A novel nasal co-loaded loratadine and sulpiride nanoemulsion with improved downregulation of TNF-α, TGF-β and IL-1 in rabbit models of ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis

Intranasal delivery of sulpiride nanostructured lipid carrier to central nervous system; in vitro characterization and in vivo study

The low and erratic oral absorption of sulpiride (SUL) a dopaminergic receptor antagonist, and its P-glycoprotein efflux in the gastrointestinal tract restricted its oral route for central nervous system disorders. An intranasal formulation was formulated based on nanostructured lipid carrier to tackle these obstacles and deliver SUL directly to the brain. Sulipride-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (SUL-NLC) was prepared using compritol®888 ATO and different types of liquid lipids and emulsifiers. SUL-NLCs were characterized for their particle size, charge, and encapsulation efficiency. Morphology and compatibility with other NLC excipients were also studied. Moreover, SUL in vitro release, nanodispersion stability, in vivo performance and SUL pharmacokinetics were investigated. Results delineates that SUL-NLC have a particle size ranging from 366.2 ± 62.1 to 640.4 ± 50.2 nm and encapsulation efficiency of 75.5 ± 1.5%. SUL showed a sustained release pattern over 24 h and maintained its physical stability for three months. Intranasal SUL-NLC showed a significantly (p < 0.01) higher SUL brain concentration than that found in plasma after oral administration of commercial SUL product with 4.47-fold increase in the relative bioavailability. SUL-NLCs as a nose to brain approach is a promising formulation for enhancing the SUL bioavailability and efficient management of neurological disorders.

Conjugation of sulpiride with a cell penetrating peptide to augment the antidepressant efficacy and reduce serum prolactin levels

Depression ranks as the fourth most prevalent global disease, with suicide incidents occurring at a younger age. Sulpiride (SUL), an atypical antidepressant drug acting as a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist and possessing anti-inflammatory properties, exhibits limited ability to penetrate the blood brain barrier (BBB). This weak penetration hampers its inhibitory effect on prolactin release in the pituitary gland, consequently leading to hyperprolactinemia. In order to enhance the central nervous system efficacy of sulpiride and reduce serum prolactin levels, we covalently linked sulpiride to VPALR derived from the nuclear DNA repair protein ku70. In vivo study on depressive mice using intraperitoneal injection of VPALR-SUL demonstrated a significant increase in struggle time and total distance compared to those treated with only sulpiride while also reducing serum prolactin concentration. The pharmacokinetic study results showed that VPALR-SUL prolonged half-life and increased bioavailability. In conclusion, VPALR-SUL exhibited potential for enhancing sulpiride transport across the BBB, augmenting its antidepressant effects, and reducing serum prolactin levels. This study laid a foundation for improving sulpiride delivery and developing novel antidepressants.

Downregulation of lncRNA CDKN2B-AS1 attenuates inflammatory response in mice with allergic rhinitis by regulating miR-98-5p/SOCS1 axis

Long non-coding RNA cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense RNA 1 (CDKN2B-AS1) in various diseases has been verified. However, the underlying mechanism of CDKN2B-AS1 contributes to the development of allergic rhinitis (AR) remains unknown. To evaluate the impact of CDKN2B-AS1 on AR, BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of normal saline containing ovalbumin (OVA) and calmogastrin to establish an AR model. Nasal rubbing and sneezing were documented after the final OVA treatment. The concentrations of IgE, IgG1, and inflammatory elements were quantified using ELISA. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunofluorescence were used to assess histopathological variations and tryptase expression, respectively. StarBase, TargetScan and luciferase reporter assays were applied to predict and confirm the interactions among CDKN2B-AS1, miR-98-5p, and SOCS1. CDKN2B-AS1, miR-98-5p, and SOCS1 levels were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) or western blotting. Our results revealed that CDKN2B-AS1 was obviously over-expressed in the nasal mucosa of AR patients and AR mice. Down-regulation of CDKN2B-AS1 significantly decreased nasal rubbing and sneezing frequencies, IgE and IgG1 concentrations, and cytokine levels. Furthermore, down-regulation of CDKN2B-AS1 also relieved the pathological changes in the nasal mucosa, and the infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells. Importantly, these results were reversed by the miR-98-5p inhibitor, whereas miR-98-5p directly targeted CDKN2B-AS1, and miR-98-5p negatively regulated SOCS1 level. Our findings demonstrate that down-regulation of CDKN2B-AS1 improves allergic inflammation and symptoms in a murine model of AR through the miR-98-5p/SOCS1 axis, which provides new insights into the latent functions of CDKN2B-AS1 in AR treatment.

Loratadine oral bioavailability enhancement via solid dispersion loaded oro-dispersible films: Formulation, characterization and pharmacokinetics

Loratadine (LRD) belongs to second-generation tricyclic H1 antihistamine class, known for its non-sedating properties in allergic reactions. H1 antihistamines avoid and block the responses to allergens or histamine in nose and conjunctivae, thereby abolishing itching, congestion and sneezing. LRD is a Biopharmaceutical Class System (BCS) class II drug with dissolution or solubility limited absorption which limited the oral bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of LRD. To improve the oral bioavailability of LRD for allergic disease (urticaria) treatment, LRD solid dispersions (LRD-SDs) were integrating into oro-dispersible films (ODFs). LRD-SDs were prepared through hot-melt extrusion method (HME) using d-alpha-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS-1000), and polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer (SP). Subsequently, LRD-SDs were incorporated in ODFs by solvent casting method. The physicochemical and mechanical properties of LRD solid dispersions-loaded oro-dispersible films (LRD-SDs-ODFs), were evaluated. The in-vitro dissolution, ex-vivo permeation, oral bioavailability, and pharmacodynamics studies were conducted to evaluate LRD-SDs-ODFs efficiency. LRD-SDs-ODFs showed superior solubility and in-vitro dissolution results compared to that of pure LRD (p < 0.05). The solubility of the LRD-SD coded as LTS-4 was 190 times higher than the pure drug in aqueous media. The average hydrodynamic particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP) of SD particles were 76 ± 2.1 nm, 0.20 ± 0.08 and - 19.16 ± 1.4 mV, respectively. Moreover, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed the amorphousness of LRD in LRD-SDs-ODFs. The permeability flux of LRD was 44.6 ± 3.1 μg/cm2/h from DPF-5 formulation. Likewise, in vivo oral bioavailability of DPF-5 in Sprague-Dawley rats was significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to free LRD. Further, wheal area was reduced 20 % higher than LRD in 8 h (p < 0.05). Overall, LRD-SDs-ODFs considerably enhanced LRD solubility, dissolution rate, bioavailability, and antihistaminic efficacy. Our findings show that SDs-ODFs is an effective carrier system for delivering poorly soluble LRD.

Chitosan coated clove oil-based nanoemulsion: An attractive option for oral delivery of leflunomide in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a distressing inflammatory autoimmune disease, is managed mainly by Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), e.g. leflunomide (LEF). LEF (BCS class II) has limited solubility and adverse effects following its systemic exposure. The appealing antirheumatic properties of both clove oil and chitosan (CS) were exploited to design oral leflunomide (LEF)-loaded nanoemulsion (NE) system to augment the therapeutic action of LEF and decrease its systemic side effects as well. Different LEF-NEs were prepared using clove oil, Tween® 20 (surfactant), and PEG 400(co-surfactant) and characterized by thermodynamic stability, percentage transmittance, cloud point, size analysis, and drug content. Optimized LEF-NE was subjected to CS coating forming LEF-CS-NE that exhibited nanometric size range, prolonged drug release, and good physical stability. In vivo anti-rheumatic activity of pure LEF, market LEF, and LEF-CS-NE was assessed utilizing a complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) rat model. Treatment with LEF-CS-NE reduced edema rate (48.68% inhibition) and caused a marked reduction in interleukin-6 (IL-6) (510.9 ± 2.48 pg/ml), tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) (397.3 ± 2.53 pg/ml), and rheumatoid factor (RF) (42.58 ± 0.49 U/ml). Furthermore, LEF-CS-NE reduced serum levels of glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) to (83.19%) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) to (40.68%) compared to the control + ve group. The effects of LEF-CS-NE were also superior to both pure and market LEF and showed better results in histopathological studies of paws, liver, kidney, lung, and heart. The remarkable therapeutic and safety profile of LEF-CS-NE makes it a potential oral system for the management of RA.

Activation of cancer immunotherapy by nanomedicine

Cancer is one of the most difficult diseases to be treated in the world. Immunotherapy has made great strides in cancer treatment in recent years, and several tumor immunotherapy drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Currently, immunotherapy faces many challenges, such as lacking specificity, cytotoxicity, drug resistance, etc. Nanoparticles have the characteristics of small particle size and stable surface function, playing a miraculous effect in anti-tumor treatment. Nanocarriers such as polymeric micelles, liposomes, nanoemulsions, dendrimers, and inorganic nanoparticles have been widely used to overcome deficits in cancer treatments including toxicity, insufficient specificity, and low bioavailability. Although nanomedicine research is extensive, only a few nanomedicines are approved to be used. Either Bottlenecks or solutions of nanomedicine in immunotherapy need to be further explored to cope with challenges. In this review, a brief overview of several types of cancer immunotherapy approaches and their advantages and disadvantages will be provided. Then, the types of nanomedicines, drug delivery strategies, and the progress of applications are introduced. Finally, the application and prospect of nanomedicines in immunotherapy and Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T) are highlighted and summarized to address the problems of immunotherapy the overall goal of this article is to provide insights into the potential use of nanomedicines and to improve the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy.

Brain Targeting of Citicoline Sodium via Hyaluronic Acid-Decorated Novel Nano-Transbilosomes for Mitigation of Alzheimer's Disease in a Rat Model: Formulation, Optimization, in vitro and in vivo Assessment

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the furthermost advanced neurodegenerative disorders resulting in cognitive and behavioral impairment. Citicoline sodium (CIT) boosts the brain's secretion of acetylcholine, which aids in membrane regeneration and repair. However, it suffers from poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeation, which results in lower levels of CIT in the brain.

PURPOSE

This study targeted to encapsulate CIT into novel nano-platform transbilosomes decorated with hyaluronic acid CIT-HA*TBLs to achieve enhanced drug delivery from the nose to the brain.

METHODS

A method of thin-film hydration was utilized to prepare different formulae of CIT-TBLs using the Box-Behnken design. The optimized formula was then hyuloranated via integration of HA to form the CIT-HA*TBLs formula. Furthermore, AD induction was performed by aluminum chloride (Alcl3), animals were allocated, and brain hippocampus tissue was isolated for ELISA and qRT-PCR analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), and microRNA-137 (miR-137) coupled with immunohistochemical amyloid-beta (Aβ1-42) expression and histopathological finding.

RESULTS

The hyuloranated CIT-HA*TBLs formula, which contained the following ingredients: PL (300 mg), Sp 60 (43.97 mg), and SDC (20 mg). They produced spherical droplets at the nanoscale (178.94 ±12.4 nm), had a high entrapment efficiency with 74.92± 5.54%, had a sustained release profile of CIT with 81.27 ±3.8% release, and had ex vivo permeation of CIT with 512.43±19.58 μg/cm2. In vivo tests showed that CIT-HA*TBL thermogel dramatically reduces the hippocampus expression of miR-137 and (Aβ1-42) expression, boosting cholinergic neurotransmission and decreasing MDA and NF-kB production. Furthermore, CIT-HA*TBLs thermogel mitigate histopathological damage in compared to the other groups.

CONCLUSION

Succinctly, the innovative loading of CIT-HA*TBLs thermogel is a prospectively invaluable intranasal drug delivery system that can raise the efficacy of CIT in Alzheimer's management.

Intranasal delivery of Clozapine using nanoemulsion-based in-situ gels: An approach for bioavailability enhancement

Limited solubility and hepatic first-pass metabolism are the main causes of low bioavailability of anti-schizophrenic drug, Clozapine (CZP). The objective of the study was to develop and validate nanoemulsion (NE) based in-situ gel of CZP for intranasal administration as an approach for bioavailability enhancement. Solubility of CZP was initially investigated in different oils, surfactants and co-surfactants, then pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed to select the optimized ratio of oil, surfactant and co-surfactant. Clear and transparent NE formulations were characterized in terms of droplet size, viscosity, solubilization capacity, transmission electron microscopy, in-vitro drug release and compatibility studies. Selected NEs were incorporated into different in-situ gel bases using combination of two thermosensitive polymers; Pluronic® F-127 (PF127) and F-68 (PF68). NE-based gels (NG) were investigated for gelation temperature, viscosity, gel strength, spreadability and stability. Moreover, selected NGs were evaluated for ex-vivo permeation, mucoadhesive strength and nasal ciliotoxicity. Peppermint oil, tween 80 and transcutol P were chosen for NE preparation owing to their maximum CZP solubilization. Clear NE points extrapolated from tween 80:transcutol P (1:1) phase diagram and passed dispersibility and stability tests, demonstrated globule size of 67.99 to 354.96 nm and zeta potential of −12.4 to −3.11 mV with enhanced in-vitro CZP release (>90% in some formulations). After incorporation of the selected N3 and N9 formulations of oil:Smix of 1:7 and 2:7, respectively to a mixture of PF127 and PF68 (20:2% w/w), the resultant NG formulations exhibited optimum gelation temperature and viscosity with enhanced CZP permeation and retention through sheep nasal mucosa. Ciliotoxicity examinations of the optimum NGs displayed no inflammation or damage of the lining epithelium and the underlying cells of the nasal mucosa. In conclusion, NE-based gels may be a promising dosage form of CZP for schizophrenia treatment.

Recent exploration of nanoemulsions for drugs and cosmeceuticals delivery

BACKGROUND

Nanoemulsions (NEs) have been explored as nanocarriers for the delivery of many drugs and cosmeceuticals. The extraordinary expansion of using NEs is due to their capability to conquer the main challenges of conventional delivery systems such as short residence time with low patient acceptance, poor stability, low aqueous solubility, permeability, and hence bioavailability.

METHODS

This review recapitulated the most recent pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical applications of NEs as effective delivery nanocarriers. The outputs of our research studies and the literature review on the latest NEs applications were assessed to highlight the NEs components, preparations, applications, and the improved quality and elegance of the used product.

RESULTS

NEs are stable submicronic translucent dispersions with narrow droplet size distribution. They exhibited excellent ability to efficiently encapsulate therapeutics of diverse nature of drugs and cosmeceuticals. NE formulations showed superiority over conventional delivery approaches with overabundances of advantages through different routes of administration. This novel technology exhibited better aesthetic appeal, higher bioavailability, and a longer duration compared to the conventional delivery systems.

CONCLUSION

This novel technology holds promise for different therapeutics fields. However, the success of NEs use advocated the development of robust formulations, proper choice of equipment, ample process characterization, and assurance of their efficacy, stability, safety and cosmetic appeal.