Preparation of polylactide-co-glycolide nanoparticles incorporating celecoxib and their antitumor activity against brain tumor cells

Critical assessment of purification processes for the robust production of polymeric nanomedicine

Polymeric nanoparticles are among the most widely used nanocarriers for delivering therapeutic molecules. However, their synthesis processes often generate undesirable impurities that could be toxic and challenging to eliminate. In this study, we compared three purification techniques - centrifugation, dialysis, and tangential flow filtration (TFF) - to evaluate their efficacy in removing residual drug, surfactant, and solvent while preserving the nanoparticles' physicochemical features (hydrodynamic size, zeta potential, polydispersity index). Centrifugation excels in eliminating unencapsulated drug and residual surfactant but significantly affects the nanoparticles' physicochemical properties, such as colloidal stability and size homogeneity. On the other hand, dialysis is a gentler technique effective in removing residual solvent but less so for residual surfactant and unencapsulated drug. TFF emerges as a balanced approach, offering a compromise between the two but none of these techniques achieves satisfactory purification at lab-scale alone. While each technique has its merits, none can meet all requirements independently. The optimal purification strategy often involves a combination of techniques, determined on a case-by-case basis considering factors like purity levels, time, costs, and the preservation of critical properties such as drug loading and colloidal stability. This study underscores the need for a nuanced approach in selecting purification strategies for polymeric nanoparticles in drug delivery applications.

Advances, limitations and perspectives in the use of celecoxib-loaded nanocarriers in therapeutics of cancer

Cancer is highlighted as a major global health challenge in the XXI century. The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme rises as a widespread tumor progression marker. Celecoxib (CXB) is a selective COX-2 inhibitor used in adjuvant cancer therapy, but high concentrations are required in humans. In this sense, the development of nanocarriers has been proposed once they can improve the biopharmaceutical, pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties of drugs. In this context, this article reviews the progress in the development of CXB-loaded nanocarriers over the past decade and their prospects. Recent advances in the field of CXB-loaded nanocarriers demonstrate the use of complex formulations and the increasing importance of in vivo studies. The types of CXB-loaded nanocarriers that have been developed are heterogeneous and based on polymers and lipids together or separately. It was found that the work on CXB-loaded nanocarriers is carried out using established techniques and raw materials, such as poly (lactic-co-glicolic acid), cholesterol, phospholipids and poly(ethyleneglycol). The main improvements that have been achieved are the use of cell surface ligands, the simultaneous delivery of different synergistic agents, and the presence of materials that can provide imaging properties and other advanced features. The combination of CXB with other anti-inflammatory drugs and/or apoptosis inducers appears to hold effective pharmacological promise. The greatest advance to date from a clinical perspective is the ability of CXB to enhance the cytotoxic effects of established chemotherapeutic agents.

Enabling the drug combination of celecoxib through a spherical co-agglomeration strategy with controllable and stable drug content and good powder properties

Combining celecoxib with other chemopreventive drugs is a promising method of chemoprevention for cancer, especially for colorectal cancer. However, the traditional drug combination approaches are restricted with high-cost apparatus, complex and numerous unit operations. This work aims to develop an efficient spherical co-agglomeration strategy for celecoxib in combination with lovastatin, which can achieve drug combination in a single crystallization unit. The ternary solvent system was determined based on molecular simulation, and then a stable spherical agglomeration process was developed through the design of molar fraction of anti-solvent (MFA) and stirring rate to produce spherical agglomerates with high sphericity (84.2-89.9 %) and narrow size distribution. On this basis, celecoxib-benzoic acid spherical co-agglomerates were designed to form a complete spherical co-agglomeration strategy, which includes solvent system selection, spherical agglomeration and spherical co-agglomeration. Finally, celecoxib-lovastatin spherical co-agglomerates with synergistic efficacy were successfully produced by this strategy, with controllable and stable drug content (fluctuation < 2.7 %), good powder properties, and improved tabletability.

Celecoxib-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Colon Delivery: Formulation Optimization and In Vitro Assessment of Anti-Cancer Activity

This work aimed to optimize a celecoxib (CXB)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) colon delivery system for the enhancement of anticancer activity. An ultrasonic melt-emulsification method was employed in this work for the preparation of SLN. The physical attributes were characterized for their particle sizes, charges, morphology, and entrapment efficiency (%EE), in addition to DSC and FTIR. The in vitro drug release profiles were evaluated, and the anticancer activity was examined utilizing an MTT assay in three cancer cell lines: the colon cancer HT29, medulloblastoma Daoy, and hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. All of the prepared SLN formulations had nanoscale particle sizes ranging from 238 nm to 757 nm. High zeta-potential values (mv) within −30 s mv were reported. The %EE was in the range 86.76–96.6%. The amorphous nature of the SLN-entrapped CXB was confirmed from SLN DSC thermograms. The in vitro release profile revealed a slow constant rate of release with no burst release, which is unusual for SLN. Both the F9 and F14 demonstrated almost complete CXB release within 24 h, with only 25% completed within the first 5 h. F9 caused a significant percentage of cell death in the three cancer cell lines tested after 24 h of incubation and maintained this effect for 72 h. The prepared CXB-loaded SLN exhibited unique properties such as slow release with no burst and a high %EE. The anticancer activity of one formulation was extremely significant in all tested cancer cell lines at all incubation times, which is very promising.

Celecoxib substituted biotinylated poly(amidoamine) G3 dendrimer as potential treatment for temozolomide resistant glioma therapy and anti-nematode agent

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a one of the most widely diagnosed and difficult to treat type of central nervous system tumors. Resection combined with radiotherapy and temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy prolongs patients' survival only for 12 - 15 months after diagnosis. Moreover, many patients develop TMZ resistance, thus important is search for a new therapy regimes including targeted drug delivery. Most types of GBM reveal increased expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂), that are considered as valuable therapeutic target. In these studies, the anti-tumor properties of the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (CXB) and biotinylated third generation of the poly(amidoamine) dendrimer substituted with 31 CXB residues (G3BC31) on TMZ -resistant U-118 MG glioma cell line were examined and compared with the effect of TMZ alone including viability, proliferation, migration and apoptosis, as well as the cellular expression of COX-2, ATP level, and PGE₂ production. Confocal microscopy analysis with the fluorescently labeled G3BC31 analogue has shown that the compound was effectively accumulated in U-118 MG cells in time-dependent manner and its localization was confirmed in lysosomes but not nuclei. G3BC31 reveal much higher cytotoxicity for U-118 MG cells at relatively low concentrations in the range of 2-4 µM with compared to CBX alone, active at 50-100 µM. This was due to induction of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation and migration. Observed effects were concomitant with reduction of PGE₂ production but independent of COX-2 expression. We suggest that investigated conjugate may be a promising candidate for therapy of TMZ-resistant glioblastoma multiforme, although applicable in local treatment, since our previous study of G3BC31 did not demonstrate selectivity against glioma cells compared to normal human fibroblasts. However, it has to be pointed that in our in vivo studies conducted with model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans indicated high anti-nematode activity of G3BC31 in comparison with CXB alone that confirms of usefulness of that organism for estimation of anti-cancer drug toxicity.

Cutaneous Application of Celecoxib for Inflammatory and Cancer Diseases

BACKGROUND

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and particularly selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors such as celecoxib (Cxb) are considered promising cancer chemopreventive for colon, breast, prostate, lung, and skin cancers. However, the clinical application to the prevention is limited by concerns about safety, potential to serious toxicity (mainly for healthy individuals), efficacy and optimal treatment regimen. Cxb exhibits advantages as potent antiinflammatory and gastrointestinal tolerance compared with conventional NSAID's. Recent researches suggest that dermatological formulations of Cxb are more suitable than oral administration in the treatment of cutaneous disease, including skin cancer. To date, optimism has been growing regarding the exploration of the topical application of Cxb (in the prevention of skin cancers and treatment of cutaneous inflammation) or transdermal route reducing risks of systemic side effects.

OBJECTIVE

This paper briefly summarizes our current knowledge of the development of the cutaneous formulations or delivery systems for Cxb as anti-inflammatory drug (for topical or transdermal application) as well its chemopreventive properties focused on skin cancer.

CONCLUSION

New perspectives emerge from the growing knowledge, bringing innovative techniques combining the action of Cxb with other substances or agents which act in a different way, but complementary, increasing the efficacy and minimizing toxicity.

Human erythrocytes exposure to juglone leads to an increase of superoxide anion production associated with cytochrome b5 reductase uncoupling

Cytochrome b5 reductase is an enzyme with the ability to generate superoxide anion at the expenses of NADH consumption. Although this activity can be stimulated by cytochrome c and could participate in the bioenergetic failure accounting in apoptosis, very little is known about other molecules that may uncouple the function of the cytochrome b5 reductase. Naphthoquinones are redox active molecules with the ability to interact with electron transfer chains. In this work, we made an inhibitor screening against recombinant human cytochrome b5 reductase based on naphthoquinone properties. We found that 5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (known as juglone), a natural naphthoquinone extracted from walnut trees and used historically in traditional medicine with ambiguous health and toxic outcomes, had the ability to uncouple the electron transfer from the reductase to cytochrome b5 and ferricyanide. Upon complex formation with cytochrome b5 reductase, juglone is able to act as an electron acceptor leading to a NADH consumption stimulation and an increase of superoxide anion production by the reductase. Our results suggest that cytochrome b5 reductase could contribute to the measured energetic failure in the erythrocyte apoptosis induced by juglone, that is concomitant with the reactive oxygen species produced by cytochrome b5 reductase.

Fabrication and in vivo evaluation of Nelfinavir loaded PLGA nanoparticles for enhancing oral bioavailability and therapeutic effect

Nelfinavir mesylate (NFV) is an anti-viral drug, used in the treatment of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Poor oral bioavailability and shorter half-life (3.5-5 h) remain a major clinical limitation of NFV leading to unpredictable drug bioavailability and frequent dosing. In this context, the objective of the present study was to formulate NFV loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs), which can increase the solubility and oral bioavailability along with sustained release of the drug. NFV loaded PLGA-NPs were prepared by nanoprecipitation method using PLGA and Poloxomer 407. The prepared NPs were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, morphology, drug content, entrapment efficiency (EE) and in vitro dissolution studies. Oral bioavailability studies were carried out in New Zealand rabbits by administering developed NFV PLGA-NPs and pure drug suspension. PLGA-NPs prepared by using 1:4 ratio of drug and PLGA, with a stirring rate of 1500 rpm for 4 h. The prepared NPs were in the size of 185 ± 0.83 nm with a zeta potential of 28.7 ± 0.09 mV. The developed NPs were found to be spherical with uniform size distribution. The drug content and EE of the optimized formulation were found to be 36 ± 0.19% and 72 ± 0.47% respectively. After oral administration of NFV PLGA-NPs, the relative bioavailability was enhanced about 4.94 fold compared to NFV suspension as a control. The results describe an effective strategy for oral delivery of NFV loaded PLGA NPs that helps in enhancing bioavailability and reduce the frequency of dosing.

Natural Bioadhesive Biodegradable Nanoparticle-Based Topical Ophthalmic Formulations for Management of Glaucoma

PURPOSE

We prepared and characterized topical ophthalmic formulations containing brimonidine-loaded bioadhesive cationic chitosan or anionic alginate nanoparticles (NPs) for sustained release of brimonidine as once daily regimen for management of glaucoma.

METHODS

Nanoparticles were prepared using a spontaneous emulsification solvent diffusion method. Different concentrations of polymers, emulsifiers, and NPs stabilizers were used for formulation optimization. Nanoparticles were characterized regarding particle size, zeta potential, morphology, and drug content. Brimonidine-loaded NPs were incorporated into eye drops, a temperature-triggered in situ gelling system, and a preformed gel. They then were characterized regarding their pH, viscosity, uniformity of drug content, in vitro release characteristics, in vitro cytotoxicity, and in vivo intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effects.

RESULTS

Characteristics of optimized brimonidine-loaded chitosan and alginate NPs, respectively, are: particle size, 115.67 ± 3.58 and 157.67 ± 5.53 nm; zeta potential, +35.27 ± 3.39 and -37.8 ± 3.77 mV; encapsulation efficiency, 74.34% ± 2.05% and 70.40% ± 2.77%; drug loading, 11.81% ± 0.67% and 13.14% ± 0.90%; and yield, 87.91% ± 5.92% and 76.53% ± 3.32%. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analyses revealed that NPs have spherical shapes with a dense core and distinct coat. Formulations possessed uniform drug content. Furthermore, pH and viscosity were compatible with the eye. Formulations showed a sustained release without any burst effect with a Higuchi non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. Cytotoxicity studies revealed that all formulations are biocompatible. Importantly, all formulations possessed a sustained IOP lowering effect compared to the marketed brimonidine tartrate eye drops.

CONCLUSIONS

These formulations provide a great improvement in topical ocular brimonidine delivery. The application of a single drop is sufficient to provide extended IOP reduction, which should improve patient compliance.

TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE

We have developed a novel biocompatible topical delivery system for brimonidine, a first line glaucoma medication. Once daily application should have positive effects on patient compliance and, therefore, preservation of vision.

Formulation and optimization of celecoxib-loaded PLGA nanoparticles by the Taguchi design and their in vitro cytotoxicity for lung cancer therapy

The objective of the present study was to develop, evaluate and optimize a polymeric nanoparticle (NP) system containing Cxb for pulmonary delivery of Cxb in the treatment of lung cancer. NPs were prepared by the emulsion solvent diffusion and evaporation method using poly(D, L lactideglycolide) (PLGA). The size of NPs ranged from 153 to 192 nm and was affected by PLGA content, surfactant concentration and organic phase volume. Zeta potential of NPs (-4.5 to -8.6 mV) was more affected by PLGA content and organic phase volume. PLGA content was also the most effective factor on the entrapment efficiency and release rate of Cxb from NPs. The optimum formulation which obtained with 5 mg Cxb, 25 mg PLGA, 0.5% surfactant, 2.5% organic volume and 15 000 rpm showed release of Cxb within 30 h. The optimized formulation co-spray dried with lactose (hybrid microparticles) displayed desirable fine particle fraction, mass medium aerodynamic diameter, geometric standard deviation of 70.3%, 1.46% and 3.38%, respectively. Our results provide evidence for the potential of PLGA NPs for delivery of Cxb through inhalation as means to alleviate the cardiovascular risk of Cxb administration.

The discovery and development of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors as potential anticancer therapies

INTRODUCTION

In the past, clinical studies had demonstrated that aspirin and NSAIDs reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. After the discovery of selective prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) inhibitors, the further beneficial effects of celecoxib and some other related structures (coxibs) have been demonstrated in both in vivo and in vitro studies.

AREAS COVERED

The authors illustrate the role of prostaglandins following the overexpression of PTGS2 (COX-2) in signaling pathways. The authors elucidate the role of coxibs in cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and multi-drug resistance and discuss the molecular mechanisms involved. The authors also present the strong evidence related to the usefulness of coxibs in several cancer cell lines.

EXPERT OPINION

There have been a number of PTGS2 (COX-2) selective inhibitors suggested as potential anticancer therapies. In recent years, the development of nanotechnology has also had an impact on chemotherapy. Indeed, nanoparticles of cytotoxic drug carriers have demonstrated potential through their accumulation in cancer cells, and targeting these nanoparticles has been under evaluation. This area could be opened up for coxib development as they are potentially important targets in cancer cells. Further research using celecoxib as a co-drug with PTGS2-overexpressed and PTGS2-independent cancer is still needed.

Application of nanoparticles on diagnosis and therapy in gliomas

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most deadly diseases that affect humans, and it is characterized by high resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Its median survival is only fourteen months, and this dramatic prognosis has stilled without changes during the last two decades; consequently GBM remains as an unsolved clinical problem. Therefore, alternative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are needed for gliomas. Nanoparticles represent an innovative tool in research and therapies in GBM due to their capacity of self-assembly, small size, increased stability, biocompatibility, tumor-specific targeting using antibodies or ligands, encapsulation and delivery of antineoplastic drugs, and increasing the contact surface between cells and nanomaterials. The active targeting of nanoparticles through conjugation with cell surface markers could enhance the efficacy of nanoparticles for delivering several agents into the tumoral area while significantly reducing toxicity in living systems. Nanoparticles can exploit some biological pathways to achieve specific delivery to cellular and intracellular targets, including transport across the blood-brain barrier, which many anticancer drugs cannot bypass. This review addresses the advancements of nanoparticles in drug delivery, imaging, diagnosis, and therapy in gliomas. The mechanisms of action, potential effects, and therapeutic results of these systems and their future applications in GBM are discussed.

Nanoparticle-based topical ophthalmic formulations for sustained celecoxib release

Celecoxib-loaded NPs were prepared from biodegradable polymers such as poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), poly(L-lactide) (PLA), and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) by spontaneous emulsification solvent diffusion method. Different concentrations of polymers, emulsifier, and cosurfactants were used for formulation optimization. Nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized regarding their particle size, PDI, zeta potential, shape, morphology, and drug content. Celecoxib-loaded NPs were incorporated into eye drops, in situ gelling system, and gel and characterized regarding their pH, viscosity, uniformity of drug content, in vitro release, and cytotoxicity. The results of optimized celecoxib-loaded PCL-, PLGA-, and PLA-NPs, respectively, are particle size 119 ± 4, 126.67 ± 7.08, and 135.33 ± 4.15 nm; zeta potential -22.43 ± 2.91, -25.46 ± 2.35, and -31.81 ± 2.54 mV; and encapsulation efficiency 93.44 ± 3.6%, 86.00 ± 1.67%, and 79.04 ± 2.6%. TEM analyses revealed that NPs have spherical shapes with dense core and distinct coat. Formulations possessed uniform drug content with pH and viscosity compatible with the eye. Formulations showed sustained release without any burst effect with the Higuchi non-fickian diffusion mechanism. Cytotoxicity studies revealed that all formulations are nontoxic. Our formulations provide a great deal of flexibility to formulation scientist whereby sizes and zeta potentials of our NPs can be tuned to suit the need using scalable and robust methodologies. These formulations can thus serve as a potential drug delivery system for both anterior and posterior eye diseases.

Celecoxib induces apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines via inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation

AIM

To investigate the mechanisms underlying the anticancer effect of celecoxib on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

METHODS

NPC cell lines, HNE1 and CNE1-LMP1, were treated with various concentrations of celecoxib for 48 h. The antiproliferative effect of celecoxib was assessed using MTT assay. Both cell cycle profiles and apoptosis were analyzed using flow cytometry. Western blot was used to measure the levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), phosphorylated STAT3(Y705) (pSTAT3(Y705)), COX-2, Survivin, Mcl-1, Bcl-2 and Cyclin D1.

RESULTS

Celecoxib (10-75 μmol/L) inhibited the proliferation of the NPC cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Celecoxib (25 and 50 μmol/L) induced apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest at the G(0)/G(1) checkpoint in the NPC cell lines, which was associated with significantly reduced STAT3 phosphorylation. The genes downstream of STAT3 (ie, Survivin, Mcl-1, Bcl-2 and Cyclin D1) were significantly down-regulated after exposure to celecoxib (25 and 50 μmol/L).

CONCLUSION

The anticancer effects of celecoxib on NPC cell lines results from inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, which may be partly mediated through the STAT3 pathway.

Release profile and characteristics of electrosprayed particles for oral delivery of a practically insoluble drug

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres containing celecoxib were prepared via electrospraying, and the influence of three processing parameters namely flow rate, solute concentration and drug loading, on the physico-chemical properties of the particles and the drug-release profile was studied. Microspheres with diameters between 2 and 8 μm were produced and a near-monodisperse size distribution was achieved (polydispersivity indices of 6-12%). Further, the inner structure of the particles showed that the internal porosity of the particles increased with increasing solvent concentration. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) analysis indicated that the drug was amorphous and remained stable after eight months of storage. Drug release was studied in USP 2 (United States Pharmacopeia Dissolution Apparatus 2) dissolution chambers, and differences in release profiles were observed depending on the parametric values. Changes in release rate were found to be directly related to the influence of the studied parameters on particle size and porosity. The results indicate that electrospraying is an attractive technique for producing drug-loaded microspheres that can be tailored towards an intended drug-delivery application. Compared with the more conventional spray-drying process, it provides better control of particle characteristics and less aggregation during particle formation. In particular, this study demonstrated its suitability for preparing capsules in which the drug is molecularly dispersed and released in a sustained manner to facilitate improved bioavailability.