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Vulvovaginitis is a growing concern worldwide because of increasing drug resistance, drug toxicity, low bioavailability, and limitations of topical administration. The purpose of the study was to develop a novel mucoadhesive in situ gel of quercetin–cyclodextrin (CD)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) for the treatment of vulvovaginitis. In this work, an innovative association between mucoadhesive (chitosan) and thermosensitive polymers (poloxamer 188 and 407) was used to treat vulvovaginitis. The formulation showed compatible pH (4.08) and a desired rheological behavior (viscosity—158.9 cps at 25.9°C, gelation temperature—37°C, and gelation time—65 s) suitable for vaginal application. The quercetin/sulfobutyl-ether-β-cyclodextrin-loaded chitosan NPs (QCD-NPs), prepared by the ionic-gelation method, showed higher in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared with the quercetin solution because of the ionic interaction between chitosan NPs and bacteria. Moreover, upon incorporating the QCD-NP in in situ gel, the clearance from the vagina might further reduce and longer residence can be achieved at the site of vaginal infection because of sol–gel transition at body temperature. The developed formulation was confirmed to be biocompatible, nonirritant (hen's egg chorioallantoic membrane assay), and bioadhesive (mucoadhesion test) with good antimicrobial efficacy and sustained drug release profile, paving the path for improved therapeutic interventions in the treatment of vulvovaginitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, dyslipidemia, a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases is on the rise globally due to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets. Though abundant data pertaining to the factors influencing dyslipidemia, the mechanism of action of various drugs and the pathogenesis of the disease are available in the literature, the disease is poorly understood. Animal models play a crucial role in investigating the pathophysiology and aid in developing effective formulations. Despite extensive research being carried out in the arena of dyslipidemia, there is no adequate knowledge about the most suitable in vivo model. A systematic literature search was carried out to review the animal models such as rats, mice, rabbits and zebrafish models with chemical-induced, diet-induced and drug-induced methods that have been used to study dyslipidemia. This review focuses on the mechanism involved in the dyslipidemia induction techniques explored by researchers along with their applications and limitations. The induction methods reported are expected to provide better insight in selecting an appropriate model to draw precise conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dandruff caused by Malassezia furfur is a prevailing fungal infection. Although ketoconazole (KTZ) is widely intended for anti‐dandruff treatment, poor solubility, and epidermal permeability limits its use and the marketed KTZ shampoo adversely effects scalp and hair. Objective: To prepare a novel shampoo loaded with KTZ‐coated zinc oxide nanoparticles using green tea extract and evaluate its antifungal activity. Methods: The KTZ‐coated zinc oxide nanoparticles was prepared by green synthesis and was characterized by UV, FTIR, XRD, and the drug entrapment efficiency was investigated. The antifungal activity of the nanoparticles with respect to standard drug, KTZ was tested against Malassezia furfur. Further, a novel antidandruff shampoo was developed by incorporating the prepared nanoparticles into the shampoo base. Results: The formation of KTZ‐coated ZnO nanoparticles was confirmed by UV and FTIR analysis. XRD analysis confirmed the amorphous phase of KTZ in nanoparticles. The drug entrapment efficiency was found to be 91.84%. The prepared nanoparticles showed enhanced activity against Malassezia furfur compared to drug of choice, KTZ (1%). The evaluation of shampoo showed an ideal result. Conclusion: KTZ‐coated ZnO nanoparticles loaded novel shampoo in comparison to marketed anti‐dandruff shampoo could be an effective alternate for the treatment of dandruff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]