1
|
Deepak V, El-Balawi L, Harris LK. Placental Drug Delivery to Treat Pre-Eclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2311165. [PMID: 38745536 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202311165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR) continue to cause unacceptably high levels of morbidity and mortality, despite significant pharmaceutical and technological advances in other disease areas. The recent pandemic has also impacted obstetric care, as COVID-19 infection increases the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes. This review explores the reasons why it lacks effective drug treatments for the placental dysfunction that underlies many common obstetric conditions and describes how nanomedicines and targeted drug delivery approaches may provide the solution to the current drug drought. The ever-increasing range of biocompatible nanoparticle formulations available is now making it possible to selectively deliver drugs to uterine and placental tissues and dramatically limit fetal drug transfer. Formulations that are refractory to placental uptake offer the possibility of retaining drugs within the maternal circulation, allowing pregnant individuals to take medicines previously considered too harmful to the developing baby. Liposomes, ionizable lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and adenoviral vectors have all been used to create efficacious drug delivery systems for use in pregnancy, although each approach offers distinct advantages and limitations. It is imperative that recent advances continue to be built upon and that there is an overdue investment of intellectual and financial capital in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Venkataraman Deepak
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
- St Mary's Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Lujain El-Balawi
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Lynda K Harris
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
- St Mary's Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Influence of Liposomes’ and Lipoplexes’ Physicochemical Characteristics on Their Uptake Rate and Mechanisms by the Placenta. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116299. [PMID: 35682978 PMCID: PMC9181748 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women are still considered as drug orphans. Developing new medications for pregnancy complications is an urgent need. Nanomedicines seem to be a promising approach to control the biodistribution of drugs to ensure both the mother’s and the fetus’ safety. Understanding the interaction between nanoparticles and the placental barrier is a key factor to the success of the development of nanomedicines for pregnant women. In this study, we evaluated the behavior of fluorescent PEGylated liposomes and lipoplexes in human placental tissue using in vitro and ex vivo models, BeWo cell culture and suspended villous placental explants, respectively. Fluorescent based analytical tools such as Fluorescence activated cells sorting (FACS), confocal microscopy and HPLC coupled to fluorescence detection were used to assess liposomes penetration and their endocytosis mechanisms in the placenta. First, no influence of the PEGylation density was observed on the cellular internalization of liposomal formulations using both models. The comparison between neutral and cationic liposomes exhibits a significant higher internalization of the cationic formulation compared to the neutral ones. In addition, the HPLC quantification of the fluorescent liposomes in human villous explants demonstrated an increase of cationic liposomes uptake with increasing incubation concentrations. Similar uptake of cationic liposomes and lipoplexes, containing the same cationic lipid, the DMAPAP but with an overall neutral surface charge, was observed and evidenced the higher effect of composition than charge surface on trophoblast penetration. Moreover, both cationic liposomes and lipoplexes exhibited an endocytosis mechanism of internalization via pathways implicating dynamin. These data highlight the key role of the liposome’s lipid composition and the possibility to modulate their internalization in the placenta by adjusting their design.
Collapse
|
3
|
Papp N, Panicker J, Rubino J, Pais G, Czechowicz A, Prozialeck WC, Griffin B, Weissig V, Scheetz M, Joshi MD. In Vitro Nephrotoxicity and Permeation of Vancomycin Hydrochloride Loaded Liposomes. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061153. [PMID: 35745726 PMCID: PMC9230554 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Drugs can be toxic to the fetus depending on the amount that permeates across the maternal–fetal barrier. One way to limit the amount which penetrates this barrier is to increase the molecular size of the drug. In this study, we have achieved this by encapsulating our model antibiotic (vancomycin hydrochloride, a known nephrotoxic agent) in liposomes. PEGylated and non-PEGylated liposomes encapsulating vancomycin hydrochloride were prepared using two different methods: thin-film hydration followed by the freeze–thaw method and the reverse-phase evaporation method. These liposomes were characterized by their hydrodynamic size and zeta potential measurements, CryoTEM microscopy, loading and encapsulation efficiency studies, in vitro release measurements and in vitro cytotoxicity assays using NRK-52 E rat kidney cells. We also determined the in vitro permeability of these liposomes across the human placental cell and dog kidney cell barriers. Vancomycin hydrochloride-loaded PEGylated liposomes (VHCL-lipo) of a size less than 200 nm were prepared. The VHCL-lipo were found to have the faster release of vancomycin hydrochloride and resulted in greater viability of NRK-52E cells. In vitro, the VHCL-lipo permeated the human placental cell and dog kidney cell barriers to a lesser extent than the free vancomycin hydrochloride. The data suggest a reduction in nephrotoxicity and permeability of vancomycin hydrochloride after encapsulation in PEGylated liposomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Papp
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Midwestern University, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA; (N.P.); (J.P.); (J.R.)
| | - Jeffin Panicker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Midwestern University, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA; (N.P.); (J.P.); (J.R.)
| | - John Rubino
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Midwestern University, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA; (N.P.); (J.P.); (J.R.)
| | - Gwendolyn Pais
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Midwestern University, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA; (G.P.); (B.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Alexander Czechowicz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA; (A.C.); (V.W.)
| | - Walter C. Prozialeck
- Department of Pharmacology, Midwestern University, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA;
| | - Brooke Griffin
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Midwestern University, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA; (G.P.); (B.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Volkmar Weissig
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA; (A.C.); (V.W.)
| | - Marc Scheetz
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Midwestern University, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA; (G.P.); (B.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Medha D. Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Midwestern University, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA; (N.P.); (J.P.); (J.R.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA; (A.C.); (V.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(623)572-3593; Fax: +1-(623)572-3565
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Placental Models for Evaluation of Nanocarriers as Drug Delivery Systems for Pregnancy Associated Disorders. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10050936. [PMID: 35625672 PMCID: PMC9138319 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10050936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy-associated disorders affect around 20% of pregnancies each year around the world. The risk associated with pregnancy therapeutic management categorizes pregnant women as “drug orphan” patients. In the last few decades, nanocarriers have demonstrated relevant properties for controlled drug delivery, which have been studied for pregnancy-associated disorders. To develop new drug dosage forms it is mandatory to have access to the right evaluation models to ensure their usage safety and efficacy. This review exposes the various placental-based models suitable for nanocarrier evaluation for pregnancy-associated therapies. We first review the current knowledge about nanocarriers as drug delivery systems and how placenta can be used as an evaluation model. Models are divided into three categories: in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo placental models. We then examine the recent studies using those models to evaluate nanocarriers behavior towards the placental barrier and which information can be gathered from these results. Finally, we propose a flow chart on the usage and the combination of models regarding the nanocarriers and nanoparticles studied and the intended therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
|
5
|
Targeted Delivery of Epidermal Growth Factor to the Human Placenta to Treat Fetal Growth Restriction. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111778. [PMID: 34834193 PMCID: PMC8618188 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental dysfunction is the underlying cause of pregnancy complications such as fetal growth restriction (FGR) and pre-eclampsia. No therapies are available to treat a poorly functioning placenta, primarily due to the risks of adverse side effects in both the mother and the fetus resulting from systemic drug delivery. The use of targeted liposomes to selectively deliver payloads to the placenta has the potential to overcome these issues. In this study, we assessed the safety and efficacy of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-loaded, peptide-decorated liposomes to improve different aspects of placental function, using tissue from healthy control pregnancies at term, and pregnancies complicated by FGR. Phage screening identified a peptide sequence, CGPSARAPC (GPS), which selectively homed to mouse placentas in vivo, and bound to the outer syncytiotrophoblast layer of human placental explants ex vivo. GPS-decorated liposomes were prepared containing PBS or EGF (50–100 ng/mL), and placental explants were cultured with liposomes for up to 48 h. Undecorated and GPS-decorated liposomes containing PBS did not affect the basal rate of amino acid transport, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) release or cell turnover in placental explants from healthy controls. GPS-decorated liposomes containing EGF significantly increased amino acid transporter activity in healthy control explants, but not in placental explants from women with FGR. hCG secretion and cell turnover were unaffected by EGF delivery; however, differential activation of downstream protein kinases was observed when EGF was delivered via GPS-decorated vs. undecorated liposomes. These data indicate that targeted liposomes represent a safe and useful tool for the development of new therapies for placental dysfunction, recapitulating the effects of free EGF.
Collapse
|
6
|
Sharma A, Sah N, Kannan S, Kannan RM. Targeted drug delivery for maternal and perinatal health: Challenges and opportunities. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 177:113950. [PMID: 34454979 PMCID: PMC8544131 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pre-existing conditions at reproductive age, and complications arising during pregnancy can be detrimental to maternal and fetal health. Current therapies to combat obstetric disorders are limited due to the inherent complexity of pregnancy, and can have harmful effects on developing fetus. Emerging research shows intricate signaling between the cells from mother and fetus at maternal-fetal interface, providing unique opportunities for interventions specifically targeted to the mother, fetus, or placenta. Advancements in nanotechnology, stem-cell biology and gene therapy have resulted in target-specific treatments with promising results in pre-clinical maternal and fetal disorder models. Comprehensive understanding of the effect of physicochemical properties of delivery systems on their uptake, retention and accumulation across placenta will help in the better diagnosis and treatment of perinatal disorders. This review describes the factors leading to obstetric complications along with their effect on pregnancy outcomes, and discusses key targeted therapeutic strategies for addressing conditions related to maternal and fetal health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Sharma
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Nirnath Sah
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Sujatha Kannan
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc., Baltimore MD, 21205, USA
| | - Rangaramanujam M Kannan
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc., Baltimore MD, 21205, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, 21218, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Aengenheister L, Favaro RR, Morales-Prieto DM, Furer LA, Gruber M, Wadsack C, Markert UR, Buerki-Thurnherr T. Research on nanoparticles in human perfused placenta: State of the art and perspectives. Placenta 2020; 104:199-207. [PMID: 33418345 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Increasing human exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) from various sources raises concerns for public health, especially for vulnerable risk groups like pregnant women and their developing fetuses. However, nanomedicine and the prospect of creating safe and effective NP-based formulations of drugs hold great promise to revolutionize treatment during pregnancy. With maternal and fetal health at stake, risks and opportunities of NPs in pregnancy need to be carefully investigated. Importantly, a comprehensive understanding of NP transport and effects at the placenta is urgently needed considering the central position of the placenta at the maternal-fetal interface and its many essential functions to enable successful pregnancy. The perfusion of human placental tissue provides a great opportunity to achieve predictive human relevant insights, circumventing uncertainties due to considerable differences in placental structure and function across species. Here, we have reviewed the current literature on the ex vivo human placenta perfusion of NPs. From 16 available studies, it was evident that placental uptake and transfer of NPs are highly dependent on their characteristics like size and surface modifications, which is in line with previous observations from in vitro and animal transport studies. These studies further revealed that special considerations apply for the perfusion of NPs and we identified relevant controls that should be implemented in future perfusion studies. While current studies mostly focused on placental transfer of NPs to conclude on potential fetal exposure, the ex vivo placental perfusion model has considerable potential to reveal novel insights on NP effects on placental tissue functionality and signaling that could indirectly affect maternal-fetal health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Aengenheister
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland; Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Rodolfo R Favaro
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Diana M Morales-Prieto
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Lea A Furer
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Michael Gruber
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Udo R Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Tina Buerki-Thurnherr
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pritchard N, Kaitu'u-Lino T, Harris L, Tong S, Hannan N. Nanoparticles in pregnancy: the next frontier in reproductive therapeutics. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:280-304. [PMID: 33279994 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nanotechnology involves the engineering of structures on a molecular level. Nanomedicine and nano-delivery systems have been designed to deliver therapeutic agents to a target site or organ in a controlled manner, maximizing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects of the therapeutic agent administered. In both reproductive medicine and obstetrics, developing innovative therapeutics is often tempered by fears of damage to the gamete, embryo or developing foetus or of negatively impacting a woman's reproductive potential. Thus, nanomedicine delivery systems may provide alternative targeted intervention strategies, treating the source of the disease and minimizing long-term consequences for the mother and/or her foetus. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review summarizes the current state of nanomedicine technology in reproductive medicine and obstetrics, including safety, potential applications, future directions and the hurdles for translation. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive electronic literature search of PubMed and Web of Science databases was performed to identify studies published in English up until February 2020. Relevant keywords were used to obtain information regarding use of nanoparticle technology in fertility and gene therapy, early pregnancy complications (ectopic pregnancy and gestational trophoblastic disease) and obstetric complications (preeclampsia, foetal growth restriction, preterm birth and gestational diabetes) and for selective treatment of the mother or foetus. Safety of specific nanoparticles to the gamete, embryo and foetus was also investigated. OUTCOMES Pre-clinical research in the development of nanoparticle therapeutic delivery is being undertaken in many fields of reproductive medicine. Non-hormonal-targeted nanoparticle therapy for fibroids and endometriosis may provide fertility-sparing medical management. Delivery of interventions via nanotechnology provides opportunities for gene manipulation and delivery in mammalian gametes. Targeting cytotoxic treatments to early pregnancy tissue provides an alternative approach to manage ectopic pregnancies and gestational trophoblastic disease. In pregnancy, nanotherapeutic delivery offers options to stably deliver silencing RNA and microRNA inhibitors to the placenta to regulate gene expression, opening doors to novel genetic treatments for preeclampsia and foetal growth restriction. Restricting delivery of teratogenic drugs to the maternal compartment (such as warfarin) may reduce risks to the foetus. Alternatively, targeted delivery of drugs to the foetus (such as those to treat foetal arrythmias) may minimize side effects for the mother. WIDER IMPLICATIONS We expect that further development of targeted therapies using nanoparticles in a reproductive setting has promise to eventually allow safe and directed treatments for conditions impacting the health and reproductive capacity of women and for the management of pregnancy and serious pregnancy complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Pritchard
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha Kaitu'u-Lino
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Diagnostics Discovery and Reverse Translation, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lynda Harris
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen Tong
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie Hannan
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Alfaifi AA, Heyder RS, Bielski ER, Almuqbil RM, Kavdia M, Gerk PM, da Rocha SRP. Megalin-targeting liposomes for placental drug delivery. J Control Release 2020; 324:366-378. [PMID: 32461116 PMCID: PMC8247794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Every year, complications during pregnancy affect more than 26 million women. Some of those diseases are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, as is the case of preeclampsia, the main cause of maternal deaths globally. The ability to improve the delivery of drugs to the placenta upon administration to the mother may offer new opportunities in the treatment of diseases of pregnancy. The objective of this study was to develop megalin-targeting liposome nanocarriers for placental drug delivery. Megalin is a transmembrane protein involved in clathrin-mediated endocytic processes, and is expressed in the syncytiotrophoblast (SynT), an epithelial layer at maternal-fetal interface. Targeting megalin thus offers an opportunity for the liposomes to hitchhike into the SynT, thus enriching the concentration of any associated therapeutic cargo in the placental tissue. PEGylated (2 KDa) lipids were modified with gentamicin (GM), a substrate to megalin receptors as we have shown in earlier studies, and used to prepare placental-targeting liposomes. The ability of the targeting liposomes to enhance accumulation of a fluorescence probe was assessed in an in vivo placental model - timed-pregnant Balb/c mice at gestational day (GD) 18.5. The targeting liposomes containing 10 mol% GM-modified lipids increased the accumulation of the conjugated fluorescence probe in the placenta with a total accumulation of 2.8% of the initial dose, which corresponds to a 94 fold increase in accumulation compared to the free probe (p < .0001), and 2-4 fold accumulation compared to the non-targeting control liposomes (p < .0001), as measured by both tissue extraction assay and ex vivo imaging. Furthermore, confocal images of placental SynT cross-sections show a 3-fold increase of the targeting liposomes compared with the non-targeting liposomes. The rate and extent of uptake of a fluorescent probe encapsulated within targeting liposomes was also probed in an in vitro model of the human placental barrier (polarized BeWo monolayers) using flow cytometry. Targeting liposomes containing 5 mol% GM-modified lipids enhanced the uptake of the probe by 1.5 fold compared to the non-targeting control. An increase to 10 mol% of the modified lipid resulted in further enhancement in uptake, which was 2 fold greater compared to control. In a competition assay, inhibition of the megalin receptors resulted in a significant reduction in uptake of the fluorescence probe encapsulated in GM-modified liposomes compared to the uptake without free inhibitor (p < .0001), implicating the involvement of megalin receptor in the internalization of the liposomes. Taken together, these results demonstrate that megalin-targeted liposomes may offer an opportunity to enhance the delivery of therapeutics to the placenta for the treatment of diseases of pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Alfaifi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States of America; Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America; Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering and Sciences - School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Rodrigo S Heyder
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America; Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering and Sciences - School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth R Bielski
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America; Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering and Sciences - School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Rashed M Almuqbil
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America; Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering and Sciences - School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Mahendra Kavdia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States of America
| | - Phillip M Gerk
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Sandro R P da Rocha
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America; Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering and Sciences - School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Differences in teratogenicity of some vitamin K antagonist substances used as human therapeutic or rodenticide are due to major differences in their fate after an oral administration. Toxicol Lett 2020; 333:71-79. [PMID: 32768651 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
All vitamin K antagonist active substances used as rodenticides were reclassified in 2016 by the European authorities as active substances "toxic for reproduction", using a "read-across" alternative method based on warfarin, a human vitamin K antagonist drug. Recent study suggested that all vitamin K antagonist active substances are not all teratogenic. Using a neonatal exposure protocol, warfarin evokes skeletal deformities in rats, while bromadiolone, a widely used second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide, failed to cause such effects. Herein, using a rat model we investigated the mechanisms that may explain teratogenicity differences between warfarin and bromadiolone, despite their similar vitamin K antagonist mechanism of action. This study also included coumatetralyl, a first-generation active substance rodenticide. Pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in rats to evaluate a potential difference in the transfer of vitamin K antagonists from mother to fetus. The data clearly demonstrate that warfarin is highly transferred from the mother to the fetus during gestation or lactation. In contrast, bromadiolone transfer from dam to the fetus is modest (5% compared to warfarin). This difference appears to be associated to almost complete uptake of bromadiolone by mother's liver, resulting in very low exposure in plasma and eventually in other peripheric tissues. This study suggests that the pharmacokinetic properties of vitamin K antagonists are not identical and could challenge the classification of such active substances as "toxic for reproduction".
Collapse
|
11
|
Kim HJ, Park JS, Yi SW, Go M, Kim HR, Lee SJ, Park JM, Cha DH, Shim SH, Park KH. A transport system based on a quantum dot-modified nanotracer is genetically and developmentally stable in pregnant mice. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:3392-3403. [PMID: 32377654 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm00311e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The use of nanoscale materials (NMs) could cause problems such as cytotoxicity, genomic aberration, and effects on human health, but the impacts of NM exposure during pregnancy remain uncharacterized in the context of clinical applications. It was sought to determine whether nanomaterials pass through the maternal-fetal junction at any stage of pregnancy. Quantum dots (QDs) coated with heparinized Pluronic 127 nanogels and polyethyleneimine (PEI) were administered to pregnant mice. The biodistribution of QDs, as well as their biological impacts on maternal and fetal health, was evaluated. Encapsulation of QDs with a nanogel coating produces a petal-like nanotracer (PNt), which could serve as a nano-carrier of genes or drugs. PNts were injected through the tail vein and accumulated in the liver, kidneys, and lungs. QD accumulation in reproductive organs (uterus, placenta, and fetus) differed among phases of pregnancy. In phase I (7 days of pregnancy), the QDs did not accumulate in the placenta or fetus, but by phase III (19 days) they had accumulated at high levels in both tissues. Karyotype analysis revealed that the PNt-treated pups did not have genetic abnormalities when dams were treated at any phase of pregnancy. PNts have the potential to serve as carriers of therapeutic agents for the treatment of the mother or fetus and these results have a significant impact on the development and application of QD-based NPs in pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hye Jin Kim
- Laboratory of Nano-regenerative Medical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, 618, CHA Biocomplex, Sampyeong-Dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, 13488, Republic of Korea.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
de Araújo TE, Milián ICB, de Souza G, da Silva RJ, Rosini AM, Guirelli PM, Franco PS, Barbosa BF, Ferro EAV, da Costa IN. Experimental models of maternal-fetal interface and their potential use for nanotechnology applications. Cell Biol Int 2020; 44:36-50. [PMID: 31469205 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
During pregnancy, the placenta regulates the transfer of oxygen, nutrients, and residual products between the maternal and fetal bloodstreams and is a key determinant of fetal exposure to xenobiotics from the mother. To study the disposition of substances through the placenta, various experimental models are used, especially the perfused placenta, placental villi explants, and cell lineage models. In this context, nanotechnology, an area of study that is on the rise, enables the creation of particles on nanometric scales capable of releasing drugs aimed at specific tissues. An important reason for furthering the studies on transplacental transfer is to explore the potential of nanoparticles (NPs), in new delivery strategies for drugs that are specifically aimed at the mother, the placenta, or the fetus and that involve less toxicity. Due to the fact that the placental barrier is essential for the interaction between the maternal and fetal organisms as well as the possibility of NPs being used in the treatment of various pathologies, the aim of this review is to present the main experimental models used in studying the maternal-fetal interaction and the action of NPs in the placental environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thádia Evelyn de Araújo
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Iliana Claudia Balga Milián
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Guilherme de Souza
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Rafaela José da Silva
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Monteiro Rosini
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Pâmela Mendonça Guirelli
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Priscila Silva Franco
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Bellisa Freitas Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Idessania Nazareth da Costa
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil.,Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Alhareth K, Valero L, Mohamed KE, Fliedel L, Roques C, Gil S, Mignet N, Fournier T, Andrieux K. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the uptake of lipoplexes by villous placenta explants. Int J Pharm 2019; 567:118479. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.118479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
|
14
|
Valero L, Alhareth K, Gil S, Lecarpentier E, Tsatsaris V, Mignet N, Fournier T, Andrieux K. Nanomedicine as a potential approach to empower the new strategies for the treatment of preeclampsia. Drug Discov Today 2018; 23:1099-1107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.01.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
|
15
|
Zhang B, Tan L, Yu Y, Wang B, Chen Z, Han J, Li M, Chen J, Xiao T, Ambati BK, Cai L, Yang Q, Nayak NR, Zhang J, Fan X. Placenta-specific drug delivery by trophoblast-targeted nanoparticles in mice. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:2765-2781. [PMID: 29774074 PMCID: PMC5957008 DOI: 10.7150/thno.22904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: The availability of therapeutics to treat pregnancy complications is severely lacking, mainly due to the risk of harm to the fetus. In placental malaria, Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IEs) accumulate in the placenta by adhering to chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) on the surfaces of trophoblasts. Based on this principle, we have developed a method for targeted delivery of payloads to the placenta using a synthetic placental CSA-binding peptide (plCSA-BP) derived from VAR2CSA, a CSA-binding protein expressed on IEs. Methods: A biotinylated plCSA-BP was used to examine the specificity of plCSA-BP binding to mouse and human placental tissue in tissue sections in vitro. Different nanoparticles, including plCSA-BP-conjugated nanoparticles loaded with indocyanine green (plCSA-INPs) or methotrexate (plCSA-MNPs), were administered intravenously to pregnant mice to test their efficiency at drug delivery to the placenta in vivo. The tissue distribution and localization of the plCSA-INPs were monitored in live animals using an IVIS imaging system. The effect of plCSA-MNPs on fetal and placental development and pregnancy outcome were examined using a small-animal high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) imaging system, and the concentrations of methotrexate in fetal and placental tissues were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: plCSA-BP binds specifically to trophoblasts and not to other cell types in the placenta or to CSA-expressing cells in other tissues. Moreover, we found that intravenously administered plCSA-INPs accumulate in the mouse placenta, and ex vivo analysis of the fetuses and placentas confirmed placenta-specific delivery of these nanoparticles. We also demonstrate successful delivery of methotrexate specifically to placental cells by plCSA-BP-conjugated nanoparticles, resulting in dramatic impairment of placental and fetal development. Importantly, plCSA-MNPs treatment had no apparent adverse effects on maternal tissues. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that plCSA-BP-guided nanoparticles could be used for the targeted delivery of payloads to the placenta and serve as a novel placenta-specific drug delivery option.
Collapse
|
16
|
Deng H, Gao X, Peng H, Wang J, Hou X, Xu H, Yang F. Effect of liposome‑mediated HSP27 transfection on collagen synthesis in alveolar type II epithelial cells. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:7319-7324. [PMID: 29568951 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the effect of liposome Lipofectamine® 2000‑mediated HSP27 plasmid transfection in A549 human alveolar type II epithelial cell line on collagen synthesis during transforming growth factor‑β1 (TGF‑β1)‑induced type II epithelial cell transition to myofibroblasts. Cells were transfected with varying ratios of the Lipofectamine® 2000‑mediated heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) plasmid and the transfection efficiency was determined using flow cytometry. The maximum transfection efficacy was confirmed by laser confocal microscopy. HSP gene expression and the most efficient HSP27 plasmid were determined using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Western blot analysis was used to examine HSP27 and collagen expression levels. With a transfection efficiency of 83%, the 8 µg:20 µl ratio of liposome: Plasmid had the highest transfection levels. Among the four different interference sequences in the HSP27 plasmid, the D sequence had the highest interference effect with 70% silencing of the HSP27 gene. The expression of type I and III collagen in TGF‑β1‑induced transition of A549 human alveolar type II epithelial cell line to myofibroblasts was significantly downregulated by the successful transfection with HSP27‑interfering plasmid. The expression of type I and III collagen in the TGF‑β1‑induced transition of A549 cells to myofibroblasts was significantly downregulated by transfection of A549 cells with HSP27 plasmid D‑interfering sequence and optimal ratio of Lipofectamine® 2000 and HSP27 plasmid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haijing Deng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Xuemin Gao
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Haibing Peng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Jin Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoli Hou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Hong Xu
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Fang Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sezgin-Bayindir Z, Elcin AE, Parmaksiz M, Elcin YM, Yuksel N. Investigations on clonazepam-loaded polymeric micelle-like nanoparticles for safe drug administration during pregnancy. J Microencapsul 2018; 35:149-164. [PMID: 29493364 DOI: 10.1080/02652048.2018.1447615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Medication during pregnancy is often a necessity for women to treat their acute or chronic diseases. The goal of this study is to evaluate the potential of micelle-like nanoparticles (MNP) for providing safe drug usage in pregnancy and protect both foetus and mother from medication side effects. Clonazepam-loaded MNP were prepared from copolymers [polystyrene-poly(acrylic acid) (PS-PAA), poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactic acid) (PEG-PLA) and distearyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-DSPE)] with varying monomer ratios and their drug-loading efficiency, drug release ratio, particle size, surface charge and morphology were characterised. The cellular transport and cytotoxicity experiments were conducted on clonazepam and MNP formulations using placenta-choriocarcinoma-BeWo and brain-endothelial-bEnd3 cells. Clonazepam-loaded PEG5000-PLA4500 MNP reduced the drug transport through BeWo cells demonstrating that MNP may lower foetal drug exposure, thus reduce the drug side effects. However, lipofectamine modified MNP improved the transport of clonazepam and found to be promising for brain and in-utero-specific drug treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zerrin Sezgin-Bayindir
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Technology , Ankara University , Tandogan, Ankara , Turkey
| | - Ayse Eser Elcin
- b Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Stem Cell Institute , Ankara University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Mahmut Parmaksiz
- b Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Stem Cell Institute , Ankara University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Yasar Murat Elcin
- b Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Stem Cell Institute , Ankara University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Nilufer Yuksel
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Technology , Ankara University , Tandogan, Ankara , Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Valero L, Alhareth K, Gil S, Simasotchi C, Roques C, Scherman D, Mignet N, Fournier T, Andrieux K. Assessment of dually labelled PEGylated liposomes transplacental passage and placental penetration using a combination of two ex-vivo human models: the dually perfused placenta and the suspended villous explants. Int J Pharm 2017; 532:729-737. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.07.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
19
|
Al-Enazy S, Ali S, Albekairi N, El-Tawil M, Rytting E. Placental control of drug delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 116:63-72. [PMID: 27527665 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The placenta serves as the interface between the maternal and fetal circulations and regulates the transfer of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products. When exogenous substances are present in the maternal bloodstream-whether from environmental contact, occupational exposure, medication, or drug abuse-the extent to which this exposure affects the fetus is determined by transport and biotransformation processes in the placental barrier. Advances in drug delivery strategies are expected to improve the treatment of maternal and fetal diseases encountered during pregnancy.
Collapse
|
20
|
Targeted nanoparticles in pregnancy: a new frontier in perinatal therapeutics. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017; 216:204-205. [PMID: 28161454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
21
|
Human placental cell and tissue uptake of doxorubicin and its liposomal formulations. Toxicol Lett 2015; 239:108-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
22
|
Keelan JA, Leong JW, Ho D, Iyer KS. Therapeutic and safety considerations of nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery in pregnancy. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2015. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm.15.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in nanotechnology have resulted in the design of effective, safe and tissue-selective nanocarriers for delivering therapeutics to treat malignancies, infections and other diseases. In pregnancy, nanoparticle-based drug formulations could have the potential to selectively target either the placenta and/or fetus, enabling ‘fetal-friendly’ drugs to be administered in pregnancy with minimal risk of off-target effects. A considerable amount of research has been carried out on maternal-placental-fetal nanoparticle uptake, transfer and toxicity using rodent and ex vivo models. However, the development of placental targeting strategies and the therapeutic evaluation of nanoformulations in pregnancy remains in its infancy. While some promising avenues are currently under investigation, much work is needed to bring the advantages of nanoparticle-based drug therapy in pregnancy to clinical reality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Keelan
- School of Women's and Infants’ Health, University of Western Australia, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth WA 6008, Australia
| | - Joan W Leong
- School of Women's and Infants’ Health, University of Western Australia, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth WA 6008, Australia
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6008, Australia
| | - Diwei Ho
- School of Women's and Infants’ Health, University of Western Australia, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth WA 6008, Australia
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6008, Australia
| | - K Swaminatha Iyer
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6008, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Liposomes: a nanoscale drug carrying system to prevent indomethacin passage to the fetus in a pregnant mouse model. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015; 212:508.e1-7. [PMID: 25683966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Revised: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Indomethacin (IND) is a prostaglandin production inhibitor that reduces uterine contractions, but crosses the placenta leading to adverse fetal effects. Liposomes (LIP) are nanoscale systems clinically used to preferentially deliver a drug to the tissue of interest and simultaneously prevent distribution to unwanted locations. Our objective was to determine whether LIP could prevent the transfer of IND across the placenta to the fetus while preserving its pharmacological activity. STUDY DESIGN Multilamellar LIP were designed with a 150- to 200-nm size, fluorescently labeled, and loaded with IND. Timed pregnant CD1 mice (n = 6/group) on gestational day 18 were administered LIP, LIP-IND (1 mg IND/kg), or saline (SAL) via tail vein injection, or IND (1 mg/kg) via oral gavage. After 4 hours, the uterus, placenta, and fetuses were retrieved. LIP levels were visualized using fluorescent microscopy and quantitatively assessed by National Institutes of Health image processing software. LIP brightness values (mean ± SEM) in arbitrary units (AU) were normalized to the autofluorescence of the same tissue (as measured in SAL group). IND and prostaglandin E2 levels were assessed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. RESULTS The qualitative analysis of LIP distribution revealed that the system was primarily confined within the uterus, minimally detected within the placenta, and absent in the fetus. LIP fluorescence was greater in the uterus compared to placenta and fetus (uterus 15.3 ± 5.4 AU vs placenta 3.0 ± 3.5 AU vs fetus 4.4 ± 2.5 AU; P = .009). LIP-IND resulted in a 7.6-fold reduction in the IND levels in the fetus compared to IND alone (LIP-IND 10.7 ± 17.1 ng/g vs IND 81.3 ± 24.7 ng/g; P = .041). Prostaglandin E2 levels were significantly reduced in the uterus of animals given LIP-IND and IND compared to LIP and SAL. CONCLUSION LIP localized within the uterus and did not cross the placenta to the fetus. IND within the fetus was reduced 7.6-fold while encapsulated within the LIP and the pharmacologic effects of IND were maintained. Thus, LIP provide a novel therapeutic approach to correct the primary clinical limitation of IND by reducing placental passage to the fetus.
Collapse
|