Hyperuricemia Facilitates Uric Acid-Mediated Vascular Endothelial Cell Damage by Inhibiting Mitophagy.

Hyperuricemia remains an elusive factor in the pathogenesis of vascular endothelial injury. This study elucidates the role of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in the context of uric acid (UA)-induced vascular endothelial cell damage. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to varying UA concentrations (6 mg/dL to 50 mg/dL) for 48 h, or to 50 mg/dL UA for different time points (6 to 72 h). We observed a concentration- and time-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation, particularly at 40 mg/dL and 50 mg/dL UA. The autophagy marker LC3 exhibited reduced fluorescence intensity post-UA treatment, along with decreased expression of LC3-II/LC3I, beclin1, and p62, indicating impaired autophagy. The mechanistic exploration revealed that HCQ, in conjunction with the mitochondrial autophagy inhibitor Cyclosporine A (CsA), exacerbated the inhibitory effects of UA on HUVEC autophagy. This was evidenced by a further reduction in mitochondrial autophagy-related proteins and diminished fluorescence of LC3-II/LC3-I and Parkin, culminating in suppressed cell proliferation and accelerated cell senescence and apoptosis. Conversely, the co-treatment with the mitochondrial autophagy inducer carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazine (CCCP) and HCQ mitigated the detrimental effects of UA on HUVEC autophagy. This intervention led to increased expression of PINK1, Parkin, Bnip3, and Nix, along with enhanced fluorescence of LC3-II/LC3-I and Parkin, effectively inhibiting cell senescence and apoptosis while promoting cell proliferation. In conclusion, our findings underscore the pivotal role of HCQ in modulating UA-mediated vascular endothelial cell damage through the inhibition of mitophagy, providing novel insights into the therapeutic potential of targeting HCQ in the management of hyperuricemia-associated vascular complications.

Involvement of gut microbiota recovery and autophagy induction in Youhua Kuijie formula's protection against experimental ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by overactive inflammatory response, impaired intestinal mucosal barrier and disrupted gut microbiota. Youhua Kuijie formula is a classic empirical prescription based on the pathogenesis of UC. The present study was designed to verify the protective effect of Youhua Kuijie formula on DSS-induced UC in mice and uncover the related mechanism. Youhua Kuijie formula were orally administrated to UC mice induced by DSS dissolved in drinking water for ten days. The protective effect of Youhua Kuijie formula was evidenced by reduced pathological symptoms accompanied by palliative inflammatory response and relatively intact intestinal barrier. The data from 16S rRNA gene sequencing and GC-MS untargeted metabolomics indicated that the supplement of Youhua Kuijie formula restructured gut microbiota community structure, and thereby modulated the metabolic profiles in UC mice. The analysis of pathway enrichment analysis suggested the major alterations in metabolic pathway were related to protein digestion and absorption. Besides, the results of the following experiments suggested that Youhua Kuijie formula treatment increased adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, decreased mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation, and thereby reversing autophagy deficiency in the intestinal tract of UC mice. Collectively, our results demonstrated that the regulation of AMPK/mTOR was involved in Youhua Kuijie formula administration mediated protective effect on UC.

Intragraft immune cells: accomplices or antagonists of recipient-derived macrophages in allograft fibrosis?

Organ fibrosis caused by chronic allograft rejection is a major concern in the field of transplantation. Macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition plays a critical role in chronic allograft fibrosis. Adaptive immune cells (such as B and CD4+ T cells) and innate immune cells (such as neutrophils and innate lymphoid cells) participate in the occurrence of recipient-derived macrophages transformed to myofibroblasts by secreting cytokines, which eventually leads to fibrosis of the transplanted organ. This review provides an update on the latest progress in understanding the plasticity of recipient-derived macrophages in chronic allograft rejection. We discuss here the immune mechanisms of allograft fibrosis and review the reaction of immune cells in allograft. The interactions between immune cells and the process of myofibroblast formulation are being considered for the potential therapeutic targets of chronic allograft fibrosis. Therefore, research on this topic seems to provide novel clues for developing strategies for preventing and treating allograft fibrosis.

Reciprocal costimulatory molecules control the activation of mucosal type 3 innate lymphoid cells during engagement with B cells.

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are the counterpart of T helper cells in the innate immune system and share multiple phenotypes with T helper cells. Inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS) is recognized on T cells and participates in T-cell activation and T and B-cell engagement in lymphoid tissues. However, the role of ICOS in ILC3s and ILC3-involved interactions with the immune microenvironment remains unclear. Here, we found that ICOS expression on human ILC3s was correlated with the activated state of ILC3s. ICOS costimulation enhanced the survival, proliferation, and capacity of ILC3s to produce cytokines (IL-22, IL-17A, IFN-γ, TNF, and GM-CSF). Via synergistic effects of ICOS and CD40 signaling, B cells promoted ILC3 functions, and ILC3-induced T-cell-independent B-cell IgA and IgM secretion primarily required CD40 signaling. Hence, ICOS is essential for the nonredundant role of ILC3s and their interaction with adjacent B cells.

Role of Micelle Size in Cell Transcytosis-Based Tumor Extravasation, Infiltration, and Treatment Efficacy.

Transcytosis-based active transport of cancer nanomedicine has shown great promise for enhancing its tumor extravasation and infiltration and antitumor activity, but how the key nanoproperties of nanomedicine, particularly particle size, influence the transcytosis remains unknown. Herein, we used a transcytosis-inducing polymer, poly[2-(N-oxide-N,N-diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (OPDEA), and fabricated stable OPDEA-based micelles with different sizes (30, 70, and 140 nm in diameter) from its amphiphilic block copolymer, OPDEA-block-polystyrene (OPDEA-PS). The study of the micelle size effects on cell transcytosis, tumor extravasation, and infiltration showed that the smallest micelles (30 nm) had the fastest transcytosis and, thus, the most efficient tumor extravasation and infiltration. So, the 7-ethyl-10-hydroxyl camptothecin (SN38)-conjugated OPDEA micelles of 30 nm had much enhanced antitumor activity compared with the 140 nm micelles. These results are instructive for the design of active cancer nanomedicine.

Surgically Derived Cancer Cell Membrane-Coated R837-Loaded Poly(2-Oxazoline) Nanoparticles for Prostate Cancer Immunotherapy.

Cancer cell membranes (CCMs) are widely used as sources of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) for the development of cancer vaccines. To improve the CCM-associated cancer vaccine efficiency, personalized cancer vaccines and effective delivery systems are required. In this study, we employed surgically harvested cancer tissues to prepare personalized CCMs for use as TAAs. Thioglycolic-acid-grafted poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)-block-poly(2-butyl-2-oxazoline-co-2-butenyl-2-oxazoline) (PMBEOx-COOH) was synthesized to load imiquimod (R837) efficiently. The personalized CCMs were then coated onto R837-loaded PMBEOx-COOH nanoparticles (POxTA NPs/R837) to obtain surgically derived CCM-coated POxTA NPs (SCNPs/R837). SCNPs/R837 efficiently travelled to the draining lymph nodes and were taken up and presented by plasmacytoid dendritic cells to elicit enhanced antitumor immune responses. When combined with programmed cell death-1 antibodies, SCNPs/R837 exhibited high efficiency corresponding to antitumor progression. Therefore, SCNP/R837 might represent a promising personalized cancer vaccine with significant potential for cancer immunotherapy.

Prevalence trends and risk factors associated with HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C virus among pregnant women in Southwest China, 2009-2018.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated prevalence trends and identified the associated factors of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among pregnant women in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Guangxi), Southwest China. METHODS: Serial cross-sectional surveys were performed annually among pregnant women in Guangxi from 2009 to 2018. Blood specimens were collected to test the prevalence of HIV, syphilis and HCV. Cochran-Armitage analysis was used to assess the trends of HIV, syphilis and HCV prevalence, as well as the sociodemographic and behavioural data. In this study, we used zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) regression models to identify factors associated with HIV, syphilis and HCV infection. RESULTS: A total of 23,879 pregnant women were included in the study. The prevalence of HIV, syphilis and HCV was 0.24%, 0.85% and 0.19%, respectively. There was a decrease in HIV prevalence from 0.54% to 0.10%, a decrease in HCV prevalence from 0.40% to 0.05% and a decrease in syphilis prevalence from 1.53% to 0.30%. The findings based on the ZINB model revealed that pregnant women who had a history of STI had significantly increased risks of HIV (OR 6.63; 95% CI 1.33-32.90) and syphilis (OR 9.06; 95% CI 3.85-21.30) infection, while pregnant women who were unmarried/widowed/divorced were more likely to have HIV (OR 2.81; 95% CI 1.20-6.54) and HCV (OR 58.12; 95% CI, 3.14-1076.99) infection. Furthermore, pregnant women whose husband had a history of STI (OR 5.62; 95% CI 1.24-25.38) or drug use (OR 7.36; 95% CI 1.25-43.43) showed an increased risk of HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS: There was a relatively low prevalence of HIV, syphilis and HCV among pregnant women. Although decreasing trends in HIV, syphilis and HCV infections were observed, effort is needed to promote STI testing in both premarital medical check-ups and antenatal care, especially targeting couples with a history of STI or drug use.

Mucus Penetrating and Cell-Binding Polyzwitterionic Micelles as Potent Oral Nanomedicine for Cancer Drug Delivery.

Orally administrable anticancer nanomedicines are highly desirable due to their easy and repeatable administration, but are not yet feasible because the current nanomedicine cannot simultaneously overcome the strong mucus and villi barriers and thus have very low bioavailability (BA). Herein, this work presents the first polymeric micelle capable of fast mucus permeation and villi absorption and delivering paclitaxel (PTX) efficiently to tumors with therapeutic efficacy even better than intravenously administered polyethylene glycol based counterpart or free PTX. Poly[2-(N-oxide-N,N-diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (OPDEA), a water-soluble polyzwitterion, is highly nonfouling to proteins and other biomacromolecules such as mucin but can weakly bind to phospholipids. Therefore, the micelle of its block copolymer with poly(ε-caprolactone) (OPDEA-PCL) can efficiently permeate through the viscous mucus and bind to villi, which triggers transcytosis-mediated transepithelial transport into blood circulation for tumor accumulation. The orally administered micelles deliver PTX to tumors, efficiently inhibiting the growth of HepG2 and patient-derived hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts and triple-negative breast tumors. These results demonstrate that OPDEA-based micelles may serve as an efficient oral nanomedicine for delivering other small molecules or even large molecules.

Identification of Two Similar Novel HIV-1 Recombinant Forms (CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC) among Intravenous Drug Users in Guangxi, China.

New kinds of HIV-1 circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) and unique recombinant forms (URFs) earn a great prevalence in China nowadays. In this study, we identified 2 similar URFs (2016GXNNIDU037 and 2019QZLSIDU253) both isolated from intravenous drug users (IDUs) in Guangxi, China. Phylogenetic analysis of the near full-length genome (NFLG) revealed 2 URFs both clustered with CRF01_AE but setting up a monophyletic branch, supporting a high bootstrap value. Bootscan analysis and subregional recombinant analysis found that the NFLG of 2016GXNNIDU037 and 2019QZLSIDU253 were both composed of CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC, with 3 CRF07_BC mosaic segments inserted into CRF01_AE backbones. The CRF01_AE segments of the 2 URFs clustered with a previously reported cluster 2 lineage of CRF01_AE. The 5 recombinant breakpoints of the 2 URFs were quite similar. Distinct from CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC URFs reported before, 2016GXNNIDU037 and 2019QZLSIDU253 are new evidence of a high genetic variety of HIV-1 in Guangxi, which may pose new challenges to HIV-1 prevention and molecular epidemiological surveillance in China.

Nanostructured Lateral Boryl Substitution Conjugated Donor-Acceptor Oligomers for Visible-Light-Driven Hydrogen Production.

Poor charge separation is the main factor that limits the photocatalytic hydrogen generation efficiency of organic conjugated polymers. In this work, a series of linear donor-acceptor (D-A) type oligomers are synthesized by a palladium-catalyzed Sonogashira-Hagihara coupling of electron-deficient diborane unit and different dihalide substitution sulfur functionalized monomers. Such diborane-based A unit exerts great impact on the resulting oligomers, including distinct semiconductor characters with isolated lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) orbits locating in diborane-containing fragment, and elevated LUMO level higher than water reduction potential. Relative to A-A type counterpart, the enhanced dipole polarization effect in D-A oligomers facilitates separation of photogenerated charge carriers, as evidenced by notably prolonged electron lifetime. Owing to π-π stacking of rigid backbone, the oligomers can aggregate into an interesting 2D semicrystalline nanosheet (≈2.74 nm), which is rarely reported in linear polymeric photocatalysts prepared by similar carbon-carbon coupling reaction. Despite low surface area (30.3 m2 g-1 ), such ultrathin nanosheet D-A oligomer offers outstanding visible light (λ > 420 nm) hydrogen evolution rate of 833 µmol g-1 h-1 , 14 times greater than its A-A analogue (61 µmol g-1 h-1 ). The study highlights the great potential of using boron element to construct D-A type oligomers for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation.

Discrepant antitumor efficacies of three CpG oligodeoxynucleotide classes in monotherapy and co-therapy with PD-1 blockade.

Unmethylated CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) activate plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and B cells to induce humoral and cellular immunity, and are under development for the treatment of multiple cancers. However, the specific differences in antitumor effects among the three CpG ODN classes when administered as a monotherapy or in co-therapy with the anti-PD-1 antibody are unclear. We compared the immunostimulatory effects in vitro and antitumor effects in a CT26 subcutaneous mouse tumor model among the three CpG ODN classes. We found that CpG-A slightly suppressed tumor growth but possessed no synergistic antitumor effects with the anti-PD-1 antibody. CpG-B at low doses significantly inhibited tumor growth and possessed synergistic antitumor effects with the anti-PD-1 antibody. A high dose of CpG-C was required to achieve antitumor effects comparable to those of CpG-B, which was consistent with the immunostimulatory effects in B-cell proliferation and TLR9-NF-κB activation. Importantly, CpG-C in combination with anti-PD-1 antibody inhibited tumor growth more quickly and effectively than CpG-B because CpG-B significantly upregulated PD-L1 expression on multiple host immune cells to promote tumor immune escape. Moreover, co-therapy increased the infiltration of effector memory T cells. In summary, CpG-B and CpG-C with different optimal concentrations possessed strong antitumor effects, while CpG-C was more rapid and effective for co-therapy with the anti-PD-1 antibody.

Characterization of Tailoring Methyltransferases Involved in K-41A Biosynthesis: Modulating Methylation to Improve K-41A Anti-infective Activity.

The biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) for polyether antibiotic K-41A was identified from marine-derived Streptomyces sp. SCSIO 01680 and subjected to combinatorial biosynthetic study. Bioinformatics analyses, gene disruption, and metabolomics analyses afforded eight new derivatives and one known polyether, showcasing five region-specific methyltransferases Pak13, Pak15, Pak20, Pak31, and Pak38 and their respective modification loci. Moreover, bioassays revealed that two disaccharide-bearing polyethers, K-41B and K-41Bm, display enhanced anti-HIV and potent antibacterial activities.

Genomic Characterization of a Novel HIV Type 1 Strain Originating from CRF07_BC and CRF01_AE by Heterosexual Transmission in the Lingshan Prefecture of Guangxi Province, China.

Recently, an increasing number of circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) and unique recombinant forms of HIV-1 have been identified in China, contributing substantially to the genetic variability of this virus. This study reports a novel second-generation recombinant form of HIV-1 (GX2015QZLS204), composed of segments from the CRF07_BC and CRF01_AE strains, which was isolated from an HIV-positive male individual infected through heterosexual contact, while residing in the Guangxi province of southwest China. Analysis of the near full-length genome sequence showed that one segment of the CRF01_AE virus subtype was inserted into the CRF07_BC subtype backbone. Recombination analysis demonstrated that the genome of GX2015QZLS204 was separated into seven segments with six breakpoints. Subregion trees constructed by the neighbor-joining method confirmed that the CRF01_AE segment was from the previously identified CRF01_AE cluster 2, and the CRF07_BC segment correlated with the CRF07_BC strain originating from the Jiangxi and Xinjiang provinces of China. The emergence of GX2015QZLS204 highlights the frequent generation of novel recombinant forms and the increasing complications of the HIV-1 epidemic among heterosexual transmission (HET) groups in China. This highlights the importance of monitoring HIV-1 molecular epidemiological characteristics and the urgent need for reduction of the HIV-1 epidemic among HET groups in China.

Preparation and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of 6-Gingerol TPGS/PEG-PCL polymeric micelles.

6-Gingerol, an active herbal ingredient of ginger has various bioactivities such as anti-neurodegenerative disease, anti-inflammatory and so on. The aim of the present study was to enhance the oral bioavailability and brain distribution of 6-Gingerol via polymeric micelles. A polymeric micelles drug delivery system of 6-Gingerol consisting of D-α-Tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) and Poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (ε-caprolactone) (PEG-PCL) was prepared via solvent injection method. The developed 6-Gingerol-loaded TPGS/PEG-PCL micelles (6-GTPMs) were characterized based on particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE), drug loading (DL) and in vitro release profile. The pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution studies were also evaluated. The nanoformulation produced a particle size of 73.24 ± 2.84 nm with acceptable PDI (0.129 ± 0.03), zeta potential (-2.74 ± 0.92 mV), DL (4.64%) and EE (79.68%). The in vitro release profile showed that the 6-GTPMs enhanced the solubility of 6-Gingerol, while the pharmaceutical analysis in rats indicated that 6-GTPMs significantly improved the oral bioavailability of 6-Gingerol (about 3 folds) in circulation. The 6-GTPMs exhibited remarkable brain targetability in the tissue distribution analysis. Collectively, a 6-Gingerol polymeric micelle with enhanced oral bioavailability coupled with excellent brain distribution was successfully developed.

Identification of a Novel HIV-1 CRF55_01B/B Recombinant Isolate in Guangxi, China.

Dynamic recombination is the driving force in the genetic diversity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). When multiple subtypes are circulating in the same area of a population, new HIV-1 strains are likely to be generated through recombination. In this study, we report a novel recombinant strain (2018GXQZLSHET001) of HIV-1, isolated from a HIV-1-positive heterosexual individual infected in Guangdong province, who recently lived in Guangxi province, China. Phylogenetic analysis of the near full-length genome suggested that 2018GXQZLSHET001 was a recombinant of strains CRF55_01B and subtype B. Similarity plotting and bootscaning showed that a subtype B segment was inserted into the CRF55_01B genome with one breakpoint in the nef and 3' long terminal repeat regions. Further subregion phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the CRF55_01B segment originated from Guangdong. The subtype B segment was similar to a Thai B lineage. This indicated that the strain might be a novel recombinant, comprising sequences of both CRF55_01B and B. The emergence of this unique recombinant strain illustrated the complexity of the HIV-1 epidemic, and the need to strengthen molecular epidemiological surveillance and measures to reduce its spread.

Dual-Functionalized Janus Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles with Active Targeting and Charge Reversal for Synergistic Tumor-Targeting Therapy.

Janus nanoparticles with an anisotropic feature concentrated multiple properties on a single carrier, providing synergistic effects. In this study, dual-functionalized Janus nanoparticles (HA-JMSN/DOX-DMMA) were constructed with a tumor-targeting ligand (hyaluronic acid, HA) modified on the one side and a charge reversal group (2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride, DMMA) on the other side. The drug release of HA-JMSN/DOX-DMMA was positively correlated with the acidity of the environment. The cytotoxicity and cell uptake of HA-JMSN/DOX-DMMA were superior to the isotropous nanoparticles. The endocytosis pathway of HA-JMSN/DOX-DMMA involved the clathrin-mediated endocytosis (HA) and the micropinocytosis (DMMA) at the same time, which indicated that they both participated in the interaction between nanoparticles and tumor cells. After being injected intravenously in mice, the distribution of HA-JMSN/DOX-DMMA in tumor was enhanced significantly. The antitumor therapy study in vivo showed that HA-JMSN/DOX-DMMA inhibited tumor growth and improved the survival rate of tumor-bearing mice effectively. In general, HA-JMSN/DOX-DMMA could take the synergistic effect of active targeting and charge reversal to deliver drug in tumor cells and kill them efficiently, which was a promising antitumor nanodrug.

Preparation, characterization, pharmacokinetics and anti-hyperuricemia activity studies of myricitrin-loaded proliposomes.

Myricitrin has many pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammation, liver protection and anti-oxidation. However, its clinical application is limited by poor solubility and low oral bioavailability. The preparation of myricitrin-loaded proliposomes (MPs) was achieved via the combination of thin-film dispersion technique and freeze-drying method. The in vitro release of MPs compared with free myricitrin was measured in different dissolution media while the pharmacokinetic study was also conducted in rats. Moreover, the uric acid-lowering activity of MPs was investigated in the hyperuricemic rat model. The prepared myricitrin appeared to be spherical. Notably, compared with the free myricitrin, the cumulative release in vitro and in vivo oral bioavailability of MPs were markedly increased. Besides, the MPs could significantly lower the serum uric acid level as well as ameliorate liver and kidney damage in hyperuricemic rats compared with the model group. Therefore, the present work supports the fact that MPs improved the oral bioavailability of myricitrin for the prospect of clinical application.

[6]-Shogaol/ß-CDs inclusion complex: preparation, characterisation, in vivo pharmacokinetics, and in situ intestinal perfusion study.

Aims: The aim was to improve the absorption and bioavailability of [6]-shogaol with ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) prior to in vitro and in vivo evaluation. Methods: [6]-Shogaol/ß-CDs inclusion complexes (6-S-ß-CDs) were developed using saturated aqueous solution method and characterised with appropriate techniques. The absorption and bioavailability potential of [6]-shogaol was evaluated via in vivo pharmacokinetics and in situ intestinal perfusion. Results: The results of characterisation showed that 6-S-ß-CDs (drug loading, 7.15%) were successfully formulated. In vitro release study indicated significantly improved [6]-shogaol release. Pharmacokinetic parameters such as Cmax, AUC0-36 h, and oral relative bioavailability (about 685.36%) were substantially enhanced. The in situ intestinal perfusion study revealed that [6]-shogaol was markedly absorbed via passive diffusion in the intestinal segments, and duodenum followed by ileum and jejunum. Conclusions: Cyclodextrin inclusion technology could enhance the intestinal absorption and oral bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs like [6]-shogaol.

Enhancement of Oral Bioavailability and Anti-hyperuricemic Activity of Isoliquiritigenin via Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery System.

The aim of this study was to develop a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) for enhancement of the oral bioavailability of isoliquiritigenin (ISL) as well as evaluate its in vivo anti-hyperuricemic effect in rats. The ISL-loaded self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (ISL-SMEDDS) was comprised of ethyl oleate (EO, oil phase), Tween 80 (surfactant), and PEG 400 (co-surfactant). The ISL-SMEDDS exhibited an acceptable narrow size distribution (44.78 ± 0.35 nm), negative zeta potential (- 10.67 ± 0.86 mV), and high encapsulation efficiency (98.17 ± 0.24%). The in vitro release study indicated that the release rates of the formulation were obviously higher in different release media (HCl, pH 1.2; PBS, pH 6.8; double-distilled water, pH 7.0) compared with the ISL solution. The oral bioavailability of the ISL-SMEDDS was enhanced by 4.71 times in comparison with the free ISL solution. More importantly, ISL-SMEDDS significantly reduced uric acid level by inhibiting xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity in the model rats. Collectively, the prepared ISL-SMEDDS proved to be potential carriers for enhancing the solubility and oral bioavailability of ISL, as well as ameliorating its anti-hyperuricemic effect.

The characterisation, pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies of TPGS modified myricetrin mixed micelles in rats.

This study was designed to investigate the bioavailability and targeting of myricetrin-loaded ternary micelles modified with and without TPGS. The particle diameters of myricetrin-loaded micelles and myricetrin-loaded-TPGS micelle were 30.93 ± 1.34 nm and 26.42 ± 0.89 nm, respectively, while their respective encapsulation efficiencies (m/m, %) were 83.3 ± 1.08 and 93.8 ± 1.18. The release rate of myricetrin in the micellar system clearly exceeded the free myricetrin in the three media (pH 6.8 phosphate buffer, pH 1.2 HCl solution and double distilled water). In vivo studies displayed that the bioavailability of myricetrin mixed micelles was remarkably improved than the free drug after oral administration. Moreover, the results of tissue distribution showed that myricetrin-loaded-TPGS micelles accumulated well in the liver tissue. Based on these results, it was speculated that myricetrin-loaded-TPGS micelles might act as a promising carrier for liver targeting with improved hepatic concentration of myricetrin compared with the myricetrin-loaded micelles.