Enhancement of intestinal absorption of macromolecules by spermine in rats

Oral mucus-penetrating PEGylated liposomes to improve drug absorption: Differences in the interaction mechanisms of a mucoadhesive liposome

We investigated the feasibility of densely polyethylene glycol (PEG2000)-modified liposomes as mucus-penetrating particles (MPPs) for oral delivery of systemically absorbed peptides. The oral absorption of MPPs and mucoadhesive liposomes modified with glycol chitosan (GCS) was compared. In an in vitro artificial mucus model, the densely PEGylated liposomes showed mucus permeability. Intracellular uptake of liposomes was evaluated in a Caco-2 and mucus-secreting Caco-2/HT29 co-culture. Intracellular uptake of MPPs was unaffected by mucus in the co-culture system, whereas the cellular uptake of GCS-liposomes was lower with a mucus layer than in Caco-2 alone. Rat in vivo oral absorption of liposomes was evaluated by using fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FD) as a model peptide drug. Oral absorption was higher for densely PEGylated than for unmodified liposomes and was PEG-concentration dependent, but excessive PEGylation decreased FD blood concentration. PEGylated liposomes incorporating spermine (SPM) as an absorption enhancer were then designed and showed the highest in vivo absorption of FD of all tested formulations. The pharmacological effects of the oral liposomes were evaluated by using elcatonin and did not correlate with FD oral absorption. The non-PEGylated SPM liposomes showed the highest pharmacological effect, suggesting the need for drug-specific optimization of liposomal components and surface modifiers.

Aspirin enhances sensitization to the egg-white allergen ovalbumin in rats

Enhancement of oral absorption of food allergens by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), especially aspirin, is considered an exacerbating factor in the development of food allergies. In this study, we examined the effect of aspirin on oral sensitization to and absorption of the egg-white allergen ovalbumin (OVA) in rats. The absorption of OVA was evaluated by measuring the plasma concentration of OVA after oral administration by gavage. To evaluate oral sensitization to OVA, plasma levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) E and IgG₁ antibodies (Abs) specific to OVA were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after initiation of sensitization. High-dose aspirin (30 mg/kg) increased oral OVA absorption and plasma levels of OVA-specific IgE and IgG₁ Abs compared with those observed in vehicle-treated rats. In contrast, low-dose aspirin (3 mg/kg) exerted no changes in either absorption or sensitization. Spermine, an absorption enhancer, increased the oral absorption of OVA to nearly the same extent as high-dose aspirin, whereas the plasma levels of OVA-specific IgE and IgG₁ Abs exhibited no significant differences between spermine- and vehicle-treated rats. Among the NSAIDs, diclofenac and indomethacin increased sensitization to OVA, similar to high-dose aspirin, but meloxicam exerted no effects on Ab levels. In conclusion, we showed that high-dose aspirin enhanced oral sensitization to OVA. Our study suggests that enhanced oral sensitization to OVA cannot be ascribed to increased absorption of OVA from the intestinal tract. Although the mechanisms underlying this enhancement of sensitization are still controversial, our study suggests that modification of cytokine production due to impairment of the intestinal barrier function and inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 activity by aspirin may be involved.

New insights into the role of spermine in enhancing the antioxidant capacity of rat spleen and liver under oxidative stress

Oxidative stress can damage cellular antioxidant defense and reduce livestock production efficiency. Spermine is a ubiquitous cellular component that plays important roles in stabilizing nucleic acids, modulating cell growth and differentiation, and regulating ion channel activities. Spermine has the potential to alleviate the effects of oxidative stress. However, to date no information is available about the effect of spermine administration on antioxidant property of the liver and spleen in any mammalian in vivo system. This study aims to investigate the protective effect of spermine on rat liver and spleen under oxidative stress. Rats received intragastric administration of either 0.4 μmol/g body weight of spermine or saline once a day for 3 days. The rats in each treatment were then injected with either diquat or sterile saline at 12 mg/kg body weight. Liver and spleen samples were collected 48 h after the last spermine ingestion. Results showed that regardless of diquat treatment, spermine administration significantly reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content by 23.78% in the liver and by 5.75% in the spleen, respectively (P < 0.05). Spermine administration also enhanced the catalase (CAT) activity, anti-hydroxyl radical (AHR) capacity and glutathione (GSH) content by 38.68%, 15.53% and 1.32% in the spleen, respectively (P < 0.05). There were interactions between spermine administration and diquat injection about anti-superoxide anion (ASA), AHR capacity, CAT activity, GSH content, and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the liver and about ASA capacity and T-AOC in the spleen of weaned rats (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, spermine administration significantly increased the AHR capacity, CAT activity, GSH content, and T-AOC by 40.23%, 31.15%, 30.25%, 35.37% in the liver, respectively (P < 0.05) and increased the T-AOC by 8% in the spleen of weaned rats (P < 0.05). Compared with the diquat group, spermine + diquat group significantly increased ASA capacity by 15.63% in the liver and by 73.41% in the spleen of weaned rats, respectively (P < 0.05). Results demonstrate that spermine administration can increase the antioxidant capacity in the liver and spleen and can enhance the antioxidant status in the spleen and liver under oxidative stress.

The effects of polyamines on human colonic mucosal function

Electrogenic ion transport in human colon is a surrogate marker for colonic mucosal function, and may be manipulated by a variety of hormonal, neural, immune and paracrine mediators. Polyamines are present in vast quantities in the colonic lumen and appear to be integral to cellular function. This study explores some of the mechanisms of polyamine action on colonic tissue through study of their effects on differential secretory pathways, as well as examining their actions on intracellular cAMP and Ca(2+) accumulation. Human colonic mucosa was mounted in Ussing chambers and treated with polyamines (spermine, spermidine and putrescine) with changes in ion transport recorded. In separate experiments colonic crypts were treated with polyamines and intracellular cAMP levels determined by ELISA and intracellular calcium concentrations were quantified by fluorescent imaging. Polyamines at physiological concentrations (1mM) exert no effects on basal mucosal chloride secretion or transepithelial electrical resistance. Polyamines inhibit electrogenic ion secretion as stimulated by forskolin (cAMP-mediated), but not carbachol (Ach-mediated). All the polyamines used in this study inhibited intracellular cAMP accumulation, according to potency (spermine>spermidine>putrescine). Spermine increased intracellular Ca(2+) in a PKC-dependent manner, likely due to its effects on the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). Polyamines act to prevent cAMP-mediated Cl(-) hypersecretion in the colon, acting through CaSR to inhibit PKC-mediated [Ca(2+)]i release from intracellular stores.

An NMR-based metabolomic approach to investigate the effects of supplementation with glutamic acid in piglets challenged with deoxynivalenol

Deoxynivalenol (DON) has various toxicological effects in humans and pigs that result from the ingestion of contaminated cereal products. This study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of dietary supplementation with glutamic acid on piglets challenged with DON. A total of 20 piglets weaned at 28 d of age were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 4 treatments (5 piglets/treatment): 1) basal diet, negative control (NC); 2) basal diet +4 mg/kg DON (DON); 3) basal diet +2% (g/g) glutamic acid (GLU); 4) basal diet +4 mg/kg DON +2% glutamic acid (DG). A 7-d adaptation period was followed by 30 days of treatment. A metabolite analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR)-based metabolomic technology and the determination of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities for plasma, as well as the activity of Caspase-3 and the proliferation of epithelial cells were conducted. The results showed that contents of low-density lipoprotein, alanine, arginine, acetate, glycoprotein, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), glycine, lactate, and urea, as well as the glutamate/creatinine ratio were higher but high-density lipoprotein, proline, citrate, choline, unsaturated lipids and fumarate were lower in piglets of DON treatment than that of NC treatment (P<0.05). Compared with DON treatment, dietary supplementation with glutamic acid increased the plasma concentrations of proline, citrate, creatinine, unsaturated lipids, and fumarate, and decreased the concentrations of alanine, glycoprotein, TMAO, glycine, and lactate, as well as the glutamate/creatinine ratio (P<0.05). Addition glutamic acid to DON treatment increased the plasma activities of SOD and GSH-Px and the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) labeling indexes for the jejunum and ileum (P<0.05). These novel findings indicate that glutamic acid has the potential to repair the injuries associated with oxidative stress as well as the disturbances of energy and amino acid metabolism induced by DON.

Colonic absorption of salmon calcitonin using tetradecyl maltoside (TDM) as a permeation enhancer

Calcitonin is used as a second line treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, but widespread acceptance is somewhat limited by subcutaneous and intranasal routes of delivery. This study attempted to enable intestinal sCT absorption in rats using the mild surfactant, tetradecyl maltoside (TDM) as an intestinal permeation enhancer. Human Caco-2 and HT29-MTX-E12 mucus-covered intestinal epithelial monolayers were used for permeation studies. Rat in situ intestinal instillation studies were conducted to evaluate the absorption of sCT with and without 0.1 w/v% TDM in jejunum, ileum and colon. TDM significantly enhanced sCT permeation across intestinal epithelial monolayers, most likely due to combined paracellular and transcellular actions. In situ, TDM caused an increased absolute bioavailability of sCT in rat colon from 1.0% to 4.6%, whereas no enhancement increase was observed in ileal and jejunal instillations. Histological analysis suggested mild perturbation of colonic epithelia in segments instilled with sCT and TDM. These data suggest that the membrane composition of the colon is different to the small intestine and that it is more amenable to permeation enhancement. Thus, formulations designed to release payload in the colon could be advantageous for systemic delivery of poorly permeable molecules.

Enhancement of gastrointestinal absorption of ovalbumin caused by spermine induces an increase in plasma histamine levels in mice sensitized to ovalbumin

The aim of this study was to determine whether a spermine (SPM)-induced increase in gastrointestinal absorption of an allergen leads to an anaphylactic response in sensitized mice. First, we examined the enhancing effect of SPM on the gastrointestinal absorption of ovalbumin (OVA) in an in situ jejunum loop study in rats and an in vivo oral absorption study in mice. Second, we investigated whether enhancement of gastrointestinal absorption of OVA caused by SPM induces an anaphylactic response in mice sensitized to OVA. In the in situ jejunum loop study in rats, a significant amount of immune-reactive OVA was detected in the plasma after co-administration of OVA and SPM. Oral co-administration of OVA and SPM to mice in vivo also increased plasma OVA concentrations in an SPM dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, in sensitized mice, a significant increase in plasma histamine levels occurred along with the increase in plasma OVA levels after co-administration of OVA with SPM. This finding suggests that an SPM-induced increase in gastrointestinal absorption of OVA leads to an anaphylactic response. These results indicate that excess oral ingestion of SPM may have widespread health effects, including the induction of food allergies, via modulation of the function of the gastrointestinal epithelial barrier.

Restoration of rat colonic epithelium after in situ intestinal instillation of the absorption promoter, sodium caprate

Background: Sodium caprate (C10) is an oral absorption promoter that is currently in clinical trials as a component of solid dosage forms for poorly permeable small molecules and peptides. Clinical data with zoledronic acid tablets suggest that significant delivery along with acceptable safety can be achieved from a once-a-week dosing regime. C10 has surfactant-like properties at the high doses used in vivo and therefore we examined its effects on rat intestinal epithelium following intestinal instillation. Results: Addition of 100 mM concentrations of C10 with the paracellular flux marker, fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran 4 kDa, permitted a bioavailability of 33% to be achieved. When C10 was added 10, 30 and 60 min in advance of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran 4 kDa, enhancement still occurred, but was progressively reduced. Histology revealed that the permeability increase was likely related in part to superficial epithelial damage caused in the first few minutes of exposure, which was rapidly repaired within 30–60 min. Conclusions: Design of optimized dosage forms containing C10 should corelease the payload and promoter close to the epithelium in high concentrations. While C10 induces some epithelial damage, its remarkable capacity for epithelial repair may render this effect insignificant in vivo.

Safety and efficacy of sodium caprate in promoting oral drug absorption: from in vitro to the clinic

A major challenge in oral drug delivery is the development of novel dosage forms to promote absorption of poorly permeable drugs across the intestinal epithelium. To date, no absorption promoter has been approved in a formulation specifically designed for oral delivery of Class III molecules. Promoters that are designated safe for human consumption have been licensed for use in a recently approved buccal insulin spray delivery system and also for many years as part of an ampicillin rectal suppository. Unlike buccal and rectal delivery, oral formulations containing absorption promoters have the additional technical hurdle whereby the promoter and payload must be co-released in high concentrations at the small intestinal epithelium in order to generate significant but rapidly reversible increases in permeability. An advanced promoter in the clinic is the medium chain fatty acid (MCFA), sodium caprate (C(10)), a compound already approved as a food additive. We discuss how it has evolved to a matrix tablet format suitable for administration to humans under the headings of mechanism of action at the cellular and tissue level as well as in vitro and in vivo efficacy and safety studies. In specific clinical examples, we review how C(10)-based formulations are being tested for oral delivery of bisphosphonates using Gastro Intestinal Permeation Enhancement Technology, GIPET (Merrion Pharmaceuticals, Ireland) and in a related solid dose format for antisense oligonucleotides (ISIS Pharmaceuticals, USA).

Antibody and cytokine-associated immune responses to S. equi antigens entrapped in PLA nanospheres

Strangles is an infectious disease caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi that affects the upper respiratory tract of the Equidae. The control of this disease seems to be dependent on its earlier detection and prevention, but prolonged animal protection without development of strong and severe side effects has not yet been achieved. Convalescent horses exhibit a protective immune response, mainly against SeM (58 kDa), an antiphagocytic and opsonogenic S. equi M-like protein, known as the major protective antigen against strangles. Purified recombinant SeM and S. equi protein extract-entrapped poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanospheres were developed and their adjuvant potential was studied via the intramuscular route. The effect including molecules with adjuvant properties such as spermine, oleic acid, alginate and glycol-chitosan was also evaluated. Spherical nanometric particles <500 nm containing the protein antigen were prepared by the solvent evaporation method and protein structure was not affected throughout preparation. The humoral immune response induced by nanospheres was markedly higher than that elicited by soluble antigens, isolated or co-admixed with CpG. The IgG and IgG subtypes, along with cytokine titres, indicated that nanospheres composed by glycolchitosan developed a more balanced Th1/Th2 response for both purified SeM and S. equi enzymatic extract proteins, although those induced by the pure antigen-entrapped particles were higher than the S. equi tested vaccines composed by total antigens entrapped in polymeric nanospheres.

Amino acids: metabolism, functions, and nutrition

Recent years have witnessed the discovery that amino acids (AA) are not only cell signaling molecules but are also regulators of gene expression and the protein phosphorylation cascade. Additionally, AA are key precursors for syntheses of hormones and low-molecular weight nitrogenous substances with each having enormous biological importance. Physiological concentrations of AA and their metabolites (e.g., nitric oxide, polyamines, glutathione, taurine, thyroid hormones, and serotonin) are required for the functions. However, elevated levels of AA and their products (e.g., ammonia, homocysteine, and asymmetric dimethylarginine) are pathogenic factors for neurological disorders, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular disease. Thus, an optimal balance among AA in the diet and circulation is crucial for whole body homeostasis. There is growing recognition that besides their role as building blocks of proteins and polypeptides, some AA regulate key metabolic pathways that are necessary for maintenance, growth, reproduction, and immunity. They are called functional AA, which include arginine, cysteine, glutamine, leucine, proline, and tryptophan. Dietary supplementation with one or a mixture of these AA may be beneficial for (1) ameliorating health problems at various stages of the life cycle (e.g., fetal growth restriction, neonatal morbidity and mortality, weaning-associated intestinal dysfunction and wasting syndrome, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, the metabolic syndrome, and infertility); (2) optimizing efficiency of metabolic transformations to enhance muscle growth, milk production, egg and meat quality and athletic performance, while preventing excess fat deposition and reducing adiposity. Thus, AA have important functions in both nutrition and health.

Metabolomic analysis of the response of growing pigs to dietary L-arginine supplementation

Arginine plays an important role regulating nutrient metabolism, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. This study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary arginine supplementation on the metabolome in serum of growing pigs using (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Sixteen 120-day-old pigs (48 +/- 1 kg) were randomly assigned to one of two groups, representing supplementation with 0 or 1.0% L: -arginine to corn- and soybean meal-based diets. Serum was collected after a 46-day period of treatment. Dietary arginine supplementation decreased fat deposition and increased protein accretion in the body. Principal component analysis showed that serum concentrations of low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, and urea were lower, but concentrations of creatinine, tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites, ornithine, lysine and tyrosine were greater in arginine-supplemented than in control pigs. Additionally, the arginine treatment affected serum concentrations of nitrogenous and lipid signaling molecules (glycerophosphorylcholine and myo-inositol) and intestinal bacterial metabolites (formate, ethanol, methylamine, dimethylamine, acetate, and propionate). These novel findings suggest that dietary arginine supplementation alters the catabolism of fat and amino acids in the whole body, enhances protein synthesis in skeletal muscle, and modulates intestinal microbial metabolism in growing pigs.

Dietary supplementation with cholesterol and docosahexaenoic acid affects concentrations of amino acids in tissues of young pigs

Cholesterol and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are important nutrients for neural development of infants. However, little is known about the effect of cholesterol or DHA on concentrations of amino acids (AA) in neonatal tissues. This study was conducted with the piglet (an established model for studying human infant nutrition) to test the hypothesis that dietary supplementation with the lipids may modulate AA availability in tissues. Sixteen newborn pigs were nursed by sows for 24 h and then assigned to one of four treatment groups, representing supplementation with 0.0% (control), 0.2% cholesterol, 0.2% DHA, or cholesterol plus DHA to the basal milk-formula. All piglets were euthanized at 49 days of age. In brain, cholesterol supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) concentrations of glutamate, serine, glutamine, threonine, beta-alanine, alanine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, and gamma-aminobutyrate but increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of glycine and lysine, whereas DHA supplementation similarly affected (P < 0.05) concentrations of the same AA (except for isoleucine and lysine) and taurine. In addition, concentrations of most AA in liver, muscle and plasma were substantially altered by dietary supplementation of cholesterol and DHA in a tissue-dependent manner. Further, DHA reduced concentrations of carnosine in skeletal muscle, as well as ammonia in both plasma and brain. The results reveal that cholesterol and DHA can regulate AA metabolism and availability in various tissues of piglets. These novel findings have important implications for designing the next generation of infant formula to optimize neonatal growth and development.

Formation of polyamine-modified peptides during protein digestion

The effect of polyamines on the digestion of proteins by serine proteases was examined. Based on the mechanism of action of serine proteases, it was anticipated that nucleophilic functionalities such as amino groups in polyamine, rather than hydroxyl ions, would react with peptide bonds during the hydrolysis process. If this were the case, polyamine might be covalently linked to the C-terminus of the product peptides during protein digestion. In order to test this hypothesis, hemoglobin was used as a model protein and was digested with trypsin in the presence of polyamine. The product peptides were separated, collected by HPLC, and analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS using post-source decay. The results showed that some peptides were indeed modified with polyamine at the C-terminus.