Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by joint inflammation and destruction, leading to significant pain and disability. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is identified as a biomarker for RA’s inflammatory process. This study aims to investigate the potential of flavonoids and phenolic acids to inhibit ADA activity (in silico) and evaluate their anti-inflammatory effects in a RA model (in vivo). Methods: The molecular docking study was conducted using YASARA Structure 19.12.14. software following the Auto Dock 4.2 protocol. A rat model with pristane-induced arthritis was used to test the anti-inflammatory effect of selected polyphenols. The consistency of the development of the rat model was evaluated through the following indicators artistic score, paw volume, and body weight. Quercetin was administered intragastrically at doses of 150 and 400 mg/kg over 15 days. The C-reactive protein (CRP) level in serum was measured with an automatic biochemical analyzer. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 29.0.2.0. Results: Molecular docking simulations showed flavonoids inhibited ADA activity with inhibition constants ranging from 0.012 mM to 0.190 mM. In the in vivo RA model, quercetin significantly reduced joint inflammation and serum CRP levels at a higher dose of 400 mg/kg. Conclusion: Quercetin shows promise as an anti-inflammatory agent for RA by targeting ADA, suggesting that flavonoid-rich plant extracts could enhance RA treatment.

This paper shows the use of membrane filters in adsorption of solution of tetracycline hydrochloride on graphene materials. The adsorption process was monitored at different wavelengths, different pH values at certain time intervals. The absorbances of the solutions were measured by UV-Vis spectrophotometry at two wavelengths (275 nm and 356 nm), and three pH values (pH 4, pH 7 and pH 10) every 90 minutes for 6 hours of monitoring, with constant stirring in an ultrasonic bath. The results showed decrease in absorbance at both wavelength and in all three pH values which proved the adsorption of tetracycline hydrochloride on GO and rGO. The largest decrease in absorbance was 98.1%. The most suitable pH value for adsorption was pH 4. This paper used a unique approach to filtration through membrane filters, which in the future could lead to the development of membrane filters based on graphene materials.

Introduction: Self-medication has been very popular and globally prevalent for a long time. Aim: This research aims to present pharmacists’ engagement in the process of self-medication in the Sarajevo Canton. Methods: A total of 312 respondents completed an anonymous questionnaire-based survey. The first group (165 respondents) was surveyed in the pharmacy after buying a non-prescription drug, and the second group (147 respondents) outside the pharmacy. Results: The most commonly purchased drug was paracetamol, whereas headache was dominant amongst health conditions for which treatment respondents intended to use the purchased drug. A belief that respondents could cure themselves was the most common answer when asked why they had not visited a doctor, whereas previous experience with the purchased drug prevailed as an answer when asked from whom they had gotten information about the adequacy of the purchased drug for their health problem. Respondents mostly bought drugs for themselves. Pharmacists instructed 65% of respondents on how to take the purchased drug and checked whether 55% of respondents bought an appropriate drug for their health problem. Only 25% and 29% of respondents were informed about the adverse effects and potential contraindications or interactions of the purchased drug, respectively. According to 45% of respondents, pharmacists spent up to one minute in a conversation with them about the purchased drug. Conclusion: In the Sarajevo Canton, pharmacists should be more actively involved in the process of self-medication and provide the necessary advice to patients consuming non-prescription drugs. Further research is needed to create a clearer picture.

Introduction: Hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for the development of many diseases. Aim: The aim of this paper is to compare the effects of allopurinol and febuxostat on the values of triglycerides and uric acid in hyperuricemic patients. Methods: This was a pharmacological-clinical retrospective-prospective study. The research sample comprised 50 examinees of both genders and different ages who were undergoing allopurinol (100 mg/day) or febuxostat (80 mg/day) therapy. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) Software and Microsoft Excel were used for statistical analysis. Results: Examinees who were treated with allopurinol had a statistically significant decrease in uric acid concentrations (by 126.28 ± 20.36 μmol/l) at the end of the observation compared to the initial values (p = 0.006). Examinees who were treated with febuxostat had a statistically significant decrease in uric acid concentrations (by 252.80 ± 94.17 μmol/l) at the end of the observation compared to the initial values (p = 0.001). The initial value of triglycerides was 1.58 ± 0.64 mmol/l in allopurinol-treated examinees, and 1.60 ± 0.52 mmol/l in febuxostat-treated examinees. After three and six months of allopurinol use, there was a statistically significant increase in triglyceride values (p = 0.046 and p = 0.042, respectively). A statistically significant decrease in triglyceride values (by 0.16 ± 0.10 mmol/l) was noted after three months of febuxostat use (p = 0.012). Conclusion: The results of this research confirmed the previous findings and pointed out the positive pharmacological effects of allopurinol and febuxostat.