Iron chelation for the treatment of uveitis

Advances in research on immunocyte iron metabolism, ferroptosis, and their regulatory roles in autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases

Autoimmune diseases commonly affect various systems, but their etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear. Currently, increasing research has highlighted the role of ferroptosis in immune regulation, with immune cells being a crucial component of the body's immune system. This review provides an overview and discusses the relationship between ferroptosis, programmed cell death in immune cells, and autoimmune diseases. Additionally, it summarizes the role of various key targets of ferroptosis, such as GPX4 and TFR, in immune cell immune responses. Furthermore, the release of multiple molecules, including damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), following cell death by ferroptosis, is examined, as these molecules further influence the differentiation and function of immune cells, thereby affecting the occurrence and progression of autoimmune diseases. Moreover, immune cells secrete immune factors or their metabolites, which also impact the occurrence of ferroptosis in target organs and tissues involved in autoimmune diseases. Iron chelators, chloroquine and its derivatives, antioxidants, chloroquine derivatives, and calreticulin have been demonstrated to be effective in animal studies for certain autoimmune diseases, exerting anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Finally, a brief summary and future perspectives on the research of autoimmune diseases are provided, aiming to guide disease treatment strategies.

Development of topical eye-drops of lactoferrin-loaded biodegradable nanoparticles for the treatment of anterior segment inflammatory processes

Ocular inflammation is one of the most common comorbidities associated to ophthalmic surgeries and disorders. Since conventional topical ophthalmic treatments present disadvantages such as low bioavailability and relevant side effects, natural alternatives constitute an unmet medical need. In this sense, lactoferrin, a high molecular weight protein, is a promising alternative against inflammation. However, lactoferrin aqueous instability and high nasolacrimal duct drainage compromises its potential effectiveness. Moreover, nanotechnology has led to an improvement in the administration of active compounds with compromised biopharmaceutical profiles. Here, we incorporate lactoferrin into biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles and optimized the formulation using the design of experiments approach. A monodisperse nanoparticles population was obtained with an average size around 130 nm and positive surface charge. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behaviour were improved by the nanoparticles showing a prolonged lactoferrin release profile. Lactoferrin nanoparticles were non-cytotoxic and non-irritant neither in vitro nor in vivo. Moreover, nanoparticles exhibited significantly increased anti-inflammatory efficacy in cell culture and preclinical assays. In conclusion, lactoferrin loaded nanoparticles constitute a safe and novel nanotechnological tool suitable for the treatment of ocular inflammation.

Development of Lactoferrin-Loaded Liposomes for the Management of Dry Eye Disease and Ocular Inflammation

Dry eye disease (DED) is a high prevalent multifactorial disease characterized by a lack of homeostasis of the tear film which causes ocular surface inflammation, soreness, and visual disturbance. Conventional ophthalmic treatments present limitations such as low bioavailability and side effects. Lactoferrin (LF) constitutes a promising therapeutic tool, but its poor aqueous stability and high nasolacrimal duct drainage hinder its potential efficacy. In this study, we incorporate lactoferrin into hyaluronic acid coated liposomes by the lipid film method, followed by high pressure homogenization. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles were evaluated in vitro and ex vivo. Cytotoxicity and ocular tolerance were assayed both in vitro and in vivo using New Zealand rabbits, as well as dry eye and anti-inflammatory treatments. LF loaded liposomes showed an average size of 90 nm, monomodal population, positive surface charge and a high molecular weight protein encapsulation of 53%. Biopharmaceutical behaviour was enhanced by the nanocarrier, and any cytotoxic effect was studied in human corneal epithelial cells. Developed liposomes revealed the ability to reverse dry eye symptoms and possess anti-inflammatory efficacy, without inducing ocular irritation. Hence, lactoferrin loaded liposomes could offer an innovative nanotechnological tool as suitable approach in the treatment of DED.

Selective sensitivity of the gut microbiome to iron chelators in polybacterial abdominal sepsis

Iron chelation has been proposed as a potential therapy for polybacterial abdominal sepsis. Treatment with iron chelation is known to be able to attenuate bacterial growth. It is hypothesized that the different types of bacteria will exhibit variations in their sensitivity to iron chelation based on differences in their iron metabolism. Bacteria with weaker iron access systems might have their growth reduced initially, but stronger species may also be suppressed. Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are known to possess different iron acquisition systems, which may affect their response to iron chelation. Bacteria which can produce siderophores are at a particular advantage for iron acquisition. Novel iron chelators, which do not act as xenosiderophores, may be effective in depriving these bacteria of iron. This has implications for the treatment of polybacterial sepsis, which might be enhanced if the sensitivity to iron chelation of the primary causative agents is known.