Artificial intelligence for neurodegenerative experimental models

INTRODUCTION

Experimental models are essential tools in neurodegenerative disease research. However, the translation of insights and drugs discovered in model systems has proven immensely challenging, marred by high failure rates in human clinical trials.

METHODS

Here we review the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in experimental medicine for dementia research.

RESULTS

Considering the specific challenges of reproducibility and translation between other species or model systems and human biology in preclinical dementia research, we highlight best practices and resources that can be leveraged to quantify and evaluate translatability. We then evaluate how AI and ML approaches could be applied to enhance both cross-model reproducibility and translation to human biology, while sustaining biological interpretability.

DISCUSSION

AI and ML approaches in experimental medicine remain in their infancy. However, they have great potential to strengthen preclinical research and translation if based upon adequate, robust, and reproducible experimental data.

HIGHLIGHTS

There are increasing applications of AI in experimental medicine. We identified issues in reproducibility, cross-species translation, and data curation in the field. Our review highlights data resources and AI approaches as solutions. Multi-omics analysis with AI offers exciting future possibilities in drug discovery.

Surface modified nanoliposome formulations provide sustained release for 5-FU and increase cytotoxicity on A431 cell line

Malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer with high risk of metastasis. 5-Fluorouracil is commonly used for treatment of skin cancer, however its penetration through the skin is found to be insufficient in some cases. Therefore, we optimized its pharmacokinetics by fabricating 5- Fluorouracil-loaded nanoliposome formulations modified with Poly-L-lysine coating. 5-Fluorouracil-loaded nanoliposome formulations were prepared using dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, dicethylphosphate and cholesterol having encapsulation efficiency of 45 ± 9.61%. The particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index and encapsulation rate of the prepared formulation was found to be 237.9 ± 0.986 nm, 41.4 ± 1.060 mV, 0.233 ± 0.019 and 88.2 ± 7.85%, respectively. Surface characterization, molecular structure and thermal property illumination of the formulations were performed alongside stability studies. The In-vitro release of 5-FU from Lipo-FU6 and PLL-1 formulations was investigated by dialysis membrane method. Within the first 12 hours, the percentage release of 5-FU from Lipo-FU6 and PLL-1 formulations was observed to be 47.17% and 20.84%, respectively. Moreover, the cytotoxicity study on A431 epidermal carcinoma cell lines has revealed that 5-FU-loaded formulations were toxic to cells unlike the 5-FU free formulations. In conclusion, PLL coated nanoliposome formulations showed a potential to be an effective option for further combined drug/gene therapy applications.

Liposome-based combination therapy for acne treatment

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide with the high prevalence ratio of about 80-85% in patients who are in puberty period. For the treatment options, many conventional dosage forms are available; however, existing limitations of systemic administration of drugs (oral antibiotics), such as adverse events and resistance, led for seek of new formulation options. In this study, liposomes containing tetracycline HCl and tretinoin were prepared by the film formation method. In vitro characterization studies revealed that liposomes (111.10 ± 8.02 nm; P.D.I.=0.198 ± 0.03; Z.P.=25.83 ± 0.40 mV) with an encapsulation efficiency more than 80% for both APIs were formulated. In order to maintain a suitable viscosity for topical application, optimized liposomal formulations were dispersed in carbopol-based gel. In vitro release of APIs was sustained for 24 hours with released amounts of 56.44% and 58.44% for tetracycline HCl and tretinoin, respectively. Stability evaluation of both liposomes and liposomes in hydrogels was investigated for 6 months at 4 °C and 25 °C; and no statistically significant change was observed in terms of particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, appearance, pH, and viscosity. Cytotoxicity tests confirmed the nontoxic structure of liposomal gel formulations on mice fibroblast cells. In addition, antibacterial efficacy has been proven with Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus epidermidis strains as well as the effect on biofilm formation and eradication. As a result, we hereby presented a new combination drug product, which consists of dual active ingredients having comedolytic and bacteriostatic effects in a single, safe, and stable liposome formulation.