AIMTo study the effect of negatively charged and positively charged self-microemulsifying systems (SMES) on the cellular tight junction complex was to be investigated at molecular cell level.

METHODSHuman intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cell model was established. Effect of formulations on the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeability of the paracellular transport marker mannitol were measured to evaluate the cell integrity. Changes in subcellular localization of the tight junction protein zona occludens 1 (ZO-1) and cytoskeleton protein actin by immunofluorescence were also assessed after treatment of two SMESs in different dilutions.

RESULTSThe TEER of cell monolayers was not markedly affected by negatively charged SMES in different dilutions. The positively charged SMES could significantly decrease the TEER (P < 0.05) in three dilutions. The full recovery of TEER was found after the treatment of lower dilution for 2 h, then cultured for 48 h, while the recovery of TEER was 81.3% of control in 1 : 50 dilution. Two SMESs could enhance the apparent permeability coefficient of mannitol (2.9 - 64.6 folds), which depended on the dilution times. The immunofluorescent results indicated that the distribution of ZO-1 and actin were discrete in cell membrane after the treatment of formulation. Since the positively charged microemulsion could bind to the epithelial cell membrane by electrostatic interaction, the actin of the cells undergone some kind of stress stimulated by the higher concentration of microemulsion was more markedly affected than the negatively charged SMES. Effect of formulations on ZO-1 and actin relied on the dilution.

CONCLUSIONSMES is able to enhance the paracellular transport marker mannitol. The mechanism of opening of tight junctions by SMES might be the change of distribution of ZO-1 and actin.

Actins ; metabolism ; Caco-2 Cells ; Cell Membrane ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Electric Impedance ; Emulsions ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; toxicity ; Ethylene Glycols ; pharmacology ; toxicity ; Glycerides ; Glycerol ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; toxicity ; Humans ; Mannitol ; pharmacokinetics ; Membrane Proteins ; metabolism ; Organic Chemicals ; pharmacology ; toxicity ; Phosphoproteins ; metabolism ; Protein Transport ; Tight Junctions ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Zonula Occludens-1 Protein

Objective To determine the effects of~(99)Tc-MDP on joint inflammation and bone destruc- tion in collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)rats model and its effect on tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-?). Methods CIA was induced by immunization of male SD rats with an emulsion of collagen.~(99)Tc-MDP or placebo was intravenous infused to rats for 20 days.Joint inflammation was assessed by arthritis index.Lesions of bone were assessed based on the histological changes in ankle joints,radiographic analysis in hind paw with Larsen score.Systemic TNF-?level was measured by radioimmune assay.Results~(99)Tc-MDP suppressed joint swelling(P

This study aimed to investigate the transport characteristics of aripiprazole. A human intestinal epithelial cell model Caco-2 cell in vitro cultured had been applied to study the transport of aripiprazole. The effects of time, concentration of donor solutions, pH, temperature and P-glycoprotein inhibitor on the transport of aripiprazole were investigated. The determination of aripiprazole was performed by HPLC. It is concluded that aripiprazole is transported through the intestinal mucosa via a passive diffusion mechanism primarily, coexisting with a carrier-mediated transport. The transport of aripiprazole is positively correlated to transport time, pH, and temperature. Papp increased with donor concentrations up to 10 microg x mL(-1), and then decreased for higher concentrations. The P-glycoprotein inhibitor cyclosporine A significantly enhanced the transport amount of aripiprazole.
ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family B, Member 1 ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Antipsychotic Agents ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Aripiprazole ; Biological Transport ; drug effects ; Caco-2 Cells ; Cyclosporine ; pharmacology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Piperazines ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Quinolones ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Temperature ; Time Factors

AIMTo study the kinetics of uptake, transepithelial transport and efflux of 9-nitrocamptothecin (9-NC).

METHODSA human intestinal epithelial cell model Caco-2 cell in vitro cultured had been applied to study the kinetics of uptake, transport and efflux kinetics of 9-NC at small intestine. The effects of time, pH, temperature and P-glycoprotein inhibitors on the uptake of 9-NC were investigated. The determination of 9-NC was performed by HPLC.

RESULTSThe uptake and absorption of 9-NC were passive diffusion as the dominating process. The uptake of 9-NC is positively correlated to uptake time, and negatively correlated to pH and temperature. The inhibitors, cyclosporine A and verapamil, significantly enhanced the uptake amount of 9-NC (P < 0.05). P(app) of Basolateral to Apical was much more than that of Apical to Basolateral (2.6-6.9 fold). The efflux of 9-NC was fitted to apparent two-order process. The m0 [(148.0 +/- 2.2) pmol x cm(-2)] and the efflux rate (41.1 pmol x cm2 min(-1)) on Apical side were higher than the m0 [(121 +/- 7) pmol x cm(-2)] (P < 0.05) and the efflux rate (29.2 pmol x cm2 x min(-1)) on Basolateral side (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe uptake and absorption of 9-NC were passive diffusion as the dominating process. P-glycoprotein had strong efflux effects on the uptake and transepithelial transport of 9-NC.

ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family B, Member 1 ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacokinetics ; Biological Transport ; Caco-2 Cells ; metabolism ; Camptothecin ; analogs & derivatives ; antagonists & inhibitors ; pharmacokinetics ; Cyclosporine ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Temperature ; Verapamil ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo purify caffeic acid tetramer (CAT) with macroporous resin on the basis of its fundamental physicochemical stability research.

METHODThe changes of CAT content were compared by HPLC method before and after the purification process, or while other conditions were altered.

RESULTLK001 was the best one among 7 kinds of macroporous resin in regard of purifying ability. The optimum absorbing technology was the solution concentration at 10 g x L(-1), pH at 4.5, and the flow rate at 3 BV x h(-1). The best eluting technology was 45% ethanol as eluting agent, pH at 5.0, eluting volume at 50 mL after applying super-purified water and 20% ethanol. The yield of product was 3. 6 percent, and the active compound CAT was 58 percent in the product.

CONCLUSIONMacroporous resin LK001 is effective in enriching CAT from the crude extracts, thus this method of purification is advisable.

Absorption ; Boraginaceae ; chemistry ; Caffeic Acids ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Light ; Oxygen ; chemistry ; Porosity ; Resins, Plant ; chemistry ; Temperature ; Water ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical therapeutic effect of Compound Paeonol Dripping Pill (CPDP) and its effect on the levels of plasma inflammatory mediators, including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1).

METHODSNinety patients with unstable angina were randomized by enveloping method into 3 groups equally, the conventional Western therapy group (A), the CPDP group (B), and the Tongxinluo group (C). The improvement of angina pectoris symptoms and electrocardiogram (ECG) was observed after 2 weeks of treatment and the levels of plasma CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha and MCP-1 were measured before and after treatment.

RESULTSThe total effective rate in improving angina pectoris was 93.3% in Group B, significantly higher than that in Group A (73.3%, P <0.01) and Group C (76.7%, P <0.05), while no significant difference of ECG improvement rate was found between the three groups (P >0.05). Plasma total cholesterol and inflammation indexes were significantly lowered after treatment in Group B (P <0.05), showing a significant difference to those in the other two groups (P <0.05), but the indexes were unchanged in the other two groups (P >0.05).

CONCLUSIONEffect of CPDP is better in relieving symptoms, depressing inflammatory reaction for treatment of unstable angina patients than that of Tonxinluo Capsule and conventional Western treatment.

Acetophenones ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Angina, Unstable ; drug therapy ; immunology ; C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; Chemokine CCL2 ; blood ; Humans ; Inflammation Mediators ; blood ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Tablets ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood

AIMTo investigate the pharmacokinetic course of intranasal powders of Panax notoginseng Saponins (PNS) in a rat model and its protective effects against cardio-cerebrovascular diseases administrated in the form of its suspension.

METHODSAfter administration, Rgl concentration in the serum was analyzed by HPLC and the absolute bioavailability was calculated. The protective effects against cardia-cerebrovascular diseases were studied on actue myocardial infarction model in rats built by occlusion of left coronary artery and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model in gerbils built by occlusion of bilateral common carotid artery (CCA).

RESULTSThe in vivo course of Rgl in rats conformed to two-compartment model after intranasal administration of PNS suspension and the absolute bioavailability was 103.56%. The suspension significantly reduced myocardial infarct size induced by occlusion of the left coronary artery, alleviated cerebral edema and the stroke symptoms induced by occlusion of bilateral common carotid artery (CCA). And the effects were dose-dependent, the higher dose, the better effects.

CONCLUSIONThe results of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics demonstrated that PNS intranasal preparation has a pretty prospect to develop.

Administration, Intranasal ; Animals ; Biological Availability ; Brain Ischemia ; complications ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Female ; Gerbillinae ; Ginsenosides ; administration & dosage ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; pharmacology ; Male ; Myocardial Infarction ; pathology ; Myocardium ; pathology ; Panax ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reperfusion Injury ; etiology ; pathology

AIMTo study the release and cell uptake characteristics of 9-nitrocamptothecin (9-NC) nanostructured lipid carrier system (NLC) in vitro and its tissue distribution characteristics in vivo.

METHODSMouse peritoneal macrophages were used to investigate the uptake of nanoparticles by cells in vitro. The tissue distribution of 9-nitrocamptothecin solution and stealth nanostructured lipid carrier system (S-NLC) was determined after intravenous administration to mice at a single dose of 1.5 mg kg(-1). The release and crystalloid characteristics were also investigated.

RESULTSX-ray diffraction spectrum showed that 9-NC probably was amorphous in S-NLC. The liquid lipid did not change the characteristics of the solid matrix in nanoparticles. The in vitro release and cell uptake characteristics of stealth and non-stealth 9-NC-NLC were investigated, separately. The results showed that the stealth 9-NC-NLC had sustained-release characteristics and could resist the absorption effect of the additional plasmas to a certain extent. In addition, the cell uptake percentage of stealth 9-NC-NLC was much lower than that of the non-stealth ones. The tissues distribution results showed that 9-NC in the S-NLC was mainly found in the lung, liver, pancreas and ovary/uterus, while the quantity of 9-NC was much lower in heart and kidney. The AUQ(0-t), of S-NLC in blood, ovary/uterus, pancreas, liver and lung were higher than that of 9-nitrocamptothecin solution. The weight-average drug targeting efficiency (Te*) of S-NLC in liver and lung were significantly higher than that of 9-nitrocamptothecin solution. The mean residence times (MRT) of S-NLC was 44 h, while that of 9-nitrocamptothecin solution was 8 h. Therefore, S-NLC showed obvious targeting effects on liver and lung.

CONCLUSIONS-NLC with PEG flexible chains has sustained-release characteristics and can prolong its circulation in blood and have good targeting efficiency on liver and lung.

Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; Camptothecin ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; Delayed-Action Preparations ; Drug Carriers ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Female ; Hexoses ; chemistry ; Liver ; metabolism ; Lung ; metabolism ; Macrophages, Peritoneal ; physiology ; Mice ; Nanoparticles ; Particle Size ; Phagocytosis ; Phosphatidylcholines ; chemistry ; Polyethylene Glycols ; chemistry ; Tissue Distribution

Drug delivery system (DDS) is a novel approach to overcome multidrug resistance (MDR) in tumors nowadays. This work was designed to investigate a new micellar delivery system for in vitro reversal of resistant ovarian tumor cells, based on a nonionic triblock copolymer Pluronic P105 and paclitaxel (PTX). The PTX-loaded polymeric micelles (P105/PTX) were prepared by thin film-hydration methods. Based on the results of single factor experiments, the P105/PTX micelle formulation was optimized by employing the central composite design-response surface methodology. The physico-chemical properties of the P105/PTX micelles were characterized, including micelle size, drug loading coefficient, in vitro release behavior, etc. The cytotoxicity of the P105/PTX micelles was assessed against human ovarian tumor cell line, SKOV-3/PTX, by a standard 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl (MTT) assay. In order to understand the possible mechanism of Pluronic effects in resistant tumor cells, cellular uptake study of micellar PTX or Rhodamine-123 (R-123) was also carried out. The results showed that the micelle size was about 24 nm with drug loading coefficient of 1.1% and PTX concentration of 700 microg x mL(-1). The cumulative release amount of PTX from the P105/PTX micelles was only 45.4% in 6 h (P < 0.05) and 79.6% in 24 h, whereas Taxol injection in 6 h released 95.2% PTX. The IC50 values of the P105/PTX micelles and Taxol injection against SKOV-3/PTX were 1.14 and 5.11 microg x mL(-1), and resistance reversion index (RRI) was 9.65 and 2.15, respectively. The micellar PTX or R-123 exhibited a significant increase in cellular uptake in resistant SKOV-3/PTX cells compared with free PTX or R-123. These results indicated that PTX could effectively be solubilized by Pluronic P105 block copolymers via thin film-hydration process and formulation optimization, producing nano-scale polymeric micelles with sustained release property in vitro. The P105/PTX micelles were effectively able to reverse resistance to PTX in SKOV-3/PTX tumor cells compared with Taxol injection or free PTX solution, and the enhanced cytotoxicity in the resistant SKOV-3/PTX cell was related to the improved cellular uptake of PTX by Pluronic P105 copolymers.
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Drug Carriers ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Drug Resistance, Multiple ; drug effects ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; drug effects ; Excipients ; chemistry ; Female ; Humans ; Inhibitory Concentration 50 ; Micelles ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Paclitaxel ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Particle Size ; Poloxamer ; chemistry

Objective To study the effect and mechanism of estradiol (E