Anti-rheumatic activity of chloroquine-SLN gel on wistar rats using complete freund's adjuvant (CFA) model

Nanocarriers for anticancer drugs: Challenges and perspectives

Cancer is the second most common cause of death globally, surpassed only by cardiovascular disease. One of the hallmarks of cancer is uncontrolled cell division and resistance to cell death. Multiple approaches have been developed to tackle this disease, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Although chemotherapy is used primarily to control cell division and induce cell death, some cancer cells are able to resist apoptosis and develop tolerance to these drugs. The side effects of chemotherapy are often overwhelming, and patients can experience more adverse effects than benefits. Furthermore, the bioavailability and stability of drugs used for chemotherapy are crucial issues that must be addressed, and there is therefore a high demand for a reliable delivery system that ensures fast and accurate targeting of treatment. In this review, we discuss the different types of nanocarriers, their properties and recent advances in formulations, with respect to relevant advantages and disadvantages of each.

Topical nanocarriers for management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease manifested by chronic joint inflammation leading to severe disability and premature mortality. With a global prevalence of about 0.3%-1% RA is 3-5 times more prevalent in women than in men. There is no known cure for RA; the ultimate goal for treatment of RA is to provide symptomatic relief. The treatment regimen for RA involves frequent drug administration and high doses of NSAIDs such as indomethacin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, celecoxib, etorcoxib. These potent drugs often have off target effects which drastically decreases patient compliance. Moreover, conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory have many formulation challenges like low solubility and permeability, poor bioavailability, degradation by gastrointestinal enzymes, food interactions and toxicity. To overcome these barriers, researchers have turned to topical route of drug administration, which has superior patience compliance and they also bypass the first past effect experienced with conventional oral administration. Furthermore, to enhance the permeation of drug through the layers of the skin and reach the site of inflammation, nanosized carriers have been designed such as liposomes, nanoemulsions, niosomes, ethosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles and transferosomes. These drug delivery systems are non-toxic and have high drug encapsulation efficiency and they also provide sustained release of drug. This review discusses the effect of formulation composition on the physiochemical properties of these nanocarriers in terms of particle size, surface charge, drug entrapment and also drug release profile thus providing a landscape of topically used nanoformulations for symptomatic treatment of RA.

Drug nanodelivery systems based on natural polysaccharides against different diseases

Drug nanodelivery systems (DNDSs) are fascinated cargos to achieve outstanding therapeutic results of various drugs or natural bioactive compounds owing to their unique structures. The efficiency of several pharmaceutical drugs or natural bioactive ingredients is restricted because of their week bioavailability, poor bioaccessibility and pharmacokinetics after orally pathways. In order to handle such constraints, usage of native/natural polysaccharides (NPLS) in fabrication of DNDSs has gained more popularity in the arena of nanotechnology for controlled drug delivery to enhance safety, biocompatibility, better retention time, bioavailability, lower toxicity and enhanced permeability. The main commonly used NPLS in nanoencapsulation systems include chitosan, pectin, alginates, cellulose, starches, and gums recognized as potential materials for fabrication of cargos. Herein, this review is centered on different polysaccharide-based nanocarriers including nanoemulsions, nanohydrogels, nanoliposomes, nanoparticles and nanofibers, which have already served as encouraging candidates for entrapment of therapeutic drugs as well as for their sustained controlled release. Furthermore, the current article explicitly offers comprehensive details regarding application of NPLS-based nanocarriers encapsulating several drugs intended for the handling of numerous disorders, including diabetes, cancer, HIV, malaria, cardiovascular and respiratory as well as skin diseases.

3,3'-Diindolylmethane nanoencapsulation improves its antinociceptive action: Physicochemical and behavioral studies

This study aimed to characterize the physicochemical properties of 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM)-loaded nanocapsules (NCs) as well as the antinociceptive effect using distinct animal models (hot plate test, formalin-induced nociception and complete Freud's adjuvant induced paw inflammation). The DIM-loaded NCs (composed by primula oil and ethylcellulose) were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. The physicochemical characterization demonstrated that DIM could be molecularly dispersed into the NCs, whose size was nanometric with a spherical shape. An improvement in DIM thermal stability was achieved by its encapsulation and there were no interactions among the formula components. For the nociceptive evaluation, male adult Swiss mice were pretreated with the NCs or free DIM by the intragastric route at the dose of 10 mg/Kg (time-response curve), 5 or 2.5 mg/Kg (dose-response curve). The behavioral tests were performed over an experimental period of 0.5-8 h. Both free and nanoencapsulated DIM reduced the mechanical hypernociception induced by CFA, mitigated nociceptive behavior of formalin-induced neurogenic and inflammatory pain and increased paw withdrawal latency assessed by the hot-plate test. Importantly, the DIM nanoencapsulation promoted a rapid initiation and prolonged the bioactive antinociceptive action (up to 8 h) as well as reduced the effective dose in comparison to its free form. In summary, this study reported that the NCs had adequate nanometric size, increased DIM stability and its antinociceptive action in different animal models, suggesting that the formulation may be a possible therapeutic alternative to the management of pain and inflammatory-related pathologies.

In vivo and in vitro Approach to Anti-arthritic and Anti-inflammatory Effect of Crocetin by Alteration of Nuclear Factor-E2-Related Factor 2/hem Oxygenase (HO)-1 and NF-κB Expression

Crocetin (apo carotenoid dicarboxylic acid) is a common constituent of saffron. Its importance is well documented in Chinese medicine. Some studies have reported the inhibitory effect on inflammation in rats. The aim of the current experimental investigation to scrutinize the anti-inflammatory effect of Crocetin using the lipo polysaccharide (LPS) induced mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7) in vitro and complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis model and to explore in vivo possible mechanism of action. RAW 264.7 macrophages were used for estimation of the effect of crocetin on the cyclooxygenase (COX-2), nitric oxide (NO)production, anti-inflammatory and along with pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Single intraperitoneal injection of complete freund’s adjuvant (CFA) was used to induce arthritis. The rats were divided into different group and received the oral administration of crocetin in a dose-dependent manner with indomethacin till 28 days. The paw edema and body weight was estimated at regular interval of time. The biochemical parameters, hematological and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNF-R1), IL-6, and IL-1β, Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); heme oxygenase-1/nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (HO-1/Nrf-2) expression were estimated at end of the experimental study. Crocetin inhibited the COX-2 catalyzed prostaglandin (PGE₂) and inducible nitric oxide synthase catalyzed NO production on RAW 264.7. The paw edema and body weight was significantly (P < 0.001) modulated by the Crocetin in a dose-dependent manner. Crocetin treatment increased the level of red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb) and decreased level of white blood cells (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) parameters, with reduction of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β.The protective effect of crocetin was substantiated with a reduction in expression of IL-6, IL-1β, VEGF, and TNF-R1, respectively. Crocetin also increased the HO-1/Nrf-2 and decreased the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) mRNA, protein expression. On the basis of the result, we can conclude that the reduction of HO-1/Nrf-2 expression, as well as inflammatory mediators, may be involved in the protective effect of Crocetin in the CFA model.

In vivo anti-arthritic and anti-nociceptive effects of ethanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves on complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats

Background

The medicinal uses of plants are in many cases based exclusively on traditional knowledge without enough scientific evidences. Different parts of Moringa oleifera were traditionally used for the treatment of wide variety of ailments including arthritis and joints pain. The present study had been designed to evaluate the anti-arthritic and anti-nociceptive activities of ethanol extract of Moringa leaves, this being the most abundant plant part suitable for commercial mass production of botanical medicinal products.

Methods

Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats was used as disease model. CFA-induced inflammatory paw edema, body weight, arthritic index, X-ray radiography, hematological parameters, and walk track and locomotion analysis were all evaluated for the assessment of disease progression. In addition to that, anti-nociceptive activity was examined at different dose levels in both normal and arthritic-induced rats using Eddy's hot plate and tail flick thermal analgesia.

Results

The analysis of various arthritic assessment parameters used in this study revealed that Moringa extract has a considerable effect in preventing development or ameliorate arthritis disease severity. Moreover, the ethanol extract of Moringa leaves revealed significant anti-nociceptive activity at in both normal and CFA-induced arthritis rats in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion

Ethanol extract of Moringa leaves appears to be a really promising as analgesic and arthritis medication, but a larger and more detailed preclinical and clinical studies especially in human is highly recommended.

Formulations based on solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) for cutaneous use: A review

Cutaneous use of lipid nanoparticles (solid lipid nanoparticles, SLN and nanostructured lipid carriers, NLC) has been showing promising results. These systems consist of low viscosity aqueous dispersions, being usually employed by means of semi-solid formulations with adequate consistency for skin application. This review addresses the cutaneous use of lipid nanoparticles for therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Initially, general information related to pharmaceutical semi-solid formulations is presented. Afterwards, the effects of SLN and NLC on the skin, and technological aspects related to semi-solid systems based on SLN or NLC are described. Finally, the most relevant studies related to the formulations based on SLN and NLC, for cosmetic and therapeutic applications, are reported. Notwithstanding the cutaneous use of SLN and NLC has been proposed for both local and transdermal delivery, the reported studies show promising results only for local application. In this sense, more research is required to better understanding the interaction mechanisms of lipid nanoparticles with skin lipids. Furthermore, the development of standard methods for skin experiments with nanoparticles is necessary.

Formulation of piperine solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

The purpose of this work was to formulate piperine solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) dispersion to exploit its efficacy orally and topically. Piperine SLN were prepared by melt emulsification method and formula was optimized by the application of 3² factorial design. The nanoparticulate dispersion was evaluated for particle size, entrapment efficiency and zeta potential (ZP). Optimized batch (128.80 nm average size, 78.71% entrapment efficiency and -23.34 mV zeta potential) was characterized for differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction which revealed amorphous nature of piperine in SLN. The prepared SLN were administered orally and topically to CFA-induced arthritic rats. Ex vivo study using Franz diffusion cell indicate that piperine from SLN gel formulation accumulates in the skin. Pharmacodynamic study result indicates both the topical and oral piperine evoked a significant response compared to orally administered chloroquine suspension. The results of ELISA show significant reduction in TNFα in treated rat which might be the reason behind the DMARD action of piperine SLN.

Application of aluminum chloride phthalocyanine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for photodynamic inactivation of melanoma cells

Cutaneous melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer and is particularly resistant to current therapeutic approaches. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a well-established photoprocess that is employed to treat some cancers, including non-melanoma skin cancer. Aluminum chloride phthalocyanine (ClAlPc) is used as a photosensitizer in PDT; however, its high hydrophobicity hampers its photodynamic activity under physiological conditions. The aim of this study was to produce solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) containing ClAlPc using the direct emulsification method. ClAlPc-loaded SLNs (ClAlPc/SLNs) were characterized according to their particle size and distribution, zeta potential, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, stability, and phototoxic action in vitro in B16-F10 melanoma cells. ClAlPc/SLN had a mean diameter between 100 and 200nm, homogeneous size distribution (polydispersity index <0.3), negative zeta potential, and spherical morphology. The encapsulation efficiency was approximately 100%. The lipid crystallinity was investigated using X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry and indicated that ClAlPc was integrated into the SLN matrix. The ClAlPc/SLN formulations maintained their physicochemical stability without expelling the drug over a 24-month period. Compared to free ClAlPc, ClAlPc/SLN exerted outstanding phototoxicity effects in vitro against melanoma cells. Therefore, our results demonstrated that the ClAlPc/SLN described in the current study has the potential for use in further preclinical and clinical trials in PDT for melanoma treatment.

Fabrication and efficacy evaluation of chloroquine nanoparticles in CFA-induced arthritic rats using TNF-α ELISA

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic systemic autoimmune disease, stimulates various immune cells especially macrophages, causing release of various proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α leading to persistent synovitis. Chloroquine, an anti-malarial drug inhibits the production of TNF-α, thus, halting the disease progression. The aim of the present study was fabrication, characterization and demonstration of kinetic and dynamic efficacy of chloroquine loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (CQ-SLNs) in arthritic rats and in lowering TNF-α levels. CQ-SLNs were prepared using melt homogenization method and subjected to lyophilization. The particle size, zeta potential, PDI and entrapment efficiency were found to be 113.6±0.15nm, -27.8±1.21mV, 0.125±0.03 and 93.45±0.43% respectively. Ex vivo endocytic uptake studies revealed engrossment of endocytic pathways in the uptake of SLN from intestine. Plasma drug profile upon pharmacokinetic evaluation demonstrated increased AUC, half-life and decreased elimination rate of the drug. Pharmacodynamic studies revealed reduction in the paw volume, bone erosion and cartilage destruction, the same was also reflected in histopathological studies. The TNF-α ELISA concluded that the TNF-α level was significantly reduced in the synovial fluid upon treatment with CQ-SLN, thus, leading to the conclusion that CQ-SLN could be used as a potential in reducing inflammatory TNF-α at the arthritic site and halting the disease progression.