Bottom-Up and Top-Down Approaches to Explore Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate and Soluplus on the Crystallization Inhibition and Dissolution of Felodipine Extrudates

The objectives of this study were to explore sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and Soluplus on the crystallization inhibition and dissolution of felodipine (FLDP) extrudates by bottom-up and top-down approaches. FLDP extrudates with Soluplus and SDS were prepared by hot melt extrusion, and characterized by polarized light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results indicated that Soluplus inhibited FLDP crystallization, and the whole amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) were binary FLDP-Soluplus (1:3) and ternary FLDP-Soluplus-SDS (1:2:0.15～0.3 and 1:3:0.2～0.4) extrudates. Internal SDS (5%-10%) decreased glass transition temperatures of FLDP-Soluplus-SDS ternary ASDs without presenting molecular interactions with FLDP or Soluplus. The enhanced dissolution rate of binary or ternary Soluplus-rich ASDs in the nonsink condition of 0.05% SDS was achieved. Bottom-up approach indicated that Soluplus was a much stronger crystal inhibitor to the supersaturated FLDP in solutions than SDS. Top-down approach demonstrated that SDS enhanced the dissolution of Soluplus-rich ASDs via wettability and complexation with Soluplus to accelerate the medium uptake and erosion kinetics of extrudates, but induced FLDP recrystallization and resulted in incomplete dissolution of FLDP-rich extrudates. In conclusion, top-down approach is a promising strategy to explore the mechanisms of ASDs' dissolution, and small amount of SDS enhances the dissolution rate of polymer-rich ASDs in the nonsink condition.     

Preparation and evaluation of 188Re sulfide colloidal nanoparticles loaded biodegradable poly (L‐lactic acid) microspheres for radioembolization therapy

Radioembolization with radioactive microspheres has been an effective method for the treatment of liver lesions. The aim of this study was to prepare carrier‐free ¹⁸⁸Re loaded poly (L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) microspheres through ¹⁸⁸Re sulfide colloidal nanoparticles (¹⁸⁸Re‐SC nanoparticles). The formation of ¹⁸⁸Re‐SC nanoparticles was confirmed by ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometry. The labeling yield of ¹⁸⁸Re‐SC nanoparticles was verified using the RTLC method. Effects of synthesis parameters on morphology and size of prepared ¹⁸⁸Re‐sulfide colloidal‐PLLA microspheres (¹⁸⁸Re‐SC‐PLLA microspheres) were studied by scanning electron microscopy. In vitro stability of ¹⁸⁸Re‐SC‐PLLA microspheres was investigated in normal saline at room temperature and in human serum at 37°C. In vivo distribution studies and gamma camera imaging were performed in healthy BALB / c mice. The microspheres could be prepared with sizes between 13 and 48 μm (modal value 29 μm) and radiolabeling efficiency >99%. After incubation, the microspheres were found stable in vitro up to 72 hours. The biodistribution after intravenous injection in healthy BALB / c mice showed high accumulation in lung as a first capture pathway organ for microsphere followed by great retention over 48 hours for these microspheres. These data show that ¹⁸⁸Re‐SC‐PLLA microspheres are suitable candidate for clinical studies.     

Penta-block copolymer microspheres: Impact of polymer characteristics and process parameters on protein release

Here, we aimed to develop protein loaded microspheres (MSs) using penta-block PLGA-based copolymers to obtain sustained and complete protein release. We varied MS morphology and studied the control of protein release. Lysozyme was used as a model protein and MSs were prepared using the solid-in-oil-in-water emulsion solvent extraction method. We synthesized and studied various penta-block PLGA-based copolymers. Copolymer characteristics (LA/GA ratio and molecular weight of PLGA blocks) influenced MS morphology. MS porosity was influenced by process parameters (such as solvent type, polymer concentration, emulsifying speed), whereas the aqueous volume for extraction and stabilizer did not have a significant effect. MSs of the same size, but different morphologies, exhibited different protein release behavior, with porous structures being essential for the continuous and complete release of encapsulated protein. These findings suggest strategies to engineer the morphology of MSs produced from PLGA-based multi-block copolymers to achieve appropriate release rates for a protein delivery system.     

Genistein-loaded poloxamer 403/407 mixed micelles: preparation and pharmacokinetic study in rats

In the present study, we aimed to prepare poloxamer 403/407 mixed micelles in order to improve the solubility and oral bioavailability of genistein.Genistein was incorporated in the mixed poloxamer micelles by thin-film hydration method, and its physicochemical properties, including particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency and drug loading, were investigated.In vitro release of genistein from the mixed micelles was monitored by dialysis method, and pharmacokinetic study of genistein loaded mixed micelles was carried out in rats. We found that the particle size and zeta potential of mixed micelles were (20.31±0.43) nm and (–8.94±0.35) mV, with encapsulation efficiency 90.59%±0.67% and drug loading 7.74%±0.05%. Solubility of genistein in mixed micelles reached 3.80 mg/mL, which was about 130 times higher than that in water.Genistein-loaded mixed micelles showed sustained release characteristics in vitro with no burst release phenomenon, but it was faster than suspension.The AUC_0–t andAUC_0–∞ of mixed micelles were 196.74% and 204.62% greater than that of genisein suspension, respectively.Consequently,poloxamer 403/407 mixed micelles significantly improved the solubility and oral bioavailability of genistein, which could be used as an effective drug delivery system for oral administration of poorly soluble drugs.     

miR-188-5p promotes oxaliplatin resistance by targeting RASA1 in colon cancer cells

The efficacy of chemotherapy for colon cancer is limited due to the development of chemoresistance. MicroRNA (miR)-188-5p is downregulated in various types of cancer. The aim of the present study was to explore the molecular role of miR-188 in oxaliplatin (OXA) resistance. An OXA-resistant colon cancer cell line, SW480/OXA, was used to examine the effects of miR-188-5p on the sensitivity of colon cancer cells to OXA. The target of miR-188-5p was identified using a luciferase assay. Cell cycle distribution was also assessed using flow cytometry. The measurement of p21 protein expression, Hoechst 33342 staining and Annexin V/propidium iodide staining was used to evaluate apoptosis. The expression of miR-188-5p significantly increased in SW480/OXA compared with wild-type SW480 cells. The luciferase assay demonstrated that miR-188-5p inhibited Ras GTPase-activating protein 1 (RASA1; also known as p120/RasGAP) luciferase activity by binding to the 3′-untranslated region of RASA1 mRNA, suggesting that miR-188-5p could target RASA1. In addition, miR-188-5p downregulation or RASA1 overexpression promoted the chemosensitivity of SW480/OXA, as evidenced by increased apoptosis and G₁/S cell cycle arrest. Moreover, RASA1 silencing abrogated the increase in cell apoptosis induced by the miR-188-5p inhibitor. The findings of the present study suggested that miR-188-5p could enhance colon cancer cell chemosensitivity by promoting the expression of RASA1.     

Expression and function of microRNA-188-5p in activated rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts

Activated synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis (RASF) play a critical role in the pathology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent studies suggested that deregulation of microRNAs (miRs) affects the development and progression of RA. Therefore, we aimed to identify de-regulated miRs in RASF and to identify target genes that may contribute to the aggressive phenotype of RASF. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed a marked downregulation of miR-188-5p in synovial tissue samples of RA patients as well as in RASF. Exposure to the cytokine interleukine-1β lead to a further downregulation of miR-188-5p expression levels compared to control cells. Re-expression of miR-188-5p in RASF by transient transfection significantly inhibited cell migration. However, miR-188-5p re-expression had no effects on glycosaminoglycan degradation or expression of repellent factors, which have been previously shown to affect the invasive behavior of RASF. In search for target genes of miR-188-5p in RASF we performed gene expression profiling in RASF and found a strong regulatory effect of miR-188-5p on the hyaluronan binding protein KIAA1199 as well as collagens COL1A1 and COL12A1, which was confirmed by qRT-PCR. In silico analysis revealed that KIAA1199 carries a 3’UTR binding site for miR-188-5p. COL1A1 and COL12A1 showed no binding site in the mRNA region, suggesting an indirect regulation of these two genes by miR-188-5p. In summary, our study showed that miR-188-5p is down-regulated in RA in vitro and in vivo, most likely triggered by an inflammatory environment. MiR-188-5p expression is correlated to the activation state of RASF and inhibits migration of these cells. Furthermore, miR-188-5p is directly and indirectly regulating the expression of genes, which may play a role in extracellular matrix formation and destruction in RA. Herewith, this study identified potential novel therapeutic targets to inhibit the development and progression of RA.     

A comparison of different surfactants on foam stability in foam sclerotherapy in vitro

Objective

This article compares the effect of different surfactants on foam stability and determines the foam decay relationship, so that the suitability of surfactants in a clinical setting can be evaluated.

Preparation,pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ophthalmic thermosensitive in situ hydrogel of betaxolol hydrochloride

Conventional ophthalmic formulations often eliminate rapidly after administration and cannot provide and maintain an adequate concentration of the drug in the precorneal area. To solve those problems, a thermosensitive in situ gelling and mucoadhesive ophthalmic drug delivery system was prepared and evaluated, the system was composed of poloxamer analogs and polycarbophil (PCP) and betaxolol hydrochloride (BH) was selected as model drug. The concentrations of poloxamer 407 (P407) (22% (w/v)) and poloxamer 188 (P188) (3.5% (w/v)) were identified through central composite design-response surface methodology (CCD-RSM). The BH in situ hydrogel (BH-HG) was liquid solution at low temperature and turned to semisolid at eye temperature. BH-HG showed good stability and biocompatibility, which fulfilled the requirements of ocular application. In vitro studies indicated that addition of PCP enhanced the viscosity of BH-HG and the release results of BH from BH-HG demonstrated a sustained release behavior of BH because of the gel dissolution. In vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics studies indicated that the BH-HG formulation resulted in an improved bioavailability and a significantly lower intraocular pressure (IOP). The results suggested BH-HG could be potentially used as an in situ gelling system for ophthalmic delivery to enhance the bioavailability and efficacy.     

Preparation and first biological evaluation of novel Re-188/Tc-99m peptide conjugates with substance-P

IntroductionNew ¹⁸⁸Re and ^99mTc peptide conjugates with substance- P (SP) were prepared and biologically evaluated. The radiopharmaceuticals have been labelled with the [M≡N]²⁺ (M=^99mTc, ¹⁸⁸Re) core using a combination of π-donor tridentate and π-acceptor monodentate ancillary ligands.MethodsThe new radiopharmaceuticals have been prepared through a two-step reaction by simultaneous addition of the tridentate and monodentate ligands to a vial containing a preformed [M≡N]²⁺ core. The tridentate ligand was formed by linking two cysteine residues to the terminal arginine of the undecapeptide SP, whereas the monodentate ligand was a tertiary phosphine. The preparation of the corresponding Re-188 derivative required developing a more complex chemical procedure to obtain the [Re≡N]²⁺ core in satisfactory yields. Characterization of the resulting products was obtained by chromatographic methods. Biological evaluation was performed for both Tc-99m and Re-188 derivatives by in-vitro studies on isolated cells expressing NK1-receptors. In-vivo imaging in mice was carried out using a small-animal YAP(S)PET tomograph.ConclusionNew Tc-99m and Re-188 peptide radiopharmaceuticals with SP have been prepared in high-yield and with high-specific activity. Both Tc-99m and Re-188 peptide radioconjugates exhibit high affinity for NK1 receptors, thus giving further evidence to the empirical rule that structurally related Tc-99m and Re-188 radiopharmaceuticals exhibit identical biological properties.     

Effect of poloxamer 188 on lymphatic uptake of carvedilol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for bioavailability enhancement

The present work aimed to investigate the effect of different concentrations of poloxamer 188, a surfactant, on lymphatic uptake of carvedilol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for oral bioavailability enhancement. Microemulsion technique was employed to prepare the SLN formulations having varying concentrations of poloxamer 188, which were subsequently subjected to various in vitro and in vivo evaluations to study their release pattern. On increasing the percentage concentration of poloxamer 188, the bioavailability decreased from 4.91- to 2.84-fold after intraduodenal administration in the male Wister rat. It could be attributed to the increase in particle size as well as reduction in hydrophobicity of SLNs. As indicated by pharmacokinetic data, the AUC_(0–t) of all three (SLN) formulations (6.27?±?0.24 μgh/mL with FZ-1, 4.13?± 0.11 μgh/mL with FZ-2, and 3.63?±?0.10 μgh/mL with FZ-3) were significantly higher (p?<?0.05) than that of carvedilol suspension (1.27?±?0.23 μgh/mL). These findings augur well with the possibility of enhancement of the oral bioavailability of drug, via the lymphatic system bypassing hepatic first pass metabolism.