Recent Advancement in Topical Nanocarriers for the Treatment of Psoriasis

Xanthan and gum acacia modified olive oil based nanoemulsion as a controlled delivery vehicle for topical formulations

In this study, olive oil nanoemulsion modified with xanthan gum and gum acacia was explored as a potential controlled topical delivery vehicle. Oil-in-water nanoemulsion formulated with optimized composition of olive oil, tween 80, and water was used as the drug carrier and further modified with gum. Effect of gum on nanoemulsion different physiochemical characteristics, stability, rheology, drug release and encapsulation efficiency were investigated. Results showed that developed nanoemulsion behaved as low viscosity Newtonian fluid and released 100 % drug within 6 h. Modification with xanthan and gum acacia had significantly improved formulation viscosity, drug encapsulation efficiency (>85 %) and controlled drug release up to 40 % with release pattern following Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Additionally, xanthan gum modified formulation exhibited shear thinning rheology by forming an extended network in the continuous phase, whereas gum acacia modified formulation behaved as Newtonian fluid at high shear rate (>200 s-1). Furthermore, xanthan gum modified formulations had improved zeta potential, stability, monodispersity, and hemocompatibility and showed high antibacterial activity against S. aureus than gum acacia modified formulations. These results indicate the higher potential of xanthan gum modified formulation as a topical delivery vehicle. Moreover, skin irritation test demonstrated the safety of developed formulations for topical application.

Nano transdermal system combining mitochondria-targeting cerium oxide nanoparticles with all-trans retinoic acid for psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that is intricately linked to oxidative stress. Antioxidation and inhibition of abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes are pivotal strategies for psoriasis. Delivering drugs with these effects to the site of skin lesions is a challenge that needs to be solved. Herein, we reported a nanotransdermal delivery system composed of all-trans retinoic acid (TRA), triphenylphosphine (TPP)-modified cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles, flexible nanoliposomes and gels (TCeO2-TRA-FNL-Gel). The results revealed that TCeO2 synthesized by the anti-micelle method, with a size of approximately 5 nm, possessed excellent mitochondrial targeting ability and valence conversion capability related to scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). TCeO2-TRA-FNL prepared by the film dispersion method, with a size of approximately 70 nm, showed high drug encapsulation efficiency (>96%). TCeO2-TRA-FNL-Gel further showed sustained drug release behaviors, great transdermal permeation ability, and greater skin retention than the free TRA. The results of in vitro EGF-induced and H2O2-induced models suggested that TCeO2-TRA-FNL effectively reduced the level of inflammation and alleviated oxidative stress in HaCat cells. The results of in vivo imiquimod (IMQ)-induced model indicated that TCeO2-TRA-FNL-Gel could greatly alleviate the psoriasis symptoms. In summary, the transdermal drug delivery system designed in this study has shown excellent therapeutic effects on psoriasis and is prospective for the safe and accurate therapy of psoriasis.

Nanotechnology-based alternatives for the topical delivery of immunosuppressive agents in psoriasis

Psoriasis is a recurring, immune-mediated dermatological disorder. Many therapeutic agents are available for the treatment of psoriasis, including immunosuppressants and biologic treatments with immunosuppressant action. The employment of nanotechnology allows drug tailoring to achieve dermal targeting, improve efficacy and minimize undesirable effects. Here we discuss the use of the topical route in combination with nano-based drug delivery systems containing immunosuppressants for the management of psoriasis. This review is based on articles selected from 2011 to 2022, using the keywords "Psoriasis" AND "Immunosuppressants" AND "Nano*" in the main databases. Fifty-seven articles were retrieved, although only forty-two matched the inclusion criteria. Nanocarriers such as liposomes, ethosomes, niosomes, solid lipid nanoparticle, nanostructured lipid carriers and microspheres containing immunosuppressive drugs (methotrexate, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and etanercept) were identified. The main findings of these studies are related to the improved in vitro/ex vivo permeation/penetration and therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo, compared to the drug in solution. Based on the studies discussed in this review, encapsulation in several types of nanocarriers decreases toxicity, dose, and dose frequency. Furthermore, it enables specific targeting of the active drug, pointing to the possibility of improving topical therapy for psoriasis. In conclusion, nanoformulations represent a novel and promising tool for psoriasis treatment.

Silk Nanocarrier with Tunable Size to Improve Transdermal Capacity for Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Drugs

Transdermal drug delivery is an attractive option for multiple disease therapies as it reduces adverse reactions and improves patient compliance. Water-dispersible β-sheet rich silk nanofiber carriers have hydrophobic properties that benefit transdermal delivery but still show inferior transdermal capacities. Thus, hydrophobic silk nanofibers were fabricated to fine-tune their size and endow them with desirable transdermal delivery capacities. Silk nanocarrier length was shortened from 2000 nm to approximately 40 nm after ultrasonic treatment. In vitro human skin and in vivo animal studies revealed different transdermal behaviors for silk nanocarriers at different nanosizes. Silk nanocarriers passed slowly through the corneum without destroying the corneum structure. Improved transdermal capacity was achieved for smaller size carriers. Both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs could be loaded onto silk nanocarriers, suggesting a promising future for different disease therapies. No cytotoxicity and skin irritation were identified for silk nanocarriers, which strengthened their superiority as transdermal carriers. Therefore, silk nanocarriers <100 nm may promote the percutaneous absorption of active cargos for disease therapy and cosmetic applications.

Novel Chitosan Nanoparticles Loaded with Methotrexate for Topical Treatment of Psoriasis

AIMS

In this work, CS NPs were prepared by the ionic gelation method and encapsulated with MTX to treat psoriasis dermally.

BACKGROUND

A major drawback of using MTX to treat psoriasis is its limited diffusion through the skin, which may cause insufficient penetration of MTX into the basal layer of the epidermis, where psoriatic cells are generated.

OBJECTIVE

Nanoparticles have been used to enhance MTX diffusion through the skin. The system prepared in this work is expected to direct the drug to psoriasis cells by enhancing the drug diffusion through the skin, which will increase the amount of the drug reaching the epidermis. This is expected to enhance the effectiveness of the drug and to decrease its systemic side effects.

METHODS

Five formulations of Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared and loaded with Methotrexate using the ionic gelation technique. Particle size, dispersity, charge, loading capacity and encapsulation efficacy were measured. Characterization of prepared nanoparticles was conducted to confirm the formation of CS-NPs, successful encapsulation of MTX and its compatibility with other formulation components. In vitro drug release from CS-NPs, its permeation and accumulation in rats' skin were explored. Finally, the anti-psoriatic activity was assessed using the "mouse tail model."

RESULTS

The results showed that the sizes ranged from 132.13 ± 0.70 to 300.60 ± 4.81 nm, where SEM demonstrated the spherical and uniform distribution of the NPs. The surface charge of all NPs was highly positive and ranged from 20.22 ± 1.10 to 30.90 ± 0.70 mV. Further, the EE% and LC% of the nanoparticles were in the range of 77.72%-92.70% and 17.90%-21.81%, respectively. in vitro, the release of methotrexate from the nanoparticles was sustained. Additionally, both the permeation and retention of drugs within the skin were enhanced significantly using this system. Eventually, orthokeratosis% and drug activity% showed significant superiority of MTX-CS NPs over the free drug in treating psoriasis in model mice.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, MTX-CS NPs can be used to enhance the treatment of psoriasis topically.

Pharmacokinetics of lanoconazole in human skin after repeated topical application

Drug disposition after topical application to the skin has not been fully elucidated, especially after repeated application. We conducted a clinical trial to evaluate the pharmacokinetics in the stratum corneum of healthy adults after repeated application of lanoconazole cream as a model drug. We applied 25 mg of 1% lanoconazole cream onto the pre-specified areas on the participants' back once daily for 5 days. The stratum corneum was sampled twice on each study day using a standardized tape-stripping method, and the amount of lanoconazole contained in the samples was quantified using the tandem mass spectrometry method. The obtained data were used to evaluate lanoconazole pharmacokinetics in the stratum corneum. The amount of lanoconazole in the stratum corneum after once daily repeated administration reached a steady state on day 3, and it was eliminated from the stratum corneum with a half-life of approximately 11 h after discontinuing application.

Exploring the potential of nanocarriers in antipsoriatic therapeutics

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease characterized by erythematous, scaly patches on the skin. It can be effectively managed with topical therapies since they deliver drugs to target sites of disease efficiently and can minimize systemic side-effects while ensuring high patient compliance. However, conventional topical formulations are ineffective in treating psoriasis due to their poor percutaneous penetration and inability to reach deeper layers of the skin. Thus, it is important to explore new approaches for managing psoriasis safely and effectively while also maintaining patient compliance without compromising safety. Over the last few decades, a variety of nanocarriers have been extensively investigated as a new approach to delivering drugs to the skin that are effective against psoriasis. These nanocarriers are notable for their therapeutic effectiveness, increased localization of medication in the skin, and reduced side-effects. The purpose of this review is to explore the recent advances in polymer-based, lipid-based, metallic, and microneedle-based novel nanoformulations of antipsoriatic drugs. There have been detailed discussions about several nanocarrier systems including nanoemulsions, liposomes, nanostructured lipid carriers, ethosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, micelles, gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, and microneedles. In a nutshell, nanoformulations are considered a promising avenue for psoriasis treatment since they offer better penetration, targeted delivery, and enhanced safety and efficacy.

Psoriasis between Autoimmunity and Oxidative Stress: Changes Induced by Different Therapeutic Approaches

Psoriasis is defined as chronic, immune-mediated disease. Regardless of the development of new therapeutic approaches, the precise etiology of psoriasis remains unknown and speculative. The aim of this review was to systematize the results of previous research on the role of oxidative stress and aberrant immune response in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, as well as the impact of certain therapeutic modalities on the oxidative status in patients with psoriasis. Complex immune pathways of both the innate and adaptive immune systems appear to be major pathomechanisms in the development of psoriasis. Oxidative stress represents another important contributor to the pathophysiology of disease, and the redox imbalance in psoriasis has been reported in skin cells and, systemically, in plasma and blood cells, and more recently, also in saliva. Current immune model of psoriasis begins with activation of immune system in susceptible person by some environmental factor and loss of immune tolerance to psoriasis autoantigens. Increased production of IL-17 appears to be the most prominent role in psoriasis pathogenesis, while IL-23 is recognized as master regulator in psoriasis having a specific role in cross bridging the production of IL-17 by innate and acquired immunity. Other proinflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-22, IL-26, IL-29, or IL-36, have also been reported to play important roles in the development of psoriasis. Oxidative stress can promote inflammation through several signaling pathways. The most noticeable and most powerful antioxidative effects exert various biologics compared to more convenient therapeutic modalities, such as methotrexate or phototherapy. The complex interaction of redox, immune, and inflammatory signaling pathways should be focused on further researches tackling the pathophysiology of psoriasis, while antioxidative supplementation could be the solution in some refractory cases of the disease.

Ethyl Cellulose and Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose Blended Methotrexate-Loaded Transdermal Patches: In Vitro and Ex Vivo

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDSs) have become innovative, fascinating drug delivery methods intended for skin application to achieve systemic effects. TDDSs overcome the drawbacks associated with oral and parenteral routes of drug administration. The current investigation aimed to design, evaluate and optimize methotrexate (MTX)-loaded transdermal-type patches having ethyl cellulose (EC) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) at different concentrations for the local management of psoriasis. In vitro release and ex vivo permeation studies were carried out for the formulated patches. Various formulations (F1–F9) were developed using different concentrations of HPMC and EC. The F1 formulation having a 1:1 polymer concentration ratio served as the control formulation. ATR–FTIR analysis was performed to study drug–polymer interactions, and it was found that the drug and polymers were compatible with each other. The formulated patches were further investigated for their physicochemical parameters, in vitro release and ex vivo diffusion characteristics. Different parameters, such as surface pH, physical appearance, thickness, weight uniformity, percent moisture absorption, percent moisture loss, folding endurance, skin irritation, stability and drug content uniformity, were studied. From the hydrophilic mixture, it was observed that viscosity has a direct influence on drug release. Among all formulated patches, the F5 formulation exhibited 82.71% drug release in a sustained-release fashion and followed an anomalous non-Fickian diffusion. The permeation data of the F5 formulation exhibited about a 36.55% cumulative amount of percent drug permeated. The skin showed high retention for the F5 formulation (15.1%). The stability study indicated that all prepared formulations had very good stability for a period of 180 days. Therefore, it was concluded from the present study that methotrexate-loaded transdermal patches with EC and HPMC as polymers at different concentrations suit TDDSs ideally and improve patient compliance for the local management of psoriasis.

Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for the Formulation of Topical Anti-Inflammatory Nanomedicines Based on Natural Substances

The main function of the skin is to protect the body from the external environment. However, the skin can undergo inflammatory processes, due to genetic, hormonal, or environmental factors. When the defense system is overloaded, there is an increase in pro-inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which results in skin disorders. Among the substances used to treat these inflammatory processes, many natural substances with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are being studied: nature is yet an abundant source to obtain diverse pharmacological actives. The treatment of skin diseases is usually focused on topical application, as it reduces the risk of systemic side effects and prevents drug degradation by first-pass metabolism. Thus, the properties of drug delivery vehicles can facilitate or inhibit its permeation. Due to the hydrophobic nature of the skin, a promising strategy to improve dermal drug penetration is the use of lipid-based nanoparticles, such as nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC). Therefore, in this review, we present NLC as a tool to improve dermal administration of natural substances with anti-inflammatory properties.

Multifunctional Therapeutic Potential of Phytocomplexes and Natural Extracts for Antimicrobial Properties

Natural products have been known for their antimicrobial factors since time immemorial. Infectious diseases are a worldwide burden that have been deteriorating because of the improvement of species impervious to various anti-infection agents. Hence, the distinguishing proof of antimicrobial specialists with high-power dynamic against MDR microorganisms is central to conquer this issue. Successful treatment of infection involves the improvement of new drugs or some common source of novel medications. Numerous naturally occurring antimicrobial agents can be of plant origin, animal origin, microbial origin, etc. Many plant and animal products have antimicrobial activities due to various active principles, secondary metabolites, or phytochemicals like alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, essential oils, flavonoids, lectins, phagocytic cells, and many other organic constituents. Phytocomplexes’ antimicrobial movement frequently results from a few particles acting in cooperative energy, and the clinical impacts might be because of the direct effects against microorganisms. The restorative plants that may furnish novel medication lead the antimicrobial movement. The purpose of this study is to investigate the antimicrobial properties of the phytocomplexes and natural extracts of the plants that are ordinarily being utilized as conventional medications and then recommended the chance of utilizing them in drugs for the treatment of multiple drug-resistant disease.