葫芦素B-聚乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物载药纳米粒的构建与药效学评价

目的 以聚乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物（PLGA）作为纳米制剂载体材料将葫芦素B制备成纳米粒,并考察其对HepG2肝癌细胞的抑制效果。方法 使用乳化溶剂蒸发法制备葫芦素B-PLGA载药纳米粒,以PLGA浓度（X₁）、PVA浓度（X₂）和药物浓度（X₃）作为考察因素,以载药纳米粒的粒径大小（Y₁）和包封率（Y₂）作为评价指标,应用中心复合设计-效应面法优化葫芦素B-PLGA载药纳米粒处方;测定了纳米粒的粒径分布和Zeta电位值,通过透射电镜观察其微观形态,并考察了葫芦素B-PLGA载药纳米粒的体外药物释放特性;比较了葫芦素B与葫芦素B-PLGA载药纳米粒对HepG2肝癌细胞的抑制效果。结果 葫芦素B-PLGA载药纳米粒的最优处方组成为：PLGA浓度为9.0%,PVA浓度为2.0%,药物浓度为4.5%,制备的纳米粒粒径为（145.4±15.8） nm,Zeta电位值为（-7.6±0.8） mV;透射电镜下可观察到纳米粒表面光滑,分布均匀;葫芦素B-PLGA载药纳米粒释药前期出现突释,后期平缓,48 h药物释放达到86%;葫芦素B-PLGA载药纳米粒对HepG2肝癌细胞的抑制作用显著高于葫芦素B。结论 葫芦素B-PLGA载药纳米粒可延缓药物释放,提高对HepG2肝癌细胞的抑制活性,为进一步临床研究奠定实验基础。     

Bioerodable Ketamine-Loaded Microparticles Fabricated Using Dissolvable Hydrogel Template Technology

For severe cancer-related pain that is not relieved adequately by escalating doses of oral or parenterally administered strong opioid analgesics such as morphine, alone or in combination with an adjuvant drug such as ketamine, more invasive dosing routes may be warranted. One such approach involves surgical implantation of an intrathecal pump to deliver small doses of analgesic or adjuvant drugs in close proximity to the receptors that transduce their pain-relieving effects. However, the use of implanted devices is associated with a range of catheter-related problems. To address this, we have developed biodegradable microparticles loaded with the analgesic adjuvant drug, ketamine, for sustained release after a single bolus intrathecal injection. Drug-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles were prepared using a dissolvable hydrogel template. Using PLGA with 3 different ratios of lactic acid to glycolic acid (L/G), relatively high ketamine loading and homogenous particle shape and size were achieved. Specifically, ketamine loading of PLGA5050, PLGA7525, and PLGA8515 in ester-terminated microparticles was 20.0%, 20.4%, and 18.9%, respectively. The microparticles were within the desired size range (20 μm diameter and 30 μm height) and in vitro release was sustained for ≥14 days with an acceptable initial burst release (～10%-20%) achieved.     

Synchronic release of two hormonal contraceptives for about one month from the PLGA microspheres: In vitro and in vivo studies

A controlled drug release system based on the injectable PLGA microspheres loaded with gestodene and ethinyl estradiol was prepared and evaluated for the feasibility of monthly synchronic delivery of the two hormonal contraceptives. The scanning electron microscopy, light-scattering analyzer and gel permeation chromatography were used to study the morphology, particle size and molecular weight of the polymer microspheres, respectively. HPLC was utilized to determine the drug loading and the drug released, while a LC-MS-MS system was employed to analyze the plasma drug concentration. Result indicated that the PLGA particles obtained were spherical and appropriate in size. The formulation was stable during the test period. In vitro drug release from the microspheres for both drugs was sustained for about 30 days mostly by the diffusion mechanism. The plasma drug concentration-time profiles of the drug-loaded microspheres were relatively smooth after subcutaneous injection to rats for about 1-month, compared with that for drug suspension. In vitro and in vivo correlation was established. One of the most important facts is the synchronicity of the two contraceptives both in the release kinetics in vitro and the pharmacokinetic behaviors in vivo. Therefore, the synchronic delivery of two contraceptives is achieved for about 1 month by using the injectable PLGA-based microspheres.     

椎体间纤维性融合重建兔脊柱稳定性的初步探索

目的:研究椎体间纤维性融合后脊柱节段的稳定性,探讨椎体间纤维性融合在治疗脊柱节段失稳中的可行性。方法:将18只6月龄新西兰白兔随机分为两组,均摘除L4/5椎间盘髓核,A组在椎间植入环状聚乳酸-聚羟基乙酸(poly L-lactic-co-glycolic-acid,PLGA)可吸收支架;B组单纯髓核摘除。于术前、术后4周、12周行X线检查,运用Image J软件测量椎间盘高度指数(DHI)并计算其百分数(%DHI),分别于术后4周、8周、12周处死3只动物,行组织病理及免疫组化观察。结果:1只动物死亡,17只实验动物术后存活至预期时间,未补充实验动物。12周时,侧位X线片示两组椎间高度较术前均有下降,两组椎间高度的差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),A、B两组屈伸活动度与术前相比差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。X线片显示A组手术节段椎体无明显移位及反向成角,B组1只兔子出现前屈位腰椎后凸曲度增加,手术节段椎间隙变窄并邻近软骨终板钙化。细胞组织学观察:术后4周时A组见新生血管及纤维组织生成,有少量类软骨细胞出现,未观察到PLGA支架结构;B组见较多纤维细胞生成。术后8周时,A组出现软骨细胞,纤维组织排列不规则,并见少量的胶原纤维及成纤维细胞;B组纤维组织进一步增生,形成瘢痕样组织。术后12周时,A组大量的胶原纤维、软骨组织交互长入,排列杂乱无序,此时的胶原纤维较8周时增多;B组仍为纤维细胞和瘢痕组织,且Ⅰ型胶原表达高于Ⅱ型胶原。结论:椎体间植入PLGA并利用其与椎体骨髓血的诱导成骨作用短期内可以形成椎间纤维融合;短期内观察椎间纤维融合能够维持一定的脊柱节段稳定性并保留部分生理活动功能,但中远期效果有待进一步观察。     

A simple approach for enhanced immune response using engineered dendritic cell targeted nanoparticles

In this study, we demonstrate a simple strategy for enhanced immune response using a two-component dendritic cell (DC) targeted antigen delivery system. One component consists of a recombinant bifunctional fusion protein (bfFp) used for DC targeting, whereas, the other component is made of biotinylated PLGA nanoparticles that encapsulate the antigen. The fusion protein (bfFp) made of a truncated core-streptavidin fused to anti-DEC-205 single chain antibody (scFv) was mixed with ovalbumin-loaded biotinylated NPs that were formulated using biotin–PEG (2000)–PLGA, and the combination, bfFp functionalized NPs was used for DC targeted antigen delivery. In vitro DC uptake studies revealed a 2-fold higher receptor-mediated uptake of bfFp functionalized NPs when compared to non-targeted NPs. Immunization of the mice with the bfFp functionalized NPs in conjunction with DC maturation stimulus (anti-CD40 mAb) enhanced OVA-specific IgG and IgG subclass responses. Splenocytes of these mice secreted significantly higher levels of Th1 (IFN-γ and IL-2) cytokines upon ex vivo restimulation with OVA. The promising outcomes of the bfFp functionalized DC targeted system support its use as a versatile vaccine delivery system for the design of monovalent or polyvalent vaccines.     

PLGA/PLA micro- and nanoparticle formulations serve as antigen depots and induce elevated humoral responses after immunization of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

Novel vaccine delivery systems are highly needed to improve the salmon aquaculture industry. Although particles of biocompatible polymers such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) have long been considered promising candidates for delivery of immunogenic compounds, few studies have addressed their use as vaccine carriers in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). Investigating their ability to retain/depot antigen and induce time and dosage dependent adaptive humoral responses to immunization, we here present a basic study of the adjuvantic properties PLGA and PLA particles may have in salmon vaccines. A model antigen (human gamma globulin, HGG) was co-encapsulated with β-glucan in nanoparticles (<1000 nm) and microparticles (∼8 μm) of different chemical compositions. Atlantic salmon were immunized with (a) PLGA or PLA particle entrapped antigen (12 different treatment groups), (b) antigen and β-glucan in PBS, (c) an oil-based formulation or (d) nanoparticles (NPs) or microparticles (MPs) combined with the oil-adjuvanted formulation. ELISA analysis showed that NPs and MPs were capable of inducing elevated antibody responses at day 60 and 75 post immunization, but the antibody levels were reduced at day 90 and 120. In contrast, oil-based formulations, either alone or in combination with NPs or MPs resulted in strong antibody responses at all sampling time points. Comparable dosage dependent increase in antibody responses was observed when administering antigen with β-glucan either in PBS, entrapped in NPs or MPs, or in an oil-adjuvanted formulation. However, as the antigen doses were increased, MPs and the oil-based formulation gave the strongest responses. Antigen presence in the blood, organ package/injection site, kidney, carcass and the whole body was quantified by radiotracing of I¹²⁵-labelled HGG at day 7 and 36 post immunization. At both sampling time points, the highest radioactivity levels were measured from the whole-body and organ package/injection site in groups injected with MPs and oil-based formulations, indicating that these formulations resulted in superior antigen retention. Interestingly, NPs were found to accumulate in the kidney, a result that corroborated with in vitro uptake of NPs in a DC/Mφ-like cell line from Atlantic salmon.     

Combination of immune stimulating adjuvants with poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres enhances the immune response of vaccines

The development of vaccines that generate mixed humoral and cellular immune responses is a challenge in vaccinology. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres are vaccine adjuvants which possess the advantage of allowing the coencapsulation of other adjuvants in addition to the antigen. Thus, we can stimulate the immune system from different ways and resemble the effects of a natural infection. In this study, we have coencapsulated BSA with monophosphoryl lipid A, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, α-galactosylceramide and alginate into PLGA microspheres. All the microspheres have developed a higher humoral immune response, in terms of release of total IgG, in comparison to the administration of soluble antigen. In addition, they triggered a more balanced IgG1/IgG2a response. The combination of MPLA and α-galactosylceramide within the microspheres developed the higher cellular response, confirming that combination of adjuvants with different action mechanisms is a good strategy to increase vaccines’ immunogenicity.     

Effects of lactic acid and glycolic acid on human osteoblasts: a way to understand PLGA involvement in PLGA/calcium phosphate composite failure

The use of degradable composite materials in orthopedics remains a field of intense research due to their ability to support new bone formation and degrade in a controlled manner, broadening their use for orthopedic applications. Poly (lactide-co-glycolide) acid (PLGA), a degradable biopolymer, is now a popular material for different orthopedic applications and is proposed for use in tissue engineering scaffolds either alone or combined with bioactive ceramics. Interference screws composed of calcium phosphates and PLGA are readily available in the market. However, some reports highlight problems of screw migration or aseptic cyst formation following screw degradation. In order to understand these phenomena and to help to improve implant formulation, we have evaluated the effects of PLGA degradation products: lactic acid and glycolic acid on human osteoblasts in vitro. Cell proliferation, differentiation, and matrix mineralization, important for bone healing were studied. It was found that the toxicity of polymer degradation products under buffering conditions was limited to high concentrations. However, non-toxic concentrations led to a decrease in cell proliferation, rapid cell differentiation, and mineralization failure. Calcium, whilst stimulating cell proliferation was not able to overcome the negative effects of high concentrations of lactic and glycolic acids on osteoblasts. These effects help to explain recently reported clinical failures of calcium phosphate/PLGA composites, but further in vitro analyses are needed to mimic the dynamic situation which occurs in the body by, for example, culture of osteoblasts with materials that have been pre-degraded to different extents and thus be able to relate these findings to the degradation studies that have been performed previously.     

P LGA／P CL混纺技术改良P LGA电纺膜收缩性能的初步研究

目的：利用聚乳酸－聚乙醇酸共聚物／聚己内酯（ PLGA ／ PCL）混纺技术在不影响纯PLGA静电纺丝膜生物相容性的前提下改良其遇水收缩的缺陷,以使其操作性能更接近临床实际应用。方法：将不同重量比的PLGA ／ PCL（10∶0、7∶3、6∶4、5∶5及0∶10）混合,利用静电纺丝技术制得电纺膜,表征比较纺丝直径及收缩性。在相同条件下在膜上培养成骨细胞,比较不同电纺膜的细胞相容性,并在扫描电镜下观察不同电纺膜表面形貌及细胞粘附形态。结果：随PCL比例增加,纺丝直径有所增加,但在扫描电镜下不同电纺膜表面形貌及细胞粘附形态并无明显差异;加入PCL后混纺膜的细胞相容性较纯PLGA略有下降,但仍比纯PCL高,且不同比例的PLGA／PCL（7∶3、6∶4、5∶5）混合电纺膜细胞相容性无统计学差异;纯PLGA膜呈现极大的收缩比率,随PCL的添加收缩比率明显下降,且不同的添加比例组间无明显差异。结论：在PLGA中添加一定比例的PCL可以有效改善纯PLGA膜的收缩性能,且PCL的加入对PLGA良好的生物相容性影响较小。