Thiolated carboxymethylcellulose: in vitro evaluation of its permeation enhancing effect on peptide drugs

Water-based carbodiimide mediated synthesis of polysaccharide-amino acid conjugates: Deprotection, charge and structural analysis

We report here a one-step aqueous method for the synthesis of isolated and purified polysaccharide-amino acid conjugates. Two different types of amino acid esters: glycine methyl ester and L-tryptophan methyl ester, as model compounds for peptides, were conjugated to the polysaccharide carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in water using carbodiimide at ambient conditions. Detailed and systematic pH-dependent charge titration and spectroscopy (infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance: ¹H, ¹³C- DEPT 135, ¹H- ¹³C HMBC/HSQC correlation), UV-vis, elemental and ninhydrin analysis provided solid and direct evidence for the successful conjugation of the amino acid esters to the CMC backbone via an amide bond. As the concentration of amino acid esters increased, a conjugation efficiency of 20-80% was achieved. Activated charcoal aided base-catalyzed deprotection of the methyl esters improved the solubility of the conjugates in water. The approach proposed in this work should have the potential to tailor the backbone of polysaccharides containing di- or tri-peptides.

Food contact materials and gut health: Implications for toxicity assessment and relevance of high molecular weight migrants

Gut health is determined by an intact epithelial barrier and balanced gut microbiota, both involved in the regulation of immune responses in the gut. Disruption of this system contributes to the etiology of various non-communicable diseases, including intestinal, metabolic, and autoimmune disorders. Studies suggest that some direct food additives, but also some food contaminants, such as pesticide residues and substances migrating from food contact materials (FCMs), may adversely affect the gut barrier or gut microbiota. Here, we focus on gut-related effects of FCM-relevant substances (e.g. surfactants, N-ring containing substances, nanoparticles, and antimicrobials) and show that gut health is an underappreciated target in the toxicity assessment of FCMs. Understanding FCMs' impact on gut health requires more attention to ensure safety and prevent gut-related chronic diseases. Our review further points to the existence of large population subgroups with an increased intestinal permeability; this may lead to higher uptake of compounds of not only low (<1000 Da) but also high (>1000 Da) molecular weight. We discuss the potential toxicological relevance of high molecular weight compounds in the gut and suggest that the scientific justification for the application of a molecular weight-based cut-off in risk assessment of FCMs should be reevaluated.

Thermosensitive hydrogel based on chitosan and its derivatives containing medicated nanoparticles for transcorneal administration of 5-fluorouracil

A thermosensitive ophthalmic hydrogel (TSOH) – fluid at 4°C (instillation temperature), semisolid at 35°C (eye temperature), which coupled the dosing accuracy and administration ease of eyedrops with the increased ocular bioavailability of a hydrogel – was prepared by gelling a chitosan hydrochloride (ChHCl) solution (27.8 mg/mL) medicated with 1.25 mg/mL 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with β-glycerophosphate 0.8 mg/mL. Polymer mixtures, where Ch was partially (10%, 15%, or 20%) replaced by quaternary ammonium–chitosan conjugates (QA-Ch) or thiolated derivatives thereof, were also used to modulate 5-FU-release properties of TSOH. Also, Ch-based nanoparticles (NPs; size after lyophilization and redispersion 341.5±15.2 nm, polydispersity 0.315±0.45, ζ-potential 10.21 mV) medicated with 1.25 mg/mL 5-FU prepared by ionotropic cross-linking of Ch with hyaluronan were introduced into TSOH. The 5-FU binding by TSOH polymers in the sol state was maximum with plain Ch (31.4%) and tended to decrease with increasing QA presence in polymer mixture. 5-FU release from TSOH with or without NPs was diffusion-controlled and linear in √t. The different TSOH polymers were compared on a diffusivity basis by comparing the slopes of √t plots. These showed a general decrease with NP-containing TSOH, which was the most marked with the TSOH, where Ch was 20% replaced by the derivative QA-Ch50. This formulation and that not containing NP were instilled in rabbits and the 5-FU transcorneal penetration was measured by analyzing the aqueous humor. Both TSOH solutions increased the area under the curve (0–8 hours) 3.5 times compared with the plain eyedrops, but maximum concentration for the NP-free TSOH was about 0.65 µg/mL, followed by a slow decline, while the NP-containing one showed a plateau (0.25–0.3 µg/mL) in a time interval of 0.5–7 hours. This is ascribed to the ability of this TSOH to control drug release to a zero order and that of NPs to be internalized by corneal cells.

How to design the surface of peptide-loaded nanoparticles for efficient oral bioavailability?

The oral administration of proteins is a current challenge to be faced in the field of therapeutics. There is currently much interest in nanocarriers since they can enhance oral bioavailability. For lack of a clear definition, the key characteristics of nanoparticles have been highlighted. Specific surface area is one of these characteristics and represents a huge source of energy that can be used to control the biological fate of the carrier. The review discusses nanocarrier stability, mucus interaction and absorption through the intestinal epithelium. The protein corona, which has raised interest over the last decade, is also discussed. The universal ideal surface is a myth and over-coated carriers are not a solution either. Besides, common excipients can be useful on several targets. The suitable design should rather take into account the composition, structure and behavior of unmodified nanomaterials.

Thiomers and their potential applications in drug delivery

INTRODUCTION

Thiomers are the product of the immobilization of sulfhydryl-bearing ligands onto the polymer backbone of a conventional polymer, which results in a significant improvement in mucoadhesion; in situ gelation and efflux inhibition compare with unchanged polymers. Because of thiol groups, thiomers have more reactivity and enhanced protection against oxidation. Since the late 1990s, extensive work has been conducted on these promising polymeric excipients in the pharmaceutical field. Areas covered: This review covers thiomers, their classification and their different properties. Various techniques for the synthesis, purification and characterization of thiomers are described in detail. This review also encompasses their various properties such as mucoadhesion, permeation enhancement, in situ gelation and efflux inhibition, as well as different formulations based on thiomers. In addition to the use of thiomers as multifunctional excipients, this review also encompasses their use as drugs. Expert opinion: The synthesis is realized by linkage of sulfhydryl-bearing ligands but reported methods give low yields. Higher degrees of modification are not necessary and would probably lead to extreme changes in properties. Nevertheless, an accurate characterization of the final product is important. The scale-up procedure for industrial manufacturing has been adapted to produce GMP materials; Lacrimera® eye drops have already entered the European market.

Stability, toxicity and intestinal permeation enhancement of two food-derived antihypertensive tripeptides, Ile-Pro-Pro and Leu-Lys-Pro

Two food-derived ACE inhibitory peptides, Ile-Pro-Pro (IPP) and Leu-Lys-Pro (LKP), may have potential as alternative treatments for treatment of mild- or pre-hypertension. Lack of stability to secretory and intracellular peptidases and poor permeability across intestinal epithelia are typical limiting factors of oral delivery of peptides. The stability of IPP and LKP was confirmed in vitro in rat intestinal washes, and intestinal and liver homogenates over 60min. A positive protein control for peptidases, insulin, was significantly digested in each format over the same period. Neither tripeptide showed cytotoxic activity on Caco-2 and Hep G2 cells using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay, even after chronic exposure. The basal Papp of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled IPP and FITC-LKP across isolated rat jejunal and colonic mucosae were low, but were significantly increased in each tissue type by the medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) permeation enhancers, sodium caprate (C10) and the sodium salt of 10-undecylenic acid (uC11). IPP and LKP were therefore stable against intestinal and liver peptidases and were non-cytotoxic; their Papp values across rat intestinal mucosae were low, but could be increased by MCFA. There is potential to make on oral dosage form once in vivo pharmacology is confirmed.

Efficient immuno-modulation of TH1/TH2 biomarkers in 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis: nanocarrier-mediated transcutaneous co-delivery of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant drugs

The present study was conducted with the aim to investigate the immuno-modulatory and histological stabilization effects of nanocarrier-based transcutaneous co-delivery of hydrocortisone (HC) and hydroxytyrosol (HT). In this investigation, the clinical and pharmacological efficacies of nanoparticle (NP)-based formulation to alleviate 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD) was explored by using an NC/Nga mouse model. Ex vivo visual examination of AD induction in experimental mice indicated remarkable control of NP-based formulations in reducing pathological severity of AD-like skin lesions. Therapeutic effectiveness of NP-based formulations was also evaluated by comparing skin thickness of AD-induced NP-treated mice (456±27 µm) with that of atopic mice (916±37 µm). Analysis of the immuno-spectrum of AD also revealed the dominance of NP-based formulations in restraining immunoglobulin-E (IgE), histamine, prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2), vascular endothelial growth factor-α (VEGF-α), and T-helper cells (TH1/TH2) producing cytokines in serum and skin biopsies of tested mice. These anti-AD data were further supported by histological findings that revealed alleviated pathological features, including collagen fiber deposition, fibroblasts infiltration, and fragmentation of elastic fibers in experimental mice. Thus, NP-mediated transcutaneous co-delivery of HC and HT can be considered as a promising therapy for managing immunological and histological spectra associated with AD.

Downregulation of immunological mediators in 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions by hydrocortisone-loaded chitosan nanoparticles

Background

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, noncontiguous, and exudative disorder accompanied by perivascular infiltration of immune mediators, including T-helper (Type 1 helper/Type 2 helper) cells, mast cells, and immunoglobulin E. The current study explores the immunomodulatory and histological effects of nanoparticle (NP)-based transcutaneous delivery of hydrocortisone (HC).

Methods

In this study, HC, the least potent topical glucocorticoid, was administered transcutaneously as chitosan NPs. The pharmacological and immunological effects of the NP-based HC delivery on the alleviation of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions were evaluated using the NC/Nga mouse model.

Results

In vivo Dino-Lite^® microscopic assessment revealed that the NP-based formulation displayed a remarkable ability to reduce the severity of the pathological features of AD (dermatitis index, 3.0). The AD suppressive activity of the NP-based topical formulation was expected owing to the interruption of a series of immunopathological events, including the production of immunoglobulin E, release of histamine, and expression of prostaglandin-E₂ and vascular endothelial growth factor-α in the sera and skin of the tested animals. Analysis of the cytokine expression in AD-like skin lesions further revealed that the NP-based formulation inhibited the pathological expression of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, IL-12p70, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α in serum and skin homogenates of NC/Nga mice. Further, our histological findings indicated that the NP-based formulation inhibited fibroblast infiltration and fragmentation of elastic fibers, further supporting the clinical importance of these formulations in maintaining the integrity of elastic connective tissues.

Conclusion

The current investigation suggests that NP-mediated transcutaneous delivery of HC could be considered an effective therapeutic approach to manage dermatitis.

Liposomes coated with thiolated chitosan enhance oral peptide delivery to rats

The aim of the present study was the in vivo evaluation of thiomer-coated liposomes for an oral application of peptides. For this purpose, salmon calcitonin was chosen as a model drug and encapsulated within liposomes. Subsequently, the drug loaded liposomes were coated with either chitosan-thioglycolic acid (CS-TGA) or an S-protected version of the same polymer (CS-TGA-MNA), leading to an increase in the particle size of about 500 nm and an increase in the zeta potential from approximately -40 mV to a maximum value of about +44 mV, depending on the polymer. Coated liposomes were demonstrated to effectively penetrate the intestinal mucus layer where they came in close contact with the underlying epithelium. To investigate the permeation enhancing properties of the coated liposomes ex vivo, we monitored the transport of fluoresceinisothiocyanate-labeled salmon calcitonin (FITC-sCT) through rat small intestine. Liposomes coated with CS-TGA-MNA showed the highest effect, leading to a 3.8-fold increase in the uptake of FITC-sCT versus the buffer control. In vivo evaluation of the different formulations was carried out by the oral application of 40 μg of sCT per rat, either encapsulated within uncoated liposomes, CS-TGA-coated liposomes or CS-TGA-MNA-coated liposomes, or given as a solution serving as negative control. The blood calcium level was monitored over a time period of 24h. The highest reduction in the blood calcium level, to a minimum of 65% of the initial value after 6h, was achieved for CS-TGA-MNA-coated liposomes. Comparing the areas above curves (AAC) of the blood calcium levels, CS-TGA-MNA-coated liposomes led to an 8.2-fold increase compared to the free sCT solution if applied orally in the same concentration. According to these results, liposomes coated with S-protected thiomers have demonstrated to be highly valuable carriers for enhancing the oral bioavailability of salmon calcitonin.

Thiomers: promising platform for macromolecular drug delivery

The application of macromolecules as therapeutic agents holds great promise for several major disorders such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, their use is limited by the lack of efficient, safe and specific delivery strategies. A promising strategy to overcome these challenges might be the use of thiolated polymers or designated thiomers. Thiomers are synthesized by immobilization of sulfhydryl bearing ligands on a polymeric backbone of well-established polymers. These multifunctional polymeric excipients show advantages in mucoadhesion, enzyme and efflux pump inhibition in comparison to unmodified polymers. One obstacle in the use of thiomers is that they are prone to oxidation at lower pH but this could be solved by introducing a completely new generation of thiomers, namely, the preactivated thiomer generation. Preactivated thiomers are mixed disulfides, which exhibit oxidation resistance and, beyond that, improved thiomer features. This review summarizes recent findings of polymeric excipients for macromolecular drug delivery as well as their synthesis and distinctive features.

Thiomer-coated liposomes harbor permeation enhancing and efflux pump inhibitory properties

An ideal oral drug carrier should facilitate drug delivery to the gastrointestinal tract and its absorption into the systemic circulation. To meet these requirements, we developed a thiomer-coated liposomal delivery system composed of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) and a maleimide-functionalized lipid, to which chitosan-thioglycolic acid (CS-TGA) was covalently coupled. In addition to conventional 77 kDa CS-TGA (CS-TGA77), we tested the 150 kDa homologue (CS-TGA150) as well as an S-protected version of this polymer (CS-TGA150-MNA), in which some of the free SH-groups are conjugated with 6-mercaptonicotinamide to protect them from oxidation. Coupling of CS-TGA to the liposomal surface led to an increase in the particle size of at least 150 nm and an increase in the zeta potential from approximately − 33 mV to a maximum of about + 36 mV, depending on the polymer. As revealed by fluorescence dequenching the formulations have a storage stability of at least two weeks without releasing any encapsulated compounds. In simulated gastric fluid, the system was shown to be stable over 24 h, while in simulated intestinal fluid, a slow, sustained release of encapsulated compounds was observed. According to our experiments, thiomer-coated liposomes did not induce immunogenic reactions after an oral administration to mice. To evaluate the permeation enhancing and efflux pump inhibiting properties of CS-TGA coated liposomes we monitored the transport of fluoresceinisothiocyanate-dextran (FD₄) and rhodamine-123 (Rho-123), respectively, through rat small intestine. Permeation studies showed a 2.8-fold higher permeation of FD₄ in the presence of CS-TGA77 coated liposomes and an even 4-fold higher permeation in the presence of CSA-TGA150-MNA coated liposomes. The latter also performed best when we evaluated P-glycoprotein inhibiting properties by monitoring the transport of Rho-123, revealing a 4.2-fold enhancement respective to the buffer control. Taken together, thiomer-coated liposomes were shown to protect encapsulated drugs in the stomach, slowly release them in the small intestine and enhance their absorption through the intestinal tissue by opening tight junctions and inhibiting efflux pumps.

Mucoadhesive nanoparticles made of thiolated quaternary chitosan crosslinked with hyaluronan

Mucoadhesive polymeric nanoparticles intended for drug transport across the gastrointestinal mucosa were prepared from quaternary ammonium-chitosan conjugates synthesised from reduced-MW chitosan (32 kDa). Conjugates contained pendant moieties of 2-4 adjacent diethyl-dimethylene-ammonium groups substituted on repeating units (26-55%). Conjugates were thiolated via amide bonds with thioglycolic acid to yield products with thiol content in the 35-87 μmol/g range. Nanoparticles with mean size in the 270-370 nm range and positive zeta-potential (+3.7 to +12.5 mV) resulted from ionotropic gelation of the thiolated conjugates with de-polymerised hyaluronic acid (470 kDa). The nanoparticles were fairly stable in size and thiol content and showed a significant mucoadhesivity, matching and even exceeding that of the constituent polymers. Nanoparticles were internalised by endothelial progenitor cells in direct relation to their surface charge intensity. Nanoparticle uptake significantly improved cell viability and resistance to oxidation. The lyophilised nanoparticles were re-dispersible and could make a manageable formulation for oral use.

Preactivated thiomers: permeation enhancing properties

The study was aimed to prepare a series of poly(acrylic acid)-cysteine-2-mercaptonicotinic acid conjugates (preactivated thiomers) and to evaluate the influence of molecular mass or degree of preactivation with 2-mercaptonicotinic acid (2MNA) on their permeation enhancing properties. Preactivated thiomers with different molecular mass and different degree of preactivation were synthesized and categorized on the basis of their molecular mass and degree of preactivation as PAA₁₀₀-Cys-2MNA (h), PAA₂₅₀-Cys-2MNA (h), PAA₄₅₀-Cys-2MNA (h), PAA₄₅₀-Cys-2MNA (m) and PAA₄₅₀-Cys-2MNA (l). In vitro permeation studies, the permeation enhancement ability for preactivated thiomers was ranked as PAA₄₅₀-Cys-2MNA (h) > PAA₂₅₀-Cys-2MNA (h) > PAA₁₀₀-Cys-2MNA (h) on both Caco-2 cell monolayers and rat intestinal mucosa. Comparing the influence of degree of preactivation with 2MNA on permeation enhancement, the following order PAA₄₅₀-Cys-2MNA (h) > PAA₄₅₀-Cys-2MNA (m) ≈ PAA₄₅₀-Cys-2MNA (l) on Caco-2 cell monolayers and PAA₄₅₀-Cys-2MNA (m) > PAA₄₅₀-Cys-2MNA (h) > PAA₄₅₀-Cys-2MNA (l) on intestinal mucosa was observed. The P_app of sodium fluorescein was 5.08-fold improved on Caco-2 cell monolayers for PAA₄₅₀-Cys-2MNA (h) and 2.46-fold improved on intestinal mucosa for PAA₄₅₀-Cys-2MNA (m), respectively, in comparison to sodium fluorescein in buffer only. These results indicated that preactivated thiomers could be considered as a promising macromolecular permeation enhancing polymer for non-invasive drug administration.

S-protected thiolated chitosan for oral delivery of hydrophilic macromolecules: evaluation of permeation enhancing and efflux pump inhibitory properties

The objective of this study was the investigation of permeation enhancing and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibition effects of a novel thiolated chitosan, the so-named S-protected thiolated chitosan. Mediated by a carbodiimide, increasing amounts of thioglycolic acid (TGA) were covalently bound to chitosan (CS) in the first step of modification. In the second step, these thiol groups of thiolated chitosan were protected by disulfide bond formation with the thiolated aromatic residue 6-mercaptonicotinamide (6-MNA). Mucoadhesive properties of all conjugates were evaluated in vitro on porcine intestinal mucosa based on tensile strength investigations. Permeation enhancing effects were evaluated ex vivo using rat intestinal mucosa and in vitro via Caco-2 cells using the hydrophilic macromolecule FD(4) as the model drug. Caco-2 cells were further used to show P-gp inhibition effects by using Rho-123 as P-gp substrate. Apparent permeability coefficients (P(app)) were calculated and compared to values obtained from each buffer control. Three different thiolated chitosans were generated in the first step of modification, which displayed increasing amounts of covalently attached free thiol groups on the polymer backbone. In the second modification step, more than 50% of these free thiol groups were covalently linked with 6-MNA. Within 3 h of permeation studies on excised rat intestine, P(app) values of all S-protected chitosans were at least 1.3-fold higher compared to those of corresponding thiomers and more than twice as high as that of unmodified chitosan. Additional permeation studies on Caco-2 cells confirmed these results. Because of the chemical modification and higher amount of reactive thiol groups, all S-protected thiolated chitosans exhibit at least 1.4-fold pronounced P-gp inhibition effects in contrast to their corresponding thiomers. These features approve S-protected thiolated chitosan as a promising excipient for various drug delivery systems providing improved permeation enhancing and efflux inhibition effects.

Gastroretentive particles formulated with thiomers: development and in vitro evaluation

The objective of this study is to develop and evaluate gastroretentive particulate delivery systems using Riboflavin-5'-monophosphate sodium salt dihydrate (RF5'PNa) as model drug. Poly(acrylic acid)-cysteine and chitosan-4-thiobuthylamidine were evaluated and compared as anionic and cationic polymers for gastroretentive particles. Permeation studies were performed with freshly excised stomach mucosa from rats. Polymers and combination with glutathione were evaluated for permeation enhancing properties. Furthermore, particles were prepared by air jet milling and characterized. Permeation studies showed that the apparent permeability coefficients for RF5'PNa with thiomers and glutathione are 1.511-fold and 2.354-fold higher than control, respectively. It can be seen from the results glutathione in combination with thiomers has a significant influence for increasing permeation. Poly(acrylic acid)-cysteine and chitosan-4-thiobuthylamidine particles demonstrated a mean diameter of 336.5 +/- 16.5 and 396.3 +/- 17.0 nm and zeta potential of -19.98 +/- 1.015 and 27.15 +/- 0.500 mV, respectively. The drug loading of Poly(acrylic acid) particles was significantly higher than chitosan particles. The release rate of RF5'PNa from the thiolated particles was slower compared with unmodified particles. Moreover, thiolated particles showed higher mucoadhesive properties compared to unmodified particles. Overall, thiolated particles of both anionic and cationic polymers had improved mucoadhesive and controlled release properties. Therefore, they could be promising for gastroretentive delivery systems.

Impairment of intestinal barrier and secretory function as well as egg excretion during intestinal schistosomiasis occur independently of mouse mast cell protease-1

Deposition of Schistosoma mansoni eggs in the intestinal mucosa is associated with recruitment of mucosal mast cells (MMC) expressing mouse mast cell protease-1 (mMCP-1). We investigated the involvement of mMCP-1 in intestinal barrier disruption and egg excretion by examining BALB/c mice lacking mMCP-1 (Mcpt-1(-/-)). Tissue and faecal egg counts from 6 weeks until 12 weeks post-infection (w p.i.) revealed no differences between wild type (WT) and Mcpt-1(-/-)mice. Using chamber experiments on ileal tissue revealed that at 8 w p.i., the epithelial barrier and secretory capacity were severely impaired, whereas no difference was found between WT and Mcpt-1(-/-)mice in this respect. However, a fragmented distribution of the tight junction (TJ) protein occludin, but not of claudin-3 or ZO-1, was observed in WT mice at 8 w p.i., while no changes in TJ integrity were seen in Mcpt-1(-/-)mice. Therefore, we conclude that in contrast to the situation in Trichinella spiralis-infected mice, in schistosomiasis, mMCP-1 is not a key mediator in egg excretion or impairment of the intestinal barrier. The marked decrease in ileal secretory capacity during S. mansoni egg excretion suggests that the mechanisms facilitating the passage of schistosoma eggs through the gut wall are directed more particularly at the epithelial cells.

Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of thiolated quaternary ammonium-chitosan conjugates for enhanced intestinal drug permeation

In a previous report quaternary ammonium-chitosan conjugates (N(+)-Chs) endowed with intestinal drug permeability-enhancing properties were described. They are characterized by short pendant chains of n adjacent diethyl-dimethylene-ammonium groups substituted onto the primary amino group of the chitosan (Ch) repeating units. In the present work two N(+)-Chs, one having DS (degree of substitution)=59.2+/-4.5%, n=1.7+/-0.1 (N(+)(60)-Ch), the other one having DS=40.6+/-1.3%, n=3.0+/-0.2 (N(+)(40)-Ch) were used to synthesize novel multifunctional non-cytotoxic Ch derivatives, each carrying thiol along with quaternary ammonium groups (N(+)-Ch-SH), with increased potential to enhance transepithelial drug transport. They have been obtained by transforming the residual free amino groups of N(+)(60)-Ch and N(+)(40)-Ch into 3-mercaptopropionamide moieties. The former yielded 4.5+/-0.7% thiol-bearing groups, the latter, 5.2+/-1.1% of such groups, on a Ch repeating unit basis. The multifunctional derivatives have improved the ability of the parent N(+)-Chs to enhance the permeability of the water-soluble macromolecular fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran, MW 4400 Da (FD4) and that of the lipophilic dexamethasone (DMS) across the excised rat intestinal mucosa and Caco-2 cell monolayer, respectively. The data from the present work altogether point to a synergism of quaternary ammonium and thiol groups to improve the intestinal drug absorption enhancing properties of the multifunctional Ch derivatives.

Pretreatment but not treatment with probiotics abolishes mouse intestinal barrier dysfunction in acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Intestinal barrier failure during acute pancreatitis (AP) is associated with translocation of luminal bacteria, resulting in infectious complications. We examined the effects of multispecies probiotics on the intestinal barrier impairment in a murine model of AP.

METHODS

Mice were injected with cerulein to induce AP and were sacrificed 11 (early AP) or 72 hours (late AP) after start of induction. AP and associated systemic effects were confirmed by histology of pancreas and lung. Animals received daily probiotics starting 2 days prior to AP induction (pretreatment) or at the moment of AP induction (treatment). Mucosal barrier function of the distal ileum was assessed in Ussing chambers by measurement of the epithelial electrical resistance and the permeability to Na-fluorescein.

RESULTS

Histological analysis revealed pancreatic injury in both phases of AP, and lung damage in the early phase. Epithelial resistance of the ileum was reduced and permeability increased in both phases of AP, indicating impairment of the intestinal barrier. Pretreatment had no effect on resistance or permeability in the early phase of AP. In the late phase of AP, pretreatment but not treatment abolished the AP induced resistance decrease and permeability increase. Administration of probiotics as such (ie, without induction of AP) had no effect on intestinal barrier function.

CONCLUSION

Pretreatment with multispecies probiotics for 2 days abolishes intestinal barrier dysfunction in the late phase of AP, while treatment does not. The effectiveness of probiotics in this model depends on the timing of administration. Clinical trials with probiotics should seek conditions where treatment can be started prior to onset of disease or elective surgical intervention.

The potential of cystine-knot microproteins as novel pharmacophoric scaffolds in oral peptide drug delivery

Within this study, the potential of three clinically relevant microproteins (SE-AG-AZ, SE-EM and SE-EP) with cystine-knot architecture as pharmacophoric scaffolds for oral peptide delivery was investigated. Cystine-knot microproteins (CKM) were analysed regarding their stability towards the most important gastrointestinal secreted and membrane bound proteases in physiological concentrations. In addition, their permeation behaviour through freshly excised rat intestinal mucosa as well as important parameters such as aggregation behaviour, stability in rat plasma and isoelectric point were evaluated and compared to the properties of the model peptide drugs bacitracin and insulin. Aggregation studies indicate that under physiological conditions between 25 and 70% of the CKMs occur as monomers, whereas the rest forms di- and trimers. Pepsin and elastase cause no or only minor degradation to CKMs, whereas trypsin and chymotrypsin degrade CKMs extensively. Removing the theoretical chymotrypsin cleavage site from a CKM, however, led to stabilization towards this protease. Two of the three evaluated CKMs are stable against membrane bound proteases. P(app) values were determined to be 5.96 +/- 0.98 x 10(-6) and 6.63 +/- 0.47 x 10(-6) cm/s. In conclusion, this study indicates that CKM are promising novel pharmacophoric scaffolds for oral peptide delivery.

Polymeric Enhancers of Mucosal Epithelia Permeability: Synthesis, Transepithelial Penetration-Enhancing Properties, Mechanism of Action, Safety Issues

Transmucosal drug administration across nasal, buccal, and ocular mucosae is noninvasive, eliminates hepatic first-pass metabolism and harsh environmental conditions, allows rapid onset, and further, mucosal surfaces are readily accessible. Generally, however, hydrophilic drugs, such as peptides and proteins, are poorly permeable across the epithelium, which results in insufficient bioavailability. Therefore, reversible modifications of epithelial barrier structure by permeation enhancers are required. Low molecular weight enhancers generally have physicochemical characteristics favoring their own absorption, whereas polymeric enhancers are not absorbed, and this minimizes the risk of systemic toxicity. The above considerations have warranted the present survey of the studies on polymeric transmucosal penetration-enhancers that have appeared in the literature during the last decade. Studies on intestinal permeation enhancers are also reviewed as they give information on the mechanism of action and safety of polymers. The synthesis and characterization of polymers, their effectiveness in enhancing the absorption of different drugs across different epithelium types, their mechanism of action and structure-efficacy relationship, and the relevant safety issues are reviewed. The active polymers are classified into: polycations (chitosan and its quaternary ammonium derivatives, poly-L-arginine (poly-L-Arg), aminated gelatin), polyanions (N-carboxymethyl chitosan, poly(acrylic acid)), and thiolated polymers (carboxymethyl cellulose-cysteine, polycarbophil (PCP)-cysteine, chitosan-thiobutylamidine, chitosan-thioglycolic acid, chitosan-glutathione conjugates).

Indomethacin disrupts the protective effect of phosphatidylcholine against bile salt-induced ileal mucosa injury

BACKGROUND

Indomethacin (Indo) exerts local toxic effects on small intestinal mucosa, possibly in association with hydrophobic bile salts. We investigated the potential toxic effects of Indo on ileal mucosa and the role of phosphatidylcholine (PC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Transmucosal resistance and Na-fluorescein permeability of ileal mucosa segments from female Wistar rats were determined in Ussing chambers during a 30-min incubation with model systems containing: control-buffer, taurodeoxycholate (TDC), Indo, TDC-Indo, TDC-PC, or TDC-PC-Indo. Decrease of resistance and increase of permeability were considered as parameters for mucosal injury. After incubation in Ussing chambers, the histopathology was examined to quantify the extent of mucosal injury. Also, in CaCo-2 cells, LDH-release was determined as a measure of cytotoxicity, after incubation with various model systems.

RESULTS

Decrease of resistance and increase of permeability were highest in systems containing TDC-Indo (P < 0.01). Phosphatidylcholine protected against the cytotoxic effects of TDC in absence of Indo only. Extent of mucosal injury by histological examination was also highest in systems containing TDC-Indo (P = 0.006). Again, PC exhibited protective effects in absence of Indo only. The LDH-release by CaCo2-cells was strongest in TDC-Indo systems (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Indomethacin disrupts protective effects of PC against bile salt-induced ileal mucosa injury. This finding is relevant for small intestinal injury induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Thiomers for oral delivery of hydrophilic macromolecular drugs

In recent years thiolated polymers (thiomers) have appeared as a promising new tool in oral drug delivery. Thiomers are obtained by the immobilisation of thio-bearing ligands to mucoadhesive polymeric excipients. By the formation of disulfide bonds with mucus glycoproteins, the mucoadhesive properties of thiomers are up to 130-fold improved compared with the corresponding unmodified polymers. Owing to the formation of inter- and intramolecular disulfide bonds within the thiomer itself, matrix tablets and particulate delivery systems show strong cohesive properties, resulting in comparatively higher stability, prolonged disintegration times and a more controlled drug release. The permeation of hydrophilic macromolecular drugs through the gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa can be improved by the use of thiomers. Furthermore, some thiomers exhibit improved inhibitory properties towards GI peptidases. The efficacy of thiomers in oral drug delivery has been demonstrated by various in vivo studies. A pharmacological efficacy of 1%, for example, was achieved in rats by oral administration of calcitonin tablets comprising a thiomer. Furthermore, tablets comprising a thiomer and pegylated insulin resulted in a pharmacological efficacy of 7% after oral application to diabetic mice. Low-molecular-weight heparin embedded in thiolated polycarbophil led to an absolute bioavailability of > or = 20% after oral administration to rats. In these studies, formulations comprising the corresponding unmodified polymer had only a marginal or no effect. These results indicate drug carrier systems based on thiomers appear to be a promising tool for oral delivery of hydrophilic macromolecular drugs.

Improved paracellular uptake by the combination of different types of permeation enhancers

This study had the purpose to improve the paracellular uptake of drugs by combining the thiomer/reduced glutathione (GSH) permeation-enhancing system with a proteolytic enzyme. Due to the covalent binding of 2-iminothiolane to chitosan the thiomer chitosan-TBA (chitosan-4-thiobutylamidine) was obtained. Permeation studies were performed with freshly excised intestinal mucosa of guinea pigs mounted in Ussing-type chambers using on the one hand the low-molecular size marker flurescein (Na-Flu) and on the other hand the high-molecular size marker FITC-dextran. Apparent permeability coefficient (P(app)) as well as enhancement ratios (=P(app) permeation-enhancing system/P(app) control) were calculated. Trypsin, papain and bromelain displayed a permeation-enhancing effect for Na-Flu on the small intestinal mucosa. Enhancement ratios of 1.84, 1.63 and 1.78 were identified for 2% trypsin, 0.5% papain and 2% bromelain solutions, respectively. However, only bromelain could guarantee a significant permeation enhancement of FITC-dextran with a P(app) of 4.45+/-0.44 x 10(-6) cm/s representing an enhancement ratio of 1.57. A similar enhancement of FITC-dextran permeation was reached by the use of the chitosan-TBA (0.5%)/GSH (5%) system. Moreover, an additive permeation-enhancing effect of the chitosan-TBA/GSH system in combination with bromelain (2%) was observed, leading to a maximum P(app) of 5.91+/-0.51 x 10(-6) cm/s, which corresponds to an enhancement ratio of 2.1. According to these results, the combination of the thiomer/GSH system with bromelain might represent a new promising strategy in order to raise the in vivo efficacy of non-invasive administered hydrophilic macromolecular drugs.

Thiomers: potential excipients for non-invasive peptide delivery systems

In recent years thiolated polymers or so-called thiomers have appeared as a promising alternative in the arena of non-invasive peptide delivery. Thiomers are generated by the immobilisation of thiol-bearing ligands to mucoadhesive polymeric excipients. By formation of disulfide bonds with mucus glycoproteins, the mucoadhesive properties of these polymers are improved up to 130-fold. Due to formation of inter- and intramolecular disulfide bonds within the thiomer itself, dosage forms such as tablets or microparticles display strong cohesive properties resulting in comparatively higher stability, prolonged disintegration times and a more controlled release of the embedded peptide drug. The permeation of peptide drugs through mucosa can be improved by the use of thiolated polymers. Additionally some thiomers exhibit improved inhibitory properties towards peptidases. The efficacy of thiomers in non-invasive peptide delivery could be demonstrated by various in vivo studies. Tablets comprising a thiomer and pegylated insulin, for instance, resulted in a pharmacological efficacy of 7% after oral application to diabetic mice. Furthermore, a pharmacological efficacy of 1.3% was achieved in rats by oral administration of calcitonin tablets comprising a thiomer. Human growth hormone in a thiomer-gel was applied nasally to rats and led to a bioavailability of 2.75%. In all these studies, formulations comprising the corresponding unmodified polymer had only a marginal or no effect. According to these results drug carrier systems based on thiomers seem to be a promising tool for non-invasive peptide drug delivery.

Development and in vivo evaluation of an oral insulin–PEG delivery system

Insulin-monomethoxypoly(ethylene glycol) derivatives were obtained by preparation of mono- and di-terbutyl carbonate insulin derivatives, reaction of available protein amino groups with activated 750 Da PEG and, finally, amino group de-protection. This procedure allowed for obtaining high yield of insulin-1PEG and insulin-2PEG. In vivo studies carried out by subcutaneous injection into diabetic mice demonstrated that the two bioconjugates maintained the native biological activity. In vitro, PEGylation was found to enhance the hormone stability towards proteases. After 1 h incubation with elastase, native insulin, insulin-1PEG and insulin-2PEG undergo about 70, 30 and 10% degradation, respectively, while in the presence of pepsin protein degradation was 100, 70 and 50%, respectively. The attachment of low molecular weight PEG did not significantly (P >0.05) alter insulin permeation behavior across the intestinal mucosa. Insulin-1PEG was formulated into mucoadhesive tablets constituted by the thiolated polymer poly(acrylic acid)-cysteine. The therapeutic agent was sustained released from these tablets within 5 h. In vivo, by oral administration to diabetic mice, the glucose levels were found to decrease of about 40% since the third hour from administration and the biological activity was maintained up to 30 h. According to these results, the combination of PEGylated insulin with a thiolated polymer used as drug carrier matrix might be a promising strategy for oral insulin administration.

Membrane transporter/receptor-targeted prodrug design: strategies for human and veterinary drug development

The bioavailability of drugs is often severely limited due to the presence of biological barriers in the form of epithelial tight junctions, efflux proteins and enzymatic degradation. Physicochemical properties, such as lipophilicity, molecular weight, charge, etc., also play key roles in determining the permeation properties of drug candidates. As a result, many potential drug candidates may be dropped from the initial screening portfolio. Prodrug derivatization targeting transporters and receptors expressed on mammalian cells holds tremendous potential. Enhanced cellular delivery can significantly improve drug absorption. Such approaches of drug targeting and delivery have been the subject of intense research. Various prodrugs have been designed that demonstrate enhanced bioavailability and tissue specificity. This approach is equally applicable to human and veterinary pharmaceuticals since most of the transporters and receptors expressed by human tissues are also expressed in animals. This review highlights studies conducted on the use of transporters and receptors in an effort to improve drug bioavailability and to develop targeted drug delivery systems.

Development and in vivo evaluation of an oral delivery system for low molecular weight heparin based on thiolated polycarbophil

PURPOSE

It was the purpose of this study to develop a new oral drug delivery system for low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) providing an improved bioavailability and a prolonged therapeutic effect.

METHODS

The permeation enhancing polycarbophil-cysteine conjugate (PCP-Cys) used in this study displayed 111.4 +/- 6.4 microM thiol groups per gram polymer. Permeation studies on freshly excised intestinal mucosa were performed in Ussing chambers demonstrating a 2-fold improved uptake of heparin as a result of the addition of 0.5% (w/v) PCP-Cys and the permeation mediator glutathione (GSH).

RESULTS

Tablets containing PCP-Cys, GSH, and 279 IU of LMWH showed a sustained drug release over 4 h. To guarantee the swelling of the polymeric carrier matrix in the small intestine tablets were enteric coated. They were orally given to rats. For tablets being based on the thiomer/GSH system an absolute bioavailability of 19.9 +/- 9.3% (means +/- SD; n = 5) vs. intravenous injection could be achieved. whereas tablets comprising unmodified PCP did not lead to a significant (p < 0.01) heparin concentration in plasma. The permeation enhancing effect and subsequently a therapeutic heparin level was maintained for 24 h after a single dose.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the strong and prolonged lasting permeation enhancing effect of the thiomer/GSH system, the oral bioavailability of LMWH could be significantly improved. This new delivery system represents therefore a promising tool for the oral administration of heparin.

In vitro evaluation of the permeation enhancing effect of polycarbophil-cysteine conjugates on the cornea of rabbits

It was the aim of this study to investigate the permeation enhancing effect of thiolated polycarbophil on the cornea of rabbits in vitro. The proposed reaction mechanism involves the opening of the tight junctions in the corneal epithelium. The modification of polycarbophil was achieved via covalent attachment of L-cysteine mediated by a carbodiimide. Transcorneal permeation studies were performed in Ussing-type diffusion chambers. As model compounds, sodium fluorescein, as a marker for paracellular transport, and dexamethasone phosphate were used. To evaluate potential corneal damage the corneal hydration level of each cornea was determined. Polycarbophil-cysteine was found to increase the permeation of sodium fluorescein 2.2-fold and that of dexamethasone phosphate 2.4-fold in comparison to the unmodified polymer. The concentration of dexamethasone in the acceptor medium was 1.5-fold increased. As evidenced by the corneal hydration level, polycarbophil-cysteine did not damage the corneal tissues. Therefore, polycarbophil-cysteine conjugates seem to be promising excipients for ocular drug delivery systems where they might be used as safe permeation enhancers.

The role of glutathione in the permeation enhancing effect of thiolated polymers

PURPOSE

To verify or refute the mechanism of permeation enhancement with thiolated polymers via GSH by the use of NaFlu as marker for the paracellular permeation.

METHODS

The capability of 0.5% polycarbophil cysteine conjugate (PCP-Cys) to reduce 0.02% oxidized glutathione (GSSG) was evaluated via iodometric titration in aqueous solution. Glutathione in its reduced form (GSH; 0.1%-0.4%) and in combination with 0.5% PCP-Cys were tested for their permeation enhancement of sodium fluorescein (NaFlu) and fluorescence labeled bacitracin (bac-FITC) used as paracellular markers. Permeation studies across guinea pig duodenum were carried out in Ussing-type chambers. Opening of the tight junctions was additionally monitored by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements.

RESULTS

PCP-Cys (0.5%) was shown to reduce 22.0%+/-8.2% of GSSG (0.02%) to GSH in aqueous solution at pH 7.0 and 37 degrees C within 3 h. Permeation of NaFlu was shown to depend on the concentration of GSH. The apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) of NaFlu in buffer only was 4.98+/-0.5*10(-6), while in the presence of 0.4% GSH a Papp of 9.31+/-0.92*10(-6) was achieved, representing an enhancement ratio (R = Papp enhancer system/Papp control) of 1.86. The combination of GSH (0.4%) with PCP-Cys (0.5%) led to a significant (p < 0.001) improvement of R for NaFlu up to 2.93 accompanied by a decrease in TEER of 20.3%+/-1.4%. Incubation of bac-FITC with the same GSH/PCP-Cys combination led to an enhancement ratio of 2.06 within 3 h.

CONCLUSION

GSH plays an important role in the opening of tight junctions of intestinal epithelia. It would appear that PCP-Cys is able to reduce GSSG, prolonging the concentration of GSH at the apical membrane, resulting in significantly enhanced paracellular transport.

Thiolated polymers: synthesis and in vitro evaluation of polymer-cysteamine conjugates

The purpose of the present study was to synthesize and characterize novel thiolated polymers. Mediated by a carbodiimide cysteamine was covalently linked to sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and polycarbophil (PCP). The resulting CMC-cysteamine conjugates displayed 77.9+/-6.7 and 365.1+/-8.7 micromol thiol groups per gram of polymer, whereas the PCP-cysteamine conjugates showed 26.3+/-1.9 and 122.7+/-3.8 micromol thiol groups per gram of polymer (mean+/-S.D.; n=3). In aqueous solutions above pH 5.0 both modified polymers were capable of forming inter- and/or intra-molecular disulfide bonds. The reaction velocity of this oxidation process was accelerated with a decrease in the proton concentration. The oxidation proceeded more rapidly within thiolated CMC than within thiolated PCP. Permeation studies carried out in Ussing-type chambers with freshly excised intestinal mucosa from guinea pigs utilizing sodium fluorescein as model drug for the paracellular uptake revealed an enhancement ratio (R=P(app) (conjugate)/P(app) (control)) of 1.15 and 1.41 (mean+/-S.D.; n=3) for the higher thiolated CMC-cysteamine (0.5%; m/v) and PCP-cysteamine conjugate (1.0%; m/v), respectively. The decrease in the transepithelial electrical resistance values was in good correlation with the enhancement ratios. Due to a high crosslinking tendency by the formation of disulfide bonds stabilizing drug carrier systems based on thiolated polymers and a permeation enhancing effect, CMC- and PCP-cysteamine conjugates represent promising excipients for the development of novel drug delivery systems.