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Intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) is a spectrum of liver diseases occurring in patients not exposed to liver-damaging factors other than those linked to intestinal dysfunction. The pathogenesis of this disease is multifactorial. It is estimated that up to 90 % of people taking long-term parenteral nutrition may develop IFALD, with particular risk for premature neonates and infants due to their immature antioxidant protection and bile acid metabolism. The lack of effective prevention and treatment methods for IFALD encourages scientists to search for new therapeutic solutions. The use of lutein as a substance with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects seems to be of great potential in such indication, especially since patients on parenteral nutrition are at risk of deficits in various plant-based nutrients, including lutein. In this review, we explain the pathogenesis of IFALD and summarize knowledge of the hepatoprotective properties of lutein, underscoring its potential as a treatment option. The hepatoprotective effects of lutein and their proposed mechanisms of action are supported by studies on cells and animals exposed to various liver-damaging factors, such as lipopolysaccharide, high-fat diet, alcohol, and more. Finally, we provide perspectives on the future application of lutein in therapy.

Curcumin is a well-known and widely used substance of natural origin. It has also been found to be helpful in the treatment of liver diseases. Unfortunately, curcumin has very low bioavailability and a sensitivity to external agents. Improving these parameters is the subject of many studies. One way to overcome these problems may be to use Phosal® Curcumin as a source of curcumin and encapsulate this dispersion into a nanoemulsion using different types and concentrations of surfactants and co-surfactants, thus manipulating the physicochemical parameters of the nanoemulsion. The present study aimed to develop curcumin-loaded nanoemulsions for intravenous administration and to investigate the effect of Kolliphor HS15 concentration on their critical quality attributes. Methods: Phosal® Curcumin-loaded nanoemulsions with different concentrations of Kolliphor HS15 were prepared by high-pressure homogenization. The effect of Kolliphor HS15 on emulsion physicochemical properties such as mean droplet diameter (MDD), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), osmolality (OSM), and pH, as well as encapsulation efficiency (EE) and retention rate (RR) of curcumin, were determined. Mid-term stability studies and short-term stress tests were conducted to evaluate the impact of Kolliphor HS15 on the critical quality attributes of the curcumin-loaded nanoemulsions stored under various conditions. Results: Five nanoemulsions with increasing Kolliphor HS15 concentrations were developed. Their MDD ranged from 85.2 ± 2.0 to 154.5 ± 5.1 nm, with a PDI from 0.18 ± 0.04 to 0.10 ± 0.01 and ZP from −15.6 ± 0.7 to −27.6 ± 3.4 mV. Depending on the concentration of Kolliphor HS15, the EE ranged from 58.42 ± 1.27 to 44.98 ± 0.97%. Conclusions: The studied parameters of the developed nanoemulsions meet the requirements for formulations for intravenous administration. Using the appropriate concentration of Kolliphor HS15 allows for a formulation that presents a protective effect against both curcumin and emulsion degradation.

Background: Polytherapy in neonatal and pediatric patients requiring parenteral nutrition (PN) administration is a challenging task. Due to limited intravenous access, the Y-site administration of medication with PN admixtures is sometimes inevitable. Aim: This review aims to summarize the evidence on the compatibility of the Y-site of intravenous medications and PN admixtures in neonatal and pediatric settings. Methods: A literature review of the PubMed database was conducted. Articles published between January 1995 and November 2023 concerning the compatibility of intravenous medications in pediatric-dose PN admixtures or with intravenous lipid emulsions only were included. Studies concerning the compatibility/stability of the ingredients of PN admixtures and those concerning unapproved medications were excluded. Based on the methodology used, the quality of the research was assessed. Results: A total of fifteen studies were explored. Among fifty-five different drug substances assessed in the research reviewed, 56% (31/55) were found to be compatible, 13% (7/55) were assigned as incompatible, and for 31% (17/55), the data were ambiguous. None of the studies demonstrated an “A” grade (very high quality), and the grades “B”, “C”, and “D” were assigned to four, six, and five studies, respectively. The compatibility data are presented in two tables, the first concerning the simultaneous administration of medications with 2-in-1 PN formulations (without lipids) and the second, with 3-in-1 formulations (with lipids) and lipid emulsions. Conclusions: This review presents data on compatibilities between intravenously administered medications and PN mixtures intended for neonates and pediatric patients found in the PubMed database. It should be highlighted, however, that this work has some limitations. The clinical decisions on the simultaneous administration of intravenous medication with PN admixtures should be based not only on this review (including assessment of the quality of evidence) but also on manufacturer data, available electronic databases, and incompatibility data for PN admixtures dedicated to adult patients.

Liver inflammation is frequently linked to oxidative stress and dysregulation of bile acid and fatty acid metabolism. This review focuses on the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a critical regulator of bile acid homeostasis, and its interaction with the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a key modulator of cellular defense against oxidative stress. The review explores the interplay between FXR and Nrf2 in liver inflammatory diseases, highlighting the potential therapeutic effects of natural FXR agonists. Specifically, compounds such as auraptene, cafestol, curcumin, fargesone A, hesperidin, lycopene, oleanolic acid, resveratrol, rutin, ursolic acid, and withaferin A are reviewed for their ability to modulate both the FXR and Nrf2 pathways. This article discusses their potential to alleviate liver inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage in diseases such as metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), cholestatic liver injury, and viral hepatitis. In addition, we address the molecular mechanisms driving liver inflammation, including oxidative stress, immune responses, and bile acid accumulation, while also summarizing relevant experimental models. This review emphasizes the promising therapeutic potential of targeting both the Nrf2 and FXR pathways using natural compounds, paving the way for future treatments for liver diseases. Finally, the limitations of the clinical application were indicated, and further research directions were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin is a well-known and widely used substance of natural origin. It has also been found to be helpful in the treatment of liver diseases. Unfortunately, curcumin has very low bioavailability and a sensitivity to external agents. Improving these parameters is the subject of many studies. One way to overcome these problems may be to use Phosal® Curcumin as a source of curcumin and encapsulate this dispersion into a nanoemulsion using different types and concentrations of surfactants and co-surfactants, thus manipulating the physicochemical parameters of the nanoemulsion. The present study aimed to develop curcumin-loaded nanoemulsions for intravenous administration and to investigate the effect of Kolliphor HS15 concentration on their critical quality attributes. Methods: Phosal® Curcumin-loaded nanoemulsions with different concentrations of Kolliphor HS15 were prepared by high-pressure homogenization. The effect of Kolliphor HS15 on emulsion physicochemical properties such as mean droplet diameter (MDD), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), osmolality (OSM), and pH, as well as encapsulation efficiency (EE) and retention rate (RR) of curcumin, were determined. Mid-term stability studies and short-term stress tests were conducted to evaluate the impact of Kolliphor HS15 on the critical quality attributes of the curcumin-loaded nanoemulsions stored under various conditions. Results: Five nanoemulsions with increasing Kolliphor HS15 concentrations were developed. Their MDD ranged from 85.2 ± 2.0 to 154.5 ± 5.1 nm, with a PDI from 0.18 ± 0.04 to 0.10 ± 0.01 and ZP from −15.6 ± 0.7 to −27.6 ± 3.4 mV. Depending on the concentration of Kolliphor HS15, the EE ranged from 58.42 ± 1.27 to 44.98 ± 0.97%. Conclusions: The studied parameters of the developed nanoemulsions meet the requirements for formulations for intravenous administration. Using the appropriate concentration of Kolliphor HS15 allows for a formulation that presents a protective effect against both curcumin and emulsion degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The rising incidence of cancer is a major threat to patients and healthcare services worldwide. It is therefore important to search for novel therapies and new drugs. Honokiol, found in the bark of the magnolia tree, has many properties, including anticancer activity. However, its potential use is limited due to its poor solubility in water. The present study aimed to review the available studies using modern delivery systems for honokiol and determine their anticancer efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and the effectiveness of treatment is consistently not at a satisfactory level. This review thoroughly examines the present knowledge and perspectives of honokiol (HON) in cancer therapeutics. The paper synthesizes critical insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed anticancer effects, emphasizing both in vitro and in vivo studies. The effects of HON application, primarily in the common types of cancers, are presented. Because the therapeutic potential of HON may be limited by its physicochemical properties, appropriate delivery systems are sought to overcome this problem. This review discusses the effect of different nanotechnology-based delivery systems on the efficiency of HON. The data presented show that HON exhibits anticancer effects and can be successfully administered to the site of action. Honokiol exerts its anticancer activity through several mechanisms. Moreover, some authors used the combinations of classical anticancer drugs with HON. Such an approach is very interesting and worth further investigation. Understanding HON's multiple molecular mechanisms would provide valuable insights into how HON might be developed as an effective therapeutic. Therefore, further research is needed to explore its specific applications and optimize its efficacy in diverse cancer types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polytherapy in neonatal and pediatric patients requiring parenteral nutrition (PN) administration is a challenging task. Due to limited intravenous access, the Y-site administration of medication with PN admixtures is sometimes inevitable. Aim: This review aims to summarize the evidence on the compatibility of the Y-site of intravenous medications and PN admixtures in neonatal and pediatric settings. Methods: A literature review of the PubMed database was conducted. Articles published between January 1995 and November 2023 concerning the compatibility of intravenous medications in pediatric-dose PN admixtures or with intravenous lipid emulsions only were included. Studies concerning the compatibility/stability of the ingredients of PN admixtures and those concerning unapproved medications were excluded. Based on the methodology used, the quality of the research was assessed. Results: A total of fifteen studies were explored. Among fifty-five different drug substances assessed in the research reviewed, 56% (31/55) were found to be compatible, 13% (7/55) were assigned as incompatible, and for 31% (17/55), the data were ambiguous. None of the studies demonstrated an "A" grade (very high quality), and the grades "B", "C", and "D" were assigned to four, six, and five studies, respectively. The compatibility data are presented in two tables, the first concerning the simultaneous administration of medications with 2-in-1 PN formulations (without lipids) and the second, with 3-in-1 formulations (with lipids) and lipid emulsions. Conclusions: This review presents data on compatibilities between intravenously administered medications and PN mixtures intended for neonates and pediatric patients found in the PubMed database. It should be highlighted, however, that this work has some limitations. The clinical decisions on the simultaneous administration of intravenous medication with PN admixtures should be based not only on this review (including assessment of the quality of evidence) but also on manufacturer data, available electronic databases, and incompatibility data for PN admixtures dedicated to adult patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]