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Luo X, Jia K, Xing J, Yi J. The utilization of nanotechnology in the female reproductive system and related disorders. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25477. [PMID: 38333849 PMCID: PMC10850912 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The health of the reproductive system is intricately linked to female fertility and quality of life. There has been a growing prevalence of reproductive system disorders among women, particularly in younger age groups, resulting in significant adverse effects on their reproductive health. Consequently, there is an urgent need for effective treatment modalities. Nanotechnology, as an advanced discipline, provides innovative avenues for managing and treating diseases of the female reproductive system by enabling precise manipulation and regulation of biological molecules and cells. By utilizing nanodelivery systems, drugs can be administered with pinpoint accuracy, leading to reduced side effects and improved therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, nanomaterial imaging techniques enhance diagnostic precision and sensitivity, aiding in the assessment of disease severity and progression. Furthermore, the implementation of nanobiosensors facilitates early detection and prevention of ailments. This comprehensive review aims to summarize recent applications of nanotechnology in the treatment of female reproductive system diseases. The latest advancements in drug delivery, diagnosis, and treatment approaches will be discussed, with an emphasis on the potential of nanotechnology to improve treatment outcomes and overall quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Luo
- Department of Medical Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Basic Medicine Research Innovation Center for Cardiometabolic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Keran Jia
- Department of Medical Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Basic Medicine Research Innovation Center for Cardiometabolic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinshan Xing
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Jingyan Yi
- Department of Medical Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Basic Medicine Research Innovation Center for Cardiometabolic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
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Vora LK, Tekko IA, Zanutto FV, Sabri A, Choy RKM, Mistilis J, Kwarteng P, Jarrahian C, McCarthy HO, Donnelly RF. A Bilayer Microarray Patch (MAP) for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis: The Role of MAP Designs and Formulation Composition in Enhancing Long-Acting Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:142. [PMID: 38276512 PMCID: PMC10819247 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010142] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Microarray patches (MAPs) have shown great potential for efficient and patient-friendly drug delivery through the skin; however, improving their delivery efficiency for long-acting drug release remains a significant challenge. This research provides an overview of novel strategies aimed at enhancing the efficiency of MAP delivery of micronized cabotegravir sodium (CAB Na) for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The refinement of microneedle design parameters, including needle length, shape, density, and arrangement, and the formulation properties, such as solubility, viscosity, polymer molecular weight, and stability, are crucial for improving penetration and release profiles. Additionally, a bilayer MAP optimization step was conducted by diluting the CAB Na polymeric mixture to localize the drug into the tips of the needles to enable rapid drug deposition into the skin following MAP application. Six MAP designs were analyzed and investigated with regard to delivery efficiency into the skin in ex vivo and in vivo studies. The improved MAP design and formulations were found to be robust and had more than 30% in vivo delivery efficiency, with plasma levels several-fold above the therapeutic concentration over a month. Repeated weekly dosing demonstrated the robustness of MAPs in delivering a consistent and sustained dose of CAB. In summary, CAB Na MAPs were able to deliver therapeutically relevant levels of drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalitkumar K. Vora
- Medical Biology Centre, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (L.K.V.); (I.A.T.); (F.V.Z.); (A.S.)
| | - Ismaiel A. Tekko
- Medical Biology Centre, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (L.K.V.); (I.A.T.); (F.V.Z.); (A.S.)
| | - Fabiana Volpe Zanutto
- Medical Biology Centre, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (L.K.V.); (I.A.T.); (F.V.Z.); (A.S.)
| | - Akmal Sabri
- Medical Biology Centre, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (L.K.V.); (I.A.T.); (F.V.Z.); (A.S.)
| | - Robert K. M. Choy
- PATH, 2201 Westlake Avenue, Seattle, DC 98121, USA; (R.K.M.C.); (J.M.)
| | - Jessica Mistilis
- PATH, 2201 Westlake Avenue, Seattle, DC 98121, USA; (R.K.M.C.); (J.M.)
| | | | | | - Helen O. McCarthy
- Medical Biology Centre, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (L.K.V.); (I.A.T.); (F.V.Z.); (A.S.)
| | - Ryan F. Donnelly
- Medical Biology Centre, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (L.K.V.); (I.A.T.); (F.V.Z.); (A.S.)
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To EE. Cell and Tissue Specific Metabolism of Nucleoside and Nucleotide Drugs: Case Studies and Implications for Precision Medicine. Drug Metab Dispos 2023; 51:360-368. [PMID: 36446610 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.122.000856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Many clinically used antiviral drugs are nucleoside or nucleotide analog drugs, which have a unique mechanism of action that requires intracellular phosphorylation. This dependence on intracellular activation presents novel challenges for the discovery and development of nucleoside/nucleotide analog drugs. Contrary to many small molecule drug development programs that rely on plasma pharmacokinetics and systemic exposures, the precise mechanisms that result in efficacious intracellular nucleoside triphosphate concentrations must be understood in the process of nucleoside/nucleotide drug development. The importance is highlighted here, using the following as case studies: the herpes treatment acyclovir, the cytomegalovirus therapy ganciclovir, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatments based on tenofovir, which are also in use for HIV prophylaxis. For each drug, the specificity of metabolism that results in its activation in different cells or tissues is discussed, and the implications explored. Acyclovir's dependence on a viral enzyme for activation provides selective pressure for resistance mutations. Ganciclovir is also dependent on a viral enzyme for activation, and suicide gene therapy capitalizes on that for a novel oncology treatment. The tissue of most relevance for tenofovir activation depends on its use as treatment or as prophylaxis, and the pharmacogenomics and drug-drug interactions in those tissues must be considered. Finally, differential metabolism of different tenofovir prodrugs and its effects on toxicity risk are explored. Taken together, these examples highlight the importance of understanding tissue specific metabolism for optimal use of nucleoside/nucleotide drugs in the clinic. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Nucleoside and nucleotide analogue drugs are cornerstones in current antiviral therapy and prevention efforts that require intracellular phosphorylation for activity. Understanding their cell and tissue specific metabolism enables their rational, precision use for maximum efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine E To
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California, USA
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Flexner C. The future of long-acting agents for preexposure prophylaxis. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2022; 17:192-198. [PMID: 35762373 PMCID: PMC9467455 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000735] [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] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The main reason for the failure of oral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) regimens for HIV is poor adherence. Intramuscular cabotegravir was recently approved for PrEP, and a number of other long-acting antiretroviral formulations and products are currently in clinical development. This includes subcutaneous and intravenous injections, implants, and microarray (microneedle) patches, as well as extended duration oral drugs. The success and future uptake of these products will depend on a variety of factors. RECENT FINDINGS Long-acting delivery of antiretroviral agents for PrEP confers significant advantages over short-acting oral delivery. This is exemplified by the superior efficacy of intramuscular cabotegravir given every eight weeks as compared to daily oral co-formulated tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine. There is also evidence for PrEP efficacy for a broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibody given intravenously every eight weeks. One of the leading candidates for long-acting PrEP, islatravir, was being studied as a monthly oral drug or a nonerodable subcutaneous implant inserted for up to 12 months. However, clinical studies of this agent were put on hold in late 2021 because of unanticipated lymphopenia. SUMMARY Long-acting antiretroviral products have substantial promise for PrEP and have particular advantages over daily oral drugs based mainly on improved adherence. However, there are barriers to further uptake that include the need for more intensive interaction with systems of healthcare delivery, greater expense and complexity of implementation, and unexpected long-term toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Flexner
- Divisions of Clinical Pharmacology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine and Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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