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Fuster MG, Wang J, Fandiño O, Víllora G, Paredes AJ. Folic Acid-Decorated Nanocrystals as Highly Loaded Trojan Horses to Target Cancer Cells. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:2781-2794. [PMID: 38676649 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c01186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
The nanocrystal (NC) technology has become one of the most commonly used strategies for the formulation of poorly soluble actives. Given their large specific surface, NCs are mainly used to enhance the oral absorption of poorly soluble actives. Differently from conventional nanoparticles, which require the use of carrier materials and have limited drug loadings, NCs' drug loading approaches 100% since they are formed of the pure drug and surrounded by a thin layer of a stabilizer. In this work, we report the covalent decoration of curcumin NCs with folic acid (FA) using EDC/NHS chemistry and explore the novel systems as highly loaded "Trojan horses" to target cancer cells. The decorated NCs demonstrated a remarkable improvement in curcumin uptake, exhibiting enhanced growth inhibition in cancer cells (HeLa and MCF7) while sparing healthy cells (J774A.1). Cellular uptake studies revealed significantly heightened entry of FA-decorated NCs into cancer cells compared to unmodified NCs while also showing reduced uptake by macrophages, indicating a potential for prolonged circulation in vivo. These findings underline the potential of NC highly loaded nanovectors for drug delivery and, in particular, for cancer therapies, effectively targeting folate receptor-overexpressing cells while evading interception by macrophages, thus preserving their viability and offering a promising avenue for precise and effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta G Fuster
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Murcia (UMU), Campus de Espinardo, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Jiawen Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, U.K
| | - Octavio Fandiño
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, U.K
| | - Gloria Víllora
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Murcia (UMU), Campus de Espinardo, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Alejandro J Paredes
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, U.K
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2
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Demartis S, Rassu G, Anjani QK, Volpe-Zanutto F, Hutton ARJ, Sabri AB, McCarthy HO, Giunchedi P, Donnelly RF, Gavini E. Improved pharmacokinetic and lymphatic uptake of Rose Bengal after transfersome intradermal deposition using hollow microneedles. J Control Release 2024; 369:363-375. [PMID: 38554770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.03.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The lymphatic system is active in several processes that regulate human diseases, among which cancer progression stands out. Thus, various drug delivery systems have been investigated to promote lymphatic drug targeting for cancer therapy; mainly, nanosized particles in the 10-150 nm range quickly achieve lymphatic vessels after an interstitial administration. Herein, a strategy to boost the lymphotropic delivery of Rose Bengal (RB), a hydrosoluble chemotherapeutic, is proposed, and it is based on the loading into Transfersomes (RBTF) and their intradermal deposition in vivo by microneedles. RBTF of 96.27 ± 13.96 nm (PDI = 0.29 ± 0.02) were prepared by a green reverse-phase evaporation technique, and they showed an RB encapsulation efficiency of 98.54 ± 0.09%. In vitro, RBTF remained physically stable under physiological conditions and avoided the release of RB. In vivo, intravenous injection of RBTF prolonged RB half-life of 50 min in healthy rats compared to RB intravenous injection; the RB half-life in rat body was further increased after intradermal injection reaching 24 h, regardless of the formulation used. Regarding lymphatic targeting, RBTF administered intravenously provided an RB accumulation in the lymph nodes of 12.3 ± 0.14 ng/mL after 2 h, whereas no RB accumulation was observed after RB intravenous injection. Intradermally administered RBTF resulted in the highest RB amount detected in lymph nodes after 2 h from the injection (84.2 ± 25.10 ng/mL), which was even visible to the naked eye based on the pink colouration of the drug. In the case of intradermally administered RB, RB in lymph node was detected only at 24 h (13.3 ± 1.41 ng/mL). In conclusion, RBTF proved an efficient carrier for RB delivery, enhancing its pharmacokinetics and promoting lymph-targeted delivery. Thus, RBTF represents a promising nanomedicine product for potentially facing the medical need for novel strategies for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Demartis
- Department of Chemical, Mathematical, Natural and Physical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - Giovanna Rassu
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy.
| | - Qonita Kurnia Anjani
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
| | - Fabiana Volpe-Zanutto
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron R J Hutton
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
| | - Akmal B Sabri
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
| | - Helen O McCarthy
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
| | - Paolo Giunchedi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - Ryan F Donnelly
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, United Kingdom.
| | - Elisabetta Gavini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
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3
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Chen J, Zou J, Huang P, Gao X, Lun J, Li Y, Gong Z, Cao H. KYNA Ameliorates Glutamate Toxicity of HAND by Enhancing Glutamate Uptake in A2 Astrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4286. [PMID: 38673879 PMCID: PMC11050540 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Reactive astrocytes are key players in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), and different types of reactive astrocytes play opposing roles in the neuropathologic progression of HAND. A recent study by our group found that gp120 mediates A1 astrocytes (neurotoxicity), which secrete proinflammatory factors and promote HAND disease progression. Here, by comparing the expression of A2 astrocyte (neuroprotective) markers in the brains of gp120 tgm mice and gp120+/α7nAChR-/- mice, we found that inhibition of alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) promotes A2 astrocyte generation. Notably, kynurenine acid (KYNA) is an antagonist of α7nAChR, and is able to promote the formation of A2 astrocytes, the secretion of neurotrophic factors, and the enhancement of glutamate uptake through blocking the activation of α7nAChR/NF-κB signaling. In addition, learning, memory and mood disorders were significantly improved in gp120 tgm mice by intraperitoneal injection of kynurenine (KYN) and probenecid (PROB). Meanwhile, the number of A2 astrocytes in the mouse brain was significantly increased and glutamate toxicity was reduced. Taken together, KYNA was able to promote A2 astrocyte production and neurotrophic factor secretion, reduce glutamate toxicity, and ameliorate gp120-induced neuropathological deficits. These findings contribute to our understanding of the role that reactive astrocytes play in the development of HAND pathology and provide new evidence for the treatment of HAND via the tryptophan pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hong Cao
- Department of Microbiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research), Guangzhou 510515, China; (J.C.)
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4
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Rossier B, Jordan O, Allémann E, Rodríguez-Nogales C. Nanocrystals and nanosuspensions: an exploration from classic formulations to advanced drug delivery systems. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s13346-024-01559-0. [PMID: 38451440 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01559-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Nanocrystals and nanosuspensions have become realistic approaches to overcome the formulation challenges of poorly water-soluble drugs. They also represent a less-known but versatile platform for multiple therapeutic applications. They can be integrated into a broad spectrum of drug delivery systems including tablets, hydrogels, microneedles, microparticles, or even functionalized liposomes. The recent progresses, challenges, and opportunities in this field are gathered originally together with an informative case study concerning an itraconazole nanosuspension-in-hydrogel formulation. The translational aspects, historical and current clinical perspectives are also critically reviewed here to shed light on the incoming generation of nanocrystal formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Rossier
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Jordan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Eric Allémann
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
| | - Carlos Rodríguez-Nogales
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
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5
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Chaturvedi A, Sharma S, Shukla R. Drug Nanocrystals: A Delivery Channel for Antiviral Therapies. AAPS PharmSciTech 2024; 25:41. [PMID: 38366178 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02754-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Viral infections represent a significant threat to global health due to their highly communicable and potentially lethal nature. Conventional antiviral interventions encounter challenges such as drug resistance, tolerability issues, specificity concerns, high costs, side effects, and the constant mutation of viral proteins. Consequently, the exploration of alternative approaches is imperative. Therefore, nanotechnology-embedded drugs excelled as a novel approach purporting severe life-threatening viral disease. Integrating nanomaterials and nanoparticles enables ensuring precise drug targeting, improved drug delivery, and fostered pharmacokinetic properties. Notably, nanocrystals (NCs) stand out as one of the most promising nanoformulations, offering remarkable characteristics in terms of physicochemical properties (higher drug loading, improved solubility, and drug retention), pharmacokinetics (enhanced bioavailability, dose reduction), and optical properties (light absorptivity, photoluminescence). These attributes make NCs effective in diagnosing and ameliorating viral infections. This review comprises the prevalence, pathophysiology, and resistance of viral infections along with emphasizing on failure of current antivirals in the management of the diseases. Moreover, the review also highlights the role of NCs in various viral infections in mitigating, diagnosing, and other NC-based strategies combating viral infections. In vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies evident for the effectiveness of NCs against viral pathogens are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Chaturvedi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) - Raebareli, Lucknow, 226002, India
| | - Swapnil Sharma
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali University, Banasthali, Rajasthan, 304022, India
| | - Rahul Shukla
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) - Raebareli, Lucknow, 226002, India.
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6
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Nayan MU, Panja S, Sultana A, Zaman LA, Vora LK, Sillman B, Gendelman HE, Edagwa B. Polymer Delivery Systems for Long-Acting Antiretroviral Drugs. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:183. [PMID: 38399244 PMCID: PMC10892262 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The success of long-acting (LA) drug delivery systems (DDSs) is linked to their biocompatible polymers. These are used for extended therapeutic release. For treatment or prevention of human immune deficiency virus type one (HIV-1) infection, LA DDSs hold promise for improved regimen adherence and reduced toxicities. Current examples include Cabenuva, Apretude, and Sunlenca. Each is safe and effective. Alternative promising DDSs include implants, prodrugs, vaginal rings, and microarray patches. Each can further meet patients' needs. We posit that the physicochemical properties of the formulation chemical design can optimize drug release profiles. We posit that the strategic design of LA DDS polymers will further improve controlled drug release to simplify dosing schedules and improve regimen adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ullah Nayan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA; (M.U.N.); (S.P.); (A.S.); (L.A.Z.); (B.S.)
| | - Sudipta Panja
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA; (M.U.N.); (S.P.); (A.S.); (L.A.Z.); (B.S.)
| | - Ashrafi Sultana
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA; (M.U.N.); (S.P.); (A.S.); (L.A.Z.); (B.S.)
| | - Lubaba A. Zaman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA; (M.U.N.); (S.P.); (A.S.); (L.A.Z.); (B.S.)
| | - Lalitkumar K. Vora
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK;
| | - Brady Sillman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA; (M.U.N.); (S.P.); (A.S.); (L.A.Z.); (B.S.)
| | - Howard E. Gendelman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA; (M.U.N.); (S.P.); (A.S.); (L.A.Z.); (B.S.)
| | - Benson Edagwa
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA; (M.U.N.); (S.P.); (A.S.); (L.A.Z.); (B.S.)
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7
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Zhang C, Jahan SA, Zhang J, Bianchi MB, Volpe-Zanutto F, Baviskar SM, Rodriguez-Abetxuko A, Mishra D, Magee E, Gilmore BF, Singh TRR, Donnelly RF, Larrañeta E, Paredes AJ. Curcumin nanocrystals-in-nanofibres as a promising platform for the management of periodontal disease. Int J Pharm 2023; 648:123585. [PMID: 37952560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
It is estimated that nearly a half of the world's population over 30 years old suffer from some kind of periodontal disease (PD). Although preventable, PD can pose a significant health burden to patients, causing from pain and discomfort to disfigurement and death. The management of PD often requires surgical procedures accompanied of systemic antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatments. Curcumin (CUR), a potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial active, has shown great promise in the management of PD; however, its effects are often limited by its low bioavailability. In this work, we report the development of electrospun nanofibres (NFs) loaded with CUR nanocrystals (NCs) for the management of PD. NCs of 100 nm were obtained by media milling and loaded into dissolving polyvinyl alcohol NFs using electrospinning. The resultant NCs-in-NFs dissolved in water spontaneously, releasing NCs with a particle size of ∼120 nm. The physiochemical characterisation of the systems indicated the absence of chemical interactions between drug and polymer, and nanofibres with an amorphous nature. In vitro release profiles demonstrated that the NCs had a significantly higher dissolution rate (∼100 % at day 40) than the control group (approximately 6 % at day 40), which consisted of NFs containing a physical mixture of the drug and stabiliser. Finally, mucosal deposition studies demonstrated a 10-fold higher capacity of the novel NCs-in-NFs system to deposit CUR ex vivo using excised neonatal porcine mucosal tissue, when compared to the control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Subrin A Jahan
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Jingru Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Maria Beatrice Bianchi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabiana Volpe-Zanutto
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Shubhamkumar M Baviskar
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | | | - Deepakkumar Mishra
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Erin Magee
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Brendan F Gilmore
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Thakur Raghu Raj Singh
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Ryan F Donnelly
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Eneko Larrañeta
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Alejandro J Paredes
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK.
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