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Roldan TL, Li S, Guillon C, Heindel ND, Laskin JD, Lee IH, Gao D, Sinko PJ. Optimizing Nanosuspension Drug Release and Wound Healing Using a Design of Experiments Approach: Improving the Drug Delivery Potential of NDH-4338 for Treating Chemical Burns. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:471. [PMID: 38675132 PMCID: PMC11053863 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
NDH-4338 is a highly lipophilic prodrug comprising indomethacin and an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. A design of experiments approach was used to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the wound healing efficacy of optimized NDH-4338 nanosuspensions against nitrogen mustard-induced skin injury. Nanosuspensions were prepared by sonoprecipitation in the presence of a Vitamin E TPGS aqueous stabilizer solution. Critical processing parameters and material attributes were optimized to reduce particle size and determine the effect on dissolution rate and burn healing efficacy. The antisolvent/solvent ratio (A/S), dose concentration (DC), and drug/stabilizer ratio (D/S) were the critical sonoprecipitation factors that control particle size. These factors were subjected to a Box-Behnken design and response surface analysis, and model quality was assessed. Maximize desirability and simulation experiment optimization approaches were used to determine nanosuspension parameters with the smallest size and the lowest defect rate within the 10-50 nm specification limits. Optimized and unoptimized nanosuspensions were prepared and characterized. An established depilatory double-disc mouse model was used to evaluate the healing of nitrogen mustard-induced dermal injuries. Optimized nanosuspensions (A/S = 6.2, DC = 2% w/v, D/S = 2.8) achieved a particle size of 31.46 nm with a narrow size range (PDI = 0.110) and a reduced defect rate (42.2 to 6.1%). The optimized nanosuspensions were stable and re-dispersible, and they showed a ~45% increase in cumulative drug release and significant edema reduction in mice. Optimized NDH-4338 nanosuspensions were smaller with more uniform sizes that led to improved physical stability, faster dissolution, and enhanced burn healing efficacy compared to unoptimized nanosuspensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas L. Roldan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (T.L.R.); (S.L.); (I.H.L.); (D.G.)
| | - Shike Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (T.L.R.); (S.L.); (I.H.L.); (D.G.)
| | - Christophe Guillon
- CounterACT Center of Excellence, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (C.G.); (N.D.H.); (J.D.L.)
- Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
| | - Ned D. Heindel
- CounterACT Center of Excellence, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (C.G.); (N.D.H.); (J.D.L.)
- Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
| | - Jeffrey D. Laskin
- CounterACT Center of Excellence, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (C.G.); (N.D.H.); (J.D.L.)
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - In Heon Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (T.L.R.); (S.L.); (I.H.L.); (D.G.)
| | - Dayuan Gao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (T.L.R.); (S.L.); (I.H.L.); (D.G.)
- CounterACT Center of Excellence, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (C.G.); (N.D.H.); (J.D.L.)
| | - Patrick J. Sinko
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (T.L.R.); (S.L.); (I.H.L.); (D.G.)
- CounterACT Center of Excellence, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (C.G.); (N.D.H.); (J.D.L.)
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Rao TJR, Mao G, Cuffari BJ, Billack B. Dysregulation of the mTOR pathway by mechlorethamine. Toxicology 2023; 486:153434. [PMID: 36708981 PMCID: PMC10266297 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Mechlorethamine (HN2) is a derivative of the chemical warfare agent sulfur mustard (SM) and cutaneous exposure to HN2 is associated with dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ) disruption (vesication). The primary purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of HN2 on the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway using an in vivo mouse ear vesicant model (MEVM). To this end, the ears of male C57BL/ 6 J mice were exposed to a single topical dose of HN2 (100 mM) or vehicle control (DMSO). Mice were then euthanized 30 min, 1 h or 24 h following exposure. Mouse ear skin exposed to HN2 and biopsied 24 h thereafter exhibited increased tissue expression of Raptor, an important member of the mTORC1 complex, relative to vehicle treated samples. HN2 reduced the downstream effectors phospho S6 (Ser 240/244) ribosomal protein and phospho 4E-BP1 (Thr 37/46) of the mTOR pathway in the epidermis at 30 min, 1 h and 24 h following HN2 exposure but not in the dermis. These results support the hypothesis that HN2-mediated cutaneous toxicity involves dysregulation of the mTOR signaling pathway in the epidermis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ganming Mao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Jamaica, NY, USA
| | - Benedette J Cuffari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Jamaica, NY, USA
| | - Blase Billack
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Jamaica, NY, USA.
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Roldan TL, Li S, Laskin JD, Gao D, Sinko PJ. Depilatory double-disc mouse model for evaluation of vesicant dermal injury pharmacotherapy countermeasures. Animal Model Exp Med 2023; 6:57-65. [PMID: 36872306 PMCID: PMC9986227 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical warfare vesicant that severely injures exposed eyes, lungs, and skin. Mechlorethamine hydrochloride (NM) is widely used as an SM surrogate. This study aimed to develop a depilatory double-disc (DDD) NM skin burn model for investigating vesicant pharmacotherapy countermeasures. METHODS Hair removal method (clipping only versus clipping followed by a depilatory), the effect of acetone in the vesicant administration vehicle, NM dose (0.5-20 μmol), vehicle volume (5-20 μl), and time course (0.5-21 days) were investigated using male and female CD-1 mice. Edema, an indicator of burn response, was assessed by biopsy skin weight. The ideal NM dose to induce partial-thickness burns was assessed by edema and histopathologic evaluation. The optimized DDD model was validated using an established reagent, NDH-4338, a cyclooxygenase, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitor prodrug. RESULTS Clipping/depilatory resulted in a 5-fold higher skin edematous response and was highly reproducible (18-fold lower %CV) compared to clipping alone. Acetone did not affect edema formation. Peak edema occurred 24-48 h after NM administration using optimized dosing methods and volume. Ideal partial-thickness burns were achieved with 5 μmol of NM and responded to treatment with NDH-4338. No differences in burn edematous responses were observed between males and females. CONCLUSION A highly reproducible and sensitive partial-thickness skin burn model was developed for assessing vesicant pharmacotherapy countermeasures. This model provides clinically relevant wound severity and eliminates the need for organic solvents that induce changes to the skin barrier function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas L. Roldan
- Department of PharmaceuticsRutgers University Ernest Mario School of PharmacyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Shike Li
- Department of PharmaceuticsRutgers University Ernest Mario School of PharmacyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Jeffrey D. Laskin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational HealthRutgers University School of Public HealthPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- CounterACT Center of ExcellenceRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Dayuan Gao
- Department of PharmaceuticsRutgers University Ernest Mario School of PharmacyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- CounterACT Center of ExcellenceRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Patrick J. Sinko
- Department of PharmaceuticsRutgers University Ernest Mario School of PharmacyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- CounterACT Center of ExcellenceRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
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Tumu HCR, Cuffari BJ, Billack B. Combination of ebselen and hydrocortisone substantially reduces nitrogen mustard-induced cutaneous injury. Curr Res Toxicol 2021; 2:375-385. [PMID: 34806038 PMCID: PMC8585582 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the vesicant countermeasure effects of hydrocortisone (HC) and ebselen (EB-1), administered as monotherapy or as a combination treatment. The mouse ear vesicant model (MEVM) was utilized and test doses of HC (0.016, 0.023, 0.031, 0.047, 0.063, 0.125 or 0.250 mg/ear), EB-1 (0.125, 0.187, 0.250, 0.375 or 0.500 mg/ear) or the combination of HC + EB-1 were topically applied at 15 min, 4 h and 8 h after nitrogen mustard exposure. Ear punch biopsies were obtained 24 h after mechlorethamine (HN2) exposure. Compared to control ears, ear tissues exposed topically to HN2 (0.500 µmol/ear) presented with an increase in ear thickness, vesication, TUNEL fluorescence and expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In contrast, HN2 exposed ears treated topically with EB-1 showed a significant decrease in morphometric thickness and vesication vs. HN2 alone. Ear tissues exposed to HN2 and then treated with HC also demonstrated reductions in morphometric thickness and vesication. Combination treatment of HC + EB-1 was found to be the most effective at reducing HN2-induced ear edema and vesication. The combination also dramatically decreased HN2-mediated cutaneous expression of iNOS and MMP-9 and decreased HN2-induced TUNEL staining. Taken together, our study demonstrates that the combination of HC + EB-1 is an efficacious countermeasure to HN2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemanta C Rao Tumu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Jamaica, NY, USA
| | - Benedette J. Cuffari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Jamaica, NY, USA
| | - Blase Billack
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Jamaica, NY, USA
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Menon S, Vartak R, Patel K, Billack B. Evaluation of the antifungal activity of an ebselen-loaded nanoemulsion in a mouse model of vulvovaginal candidiasis. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2021; 37:102428. [PMID: 34217850 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2021.102428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), caused by Candida albicans, is a common infection in women affecting their quality of life. Standard antifungal drugs (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole) are typically fungistatic or rendered ineffective due to drug resistance indicating an urgent need to build an arsenal of novel antifungal agents. To surmount this issue, we tested the hypothesis that the organoselenium compound ebselen (EB) possesses antifungal efficacy in a mouse model of VVC. EB is a poorly water-soluble drug and DMSO as a vehicle has the potential to exhibit cytotoxic effects when administered in vivo. EB loaded self-nanoemulsifying preconcentrate (EB-SNEP) was developed, characterized in vitro, and tested in a mouse model of VVC. In vivo studies carried out with EB-SNEP (12.5 mg/kg) showed a remarkable decrease in infection by ~562-fold compared to control (infected, untreated animals). Taken together, EB nanoemulsion proved to be an effective and promising antifungal agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvidha Menon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, Jamaica, NY, USA
| | - Richa Vartak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, Jamaica, NY, USA
| | - Ketankumar Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, Jamaica, NY, USA.
| | - Blase Billack
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, Jamaica, NY, USA.
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Antifungal Activity of Novel Formulations Based on Terpenoid Prodrugs against C. albicans in a Mouse Model. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13050633. [PMID: 33946740 PMCID: PMC8146751 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Carvacrol (CAR), a phenolic monoterpenoid, has been extensively investigated for its antimicrobial and antifungal activity. As a result of its poor physicochemical properties, water soluble carvacrol prodrugs (WSCPs) with improved water solubility were previously synthesized and found to possess antimicrobial activity. Here, three novel CAR analogs, WSCP1, WSCP2, and WSCP3, were tested against fluconazole (FLU)-sensitive and -resistant strains where they showed greater antifungal activity than CAR against C. albicans. The probable mechanism by which the CAR prodrugs exert the antifungal activity was studied. Results from medium acidification assays demonstrated that the CAR and its synthetically designed prodrugs inhibit the yeast plasma membrane H+-ATPase (Pma1p), an essential target in fungi. In other words, in vitro data indicated that CAR analogs can prove to be a better alternative to CAR considering their improved water solubility. In addition, CAR and WSCP1 were developed into intravaginal formulations and administered at test doses of 50 mg/kg in a mouse model of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Whereas the CAR and WSCP1 formulations both exhibited antifungal efficacy in the mouse model of VVC, the WSCP1 formulation was superior to CAR, showing a remarkable decrease in infection by ~120-fold compared to the control (infected, untreated animals). Taken together, a synthetically designed prodrug of CAR, namely WSCP1, proved to be a possible solution for poorly water-soluble drugs, an inhibitor of an essential yeast pump in vitro and an effective and promising antifungal agent in vivo.
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Assessment of the time-dependent dermatotoxicity of mechlorethamine using the mouse ear vesicant model. Interdiscip Toxicol 2019; 11:255-266. [PMID: 31762677 PMCID: PMC6853016 DOI: 10.2478/intox-2018-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechlorethamine (HN2) is an alkylating agent and sulfur mustard gas mimetic which is also used in anticancer therapy. HN2 is associated with skin inflammation and blistering which can lead to secondary infections. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the time-dependent dermatotoxicity of HN2 using the mouse ear vesicant model (MEVM). To this end, our operational definition of dermatotoxicity included tissue responses to HN2 consistent with an increase in the wet weights of mouse ear punch biopsies, an increase in the morphometric thickness of H&E stained ear sections and histopathologic observations including tissue edema, inflammatory cell infiltration and vesication. The ears of male Swiss Webster mice were topically exposed to a single dose of HN2 (0.5 μmol/ear) or DMSO vehicle (5 μl/ear) or left untreated (naive). Mice were then euthanized at 15 min, 1, 2, 4, 8 or 24 hr following HN2 exposure. Compared to control ears, mouse ears exposed to HN2 at all time points showed an increase in wet weights, morphometric thickness, edema, inflammatory cell infiltration and signs of vesication. The incidence in tissue vesication sharply increased between 4 and 8 hr after exposure, revealing that tissue vesication is well established by 8 hr and remains elevated at 24 hr after exposure. It is noteworthy that, compared to control ears, mouse ears treated with DMSO vehicle alone also exhibited an increase in wet weights and morphometric thickness at 15 min, 1, 2 and 4 hr following treatment; however, these vehicle effects begin to subside after 4 hr. The results obtained here using the MEVM provide a more holistic understanding of the kinetics of vesication, and indicate that time points earlier than 24 hr may prove useful not only for investigating the complex mechanisms involved in vesication but also for assessing the effects of vesicant countermeasures.
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