Squalene integrated NLC based gel of tamoxifen citrate for efficient treatment of psoriasis: A preclinical investigation

Development of Betulin-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for the Management of Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a complex and persistent autoimmune skin disease. The present research focused on the therapeutic evaluation of betulin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (BE-NLCs) towards managing psoriasis. The BE-NLCs were synthesized using the emulsification cum solidification method, exhibiting a spherical shape with a particle size of 183.5±1.82nm and a narrow size distribution window (PDI: 0.142±0.05). A high zeta potential -38.64±0.05mV signifies the relative stability of the nano-dispersion system. BE-NLCs show a drug loading and entrapment efficiency of 47.35±3.25% and 87.8±7.86%, respectively. In vitro release study, BE NLCs show a cumulative percentage release of 90.667±5.507% over BE-sol (57.334±5.03%) and BD-oint (42±4.58%) for 720min. In an ex vivo 24-h permeation study, % cumulative amount permeated per cm2 was found to be 55.667±3.33% from BE-NLCs and 32.012±3.26% from BE-sol, demonstrating a better permeability of 21.66% when compared to the standard formulation BD-oint. The in vivo anti-psoriatic activity in the IMQ-induced model shows topical application of BE-sol, BE-NLCs, and BD-oint resulted in recovery rates of 56%, 82%, and 65%, respectively, based on PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) score. Notably, BE-NLCs demonstrated a more significant reduction in spleen mass, indicating attenuation of the local innate immune system in psoriatic mice. Reductions in TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17 levels were observed in both BE-sol and BE-NLCs groups compared to the disease control (DC) group, with BE-NLCs exhibiting superior outcomes (74.05%, 44.76%, and 49.26% reduction, respectively). Soy lecithin and squalene-based NLCs could be better carrier system for the improvement of the therapeutic potential of BE towards management of psoriasis.

Spray-Dried Mucoadhesive Re-dispersible Gargle of Chlorhexidine for Improved Response Against Throat Infection: Formulation Development, In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

Drug delivery to the buccal mucosa is one of the most convenient ways to treat common mouth problems. Here, we propose a spray-dried re-dispersible mucoadhesive controlled release gargle formulation to improve the efficacy of chlorhexidine. The present investigation portrays an approach to get stable and free-flowing spray-dried porous aggregates of chlorhexidine-loaded sodium alginate nanoparticles. The ionic gelation technique aided with the chlorhexidine's positive surface charge-based crosslinking, followed by spray drying of the nanoparticle's dispersion in the presence of lactose- and leucine-yielded nano-aggregates with good flow properties and with a size range of about 120-350 nm. Provided with the high entrapment efficiency (87%), the particles showed sustained drug release behaviors over a duration of 10 h, where 87% of the released drug got permeated within 12 h. The antimicrobial activity of the prepared formulation was tested on S. aureus, provided with a higher zone of growth inhibition than the marketed formulation. Aided with an appropriate mucoadhesive strength, this product exhibited extended retention of nanoparticles in the throat region, as shown by in vivo imaging results. In conclusion, the technology, provided with high drug retention and extended effect, could be a potential candidate for treating several types of throat infections.

Nanoscale Topical Pharmacotherapy in Management of Psoriasis: Contemporary Research and Scope

Psoriasis is a typical dermal condition that has been anticipated since prehistoric times when it was mistakenly implicit in being a variant of leprosy. It is an atypical organ-specific autoimmune disorder, which is triggered by the activation of T-cells and/or B-cells. Until now, the pathophysiology of this disease is not completely explicated and still, many research investigations are ongoing. Different approaches have been investigated to treat this dreadful skin disease using various anti-psoriatic drugs of different modes of action through smart drug-delivery systems. Nevertheless, there is no ideal therapy for a complete cure of psoriasis owing to the dearth of an ideal drug-delivery system for anti-psoriatic drugs. The conventional pharmacotherapy approaches for the treatment of psoriasis demand various classes of anti-psoriatic drugs with optimum benefit/risk ratio and insignificant untoward effects. The advancement in nanoscale drug delivery had a great impact on the establishment of a nanomedicine-based therapy for better management of psoriasis in recent times. Nanodrug carriers are exploited to design and develop nanomedicine-based therapy for psoriasis. It has a promising future in the improvement of the therapeutic efficacy of conventional anti-psoriatic drugs. The present manuscript aims to discuss the pathophysiology, conventional pharmacotherapy, and contemporary research in the area of nanoscale topical drug delivery systems for better management of psoriasis including the significance of targeted pharmacotherapy in psoriasis.

A combination of linalool and linalyl acetate synergistically alleviates imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation in BALB/c mice

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation and differentiation with increased immune cell infiltration. The anti-psoriatic effect of lavender oil has been reported. However, its phytoconstituents, linalool (L) and linalyl acetate (LA), showed a distinctive affinity with psoriasis targets.

Objectives: This investigation was aimed to determine the combined effect of L and LA in ameliorating psoriasis-like skin inflammation and its safety in long-term topical uses.

Methods: The combined effect of L and LA was compared with their individual effects. The anti-psoriatic activity was performed using imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis in BALB/c mice and evaluated to reduce PASI and CosCam scores and Th-1 and Th-17 cell-specific cytokine levels. The acute and repeated dose dermal toxicities were investigated as per the OECD guidelines.

Results: L and LA combination (LLA) in the 1:1 w/w ratio at 2% concentration showed a synergistic effect. The combination showed 76.31% and 71.29% recovery in PASI and CosCam Scores; however, L2% and LA2% showed 64.28% and 47.61% recovery in PASI and 64.75 and 56.76% recovery in CosCam scores, respectively. It showed >90% and >100% recovery in Th-17 and Th-1 cell-specific cytokines, respectively, and restored epidermal hyperplasia and parakeratosis toward normal compared with psoriatic mice. A marked reduction in NF-κB, cck6, and the IL-17 expression was also observed in the LLA-treated group. This combination was safe in a therapeutically effective dose for 28 days as no significant changes were observed in organ and body weights, liver and kidney parameters, and differential leukocyte counts.

Conclusion: This study proves the synergy between L and LA in a 1:1 w/w ratio at 2% in the treatment of psoriasis-like skin inflammation and provides strong scientific evidence for its safe topical use.

An Innovative Approach In Nanotechnology-Based Delivery System For The Effective Management Of Psoriasis

INTRODUCTION

Psoriasis is an ineradicable, non-contagious inflammatory autoimmune skin disorder exhibiting abnormal redness of the skin and flaky patches which affect the exposed body surface. It is caused by negative signals produced by the immune system, leading to excessive growth and differentiation of keratinocytes and other inflammatory reactions on the skin. The topical route is primarily preferred in treating skin disorders due to the smaller size of the drug molecule, which allows them to cross the outer layer of the skin, i.e., stratum corneum, and permeate into the deep layer, unlike transdermal and other routes. The conventional topical treatments used in the past, such as coal tar, and dithranol leads to meager patient compliance due to decreased potency, and imperfect aesthetic. In contrast, systemic therapy such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, and acitretin produce related side effects. At present, various novel carriers like liposomes, ethosomes, niosomes, nanostructured lipid carriers, etc., have shown promising results to treat psoriasis. Therefore, this review primarily concentrates on the current advancements in novel carriers for various drugs to treat psoriasis topically. Area covered: The objective of this review describes the detailed study such as pathophysiology, epidemiology, types, causes, diagnosis, and topical treatment options for psoriasis, as well as the role of the nanotechnology-based delivery system to manage psoriasis.

Development and evaluation of tofacitinib transdermal system for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in rats

CONTEXT

Tofacitinib tablet is approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, tofacitinib (Tfc) faces extensive first-pass metabolism following oral administration.

AIM

To develop transdermal systems of Tfc and evaluate their efficacies against RA using Freund's Complete Adjuvant immunized arthritis rat model.

METHODS

These systems were prepared by solvent casting method and evaluated for texture, needle strength, skin penetrability, in vitro drug release, skin permeation, stability, and in vivo anti-arthritic activity.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Transdermal patch (TS) showed smooth texture, good mechanical strength, slow-release, and slow permeation through the skin. Microneedle array (MNS) showed good needle strength, with required skin penetrability. MNS and TS showed 95% and 24% drug release, and 82% and 12% drug permeation, respectively in 4 h. The developed systems were found to be stable for 90 days at very stressful conditions, that is, 40 ± 2 °C and 75 ± 5% RH. MNS and TS both reduced arthritic scores (at p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 level, respectively) and the level of inflammatory cytokines (at p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 level, respectively) significantly as compared to that of the drug solution (DS). MNS and TS were found to be effective in restoring histological alterations (annum, synovial hyperplasia, synovial constriction, and cartilage and articular erosions) toward normal.

CONCLUSION

TS and MNS were found to be stable and effective for the treatment of arthritis and hence considered a good alternative for the treatment of RA with better clinical pertinence.

IL-23/Th17 Axis: A Potential Therapeutic Target of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated skin disease that leads to the initiation of abnormal production of inflammatory mediators and keratinocytes hyper-proliferation. Th-1 cell expressing cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α have been the important hallmarks in the management of psoriasis. However, investigations carried out in the previous few years underline the involvement of another subset of T helper cells, i.e. Th-17 in psoriasis exacerbation, and hence become the point of focus now. The immunopathogenesis of Th-17 is the result of the IL-23/Th-17 axis. It involves the release of IL-17 and IL-22 in response to the activated NF-kβ dependent activation of IL-23. The function of human Th-17 cells as well as the crucial role of IL-23/Th-17 axis in the exacerbation of psoriasis and treatment have been well explored. Therefore, considering IL-23/Th17 axis as a pertinent therapeutic target in immune driven disorders, extensive investigations are now highlighting the utility of biopharmaceuticals and/or biological agents acting on these targets. Here, we review the IL-23/Th-17 axis based therapeutic targets, different types of active moieties based on their source of availability and most useful USFDA approved Mabs targeting the IL-23/Th17 axis in psoriasis for a better understanding of the future possibilities in this area.

Analytical tools and evaluation strategies for nanostructured lipid carrier-based topical delivery systems

INTRODUCTION

The inception of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) proved to be a revolutionary step toward the treatment of dermatological disorders. To uncover its true potential, it is imperative that the system be characterized and evaluated comprehensively.

AREAS COVERED

The present review has been written to furnish an in-depth account of analytical tools and evaluation procedures under one roof. Besides discussing the challenges of topical delivery and benefits of NLCs, the paper elaborates on their physicochemical characterization. Further, in vitro evaluation of NLCs for dermatological benefits, followed by their evaluation in a hydrogel/cream base is covered. Lastly, disease-specific evaluation of NLC-based formulations is presented.

EXPERT OPINION

The research endeavors for NLCs have largely focused on the fabrication of NLCs for different bioactives. However, scientific efforts should be aimed toward the lesser explored realm of NLCs, i.e. exploitation of analytical techniques, such as Parelectric spectroscopy, Electron Spin Resonance, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. NLCs have been proven for their potential to foster the therapeutic modalities applicable to cutaneous disorders. More attention needs to be devoted to their evaluation for disease-specific parameters. The futuristic steps must involve clinical studies, to lay the path for their commercialization.

Formulation and Development of Transferrin Targeted Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer Therapy

Breast cancer is conventionally treated by surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy followed by post operational hormonal therapy. Tamoxifen citrate is a best option to treat breast cancer because its selective estrogen receptor modulation activity. Owing to its antiestrogenic action on breast as well as uterine cells, Tamoxifen citrate shows uterine toxicity. The dose 20 mg per day of Tamoxifen citrate required to show therapeutic effect causes side effects and toxicity to vital organs such as liver, kidney and uterus. In the present study, transferrin-conjugated solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were successfully prepared to enhance the active targeting of tamoxifen citrate in breast cancer. Developed formulations were evaluated for particle size, surface charge, surface morphology and in vitro dissolution studies. Developed formulations exhibited more cytotoxicity as compared to pure Tamoxifen citrate solution in time as well as concentration dependent manner on human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Further, cell uptake and flow cytometry studies confirmed the qualitative uptake of developed D-SLN and SMD-SLN by human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Overall, proposed study highlights that transferrin engineered nanocarriers could enhance the therapeutic response of nanomedicines for breast cancer treatment.