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Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a disease in which neurological findings are dominant due to deficiencies in neurotransmitter synthesis. Hypoglycemia caused by autonomic dysfunction is one of the symptoms that may be encountered. Here we report a case of mild AADC deficiency presenting with hypoglycemia without any neurological signs. A 4-year-old girl presented with recurrent hypoglycemia. Her growth and development were normal. Plasma insulin and cortisol values were normal in the sample at the time of hypoglycemia. C8:1-Carnitine elevation was detected in the acylcarnitine profile. A clinical exome panel was performed with the suggestion of a fatty acid oxidation defect. However, a homozygous variant in the DDC gene was detected. Furthermore, cerebrospinal fluid neurotransmitter analysis revealed low 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid and homovanillic acid and high 3-O-methyldopa and methyltetrahydrofolate (5 MTHF) consistent with AADC deficiency. Plasma AADC enzyme activity was low. The episodes of hypoglycemia were treated with uncooked cornstarch. This case suggests that AADC deficiency should be considered in some patients with hypoglycemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Baghdad Science Journal is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background. Testing and titration of the right levodopa equivalent dose are usually performed during a hospital admission. However, optimal dose titration in people with Parkinson's disease (PwPs) may depend on home environment, emotional stress, and physical activity of everyday life. Objective. Firstly, to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a home-based LCIG titration program and patients'/caregivers' satisfaction. Secondly, to identify barriers and facilitators for home-based titration. Method. This study assesses the feasibility and safety of home-based titration of levodopa duodenal infusions with the use of self-reported evaluation questionnaires with open-ended questions included, registration of total time used, and number of contacts/visits. A telemedicine solution was used to remotely monitor the patients, adjust treatment, and provide support and guidance to patients and caregivers. Results. Ten of 12 PwPs (5 females and 7 males) completed the total titration program. Eight of the 12 PwPs were dependent on help. These 8 PwPs also had a high burden of nonmotor symptoms (NMS). Cognitive impairments varied in severity (range 16–30). Time spent with home visits was on average 93.4 minutes (ranging from 35 to 180 minutes), and the length of the total titration (LCIG initiation to termination of titration) was on average 3.4 days with 2–5 (mean 3.2) contacts/visits with PD team members. The average score on the satisfaction evaluation questionnaires was lower in the caregiver group (mean 31.8) than the PwP outcome (mean 36.2). Conclusions. Telehealth-assisted home-based titration programs are feasible due to the length of the titration period, number of contacts, and time spent in PwPs' private homes, are rated satisfactory and safe by PwPs and caregivers, and may be a substitute for in-hospital treatment. Clinical recommendations including facilitators and barriers from a patient/caregiver perspective are displayed. This trial is registered with NCT4196647. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have highlighted the indispensable role of oxidized lipids in inflammatory responses, cell death, and disease pathogenesis. Consequently, inhibitors targeting oxidized lipids, particularly lipid-derived radicals critical in lipid peroxidation, which are known as radical-trapping antioxidants (RTAs), have been actively pursued. We focused our investigation on nitroxide compounds that have rapid second-order reaction rate constants for reaction with lipid-derived radicals. A novel screening system was developed by employing competitive reactions between library compounds and a newly developed profluorescence nitroxide probe with lipid-derived radicals to identify RTA compounds. A PubMed search of the top hit compounds revealed their wide application as repositioned drugs. Notably, the inhibitory efficacy of methyldopa, selected from these compounds, against retinal damage and bilateral common carotid artery stenosis was confirmed in animal models. These findings underscore the efficacy of our screening system and suggest that it is an effective approach for the discovery of RTA compounds.

Hypertension in pregnancy including chronic hypertension with or without pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension increases maternal and infant mortality significantly. The treatment for hypertension in pregnancy is the administration of methyldopa. Methyldopa transdermal patch is made by mixing the polymer first and then adding the active substance, namely methyldopa drug. It is intended that the polymer becomes an outer layer that controls the release of the drug. The resulting transdermal patch formulation was then evaluated, including organoleptic test, pH test, weight uniformity test, patch thickness test, folding resistance test, moisture test and penetration test using Franz diffusion cell. SPSS statistical data analysis. The penetration rate results showed F1 with 832.16 µg/cm2, F4 with 767.95 µg/cm2, F2 with 2819 µg/cm2 and F3 with 275.38 µg/cm2 all formulas have met the requirements. Based on the results of physical characteristics evaluation research, all formulas have met the requirements. The results of the in vitro evaluation of the methyldopa patch transdermal penetration test found that the difference in concentration in each formula had no significant effect on the penetration test. Based on physical evaluation parameters and in vitro penetration tests, the most optimal formula is F4 with the ratio of HPMC and ethyl cellulose (300:100) seen by fulfilling all physical characteristic evaluation tests and having a constant percent of cumulative amount to rise.

Pramipexole, a dopaminergic agonist, has rarely been implicated as a cause of hyponatremia in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Pramipexole-induced stimulation of anti-diuretic hormone results in euvolemic hyponatremia. This is often neglected, and hyponatremia may lead to worsening of the motor symptoms with PD and an unnecessary increase in dopaminergic medications, causing disabling dyskinesias. This case report describes a patient with young-onset PD who developed newonset hyponatremia due to pramipexole-induced syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone within 3 months of starting the drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative coupling reactions are one of the significant methods used in the estimation of certain drugs in pharmaceutical formulations. This study describes the development of a fast and sensitive spectroscopic method considering the determination of trace amounts of methyldopa in an acidic aqueous solution.The adopted method centered on oxidative coupling due to the drug Methyldopa with the reagent 1, 5-diaminonaphthalene in the presence of ceric (IV) ammonium nitrate as oxidizing agent to form a stable blue-colored product, giving the highest absorption at 730 nm. The product was appeared to agree Beer's law within the limits of (5.4 - 39.6) μg /ml, and a value of molar absorptivity equal to 4.79471 ×104 L/ mol. cm. Sandell’s index, 0.0044 μg/ cm2, Relative standard deviation was in the range (0.5942 - 0.9687) %, whereas recovery average and determination factor were 99.908% and 0.9998. The proposed method has been successfully applied in the determination of Methyldopa in its pharmaceutical preparations.

HIGHLIGHTS 1. Preeclampsia, or hypertension in pregnancy, remains a serious problem that has negative short and long-term consequences for the mother and the baby. 2. The use of antihypertensive medications has its own precautions as it they may harm the fetus. 3. Prophylactic measures with minimal or moderate impact may be beneficial for mothers with hypertension in pregnancy. ABSTRACT Treatment of hypertension in pregnancy, such as preeclampsia (PE), is still a difficult issue with negative short and long-term consequences for both the mother and the baby. Screening for preeclampsia at 11-13 weeks' gestation using a combination of maternal demographic characteristics and medical history with biomarker measurements can identify approximately 75% of women who develop premature preeclampsia with delivery at 37 weeks gestation and 90% of those with early preeclampsia. Preeclampsia has a 10% positive screen rate at 32 weeks. Another important worry on the use of antihypertensive medications during pregnancy is the potential harm to the fetus. Methyldopa, hydralazine, labetalol, and nifedipine are some common antihypertensive medications. Aspirin use is frequently related to a decrease in the prevention of early preeclampsia, but it must be accompanied by medication adherence. Aspirin can be coupled with heparin. Recent investigations on the use of furosemide and nifedipine in preeclampsia have also revealed a new combination.

6-pyruvoyl tetrahydropterin synthase deficiency (PTPSD) is a rare neurometabolic disease that can be diagnosed in newborn screening (NBS) and is part of the family of tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency disorders (BH4Ds). It is essential to diagnose and treat this disease early to prevent permanent neurological damage secondary to this neurotransmitter disorder. We present the first two cases of PTPSD in Romania that were genetically confirmed and treated late. Improving the diagnosis and monitoring procedures in Romania with correct metabolic management will prevent severe neurological impairment from PTPSD or other BH4Ds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a case of a pregnant woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who was diagnosed with asymptomatic complete heart block (CHB) during pregnancy. To evaluate possible risks and benefits of pacemaker (PM) implantation, a multidisciplinary counselling board was held. Its recommendation was to perform PM implantation to prevent intra-uterine growth restriction from insufficient cardiac output using a fluoroscopic protective shield. The procedure was performed without complications and established permanent pacing on onwards ECG examinations. The patient subsequently gave birth to a healthy newborn. After a retrospective clinical case evaluation and review of relevant literature, a presumptive association between CHB and the primary diagnosis was proposed. Above that, pregnant women with SLE who develop hypertension are commonly treated with methyldopa, which may cause conduction abnormalities. Clinical recommendations for young female patients expecting pregnancy are lacking in this area. Careful diagnostic and treatment approaches should be used in the management of possible SLE-related complications in women of child-bearing age, focusing on preventable events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: The placenta has been described as the most accurate record of the infant’s prenatal experience. The present study was a quantitative study and it was carried out to see the effect of pre-eclampsia on histopathology of placenta and the comparative changes in placenta of preeclamptic patients taking antihypertensives. Materials & Methods: A total of 60 patients were selected from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College & Hospital, AMU, Aligarh, UP, India and were grouped into control, untreated, and treated groups. Placenta of each group was fixed in 10% formalin solution and processed for section cutting. 5-micron thick sections were prepared and stained with Hematoxylin-eosin and Wiegerts & Van gieson stain and observed under the light of the microscope. A total of 200villi/hpf was counted and percentages for each parameter were expressed. Result: It has been shown that there was a significant reduction (

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of baicalein or Scutellaria baicalensis root extract interaction with methyldopa in pregnant spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) at the pharmacodynamic, molecular, and biochemical levels. The rats, after confirming pregnancy, received baicalein (200 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and extract (1000 mg/kg/day, p.o.), in combination with methyldopa (400 mg/kg/day; p.o.), for 14 consecutive days, 1 h before blood pressure and heart rate measurements. In the heart and placenta from mothers after giving birth to their offspring, mRNA expression of factors related to inflammatory processes (TNF-α, Il-1β, IL-6) and vascular diseases (TGF-β, HIF-1α, VEGF, PlGF) was measured. Levels of markers of oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde) in the placenta and indicators of myocardial damage (troponin cTnC and cTnI, creatine kinase, myoglobin, and lactate dehydrogenase) in the heart were also assessed. Baicalein co-administered with methyldopa was associated with reduced blood pressure, especially during the first three days. The interactions were more pronounced for such factors as TGF-β, HIF-1α, VEGF, and PlGF than TNF-α, Il-1β, and IL-6. Combined application of baicalein and extract with methyldopa may be of value in the development of a new antihypertensive medication intended for patients suffering from preeclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Kirkuk University Journal for Scientific Studies is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Sensitive and simple colorimetric method was developed for determination of methyldopa and terbutaline sulphate in pure and pharmaceutical dosage forms. The method was based on reduction of silver ions by the cited drugs in basic medium at 90 ℃ to silver nanoparticles in the presence of stabilizing agent as polyvinylpyrrolidone. The formed silver nanoparticles were distinguished by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy indicating the characteristic surface plasmon resonance which can be also observed as intense yellow color solution. The plasmon absorbance of the silver nanoparticles was measured at 410 nm for quantitative estimation of methyldopa and terbutaline sulphate over the range of 80-480 and 40-600 ng/mL respectively. Limit of detection was obtained as 26, 13 ng/mL for methyldopa and terbutaline sulphate respectively. The eco-friendly developed method could be successfully applied to the pharmaceutical formulations with studying the interference of different excipients.

Background: Chronic hypertension (CH) adversely impacts pregnancy. It remains unclear whether antihypertensive treatment alters these risks. We examined the role of antihypertensive treatment in the association between CH and adverse pregnancy outcomes.Methods: Electronic health records from the UK Caliber and Clinical Practice Research Datalink were used to define a cohort of women delivering between 1997 and 2016. Primary outcomes were preeclampsia, preterm birth (PTB), and fetal growth restriction (FGR). We used multivariable logistic regression to compare outcomes in women with CH to women without CH and propensity score matching to compare antihypertensive agents.Results: The study cohort consisted of 1 304 679 women and 1 894 184 births. 14 595 (0.77%) had CH, and 6786 (0.36%) were prescribed antihypertensive medications in pregnancy. Overall, women with CH (versus no CH), had higher odds of preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.74 [95% CI, 5.44-6.07]); PTB (aOR, 2.53 [2.39-2.67]); and FGR (aOR, 2.51 [2.31-2.72]). Women with CH prescribed treatment (versus untreated women) had higher odds of preeclampsia (aOR, 1.17 [1.05-1.30]), PTB (1.25 [1.12-1.39]), and FGR (1.80 [1.51-2.14]). Women prescribed methyldopa (versus β-blockers) had higher odds of preeclampsia (aOR, 1.43 [1.19-1.73]); PTB (1.59 [1.30-1.93]), but lower odds of FGR (aOR, 0.66 [0.48-0.90]). Odds of adverse outcomes were similar in relation to calcium channel blockers (versus β-blockers) except for PTB (aOR, 1.94 [1.15-3.27]). Among women prescribed treatment, lower average blood pressure (<135/85 mm Hg) was associated with better pregnancy outcomes.Conclusions: Treatment with antihypertensive agents and control of hypertension ameliorates some effects but higher risks of adverse outcomes persist. β-Blockers versus methyldopa may be associated with better pregnancy outcomes except for FGR. Powered trials are needed to inform optimal treatment of CH during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new and direct colorimetric method has been established for the determination of catecholamine (methyldopa, MD) in both pure form and in pharmaceutical formulations. The method is based on the oxidative coupling reaction of MD with 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone hydrochloride monohydrate (MBTH) and potassium ferricyanide at pH 10.4 in aqueous medium to form an orange product that has a maximum absorption at 460 nm. Beer's law plot showed good correlation in the concentration range of 1.0−56.0 µg mL-1, with detection limit of 0.31 µg mL-1. Molar absorptivity for the above method was found to be 6.56×103 L mol-1 cm-1. All the measurements were carried out at 25 ± 1.0 °C, the formation constant (logKf) value of colored species is 9.48 and the standard free energy (DG‡) is − 54.09 KJ mol-1. This method was applied successfully to determination of MD in tablets and the results were compared with the USP method. Common excipients used as additives in tablets do not interfere in the proposed method. The method is accurate, precise and highly reproducible, while being simple, cheap and less time consuming and hence can be suitably applied for routine analysis of MD in bulk and dosage forms.

Objective: To compare the mean fall in blood pressure with oral Labetalol versus Methyldopa in treating pregnancy induced hypertension. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Gynecology, Combined Military Hospital, Bannu Pakistan, from Aug 2020-Feb 2021. Methodology: After approval from institutional ethical committee and informed consent, sixty females with Pregnancy Induced Hypertension were included who were segregated into two groups. Group-A who took oral Labetalol 100 mg three or four times a day (up to 1200 mg per day) until the targeted blood pressure (<120/80 mmHg) was achieved. While Group-B took oral Methyldopa 250mg per day 3 to 4 up to 500 mg until targeted blood pressure(<120/80)was achieved. All patients were followed-up after one week of therapy. Primary outcome was mean fall in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after 5 days of treatment. Results: The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were analogous in both Groups A and B, i.e. 152.33±6.53/100.33±4.54 mmHg versus 151.17±5.83/99.50±4.01 mmHg respectively. The mean fall in systolic BP in Group-A was 15.50±4.80 mmHg and in Group-B was 7.33±2.86 mmHg (p-value<0.0001) and mean fall in diastolic BP in Group-A was 13.17±5.80 mmHg compared to 5.50 ± 4.22 mmHg in Group-B (p-value<0.001). Conclusion: We concluded that Labetalol is more effective in reducing blood pressure as compared to Methyldopa in Pregnancy Induced Hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Altered gut microbiome (GM) composition has been established in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, few studies have longitudinally investigated the GM in PD, or the impact of device-assisted therapies. Objectives: To investigate the temporal stability of GM profiles from PD patients on standard therapies and those initiating device-assisted therapies (DAT) and define multivariate models of disease and progression. Methods: We evaluated validated clinical questionnaires and stool samples from 74 PD patients and 74 household controls (HCs) at 0, 6, and 12 months. Faster or slower disease progression was defined from levodopa equivalence dose and motor severity measures. 19 PD patients initiating Deep Brain Stimulation or Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel were separately evaluated at 0, 6, and 12 months post-therapy initiation. Results: Persistent underrepresentation of short-chain fatty-acid-producing bacteria, Butyricicoccus, Fusicatenibacter, Lachnospiraceae ND3007 group , and Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-003 , were apparent in PD patients relative to controls. A sustained effect of DAT initiation on GM associations with PD was not observed. PD progression analysis indicated that the genus Barnesiella was underrepresented in faster progressing PD patients at t = 0 and t = 12 months. Two-stage predictive modeling, integrating microbiota abundances and nutritional profiles, improved predictive capacity (change in Area Under the Curve from 0.58 to 0.64) when assessed at Amplicon Sequence Variant taxonomic resolution. Conclusion: We present longitudinal GM studies in PD patients, showing persistently altered GM profiles suggestive of a reduced butyrogenic production potential. DATs exerted variable GM influences across the short and longer-term. We found that specific GM profiles combined with dietary factors improved prediction of disease progression in PD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New 2, 3-substituted benzooxazin-4-one derivatives were prepared by means of a altered step by step proceedings in which Schiff bases were substituted with salicylic acid for a ring forming reaction. The compositions of the synthesized compounds were certain via methods spectrometry as elemental analysis, FT-IR, 13C-NMR & 1H-NMR spectral analysis. The bio-activities for the prepared compounds in-vitro as antibacterial and antifungal were estimated as opposed to two races of gram-positive & two races of gram-negative bacteria as parallel to Cefotaxime sodium as regular drug and assessed versus two types of fungi. The prepared compounds were got to have antimicrobial activities spreading from middling to perfect against of the bacteria strains with good percentage mycelial growth inhibition activity against fungi. Molecular docking displays the critical part while effect of variety of substituents on biological activity while mark the disadvantageous constitutional parameters in drawing medication: A different substitution does ensure additional efficiency in bioactivity.

The reaction of methyldopa with o-vanillin in refluxing ethanol afforded Schiff base and characterized through physical analysis with a number of spectra also the study of biological activity. The geometry of the Schiff base was identified through using (C.H.N) analysis, Mass, 1H-NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy. Metal complexes of Cr3+, Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+ and Hg2+ with Schiff base have been prepared in the molar ratio 2:1 (Metal:L), (L = Schiff base ligand) except Hg2+ at molar ratio 1:1 (Hg:L). The prepared complexes were characterized by using Mass, FT-IR and UV-Vis spectral studies, on other than magnetic properties and flame atomic absorption, conductivity measurements. According to the results a dinuclear octahedral geometry has been suggested for Cr3+, Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ complexes, dinuclear tetrahedral for Cd2+ and mononuclear tetrahedral for Hg2+ complex. This work highlights the relevance of metal complexation strategy to stabilize the ligands and improve their bioactivity. Schiff base complexes have been screen for their antibacterial activity against Gram negative and positive bacteria and antifungal activity showing promising antibacterial and biological activity.

Objective The aim of the study was to compare the complication of Antihypertensive drug; in pregnant women with chronic hypertension. Method This retrospective cohort study was performed on 300 pregnant women with chronic hypertension. Results: a relative risk of preeclampsia among methyldopa group was 3.45 times higher than the metoprolol, the relative risk of preterm labor was not significantly between methyldopa and metoprolol group, LBW, and IUGR in methyldopa and amlodipine groups . Conclusion Methyldopa and amlodipine are associated with the least side effects in pregnant women treated for chronic hypertension.the incidence of preeclampsia was greater in methyldopa group.

ABSTRACT Transmission of HIV across the mucosal surface of the female reproductive tract to engage subepithelial CD4-positive T cells is not fully understood. Cervical epithelial cells express complement receptor 3 (CR3) (integrin αMβ2 or CD11b/CD18). In women, the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae uses CR3 to invade the cervical epithelia to cause cervicitis. We hypothesized that HIV may also use CR3 to transcytose across the cervical epithelia. Here, we show that HIV-1 strains bound with high affinity to recombinant CR3 in biophysical assays. HIV-1 bound CR3 via the I-domain region of the CR3 alpha subunit, CD11b, and binding was dependent on HIV-1 N-linked glycans. Mannosylated glycans on the HIV surface were a high-affinity ligand for the I-domain. Man5 pentasaccharide, representative of HIV N-glycans, could compete with HIV-1 for CR3 binding. Using cellular assays, we show that HIV bound to CHO cells by a CR3-dependent mechanism. Antibodies to the CR3 I-domain or to the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein blocked the binding of HIV-1 to primary human cervical epithelial (Pex) cells, indicating that CR3 was necessary and sufficient for HIV-1 adherence to Pex cells. Using Pex cells in a Transwell model system, we show that, following transcytosis across an intact Pex cell monolayer, HIV-1 is able to infect TZM-bl reporter cells. Targeting the HIV-CR3 interaction using antibodies, mannose-binding lectins, or CR3-binding small-molecule drugs blocked HIV transcytosis. These studies indicate that CR3/Pex may constitute an efficient pathway for HIV-1 transmission in women and also demonstrate strategies that may prevent transmission via this pathway. IMPORTANCE In women, the lower female reproductive tract is the primary site for HIV infection. How HIV traverses the epithelium to infect CD4 T cells in the submucosa is ill-defined. Cervical epithelial cells have a protein called CR3 on their surface. We show that HIV-1 binds to CR3 with high affinity and that this interaction is necessary and sufficient for HIV adherence to, and transcytosis across, polarized, human primary cervical epithelial cells. This suggests a unique role for CR3 on epithelial cells in dually facilitating HIV-1 attachment and entry. The HIV-CR3 interaction may constitute an efficient pathway for HIV delivery to subepithelial lymphocytes following virus transmission across an intact cervical epithelial barrier. Strategies with potential to prevent transmission via this pathway are presented.

Recent studies have highlighted the indispensable role of oxidized lipids in inflammatory responses, cell death, and disease pathogenesis. Consequently, inhibitors targeting oxidized lipids, particularly lipid-derived radicals critical in lipid peroxidation, which are known as radical-trapping antioxidants (RTAs), have been actively pursued. We focused our investigation on nitroxide compounds that have rapid second-order reaction rate constants for reaction with lipid-derived radicals. A novel screening system was developed by employing competitive reactions between library compounds and a newly developed profluorescence nitroxide probe with lipid-derived radicals to identify RTA compounds. A PubMed search of the top hit compounds revealed their wide application as repositioned drugs. Notably, the inhibitory efficacy of methyldopa, selected from these compounds, against retinal damage and bilateral common carotid artery stenosis was confirmed in animal models. These findings underscore the efficacy of our screening system and suggest that it is an effective approach for the discovery of RTA compounds., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Ken-ichi Yamada reports a relationship with FELIQS Corporation that includes: board membership, equity or stocks, and non-financial support. Ken-ichi Yamada holds patents for the screening system and for some of the compounds described herein. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We present a case of a pregnant woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who was diagnosed with asymptomatic complete heart block (CHB) during pregnancy. To evaluate possible risks and benefits of pacemaker (PM) implantation, a multidisciplinary counselling board was held. Its recommendation was to perform PM implantation to prevent intra-uterine growth restriction from insufficient cardiac output using a fluoroscopic protective shield. The procedure was performed without complications and established permanent pacing on onwards ECG examinations. The patient subsequently gave birth to a healthy newborn. After a retrospective clinical case evaluation and review of relevant literature, a presumptive association between CHB and the primary diagnosis was proposed. Above that, pregnant women with SLE who develop hypertension are commonly treated with methyldopa, which may cause conduction abnormalities. Clinical recommendations for young female patients expecting pregnancy are lacking in this area. Careful diagnostic and treatment approaches should be used in the management of possible SLE-related complications in women of child-bearing age, focusing on preventable events.

Conventional molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) perform their functions principally depended on their three dimensional (3D) imprinted cavities (recognition sites) of templates. Here, retaining the function of recognition sites resulted from the imprinting of template molecules, the role of functional monomers is explored and expanded. Briefly, a class of dual-functional renin imprinted poly(methyldopa) (RMIP) is prepared, consisting of a drug-type function monomer (methyldopa, clinical high blood pressure drug) and a corresponding disease biomarker (renin, biomarker for high blood pressure disease). To boost target-to-receptor binding ratio and sensitivity, the microstructure of recognition sites is beforehand calculated and designed by Density Functional Theory calculations, and the whole interfacial structure, property and thickness of RMIP film is regulated by adjusting the polymerization techniques. The dual-functional applications of RMIP for biomarker detection and disease therapy in vivo is explored. Such RMIP-based biosensors achieves highly sensitive biomarker detection, where the LODs reaches down to 1.31 × 10 -6 and 1.26 × 10 -6  ng mL -1 for electrochemical and chemical polymers, respectively, and the application for disease therapy in vivo has been verified where displays the obviously decreased blood pressure values of mice. No acute and long-term toxicity is found from the pathological slices, declaring the promising clinical application potential of such engineered RMIP nanostructure., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of baicalein or Scutellaria baicalensis root extract interaction with methyldopa in pregnant spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) at the pharmacodynamic, molecular, and biochemical levels. The rats, after confirming pregnancy, received baicalein (200 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and extract (1000 mg/kg/day, p.o.), in combination with methyldopa (400 mg/kg/day; p.o.), for 14 consecutive days, 1 h before blood pressure and heart rate measurements. In the heart and placenta from mothers after giving birth to their offspring, mRNA expression of factors related to inflammatory processes (TNF-α, Il-1β, IL-6) and vascular diseases (TGF-β, HIF-1α, VEGF, PlGF) was measured. Levels of markers of oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde) in the placenta and indicators of myocardial damage (troponin cTnC and cTnI, creatine kinase, myoglobin, and lactate dehydrogenase) in the heart were also assessed. Baicalein co-administered with methyldopa was associated with reduced blood pressure, especially during the first three days. The interactions were more pronounced for such factors as TGF-β, HIF-1α, VEGF, and PlGF than TNF-α, Il-1β, and IL-6. Combined application of baicalein and extract with methyldopa may be of value in the development of a new antihypertensive medication intended for patients suffering from preeclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Sensitive and simple colorimetric method was developed for determination of methyldopa and terbutaline sulphate in pure and pharmaceutical dosage forms. The method was based on reduction of silver ions by the cited drugs in basic medium at 90 °C to silver nanoparticles in the presence of stabilizing agent as polyvinylpyrrolidone. The formed silver nanoparticles were distinguished by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy indicating the characteristic surface plasmon resonance which can be also observed as intense yellow color solution. The plasmon absorbance of the silver nanoparticles was measured at 410 nm for quantitative estimation of methyldopa and terbutaline sulphate over the range of 80-480 and 40-600 ng/mL respectively. Limit of detection was obtained as 26, 13 ng/mL for methyldopa and terbutaline sulphate respectively. The eco-friendly developed method could be successfully applied to the pharmaceutical formulations with studying the interference of different excipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, an electrochemical sensor based on carbon paste electrode modified with Au nanoparticle and 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium chloride was fabricated as a sensor for determination of methyldopa. Au nanoparticle synthesized by Nettle extract and characterized by UV-Vis and TEM methods. The modified electrode showed good electrical conductivity for methyldopa signal. The effect of pH showed that electro-oxidation of methyldopa occurred with two electrons and two protons. The fabricated sensor showed the dynamic range 0.08-550 μM with detection limit 0.04 μM for determination of methyldopa. In the final step, the fabricated sensor was used successfully for determination of methyldopa in tablet and urine samples.

Purpose: Jenipapo fruit (Genipa americana L) is a natural source of polyphenol oxidases (PPOs) whose potential in pharmaceutical analysis is noteworthy. Henceforth, this work reports the electrochemical study of a low-cost PPO-based biosensor produced from the crude extract of Jenipapo fruits and accounts a practical approach to employ this biosensor in the determination of methyldopa and paracetamol in pharmaceutical samples. Methods: In order to investigate the electrochemical properties of the biosensor, theoretical and practical approaches were employed, and both samples and the biosensor were analyzed through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and voltammetric techniques, namely: differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Results: showcased that the biosensor presented good analytical features, as well as low detection limits (8 μmol L-1 for methyldopa and 5 μmol L-1 for paracetamol). The relative standard deviation was less than 5% mid-assay. Conclusion: The use of this biosensor is a reliable, low cost and useful alternative in the pharmaceutic determination of phenolic drugs (e.g. methyldopa and paracetamol).

Background: Hypertensive disorders represent major causes of maternal and fetal complications. It includes a range of conditions, most notably preeclampsia. Aspirin is a well-accepted therapy for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. The indications for the use of aspirin during pregnancy are, however, the subject of much concern. This study aimed to assess the clinical characteristics from the benefits of daily low-dose aspirin administration alongside antihypertensive in pregnant women with different hypertensive disorders. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out on pregnant women during their routine visit to the obstetric clinic at Baghdad Teaching Hospital. Patients diagnosed during pregnancy with different hypertensive disorders on the prescription of antihypertensive medication with or without daily low-dose aspirin administration were selected. Data were collected to structure a detailed assessment regarding the patients’ demographic, gestational, and medical records. Results: Methyldopa was the main antihypertensive agent (98%). Among pregnant women with daily aspirin use, 68% had gestational hypertension, 24% had preeclampsia alongside proteinuria (P = 0.0001), the frequency of daily dose intake of methyldopa (250mg) tablet (two vs. three times) was significant (P = 0.0001). All pregnant women within the group of daily low-dose aspirin were safe from the incidence of eclampsia (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: This study provides intriguing evidence for the benefits of daily low-dose aspirin use during pregnancy as it is considered as a simple protective measure from serious maternal complications of hypertensive disorders, where these complications continue to affect maternal health long after delivery.