Research Title: Development of a chemical fingerprint as a tool to distinguish closely related Tinospora species and quantitation of marker compounds

Author: Manal Mohammad Alhusban, Published Year: 2020

Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 178

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Tinospora species are morphologically similar. Several cases of human toxicity have been reported in association with T. crispa. A chemical fingerprint was developed to differentiate T. crispa from its closely related species and to quantitate its major furanoditerpenes namely as borapetosides B, C and F. The rapid, sensitive and repeatable method was established using ultra–high performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array and single quadrupole electrospray mass spectrometry detectors using a flavonoid, two alkaloids, an amide and six diterpenoids. Qualitative and quantitative determination was performed by UHPLC-UV and confirmed by MS. The intra-day RSD for replicates was between 0.9 and 6.8% and inter-day RSD was between 1.2 and 9.1%. Recovery was 97–103 %. The method is useful to achieve decisiveness in not only identifying but also differentiating T. crispa from T. sinensis and other closely related Tinospora species. Seventeen Tinospora plant samples and seventeen dietary supplements claiming T. crispa, T. sinensis and T. cordifolia were analyzed. The newly developed and validated method successfully resulted in the conclusive identification of two dietary supplements to be mislabeled.

Keywords: T. crispaBorapetoside CT. sinensisTinosineside AMagnoflorineDietary supplements

Research Title: Rearranged clerodane diterpenoid from Tinospora crispa

Author: Manal Mohammad Alhusban, Published Year: 2019

Natural Product Research, 34

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: A new rearranged clerodane diterpenoid, tinocrispide was isolated from the stems of Tinospora crispa along with thirteen known compounds including eight clerodane diterpenoids. Among the known compounds baenzigeride A, (6S, 9 R)-vomifoliol and steponine are being reported for the first time from T. crispa. Their structures were elucidated by 1 D and 2 D NMR and confirmed by HRESIMS. The 13C NMR data of borapetol A has been revised.

Keywords: Tinospora crispa, isolation, NMR, tinocrispide, borapetol A

Research Title: Evaluating Antibiotic Sensitivity Patterns of Pseudomonas in Relation to Specimen Type in Jordanian Hospital.

Author: Nabil Nimer, Published Year: 2019

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Abstract Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity patterns of different antibiotics of pseudomonas in relation to specimen types. Methods: The quantitative retrospective study was conducted at Princess Iman Research and Laboratory Sciences Centre of Royal Medical Services, Amman, Jordan. The specimens of USS, urine, cerebral spinal fluid, and blood were collected from patients, who visited the hospital from January to September 2015. Drugs analysed included ampicillin, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, cefotaxime, cefoxitin, nitrofurantoin and gentamicin. Results: There were 358 samples collected. Ampicillin was found effective (p=0.002). There was a weaker correlation between amikacin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (r=-0.001). Similarly, nitrofurantoin was also effective (p=0.001), and the association between amikacin and ceftazidime was positive (r=0.998). Conclusion: The selected antibiotics were only examined, concerning the sensitivity patterns as data collected from the patients was insufficient for other drugs.

Keywords: Antibiotics, pseudomonas, Sensitivity Patterns, Specimen.

Research Title: A review on emerging and re-emerging of infectious diseases in Jordan the aftermath of the Syrian crises.

Author: Nabil Nimer, Published Year: 2019

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: The review aims to examine the emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases in Jordan, in parallel with the Syrian refugee crisis. Qualitative approach has been adopted for systematically examining the outcomes of Syrian Crisis, which resulted with emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. It has adhered that infectious diseases; including measles, tuberculosis, and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, have hazardous effects on Syrian refugees along with alarming threats to local population in Jordan. National health policies should be implemented to adhere to the influence of infectious diseases beside the reduction of the extent of infectious diseases in Jordan. In the 21st century, Syrian conflict can be deliberated as one of the biggest humanitarian disasters. In this multifaceted emergency with devastating requirements and limitations, it has been found essential for dominant medical healthcare providers to develop medical strategies that are based on comprehensive understanding of concerned context and the main medical requirements and susceptible groups.

Keywords: Emerging Infectious diseases, Reemerging Infectious diseases

Research Title: Isoform selectivity of harmine-conjugated 1,2,3-triazoles against human monoamine oxidase

Author: Manal Mohammad Alhusban, Published Year: 2018

FUTURE MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY, 10

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Aim: There is little information available on the monoamine oxidase isoform selectivity of N-alkyl harmine analogs, which exhibit a myriad of activities including MAO-A, DYRK1A and cytotoxicity to several select cancer cell lines. Results: Compounds 3e and 4c exhibited an IC50 of 0.83 ± 0.03 and 0.43 ± 0.002 μM against MAO-A and an IC50 of 0.26 ± 0.04 and 0.36 ± 0.001 μM against MAO-B, respectively. Molecular docking studies revealed π–π interactions between the synthesized molecules and aromatic amino acid residues. Conclusion & future perspective: The current study delineates the structural requirements for MAO-A selectivity and such information may be helpful in designing selective analogs for kinase, DYRK1A and harmine-based cytotoxics without apparent MAO enzyme inhibition.

Keywords: 1,2,3-triazolesclick chemistryharminemonoamine oxidase

Research Title: PnPa13 Peptide derived from Brazilian wandering spider toxin interact with Cb1 cannabinoid receptor

Author: Wafa Moh'd Khair Hourani, Published Year: 2018

The COMPARE Annual Research Symposium 2018, Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Center, University of Birmingham,UK

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Several peptides derived from venoms, including those from spiders, snakes and marines have been explored as analgesic agents. Molecular targets include voltage-gated and acid-sensitive ion channels or ionotropic glutamate receptors, as well as modulating opioid and cannabinoid pathways. An example is the drug (Prialt®), a potent analgesic, designed from ω-conotoxin MVIIA, a peptide from Conus magus snail venom. Our group has developed peptides analogue comprising the predicted active regions of particular toxins from the venom of the Brazilian wandering spider (Phoneutria nigriventer). The synthetic nontoxic peptide PnPP-19 (BR 10 2012 020800-8 A2) derived from PnTx2-6 toxin promoted antinociception, associated with an involvement of neutral endopeptidase, and CB1 cannabinoid, as well as μ and δ opioid receptors (FREITAS, ACN et. al., 2016). This work aims looking for a novel synthetic peptide, Pn-13 (MW= 1.58 kDa, 13 amino acid residues) modelled from δ-Ctenitoxin-Pn1a toxin, its sequence in patent application. We evaluated the selectivity of Pn-13 using CHO-CB1 and CHO-CB2 human receptors and [35S]-GTPγS in binding assays. The results indicated that Pn-13 exhibited some selectivity for the CB1 receptor. Preliminary results monitoring cAMP levels in CB1 and CB2 cells appear to show effects only in CB1 cells. Further studies of the downstream signalling pathways for the CB1 and CB2 receptors (calcium elevation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation), however, failed to show significant effects of Pn-13. Pn-13 peptide appears to have potential as a biased ligand at CB1 cannabinoid receptors and could be an interesting tool to study this receptor.

Keywords: cannabinoids, opioid,Pn1,G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)

Research Title: Pn-1, AN ANTINOCICEPTIVE PEPTIDE DERIVED FROM SPIDER TOXIN ACTING THROUGH CB1 CANNABINOID RECEPTORS

Author: Wafa Moh'd Khair Hourani, Published Year: 2018

GPCR Pharmacology - The Next Generation, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Cannabinoid receptors CB1 (CB1R) and CB2 (CB2R) are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The stimulation of cannabinoid receptors in the brain may produce dysphoria, euphoria, hypothermia, appetite stimulation, memory impairment and analgesia [1]. The existence of an endogenous cannabinergic pain-modulatory system makes an attractive target in the search for new drugs, in particular when opiates are ineffective for pain treatment. Peptide toxins produced by a variety of organisms have evolved with different targets, including GPCR, enzymes and ion channels. Our group has previously reported synthetic peptides designed from the Brazilian wandering spider toxins. The synthetic nontoxic peptide PnPP-19 (BR 10 2012 020800-8 A2) induced antinociception involving cannabinoid and opioid systems [2]. The present study, antinociceptive synthetic peptide, Pn1 (11 amino acid residues, MW= 1.35 kDa) [3] was undertaken to investigate the interaction of Pn-1 with the CB1R and its pharmacological role on induced analgesia. Nociceptive thresholds were measured by the in vivo paw pressure test on male Wistar rats (180-200 g). Pn1 induced a dose-dependent response. Blocking opioid receptors failed to alter the antinociceptive activity. However, the blocked of CB1R at the highest dose of AM251 inhibited the antinociceptive effect. Also, inhibition of MAGL or the anandamide transporter potentiated the activity of the Pn-1. We evaluated in vitro the selectivity of Pn-1 using CHO-hCB1 and CHO-hCB2 receptors. At low concentrations, Pn-1 appeared to increase [35S]GTPγS binding and at concentrations of 10 μM and above, reduced it. In the presence of CP55940, it acted as an antagonist at high concentrations. Monitoring cAMP levels confirmed selective activity on CB1R. Pn-1 acts complexly at CB1 receptors.

Keywords: cannabinoids, opioid,Pn1,G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)

Research Title: Bioequivalence and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Two Batches of Cephalexin Capsules in Healthy Volunteers

Author: Yazan Batineh, Published Year: 2020

Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Researches, 12

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: The aim of this study is to evaluate the difference in pharmacokinetic parameters between the same brand drugs containing Cephalexin as the active ingredient distributed to both the private sector and the governmental sector in Jordan. Method: Plasma samples of two healthy volunteer groups have been examined at different time intervals after oral administration of Cephalexin 500 mg obtained from both private and governmental health sectors, and the pharmacokinetic parameters such as area under plasma concentration time curve (AUC), maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), and time to reach maximum plasma concentration (Tmax), have been measured after conducting high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) experiment. Results: Measurements have shown a significant difference in almost all parameters between Cephalexin from the private sector and that from the governmental sector that support the call for more control and regulations on drugs supplied to governmental health sectors. Conclusion: More control on drugs supply for governmental hospitals and health centers and almost all drug companies must provide a proof for bioequivalence for their drugs going to that sector and not rely only on that bioequivalence comparison done for registration and FDA requirements.

Keywords: bioequivalence, cephalexin, pharmacokinetic, HPLC.

Research Title: Perinatal depression. Prevalence, suicidal idea, and associated factors

Author: Yazan Batineh, Published Year: 2020

Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Researches, 12

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: This study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of perinatal depression compared to non-pregnant women. Associating factors, suicidal idea and their association with pregnancy. Material: This cross-sectional study included 684 Jordanian women attended pregnancy care department in Jordanian hospitals and the community women from April 2018 to September 2018. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is used to described depression symptoms. Results: In pregnant women, the prevalence of depression was significantly higher than in single women (p= 0.00812), and a significant number of symptoms of depression experienced by pregnant women compared to post-partum women (p= 0.037). Higher depression symptoms were observed in male — bearing women (p= 0.0436), caesarean birth (p = 0.0068), and women with maternal complications (p = 0.0072). Furthermore, higher symptoms of depression (p= 0.0097, 0076) were associated with Gestational diabetic and anaemic women. The prevalence of depression is significantly higher for pregnant women with family problems (p= 0.0097). There was no significant variability between study groups in suicidal idea, although there was a higher percentage of self—harm in post-partum women (1.67 percent). Conclusions: In pregnant women, there is a higher prevalence of depression compared to post-partum women. Perinatal depression is associated with male infants, cesarean birth, anemia, gestational diabetes, and social issues.

Keywords: Postnatal depression, Perinatal depression, Suicidal idea, Normal delivery, Cesarean delivery, EPDS score.

Research Title: Therapeutic drug monitoring of cytotoxic drugs

Author: Yazan Batineh, Published Year: 2019

Annals of Tropical Medicine & Public Health, 22

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: The majority of anticancer drugs are recognized with narrow therapeutic index, the area under the plasma levels versus time curve (AUC) is the common pharmacokinetic (PK) parameter which utilizes specifically for cytotoxic drugs. TDM approach in these drugs has never been completely applied due to different reasons, for example, the use of combination chemotherapies for different malignant tumors, and the behavior of intracellularcompounds; it’s possible to eliminate these limitations by using specific concentrations of cytotoxic drugs and measure AUC after certain conditions. In this review article, we discussed the common TDM parameters, methods of analysis, and some of drug interactions for a group of cytotoxic drugs.

Keywords: Cytosine arabinoside, Fluorouracil, Methotrexate, Mercaptopurine, Cytotoxic drugs, TDM.