotide (OCT), a pyroptosis inhibitor, and deferoxamine (DEF), a ferroptosis suppressor, individually and combined in the HIRI model. Their impact on cyclic GMP-AMP synthase/stimulator-of-interferon (cGAS/STING) genes and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity was explored. Male rats (n = 4–5) were subjected to 30 min ischemia followed by 3 h reperfusion and treated with OCT (75 μg/kg; 30 μg/kg, i.p. & …

Selenium Nanoparticles As Versatile Delivery Tools, Amir Nasrolahi Shirazi, Rajesh Vadlapatla, Ajoy Koomer, Kyle Yep, Keykavous Parang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have emerged as promising metal-based nanoparticles for drug delivery due to their unique physicochemical properties, intrinsic bioactivity, and biocompatibility. SeNPs offer a lower toxicity, higher bioavailability, and flexibility to be customized for surface chemistry compared to traditional selenium compounds. Advances in synthetic strategies, including chemical reduction, green biosynthesis, and surface functionalization with polymers, peptides, or ligands, have improved their stability, targeting capability, and circulation time. SeNP-based systems have demonstrated unique anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities, as they can function as drug carriers and active therapeutic agents. The surface of SeNPs has been functionalized with ligands such as …

Longitudinal Pharmacokinetic And Safety Studies Of An Antibody-Erythropoietin Fusion Protein For Alzheimer's Disease, Rudy Chang, Devaraj Venkatapura Chandrashekar, G. Chuli Roules, Nataraj Jagadeesan, Emi Iwasaki, Adenike Oyegbesan, Hayk Davtyan, Rachita K. Sumbria

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Erythropoietin (EPO) shows promise for Alzheimer's disease (AD) but has poor brain penetration, necessitating high doses that cause hematopoietic side effects. To improve brain delivery, EPO was fused to a transferrin receptor monoclonal antibody (TfRMAb), and this study evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and efficacy of repeated TfRMAb-EPO dosing in mice to further its preclinical development. C57BL/6J male mice (10 weeks old, n = 4–5/dose) received subcutaneous (SQ) low (1 mg/kg), mid (3 and 6 mg/kg), or high (20 mg/kg) TfRMAb-EPO doses for 4 weeks. The 1 mg/kg dose showed no adverse effects and resulted in sustained brain and plasma …

Post-Discharge Transitions Of Care Pharmacists Follow-Up Impact On Patient Care, Lesly Rapado, Sara Panella, Elaina Rosario, Emilie Collongette, Faaria Quadri, Beatriz Jimenez-Cadilla, Amanda Gronniger

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: This quality improvement project assessed the impact of a newly implemented transitions of care (TOC) pharmacist service at a large health system. The service involves a comprehensive review of recently discharged value-based care individuals, including chart review and, when necessary, telephonic follow-up by the pharmacist 3-6 days post-discharge.

Methods: This retrospective evaluation compared two groups: pre-implementation (September 1st, 2023 - January 30th, 2024) and post- implementation (March 1st, 2024 - July 30th, 2024) of TOC pharmacist service, focused on patient evaluations 3-6 days post-discharge. The primary outcome was a composite of 30-day re-hospitalization rates including urgent care, emergency department, …

Identifying Barriers For Community Pharmacies As Vaccines For Children (Vfc) Providers In Rural Alabama: Opportunities For Solutions, Myra Bajwa

Honors Theses

Significant Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination disparities exist between rural and urban areas in the US. A primary contributor is low access to preventive care in rural areas. Among the most promising strategies to overcome this is increasing access through offering HPV vaccination in non-traditional, convenient health settings such as pharmacies. In rural areas, community pharmacies are trusted, convenient pillars of the community. In Alabama, community pharmacies are eligible for enrollment in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, a federally-funded program that provides free vaccines to children and adolescents under 18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, American Indian, or Alaska …

Evaluating Perceptions Of Clinical Sports Pharmacists: Insights From An Orthopedic Clinic Survey, Brandon K. Welch, Sara Panella, Michael Swartzon, Eli Friedman, Samantha Cossin

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: Athletes have unique pharmaceutical needs due to injury risk, supplement use, and anti-doping regulations. Despite this, pharmacists remain underutilized in sports medicine. This quality improvement project evaluated clinician and staff perceptions of clinical sports pharmacists at Baptist Health, a large healthcare system in South Florida.

Methods: A 12-question REDCap survey was distributed to 19 staff and clinicians— including physicians, athletic trainers, and medical assistants—across five Baptist Health Orthopedic and Sports Medicine clinics. Responses were measured using a Likert scale and analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Results: The survey achieved a 100% response rate. Most participants had over …

The Clinical Pharmacist As Principal Investigator—2026, Dave L. Dixon, Leo F. Buckley, Raniah Aljadeed, William L. Baker, Samuel C. Greer, Amy Y. Kang, S. Casey Laizure, Abbie D. Leino, Robert Maclaren, Milap C. Nahata, Tien M. H. Ng, Elaine Nguyen

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

The American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) first described the role and history of the pharmacist as principal investigator (PI) in 2000. An update was published in 2010, citing evidence from NIH and the ClinicalTrials.gov registry that showed an increase in the number of individuals with a Pharm.D. degree engaging in pharmacist-directed research. The 2025 ACCP Publications Committee was charged with providing an update to the 2010 paper. Key findings include a substantial increase in the total amount of federal funding awarded to schools of pharmacy (SoP) between 2011 and 2023, a modest increase in the number of pharmacists receiving …

Guide For Selecting Experimental Models To Study Dietary Fat Absorption, Andromeda M. Nauli, Ann Phan, Karen Mai, Kathleen Tran, Surya M. Nauli

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Dietary fat absorption is a complex, multi-step process involving digestion, enterocyte uptake, intracellular trafficking, re-esterification, and transport via lipoproteins into circulation. Because dietary fat absorption plays a central role in lipid homeostasis, metabolic syndrome, and fat malabsorption disorders, its study has a broad biomedical significance. However, experimental investigation of this process is technically challenging due to the short lifespan of enterocytes, the dual lymphatic and portal transport routes, and the need to trace the metabolic fate of absorbed lipids. This review summarizes and critically evaluates the major experimental systems used to study dietary fat absorption, highlighting their respective strengths, limitations, …

Efficacy And Safety Of Glibenclamide Compared With Insulin In Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Alifia Fauziyyah Haifa, Khairunnisa Qomariyanti, Ratu Ayu Dewi Sartika, Rani Sauriasari

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent pregnancy complication associated with an increased risk of maternal and neonatal complications compared with non-diabetic pregnancies. Pharmacological treatments, such as glibenclamide, are expected to provide optimal glycemic control and reduce these risks. However, concerns regarding its safety persist and some regulatory agencies have not approved glibenclamide for GDM treatment. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the most recent evidence on the efficacy and safety of glibenclamide compared with insulin in the management of GDM, with a focus on maternal and neonatal outcomes based on the most recent RCT. The objective is …

Advancing Herbal Medicine: The Role Of Nanosomal Technology In Treating Skin Diseases, Pedro Anugerah Aswan, Baitha Palanggatan Maggadani, Wilzar Fachri, Raditya Iswandana

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Herbal medicine has become popular worldwide, especially in developing countries, with around 80% of the population opting for herbal treatments. The perceived benefits of natural remedies, such as affordability and fewer side effects, drive this trend. Herbal therapies effectively manage skin diseases, infections, and common ailments. However, the absorption of bioactive compounds in herbal extracts is often limited. Recent developments in nano-based herbal delivery systems, like nanosomal, show promise in enhancing the efficacy of herbal remedies for topical applications, providing improved solubility, stability, and skin penetration. This review describes various nanosomal studies developed and successfully used to enhance the topical …

Citronellol Reduces Sepsis-Induced Renal Inflammation Via Ap-1/Nf-Κb/Tnf-Α Pathway, Huda Rashid Atiyah, Sarmed H. Kathem, Surya M. Nauli

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Sepsis is characterized by the over-production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) is a well-accepted model for recreating sepsis-induced renal injury in mice. The current study investigates how citronellol, a naturally occurring substance with a variety of biological characteristics, can prevent acute kidney inflammation brought on by CLP. In the CLP mouse model, citronellol was administered orally at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. Serum levels of creatinine and urea were used as markers of renal function, and the Murine Sepsis Score (MSS) was used to assess the severity of sepsis. According to our findings, CLP caused a …

In Vivo Pharmacokinetic Evaluation Of A Gastro-Retentive Triple Drug Delivery System Utilizing Natural Polymers For Enhanced Helicobacter Pylori Eradication, Edukulla Satheesh Kumar, Hindustan Abdul Ahad, Thirumalesh Naik Sugali Banoth

Bulletin of Faculty of Pharmacy Cairo University

This study evaluates the in vivo pharmacokinetics of triple-drug gastro-retentive formulation (metronidazole- Plantago ovata seed mucilage/ clarithromycin- Abelmoschus esculentus fruit mucilage/enteric-coated pantoprazole) for Helicobacter pylori eradication, with a focus on pharmacokinetic parameters (e.g., relative bioavailability vs. conventional doses) as the true contribution. In a cross over study using six rabbits, plasma concentrations of metronidazole, clarithromycin, and pantoprazole sodium were measured via High Performance Liquid Chromatography technique, and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined. A single dose of the optimized formulation (C-8) produced optimal drug levels, with a mean Cmax of 24.36 ± 0.84 μg/mL and tmax at 6 hours. The other pharmacokinetic …

Comparative Analysis Of Tuberculosis Treatment Costs: Drug-Resistant Vs. Drug-Sensitive Cases In Vietnam, Thi-Kim-Thang Dao, Dao Dinh, Mai-Hien Chuc, Hai-Anh Ha

Bulletin of Faculty of Pharmacy Cairo University

This study analyses the economic and clinical implications of treating pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), focusing on direct treatment costs and patient outcomes at Da Nang Hospital for Lung Diseases in Vietnam. Data were collected from 448 inpatient TB cases throughout 2022, encompassing both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant forms of TB. Analysis revealed that drug-resistant TB patients incur significantly higher treatment costs compared to those with drug-sensitive TB, with costs escalating further among older adults and patients with multiple comorbid conditions. Specifically, treatment for drug-resistant TB averaged $463.84 per patient, significantly surpassing the $217.09 average for drug-sensitive cases, indicating the economic burden posed …

In Vitro Antiviral Activity Of Cat’S Claw (Uncaria Tomentosa) Bark Extract Against Human Influenza A Virus, Juliann N. Makau, Keith K. Talaam, Mike Odiwuor, Janet M. Majanja, Sophia Musenjeri, Ratika Rahmasari, Samoel A. Khamadi, Ken Watanabe

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Influenza A viruses mutate very fast and this leads to the development of resistance to antivirals, hence the need to find new therapeutics. Due to their extensive traditional use, natural products are crucial resources for the discovery of drugs. Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa), is a tropical vine known for various health benefits and in this study we evaluated its anti-influenza activity. Pulverized material of the stem bark was extracted using 80% ethanol, hot water, and 1% sodium bicarbonate. The extracts were dried and dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide before testing for cytotoxicity and antiviral activity using crystal violet assay. The …

Exploring The Vitronectin Binding Affinity And Cell Viability Effect Of Small Molecule Metabolites From Medicinal Plants For Neuroblastoma, Stephenie C. A Alaribe, Sofia Granados-Aparici, Akolade R. Oladipupo, Isaac Vieco-Marti, Blessing E. Titilayo, Gordon Allen, Rosa Noguera

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

High-risk neuroblastoma (HR-NB) is an aggressive form of childhood cancer with a five-year survival rate of less than 50%, underscoring the need for more efficacious and less toxic treatments. The glycoprotein vitronectin (VN) has been linked to poor prognosis in patients with HR-NB, thus inhibitors of VN function represent a promising avenue for molecular mechanotherapy. This study investigated the binding affinity between the somatomedin B (SMB) domain of VN and natural compounds from the medicinal plant, Olax subscorpioidea, targeting the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). The therapeutic potential of α-amyrin (AMY), lupeol (LUP), and olax chalcone A (olax CHA) was tested …