1
|
In vitro and in vivo delivery of a sustained release nanocarrier-based formulation of an MRTF/SRF inhibitor in conjunctival fibrosis. J Nanobiotechnology 2018; 16:97. [PMID: 30482196 PMCID: PMC6258153 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-018-0425-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sustained drug delivery is a large unmet clinical need in glaucoma. Here, we incorporated a Myocardin-Related Transcription Factor/Serum Response Factor inhibitor, CCG-222740, into slow release large unilamellar vesicles derived from the liposomes DOTMA (1,2-di-O-octadecenyl-3-trimethylammonium propane) and DOPC (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine), and tested their effects in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS The vesicles were spherical particles of around 130 nm and were strongly cationic. A large amount of inhibitor could be incorporated into the vesicles. We showed that the nanocarrier CCG-222740 formulation gradually released the inhibitor over 14 days using high performance liquid chromatography. Nanocarrier CCG-222740 significantly decreased ACTA2 gene expression and was not cytotoxic in human conjunctival fibroblasts. In vivo, nanocarrier CCG-222740 doubled the bleb survival from 11.0 ± 0.6 days to 22.0 ± 1.3 days (p = 0.001), decreased conjunctival scarring and did not have any local or systemic adverse effects in a rabbit model of glaucoma filtration surgery. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates proof-of-concept that a nanocarrier-based formulation efficiently achieves a sustained release of a Myocardin-Related Transcription Factor/Serum Response Factor inhibitor and prevents conjunctival fibrosis in an established rabbit model of glaucoma filtration surgery.
Collapse
|
2
|
Sandri A, Ortombina A, Boschi F, Cremonini E, Boaretti M, Sorio C, Melotti P, Bergamini G, Lleo M. Inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa secreted virulence factors reduces lung inflammation in CF mice. Virulence 2018; 9:1008-1018. [PMID: 29938577 PMCID: PMC6086295 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2018.1489198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung infection is a complex condition where opportunistic pathogens and defective immune system cooperate in developing a constant cycle of infection and inflammation. The major pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, secretes a multitude of virulence factors involved in host immune response and lung tissue damage. In this study, we examined the possible anti-inflammatory effects of molecules inhibiting P. aeruginosa virulence factors. Methods: Pyocyanin, pyoverdine and proteases were measured in bacterial culture supernatant from different P. aeruginosa strains. Inhibition of virulence factors by sub-inhibitory concentrations of clarithromycin and by protease inhibitors was evaluated. Lung inflammatory response was monitored by in vivo bioluminescence imaging in wild-type and CFTR-knockout mice expressing a luciferase gene under the control of a bovine IL-8 promoter. Results: The amount of proteases, pyocyanin and pyoverdine secreted by P. aeruginosa strains was reduced after growth in the presence of a sub-inhibitory dose of clarithromycin. Intratracheal challenge with culture supernatant containing bacteria-released products induced a strong IL-8-mediated response in mouse lungs while lack of virulence factors corresponded to a reduction in bioluminescence emission. Particularly, sole inactivation of proteases by inhibitors Ilomastat and Marimastat also resulted in decreased lung inflammation. Conclusions: Our data support the assumption that virulence factors are involved in P. aeruginosa pro-inflammatory action in CF lungs; particularly, proteases seem to play an important role. Inhibition of virulence factors production and activity resulted in decreased lung inflammation; thus, clarithromycin and protease inhibitors potentially represent additional therapeutic therapies for P. aeruginosa-infected patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Sandri
- a Department of Diagnostics and Public Health , University of Verona , Verona , Italy
| | - Alessia Ortombina
- a Department of Diagnostics and Public Health , University of Verona , Verona , Italy
| | - Federico Boschi
- b Department of Computer Science , University of Verona , Verona , Italy
| | - Eleonora Cremonini
- a Department of Diagnostics and Public Health , University of Verona , Verona , Italy
| | - Marzia Boaretti
- a Department of Diagnostics and Public Health , University of Verona , Verona , Italy
| | - Claudio Sorio
- c Department of Medicine , University of Verona , Verona , Italy
| | - Paola Melotti
- d Cystic Fibrosis Center , Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona , Verona , Italy
| | | | - Maria Lleo
- a Department of Diagnostics and Public Health , University of Verona , Verona , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mohamed-Ahmed AHA, Lockwood A, Fadda H, Madaan S, Khaw PT, Brocchini S, Karu K. LC-MS analysis to determine the biodistribution of a polymer coated ilomastat ocular implant. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2018; 157:100-106. [PMID: 29777984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2018.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ilomastat is a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor (MMPi) that has shown the potential to inhibit scarring (fibrosis) by mediating healing after injury or surgery. A long lasting ocular implantable pharmaceutical formulation of ilomastat is being developed to mediate the healing process to prevent scarring after glaucoma filtration surgery. The ilomastat implant was coated with water permeable and biocompatible phosphoryl choline polymer (PC1059) displayed extended slow release of ilomastat in vitro and in vivo. The ocular distribution of ilomastat from the implant in rabbits at day 30 post surgery was determined by the extraction of ilomastat and its internal standard marimastat from the ocular tissues, plasma, aqueous humour and vitreous fluid followed by capillary-flow liquid chromatography (cap-LC), the column effluent was directed into a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer operating in product scan mode. The lower limits of quantification (LLOQs) were 0.3 pg/μL for ocular fluids and plasma, and 3 pg/mg for ocular tissues. The extraction recoveries were 90-95% for ilomastat and its internal standard from ocular tissues. Ilomastat was found in ocular fluids and tissues at day 30 after surgery. The level of ilomastat was 18 times higher in the aqueous humour than vitreous humour. The concentration ranking of ilomastat in the ocular tissues was sclera > bleb conjunctiva > conjunctiva (rest of the eye) > cornea. Mass spectrometry analysis to confirm the presence of ilomastat in the ocular tissues and fluids at day 30 post-surgery establishes the extended release of ilomastat can be achieved in vivo, which is crucial information for optimisation of the ilomastat coated implant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alastair Lockwood
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Hala Fadda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA
| | - Shivam Madaan
- UCL School of Pharmacy, 29/39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Peng T Khaw
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Steve Brocchini
- UCL School of Pharmacy, 29/39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Kersti Karu
- UCL Chemistry Mass Spectrometry Facility, Department of Chemistry, Christopher Ignold Building, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mohamed-Ahmed AHA, Lockwood A, Li H, Bailly M, Khaw PT, Brocchini S. An Ilomastat-CD Eye Drop Formulation to Treat Ocular Scarring. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:3425-3431. [PMID: 28692737 PMCID: PMC5713897 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-21377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to develop a topical matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor preparation for antiscarring therapy. Methods The broad spectrum matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor ilomastat was formulated using 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin in aqueous solution. In vitro activity of ilomastat-cyclodextrin (ilomastat-CD) was examined using fibroblasts seeded in collagen. Permeation of ilomastat-CD eye drop through pig eye conjunctiva was confirmed using Franz diffusion cells. Ilomastat-CD eye drop was applied to rabbit eyes in vivo, and the distribution of ilomastat in ocular tissues and fluids was determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Results The aqueous solubility of ilomastat-CD was ∼1000 μg/mL in water and 1400 μg/mL in PBS (pH 7.4), which is greater than ilomastat alone (140 and 160 μg/mL in water and PBS, respectively). The in vitro activity of ilomastat-CD to inhibit collagen contraction in the presence of human Tenon fibroblast cells was unchanged compared to uncomplexed ilomastat. Topically administered ilomastat-CD in vivo to rabbit eyes resulted in a therapeutic concentration of ilomastat being present in the sclera and conjunctiva and within the aqueous humor. Conclusions Ilomastat-CD has the potential to be formulated as an eye drop for use as an antifibrotic, which may have implications for the prevention of scarring in many settings, for example glaucoma filtration surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abeer H A Mohamed-Ahmed
- UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom 2UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alastair Lockwood
- UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom 2UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - He Li
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maryse Bailly
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peng T Khaw
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom 3The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steve Brocchini
- UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom 2UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yu-Wai-Man C, Spencer-Dene B, Lee RMH, Hutchings K, Lisabeth EM, Treisman R, Bailly M, Larsen SD, Neubig RR, Khaw PT. Local delivery of novel MRTF/SRF inhibitors prevents scar tissue formation in a preclinical model of fibrosis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:518. [PMID: 28364121 PMCID: PMC5428058 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00212-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The myocardin-related transcription factor/serum response factor (MRTF/SRF) pathway represents a promising therapeutic target to prevent fibrosis. We have tested the effects of new pharmacological inhibitors of MRTF/SRF signalling in a preclinical model of fibrosis. CCG-222740, a novel MRTF/SRF inhibitor, markedly decreased SRF reporter gene activity and showed a greater inhibitory effect on MRTF/SRF target genes than the previously described MRTF-A inhibitor CCG-203971. CCG-222740 was also five times more potent, with an IC50 of 5 μM, in a fibroblast-mediated collagen contraction assay, was less cytotoxic, and a more potent inhibitor of alpha-smooth muscle actin protein expression than CCG-203971. Local delivery of CCG-222740 and CCG-203971 in a validated and clinically relevant rabbit model of scar tissue formation after glaucoma filtration surgery increased the long-term success of the surgery by 67% (P < 0.0005) and 33% (P < 0.01), respectively, and significantly decreased fibrosis and scarring histologically. Unlike mitomycin-C, neither CCG-222740 nor CCG-203971 caused any detectable epithelial toxicity or systemic side effects with very low drug levels measured in the aqueous, vitreous, and serum. We conclude that inhibitors of MRTF/SRF-regulated gene transcription such as CCG-222740, potentially represent a new therapeutic strategy to prevent scar tissue formation in the eye and other tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Yu-Wai-Man
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK. .,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK. .,Signalling and Transcription Group, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
| | | | - Richard M H Lee
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Kim Hutchings
- Vahlteich Medicinal Chemistry Core, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Erika M Lisabeth
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Richard Treisman
- Signalling and Transcription Group, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Scott D Larsen
- Vahlteich Medicinal Chemistry Core, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Richard R Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Peng T Khaw
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Understanding pharmaceutical polymorphic transformations I: influence of process variables and storage conditions. Ther Deliv 2015; 5:1123-42. [PMID: 25418270 DOI: 10.4155/tde.14.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) of a dosage form is affected by number of mechanical and environmental factors which have a tendency to alter its crystalline state. Polymorphic transitions have been observed to occur during various unit operations like granulation, milling and compression. Forces of pressure, shear and temperature have an ability to induce alterations in crystal habit. A conversion in polymorphic form during a unit operation is very likely to affect the handling of API in the subsequent unit operation. Transitions have also been observed during storage of formulations where the relative humidity and temperature play a major role. An increase in temperature during storage can dehydrate or desolvate the crystal and hence produce crystal defects, whilst, high humidity conditions produce higher molecular mobility leading to either crystallization of API or alteration of its crystalline form.
Collapse
|
7
|
Yu-Wai-Man C, Khaw PT. Developing novel anti-fibrotic therapeutics to modulate post-surgical wound healing in glaucoma: big potential for small molecules. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2014; 10:65-76. [PMID: 25983855 PMCID: PMC4364560 DOI: 10.1586/17469899.2015.983475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Ocular fibrosis leads to significant visual impairment and blindness in millions of people worldwide, and is one of the largest areas of unmet need in clinical ophthalmology. The antimetabolites, mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil, are the current gold standards used primarily to prevent fibrosis after glaucoma surgery, but have potentially blinding complications like tissue damage, breakdown and infection. This review thus focuses on the development of new classes of small molecule therapeutics to prevent post-surgical fibrosis in the eye, especially in the context of glaucoma filtration surgery. We discuss recent advances and innovations in ophthalmic wound healing research, including antibodies, RNAi, gene therapy, nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, proteoglycans and small molecule inhibitors. We also review the challenges involved in terms of drug delivery, duration of action and potential toxicity of new anti-fibrotic agents in the eye.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Yu-Wai-Man
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and University College London (UCL) Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Peng Tee Khaw
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and University College London (UCL) Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ru Q, Fadda HM, Li C, Paul D, Khaw PT, Brocchini S, Zloh M. Molecular dynamic simulations of ocular tablet dissolution. J Chem Inf Model 2013; 53:3000-8. [PMID: 24073784 DOI: 10.1021/ci4002348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Small tablets for implantation into the subconjunctival space in the eye are being developed to inhibit scarring after glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS). There is a need to evaluate drug dissolution at the molecular level to determine how the chemical structure of the active may correlate with dissolution in the nonsink conditions of the conjunctival space. We conducted molecular dynamics simulations to study the dissolution process of tablets derived from two drugs that can inhibit fibrosis after GFS, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and the matrix metalloprotease inhibitor (MMPi), ilomastat. The dissolution was simulated in the presence of simple point charge (SPC) water molecules, and the liquid turnover of the aqueous humor in the subconjunctival space was simulated by removal of the dissolved drug molecules at regular intervals and replacement by new water molecules. At the end of the simulation, the total molecular solvent accessible surface area of 5-FU tablets increased by 60 times more than that of ilomastat as a result of tablet swelling and release of molecules into solution. The tablet dissolution pattern shown in our molecular dynamic simulations tends to correlate with experimental release profiles. This work indicates that a series of molecular dynamic simulations can be used to predict the influence of the molecular properties of a drug on its dissolution profile and could be useful during preformulation where sufficient amounts of the drug are not always available to perform dissolution studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Ru
- UCL School of Pharmacy , 29/39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
New developments in the pharmacological modulation of wound healing after glaucoma filtration surgery. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2013; 13:65-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2012.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|