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Zeng C, Zhang C, Zhang Y, Sun T, Wang Y. Formulation, in-vitro characterization and clinical evaluation of curcumin in-situ gel for treatment of oral submucosal fibrosis (OSF). Int J Pharm 2025; 679:125762. [PMID: 40436224 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2025.125762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2025] [Revised: 05/09/2025] [Accepted: 05/23/2025] [Indexed: 06/02/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral submucosal fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic oral mucosal disease with a cancerization tendency, characterized by restricted mouth opening and dysphagia. Currently, the mainstay treatment is still the local corticosteroid injection. Curcumin can reconstruct the redox balance, inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and suppress the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) collagen, making it a promising treatment for fibrotic diseases. However, curcumin has poor intestinal absorption and low bioavailability, which limits its efficacy in treating oral mucosa diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we investigated a new administration mode and dosage form for curcumin in the treatment of OSF, and evaluated its clinical efficacy as an adjuvant therapy for OSF (Registration number: ChiCTR2400092888). The gel formulations were characterized by phase-transition temperature, phase-transition time, pH, viscosity, corrosion rate, in-vitro release rate, and chemical stability. The selected formulation was clinically evaluated in terms of inter incisor distance, mucosal pain index, mucosal color score, and mucosal texture score. RESULTS The final gel formula contained 18% poloxamer 407 (PLX407), 2% poloxamer 188 (PLX188), and 0.5% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). Curcumin was released as the gel underwent degradation. Gel characterization confirmed that its physicochemical properties met clinical requirements. The clinical study showed significant improvements in clinical indicators in both groups after one course of treatment. Notably, the gel, when used in conjunction with triamcinolone acetonide injections, significantly alleviated oral mucosal pain in OSF patients. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that curcumin thermosensitive in-situ gels, as a novel dosing regimen, can achieve painless management of OSF, which is also the novelty of this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Zeng
- Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, No. 72 Xiangya Street, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Chengdu ANYU Dental Implant Hospital, No. 75 Xiaotianzhu Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Chunyu Zhang
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, No. 72 Xiangya Street, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, No. 72 Xiangya Street, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, No. 64 Xiangya Street, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Academician Workstation for Oral-maxilofacial and Regenerative Medicine, No. 64 Xiangya Street, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, No. 72 Xiangya Street, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, No. 72 Xiangya Street, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, No. 64 Xiangya Street, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Academician Workstation for Oral-maxilofacial and Regenerative Medicine, No. 64 Xiangya Street, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Tianao Sun
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, No. 72 Xiangya Street, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, No. 72 Xiangya Street, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, No. 64 Xiangya Street, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Academician Workstation for Oral-maxilofacial and Regenerative Medicine, No. 64 Xiangya Street, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yuehong Wang
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, No. 72 Xiangya Street, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, No. 72 Xiangya Street, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, No. 64 Xiangya Street, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Academician Workstation for Oral-maxilofacial and Regenerative Medicine, No. 64 Xiangya Street, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.
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