Journal of Basic and Applied Pharmacology

Principles of Pharmacotherapy in Pediatric Patients: Fundamental Pharmacological and Pharmacokinetic Knowledge and its Applicability

Prayuth Poowaruttanawiwit, Kwanchai Rattanamanee — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This review article offers a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles underpinning the management of pharmacotherapy in pediatric patients. Recognizing the distinct pharmacological and pharmacokinetic attributes of children is imperative for the safe and efficacious administration of drugs. By exploring critical concepts encompassing drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion within pediatric populations, healthcare providers can inform decisions when prescribing medications for children across all the age groups. Additionally, the implementation of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) principles in clinical practice assumes paramount importance in tailoring drug regimens to suit individual pediatric patients, thereby optimizing therapeutic outcomes and mitigating the potential for adverse events. As the landscape of pediatric pharmacotherapy research continues to advance, it is essential for healthcare professionals to remain up to date with the latest developments to ensure the provision of optimal care for this vulnerable patient demographic.

Mango Peels and Kernels as Valuable Natural Sources of Antioxidants and Antidiabetics: An in Vitro Study

Siwalee Rattanapunya, Wiriyaporn Sumsakul, Waraporn Sorndech, Samart Jaitia — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to evaluate through phytochemical profiling the in vitro antioxidant activities, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibiting activities of the ethanol extracts of the peels and kernels from Thai Mangifera indica L. cv. Kiew Morakot, a unique mango cultivar from northern Thailand. Mango peels and kernels were extracted by stirring with 95% ethanol. Concentrations of gallic acid and mangiferin were measured using Ultra high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). The other bioactive constituents were analysed by following standard procedures. The antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH and FRAP assays. The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects were undertaken for antidiabetic activity evaluation. Our results demonstrate that gallic acid is found in both extracts while mangiferin is only found in mango kernel extract. A moderate amount of tannins is found in the mango peel extract, while a significant amount of terpenoids is found in the mango kernel extract. Both extracts of mango exhibited potent antioxidant activity in the FRAP assay (IC₅₀ = 886.2±4.16 µM/g of mango peel crude extract and 1,392.8±2.21 µM/g of mango kernel crude extract, respectively). In addition, they displayed a higher α-glucosidase inhibitory potential than acarbose. Conversely, the α-amylase inhibitory effect was slightly lower than for the standard acarbose. The results of this study will form the basis for future work on antioxidants and antidiabetics of mango by-products.

Reforming Clinical Pharmacokinetics Education: A Study on the Implementation of the SPOC Blended Learning Model

Jingyi Lu, Yanping Chen, Mengyu Li, Xiaofang Zhang, Ji Li, Jian Yang — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Objective: This study investigates the effectiveness of the Small Private Online Course (SPOC) blended learning model in teaching clinical pharmacokinetics, focusing on its impact on students' academic performance, engagement, and satisfaction compared to traditional classroom teaching methods.

Methods: The study involved 311 third-year undergraduate clinical pharmacy students at a designated academic center, randomly assigned to either the experimental group (SPOC blended learning) or the control group (traditional teaching). The data collection encompassed final exam scores, regular assessment results, and satisfaction questionnaire responses. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, including t-tests, correlation, regression, and factor analyses.

Results: The experimental group displayed a higher average final exam score (79.86 vs. 78.08) and a lower standard deviation, indicating more consistent performance compared to the control group. Engagement, as measured by regular assessment scores, was significantly higher in the experimental group (average score of 75.61 vs. 68.95). Satisfaction levels were also notably superior in the SPOC group (significant t-value of -6.210, p<0.001). Correlation and regression analyses provided additional insights into the relationships between teaching methods, student engagement, satisfaction, and academic performance.

Conclusion: The SPOC blended learning model demonstrates a positive influence on students' academic performance, engagement, and satisfaction in the context of clinical pharmacokinetics. These findings suggest the model's potential as an effective alternative to traditional teaching methods in complex, interdisciplinary academic subjects.

Prevalence and Factors Affecting Metabolic Syndrome in Burmese Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Thailand: A Single-Center, Cross-Sectional Study

May Myat Thwe Khin, Chanchira Choppradit, Kulwara Meksawan — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Nowadays, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing worldwide, and it was also found among type 2 diabetic patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors affecting MetS in Burmese type 2 diabetic patients by using two different MetS criteria. In this cross-sectional study, information on general characteristics, anthropometry, laboratory parameters, and dietary intake was collected from Burmese patients with type 2 diabetes at Samutsakhon Hospital, Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand. The prevalence and factors affecting MetS were determined. The prevalence of MetS was 78.1% and 67.2% according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria, respectively. According to the NCEP ATP III criteria, comorbid diseases (AOR: 3.96, 95%CI: 1.75-8.94) and time spent sitting >3 hours on a typical day (AOR: 5.40, 95%CI: 1.66-17.62) affected MetS. Based on the IDF criteria, the factors influencing MetS were female (AOR: 3.06, 95%CI: 1.31-7.19), comorbid diseases (AOR: 2.62, 95%CI: 1.27-5.41) and time spent sitting >3 hours on a typical day (AOR: 3.83, 95%CI: 1.29-11.35). Participants with MetS consumed more energy and all macronutrients than those without MetS (all p<0.05). The results of this study indicate the high prevalence of MetS in Burmese type 2 diabetic patients. Several factors affect MetS and these should be taken into consideration to develop strategies for prevention and management of MetS and type 2 diabetes in these patients.