A Novel Gel-Forming Solution Based on PEG-DSPE/Solutol HS 15 Mixed Micelles and Gellan Gum for Ophthalmic Delivery of Curcumin

Curcumin (Cur) is a naturally hydrophobic polyphenol with potential pharmacological properties. However, the poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability of curcumin limits its ocular administration. Thus, the aim of this study was to prepare a mixed micelle in situ gelling system of curcumin (Cur-MM-ISG) for ophthalmic drug delivery. The curcumin mixed micelles (Cur-MMs) were prepared via the solvent evaporation method, after which they were incorporated into gellan gum gels. Characterization tests showed that Cur-MMs were small in size and spherical in shape, with a low critical micelle concentration. Compared with free curcumin, Cur-MMs improved the solubility and stability of curcumin significantly. The ex vivo penetration study revealed that Cur-MMs could penetrate the rabbit cornea more efficiently than the free curcumin. After dispersing the micelles in the gellan gum solution at a ratio of 1:1 (v/v), a transparent Cur-MM-ISG with the characteristics of a pseudoplastic fluid was formed. No obvious irritations were observed in the rabbit eyes after ocular instillation of Cur-MM-ISG. Moreover, Cur-MM-ISG showed a longer retention time on the corneal surface when compared to Cur-MMs using the fluorescein sodium labeling method. These findings indicate that biocompatible Cur-MM-ISG has great potential in ophthalmic drug therapy.

Protection from diclofenac-induced small intestinal injury by the JNK inhibitor SP600125 in a mouse model of NSAID-associated enteropathy

Small intestinal ulceration, bleeding, and inflammation are major adverse effects associated with the use of diclofenac (DCF) or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The underlying mechanisms of DCF enteropathy are poorly understood, but there is increasing evidence that topical effects are involved. The aim of this study was to explore the role of c-Jun- N-terminal kinase (JNK) in DCF-induced enterocyte death because JNK not only regulates mitochondria-mediated apoptosis but also is a key node where many of the proximal stress signals converge. Male C57BL/6J mice were injected intraperitoneally with DCF or vehicle (Solutol HS-15), and the extent of small intestinal ulceration was determined. A single dose of DCF (60 mg/kg) produced numerous ulcers in the third and fourth quartiles of the jejunum and ileum, with maximal effects after 18 h and extensive recovery after 48 h. To study the molecular pathways leading to enterocyte injury, we isolated villi-enriched mucosal fractions from DCF-treated mice. Immunoblot studies with a phosphospecific JNK antibody revealed that JNK1/2 (p46) was activated at 6 h, leading to phosphorylation of the downstream target c-Jun. The levels of the JNK-regulated proapoptotic transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were also increased after DCF. The selective JNK inhibitor SP600125 (30 mg/kg ip), given both 1 h before and 1 h after DCF, blocked JNK kinase activity and afforded significant protection against DCF enteropathy. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that the JNK pathway is critically involved in the pathogenesis of DCF-induced enteropathy and suggest a potential application of JNK inhibitors in the prevention of NSAID-induced enteropathy.