Fabricating Polymer/Surfactant/Cyclodextrin Hybrid Particles for Possible Nose-to-Brain Delivery of Ropinirole Hydrochloride: In Vitro and Ex Vivo Evaluation

Ropinirole is a non-ergolinic dopamine agonist used to manage Parkinson's disease and it is characterized by poor oral bioavailability. This study aimed to design and develop advanced drug delivery systems composed of poloxamer 407, a non-ionic surfactant (Tween 80), and cyclodextrins (methyl-β-CD or hydroxy-propyl-β-CD) for possible brain targeting of ropinirole after nasal administration for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The hybrid systems were formed by the thin-film hydration method, followed by an extensive physicochemical and morphological characterization. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the systems on HEK293 cell lines was also tested. In vitro release and ex vivo mucosal permeation of ropinirole were assessed using Franz cells at 34 °C and with phosphate buffer solution at pH 5.6 in the donor compartment, simulating the conditions of the nasal cavity. The results indicated that the diffusion-controlled drug release exhibited a progressive increase throughout the experiment, while a proof-of-concept experiment on ex vivo permeation through rabbit nasal mucosa revealed a better performance of the prepared hybrid systems in comparison to ropinirole solution. The encouraging results in drug release and mucosal permeation indicate that these hybrid systems can serve as attractive platforms for effective and targeted nose-to-brain delivery of ropinirole with a possible application in Parkinson's disease. Further ex vivo and in vivo studies to support the results of the present work are ongoing.

Recent Advances in Nanoformulations for Quercetin Delivery

Quercetin (QUE) is a flavonol that has recently received great attention from the research community due to its important pharmacological properties. However, QUE's low solubility and extended first-pass metabolism limit its oral administration. This review aims to present the potential of various nanoformulations in the development of QUE dosage forms for bioavailability enhancement. Advanced drug delivery nanosystems can be used for more efficient encapsulation, targeting, and controlled release of QUE. An overview of the primary nanosystem categories, formulation processes, and characterization techniques are described. In particular, lipid-based nanocarriers, such as liposomes, nanostructured-lipid carries, and solid-lipid nanoparticles, are widely used to improve QUE's oral absorption and targeting, increase its antioxidant activity, and ensure sustained release. Moreover, polymer-based nanocarriers exhibit unique properties for the improvement of the Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicology (ADME(T)) profile. Namely, micelles and hydrogels composed of natural or synthetic polymers have been applied in QUE formulations. Furthermore, cyclodextrin, niosomes, and nanoemulsions are proposed as formulation alternatives for administration via different routes. This comprehensive review provides insight into the role of advanced drug delivery nanosystems for the formulation and delivery of QUE.

The association between the risk of breast cancer and Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate intake: A literature review of a potential chemopreventive agent

According to the latest epidemiological data, breast cancer has recently been acknowledged as the most frequently diagnosed malignancy. To date, a body of evidence has established the involvement of multiple - and frequently interrelated - genetic and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of the disease. Emerging research on cancer prevention has highlighted the deterrence potential of interventions targeting environmental risk factors, particularly diet. In this aspect, the current review reveals the latest scientific results regarding epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) - a catechin most commonly found in green tea, as a potential chemopreventive dietary agent against breast cancer. In vitro studies on EGCG have demonstrated its effect on cell cycle progression and its potential to suppress several intracellular signaling pathways involved in breast cancer pathogenesis. In addition, EGCG possesses specific apoptosis-inducing characteristics that seem to enhance its role as a regulator of cell survival. Preclinical data seem to support the use of EGCG as an effective adjunct to EGFR-targeting treatments. The authors' appraisal of the literature suggests that although preclinical evidence has documented the anticarcinogenic features of EGCG, limited large-scale epidemiological studies are investigating the consumption of EGCG - containing nutrients in the prevention and management of breast cancer risk. This literature review aims to serve as a liaison between preclinical and epidemiological research, surveying the existing evidence and unraveling relevant knowledge gaps.