[Effect and mechanism of Xihuang Pills on rats with precancerous lesions of breast].

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect and mechanism of Xihuang Pills on rats with precancerous lesions of the breast. Of 48 healthy female rats, 8 were randomly selected as blank group, and the other 40 were treated with 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene(DMBA) combined with estrogen and progestin to establish a model of precancerous lesions of the breast. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, a tamoxifen group(1.8 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), a Xihuang Pills low-dose group(0.3 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), a medium-dose group(0.6 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) and a high-dose group(1.2 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)). After 30 days of admi-nistration, the histopathological changes of viscera and breast were observed by haematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining, and the visceral index was calculated. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the contents of estradiol(E_2) and progesterone(P) in serum. The protein expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2) were detected by immunohistochemistry. The protein expressions of VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(VEGFR2), phosphorylated-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(p-VEGFR2), B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), and Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax) were detected by Western blot and the mRNA expressions of VEGF, FGF2, CXC-chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4), cysteine aspartic acid-specific protease(caspase-3), and stromal cell-derived factor 1(SDF-1) were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). HE staining revealed that the model group had some liver and kidney damages and severe hyperplastic mammary tissue, while the Xihuang Pills high-dose group had mild hyperplasia. Compared with the model group, the Xihuang Pills groups had lo-wer ovarian coefficient(P<0.05 or P<0.01) and Xihuang Pills high-dose group had lower uterine coefficient(P<0.01). ELISA results showed that compared with the model group, expressions of E_2 and P in Xihuang Pills high-dose group were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and RT-PCR indicated that compared with the conditions in the model group, the protein and mRNA expressions of VEGF and FGF2 in the Xihuang Pills groups were down-regulated(P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the protein expression of Bcl-2 was lowered(P<0.01); there was a decrease in the protein expressions of VEGFR2 and p-VEGFR2(P<0.01), a down-regulation in the mRNA expressions of CXCR4 and SDF-1(P<0.01), while an increase in the mRNA expression of caspase-3(P<0.01) in both Xihuang Pills medium-dose and high-dose groups; the protein expression of Bax in Xihuang Pills high-dose group was increased(P<0.01). The above results indicated that Xihuang Pills can effectively intervene in precance-rous lesions of the breast, and the mechanism may be related to the regulation of E_2 and P secretion as well as the inhibition of angiogenesis and chemokine receptor expression, thus controlling the occurrence of precancerous lesions of the breast in rats.

[Comparison of in vivo plasma pharmacokinetics and urine excretion of main components in Xihuang Formula in rats with precancerous lesions of breast cancer].

The UPLC-MS/MS was established for the determination of acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid(AKBA) and ß-boswellic acid(ß-BA), the main active components of Olibanum and Myrrha extracts in Xihuang Formula, in rat plasma and urine. The effects of compatibility on the pharmacokinetic behaviors of AKBA and ß-BA in rats were investigated, and the differences in pharmacokinetic behaviors between healthy rats and rats with precancerous lesions of breast cancer were compared. The results showed that compared with RM-NH and RM-SH groups, the AUC_(0-t) and AUC_(0-∞) of ß-BA increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01), T_(max) decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01), and C_(max) increased(P<0.01) after compatibility. The trends of AKBA and ß-BA were the same. Compared with RM-SH group, the T_(max) decreased(P<0.05), C_(max) increased(P<0.01), and the absorption rate increased in the normal group of Xihuang Formula. The results of urinary excretion showed that there was a decreasing trend in the urinary excretion rate and total urinary excretion of ß-BA and AKBA after compatibility, but there was no statistical difference. Compared with normal group of Xihuang Formula, the AUC_(0-t) and AUC_(0-∞) of ß-BA increased(P<0.05), T_(max) increased(P<0.05), and the clearance rate decreased in the breast precancerous lesion group. AUC_(0-t) and AUC_(0-∞) of AKBA showed an increasing trend, the in vivo retention time was prolonged, and the clearance rate was reduced, but there was no significant difference compared with the normal group. The cumulative urinary excretion and urinary excretion rate of ß-BA and AKBA decreased under pathological conditions, indicating that pathological conditions could affect the in vivo process of ß-BA and AKBA, and reduce their excretion in the form of prototype drugs, showing different pharmacokine-tic characteristics from normal physiological conditions. In this study, UPLC-MS/MS analysis method was established, which was sui-table for in vivo pharmacokinetic analysis of ß-BA and AKBA. This study laid a foundation for the development of new dosage forms of Xihuang Formula.

[Study on effect of SuperTab 40LL on compression characteristics of musk sustained-release mini-tablets based on mathematical models].

In this paper, co-processed lactose SuperTab 40 LL was selected as fillers to study the preparation of musk sustained-release mini-tablets in the Xihuang multiple-unit drug release system. Musk sustained-release tablets containing different proportions of SuperTab 40 LL and MCC were prepared under various pressures, and then the compressibility and compactibility of these prescriptions were evaluated by Walker, Heckel and Ryshkewitch-Duckworth equations. In addition, the fluidity of the prescriptions was evaluated by parameters of Kawakita equation. There was a comprehensive analysis of the effect of SuperTab 40 LL on musk sustained-release mini-tablets combined with the appearance of SuperTab 40 LL and their tensile strength. The results shown that SuperTab 40 LL had better compression process through the Heckel equation, and the direct compression process of drug powders with excipients can be analyzed by the Kawakita and Ryshkewitch-Duckworth equations. As a new type of co-processed lactose, SuperTab 40 LL had a good fluidity and compactibility. SuperTab 40 LL may undergo particle crushing and plastic deformation during the compression process, which increased the contact area and bonding sites between the particles, and aggregated and shaped the mixed powder easy. Moreover, MCC showed a synergistic effect, and the combined application with SuperTab 40 ll could effectively improve the fluidity and compressibility of the musk sustained-release powder. When the ratio of SuperTab 40 LL and MCC was 2∶1, musk sustained-release mini-tablets had a high drug loading capacity and good compactibility in line with the design objectives.

Mixed Chinese herbs and Western medicine for novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a mixed method review

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic affecting millions around the world. There is no existing pharmaceutical treatment that is known to be effective. Preliminary data shows that San Yao San Fang (SYSF) has clinical benefits in patients with COVID-19. The aim of this paper is to review existing data regarding the use of formulas within San Yao San Fang in the treatment of COVID-19 Search StrategyWe searched through EMBASE, Pubmed, Cochrane, Wanfang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) for studies on SYSF and patients with COVID-19 through April 2020. Eligibility CriteriaWe included studies that included a formula within San Yao San Fang with or without Western interventions against Western interventions. Main resultsWe included 7 studies involving 532 patients. 3 retrospective observational studies and 1 randomised control trial reported on Lian Hua Qing Wen Jiao Nang, 1 randomised control trial on Jin Hua Qing Gan Ke Li, 1 retrospective observational study on Xue Bi Jing Zhu Se Ye and 1 randomised control trial on Qing Fei Pai Du Tang. SYSF combined with Western interventions improved the recovery rate of symptoms such as fever (Risk Ratio (RR) 0.40 (95% CI 0.24 to 0.66, P < 0.01)), cough (RR 0.56 (95% CI 0.38 to 0.82, P < 0.01)) and fatigue (RR 0.61 (95% CI 0.47 to 0.78, P < 0.01)) and other symptoms such as headache, gastrointestinal symptoms, myalgia, dyspnoea and chest tightness (RR 0.63 (95% CI 0.47 to 0.83, P < 0.01)) as compared to the control group. SYSF combined with Western interventions reduced the duration of fever as compared to the control group. (Mean difference (MD) -1.18 (95% CI -1.45 to -0.91, P < 0.01)) In regards to adverse events, there is no statistical difference between the treatment group treated with SYSF and Western interventions and the control group. (RR 1.62 (95% CI 0.83 to 3.17, P = 0.16)). SYSF combined with Western interventions did not show to significantly reduce duration of hospitalisation as compared to the control group. (MD -0.73 (95% CI -5.19 to 3.73, P = 0.75)) ConclusionSYSF appears to be clinically effective and safe. Further research is required to ensure the efficacy of SYSF.

Exploring the Potential of Mesoporous Silica as a Carrier for Puerarin: Characterization, Physical Stability, and In Vivo Pharmacokinetics.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a novel porous silica carrier, AEROPERL® 300 Pharma (AP), to improve the in vitro release and oral bioavailability of puerarin (PUE) in solid dispersions (SDs). PUE-AP SD formulations with different ratios of drug to silica (RDS) were prepared by the solvent method. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicated that the dispersion of PUE improved as the concentration of AP was increased. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results revealed that PUE mostly existed in an amorphous state in the SDs. The rate of drug dissolution from the SDs was significantly higher than that from the PUE powder (p < 0.05). The in vitro drug release percentage from the PUE-AP SDs increased as the RDS was reduced. The oral bioavailability of PUE from the SDs improved when using AP, as indicated by AUC(0-∞), which was 2.05 and 2.01 times greater than that of the PUE (API) and PVP K30 SDs, respectively (p < 0.05). The drug content, in vitro release profiles, and the amorphous state of PUE in the PUE-AP SDs showed no significant changes after being stored at room temperature for 6 months or under accelerated conditions (40 ± 2°C, 75 ± 5% relative humidity) for 3 months. AP has a high pore volume, large specific surface area, excellent flowability, and hydrophilic properties, making it capable of improving the dissolution and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs.

Endothelium corneum gigeriae galli extract inhibits calcium oxalate formation and exerts anti-urolithic effects.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Traditional Chinese Medicine is preferred because of its safety and minimal/reduced side effects. Endothelium Corneum Gigeriae Galli (ECGG) extract, a traditional Chinese drug consisting of the dried gizzard membrane of Gallus gallus domesticus Brisson, was assessed for its effects and mechanism on urolithiasis. AIMS OF STUDY: To evaluate the effects of ECGG extract on calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal formation in vitro, and assess the anti-urolithic effects of ECGG extract in vivo and explore the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro, CaOx crystals were treated with ECGG extract (0.05, 0.2, and 0.8 g/mL), and assessed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and electrical conductivity. Then, a rat model of renal calculi was established by ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride treatment, and ECGG extract (5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 g/kg) was administered orally. After treatment, urine, serum and kidney bioindicators were analyzed, as well as kidney's pathological features. RESULTS: In the presence of ECGG extract, calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) crystals with typical tetragonal bipyramidal morphology were obtained; meanwhile, the formation of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM), a major urinary stone component, was inhibited; in addition, the equilibration time of the chemical reaction of Ca2+ and C2O42- ions was delayed in a concentration dependent manner. ECGG extract actually showed anti-urolithic effects; the incidence rates of crystal formation in the kidney in the model, low, middle and high dose groups were 100%, 90%, 70% and 60%, respectively, with a dose-dependent alleviation of kidney stone amounts and kidney damage. Treatment with middle and high ECGG extract doses significantly decreased urine uric acid and oxalic acid amounts, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen and uric acid contents, and kidney tissue oxalic acid and calcium levels, while increasing kidney and urinary magnesium and superoxide dismutase levels (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ECGG extract has outstanding anti-urolithic effects, potentially with included bioorganic molecules inducing COD crystal nucleation and growth. Therefore, ECGG extract is a promising drug for preventing and treating urolithiasis.

A novel microemulsion-based isotonic perfusate modulated by Ringer's solution for improved microdialysis recovery of liposoluble substances.

BACKGROUND: Microdialysis is promising technique for dynamic microbiochemical sampling from tissues. However, the application of typical aqueous perfusates to liposoluble substances is limited. In this study, a novel microemulsion (ME)-based isotonic perfusate (RS-ME) was prepared to improve the recovery of liposoluble components using microdialysis probes. RESULTS: Based on pseudo-ternary phase diagrams and comparisons of the ME area, Kolliphor® EL and Transcutol® P were selected as the surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively, with a weight ratio (Km) of 2:1 and ethyl oleate as the oil phase. The ME was mixed with Ringer's solution at a 1:6 ratio (v/v) to obtain the isotonic RS-ME. The droplet size distribution of the ME in RS-ME was 78.3 ± 9.2 nm, with a zeta potential of - 3.5 ± 0.3 mV. By microdialysis perfusion, RS-ME achieved higher recovery rates of the poorly water-soluble compounds evodiamine (EVO) and ruthenium (RUT), i.e., 58.36 ± 0.57% and 49.40 ± 0.57%, respectively, than those of 20% (v/v) PEG 400 Ringer's solution (RS-PEG) and 10% (v/v) ethanol Ringer's solution (RS-EtOH). In vivo microdialysis experiments confirmed that RS-ME captured EVO and RUT molecules around the dialysis membrane more efficiently and exhibited less spreading than RS-PEG and RS-EtOH. CONCLUSIONS: Owing to the nanosized droplets formed by lipid components in the RS-ME and the limited dispersion out of the dialysis membrane, we obtained good biocompatibility and reliable dialysis results, without affecting the tissue microenvironment. As a novel perfusate, RS-ME provides an easy and reliable approach to the microdialysis sampling of fat-soluble components.

DOC-LS, a new liposome for dermal delivery, and its endocytosis by HaCaT and CCC-ESF-1 cells.

The main objective of this work was to investigate the uptake channels of skin cells through which coumarin 6, transported by deoxycholate-mediated liposomes (DOC-LS), was internalised; this was also compared against the action of conventional LS. Coumarin 6-loaded DOC-LS and LS were characterised for size distribution, zeta potential, and shape, and analysed in vitro in human epidermal immortal keratinocyte (HaCaT) (epidermal) and human embryonic skin fibroblast (CCC-ESF-1) (dermal) cell lines. Various endocytosis inhibitors were incubated with cells treated with the nanocarriers. Flow cytometry results indicated that HaCaT and CCC-ESF-1 cells internalise the tested preparations through pinocytotic vesicles, macropinocytosis, clathrin-mediated endocytic pathways, and via lysosomes, which consume a considerable amount of energy. The endocytosis pathways of DOC-LS and LS showed no difference. This study provides a basis for the application of LS being combined with a microneedle system for efficient intracellular drug delivery, targeting cutaneous histocyte disorders.

[Research progress on Chinese medicines with topical administration in umbilical region].

Based on the Chinese medicines with topical administration in umbilical region approved by China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA), this paper would comb and analyze their dosage forms, varieties and clinical applications. On the other hand, through consulting literature materials, the research progress was reviewed and the main challenges faced by the medicines were discussed in detail as well. This paper elaborates that the preparations with topical administration in umbilical region, as an important branch in Chinese medicine external therapy, have unique advantages. However, there are still some problems such as rough workmanship, lacking internationally accepted quality control standards, scarcity of pharmacological and clinical evidences and biopharmaceutical researches. Meanwhile, proper measures and suggestions are put forward.

Enhanced immunization via dissolving microneedle array-based delivery system incorporating subunit vaccine and saponin adjuvant.

PURPOSE: To enhance the immunogenicity of the model subunit vaccine, ovalbumin (OVA) was combined with platycodin (PD), a saponin adjuvant. To reduce the toxicity of PD, OVA, and adjuvant were loaded together into liposomes before being incorporated into a dissolving microneedle array. METHODS: OVA- and PD-loaded liposomes (OVA-PD-Lipos) were prepared using the film dispersion method. Their uptake behavior, toxicity to mouse bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs), and hemolytic activity to rabbit red blood cells (RBCs) were evaluated. The OVA-PD-Lipos were incorporated into a dissolving microneedle array. The chemical stability of OVA and the physical stability of OVA-PD-Lipos in microneedle arrays were investigated. The immune response of Institute of Cancer Research mice and potential skin irritation reaction of rabbits to OVA-PD-Lipos-MNs were evaluated. RESULTS: The uptake of OVA by mouse BMDCs was greatly enhanced when OVA was prepared as OVA-PD-Lipos, and in this form, the toxicity of PD was dramatically reduced. OVA was chemically stable as OVA-PD-Lipos, when OVA-PD-Lipos was incorporated into a dissolving microneedle array. Institute of Cancer Research mice treated with OVA-PD-Lipos-MNs showed a significantly enhanced immune response. PD combined with OVA elicited a balanced Th1 and Th2 humoral immune response in mice, with minimal irritation in rabbit skin. CONCLUSION: The dissolving microneedle array-based system is a promising delivery vehicle for subunit vaccine and its adjuvant.

Co-delivery of evodiamine and rutaecarpine in a microemulsion-based hyaluronic acid hydrogel for enhanced analgesic effects on mouse pain models.

The aim of this study was to improve the analgesic effect of evodiamine and rutaecarpine, using a microemulsion-based hydrogel (ME-Gel) as the transdermal co-delivery vehicle, and to assess hyaluronic acid as a hydrogel matrix for microemulsion entrapment. A microemulsion was formulated with ethyl oleate as the oil core to improve the solubility of the alkaloids and was loaded into a hyaluronic acid-structured hydrogel. Permeation-enhancing effects of the microemulsion enabled evodiamine and rutaecarpine in ME-Gel to achieve 2.60- and 2.59-fold higher transdermal fluxes compared with hydrogel control (p<0.01). The hyaluronic acid hydrogel-containing microemulsion exhibited good skin biocompatibility, whereas effective ME-Gel co-delivery of evodiamine and rutaecarpine through the skin enhanced the analgesic effect in mouse pain models compared with hydrogel. Notably, evodiamine and rutaecarpine administered using ME-Gel effectively down-regulated serum levels of prostaglandin E2, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor α in formaldehyde-induced mouse pain models, possibly reflecting the improved transdermal permeability of ME-Gel co-delivered evodiamine and rutaecarpine, particularly with hyaluronic acid as the hydrogel matrix.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Formulated for Transdermal Aconitine Administration and Evaluated In Vitro and In Vivo.

In this study, solid lipid nanoparticles were formulated for transdermal delivery of aconitine to improve its safety and permeability. Aconitine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles were formulated as an oil-in-water microemulsion. Drug encapsulation efficiencies for these formulations were higher than 85%, and correlated positively with levels of surfactant and oil matrix. The size of the solid lipid nanoparticles was increased with an increase of the oil matrix, and reduction of the surfactant levels. Compared with an ethanol tincture, all the tested solid lipid nanoparticle formulations achieved improved transdermal fluxes and drug deposition in skin in vitro. Real-time monitoring of drug distribution in rat dermis using in vivo microdialysis showed that aconitine concentration was markedly higher following application of solid lipid nanoparticles, compared to tincture, throughout the experimental period. A regional comparison of rat skin found that application of solid lipid nanoparticles to the scapular region resulted in higher AUC(0-t) and C(max), compared to those achieved with application to the abdomen or chest (p < 0.05). In contrast, the application to the chest resulted in the lowest AUC(0-t) and C(max). Together with findings of a structural study of the skin, these results indicated that the drug accumulated more readily in thicker skin regions, and to a lesser extent in well-perfused skin, because of drug transfer to capillaries. The superior transdermal permeability of aconitine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles contributed to stronger anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects on mouse in vivo models of pain than the tincture (p < 0.05). In vitro and in vivo studies indicated that smaller particle sizes of solid lipid nanoparticles enhanced the transdermal permeability of aconitine, which can promote drug efficacy, reduce administration time, and improve medication safety.

An in vitro and in vivo comparison of solid and liquid-oil cores in transdermal aconitine nanocarriers.

This study compared transdermal aconitine delivery using solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and microemulsion (ME) vehicles. Aconitine-loaded SLN and ME were formulated with the same surfactant, cosurfactant, and water content, with an equal amount of oil matrix (ATO 888 for SLN and ethyl oleate for ME). These nanosized formulations (70-90 nm) showed suitable pH values and satisfactory skin tissue biocompatibility. SLN contained a higher concentration of smaller nanoparticles, compared with that in ME. Neither of the nanocarriers penetrated across excised skin in their intact form. In vitro transdermal delivery studies found that transdermal aconitine flux was lower from SLN than from ME (p < 0.05), but skin aconitine deposition was higher using SLN (p < 0.05). Fluorescence-activated cell sorting indicated that in vitro uptake of fluorescently labeled SLN by human immortalized keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells was greater than that of ME, indicating that a transcellular pathway may contribute to cutaneous drug absorption more effectively from SLN. In vivo studies found that these formulations could loosen stratum corneum layers and increase skin surface crannies, which may also enhance transdermal aconitine delivery. SLN produced a more sustained aconitine release, indicating that compared with ME, this transdermal delivery vehicle may reduce the toxicity of this drug.

Preparation and evaluation of microemulsion-based transdermal delivery of total flavone of rhizoma arisaematis.

The aims of the present study were to investigate the skin permeation and cellular uptake of a microemulsion (ME) containing total flavone of rhizoma arisaematis (TFRA), and to evaluate its effects on skin structure. Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were constructed to evaluate ME regions with various surfactants and cosurfactants. Eight formulations of oil-in-water MEs were selected as vehicles, and in vitro skin-permeation experiments were performed to optimize the ME formulation and to evaluate its permeability, in comparison to that of an aqueous suspension. Laser scanning confocal microscopy and fluorescent-activated cell sorting were used to explore the cellular uptake of rhodamine 110-labeled ME in human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human embryonic skin fibroblasts (CCC-ESF-1). The structure of stratum corneum treated with ME was observed using a scanning electron microscope. Furthermore, skin irritation was tested to evaluate the safety of ME. ME formulated with 4% ethyl oleate (weight/weight), 18% Cremophor EL (weight/weight), and 18% Transcutol P, with 1% Azone to enhance permeation, showed good skin permeability. ME-associated transdermal fluxes of schaftoside and isoschaftoside, two major effective constituents of TFRA, were 3.72-fold and 5.92-fold higher, respectively, than those achieved using aqueous suspensions. In contrast, in vitro studies revealed that uptake by HaCaT and CCC-ESF-1 cells was lower with ME than with an aqueous suspension. Stratum corneum loosening and shedding was observed in nude mouse skin treated with ME, although ME produced no observable skin irritation in rabbits. These findings indicated that ME enhanced transdermal TFRA delivery effectively and showed good biocompatibility with skin tissue.

Evaluation of skin viability effect on ethosome and liposome-mediated psoralen delivery via cell uptake.

This study investigated the effect of skin viability on its permeability to psoralen delivered by ethosomes, as compared with liposomes. With decreasing skin viability, the amount of liposome-delivered psoralen that penetrated through the skin increased, whereas skin deposition of psoralen from both ethosomes and liposomes reduced. Psoralen delivery to human-immortalized epidermal cells was more effective using liposomes, whereas delivery to human embryonic skin fibroblast cells was more effective when ethosomes were used. These findings agreed with those of in vivo studies showing that skin psoralen deposition from ethosomes and liposomes first increased and then plateaued overtime, which may indicate gradual saturation of intracellular drug delivery. It also suggested that the reduced deposition of ethosome- or liposome-delivered psoralen in skin with reduced viability may relate to reduced cellular uptake. This work indicated that the effects of skin viability should be taken into account when evaluating nanocarrier-mediated drug skin permeation.

Comparison of ethosomes and liposomes for skin delivery of psoralen for psoriasis therapy.

Recent reports have indicated that psoriasis may be caused by malfunctioning dermal immune cells, and psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) is an effective treatment for this chronic disease. However, conventional topical formulations achieve poor drug delivery across patches of psoriasis to their target sites. The present study describes the development of a novel psoralen transdermal delivery system employing ethosomes, flexible vesicles that can penetrate the stratum corneum and target deep skin layers. An in vitro skin permeation study showed that the permeability of psoralen-loaded ethosomes was superior to that of liposomes. Using ethosomes, psoralen transdermal flux and skin deposition were 38.89±0.32 µg/cm(2)/h and 3.87±1.74 µg/cm(2), respectively, 3.50 and 2.15 times those achieved using liposomes, respectively. The ethosomes and liposomes were found to be safe following daily application to rat skin in vivo, for 7 days. The ethosomes showed better biocompatibility with human embryonic skin fibroblasts than did an equivalent ethanol solution, indicating that the phosphatidylcholine present in ethosome vesicles improved their biocompatibility. These findings indicated that ethosomes could potentially improve the dermal and transdermal delivery of psoralen and possibly of other drugs requiring deep skin delivery.

Evaluation of psoralen ethosomes for topical delivery in rats by using in vivo microdialysis.

This study aimed to improve skin permeation and deposition of psoralen by using ethosomes and to investigate real-time drug release in the deep skin in rats. We used a uniform design method to evaluate the effects of different ethosome formulations on entrapment efficiency and drug skin deposition. Using in vitro and in vivo methods, we investigated skin penetration and release from psoralen-loaded ethosomes in comparison with an ethanol tincture. In in vitro studies, the use of ethosomes was associated with a 6.56-fold greater skin deposition of psoralen than that achieved with the use of the tincture. In vivo skin microdialysis showed that the peak concentration and area under the curve of psoralen from ethosomes were approximately 3.37 and 2.34 times higher, respectively, than those of psoralen from the tincture. Moreover, it revealed that the percutaneous permeability of ethosomes was greater when applied to the abdomen than when applied to the chest or scapulas. Enhanced permeation and skin deposition of psoralen delivered by ethosomes may help reduce toxicity and improve the efficacy of long-term psoralen treatment.

In vivo microdialysis for the evaluation of transfersomes as a novel transdermal delivery vehicle for cinnamic acid.

In this study, cinnamic acid-loaded transfersomes were prepared and dermal microdialysis sampling was used in Sprague-Dawley rats to compare the amount of drug released into the skin using transfersomes as transdermal carriers with that released on using conventional liposomes. The formulation of cinnamic acid-loaded transfersomes was optimized by a uniform design through in vitro transdermal permeation studies. Hydration time was confirmed as a significant factor influencing the entrapment efficiency of transfersomes, further affecting their transdermal flux in vitro. The fluxes of cinnamic acid from transfersomes were all higher than those from conventional liposomes, and the flux from the optimal transfersome formulation was 3.01-fold higher than that from the conventional liposomes (p < 0.05). An in vivo microdialysis sampling method revealed that the dermal drug concentrations from transfersomes applied on various skin regions were much lower than those required with conventional liposomes. After the administration of drug-containing transfersomes and liposomes on abdominal skin regions of rats for a period of 10 h, the Cmax of cinnamic acid from the compared liposomes was 3.21 ± 0.25 µg/mL and that from the transfersomes was merely 0.59 ± 0.02 µg/mL. The results suggest that transfersomes can be used as carriers to enhance the transdermal delivery of cinnamic acid, and that these vehicles may penetrate the skin in the complete form, given their significant deformability.

Enhanced in vitro and in vivo skin deposition of apigenin delivered using ethosomes.

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a novel topical delivery system for apigenin by using ethosomes. An optimal apigenin-loaded ethosome formulation was identified by means of uniform design experiments. Skin deposition and transdermal flux of apigenin loaded in ethosomes, liposomes, and deformable liposomes were compared in vitro and in vivo. The efficiency of apigenin encapsulation increased with an increase in the amount of phospholipids in ethosome formulations. Moreover, skin deposition and transdermal flux of apigenin improved with an increase in the levels of phospholipids (Lipoid S 75) and short-chain alcohols (propylene glycol and ethanol), but decreased with an increase in the ratio of propylene glycol to ethanol. Profiles of skin deposition versus time for ethosomes varied markedly between in vivo and in vitro studies compared with those of liposomes or deformable liposomes. Optimized ethosomes showed superior skin targeting both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, they had the strongest effect on reduction of cyclooxygenase-2 levels in mouse skin inflammation induced by ultraviolet B (UVB) light. Therefore, apigenin-loaded ethosomes represent a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of UVB-induced skin inflammation.

Preparation and in vitro anti-tumor properties of toad venom extract-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles.

In this study, we prepared solid lipid nanoparticles (TV-SLNs) loaded with toad venom extract and investigated their anti-tumor effects in vitro in HeLa and SKOV-3 cells. TV-SLNs were prepared using a cold homogenization technique, and the formulation was optimized by central composite design and response surface methods. The anti-tumor activities of TV-SLNs were evaluated by analyzing cell division and cell cycle distribution by using the MTT assay and flow cytometry. After incubation with TV-SLNs, the growth of both HeLa and SKOV-3 cells was inhibited significantly. The percentage of HeLa cells in G0/G1 phase decreased, whereas that in the S and G2/M phases increased. Thus, the S and G2/M phases were blocked after the incubation of HeLa cells with TV-SLNs for 24 h. In contrast, the percentage of SKOV-3 cells in G0/G1 phase increased and then decreased in S and G2/M phases, with the G0/G1 phase being blocked after incubation with TV-SLNs for 24 h. Our results demonstrate that TV-SLNs inhibited the fissiparism of HeLa and SKOV-3 cells in a time-and dose-dependent manner. TV-SLNs may be effective as a novel TV vaginal delivery system for the treatment of cervical and ovarian cancers.