Development of a new micellar formulation of carvedilol and curcumin to enhance blood pressure reduction in a spontaneously hypertensive rat model.

Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, requiring innovative therapeutic strategies. This project explores a nano-pharmaceutical approach to enhance the efficacy of cardiovascular drugs, focusing on carvedilol and curcumin. These agents, known for their potential cardiovascular benefits, are encapsulated within Soluplus® micelles to form a novel drug delivery system. The novelty of this formulation lies in its ability to significantly improve the solubility of both carvedilol and curcumin, which have traditionally been limited by their hydrophobic nature. By utilizing Soluplus® micelles, we have developed a unique delivery system that optimizes the therapeutic potential of both drugs. The nanomicelles were meticulously characterized for drug loading, size distribution, and morphological features. The carvedilol and curcumin release patterns were investigated, revealing sustained and controlled release profiles. Additionally, the antioxidant capacity of the micellar formulation was evaluated, demonstrating the preservation of curcumin's antioxidative properties. In vivo studies using spontaneously hypertensive male rats explored the pharmacokinetics and hemodynamic effects of the nanomicellar system. These results indicated successful encapsulation of both drugs without altering their plasma profiles. Furthermore, the administration of carvedilol and curcumin micelles exhibited a more significant reduction in mean arterial pressure compared to individual drug administration, suggesting a potential synergistic effect. In conclusion, this nano-pharmaceutical approach offers a promising avenue for cardiovascular therapy, providing a platform for combined drug delivery and potential synergistic effects. The optimized formulation could lead to improved patient outcomes and enhanced cardiovascular health.

Efectos cardioprotectores de implantes subcutáneos de liberación crónica de carvedilol en ratas espontáneamente hipertensas / Cardioprotective Effects of Chronic Release Formulations of Subcutaneous Implants of Carvedilol in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

RESUMEN Introducción: En nuestro laboratorio hemos desarrollado implantes subcutáneos de carvedilol capaces de mantener niveles plasmáticos sostenidos del β-bloqueante durante 3 semanas. Objetivo: Evaluación de la liberación in vivo y la eficacia cardioprotectora de implantes subcutáneos de carvedilol desarrollados con poliepsilon- caprolactona (PCL) y Soluplus (SP) en ratas espontáneamente hipertensas (REH). Materiales y métodos: Se utilizaron 12 REH macho (250-300 g), a las cuales se colocó un implante subcutáneo cada 3 semanas de PCL: SP 100:50 mg (control, n = 6) o carvedilol: PCL:SP (100mg:100mg:50mg) (carvedilol, n = 6). Se evaluó el perfil plasmático y el efecto sobre la presión arterial sistólica (PAS) durante 62 días. Al final del tratamiento, se realizaron determinaciones ecocardiográficas y la medición de la PAS y. la presión arterial media (PAM) directas. Resultados: El grupo que recibió el implante conteniendo 100 mg de carvedilol presentó concentraciones plasmáticas del fármaco en el rango de 100- 500 ng/mL a lo largo de 62 días de tratamiento, luego del cual la PAS fue 20 mmHg menor que en el grupo control (217 ± 3 mmHg vs. 237 ± 6 mmHg; p <0,05). Las PAS y PAM directas fueron significativamente menores el grupo tratado que en el control. El implante de carvedilol 100 mg redujo la variabilidad de la presión arterial (VPA) de corto plazo en comparación con el control. Parámetros ecocardiográficos como la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI), fracción de acortamiento, y relación E/A fueron significativamente mayores en las ratas tratadas. El peso del VI fue menor en las ratas que recibieron el implante con carvedilol. Conclusión: Los implantes conteniendo CAR/PCL/SP (100:100:50) mg aportan niveles plasmáticos terapéuticos de carvedilol y estables durante el transcurso del tratamiento, los cuales se correlacionan con una disminución significativa y sostenida de los valores de PA indirecta. El tratamiento con los implantes de carvedilol logró atenuar los valores de PA directa y su variabilidad en las REH. Se demostró que el tratamiento con los implantes ejerció un efecto cardioprotector evidenciado en el ecocardiograma y por una reducción de la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda.

ABSTRACT Background: In our laboratory, we have developed subcutaneous implants of carvedilol capable of maintaining stable concentrations of the β-blocker during 3 weeks. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo release and the cardioprotective efficacy of subcutaneous implants of carvedilol developed with poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) and Soluplus (SP) polymers in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Methods: Twelve spontaneously hypertensive male rats (250-300 g) underwent placement of subcutaneous implant of PCL:SP 100:50 mg (control group, n=6) or carvedilol:PCL:SP (100mg:100mg:50mg) (carvedilol group, n=6), every 3 weeks. The plasma profile of each implant and its effect on systolic blood pressure (SBP) was evaluated for 62 days. At the end of treatment, echocardiographic parameters were determined, and direct SBP and direct mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured. Results: The group that received the implant containing 100 mg of carvedilol presented plasma concentrations of the drug in the range of 100- 500 ng/mL throughout 62 days of treatment, after which the SBP was 20 mmHg lower than in the control group (217±3 mm Hg vs. 237±6 mm Hg; p <0.05). Direct SBP and MAP were significantly lower in the treated group than in the control group. The implant loaded with carvedilol 100 mg reduced short-term blood pressure variability (BPV) in SHR compared with the control group. Echocardiographic parameters as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), shortening fraction and E/A ratio were significantly greater in treated rats. Left ventricular weight was lower in the rats with carvedilol implant. Conclusion: Implants containing CAR/PCL/SP (100:100:50) mg provide therapeutic and stable plasma levels of carvedilol during treatment, which correlate with a significant and sustained decrease in indirect BP values. Treatment with carvedilol implants attenuated dirct BP values and blood pressure variability in SHR. Treatment with implant produced cardioprotective effects evidenced in the echocardiogram by a reduction in left ventricular hypertrophy.

Structural homology between 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and Mycobacterium tuberculosis Inh-A enzyme: Dehydroepiandrosterone as a potential co-adjuvant treatment in diabetes-tuberculosis comorbidity.

Metabolic syndrome is considered the precursor of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Tuberculosis is a leading infection that constitutes a global threat remaining a major cause of morbi-mortality in developing countries. People with type 2 diabetes mellitus are more likely to suffer from infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. For both type 2 diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis, there is pulmonary production of anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids mediated by the enzyme 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11ß-HSD1). The adrenal hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) counteracts the glucocorticoid effects of cytokine production due to the inhibition of 11ß-HSD1. Late advanced tuberculosis has been associated with the suppression of the Th1 response, evidenced by a high ratio of cortisol/DHEA. In a murine model of metabolic syndrome, we determined whether DHEA treatment modifies the pro-inflammatory cytokines due to the inhibition of the 11ß-HSD1 expression. Since macrophages express 11ß-HSD1, our second goal was incubating them with DHEA and Mycobacterium tuberculosis to show that the microbicide effect was increased by DHEA. Enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA) is an essential enzyme of Mycobacterium tuberculosis involved in the mycolic acid synthesis. Because 11ß-HSD1 and InhA are members of a short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family of enzymes, we hypothesize that DHEA could be an antagonist of InhA. Our results demonstrate that DHEA has a direct microbicide effect against Mycobacterium tuberculosis; this effect was supported by in silico docking analysis and the molecular dynamic simulation studies between DHEA and InhA. Thus, DHEA increases the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the lung, inactivates GC by 11ß-HSD1, and inhibits mycobacterial InhA. The multiple functions of DHEA suggest that this hormone or its synthetic analogs could be an efficient co-adjuvant for tuberculosis treatment.

Nebivolol is more effective than atenolol for blood pressure variability attenuation and target organ damage prevention in L-NAME hypertensive rats.

ß-Adrenergic blockers are no longer recommended as first-line therapy due to the reduced cardioprotection of traditional ß-blockers compared with other antihypertensive drugs. It is unknown whether third-generation ß-blockers share the limitations of traditional ß-blockers. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of nebivolol or atenolol on central and peripheral systolic blood pressure (SBP) and its variability and target organ damage (TOD) in N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) hypertensive rats. Male Wistar rats were treated with L-NAME for 8 weeks together with oral administration of nebivolol 30 mg/kg (n = 8), atenolol 90 mg/kg (n = 8), or vehicle (n = 8). The control group was composed of vehicle-treated Wistar rats. SBP and its variability, as well as echocardiographic parameters, were assessed during the last 2 weeks of treatment. Tissue levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß), and histopathological parameters were evaluated in the left ventricle and aorta. Nebivolol had a greater ability than atenolol to decrease central SBP and mid-term and short-term blood pressure variability (BPV) in L-NAME rats. Echocardiographic analysis showed that nebivolol was more effective than atenolol on E/A wave ratio normalization. Compared with atenolol treatment, nebivolol had a greater protective effect on different TOD markers, inducing a decrease in collagen deposition and a reduction in the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α in the left ventricle and aorta. Our findings suggest that the adverse hemodynamic profile and the reduced cardiovascular protection reported with traditional ß-blockers must not be carried forward to third-generation ß-blockers.

Desarrollo de implantes subcutáneos de liberación controlada de Carvedilol para la reducción sostenida de la presión arterial en modelos experimentales de hipertensión arterial / Development of Subcutaneous Implants of Controlled Release Formulations of Carvedilol for Sustained Blood Pressure Reduction in Experimental Models of Hypertension

RESUMEN Objetivo: El objetivo del presente estudio fue el desarrollo y la evaluación farmacocinética y farmacodinámica de la liberación in vivo de implantes subcutáneos de carvedilol capaces de aportar niveles tisulares estables en modelos experimentales de hipertensión arterial. La incorporación del polímero hidrofílico SoluPlus (SP) en los implantes PCL:SP 150:150 y 50:250 favorece un incremento de la liberación de carvedilol dado que aporta concentraciones plasmáticas en el rango de 100-200 ng/mL durante 2 semanas, lo que tiene como resultado una reducción sostenida de la presión arterial sistólica indirecta en animales SHR. Material y métodos: Se prepararon implantes subcutáneos de poli (epsilon-caprolactona) (PCL) con diferentes proporciones del polímero hidrofílico SoluPlus (300:0; 250:50; 150:150 y 50:250 mg) cargados con 100 mg de carvedilol. Se evaluó el perfil plasmático y el efecto sobre la presión arterial sistólica (PAS) luego del implante de cada formulación en el tejido subcutáneo de ratas espontáneamente hipertensas (REH) macho. Resultados: Las formulaciones PCL:SP 50:250 y 150:150 aportaron niveles en el rango de 100-200 ng/mL. Las formulaciones PCL:SP 250:50 y 300:0 aportaron concentraciones inferiores de carvedilol comprendidas en el rango de los 0-100 ng/mL durante el transcurso del tratamiento. Los animales espontáneamente hipertensos tratados con PCL:SP 50:250 y 150:150 experimentaron un descenso significativo de la presión arterial sistólica (PCL:SP 50:250: DPAS: -36,6 ± 2,0 mmHg; PCL:SP150:150: 35,7 ± 2,2 mmHg; p <0,05 vs. basal). Conclusiones: La incorporación del polímero hidrofílico SoluPlus en los implantes PCL:SP 150:150 y 50:250 favorece un incremento de la liberación de carvedilol, ya que aporta concentraciones plasmáticas del β-bloqueante que aseguran una reducción sostenida de la PAS indirecta en animales espontáneamente hipertensos.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was the development and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic evaluation of the in vivo release of subcutaneous implants of carvedilol capable of providing stable tissue levels in experimental models of hypertension. Methods: The subcutaneous implants were prepared with poly (epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) and different proportions of the SoluPlus (SP) hydrophilic polymer (300:0; 250:50; 150:150 and 50:250 mg) loaded with 100 mg carvedilol. The plasma profile and the effect on systolic blood pressure (SBP) after subcutaneous implantation of each formulation was evaluated in male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Results: The PCL:SP 50:250 and 150:150 formulations provided levels ranging from 100 to 200 ng/mL and the PCL:SP 250:50 and 300:0 formulations provided lower concentrations of carvedilol ranging from 0 to 100 ng/mL during the treatment period. Spontaneously hypertensive animals treated with the PCL:SP 50:250 y 150:150 implants presented a significant decrease in SBP (PCL:SP 50:250: DPAS: -36.6 ± 2.0 mm Hg; PCL:SP150:150: -35.7 ± 2.2 mmHg; p <0.05 vs. baseline values) Conclusions: The incorporation of the SoluPlus hydrophilic polymer in PC:SP 150:150 and 50:250 implants increases the release of carvedilol, since it provides plasma concentrations ranging from 100 to 200 ng/ml, resulting in a sustained reduction of indirect SBP in SHR.

Effects of third-generation ß-blockers, atenolol or amlodipine on blood pressure variability and target organ damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

BACKGROUND: ß-blockers are no longer considered as first-line antihypertensive drugs due to their lower cardioprotection. METHOD: Considering the differences in the pharmacological properties of ß-blockers, the present work compared the effects of third-generation ß-blockers - carvedilol and nebivolol - with a first-line agent - amlodipine - on hemodynamic parameters, including short-term blood pressure variability (BPV), and their ability to prevent target organ damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). SHR rats were orally treated with carvedilol, nebivolol, atenolol, amlodipine or vehicle for 8 weeks. Wistar Kyoto rats treated with vehicle were used as normotensive group. Echocardiographic evaluation, BP, and short-term BPV measurements were performed. Left ventricle and thoracic aorta were removed for histological evaluations and to assess the expression of transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). RESULTS: Carvedilol, nebivolol or amlodipine induced a greater reduction of carotid BP, short-term BPV and echocardiography parameters than atenolol in SHR rats. Carvedilol, nebivolol and amlodipine were more effective than atenolol in the prevention of cardiac hypertrophy, and cardiac and aortic collagen deposit. Carvedilol and nebivolol, but not atenolol, reduced the expressions of fibrotic and inflammatory biomarkers - TGF-ß, TNF-α and IL-6 - in SHR rats to a similar extent to that of amlodipine. CONCLUSION: Chronic treatment with carvedilol or nebivolol attenuates carotid BP and short-term BPV, and reduces target organ damage in SHR to a greater extent than atenolol. Our findings suggest that the lower cardiovascular protection of nonvasodilating ß-blockers, as atenolol, in hypertension must not be translated to third-generation ß-blockers.

Factors influencing hepatic metabolism of antihypertensive drugs: impact on clinical response.

INTRODUCTION: Although main antihypertensive drugs are able to efficiently reduce blood pressure, only a third of treated hypertensive patients achieve optimal blood pressure control. Extensive interpatient variability on drug metabolism and oral disposition of blood pressure lowering drugs can contribute to this failure in hypertension management. Areas covered: The aim of the present review is to update the knowledge on the features of hepatic metabolism of the main antihypertensive agents, including ß-blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. The factors that contribute to the large interindividual variability of main antihypertensive drugs are also covered. Expert opinion: The variability of plasma concentration of antihypertensive drugs due to the involvement of hepatic metabolism can contribute to the inadequate control of blood pressure in the daily clinical practice. Genotype screening of specific hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes may contribute to optimize dose selection and to increase the rate of blood pressure control in patients treated with specific ß-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin receptor blockers.

What is the Real Efficacy of Beta-Blockers for the Treatment of Essential Hypertension?

OBJECTIVE: This review covers the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic of ß-blockers, the rationale for their use, some recent controversies in its use for managing hypertension, as well as, the beneficial properties of the third-generation ß-blockers beyond hypertension. BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of ß-blockers in the treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases have been established during more than 50 years of clinical experience. Recent updates of clinical guidelines have downgraded the use of ß-blockers for the treatment of uncomplicated hypertension to second and third line therapy. It is a well-known fact that ß-blockers exhibit heterogeneous pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties that clearly influence their clinical efficacy and tolerability in the management of essential hypertension. Conventional nonvasodilating ß-blockers (atenolol and metoprolol) are inferior to first-line antihypertensive agents in terms of cardioprotection due to lower ability to reduce central blood pressure and its variability and the adverse effects on glycemic and lipid metabolism. CONCLUSION: New vasodilating ß-blockers, mainly carvedilol and nebivolol, show enhanced hemodynamic and metabolic properties, which probably result in a higher prevention of major cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients. Despite head-to-head clinical trials comparing the effects of vasodilating vs nonvasodilating ß-blockers on hard clinical endpoints are lacking, the current evidence suggests that third-generation ß-blockers are superior to conventional ß-blockers for the prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with essential hypertension. Moreover, beyond their antihypertensive properties, third-generation ß-blockers also have pleiotropic, antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects that warrant a "promissory new era" of this newly group.