The preparation of sustained release erythropoietin microparticle

Purpose: Protein microencapsulation in biodegradable polymers is a promising route to provide for sustained release. The erythropoietin (EPO) microparticles are using human serum albumin (HSA) and poly-L-lysine (PK) as the protection complex to increased EPO integrity, entrapped efficiency and active EPO release by w/o/w solvent evaporation techniques. The optimum formulation development process was also reported by using FITC-OVA as a model protein.

Methods: The model protein FITC-ovalbumin and EPO are protected by human serum albumin and poly-L-lysine complex and encapsulated in 50:50 poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) by a w/o/w solvent evaporation method. Protein active integrity and degradation compound is measured by size-exclusion chromatography. Protein-loaded microparticle physical properties and in vitro active and degradation compounds release profile are characterized.

Results: High active integrity protein loading efficiency and particle yield of EPO or OVA-HSA/PK-loaded PLG microparticles are successfully produced by a w/o/w solvent evaporation method. Varied protection protein complex formulations and encapsulation processes are investigated. The high OVA model protein loading efficiency (80.2%), FITC-OVA content (0.24?µg?mg^?1) and yield (72.4%) are obtained by adding 100?µg?mL^?1 FITC-OVA complex with 10% HSA/0.05% PK (Mw 1.5–3?kD) in the initial solution to protect the model protein. In vitro release profiles show more active OVA release from HSA/PK OVA-loaded than OVA-loaded only microparticles and also the amount of degraded protein that comes out after 3 weeks incubated in the PBS medium for OVA-loaded only microparticles is observed. The same formulation and preparation process resulted in EPO loading efficiency (68.4%), EPO content (0.23?µg?mg^?1) and yield (76.1%) for HSA/PK EPO-loaded microparticles. In vitro release profiles show active EPO sustained release over 7 days. Using HSA/PK as carried in the primary emulsion of EPO-loaded microparticles resulted in less burst release% than EPO-loaded only microparticles.     

Preliminary Assessment of the Immune Response to Olea europaea Pollen Extracts Encapsulated into PLGA Microspheres

In this study, poly (d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres encapsulating Olea europaea pollen extracts were prepared by using the double emulsion (w/o/w) based on a solvent evaporation/extraction method. The resulting microspheres were 1.93 μm in size. The total allergen loading and surface-associated allergen were 8 and 0.64%, respectively. The release of the allergen from the microspheres showed a biphasic profile with an initial burst release followed by a sustained release phase. Finally, the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) results showed that the encapsulation process does not affect the stability of the protein. We describe here some preliminary observations concerning the use of these microspheres as parenteral antigen delivery systems for immunization with O. europaea pollen extracts, in a small animal model, the mouse.     

Preparation and characterization of D,L-PLA loaded 17-β-Estradiol valerate by emulsion/evaporation methods

PLA microparticles containing 17-β-estradiol valerate were prepared by an emulsion/evaporation method in order to sustain drug release. This system was characterized concerning particle size, particle morphology and the influence of formulation and processing parameters on drug encapsulation and in vitro drug release. The biodegradation of the microparticles was observed by tissue histological analysis. Scanning electron microscopy and particle size analysis showed that the microparticles were spherical, presenting non-aggregated homogeneous surface and had diameters in the range of 718–880 nm (inert micro-particles) and 3–4 µm (drug loaded microparticles). The encapsulation efficiency was ～80%. Hormone released from microparticles was sustained. An in vivo degradation experiment confirmed that microparticles are biodegradable. The preparation method was shown to be suitable, since the morphological characteristics and efficiency yield were satisfactory. Thus, the method of developed microparticles seems to be a promising system for sustained release of 17-β-estradiol.     

S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine and it (R/S)-S-oxides in beagle dog plasma and hepatic cytosol

Abstract

1. Incubation of beagle hepatic cytosol, under conditions promoting phenylalanine hydroxylase activity, led to the formation of the sulfoxide derivatives of S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine, N-acetyl-S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine, S-methyl-l-cysteine and N-acetyl-S-methyl-l-cysteine. Thiodiglycolic acid was not a substrate. Enzyme kinetic parameters (K_m, V_max) were derived indicating S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine had the greatest clearance; no enantioselective preference was observed for this S-oxygenation reaction.

2. Following oral administration of S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine to beagle dogs, the parent substance and its sulfoxide were the only compounds identified in the plasma. Pharmacokinetic data have been obtained indicating that the small amount of sulfoxide formed persisted within the body for longer than the parent material, but that the majority of the ingested dose remained in the administered sulfide form.

3. The sulfide moiety within the muco-regulatory drug, S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine, is thought to be vital as it acts as a free radical scavenger, resulting in the inactive sulfoxide. Additional extensive enyzme-mediated sulfoxidation would decrease the amount of active sulfide available. In the dog this appears to not be an issue, signalling possible exploitation for therapeutic benefit in treating airway disease.     

Chlorogenic acid protects d-galactose-induced liver and kidney injury via antioxidation and anti-inflammation effects in mice

Context Oxidative stress and inflammation are implicated in the aging process and its related hepatic and renal function decline. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is one of the most abundant polyphenol compounds in the human diet. Recently, CGA has shown in vivo and in vitro antioxidant properties.

Objective The current study investigates the effects of protective effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on d-galactose-induced liver and kidney injury.

Materials and methods Hepatic and renal injuries were induced in a mouse model by subcutaneously injection of d-galactose (d-gal; 100?mg/kg) once a day for 8 consecutive weeks and orally administered simultaneously with CGA included in the food (200?mg/kg of diet). The liver and renal functions were examined. Histological analyses of liver and kidney were done by haematoxylin and eosin staining. The oxidative stress markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the liver and the kidney were measured.

Results CGA significantly reduced the serum aminotransferase, serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in d-gal mice (p?<0.05). CGA also restored superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde levels and decreased glutathione content in the liver and kidney in d-gal mice (p?<0.05). Improvements in liver and kidney were also noted in histopathological studies. CGA reduced tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) protein levels in the liver and kidney in d-gal mice (p?<0.05).

Discussion and conclusion These findings suggest that CGA attenuates d-gal-induced chronic liver and kidney injury and that this protection may be due to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities.     

Two new C21 steroidal glycosides from Cynanchum wallichii Wight

Two new C₂₁ steroidal glycosides, characterized with caudatin as the aglycone moiety and 2,6-dideoxy-pyranoses as component sugars, have been isolated from the roots of Cynanchum wallichii Wight. Their structures were elucidated as caudatin-3-O-β-d-cymaropyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-digitoxopyranoside (1) and caudatin-3-O-β-d-oleandropyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-cymaropyranoside (2) by spectroscopic evidence.     

l-Peptide functionalized dual-responsive nanoparticles for controlled paclitaxel release and enhanced apoptosis in breast cancer cells

Nanoparticles and macromolecular carriers have been widely used to increase the efficacy of chemotherapeutics, largely through passive accumulation provided by their enhanced permeability and retention effect. However, the therapeutic efficacy of nanoscale anticancer drug delivery systems is severely truncated by their low tumor-targetability and inefficient drug release at the target site. Here, the design and development of novel l-peptide functionalized dual-responsive nanoparticles (l-CS-g-PNIPAM-PTX) for active targeting and effective treatment of GRP78-overexpressing human breast cancer in vitro and in vivo are reported. l-CS-g-PNIPAM-PTX NPs have a relative high drug loading (13.5%) and excellent encapsulation efficiency (74.3%) and an average diameter of 275?nm. The release of PTX is slow at pH 7.4 and 25?°C but greatly accelerated at pH 5.0 and 37?°C. MTT assays and confocal experiments showed that the l-CS-g-PNIPAM-PTX NPs possessed high targetability and antitumor activity toward GRP78 overexpressing MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. As expected, l-CS-g-PNIPAM-PTX NPs could effectively treat mice bearing MDA-MB-231 human breast tumor xenografts with little side effects, resulting in complete inhibition of tumor growth and a high survival rate over an experimental period of 60 days. These results indicate that l-peptide-functionalized acid – and thermally activated – PTX prodrug NPs have a great potential for targeted chemotherapy in breast cancer.     

Three new isoflavone glycosides from Tongmai granules

Three new isoflavone glycosides, 3′-methoxydaidzein-7,4′-di-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), biochanin A-8-C-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 6)-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), daidzein-7-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (3), and a new natural isoflavone glycoside, daidzein-7-O-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (4) were isolated along with 18 known isoflavones from the EtOAc and n-BuOH fractions of the aqueous extraction of Tongmai granules. All the isoflavones were obtained and determined for the first time from Tongmai granules. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectral methods. It was confirmed that the compounds 1–4 were originally from Puerariae Lobatae Radix based on HPLC-DAD analysis of the crude drug extract. The isoflavones isolated were tested for their antioxidative activities by measuring the capacities of scavenging the 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical.     

Flavonoids from the leaves of Pleioblastus argenteastriatus

A new flavonoid, 5,7,3′-trihydroxy-6-C-β-d-digitoxopyranosyl-4′-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl flavonoside (1), along with four known flavonoids 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3′,5′-dimethoxy flavone (2), 5,3′,4′-trihydroxy-7-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl flavonoside (3), 5,4′-dihydroxy-3′,5′-dimethoxy-7-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl flavonoside (4), 5,3′,4′-trihydroxy-6-C-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-d-glucopyranosyl flavonoside (5) were isolated from 95% EtOH extract of the leaves of Pleioblastus argenteastriatus. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic techniques and chemical methods.     

Two new flavonoid glycosides from the whole herbs of Hyssopus officinalis

Two new flavonoid glycosides, quercetin 7-O-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-xylopyranoside (1) and quercetin 7-O-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-xylopyranoside 3′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), together with nine known flavonoids were isolated from the whole herbs of Hyssopus officinalis L. cultivated in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. All structures were characterized by the spectroscopic methods including UV, IR, ESI-MS, 1D, and 2D NMR. Their potent free radical scavenging activity against the stable 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical was evaluated.     

Two new terpenoid glucosides from Aster flaccidus

Two new terpenoid glucosides, namely 2-O-β-d-glucopyranoside-vicodiol (1) and 10-O-β-d-glucopyranoside-oplopanone (2), along with seven known compounds, were isolated from the aerial part of Aster flaccidus (composite), a traditional Chinese herb medicine. The structures of 1 and 2 were established by spectroscopic methods, especially 2D NMR experiments.     

Alkaloids from Clematis manshurica Rupr.

Three new alkaloids together with two known compounds have been isolated from the roots of Clematis manshurica. On the basis of their spectroscopic and chemical evidence, the new compounds were elucidated as methyl 7-ethoxy-3-indolecarbonate (2), methyl 7-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl 3-indolecarbonate (3) and α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl 3-indolecarbonate (4).     

Phenylalanine monooxygenase and the sulfur oxygenation of S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine in mice

1.?The extent of sulfoxidation of the drug, S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine, has been shown to vary between individuals, with this phenomenon being mooted as a biomarker for certain disease states and susceptibilities. Studies in vitro have indicated that the enzyme responsible for this reaction was phenylalanine monooxygenase but to date no in vivo evidence exists to support this assumption. Using the mouse models of mild hyperphenylalaninamia (enu1 PAH variant) and classical phenylketonuria (enu2 PAH variant), the sulfur oxygenation of S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine has been investigated.

2.?Compared to the wild type (wt/wt) mice, both the heterozygous dominant (wt/enu1 and wt/enu2) mice and the homozygous recessive (enu1/enu1 and enu2/enu2) mice were shown to have significantly increased C_max, AUC_{(0–180?min)} and AUC_{(0–∞?min)} values (15?- to 20-fold higher). These results were primarily attributable to the significantly reduced clearance of S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine (13?- to 22-fold lower).

3.?Only the wild type mice produced measurable quantities of the parent S-oxide metabolites. Those mice possessing one or more allelic variant showed no evidence of blood SCMC (R/S) S-oxides. These observations support the proposition that differences in phenylalanine hydroxylase activity underlie the variation in S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine sulfoxidation and that no other enzyme is able to undertake this reaction.     

IPX066, a mixed immediate/sustained-release levodopa preparation for Parkinson’s disease

Introduction: l-DOPA has long been the ‘gold standard’ treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD), but suffers from poor oral bioavailability and rapid pharmacokinetic elimination. A longer acting preparation has long been sought.

Areas covered: We conducted PubMed search for IPX066 and reviewed abstracts from meetings that included the topic of PD. IPX066 is a novel mixed immediate release (IR) and sustained-release levodopa preparation designed to prolong the clinical effect of a single dose. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrate similar time to peak dose as regular IR l-DOPA, but a longer duration of time with > 50% of peak dose. This contrasts with available controlled release preparations that have a delay to onset. Clinic trials in fluctuating PD patients show that IPX066 provided more ‘on’ time despite fewer daily doses, compared to IR l-DOPA. As expected, it was also superior to placebo in early PD. However, it is not known whether it can achieve l-DOPA levels that are continuous enough to delay the onset of fluctuations when given early in the disease.

Expert opinion: Although not a radical advance in l-DOPA therapy, the drug will clearly have a role in more advanced patients taking multiple l-DOPA doses and may have a role as first-line therapy when starting l-DOPA.     

Potential nephroprotective effects of l-carnitine against drug-induced nephropathy: a review of literature

Introduction: Drug-induced nephrotoxicity (DIN) has been reported with a great number of medications and contributes to ～ 20% of hospital admissions. l-carnitine owing to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties has been proposed as a candidate for nephroprotection against DIN. Increasing need to use nephrotoxic therapeutic agents necessitated this review.

Areas covered: The present review covers all published clinical and animal researches on nephroprotective effects of l-carnitine against DIN. l-carnitine significantly ameliorates DIN in animal studies especially against cisplatin-induced renal damage. Inhibition of reactive oxygen species generation, lipid peroxidation, matrix remodeling and apoptosis, anti-inflammatory properties and improvement in carnitine deficiency has been suggested as probable nephroprotective mechanisms of l-carnitine.

Expert opinion: In spite of the evidences that support the nephroprotective effect of l-carnitine, the main problems in this area are inadequacy of reliable studies in humans and difficulty of translating the experimental results into clinical practice. In most of the described studies, l-carnitine treatment is prophylactically given. Use of l-carnitine as a prophylactic agent in clinical situations with an indication for nephrotoxic therapies is rarely possible except for contrast-induced nephrotoxicity. Development of validated early biomarkers to detect DIN may provide the opportunity to use prophylactic nephroprotective agents at golden time.     

Polypeptide nanogels with hydrophobic moieties in the cross-linked ionic cores: synthesis,characterization and implications for anticancer drug delivery

Abstract

Polymer nanogels have gained considerable attention as a potential platform for drug delivery applications. Here we describe the design and synthesis of novel polypeptide-based nanogels with hydrophobic moieties in the cross-linked ionic cores. Diblock copolymer, poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(l-glutamic acid), hydrophobically modified with l-phenylalanine methyl ester moieties was used for controlled template synthesis of nanogels with small size (ca. 70?nm in diameter) and narrow particle size distribution. Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence studies using coumarin C153 indicated the existence of hydrophobic domains in the ionic cores of the nanogels. Stable doxorubicin-loaded nanogels were prepared at high drug capacity (30 w/w%). We show that nanogels are enzymatically-degradable leading to accelerated drug release under simulated lysosomal acidic pH. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the nanogel-based formulation of doxorubicin is well tolerated and exhibit an improved antitumor activity compared to a free doxorubicin in an ovarian tumor xenograft mouse model. Our results signify the point to a potential of these biodegradable nanogels as attractive carriers for delivery of chemotherapeutics.     

Two new flavone glycosides from the seeds of Impatiens balsamina L.

Two new flavone glycosides were isolated from the seeds of Impatiens balsamina L. and their structures were determined as quercetin-3-O-[α-l-rhamnose-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-5-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), and quercetin-3-O-[(6?-O-caffeoyl)-α-l-rhamnose-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-5-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (2) on the basis of various spectral and chemical studies.     

Drug release from core-shell type nanoparticles of poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide)-grafted dextran

This study prepared core-shell type nanoparticles of a poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) grafted-dextran. The synthesis of the PLGA-dextran conjugate was confirmed by Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The PLGA grafted-dextran was able to form nanoparticles in water by self-assembly and their particle size was 245.3?±?95.1?nm. From fluorescence probe study using pyrene as a hydrophobic probe, critical association concentration (CAC) values were determined from the fluorescence excitation spectra and were found to be 0.006?g?l^?1. Morphological observations using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the polymeric nanoparticles of the PLGA-dextran conjugate have uniformly spherical shapes. Their size and morphology provide them with acceptable properties for use as a drug-targeting carriers. Drug release from core-shell type nanoparticles was faster in the presence of dextranase, indicating that core-shell type nanoparticles of PLGA grafted-dextran can be used as an oral drug carriers.     

The synthesis of pennogenin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-β-d-glucopyranoside

Pennogenin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-β-d-glucopyranoside, a monodesmosidic saponin isolated from Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis with promised antitumor activities, was firstly synthesized from glucoside thiol via nine steps and with 27% overall yield.     

Measurement of Protein Diffusion Through Poly(d,l-Lactide-Co-Glycolide)

A novel method was developed for studying the diffusion of proteins through poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG), using a diffusion cell. To develop improved formulations for the controlled release of encapsulated drugs it is important to understand the underlying release mechanisms. When using low-molecular-weight PLG as the release-controlling polymer, diffusion through the pores is often proposed as the main release mechanism. The experimental set-up and method of determining the diffusion coefficient were thoroughly evaluated with regard to the reliability and the influence of the stirring rate. A procedure for spraying thin films of PLG onto a filter, which could be placed in the diffusion cell, was optimized. The method was then applied to the determination of the diffusion coefficient of human growth hormone (hGH) through a PLG film. The results show that the method enables measurements of the diffusion coefficient through the polymer film. Neither the stirring rate nor the concentration of hGH influenced the diffusion coefficient. The diffusion coefficient of hGH through degraded PLG films was 5.0 · 10^{? 13} m²/s, which is in the range that could be expected, i.e., several orders of magnitude smaller than its the diffusivity in pure water. The reproducibility was good, considering the dynamic properties of PLG, i.e., the difference in diffusion coefficients, at, for example, different stages of degradation and for different compositions of PLG, is expected to be much higher. The variation is probably also present in PLG films used for controlled-release formulations. Although the PLG film contains a large amount of water, a considerable time elapsed before pores of sufficient size formed and diffusion through the film started. In two-component diffusion experiments, the difference in diffusion rate did not correspond to the difference in molecular weight of the solutes, indicating a size exclusion effect. This method can be used to study the effect of changes in the formulation specification. By studying the change in the diffusion coefficient through the degradation process of PLG, or similar polymers, a better understanding of diffusion and, thus, also release mechanisms can be obtained.