Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Sertaconazole Nitrate Is Mediated via Activation of a p38–COX-2–PGE2 Pathway

Sertaconazole provokes proapoptotic autophagy via stabilizing TRADD in nonsmall cell lung cancer cells

Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed and lethal cancers characterized by relatively low overall cure and poor survival rates with great challenge for consistent effective clinical treatment. Here we demonstrated that the antifungal sertaconazole displays potent anti-NSCLC effect by promoting apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Further studies found that sertaconazole induces complete autophagic flux, which contributes to sertaconazole-induced apoptosis and subsequent growth suppression in NSCLC cells. Further studies demonstrated that sertaconazole provokes TNF receptor type 1 associated death domain protein (TRADD) expression via stabilizing it from ubiquitination-mediated degradation, which results in Akt dephosphorylation and thereby triggers proapoptotic autophagy in NSCLC cells. Moreover, we found that TRADD suppression reverses sertaconazole-induced proapoptotic autophagy and relieves growth suppression, indicating the vital role of TRADD-regulated proapoptotic autophagy in the anti-NSCLC activity of sertaconazole. In summary, our findings suggest that sertaconazole could be a highly promising anti-NSCLC drug by triggering proapoptotic autophagy via stabilizing TRADD, which may provide a new potential therapeutic option for patients with NSCLC.

Amelioration of Ambient Particulate Matter (PM2.5)-Induced Lung Injury in Rats by Aerobic Exercise Training

Ambient particulate matter (PM_2.5), as an inflammation-inducing factor, increases the prevalence of lung injury. The aim of this study was to examine the protective effect and mechanism of aerobic exercise on PM_2.5 exposure-induced lung injury. Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: sedentary+PM_2.5 exposure, exercise+PM_2.5 exposure, sedentary, and exercise groups. All rats in the exercise-related groups underwent 8-week aerobic interval treadmill training (5daysweek⁻¹, 1hday⁻¹). PM-exposed rats were exposed to ambient PM_2.5 (6h day⁻¹) for 3weeks after the 8-week exercise intervention. Then, ventilation function, histopathological changes, and inflammation responses of pulmonary tissue were examined. Results showed that PM_2.5 exposure induced lung injury as manifested by decreased pulmonary function, abnormal histopathological changes, and increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor-α and Interleukin-1α). Aerobic exercise alleviated the airway obstruction, reduced respiratory muscle strength, bronchial mucosal exfoliation, ultrastructure damage, and inflammatory responses induced by PM_2.5 in exercise-related groups. The benefits of exercise were related with the downregulation of p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and the subsequent inhibition of the pathways of the cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) product, prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂). Thus, pre-exercise training may be an effective way to protect against PM_2.5-induced lung inflammatory injury in rats.

Anti-inflammatory effect of lanoconazole on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate- and 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl chloride-induced skin inflammation in mice

Background

Lanoconazole (LCZ) is a topical antifungal agent clinically used to treat fungal infections such as tinea pedis. LCZ has not only antifungal effects but also anti‐inflammatory effects, which have the potential to provide additional clinical benefits. However, the characteristic features of the inhibitory effects of LCZ on skin inflammation remain unclear.

Objective

We evaluated the inhibitory effects of topical application of LCZ, and compared the effects of LCZ with those of other antifungal agents including liranaftate, terbinafine and amorolfine.

Methods

Each antifungal agent was topically applied on 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate‐induced irritant dermatitis and 2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl chloride‐induced contact dermatitis in mice (BALB/c). The ear thickness, myeloperoxidase activity and inflammatory mediator contents were evaluated.

Results

LCZ dose‐dependently suppressed 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate‐induced irritant dermatitis, suppressed the production of neutrophil chemotactic factors such as keratinocyte‐derived chemokine and macrophage inflammatory protein‐2, and inhibited neutrophil infiltration to the inflammation site. Moreover, 1% LCZ reduced the ear swelling in mice with 2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl chloride‐induced contact dermatitis in accordance with the inhibition of interferon‐γ production. The inhibitory potency of LCZ on these types of dermatitis in mice was stronger than that of other types of antifungal agents.

Conclusion

The anti‐inflammatory effects of LCZ were exerted through the inhibition of inflammatory mediator production. These effects may contribute to the relief of dermatitis symptoms in patients with tinea pedis.

Sulfated polysaccharides of seagrass Halophila ovalis suppresses tumor necrosis factor-α-induced chemokine interleukin-8 secretion in HT-29 cell line

OBJECTIVES:

The present study aims to investigate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of seagrass Halophila ovalis sulfated polysaccharide on HT-29 cell line.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:

Monosaccharides composition was identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and the functional groups were analyzed using Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of crude extract and purified fractions was investigated in vitro.

RESULTS:

FT-IR spectra revealed that the presence of different functional groups and the presence of galactose (82.4%), xylose (7.6%), fructose (4.0%), mannose (2.0%), fucose (1.6%), glucose (1.2%), and arabinose (1.0%) was observed using LC-MS. Ho-SP and its fractions showed radical scavenging activity in hydroxyl, 2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay in a dose-dependent manner. Noticeable anti-inflammatory activity of purified fraction Ho FrIV (IC ₅₀= 43.85 μg/ml) was observed in a noncytotoxic range of concentrations and inhibited the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion (0.27 ng/ml) in HT-29 cell line.

CONCLUSION:

Overall, the results presented in this study suggest that purified fraction Ho FrIV of Ho-SP could suppress the TNF-α-induced secretion of IL-8 in HT-29 and thus could be used as a promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory candidate with potential benefits.

Corneal targeted Sertaconazole nitrate loaded cubosomes: Preparation, statistical optimization, in vitro characterization, ex vivo permeation and in vivo studies

Sertaconazole nitrate (STZ) is a poorly soluble antifungal drug commonly used for treating fungal skin infections. Introducing it as a new treatment option for the management of fungal keratitis, requires the development of a delivery system capable of targeting the infected cornea with an adequate STZ concentration. Hence, Sertaconazole nitrate loaded cubosomes (STZ-CUBs) were prepared, characterized and optimized based on a 3³ central composite face-centred design. Optimized formulation (CUB-opt) showed maximum desirability (0.905), with solubilization efficiency (SE%) of 94.50 ± 0.51%, particle size (PS) of 216.55 ± 2.33 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.229 ± 0.11 and zeta potential (ZP) of 34.00 ± 6.93 mV. Under the transmission electron microscope, it showed discrete cubic shaped structures. Moreover, it exhibited a promising mucoadhesive behavior, terminal sterilization stability, and storage stability. Ex vivo corneal permeation study revealed its ability to enhance the steady state flux (J_ss) and the permeability coefficient (K_P) of STZ, compared to STZ-suspension. Finally, CUB-opt formulation was found to be safe on the corneal tissues in the in vivo corneal tolerance study, and demonstrated a superior corneal penetration power in the in vivo corneal uptake study.

Soy Phosphatidylglycerol Reduces Inflammation in a Contact Irritant Ear Edema Mouse Model In Vivo

We have previously shown that phosphatidylglycerol (PG) regulates the function of keratinocytes, the predominant cells that compose the epidermis, inhibiting the proliferation of rapidly dividing keratinocytes. In particular, soy PG, a PG mixture with a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, is efficacious at inhibiting these proliferating keratinocytes. Psoriasis is a skin disorder characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and inflammation. Data in the lung suggest that PG in pulmonary surfactant inhibits inflammation. To investigate the possibility of using PG containing polyunsaturated fatty acids for the treatment of psoriasis, we examined the effect of soy PG on inflammation induced by the application of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), a contact irritant, to mouse ears in vivo. We monitored ear thickness and weight as a measure of ear edema, as well as CD45-positive immune cell infiltration. Our results indicate that soy PG when applied together with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (vitamin D), an agent known to acutely disrupt the skin barrier, suppressed ear edema and inhibited the infiltration of CD45-positive immune cells. On the other hand, neither PG nor vitamin D alone was effective. The combination also decreased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) levels. This result suggested the possibility that PG was not permeating the skin barrier efficiently. Therefore, in a further study we applied PG in a penetration-enhancing vehicle and found that it inhibited inflammation induced by the phorbol ester and decreased CD45-positive immune cell infiltration. Our results suggest the possibility of using soy PG as a topical treatment option for psoriasis.

Voriconazole-induced photocarcinogenesis is promoted by aryl hydrocarbon receptor-dependent COX-2 upregulation

Voriconazole (VRCZ) induces the development of UV-associated skin cancers. The mechanism underlying the VRCZ-induced carcinogenesis has been largely unknown. Here, we showed that VRCZ metabolites plus UVA generated reactive oxygen species and resultant DNA damage of the epidermis, but did not induce substantial apoptosis in human keratinocytes (KCs). Furthermore, VRCZ per se stimulates aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and upregulates COX-2, which is a pivotal enzyme for the promotion of UV-associated tumors, in an AhR-ARNT dependent manner of the classical (genomic) pathway. Our findings suggest that the phototoxic moieties of VRCZ metabolites may participate in the initiation phase of VRCZ skin cancer, while VRCZ per se promotes the tumor development. Therefore, during VRCZ therapy, sun exposure protection is essential to prevent photocarcinogenesis caused by VRCZ metabolites plus UV. Chemoprevention with selective COX-2 inhibitors may be helpful to repress the development of skin cancers derived from DNA-damaged KCs.

Anti-inflammatory activity of lanoconazole, a topical antifungal agent

Topical antifungal agents which have anti-inflammatory effects have the potential to provide additional clinical benefits. Therefore, an anti-inflammatory activity of lanoconazole (LCZ), a topical antifungal agent, was investigated against in vitro and in vivo models of inflammation. The release of interleukin-8 (IL-8) from human epidermal keratinocytes stimulated by the addition of 100 μg ml(-1) β-glucan of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was significantly inhibited by LCZ at the concentration of 10(-5) mol l(-1). The release of interferon-γ and IL-2 from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated by the addition of 30 and 100 μg ml(-1) phytohemagglutinin was significantly inhibited by LCZ at the concentrations of 10(-7) and 10(-6) mol l(-1), respectively. The increase in the ear thickness induced by topical application of 0.01% 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate and 1% 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB) after sensitisation with 3% TNCB were established as the mouse models of irritant and contact dermatitis, respectively. Application of 1% and 3% LCZ showed a significant anti-inflammatory activity against both the irritant and contact dermatitis models. These findings suggest that LCZ possesses an anti-inflammatory activity, which may be partially helpful in the treatment of dermatomycoses.

Topical forms of sertaconazole in the treatment of fungal infections of the skin

The data of foreign and domestic clinical studies on the efficacy and safety of sertaconazole (SK)is discussed. Broad spectrum of activity of SK and lack of resistance to the drug is established. Several studies opens new opportunities for the SK for the treatment of dermatosis, in the pathogenesis of which play an important role of opportunistic infection. High efficiency and compliance, a significantly greater safety index than that of the other members of the azole group, suggest the SK as a formulation that extends the capabilities of the outer antimycotic therapy of fungal infections of the skin.

Sertaconazole: an antifungal agent for the topical treatment of superficial candidiasis

Sertaconazole is a useful antifungal agent against mycoses of the skin and mucosa, such as cutaneous, genital and oral candidiasis and tinea pedis. Its antifungal activity is due to inhibition of the ergosterol biosynthesis and disruption of the cell wall. At higher concentrations, sertaconazole is able to bind to nonsterol lipids of the fungal cell wall, increasing the permeability and the subsequent death of fungal cells. Fungistatic and fungicidal activities on Candida are dose-dependent. The antifungal spectrum of sertaconazole includes deramophytes, Candida, Cryptococcus, Malassezia and also Aspergillus, Scedosporium and Scopulariopsis. Sertaconazole also shows an antimicrobial activity against streptococci, staphylococci and protozoa (Trichomonas). In clinical trials including patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis, a single dose of sertaconazole produced a higher cure rate compared with other topical azoles such as econazole and clotrimazole, in shorter periods. Sertaconazole has shown an anti-inflammatory effect that is very useful for the relief of unpleasant symptoms.

The efficacy and safety of sertaconazole cream (2 %) in diaper dermatitis candidiasis

Aim

Diaper dermatitis (DD) is an inflammatory irritating condition that is common in infants. Most cases are associated with the yeast colonization of Candida or diaper dermatitis candidiasis (DDC), and therefore, the signs and symptoms improve with antimycotic treatment. Sertaconazole is a broad-spectrum third-generation imidazole derivative that is effective and safe for the treatment for superficial mycoses, such as tineas, candidiasis, and pityriasis versicolor. Our goal was to assess the efficacy and safety of sertaconazole cream (2 %) in DDC.

Materials and methods

Twenty-seven patients with clinical and mycological diagnosis of DDC were enrolled and treated with 2 daily applications for 14 days and were followed-up for 2 further weeks.

Results

Three etiologic agents were isolated: Candida albicans in 88.8 %, Candida parapsilosis in 7.3 %, and Candida glabrata in 3.2 %. There was an average symptom reduction from 7.1 to 3.2 in the middle of treatment and to 1.2 and 0.4 units at the end of treatment and follow-up, respectively. The treatment evaluation at the end of the follow-up period showed a total clinical and mycological cure in 88.8 %, improvement in 3.7 %, and failure in 7.4 %. There was side effect (3.7 %) of skin irritation, but the drug was not discontinued.

Conclusions

Based on its safety and effectiveness, sertaconazole cream may be considered a new alternative for DDC treatment.