1. Uptake and Transport of a Novel Anticancer Drug Delivery System Lactosyl-norcantharidin-associated N-trimethyl Chitosan Nanoparticles across Intestinal Caco-2 Cell Monolayers
Min Guan, Qiao-ling Zhu, Yang Liu, Yong-yan Bei, Zong-lin Gu, Xue-nong Zhang, Qiang Zhang.
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2012;7:1921–1930.
Abstract: In this paper, novel liver-targeting nanoparticles, lactosyl-norcantharitin (Lac-NCTD)-associated N-Trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles (Lac-NCTD-TMC-NPs), were prepared using ionic cross-linkage. The Caco-2 cell monolayer model was used to study the transport mechanism of Lac-NCTD and the effects of factors such as time, temperature, pH level, drug concentration, enhancers, and inhibitors. This model was also used to indicate the differences among Lac-NCTD, Lac-NCTD-associated chitosan nanoparticles (Lac-NCTD-CS-NPs), and Lac-NCTD-TMC-NPs in the absorption and transportation of membranes. Active transport and paracellular transport were suggested to be the major and the minor mechanism for Lac-NCTD absorption, respectively. Lac-NCTD uptake and absorption were not controlled by pH levels, but were positively correlated to uptake time and negatively correlated to temperature. The basolateral to apical apparent permeability values (Papp) were higher than those of the apical to basolateral values. The inhibitor of P-gp and MRP2 significantly enhanced the uptake amount of Lac-NCTD. Compared with Lac-NCTD, Lac-NCTD-CS-NPs and Lac-NCTD-TMC-NPs significantly enhanced drug absorption. Additionally, the latter exhibited stronger action.
2. Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and metabolites of a polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated norcantharidin chitosan nanoparticle formulation in rats and mice, using LC-MS/MS.
Xin-Yuan Ding, Cheng-Jiao Hong, Yang Liu, Zong-Lin Gu, Kong-Lang Xing, Ai-Jun Zhu, Wei-Liang Chen, Lin-Seng Shi, Xue-Nong Zhang, Qiang Zhang.
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2012;7:1723–1735.
Abstract: A novel formulation containing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K30-coated norcantharidin (NCTD) chitosan nanoparticles (PVP–NCTD–NPs) was prepared by ionic gelation between chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate. The surface morphology of NCTD nanoparticles (NPs) coated with PVP K30 was characterized using various analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. NCTD and its metabolites were analyzed using a sensitive and specific liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method with samples from mice and rats. The results indicated the importance of the PVP coating in controlling the shape and improving the entrapment efficiency of the NPs. A prototype drug and two metabolites were found in the feces, and seven metabolites in the urine. The primary elimination route of NCTD was via the urine. We conclude that PVP–NCTD–NPs are an adequate formulation for enhancing the absorption of NCTD, and significantly improving therapeutic effects targeting the hepatic system.
3. Novel norcantharidin-loaded liver targeting chitosan nanoparticles to enhance intestinal absorption
Yong-yan Bei, Xiao-yan Chen , Yang Liu, Jing-yu Xu, Wen-juan Wang, Zong-lin Gu, Kong-lang Xing, Ai-jun Zhu, Wei-liang Chen, Lin-seng Shi, Yang Liu, Qin Wang, Xue-nong Zhang, Qiang Zhang
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2012;7:1819–1827.
Abstract: In this paper, two novel liver-targeting nanoparticles, norcantharidin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (NCTD-CS-NPs) and norcantharidin-associated galactosylated chitosan nanoparticles (NCTD-GC-NPs), were prepared using ionic cross-linkage. The physical properties, particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and drug release characteristics of the nanoparticles were investigated in vitro. To investigate the intestinal absorption mechanisms of the two preparations, a series of experiments was carried out, including in situ circulation method, in vitro everted gut sacs, and Ussing chamber perfusion technique. The absorption rate constants (Ka) of NCTD at different segments were found to be duodenum>jejunum>ileum>colon. The concentration had no distinctive effect on absorption kinetics, suggesting that drug absorption is not dose-dependent. The transport of NCTD was found to be inhibited by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor, indicating that NCTD might be the substrate of P-gp. The order of the absorption enhancer effects were as follows: low molecular weight chitosan (CS-8kDa) > high molecular weight chitosan (CS-30KDa) > Poloxamer > sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) > Sodium deoxycholate (SDCh). The results indicate that the chitosan nanoparticles can improve intestinal absorption of NCTD.