In Vivo Precipitation of Poorly Soluble Drugs from Lipid-Based Drug Delivery Systems.

Precipitation of poorly water-soluble drugs from lipid-based drug delivery systems (LbDDS) has been studied extensively during in vitro lipolysis but has never been shown in vivo. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate if drug precipitation can occur from LbDDS during transit of the gastrointestinal tract in vivo. Rats were administered 300 µL of either of two LbDDS (LbDDS I and LbDDS II) loaded with danazol or fenofibrate (or paracetamol to assess gastric emptying). The rats were euthanized at various time points after administration of both LbDDS containing either drug, and the contents of the stomach and proximal part of the small intestine were harvested. The contents were analyzed for crystalline drug by X-ray powder diffraction and polarized light microscopy. No drug precipitation was evident in the stomach or the intestine after administration of LbDDS I containing danazol at the tested time points. Fenofibrate precipitation was absent in the stomach initially after administration of LbDDS I, but was evident in the stomach 90 min after dosing. No crystalline fenofibrate was observed in the intestine. Danazol and fenofibrate precipitation was evident in the stomach following administration of LbDDS II containing either drug, but not in the intestine at the tested time point. Drug precipitation from LbDDS was observed in the stomach, but not in the intestine, which is contrary to what in vitro lipolysis data (obtained under human GI conditions) suggests. Thus, precipitation of drugs from LbDDS in vivo in rats is much lower than might be anticipated from in vitro lipolysis data.

La(iii) biodistribution profiles from intravenous and oral dosing of two lanthanum complexes, La(dpp)3 and La(XT), and evaluation as treatments for bone resorption disorders.

Trivalent lanthanum (La3+) has the potential to treat bone resorption disorders (such as osteoporosis) by eliciting a bone-building response in the cells which control skeletal remodelling. Because La3+ suffers from extremely poor intestinal absorption, specifically designed chelators are required in order that a biologically active form of lanthanum can be administered orally. Two such chelators, 1,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-4-pyridinone (Hdpp) and bis-{[bis(carboxymethyl)amino]methy}phosphinic acid (H5XT), have previously been the subjects of extensive physical, in vitro, and in vivo testing as the tris- and mono-lanthanum(iii) complexes La(dpp)3 and La(XT), respectively. In this manuscript, we expand upon those studies to include 4-week intravenous (IV) and oral La3+ biodistribution profiles, which show that the metal ion initially accumulates in the liver followed by preferential redistribution and retention by bone. Of the two compounds, La(XT) demonstrates the more favourable in vivo characteristics, therefore dose-dependent oral biodistribution studies were carried out with this complex. These show drug saturation above a dose of 100 mg kg-1 day-1, so liver histology was performed in order to assess any potential toxicity. Finally, we improve upon the physical characterization of La(dpp)3 to include a single crystal X-ray structure, which exhibits an 8-coorindate La3+ centre with two bound water molecules, and a disordered exoclathrate-type hydrogen bonded network.

Oral simvastatin administration delays castration-resistant progression and reduces intratumoral steroidogenesis of LNCaP prostate cancer xenografts.

BACKGROUND: Growing evidence supports the idea that de novo steroidogenesis has an important role in prostate cancer's progression to the castration-resistant state following androgen deprivation therapy. Therefore, reducing the availability of cholesterol for use as a precursor in androgen synthesis may reduce proliferation and disease progression. METHODS: LNCaP xenograft-bearing mice were castrated and administered simvastatin via diet, and tumor volume and PSA concentration were monitored for 8 weeks post castration. Levels of serum and intratumoral androgens along with serum simvastatin and common toxicity markers were measured at end point. RESULTS: Reduced post-castration tumor growth rate in simvastatin-treated mice correlated with delayed time to castration-resistant progression, determined by two serum PSA doublings from post-castration nadir, when compared with xenografts in mice on control diet. At 8 weeks post castration, serum simvastatin levels were comparable to clinically relevant human doses with no evidence of overt muscle or liver toxicity. This suppressed post-castration tumor growth in the simvastatin diet group was correlated with reduced intratumoral testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced tumor growth and intratumoral androgen levels observed in simvastatin-treated, castrated mice harboring LNCaP xenograft suggests that suppressing de novo steroidogenesis can delay castration-resistant progression of this tumor model.

Amphotericin B interactions with a DOPC monolayer. Electrochemical investigations.

A model lipid membrane consisting of a monolayer of dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) adsorbed onto a Hg electrode has been used to study the interaction between the lipid and different formulations of Amphotericin B (AmB) [Fungizone (FZ), Heated Fungizone (HFZ), and Abelcet]. The lipid organizational order was measured by electrochemical methods [capacitance and metal ion (Tl(+)) reduction], characterizing the change in lipid order due to interaction with the drug. The mean size and number density of pores formed in the monolayer were estimated by fitting the reduction current transients to a random array of microelectrode model. This method was shown sensitive for investigation of the interaction of drugs with the DOPC monolayer. Abelcet was found to have a smaller disruptive effect on lipid order than FZ and HFZ. The formulations used to solubilize the AmB were also studied. Sodium deoxycholate used as a solubilizer in FZ displayed significant influence on lipid order similar to that observed for Abelcet. The lipid complex, used in Abelcet, did not significantly perturb the DOPC monolayer order. The lipid complex used in Abelcet may have an annealing or healing effect that buffers the disruption possible due to AmB.

In vivo study and thermodynamic investigation of two lanthanum complexes, La(dpp)3 and La(XT), for the treatment of bone resorption disorders.

Bone density diseases such as osteoporosis affect a significant number of people worldwide. Lanthanide ions are functional mimics of calcium ions, able to substitute for Ca2+ in the bone mineral component, hydroxyapatite (HAP). Bone undergoes a continuous remodelling cycle and lanthanides can affect this cycle, exerting a positive influence on bone mineral. We have been engaged in efforts to find new lanthanide containing complexes as active agents for treatment of these diseases and have identified two lead compounds, 3-hydroxy-1,2-dimethylpyridin-4(1H)-one (Hdpp) and a phosphinate-EDTA derivative, bis[[bis(carboxymethyl)amino]-methyl]phosphinate (H5XT). In this paper, we report in vivo data for the first time for the two lead compounds. The pharmacokinetics of La(dpp)3 suggest the complex is rapidly cleared from plasma. We demonstrate that La3+ accumulates in the bone following IV dose of either La(dpp)3 or La(XT) and we have investigated the influence of each chelating ligand on the incorporation of La3+ into HAP using ITC and HAP-binding studies.

Plasma protein and lipoprotein distribution of clozapine.

OBJECTIVE: The authors' goal was to determine what effect dyslipidemia has on clozapine's plasma distribution. METHOD: [(3)H]Clozapine plus cold clozapine (335 ng/ml) were incubated in plasma samples with varying total cholesterol, lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations. Following incubation, the plasma was separated into its lipoprotein and lipoprotein-deficient fractions by density gradient ultracentrifugation and clozapine distribution was determined. RESULTS: Compared with the plasma standard, significantly more clozapine was recovered in the very-low-density lipoprotein fraction, which contained elevated total cholesterol and triglycerides. Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between total plasma triglyceride concentration and clozapine recovery in this fraction. CONCLUSIONS: In plasma samples with elevated triglycerides, clozapine shifts from the lipoprotein-deficient fraction to the very-low-density lipoprotein fraction. This redistribution of clozapine may affect the pharmacological activity of clozapine.

Evaluation of amphotericin B-cyclosporine interaction in the rat.

Although a significant interaction between cyclosporine and amphotericin-B (AmpB) has been observed clinically, these findings have not been duplicated in animal studies. A total of 64 male albino rats were used in single- and multiple-dose experiments with AmpB and CsA in the absence or presence of systemic Candida infection. No significant differences in glomerular filtration rate were found in rats given single i.v. doses of AmpB 1 mg/kg compared with AmpB and CsA. Furthermore, rats given i.p. AmpB 1 mg/kg and CsA 10 mg/kg daily for 10 days showed no significant differences in GFR compared with animals given CsA alone. Morphology and CsA whole-blood pharmacokinetics were not different between groups administered single-dose CsA, AmpB, or the combination; similarities also existed with multiple-dose studies. In an attempt to mimic the clinical setting, 2 groups of rats were administered i.p. CsA 10 mg/kg/day for 10 days followed by inoculation of Candida albicans. After 48 hr, a single i.v. dose of AmpB 1.0 mg/kg was associated with a 33% decline in GFR compared with those given sterile water (P less than 0.05). Systemic clearance of CsA was markedly reduced in candidiasis rats administered AmpB compared with controls given sterile water. A significant reduction in renal Candida colony-forming units was found in rats given CsA and AmpB compared with those administered CsA alone. These data suggest that the presence of systemic Candida highlights the interaction of CsA and AmpB in the rat model.

Modification of amphotericin B's therapeutic index by increasing its association with serum high-density lipoproteins.

AmpB remains one of the drugs of choice in the treatment of systemic fungal infection; however, its therapy is limited by the development of renal toxicity. When AmpB was incorporated into negatively charged liposomes composed of DMPC and DMPG (L-AmpB), it was less toxic but as effective as free AmpB. However, the mechanism of L-AmpB's enhanced therapeutic index remains unknown. We have demonstrated that AmpB predominantly associates with HDL when incorporated into positively and negatively charged liposomes. To further understand the therapeutic importance of AmpB predominantly associating with HDL, we next examined the influence of lipoproteins on the antifungal activity and renal cytotoxicity of AmpB. The antifungal activity of AmpB and L-AmpB was not altered in the presence of HDL or LDL. The reduced nephrotoxicity associated with the use of L-AmpB, however, was related to a decreased uptake of AmpB by renal cells when AmpB was associated with HDL, and it may be a result of the low expression of HDL receptors in the LLC PK1 renal cells.

A lipophilic paclitaxel derivative incorporated in a lipid emulsion for parenteral administration.

Paclitaxel is one of the most effective and most widely-used anti-cancer agents. However, paclitaxel is difficult to formulate for parenteral administration because of its low aqueous solubility and Cremophor EL, the excipient used for its formulation, has been shown to cause serious side effects. This study reports an alternative administration vehicle involving a lipophilic paclitaxel derivative, paclitaxel oleate, incorporated in the core of a nano-size sterically stabilized oil-in-water (o/w) lipid emulsion. This lipid emulsion, with a particle size of 50 nm, has many favourable properties such as drug-carrier like biocompatibility, physical stability and ease of preparation. When paclitaxel in Cremophor EL/ethanol and paclitaxel oleate in emulsion were incubated with plasma a greater proportion of paclitaxel was found in the lipoprotein pool when formulated as paclitaxel oleate in a lipid emulsion compared to unesterified paclitaxel. The paclitaxel prodrug, paclitaxel oleate, demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cultured HeLa cells and with a marked increase in activity with incubation time. The 50% inhibition (IC(50)) was calculated to be 5500, 500, 150, and 100 nM for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, respectively. Pharmacokinetic data, obtained with rabbits, showed significantly greater AUC, higher C(max), lower systemic clearance and lower V(ss) when paclitaxel was formulated as an oleate prodrug in a lipid emulsion than when formulated in Cremophor EL/ethanol. The formulated emulsion may be clinically useful not only for eliminating toxic effects of Cremophor EL but also for improvement of the pharmacokinetic parameters of paclitaxel.

Modifications in plasma lipoprotein concentration and lipid composition regulate the biological activity of hydrophobic drugs.

The maximum tolerated dose and pharmacokinetics of a drug is usually determined in healthy human volunteers and animals. This data is then used to define the dosing recommendation for the diseased patient population. However, in the case of some hydrophobic drugs, the dose which is deemed nontoxic becomes ineffective and/or toxic when administered to the diseased patient. This observation might be explained by several lines of evidence which indicate that binding of drugs such as amphotericin B (AmpB) and cyclosporine (CSA) to plasma low-density lipoprotein- (LDL) cholesterol is involved in the development of kidney toxicity. Our preliminary studies have suggested that this phenomena might be due to increase lipid transfer protein (LTP 1) activity which promotes the transfer of AmpB from high-density lipoproteins to LDL. In addition, since LTP 1 function is regulated by the lipid content of plasma lipoproteins, we suggest that changes in lipoprotein composition that occur in dyslipidemia regulate the distribution of these and other hydrophobic drugs (i.e., annamycin and nystatin). The impact of these studies on hydrophobic drug therapy could have broad implications on how we evaluate and determine dosing of hydrophobic drugs in dyslipidemic patients. By understanding the mechanism(s) responsible for the distribution of hydrophobic compounds in the bloodstream, we are trying to define the effect of dyslipidemias on the plasma clearance and therapeutic index of hydrophobic compounds.

The influence of serum lipoproteins on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of lipophilic drugs and drug carriers.

One of the most ambitious goals in the therapy of human diseases is developing targeted drug delivery which would allow an effective concentration of drug to reach diseased sites while sparing non-diseased tissues. One of the most extensively researched approaches in controlled drug delivery has been the incorporation of drugs into lipid carriers or phospholipid vesicles, known as liposomes. However, the behavior of lipophilic drugs and liposomes within the circulating blood remains unknown. Several laboratories have demonstrated that the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and pharmacological activity of a number of drugs incorporated into liposomes are influenced by their interaction with serum lipoproteins. This chapter will examine the influence of serum lipoproteins on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of lipophilic drugs and drug carriers.

The interaction of liposomal amphotericin B and serum lipoproteins within the biological milieu.

Previously, we have shown that liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmpB) is less nephrotoxic than and equally as effective as free AmpB as treatment of patients with systemic fungal infections; The mechanism of L-AmpB's enhanced therapeutic index, however, remains unknown. This review discusses AmpB's association with lipoproteins, predominantly high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and the biological relevance of transferring AmpB to HDL. We observed that AmpB was less toxic to pig kidney cells when associated with HDL but still remains toxic when associated with low-density lipoproteins (LDL). AmpB's association with HDL or LDL does not alter its antifungal activity. We further found that these kidney cells express high- and low-affinity LDL receptors but only low-affinity HDL receptors. The reduced renal cytotoxicity of HDL-associated AmpB may be due to its lack of interaction with the renal cells, since they have no HDL receptors. Since AmpB interacts with cholesteryl esters in serum, whose transfer between HDL and LDL is regulated by lipid transfer protein (LTP), we addressed the role of this protein on the distribution of AmpB between HDL and LDL. The addition of LTP altered the lipoprotein distribution of AmpB but not of L-AmpB. Furthermore L-AmpB, but not AmpB (except at 20 micrograms/ml), inhibited the LTP-mediated transfer of cholesterol esters from HDL to LDL. It appears therefore, that the decreased nephrotoxicity associated with L-AmpB administration is related to its predominant distribution to HDL, which is regulated by inhibiting of LTP-mediated cholesterol esters transfer activity.

Effects of lipoproteins on cyclosporine A toxicity and uptake in LLC-PK1 pig kidney cells.

Cyclosporine A (CSA) is an effective immunosuppressant, but side effects such as renal toxicity can limit its therapeutic use. The current studies investigate the effects of lipoproteins on CSA-induced renal toxicity in the pig epithelial cell line LLC-PK(1). Protein synthesis and tritiated CSA were used as measures of toxicity and uptake of CSA, respectively, in the LLC-PK(1) cell line. The three main classes of lipoproteins, very low (VLDL), low (LDL), and high density lipoproteins (HDL) at hypo-, normo-, and hyperlipidemic levels were tested for their ability to affect CSA-induced toxicity and uptake. The major component of each lipoprotein was also tested to determine its effects on CSA-induced toxicity and uptake. ApoA-I, the major protein component of HDL, and intact LDL particles showed the most significant effects of CSA uptake and toxicity. The uptake and toxicity of CSA was effectively reduced with elevated LDL concentrations but showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) when incubated with elevated concentrations of apoA-I. Increasing VLDL and HDL concentrations slightly reduced CSA toxicity and uptake, but showed little effect with increased incubation time. Triglyceride and cholesterol, the respective major components of VLDL and LDL, did not alter CSA uptake or toxicity under the conditions tested. LDL and apoA-I are identified as the major effectors of CSA toxicity and uptake in LLC-PK(1) cells. These effects may be mediated through receptors such as the LDL receptor or those involved in protein reabsorption. The data presented here clearly demonstrate a relationship between CSA-induced toxicity and the nature of the associated lipoprotein.

Distribution of free and liposomal annamycin within human plasma is regulated by plasma triglyceride concentrations but not by lipid transfer protein.

Annamycin (Ann) is a lipophilic and non-cross-resistant anthracycline antibiotic currently in clinical development as a liposomal formulation (L-Ann) composed of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol (DMPG). Previous studies have demonstrated that the incorporation of Ann into these liposomes prolongs its terminal serum half-life and increases the tumor levels of the drug. However, an explanation for the altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of doxorubicin and Ann when entrapped into these multilamellar lipid vesicles remains unknown. Since the distribution of lipophilic compounds within plasma lipoproteins has been shown to influence the pharmacokinetics and organ distribution of a number of lipophilic compounds and this distribution appears to be regulated by lipid transfer protein (LTP), we studied the distribution of Ann and L-Ann among plasma lipoproteins and the influence of LTP on the distribution of Ann and L-Ann among plasma lipoproteins. Our results concluded that when Ann was incorporated into liposomes composed of DMPC and DMPG, over 65% of the initial Ann concentration would distribute into the high density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction and that free Ann and L-Ann distribution within human plasma was independent of LTP activity. In addition, we observed that the increase in total plasma triglyceride (TG) concentrations (through the increase of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL)) resulted in the increase distribution of Ann and L-Ann within the TG-rich VLDL fraction. However, increasing the VLDL core TG/cholesterol ratio decreased Ann distribution into VLDL. These findings suggest that initial Ann distribution is regulated by a mechanism that does not involve LTP, but through its interaction with plasma VLDL-TG.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Preferential distribution of amphotericin B lipid complex into human HDL3 is a consequence of high density lipoprotein coat lipid content.

The purpose of this study was to determine the plasma lipoprotein (LP) distribution of amphotericin B (AmpB) and amphotericin B lipid complex [ABLC; Abelcet composed of dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dimyristoyl phosphatidylglycerol (DMPG)] and define the relationship between LP lipid concentration and composition and the distribution of AmpB and ABLC in human plasma with varying total and lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. AmpB and ABLC at a concentration of 20 microg amphotericin B/mL were incubated in plasma obtained from different human subjects (n = 7) for 60 min at 37 degrees C. Following these incubations plasma samples were separated into their high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL; which contains very low-density lipoproteins and chylomicrons), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and lipoprotein-deficient (LPDP) fractions by density-gradient ultracentrifugation (UC) and each fraction was assayed for AmpB using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The HDL fraction was further separated into its HDL3 and HDL2 subclasses by UC and assayed for AmpB using HPLC. Separation of HDL into its subclasses was confirmed by gel electrophoresis. To assess the influence of modified lipoprotein concentrations and lipid composition on the plasma distribution of AmpB and ABLC, these compounds were incubated in plasmas from human subjects with varying total and lipoprotein lipid concentrations. In addition, to demonstrate that alterations in HDL lipid composition influence the plasma distribution of ABLC, ABLC (20 microg amphotericin B/mL) was incubated in plasma pretreated with dithionitrobenzoate (DTNB, a compound which inhibits lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase conversion of HDL3 free cholesterol to esterified cholesterol) 18 h prior to the experiment or in untreated plasma for 60 min at 37 degrees C. Total plasma and lipoprotein cholesterol (TC), free cholesterol (fC), esterified cholesterol (CE), triglyceride (TG), phospholipid (PL), and protein (TP) concentrations in each human sample were determined by enzymatic assays. When AmpB was incubated in human plasmas of varying lipid concentrations, the majority of the drug was recovered in the LPDP fraction. However, the majority of AmpB was recovered in the HDL3 fraction following the incubation of ABLC. Differences in lipid coat content (fC and PL) carried by HDL influenced the distribution of ABLC within plasma of different human subjects. These findings were confirmed by the DTNB treatment experiments. These findings suggest that the association of AmpB with DMPC and DMPG to form drug-lipid complexes modifies the plasma distribution of the AmpB. In addition, the distribution of ABLC among plasma lipoproteins of different human subjects is defined by the HDL lipid coat content and is possibly an important consideration when evaluating the pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and activity of these compounds following administration to humans with differing plasma lipid concentrations.

Role of plasma lipoproteins in modifying the biological activity of hydrophobic drugs.

The plasma lipoprotein distribution of potential drug candidates is not commonly studied. For some hydrophobic drug candidates, attainment of similar plasma free drug levels has not been associated with uniform production of pharmacological activity in different animal species. It is well-known that plasma lipoprotein lipid profiles vary considerably between different animal species. In addition, human disease states can significantly influence plasma lipoprotein profiles, resulting in altered therapeutic outcomes. Current research has shown that lipoprotein binding of drug compounds can significantly influence not only the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of the drug, but the relative toxicity as well. Elucidation of drug distribution among plasma lipoproteins is expected to yield valuable insight into factors governing the pharmacological activity and potential toxicity of the drug. This paper will present an historical perspective and summarize the latest research in the area of lipoprotein-drug interactions.

Modifications in high-density lipoprotein lipid composition and structure alter the plasma distribution of free and liposomal annamycin.

Recent studies have shown that changes in lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentration alters the plasma distribution of free (Ann.) and liposomal annamycin (LAnn) and that the majority of Ann. is associated with high-density lipoproteins (HDL) following the incubation in plasma of LAnn. To demonstrate that alterations in HDL lipid composition and HDL structure may influence the plasma distribution of Ann. and LAnn, Ann. and LAnn (20 micrograms/mL) were incubated in plasma pretreated with dithionitrobenzoate (DTNB, a compound which inhibits the conversion of free cholesterol to esterified cholesterol) 18 h prior to the experiment or in untreated plasma for 60 min at 37 degrees C. In addition, Ann. and LAnn were co-incubated with DTNB in plasma for 60 min at 37 degrees C. Following incubation the plasma was separated into its HDL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and lipoprotein-deficient plasma (LPDP) fractions by ultracentrifugation and assayed for Ann. by fluorimetry. The HDL plasma cholesterol:triglyceride concentration ratio was significantly decreased following 18 h of DTNB pretreatment compared to untreated plasma controls. No significant differences in LDL/VLDL plasma cholesterol:triglyceride concentration ratio following 18 h of DTNB pretreatment was observed. An increased number of discoidal HDL particles were observed following 18 h of DTNB pretreatment. When Ann. was incubated in plasma pretreated with DTNB for 18 h the percentage of Ann. recovered in the HDL, LDL, and VLDL fractions significantly increased. However, the percentage of Ann. recovered within the LPDP fraction was significantly decreased. When LAnn was incubated in plasma pretreated with DTNB for 18 h the percentage of Ann. recovered in the HDL fraction significantly decreased. The percentage of Ann. recovered in the LPDP fraction significantly increased when LAnn was incubated in plasma pretreated with DTNB for 18 h. No significant differences in Ann. lipoprotein distribution were observed when Ann. and LAnn were co-incubated with DTNB in plasma for 1 h. These findings suggest that the cholesterol:triglyceride concentration ratio and physical structure of HDL maybe important in defining the capacity of HDL to sequester Ann.

Effects of a novel hydrophilic phytostanol analog on plasma lipid concentrations in gerbils.

This study was designed to determine the effects of a novel hydrophilic phytostanol analog, FM-VP4, on total plasma cholesterol, total plasma triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations after acute oral administration to gerbils. Gerbils were administered a standard gerbil diet for 4 continuous weeks, and daily water and food intake was monitored and replaced. The diet contained either no FM-VP4 (control) or FM-VP4 at the following concentrations: 0.25, 0.50, 1.0, or 2.0% w/w; six gerbils were fed each diet formulation. After 4 weeks of receiving a single diet formulation, blood was obtained from each gerbil by cardiac puncture and the animals were sacrificed humanely. Plasma obtained from this blood was analyzed for total cholesterol, total triglyceride, and HDL cholesterol levels by standard enzymatic and precipitation techniques. LDL cholesterol levels were calculated using the Friedewald equation. Administration of dietary FM-VP4 resulted in significant decreases in total plasma cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations compared with controls. Dietary FM-VP4 at concentrations of 1% and 2% (w/w) decreased total plasma cholesterol by 3.4 mmol/L compared with controls. This decrease was entirely due to the loss of cholesterol from the LDL pool because LDL cholesterol was decreased by 3.3 and 3.2 mmol/L after 1% and 2% (w/w) FM-VP4, respectively. There were no significant changes in plasma triglyceride or HDL cholesterol concentrations after the administration of FM-VP4. Animals administered 1% or 2% (w/w) FM-VP4 also had significantly lower body weight after 4 weeks of treatment compared with the other groups. However, no unusual behavior was observed in these animals. No major differences in daily water or food intake were observed throughout the study. These findings indicate that FM-VP4 decreases total and LDL cholesterol concentrations.

Cyclosporine A transfer between high- and low-density lipoproteins: independent from lipid transfer protein I-facilitated transfer of lipoprotein-coated phospholipids because of high affinity of cyclosporine a for the protein component of lipoproteins.

The objectives of this study were to determine if lipid transfer protein I (LTP I)-facilitated phospholipid (PC) transfer activity regulates the plasma lipoprotein distribution of cyclosporine (CSA) and if the association of CSA with high-density lipoproteins (HDL) is due to the high protein and/or alterations in coat lipid content of HDL. To assess if LTP I-facilitated PC transfer activity regulates the plasma lipoprotein distribution of CSA, (14)C-PC- or (3)H-CSA-enriched HDL or low-density lipoproteins (LDL) were incubated in T150 buffer [pH 7.4, containing a (14)C-PC- or (3)H-CSA-free lipoprotein counterpart +/- exogenous LTP I (1.0 microg protein/mL)] or in delipidated human plasma that contained 1.0 microg protein/mL of endogenous LTP I in the presence or absence of a monoclonal antibody TP1 (30 microg protein/mL) directed against LTP I for 90 min at 37 degrees C. To assess the influence of HDL subfraction lipid composition and structure on the plasma distribution of CSA, CSA at 1000 ng of drug/mL of plasma was incubated in human plasma pretreated for 24 h with a lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) inhibitor, dithionitrobenzoate (DTNB; 3 mM). To assess the binding of CSA to apolipoproteins AI, AII, and B, increasing concentrations of CSA were added to a constant concentration of either apolipoprotein AI, AII, or B. Equilibrium dialysis was used to determine free and bound fractions and Scatchard plot analysis was used to determine binding coefficients. To assess the influence of hydrophobic core lipid volume on the plasma distribution of CSA, CSA was incubated in plasma from patients with well-characterized dyslipidemias. The hydrophobic core lipid volume (CE + TG) within each lipoprotein subfraction was correlated to the amount of CSA recovered in each plasma sample from the different human subjects. The percent transfer of PC from LDL to HDL was different than the percent transfer of CSA in T150 buffer or human plasma source. In the presence of TP1, only PC transfer from LDL to HDL decreased. For plasma incubated with CSA and separated into HDL(2) and HDL(3), 35-50% of drug originally incubated was recovered in the HDL(3) fraction, with the remaining drug being found within the other fractions. When CSA was incubated in plasma pretreated with DTNB, the percentage of CSA recovered in the HDL(3) and HDL(2) fractions was not significantly different compared with that in the HDL(3) and HDL(2) fractions from untreated control plasma. CSA distribution into HDL inversely correlated with the hydrophobic core lipid volume of HDL, whereas distribution into LDL and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins directly correlated with their respective hydrophobic core lipid volumes. We further observed that CSA has high binding affinity and multiple binding sites with apolipoproteins AI (k(d) = 188.9 nM; n = 2), AII (k(d) = 184.7 nM; n = 2), and B (k(d) = 191 nM; n = 3). These findings suggest that the transfer of CSA between different lipoprotein particles is not influenced by LTP I-facilitated PC transfer activity probably because of the high affinity of CSA for the protein components of HDL and LDL.

Human plasma distribution of free paclitaxel and paclitaxel associated with diblock copolymers.

Amphiphilic diblock copolymer poly (D,L-lactide)-block-methoxy polyethylene glycol was synthesized, and paclitaxel (Taxol) was incorporated into this copolymer above its critical micelle concentration (cmc), resulting in the formation of polymeric micellar paclitaxel (PMT). Free paclitaxel dissolved in acetonitrile (TAX) and PMT, at 10 micrograms of paclitaxel/mL of human plasma, were incubated for 5, 30, and 60 min at 37 degrees C. Following incubation, the plasma was separated into its high-density (HDL), low-density (LDL), very-low-density (VLDL) lipoprotein and lipoprotein-deficient (LPDP) plasma fractions by density gradient ultracentrifugation. Each of these lipoprotein (LP) and LPDP fractions were analyzed for paclitaxel and plasma lipid levels by well-established HPLC and enzymatic assays. When TAX was incubated in human plasma for 5 min, an equal amount of drug was found in the LP and LPDP fractions. This distribution profile did not change following incubation for 30 and 60 min. Of the amount of TAX that was distributed within the LP fraction, 70-75% of TAX was associated with the HDL fraction for all time points studied. The paclitaxel plasma and LP distribution profile for PMT was similar to the distribution profile of TAX, suggesting that the plasma and LP distribution of paclitaxel is independent of the method of paclitaxel delivery and that LP distribution is not a function of mass lipid levels.