European Journal of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (IF
Transcription
European Journal of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (IF
Резюмета на трудовете на гл.ас. Магдалена Кондева-Бурдина, дф за участие в конкурс за заемане на академичната длъжност "ДОЦЕНТ" по научна специалност „Токсикология”; област на висше образование 7. „Здравеопазване и спорт“; по професионално направление 7.3. „Фармация“; за нуждите на преподаването по „Токсикология”; към катедра „Фармакология, Фармакотерапия и Токсикология“, Фармацевтичен факултет при Медицински университет-София (ДВ, бр. 7/27. 01. 2015 г.) Mitcheva M, Vitcheva V, Kondeva M, Nikolov S. Possible interaction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) with biological active substances in plants. PHARMACIA, 2003; Vol. L (3-4): 31-36. In plants and animals, cytochrome P450 is a multienzyme essential system, consisting of an isoenzyme family, coded by different genes. Substrates of cytochrome P450 included a variety of endogenous substances as well as xenobiotics, such as drugs. All these substrates could affect its activity. Their coadministration gives an opportunity for interactions on the metabolic level. These interactions lead very often to unfavorable outcomes. A nomenclature system for indication of the particular families and sub-families of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes (CYP) has been accepted. Therefore, arabic numbers and latine characters are used, e.g. CYP1A2, 2B1, 3A4, 2C19, 2E1, 2D6 etc. A number of herbal biological active substances, included in drugs, as well as in medicinal herbs and food supplements, find application for prevention and medication of different diseases. Based on possible interactions of cytochrome P450 with biological active substances in plants, their irrational use very often ends in failure. Kondeva M, Mitcheva M, Nikolov S. Effect of the Diosgenin in fresh isolated rat hepatocytes, treated with carbon tetrachloride. European Journal of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (IF=0.474), 2003; Vol. 28 (1): P 068 (electronic version). Isolated hepatocytes are used as a model system to identify metabolic pathways and to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of drugs and plant substances. Diosgenin, isolated from Asparagus officinalis, in concentration 10 µM revealed cytoprotective and antioxidant activity in model of metabolic bioactivation (induced by carbon tetrachloride – in concentration 86 µM) in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. It statistically significant preserved cell viability and level of reduced glutathione and decreased the LDH leakage and MDA production, compared to the toxic agent. 1 Kondeva M, Mitcheva M, Kitanov G, Ignatova I. Effect of the annulatophenone (Hd15) on cell viability in fresh isolated rat hepatocytes. European Journal of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (IF=0.474), 2003; Vol. 28 (1): P 067 (electronic version). Annulatophenone (Hd15), isolated from Hypericum annulatum, showed a good cytoprotective effect in conditions of carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes from adult and young rats. Age influence the cell viability. The initial viability in young rats is 81 %, while in adult – is 67 %. The hepatocytes’ viability decreased during age with 23 %. The hepatocytes were treated with carbon tetrachloride and the cell vibility was decreased with 43 % - in young rats and 37 % - in adult rats. The viability was lower with 14 % in adult rats. Hd15 had dose-dependent protective effect in carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity. The protection is better in the low concentration in adult rats (viability rise up with 65 %), which is connected with metabolic interactions. Mitcheva M, Vitcheva V, Kondeva M, Simeonova R. Experimental study for liver toxicity of Kava-Kava extract in rats. PHARMACIA, 2004; Vol. LI (3-4): 25-28. During the recent years, case reports of severe liver toxicity including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure requiring liver transplantation have been reported in ralation to the use of kava-containing herbal products. The aim of the present study was to trace the possible hepatotoxic effects of kava-kava extract after a 4-day administration in rats. Assessments were made for parameters, characterizing regular hepatic function and connected with kava-kava biotransformation, such as: transaminase activity (GOT/GPT), MDA quantity, GSH level, changes in the component of the electron-transport chain – cytochrome b5, P450 and hem. In view of certain potential metabolic interactions, the effect of kava-kava on hexobarbital metabolism was examined as well. Considering the results of our study, we could accept that kava-kava showed hepatotoxicity that is most probably due to its hepatic metabolism. Its multifold administration, together with other drugs undergoing hepatic biotransformation, might lead to a potential risk of therapeutic failures. Mavrova AT, Anichina KK, Vuchev DI, Tsenov JA, Kondeva MS, Mitcheva MK. Synthesis and antitrichinellosis activity of some 2-substituted[1,3]thiazolo[3,2a]benzimidazol-3(2H)-ones. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry (IF=2.286), 2005; 13: 5550-5559. Some new thiazolo[3,2-a]benzimidazolone derivatives were synthesized using two methods. The structures of the synthesized compounds were proved by means of IR, 1H NMR and mass spectral data. Ab initio computations were performed in order to 2 determine the electronic structure and geometry of the investigated molecules and to compare it to the geometry of albendazole. Biologically, experiments in vitro and in vivo were accomplished in order to identify the efficacy of the obtained thiazolobenzimidazolones against Trchinella spiralis. The effectiveness of compounds 4a-c in the intestinal phase of trichinellosis was 100 % and in the muscle phase were 88 % and 80 % at a concentration of 100 mg/kg mw for the compounds 4a and 4c. The results of the hepatotoxicity test showed that the compounds 4a and 4b possess hepatotoxicity comparable to that of albendazole. Mitcheva M, Kondeva M, Vitcheva V, Nedialkov P, Kitanov G. Effect of benzophenones from Hypericum annulatum on carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. Redox Report (IF=1.593), 2006; 11(1): 3-8. Five benzophenones and a xanthone, isolated from Hypericum annulatum Moris, were investigated for their protective effect against carbon tetrachloride toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes. The benzophenones and the xanthone gentisein were administered alone (100 µM) and in combination with CCl4 (86 µM). CCl4 undergoes dehalogenation in the liver endoplasmic reticulum. This process leads to trichlormethyl radical (•CCl3) formation, initiation of lipid peroxidation, and measurable toxic effects on hepatocytes. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were assayed as an index of lipid peroxidation (LPO). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, cell viability and reduced glutathione (GSH) depletion were used as signs of cytotoxicity. CCl4 significantly decreased hepatocytes viability, GSH level and increased TBARS level and LDH leakage as compared to the control. Our data indicate that 2,3′,5′,6-tetrahydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, 2-O-α-Larabinofuranosyl-3′,5′,6-trihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone and 2-O-α-L-3′acetylarabinofuranosyl-3′,5′,6-trihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone showed weaker toxic effects compared to CCl4 and in combination showed statistically significant protection against the toxic agent. Mavrova AT, Anichina KK, Vuchev DI, Tsenov JA, Denkova PS, Kondeva MS, Mitcheva MK. Antihelminthic activity of some newly synthesized 5(6)-(un)substituted1H-benzimidazol-2-ylthioacetylpiperazine derivatives. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (IF=2.187), 2006; 41: 1412-1420. Piperazine derivatives of 5(6)-substituted-(1H-benzimidazol-2-ylthio)acetic acids were synthesized by using two methods and studied for antihelminthic activity. The antiparasitic screening showed that compounds 18-24 exhibited higher activity against Trichinella spiralis in vitro in comparison to methyl 5-(propylthio)-1Hbenzimidazol-2-yl-carbamate (albendazole). Most active were compounds 2-({2-[4(4-chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]-2-oxoethyl}thio)-1H-benzimidazole 21 and 2-{[2-oxo2-(4-benzhydrylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl]thio}-5(6)-methyl-1(H)-benzimidazole 19 as well 3 as 2-({2-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]-2-oxoethyl}thio)-5(6)-methyl-1(H)benzimidazole 23 with efficacy of 96.0 %, 98.4 % and 100 % respectively. The tested derivatives 15-19 and 20-23 were less active against Syphacia obvelata in vivo than albendazole and exhibited the same efficacy as piperazine, but in twice lower concentration. Compounds 2-({2-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]-2oxoethyl}thio)-1H-benzimidazole 21, 1,4-bis[(5(6)-methyl-1(H)-benzimidazol-2ylthio)acethyl]piperazine 17 and 2-({2-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]-2oxoethyl}thio)-5(6)-methyl-1(H)-benzimidazole 23 had higher efficacies of 73 %, 76 % and 77 %, respectively. Kondeva-Burdina M, Mitcheva M, Krasteva I, Nikolov S. Effect of Diosgenin on cell viability in freshly isolated hepatocytes from Phenobarbital-treated rats. PHARMACIA, 2006; Vol. LIII (4): 21-23. Diosgenin, isolated from Asparagus officinalis L. (Liliaceae) was investigated on cell iability in hepatocytes from rats, treated with phenobarbital. Diosgenin was administered alone in four concentrations: 0.01 µM, 0.1 µM, 10 µM and 100 µM. The effects were compared to silymarin, which is a known hepatoprotector. For isolation of the hepatocytes, the two-step collagenase perfusion was used. Cell viability was assessed by trypan blue vital dye exclusion (0.05 %). The effect was concentration dependent, most pronounced in the highest concentration – 100 µM. In hepatocytes from phenobarbital-treated rats, the effect of diosgenin was more extensive in respect to the controls (hepatocytes from non-treated with phenobarbital rats). Diosgenin had stronger effect than that of silymarin. Krasteva A, Mitcheva M, Kondeva-Burdina MS, Descatoire V. In vitro study of lovastatin interactions with amiodarone and with carbon tetrachloride in isolated rat hepatocytes. World Journal of Gastroenterology (IF=2.081), 2007; 13(15): 2198-2204. The aim of this study is to investigate the interactions at a metabolic level between lovastatin, amiodarone and carbon tetrachloride in isolated rat hepatocytes. For cell isolation two-step collagenase liver perfusion was performed. Lovastatin was administered alone in increasing concentrations (1 µmol/L, 3 µmol/L, 5 µmol/L and 10 µmol/L) and in combination with CCl4 (86 µmol/L). The cells were also pre-treated with 14 µmol/L amiodarone and then the other two compounds were added. Lovastatin promoted concentration-dependent significant toxicity estimated by decrease in cell viability and GSH level by 45 % and 84 %, respectively. LDH activity increased by 114 % and TBARS content by 90 %. CCl4 induced the expected severe damage on the examined parameters. CCl4-induced toxicity was attenuated after lovastatin pre-treatment, which was expressed in less increased values of LDH activity and TBARS levels, as well as in less decreased cell viability and GSH 4 concentrations. However, the pre-treatment of hepatocytes with amiodarone abolished the protective effect of lovastatin. We suggest that the observed cytoprotective effect was due to interactions between lovastatin, CCl4 and amiodarone at a metabolic level. Mitcheva M, Kondeva-Burdina M, Vitcheva V, Krasteva I, Nikolov S. Effect of purified saponin mixture from Astragalus corniculatus on toxicity models in isolated rat hepatocytes. Pharmaceutical Biology (IF=0.488), 2008; 46 (12): 866-870. A purified saponin mixture (PSM), isolated from Astragalus corniculatus Bieb. (Fabaceae) was investigated for its protective effect in two models of toxicity, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH), using isolated rat hepatocytes. CCl4 undergoes dehalogenation in the liver endoplasmic reticulum. This process leads to trichlormethyl radical (•CCl3) formation, initiation of lipid peroxidation, and measurable toxic effects on the hepatocytes. Oxidative damage is widely recognized as being involved in the development of many pathological conditions. In our experiment, t-BuOOH was used as a model of oxidative stress. The hepatocytes were incubated with the PSM alone (0.01-100 µM) and along with CCl4 (86 µM) and t-BuOOH (75 µM). As a sign of cytotoxicity, cell viability was used. CCl4 and t-BuOOH significantly decreased hepatocyte viability. Our data indicate that PSM showed lower toxic effects compared to CCl4 and t-BuOOH and in combination exerted statistically significant protection of cell viability against the toxic agents. Kondeva-Burdina M, Deneva S, Mitcheva M. Changes in the activity of some drug metabolizing enzyme systems and cytochrome P450 quantity after multiple Fluoxeine administratin in rats. PHARMACIA, 2008; LV(1-4): 34-37. Fluoxetine is one of the most widely used selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in psychiatry. It can be used alone and in combination with other drugs. These combinations can result in adverse drug effects, connected with interactions on metabolic level. In our study, we investigate the influence of Fluoxetine after multiple administration on total cytochrome P450 quantity and on drug metabolizing enzyme systems activity – ethylmorphine N-demethylase (EMND) and aniline hydroxylase (AH). Microsomes were prepared by two different methods – ultracentrifugation and low speed centrifugation following sedimentation of the microsomal membranes in the presence of calcium ions. We found no statistically significant difference in results of total cytochrome P450 level between microsomes, prepared by both methods. As a result of the experiment, we found that after multiple administrations Fluoxeine, like Phenobarbital, increases significantly the level of total cytochrome P450 and the activity of EMND and AH. 5 Vitcheva V, Kondeva-Burdina M, Mitcheva M. D-Amphetamine toxicity in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes: a possible role of CYP3A. Arhiv za Higijenu Rada i Toksikologiju, 2009; 60(2): 139-145. The aim of this study was to trace D-amphetamine toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes and to elucidate a possible involvement of CYP3A in the mechanisms of its toxicity. To this end, male Wistar rats were treated with nifedipine (5 mg kg-1 i.p., 5 days), a substrate and inducer of CYP3A. Hepatocytes isolated from nifedipinetreated and control rats were incubated with D-amphetamine at a concentration 100 µmol L-1, which was determined to be an average toxic concentration (TC50) for the compound. To evaluate the possible toxic effects of D-amphetamine on freshly isolated rat hepatocytes, we assessed the following parameters: cell viability, lactate dehydrogense (LDH) activity, and glutathione (GSH). The results showed that nifedipine potentiated amphetamine cytotoxicity in vitro, as follows: cell viability dropped by 65 % (p<0.001), GSH by 80 % (p<0.001), and LDH activity increased by 190 % (p<0.001). To clarify the role of nifedipine in amphetamine cytotoxicity, we used amiodarone, a substrate and an inhibitor of CYP3A. Pre-incubation of nifedipine-treated hepatocytes with amiodarone (14 µmol L-1) significantly lowered amphetamine cytotoxicity. Our results confirmed the toxicity of D-amphetamine in isolated rat hepatocytes and the involvement of CYP3A in its metabolism and hepatotoxicity. Mitcheva M, Kondeva-Burdina M, Krasteva I, Nikolov S. In vitro assessment of effect of Diosgenin, isolated from Asparagus officinalis, on spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and old rats. Archives of the Balkan Medical Union, 2009; 44(2): 137-141. Diosgenin has anti-hyperholesterolemic and anti-inflammatory activities. Mohsen et al. Have found that Dioscorea, containing diosgenin, has antioxidative effect in older patients. Present study aims at investigating of in vitro effect of diosgenin (10 µM), isolated from Asparagus officinalis L. (Liliaceae) in conditions of oxidative stress. Experiments are performed in vitro – in cellular (isolated rat hepatocytes) and subcellular (rat microsomes) level. Effect of diosgenin is studied on non-enzymic-induced lipid peroxidation in isolated microsomes from Normotensive (NTR) and Spontaneously Hypertensive rats (SHR) and on isolated hepatocytes from young and old rats. Hypertension as pathological factor and age lead to oxidative stress. Levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) are assayed as an index of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reduced glutathione (GSH) depletion – sign of cytotoxicity. In microsomes protective effects of diosgenin on TBARS are stronger in SHR, comparing to NTR. These effects are compared to those of promethazine. In isolated hepatocytes from old rats, diosgenin has more intensive protective effect compared 6 to the young rats. Effects on isolated hepatocytes are compared to the ones of silymarin. Mitcheva M, Kondeva-Burdina M, Vitcheva V. Study on hepatotoxicity of cytisine (TABEX®) compared with nicotine in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. PHARMACIA, 2009; LVI(1-4): 27-32. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of cytisine and nicotine in seven consequently increasing concentrations (5 nM – 250 µM) in isolated rat hepatocytes. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was assayed as index of lipid peroxidation (LPO). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, cell viability and reduced glutathione (GSH) depletion were used as signs of cytotoxicity. Our data indicate that cytisine has significantly less prominent toxicity on cell viability and GSH level than nicotine. At the same time, we found higher toxicity of cytisine on MDA level. The higher cytotoxicity exerted by nicotine on cell viability and GSH level might be due to its metabolites. The results from this study showed that nicotine did not affect MDA level in the same extent as cytisine. This might be explained with the ability of nicotine to inhibit superoxide anion and other reactive oxygen species generation, involved in the process of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. Mitcheva M, Kondeva-Burdina M, Krasteva I, Nikolov S. Protective effect of purified saponin mixture from Astragalus corniculatus on toxicity models in vitro. Medical management of chemical and biological casualties, 2009; Ed. by S. Tonev, K. Kanev, C. Dishovsky; Publishinf House IRITA: 239-251. A purified saponin mixture (PSM), isolated from Astragalus corniculatus Bieb. (Fabaceae) was investigated for its protective effect on different models of toxicity in vitro on sub-cellular and cellular level. In conditions of non-enzyme and enzyme lipid peroxidation, PSM showed statistically significant antioxidative effect, similar to the effect of silymarin. These results correlate with data for antioxidant activity of saponin cycloestragenol-xylozil-glycoside, isolated from extract of Astragalus membranaceus in mice liver. In rat brain synaptosomes, prepared by using Percol reagent, PSM had statistically significant protective effect, similar to those of silymarin on 6-hydroxy-dopamine-induced oxidative stress. These results correlate with literature data about protective effects of Astragalus in conditions of stress in rats. In rat hepatocytes, isolated by two-stepped collagenase perfusion, we investigate the effect of PSM on two models of liver toxicity: metabolic bioactivation – carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and mainly mitochondrial induced oxidative stress – tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH). In CCl4-induced toxicity, PSM had statistically significant cytoprotective and antioxidant activity, near to those of silymarin. These data are supported by literature data about protective effect of saponins, isolated from Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus sieversianus on hepatotoxicity, 7 induced by CCl4 and Paracetamol in mice. In model of oxidative stress – induced by t-BuOOH, PSM had statistically significant cytoprotective and antioxidant activity, stronger than the effect of silymarin. These effects of PSM may be due to the influence of the mitochondrial function, which includes the mitochondrial metabolism of t-BuOOH and correlate with data about antioxidant activity in vitro of water extract of Astragalus on mitochondria, isolated from rat heart. Simeonova RL, Vitcheva VB, Kondeva-Burdina MS, Krasteva IN, Nikolov SD, Mitcheva MK. Effect of purified saponin mixture from Astragalus corniculatus on enzyme- and non-enzyme-induced lipid peroxidation in liver microsomes from spontaneously hypertensive rats and normotensive rats. Phytomedicine (IF=2.662), 2010; 17: 346-349. The aim of the following study was to evaluate the effect of a purified saponin mixture (PSM), isolated from Astragalus corniculatus Bieb. (Fabaceae), on enzymeinduced and non-enzyme-induced lipid peroxidation (LPO), in liver microsomes from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) – strain Okamoto Aoki, as compared to normotensive Wistar rats (NTRs). The enzyme-induced lipid peroxidation was performed by incubating rat liver microsomes with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in the presence of NADPH. In non-enzyme-induced LPO, the microsomes were incubated with a solution of iron sulphate and ascorbinic acid (Fe2+/AA). The effect of PSM (196.5 µg/ml) was assessed at 20 minutes’ incubation time. MDA, a product of LPO, was measured spectrophotometrically. The results of our study showed that initial MDA quantity in SHRs was significantly higher, than in NTRs. The incubation of the microsomes from both strains with PSM (196.5 µg/ml), resulted in significant reduction of MDA level, by 25 % in SHRs. In NTRs, the formation of MDA was unchanged. In enzyme-induced LPO model, PSM significantly decreased the formation of MDA, by 55 % in NTRs and by 35 % in SHRs, compared to the respective control groups. In the model of non-enzyme induced LPO, PSM significantly decreased the formation of MDA by 95 % in NTRs and practically restored it to the control level. The MDA quantity in SHR’s microsomes was reduced by 25 %. According to the results of this experiment we could conclude that PSM, isolated from Astragalus corniculatus, shows antioxidant activity both in SHRs and NTRs and the effect in NTRs is more pronounced. Kondeva-Burdina M, Astroug H, Bechar E, Vitcheva V, Valkova I, Mitcheva M. Comparative studies of two new valproic acid derivatives on rat hepatocytes. PHARMACIA, 2010; LVII(1-4): 51-55. The cytotoxicity of two new valproic acid derivatives: N-(4-acetylphenyl-2-propylpentanamide) (E-31) and 4-((2-propylpentanoyl)-aminobenzoic acid) (E-21), with proven anti-epileptic activity, are compared to valproic acid (VPA), using freshly 8 isolated rat hepatocytes, a well-controlled biological model system in vitro with high metabolizing capacity. In rats, as in humans, VPA is metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450. As derivatives of VPA, we hypothesize that changes in their structure will result in differences in their metabolism and toxicity. Hepatocytes are treated for two hours with each compound at three concentrations: 0.1 mM, 0.3 mM and 1 mM. Effects of E-31 and E-21 on the cells are assessed by measuring cell viability, lactate dehydrogense (LDH) activity and reduced glutathione (GSH) level. E31 and E-21 are less cytotoxic than VPA in isolated rat hepatocytes most pronounced at the highest concentration (1 mM). This is probably related to the different metabolism of the newly synthesized compounds, compared to VPA. Mitcheva M, Vitcheva V, Kondeva-Burdina M, Simeonova-Vitanska R. Adverse drug reactions: experimental studies on metabolic-mediated toxicity. Autonomic & Autacoid Pharmacology, 2010; 30(2): 117-120. Our scientific studies included a group of medicines and prospective bioactive substances (BAS), from natural and synthetic origin, with a certain pharmacological activity and proved or supposed hepatic biotransformation. The compounds have been investigated for cytotoxicity and in some cases for antioxidant and protective effects. These studies were performed in cellular and sub-cellular models of toxicity, both in vitro and in vivo. The effects of the examined compounds have been compared to the effects of referent compounds. Elucidating of these effects might contribute to enrichment of their characteristics, linked to their metabolism and to prevent possible metabolic interactions. These experiments are part of the preclinical studies of novel compounds. In many cases they could explain some of the future serious clinical problems, as well as to elucidate the main causes for the failure of certain molecules, as candidate-drug. Simeonova R, Krasteva I, Kondeva-Burdina M, Benbassat N. Effects of extract from Astragalus glycyphylloides on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences (IF=0.470), 2013; 4(3): 179-186. The antioxidant effect of aqueous-ethanolic extract from Astragalus glycyphylloides (Fabaceae), and its protection against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity were investigated in male Wistar rats. For seven consequent days the animals were treated orally with A. glycyphylloides extract (EAG) (100 mg/kg). Two hours after the last administration the animals were charged with carbon tetrachloride (10 %, 1.25 ml/kg p.o.). The rats were sacrificed 18 hours later by decapitation. Carbon tetrachloride, administered alone, induced significant hepatotoxicity, manifested with reduced glutathione (GSH) depletion, increased level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced antioxidant defense. EAG pre-tretment, however, completely reversed the 9 effect of carbon tetrachloride on GSH and MDA concentrations and antioxidant enzyme activities as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). The results of this study showed an antioxidant activity of extract from Astragalus glycyphylloides and its protective effect against cerbon tetrachoride-induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity. Kondeva-Burdina M, Simeonova R, Krasteva I, Benbassat N. Protective effects of extract from Astragalus glycyphylloides on carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes. Biotechnology & Biotechnological Equipment (IF=0.379), 2013; 27(3): 3866-3869. Ethanol extract from Astragalus glycyphylloides was investigated for possible protective effect on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced cytotoxicity (model of metabolic bioactivation) (86 µmol/L) in isolated rat hepatocytes, a well-controlled biological model system in vitro with high metabolizing capacity. Hepatocytes isolated by two-step collagenase perfusion were treated with 10 µg/ml and 100 µg/ml of the extract and with silymarin – 7 µg/ml and 70 µg/ml. In this model, the extract had statistically significant cytoprotective and antioxidant activity, near to those of silymarin. These data are supported by reports about the protective efects of saponin isolated from Astragalus membranaceuse and Astragalus sieversianus on hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4 and Paracetamol in mice. Simeonova R, Vitcheva V, Kondeva-Burdina M, Krasteva I, Manov V, Mitcheva M. Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of saponarin, isolated from Gypsophila trichotoma Wend. on paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats. BioMed Research International (IF=2.880), 2013; article ID 757126: 1-10. The hepatoprotective potential of saponarin, isolated from Gypsophila trichotoma, was evaluated in vitro/in vivo using a hepatotoxicity model of paracetamol-induced liver injury. In freshly isolated rat hepatocytes, paracetamol (100 µmol/L) led to a significant decrease in cell viability, increased LDH leakage, decreased level of cellular GSH, and elevated MDA quantity. Saponarin (60-0.006 µg/ml) preincubation, however, significantly ameliorated paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner. The beneficial effect of saponarin was also observed in vivo. Rats were challenged with paracetamol alone (600 mg/kg i.p.) and after 7-day pre-treatment with saponarin (80 mg/kg, oral gavage). Paracetamol toxicity was evidenced by increased in MDA quantity and decrease in cell GSH levels and antioxidant defence system. No changes in phase I enzyme activities of AH and EMND and cytochrome P450 quantity were detected. Saponarin pre-treatment resulted in significant increase in cell antioxidant defence system and GSH levels and decrease in lipid peroxidation. The biochemical changes are in good correlation with 10 the histopathological data. Protective activity of saponarin was similar to the activity of postive control silymarin. On the basis of these results, it can be concluded that saponarin exerts antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol liver injury in vitro/in vivo. Kondeva-Burdina M, Zheleva-Dimitrova D, Nedialkov P, Girreser, Mitcheva M. Cytoprotective and antioxidant effects of phenolic compoundds from Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. (Gesneriaceae). Pharmacognosy Magazine (IF=1.525), 2013; 9(36): 294-301. Heberlea rhodopensis Friv. (Gesneriaceae) is a rare poikilohydric endemic and preglacial relict growing in Balkan Peninsula. Previous investigations demonstrated strong antioxidant, antimicrobial and antimutagenic potential of alcoholic extract from the plant. The isolation of known caffeoyl phenylethanoid glucoside – myconoside and flavone-C-glycosides hispidulin 8-C-(2-O-syringoyl-βglucopyranoside), hispidulin 8-C-(6-O-acetyl-2-O-syringoyl-β-glucopyranoside), and hispidulin 8-C-(6-O-acetyl-β-glucopyranoside) from the leaves of H. Rhodopensis was carried out. The aim of this study was to investigate cytoprotective and antioxidant effects of isolated compounds. Antioxidant activity of isolated substances was examined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radicals; ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in linoleic acid system by ferric thyocianate method. The compounds were in vestigated for their possible protective and antioxidant effects against tert-butyl hydroperoxideinduced oxidative stress in isolated rat hepatocytes. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were assayed as an index of LPO. Lactate dehydrogenase leakage, cell viability and reduced glutathione depletion were used as signs of cytotoxicity. Myconoside demonstrated the highest DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS, FRAP and antioxidant activity in linoleic acid system as well as the highest and statistically most significant protection and antioxidant activity against the toxic agent. Phenolic scavenging potential and inhibit lipid peroxidation, moreover, myconoside was found to be a new powerful natural antioxidant. Kondeva-Burdina M, Krasteva I, Nikolov S, Mitcheva M. In vivo effects of diosgenin on the activity of some drug-metabolizing enzyme systems. PHARMACIA, 2013; 60(4): 21-25. This study investigated the in vivo effect of diosgenin, isolated from Asparagus officinalis, on the total quantity of cytochrome P450, the activity of some enzymes – ethylmorphine N-demethylase (marker for CYP3A) and aniline hydoxylase (marker for CYP2E1), the quantity of malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione, compared to phenobarbital in rats. Diosgenin and phenobarbital, administered alone, increased 11 statistically significant, compared to control, the total amount of cytochrome P450 – with 36 % and with 85 %; the activity of EMND with 58 % and with 184 %. Diosgenin didn’t influenced the AH activity, compared to phenobarbital. Both diosgenin and phenobarbital had no statistically significant effect on GSH level. On the quantity of MDA, diosgenin had no effect, while phenobarbital increased it with 27 %. Our results showed that diosgenin exhibited inducible effect similar to the effect of phenobarbital on the activity of some drug-metabolizing enzyme systems. Кондева-Бурдина М. Бактериална резистентност. Здравен навигатор, 2013; 3: 6-7. Основен проблем свързан с терапията на инфекциозните заболявания е бързата поява на резистентност от страна на микроорганизмите към съответния химиотерапевтик. Статията дава информация за възможните механизми на бактериална резистентност, както и за факторите, допринасящи за развитието на резистентност. Бактериалната резистентност налага необходимостта от разработването на нови антимикробни средства, което е дълъг и скъпоструващ процес за фармацевтичната индустрия. Познавайки механизмите на бактериална резистентност и факторите, които допринасят за развитието ѝ, е възможно да се осигури контрол на антибиотичната терапия, което ще намали риска от повишаване процента на резистентни щамове микроорганизми и компрометиране на терапията. Simeonova R, Kondeva-Burdina M, Vitcheva V, Mitcheva M. Some in vitro/in vivo chemically-induced experimental models of liver oxidative stress in rats. BioMed Research International (IF=2.880), 2014; article ID 706302: 1-6. Oxidative stress is critically involved in a variety of diseases. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly toxic molecules that are generated during the body’s metabolic reactions and can react with and damage some cellular molecules such as lipids, proteins, or DNA. Liver is an important target of the oxidative stress because of its exposure to various pro-oxidant toxic compounds as well as of its metabolic function and ability to transform some xenobiotics to reactive toxic metabolites (as ROS). To investigate the processes of liver injuries and especially liver oxidative damages, there are many experimental models. Kondeva-Burdina M, Simeonova R, Vitcheva V, Kratseva I, Mitcheva M. Cytoprotective effects of saponarin from Gypsophila trichotoma on tert-butyl hydroperoxide and cocaine-induced toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes. TOXICOLOGICAL PROBLEMS, 2014; Ed. by C. Dishovsky & J. Radenkova-Saeva, Military Publishing House: 313-318. 12 Saponarin, isolated from Gypsophila trichotoma Wend., was investigated for its protective effects on two models of oxidative stres – tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBuOOH) (75 µM) and cocaine (50 µM) in rat hepatocytes, isolated by two-stepped collagenase perfusion. The effects of saponarin were compared with those of silymarin. Cell incubation with t-BuOOH and cocaine led to a significant decrease in cell viability, increased LDH leakage, decrease levels of cellular GSH and elevation in MDA quantity. Cells’ pre-incubation with saponarin (60 µg/ml; 6 µg/ml; 0.06 µg/ml; 0.006 µg/ml) significantly ameliorated, in a concentration-dependent manner, the toxicants-induced hepatocytes damage. The effects are similar to those of silymarin (50 µg/ml; 5 µg/ml; 0.05 µg/ml; 0.005 µg/ml). Our results suggest that saponarin, isolated from Gypsophila trichotoma Wend., showed cytoprotective and antioxidant activity against two models of oxidative stress, possibly by affecting the metabolism of tert-butyl hydroperoxide and cocaine. Mitcheva M, Danchev N, Astroug H, Tzankova V, Simeonova R, Kondeva-Burdina M, Vitcheva V. Toxicology – Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University, Sofia – in the years. TOXICOLOGICAL PROBLEMS, 2014; Ed. by C. Dishovsky & J. RadenkovaSaeva, Military Publishing House: 233-240. Some forty five years ago the toxicology lectures have entered the curriculum of the Faculty of Pharmacy with the Medical Academy in Sofia with the idea that the pharmacy students need a broader knowledge in the medical-biological sciences. The pioneers of these days understood that the alumni in Pharmacy should be familiar not only with the activity, but with the mechanisms of toxic drug effects and with the risks in their use, also improving their capacity to support the optimising and individualising the proper drug therapy. The present achievement in implementation of these demanding, but noble tasks is a result of the pioneers’ pledging efforts, of their enthusiasm, dedication and responsibility. Since then the toxicology as a discipline in the Faculty had developed and today it is an essential element of the pharmaceutical education. It really interacts with Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy and other disciplinesand structures with the Faculty. The Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy and Toxicology since the begining created a favourable, friendly and cosy environment for creating of considerable scientific and academic resources in Toxicology. One can distinguish the Toxicology teaching with vanguard tendencies in the education and the formation of students, master-thesis’ students, specialists and PhD students. The toxicologists in the department have a reach palette of scientific studies and publications in the fields of characterizing of new molecules, of toxicokinetics, of drug metabolism and drug toxicity, of factors affecting it, of bioactivation and deactivation, of drug abuse, of nanotoxicology etc. The in vivo and the in vitro studies refer the latest trends in the different fields of Toxicology and Pharmacy in collaboration with the leading Bularian and European 13 study centres. The activities in the field of toxicology contribute to the highest accreditation rating of the Faculty of Pharmacy. Mitcheva M, Kondeva-Burdina M. The processes of bioactivation, toxicity and detoxication – experimental models for evaluation of the toxicity. TOXICOLOGICAL PROBLEMS, 2014; Ed. by C. Dishovsky & J. Radenkova-Saeva, Military Publishing House: 292-300. Liver is the organ, where the main processes of biotransformation – deactivation, bioactivation and detoxication of enobiotics – take place. The main experimental models for evaluation of these processes are: carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced cytotoxicity (model of metabolic bioactivation) and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBuOOH)-induced oxidative stress. Our studies are connected with evaluation of in vitro/in vivo harm effects of reactive metabolites, formed at metabolic level. We have investigated the possibilities and the conditions of detoxication and protection by different drugs and new perspective compounds from synthetic and natural origin. The results show that the used experimental models are suitable for evaluation of the bioactivation and detoxication processes. Simeonova R, Kondeva-Burdina M, Vitcheva V, Mitcheva M. Effects of Damphetamine on brain and hepatocytes, isolated from male and female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). TOXICOLOGICAL PROBLEMS, 2014; Ed. by C. Dishovsky & J. Radenkova-Saeva, Military Publishing House: 254-262. D-Amphetamine is widely used drug of abuse, known to cause enhancement in blood pressure, neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, both in humans and rats. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) are generally used for studies in cardiovascular research. It is well known that SHR are more sensitive to liver injury, provoked by some toxic compounds than their normotensive controls. Regarding this information, the aim of the following study was to investigate D-amphetamine brain toxicity and hepatotoxicity in isolated hepatocytes from SHR, compared to normotensive WistarKyoto rats (WKY). In the first series of our experiments male and female SHRs and WKY rats were treated with D-amphetamine (5 mg/kg bw/day, 5 days) and brain toxicity of the compound was assessed by measuring nNOS activity, MDA quantity and GSH levels. Neuronal NOS activity was statistically significant increase in the brains taken from WKY rats but not in SHRs. MDA quantity increased and GSH levels depleted in a similar way in both strains. Liver toxicity of D-amphetamine was investigated in vitro in isolated rat hepatocytes, incubated with 100 µM of the compound. D-amphetamine hepatotoxicity judged by decrease in cell viability and GSH depletion was more pronounced in SHRs. However, MDA production was less increased when compared to WKY rats. On the basis of this study we might suggest that the observed differences are probably due to pathophysiology of SHR and it was 14 speculated that this strain possess hepatoprotection and neuroprotection. some compensatory mechanisms to Kondeva-Burdina M, Gorneva G, Mitcheva M. Effect of myosmine, administered alone and on tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes. TOXICOLOGICAL PROBLEMS, 2014; Ed. by C. Dishovsky & J. Radenkova-Saeva, Military Publishing House: 307-312. The alkaloid myosmine [3-(1-pyrrolin-2-yl)-pyridine] is presented not only in tobacco product but also in various foods. The cytotoxicity of myosmine was compared to nicotine, using isolated rat hepatocytes. It was investigated also for possible protective effect on tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced toxicity. The effects of myosmine were evaluated on rat hepaocytes, a well-controlled biological model system in vitro, with high metabolizing capacity, isolated by two-stepped collagenase perfusion. Hepatocytes were treated with equi toxic concentrations of myosmine (50 µM – 2 mM) and nicotine (5 nM – 250 µM). In tert-butyl hydroperoxide (75 µM) model of toxicity, myosmine was in concentrations 100 µM and 250 µM. Administered alone, myosmine revealed statistically significant, cytotoxic effects, which were concentration-dependent and less toxic to those of nicotine. In tert-butyl hydroperoxide model of toxicity, myosmine had statistically significant cytoprotective effects. According to these results, we can suggest that such cytoprotective effect of myosmine might be due to an influence on tert-butyl hydroperoxide metabolism in rat hepatocytes. Vitcheva V, Kondeva-Burdina M, Simeonova R, Mitcheva M. Cocaine toxicity in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes – role of CYP2B and CYP3A. FARMACIA (IF=1.251), 2014; 62(2): 264-272. Cocaine is a psychoactive compound that undergoes extensive hepatic biotransformation leading to formation of toxic metabolites responsible for its hepatotoxicity. The objectives of this study were to investigate the influence of induction and inhibition on cocaine hepatotoxicity examined in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. For investigating the role of induction male Wistar rats have been treated in vivo with phenobarbital (75 mg kg-1, 4 days) and then isolated hepatocytes were exposed of cocaine (50 µmol L-1 for one hour). Compared to control (nontreated hepatocytes), phenobarbital induction resulted in greater cocaine hepatotoxicity, witnessed by decrease in cell viability by 52 %, increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage into the medium by 120 %, depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) levels by 84 % and increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) quantity by 74 %. Experimental data in the literature reported two major cytochrome P450 isoforms CYP3A and CYP2B to be involved in cocaine biotransformation and toxicity. In order to trace the relative contribution of these isoforms to cocaine hepatotoxcity 15 in rats, isolated hepatocytes were pre-incubated for 15 min with amiodarone (15 µmol L-1) and with chloramphenicol (100 µmol L-1) inhibitors of CYP3A and CYP2B, respectively. Pre-incubation with either of the inhibitors ameliorated cocaine hepatotoxicity. Our results prove the role of both isoforms CYP3A and CYP2B in cocaine biotransformation in rats. Bratkov V, Kondeva-Burdina M, Simeonova R, Tzankova V, Kratseva I. Phytochemical evaluation and effect of saponins’ mixture, isolated from Astragalus monspessulanus on HepG2 cell line. European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 2014; 4(5): 522-527. Purified saponin fraction was obtained from butanol extract of the aerial parts of Astragalus monspessulanus. The fraction was analyzed by HPLC and six saponines were determined. The saponin mixture was investigated for possible cytotoxicity on HepG2 cell line. The saponin mixture was studied on HepG2 cell line in 3 different concentrations – 1, 2, 4 mg/ml for 24, 48 and 72 hours. The release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the medium was measured spectrophotometrically. It was found that the saponins have statistically significant cytotoxicity only in the highest concentration 4 mg/ml on 48 and 72 hours. At this concentration the sample increased the level of LDH with 37 % on 48 h and with 52 % on 72 h. Purified saponin fraction, isolated from Astragalus monspessulanus was found to be cytotoxic at the highest concentration 4 mg/ml on 48 and 72 hours in HepG2 cell line. Georgieva D, Kostova B, Ivanova S, Rachev D, Tzankova V, Kondeva-Burdina M, Christova D. pH-Sensitive cationic copolymers of different macromolecular architecture as potential dexamethasone sodium phosphate delivery systems. Journal of Pharmaceutical sciences (IF=3.007), 2014; 103: 2406-2413. This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of cationic copolymers with different macromolecular architecture and drug delivery properties of the corresponding dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP)-loaded systems. Copolyelectrolytes comprising poly[2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl]-trimethylammonium chloride (PAETMAC) and poly(ethylene glycol) blocks as well as a tri-arm star-shaped PAETMAC were synthesized using cerium (IV)-ion-mediated polymerization method. The obtained copolyelectrolytes and corresponding ionic associates with DSP have been characterized by 1H NMR, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The average diameter, size distribution, and ξpotential of the copolymers and DSP-copolymer ionic associates were determined by dynamic light scattering, and particles were visualized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of obtained copolymers were determined. In vitro drug release 16 experiments were carried out to estimate the ability of the obtained nanoparticles for sustained release of DSP for a period of 24 h. Simeonova R, Kondeva-Burdina M, Vitcheva V, Krasteva I, Manov V, Mitcheva M. Protective effects of the apigenin-O/C-diglucoside saponarin from Gypsophila trichotoma on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in vitro/in vivo in rats. Phytomedicine (IF=2.877), 2014; 21: 148-154. This study investigated the hepatoprotective activity of saponarin, isolated from Gypsophila trichotoma Wend., using in vitro/in vivo hepatotoxicity model based on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in male Wistar rats. The effect of saponarin was compared with those of silymarin. In vitro experiments were carried out in primary isolated rat hepatocytes. Cell incubation with CCl4 (86 µmol L-1) led to a significant decrease in cell viability, increase LDH leakage, decreased levels of cellular GSH and elevation in MDA quantity. Cell pre-incubation with saponarin (600.006 µg/ml) significantly ameliorated CCl4-induced hepatic damage in a concentration-dependent manner. These results were supported by the following in vivo study. Along with decreased MDA quantity and increased level of cell prtector GSH, seven day pre-treatment of rats with saponarin (80 mg/kg bw, p.o.) also prevented CCl4 (10 %, p.o.)-caused oxidative damage by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, GST, GPx, GR). Biotransformation phase I enzymes were also assessed. Administered alone, saponarin decreased EMND and AH activities but not at the same extent as CCl4 did. However, pre-treatment with saponarin significantly increased enzyme activities in comparison to CCl4 only group. The observed biochemical changes were consistent with histopathological observations where the hepatoprotective effect of saponarin was comparative to the effects of the known hepatoprotector silymarin. Our results suggest that saponarin, isolated from Gypsophila trichotoma Wend., showed in vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity against CCl4-induced liver damage. Kokanova-Nedialkova Z, Kondeva-Burdina M, Zheleva-Dimitrova D, Bücherl D, Nikolov S, Heilmann J, Nedialkov P. A new acylated flavonol glycoside from Chenopodium foliosum. Records of Natural Products (IF=1.019), 2014; 8(4): 401-406. A new acylated flavonol glycoside, namely gomphrenol-3-O-(5′′′-O-E-feruloyl)-β-Dapiofuranosyl-(1→2)[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-D-glucopyranoside (1) was isolated from the aerial parts of Chenopodium foliosum Asch. The structure of 1 was determined by means of spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR, UV, IR and HRESIMS). Radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of 1 were established using DPPH and ABTS radicals, FRAP assay and inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LP) in linoleic acid system by the ferric thiocyanate method. Compound 1 showed low 17 activity (DPPH and ABTS) or lack of activity (FRAP and LP). In combination with CCl4, 1 reduced the damage caused by the hepatotoxic agent and preseved cell viability and GSH level, decreased LDH leakage and reduced lipid damage. Effects were concentration dependent, most visible at the highest concentration (100 µg/ml) and similar to those of silymarin. Kondeva-Burdina M, Krasteva I, Mitcheva M. Effects of rhamnocitrin 4-β-Dgalactopyranoside, isolated from Astragalus hamosus on toxicity models in vitro. Pharmacognosy Magazine (IF=1.525), 2014; 10(39): 487-493. Astragalus hamosus L. (Fabaceae) is used in herbal medicine as emollient, demulcent, aphrodisiac, diuretic, laxative, and good for inflammation, ulcers, and leukoderma. It is useful in treating irritation of the mucous membranes, nervous affections, and catarrh. Rhamnocitrin 4-β-D-galactopyranoside (RGP), isolated from A. hamosus, was investigated for its possible protective effect on different models of toxicity in vitro on sub-cellular and cellular level. The effects of RGP were evaluated on isolated rat brain synaptosomes, prepared by Percoll reagent and on rat hepatocytes, isolated by two stepped collagenase perfusion. In synaptosomes, RGP had statistically significant protective effect, similar to those of silymarin, on 6hydroxy-dopamine (6-OHDA)-induced oxidative stress. These results correlate with literature data about protecive effects of kempferol and rhamnocitrin on oxidative damage in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. In rat hepatocytes, we investigate the effect of RGP on two models of liver toxicity: bendamustine and cyclophosphamide. In these models, the compound had statistcally significant cytoprotective and antioxidant activity, similar to those of sylimarin. According to these results, we can suggest that such cytoprotective effect of RGP might be due to an influence on bendamustine and cyclophosphamide metabolism in rat hepatocytes. In isolated rat hepatocytes, in combination with bendamustine and cyclophosphamide and in 6-OHdopamine-induced oxidative stress in isolated rat synaptosomes, RGP, isolated from A. hamosus, was effective protector and antioxidant. The effects were close to those of flavonoid silymarin – the classical hepatoprotector and antioxidant. Kondeva-Burdina M, Krasteva I, Nikolov S, Mitcheva M. Effects of diosgenin, isolated from Asparagus officinalis, on isolated hepatocytes from rats, treated with phenobarbital. PHARMACIA, 2014; 61(4):11-17. Diosgenin, isolated from Asparagus officinalis, was investigated for its possible protective effects on carbon tetrachloride (86 µM)-induced toxicity in hepatocytes, isolated from rats, treated with phenobarbital. Hepatocytes were isolated by twostepped collagenase perfusion. The effects were compared with those of silymarin. Cell incubation with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) led to a significant decrease in cell viability, increased LDH leakage, decrease levels of cellular glutathione and 18 evaluation in MDA quantity. Following the induction with phenobarbital, carbon tetrachloride, administered alone, increased its toxic effects. Pre-incubation with diosgenin (0.01 µM, 0.1 µM, 10 µM and 100 µM) significantly ameliorated the exam parameters in the model of CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity damage. The effects of diosgenin were concentration-dependent and were similar to those of silymarin (0.01 µM, 0.1 µM, 10 µM and 100 µM). Our results suggest that diosgenin, isolated from Asparagus officinalis, showed cytoprotective and antioxidant activity against this model of hepatotoxicity, possibly by affecting the metabolism of carbon tetrachloride. Момеков Г, Кондева-Бурдина М. PIRACETAM – quo vadis? MEDINFO, 2014; 7: 20-24. Piracetam е прототипът на т. нар. „ноотропни” лекарства с основна характеристика повлияване на когнитивните функции (в резултат на мозъчно стареене, процеси на хипоксия, намалено количество глюкоза в мозъка, мозъчна увреда, както дори невродегенерация) без седиране и възбуда. Всички тези патологични процеси са свързани с т. нар. “порочен кръг“ между индуциран оксидативен стрес – повишена продукция на свободни радикали – митохондриална увреда – намалена продукция на енергия за клетката – повишена продукция на свободни радикали. Кондева-Бурдина М, Фердинандов Д, Момеков Г. Фармакологични свойства и профил на безопасност на инхибиторите на протонната помпа. TopPharma, 2014; 2: 2-6. Инхибиторите на протонната помпа (ИПП) са най-ефективните антисекреторни лекарствени средства и респективно са най-често използваните средства при киселинно-обусловени гастроинтестинални нарушения поради тяхната доказана ефикасност и безопастност. Настоящата статия дава подробна информация за фармакологичните свойства и профила на безопастност на ИПП. Кондева-Бурдина М, Цанкова В. Пробиотици – роля и значение в антибиотичната терапия. Здравен навигатор, 2014; 7: 6-8. Потискането и елиминирането на патогенните микроорганизми от антибиотиците е доказан подход в терапията. Независимо от безспорните ползи от тази терапия обаче, се наблюдава един основен проблем – дисбактериозата. Основните средства за терапия на дисбактериозата са пробиотиците. В настоящата статия се разглеждат основните функции на пробиотиците, тяхното терапевтично действие, клиничните им приложения, тяхната безопасност и възможната им бъдеща употреба за: възможна профилактика на ревматоиден артрит; инхибиране прогресията на рак на дебелото черво и пикочния мехур; 19 инхибиране абсорбцията на афлатоксин, участващ в прогресията на чернодробния рак; понижаване нивата на гликиран хемоглобин и подобряване глюкозния толеранс при диабет. Gevrenova R, Kondeva-Burdina M, Denkov N, Zheleva-Dimitrova D. Flavonoid profiles of three Bupleurum species and in vitro hepatoprotective activity of Bupleurum flavum Forsk. Pharmacognosy Magazine (IF=1.525), 2015; 11(41): 14-23. Bupleurum L. (Aspiaceae) species are used as herbal remedy in Chinese traditional medicine. The aim was to investigate the flavonoids in three annual European Bupleurum species, including B. baldense, B. affine and B. flavum, and to test their antioxidant and possible hepatoprotective effects. Flavonoids from the methanolaqueous extracts were quantified by solid-phase extraction-high-performance liquid chromatography. Bupleurum extracts (1-220 mg/ml) were tested for their antioxidant activity in DPPH and ABTS assays, as well as on isolated liver rat microsomes. In vitro hepatoprotective activity of B. flavum flavonoid (BFF) mixture and rutin, and narcissin, isolated from the same mixture, were evaluated on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH) toxicity models in isolated rat hepatocytes. Narcissin was the dominant flavonol glycoside in B. flavum being present at 24.21 ± 0.19 mg/g, whilst the highest content of rutin (28.63 ± 1.57 mg/g) was found in B. baldense. B. flavum possessed the strongest DPPH (IC50 22.12 µg/ml) and ABTS (IC50 118.15 µg/ml) activity. At a concentration 1 mg/ml of BFF (rutin 197.58 mg/g, narcissin 75.74 mg/g), a stronger antioxidant effect in microsomes was evidenced in comparison with silymarin, rutin and narcissin. The hepatoprotective effect of BFF significantly reduced the elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase and malondialdehyde, and ameliorated glutathione, being most active in t-BuOOH-induced injury model when compared with CCl4 toxicity (P < 0.001). In BFF, synergism of rutin and narcissin could be responsible for stronger protection against mitochondrial induced oxidative stress. Shkondrov A, Simeonova R, Kondeva-Burdina M, Vitcheva V, Krasteva I. Study to evaluate the antioxidant activity of Astragalus glycyphyllos extract in carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress in rats. European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 2015; 7(2): 59-66. This study investigates the possible antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of purified extract obtained from aerial parts of Astragalus glycyphyllos (EAG) using in vivo model of CCl4-induced liver damage in male Wistar rats. A total of 36 animals were randomly allocated in six experimental groups, each consisted of six animals: control rats (group 1), rats challenged orally with CCl4 (10 % solution in olive oil) (group 2), rats treated for 7 days with silymarin (100 mg.kg-1, 0,5 ml/100 g) alone 20 (group 3) and challenged with CCl4 after 7-day pre-treatment with silymarin (group 4); animals in group 5 and 6 were either treated with EAG (100 mg.kg-1, 0,5 ml/100 g) alone or challenged with CCl4 after 7-day pre-treatment with the extract. One day eight of the experiment, the animals in all groups, were sacrificed and livers were removed and the following biochemical markers of oxidative stress: MDA quantity, GSH levels, GPX, GR and GST were measured spectrophotometrically. It was found that EAG has statistically significant effect on hepatic antioxidant defense system in in vivo model of carbon tetrachloride liver damage in rats. A hepatoprotective effect comparable to silymarin can be supposed. The results indicate that EAG has similar significant protective effect against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats as silymarin. This may be explained with the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of its bioactive compounds. 21