Anti-hyperuricemic property of 6-shogaol via self-micro emulsifying drug delivery system in model rats: formulation design, in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Improving cellular uptake and synergetic anti-tumor effects of magnolol and Brucea javanica oil through self-microemulsion

OBJECTIVE

Magnolol (MG) and Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. oil (BJO) possess synergetic anti-tumor effects, but have poor water solubility and stability, which results in low oral bioavailability.

SIGNIFICANCE

The MG loaded self-microemulsion drug delivery system (MG-SMDDS) with BJO as oil phase component was utilized to improve the cellular uptake and synergetic anti-tumor effects.

METHODS

Compatibility study and pseudoternary phase diagram (PTPD) were respectively employed to screen for the composition and proportion of oil phase in the formulation. Central composite design-effect surface method was applied to optimize proportion of each formulation condition. The droplet size, ζ-potential, colloid stability, encapsulation rate (ER) and in vitro dissolution rate of MG-SMDDS were evaluated. Furthermore, cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of the microemulsion on HepG2 cells were assessed.

RESULTS

The optimal composition of MG-SMDDS was: MG (9.09%), castor oil (7.40%), BJO (2.47%), Cremophor EL 35 (54.04%) and 1, 2-propanediol (27.01%). The MG-SMDDS exhibited satisfactory droplet size, ζ-potential, colloid stability and ER, as well as faster dissolution rate than free MG. More importantly, SMEDDS containing BJO could enhance the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of free BJO and free MG on tumor cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The BJO self-microemulsion delivery technique can provide an idea for design of oral delivery vehicles based on BJO.

Anticancer perspective of 6-shogaol: anticancer properties, mechanism of action, synergism and delivery system

Cancer is a malignant disease that has plagued human beings all the time, but the treatment effect of commonly used anticancer drugs in clinical practice is not ideal by reason of their drug tolerance and Strong adverse reactions to patients. Therefore, it is imperative to find effective and low-toxic anticancer drugs. Many research works have shown that natural products in Chinese herbal medicine have great anticancer potential, such as 6-shogaol, a monomer composition obtained from Chinese herbal ginger, which has been confirmed by numerous in vitro or vivo studies to be an excellent anti-cancer active substance. In addition, most notably, 6-shogaol has different selectivity for normal and cancer cells during treatment, which makes it valuable for further research and clinical development. Therefore, this review focus on the anti-cancer attributes, the mechanism and the regulation of related signaling pathways of 6-shogaol. In addition, its synergy with commonly used anticancer drugs, potential drug delivery systems and prospects for future research are discussed. This is the first review to comprehensively summarize the anti-cancer mechanism of 6-shogaol, hoping to provide a theoretical basis and guiding significance for future anti-cancer research and clinical development of 6-shogaol.

Optimization of a Self-microemulsifying Drug Delivery System for Oral Administration of the Lipophilic Drug, Resveratrol: Enhanced Intestinal Permeability in Rat

Purpose

This study aimed to formulate Resveratrol, a practically water-insoluble antioxidant in a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) to improve the solubility, release rate, and intestinal permeability of the drug.

Methods

The suitable oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant were chosen according to the drug solubility study. Utilizing the design of experiment (DoE) method, the pseudo-ternary phase diagram was plotted based on the droplet size. In vitro dissolution study and the single-pass intestinal perfusion were performed for the investigation of in vitro and in-situ permeability for drugs formulated as SMEDDS in rat intestine using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography.

Results

Castor oil, Cremophor® RH60, and PEG 1500 were selected as oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant. According to the pseudo-ternary phase diagram, nine formulations developed microemulsions with sizes ranging between 145-967 nm. Formulations passed the centrifuge and freeze-thaw stability tests. The optimum formulation possessed an almost 2.5-fold higher cumulative percentage of in vitro released resveratrol, in comparison to resveratrol aqueous suspension within 120 minutes. The results of the in-situ permeability study suggested a 2.6-fold higher intestinal permeability for optimum formulation than that of the resveratrol suspension.

Conclusion

SMEDDS can be considered suitable for the oral delivery of resveratrol according to the observed increased intestinal permeability, which could consequently enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of the drug.

Application of Design of Experiments in the Development of Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems

Oral delivery has become the route of choice among all other types of drug administrations. However, typical chronic disease drugs are often poorly water-soluble, have low dissolution rates, and undergo first-pass metabolism, ultimately leading to low bioavailability and lack of efficacy. The lipid-based formulation offers tremendous benefits of using versatile excipients and has great compatibility with all types of dosage forms. Self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) promotes drug self-emulsification in a combination of oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant, thereby facilitating better drug solubility and absorption. The feasible preparation of SMEDDS creates a promising strategy to improve the drawbacks of lipophilic drugs administered orally. Selecting a decent mixing among these components is, therefore, of importance for successful SMEDDS. Quality by Design (QbD) brings a systematic approach to drug development, and it offers promise to significantly improve the manufacturing quality performance of SMEDDS. Furthermore, it could be benefited efficiently by conducting pre-formulation studies integrated with the statistical design of experiment (DoE). In this review, we highlight the recent findings for the development of microemulsions and SMEDDS by using DoE methods to optimize the formulations for drugs in different excipients with controllable ratios. A brief overview of DoE concepts is discussed, along with its technical benefits in improving SMEDDS formulations.

Tetracycline-grafted mPEG-PLGA micelles for bone-targeting and osteoporotic improvement

Aim: We aimed to create a nano drug delivery system with tetracycline (TC)-grafted methoxy poly-(ethylene-glycol)‒poly-(D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (mPEG‒PLGA) micelles (TC‒mPEG‒PLGA) with TC and mPEG‒PLGA for potential bone targeting. Prospectively, TC‒mPEG‒PLGA aims to deliver bioactive compounds, such as astragaloside IV (AS), for osteoporotic therapy.

Methods: Preparation and evaluation of TC‒mPEG‒PLGA were accomplished via nano-properties, cytotoxicity, uptake by MC3T3-E1 cells, ability of hydroxyapatite targeting and potential bone targeting in vivo, as well as pharmacodynamics in a rat model.

Results: The measured particle size of AS-loaded TC‒mPEG‒PLGA micelles was an average of 52.16 ± 2.44 nm, which exhibited a sustained release effect compared to that by free AS. The TC‒mPEG‒PLGA demonstrated low cytotoxicity and was easily taken by MC3T3-E1 cells. Through assaying of bone targeting in vitro and in vivo, we observed that TC‒mPEG‒PLGA could effectively increase AS accumulation in bone. A pharmacodynamics study in mice suggested potentially increased bone mineral density by AS-loaded TC‒mPEG‒PLGA in ovariectomized rats compared to that by free AS.

Conclusion: The nano drug delivery system (TC‒mPEG‒PLGA) could target bone in vitro and in vivo, wherein it may be used as a novel delivery method for the enhancement of therapeutic effects of drugs with osteoporotic activity.

Katsuwonus pelamis Peptide and its Complexes Protect Zebrafish and Mice From Hyperuricemia Through Promoting Kidney Excretion of Uric Acid and Inhibiting Liver Xanthine Oxidase Activity

Katsuwonus pelamis peptide and its complexes have the effect of lowering uric acid (UA)-levels. To identify the effect and possible mechanisms, different concentrations of Katsuwonus pelamis peptide and its complexes were administered to the zebrafish and mice hyperuricemia models, and the UA level was measured. Meanwhile, the hyperuricemic mice were treated orally at 0.83, 1.67, and 5.00 mg/g body weight for 7 days with Katsuwonus pelamis peptide and the complexes groups, separately. The levels of serum UA (SUA), urinary UA (UUA), serum creatinine (SCR), blood urine nitrogen (BUN), and xanthine oxidase (XOD) activities were detected in each group. The results showed that the Katsuwonus pelamis peptide (125 μg/ml) and its complexes (83.3 and 250 μg/ml) effectively reduced UA level in zebrafish with hyperuricemia (p < 0.05). The Katsuwonus pelamis peptide at high concentration (5.00 mg/g) decreased the SUA level, SCR level, BUN level, and hepatic XOD activity, and the complexes (1.67 and 5.00 mg/g) significantly reduced the SUA level and hepatic XOD activity (p < 0.05) in the hyperuricemic mice. In addition, in a hyperuricemic mouse model, the UUA level was increased after treatment with Katsuwonus pelamis peptide and its complexes at high concentrations (p < 0.05). The total therapeutic effects in the Katsuwonus pelamis peptide complex group were better than those in the Katsuwonus pelamis peptide group. Thus, Katsuwonus pelamis peptide and its complexes may possibly be used to prevent hyperuricemia via promoting urate secretion and inhibiting XOD activity production.

Ginger and its constituents: Role in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), with obscure etiology, are rising and are of worldwide concern. Of the various components of IBD pathogenesis and progression, irritation appears to play a major part. Investigations on the molecular and cellular pathways that activate the IBD provide the focus for the development of useful therapies. Ginger (the rhizome of Zingiber officinale) has a broad spectrum of clinical applications due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative functions. Inflammation and oxidative stress are the key pathogenic factors in many diseases, including IBD. The most established components of ginger are phenolic compounds called gingerols. A wide range of pharmacological activities of the potential therapeutic benefit of Z. officinale have been detailed. In this regard, the anti-inflammatory activity of ginger has been documented by many researchers. It was shown that ginger is a potent inhibitor of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), signal transducer of activators of transcription (STATs), Nod-like receptor family proteins (NLRPs), toll-like receptors (TLRs), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), and mTOR (mTOR) pathways, as well as inhibiting various pro-inflammatory cytokines. In the present report, the potential application of ginger in the management of IBD is reviewed in detail, with an emphasis on the relevant properties of ginger and its bioactive components. The significance of the functions, side effects, and delivery of ginger to the digestive system for particular application in IBD are also considered.

Preparation, characterization, pharmacokinetics, and antirenal injury activity studies of Licochalcone A-loaded liposomes

A liposome of Licochalcone A (LCA-Liposomes) was purposively prepared to ameliorate the low in vivo availability and efficacy of LCA. Physical characterization of LCA-Liposomes was carried out mainly by determining particle size, morphology, zeta potential (Z-potential), and efficiency of LCA encapsulation (EE) via appropriate techniques. Also, the rate of LCA release in vitro and distribution in vivo (plasma and tissues) was evaluated. Evaluation of the antirenal activity of LCA-liposomes was carried out by establishing chronic renal failure (CRF) model in mice through intragastric administration of adenine (200 mg/kg) and subsequent determination of biochemical parameters and examination of tissue sections. Respectively, the mean size of liposomal particles, Z-potential and EE of LCA-Liposomes were 71.78 ± 0.99 nm, -38.49 ± 0.06 mV, and 97.67 ± 1.72%. Pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies showed that LCA-Liposomes could improve the availability of LCA in the blood and tissues, whereas during pharmacodynamics studies, the liposome effectively improved the therapeutic effect of LCA on CRF mice by potentially protecting the renal tissues while exhibiting antioxidant activity. In conclusion, LCA-Liposomes could effectively improve the bioavailability of LCA and provide platform for the development of LCA-related functional products. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: As a traditional Chinese medicine, licorice is widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries. LCA is a small molecule flavonoid extracted from the root of licorice. In this study, LCA was loaded on liposome carriers, which significantly improved the water solubility and oral bioavailability, and proved that LCA-Liposomes have certain therapeutic effects on chronic renal failure, thereby providing a basis for the development of LCA into drugs or functional food in the future.

Ginger: A complementary approach for management of cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Inflammation and oxidative stress play critical roles in progression of various types of CVD. Broad pharmacological properties of ginger (the rhizome of Zingiber officinale) and its bioactive components have been reported, suggesting that they can be a therapeutic choice for clinical use. Consistent with its rich phenolic content, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginger have been confirmed in many studies. Ginger modifies many cellular processes and in particular was shown to have potent inhibitory effects against nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB); signal transducer and activator of transcription; NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing proteins; toll-like receptors; mitogen-activated protein kinase; and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathways. Ginger also blocks pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of the immune system. Ginger suppresses the activity of oxidative molecules such as reactive oxygen species, inducible nitric oxide synthase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, heme oxygenase, and GSH-Px. In this report, we summarize the biochemical pathologies underpinning a variety of CVDs and the effects of ginger and its bioactive components, including 6-shogaol, 6-gingerol, and 10-dehydrogingerdione. The properties of ginger and its phenolic components, mechanism of action, biological functions, side effects, and methods for enhanced cell delivery are also discussed. Together with preclinical and clinical studies, the positive biological effects of ginger and its bioactive components in CVD support the undertaking of further in vivo and especially clinical studies.

Improvement of Oral Bioavailability and Anti-Tumor Effect of Zingerone Self-Microemulsion Drug Delivery System

This study sought to prepare a self-microemulsion drug delivery system containing zingerone (Z-SMEDDS) to improve the low oral bioavailability of zingerone and anti-tumor effect. Z-SMEDDS was characterized by particle size, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency, while its pharmacokinetics and anti-tumor effects were also evaluated. Z-SMEDDS had stable physicochemical properties, including average particle size of 17.29 ± 0.07 nm, the zeta potential of -22.81 ± 0.29 mV, and the encapsulation efficiency of 97.96% ± 0.02%. In vitro release studies have shown the release of zingerone released by Z-SMEDDS was significantly higher than free zingerone in different release media. The relative oral bioavailability of Z-SMEDDS was 7.63 times compared with free drug. Meanwhile, the half inhibitory concentration （IC50）of Z-SMEDDS and free zingerone was 8.45 μg/mL and 13.30 μg/mL, respectively on HepG2. This study may provide a preliminary basis for further clinical research and application of Z-SMEDDS.

Improved Oral Bioavailability and Hypolipidemic Effect of Syringic Acid via a Self-microemulsifying Drug Delivery System

This study aimed to develop a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) to enhance the solubility, oral bioavailability, and hypolipidemic effects of syringic acid (SA), a bioactive and poorly-soluble polyphenol. Based on the response surface methodology-central composite design (RSM-CCD), an optimum formulation of SA-SMEDDS, consisting of ethyl oleate (oil, 12.30%), Cremophor-EL (surfactant, 66.25%), 1,2-propanediol (cosurfactant, 21.44%), and drug loading (50 mg/g), was obtained. The droplets of SA-SMEDDS were nanosized (16.38 ± 0.12 nm), spherically shaped, and homogeneously distributed (PDI = 0.058 ± 0.013) nanoparticles with high encapsulation efficiency (98.04 ± 1.39%) and stability. In vitro release study demonstrated a prolonged and controlled release of SA from SMEDDS. In vitro cell studies signified that SA-SMEDDS droplets substantially promoted cellular internalization. In comparison with the SA suspension, SA-SMEDDS showed significant prolonged T_max, t_1/2, and MRT after oral administration. Also, SA-SMEDDS exhibited a delayed in vivo elimination, increased bioavailability (2.1-fold), and enhanced liver accumulation. Furthermore, SA-SMEDDS demonstrated significant improvement in alleviating serum lipid profiles and hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia in mice. Collectively, SMEDDS demonstrated potential as a nanosystem for the oral delivery of SA with enhanced bioavailability and hypolipidemic effects.

From Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition to In Vivo Hypouricemic Effect: An Integrated Overview of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies with Focus on Natural Molecules and Analogues

Hyperuricemia is characterized by elevated uric acid (UA) levels on blood, which can lead to gout, a common pathology. These high UA levels are associated with increased purine ingestion and metabolization and/or its decreased excretion. In this field, xanthine oxidase (XO), by converting hypoxanthine and xanthine to UA, plays an important role in hyperuricemia control. Based on limitations and adverse effects associated with the use of allopurinol and febuxostat, the most known approved drugs with XO inhibitory effect, the search for new molecules with XO activity is growing. However, despite the high number of studies, it was found that the majority of tested products with relevant XO inhibition were left out, and no further pharmacological evaluation was performed. Thus, in the present review, available information published in the past six years concerning isolated molecules with in vitro XO inhibition complemented with cytotoxicity evaluation as well as other relevant studies, including in vivo hypouricemic effect, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile was compiled. Interestingly, the analysis of data collected demonstrated that molecules from natural sources or their mimetics and semisynthetic derivatives constitute the majority of compounds being explored at the moment by means of in vitro and in vivo animal studies. Therefore, several of these molecules can be useful as lead compounds and some of them can even have the potential to be considered in the future clinical candidates for the treatment of hyperuricemia.

[6]-Shogaol/β-CDs inclusion complex: preparation, characterisation, in vivo pharmacokinetics, and in situ intestinal perfusion study

Aims: The aim was to improve the absorption and bioavailability of [6]-shogaol with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) prior to in vitro and in vivo evaluation. Methods: [6]-Shogaol/β-CDs inclusion complexes (6-S-β-CDs) were developed using saturated aqueous solution method and characterised with appropriate techniques. The absorption and bioavailability potential of [6]-shogaol was evaluated via in vivo pharmacokinetics and in situ intestinal perfusion. Results: The results of characterisation showed that 6-S-β-CDs (drug loading, 7.15%) were successfully formulated. In vitro release study indicated significantly improved [6]-shogaol release. Pharmacokinetic parameters such as Cmax, AUC0-36 h, and oral relative bioavailability (about 685.36%) were substantially enhanced. The in situ intestinal perfusion study revealed that [6]-shogaol was markedly absorbed via passive diffusion in the intestinal segments, and duodenum followed by ileum and jejunum. Conclusions: Cyclodextrin inclusion technology could enhance the intestinal absorption and oral bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs like [6]-shogaol.