Assessment of the therapeutic potential of lutein and beta-carotene nanodispersions in a rat model of fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Despite the availability of various treatment options, FM remains a challenging condition to manage. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of formulated nanodispersions of lutein and beta-carotene in treating FM-related symptoms induced by reserpine in female Wistar rats. Several techniques have been implemented to assess this efficacy at various levels, including biochemical, bioelectrical, and behavioral. Namely, oxidative stress markers, monoamine levels, electrocorticography, pain threshold test, and open field test were conducted on control, FM-induced, and FM-treated groups of animals. Our results provided compelling evidence for the efficacy of carotenoid nanodispersions in treating FM-related symptoms. Specifically, we found that the dual action of the nanodispersion, as both antioxidant and antidepressant, accounted for their beneficial effects in treating FM. With further investigation, nano-carotenoids and particularly nano-lutein could potentially become an effective alternative treatment for patients with FM who do not respond to current treatment options.

Preclinical Assessment of 99mTc-Labeled Liposome Agents as an Effective Tracer in Nuclear Medicine.

This study assessed the use of 99mTc-liposome agents for nuclear medicine purposes. Methods: A variety of 99mTc-liposome formulations were compared with common lymphoscintigraphic agents, including 99mTc-labeled regular sulfur colloid and 99mTc-labeled human serum albumin, besides assisting the use of positively charged liposomes in rabbits. Ten male rabbits (2-2.5 kg) were anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine intramuscularly. Then, they were injected with different 99mTc-liposome agents subcutaneously in the dorsum of each hind foot over the region of the metatarsals at the midline, as well as intravenously. Dynamic (1 min) scintigraphic γ-camera images were acquired in a 256 × 1,024 matrix both early and 60 min after injection. Afterward, the tissue biodistribution was determined by calculating the percentage injected dose per organ for each 99mTc agent and studying the heart-to-liver, heart-to-bone marrow, and heart-to-kidney ratios. Results: All agents demonstrated good migration from the injection site to the blood pool but not to lymphatic drainage. Agents were starting to clear out rapidly after 60 min. Conclusion: 99mTc-liposome imaging can be used to develop novel liposome compositions with improved cardiac diagnostic and drug delivery characteristics.

Assessment of DNA damage in Ehlrich carcinoma after treatment with doxorubicin encapsulated in nanoscales thermosensitive liposomes in combination with localized hyperthermia.

Nanoscales thermosensitive liposomes (TSL) composed of synthetic lipids (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, and distearoylphosphatidylcholine), were used for doxorubicin encapsulation with 70% encapsulated efficiency. The liposomes were characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy and turbidity method. Additionally, the liposomes exhibited a significant release of doxorubicin (Dox) by 60% within 5 min at 42°C. To assess the therapeutic efficacy of Dox in combination with hyperthermia, Dox free and encapsulated TSL were administered directly to Ehrlich tumor bearing mice at 1 mg/kg dose. Immediately after the drug administration, hyperthermia was applied to mention the temperature inside the tumor site at 42°C either for 5 min and 30 min. The results indicate a significant increase in the percent of apoptotic and necrotic cells in the treated group. Moreover, disrupts the integrity and the amount of intact DNA in tumor cells. In conclusion, Dox and hyperthermia may serve as a useful targeted drug delivery system for management of Ehrlich carcinoma.