ABSTRACT
AIM: To investigate the effects of curcumin (Cur) nanoparticles loaded with chitosan derivatives grafted by deoxycholic acid (Chit-DC) on human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE) cell proliferation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression. METHODS: Cur nanoparticles were synthesized with Chit-DC as the carrier and Cur as the supported drug. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method was used to detect the effects of different concentrations of Cur/Chit-DC, Chit-DC, and Cur on the proliferation of hRPE cells for different times. The changes of Cur/Chit-DC and Cur on hRPE cell cycle were determined by flow cytometry. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of VEGF in hRPE cells treated with Cur, Chit-DC and Cur/Chit-DC at 10 µg/mL for 24h. RESULTS: Different concentrations of Chit-DC nanoparticle treated hRPE cells had no significant difference in terms of optical density (OD) values compared with the control group at 24h and 48h. Moreover, there was no change in the cell morphology under a light microscope. After 24h treatment with Cur/Chit-DC and Cur, the percentage of G0-G1 phase cells increased and the percentage of S phase cells decreased in all concentration groups. Cur/Chit-DC and Cur in all concentration groups inhibited the proliferation of hRPE cells in a time and dose dependent manner, and reduced the expression level of VEGF mRNA. CONCLUSION: The Cur/Chit-DC nanoparticles can release Cur continuously and have sustained release function. Both Cur/Chit-DC nanoparticles and Cur could inhibit hRPE cells cultured in vitro, and could reduce the expression level of VEGF mRNA in hRPE cells.
ABSTRACT
AIM: to investigate the ability of drug-loaded N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) hydrogels to modulate wound healing after glaucoma filtration surgery. METHODS: the drug-loaded CMCS hydrogels were in situ synthesized using genipin as the crosslinker in the presence of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) or bevacizumab. Their structures were characterized by FTIR, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In-vitro drug release experiments and in vivo evaluation in rabbits were performed. RESULTS: the results of FTIR, UV-vis spectroscopy and SEM analyses indicated that 5FU was encapsulated into the CMCS hydrogels that were crosslinked by genipin. The in vitro drug release experiments showed that nearly 100% of 5FU was released from the drug-loaded hydrogels within 8 h, but less than 20% bevacizumab was released after 53 h. The in vivo evaluation in rabbits indicated that the drug-loaded CMCS hydrogels were nontoxic to the cornea and were gradually biodegraded in the eyes. Furthermore, the drug-loaded CMCS hydrogels effectively inhibited conjunctival scarring after glaucoma filtration surgery and controlled postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP). CONCLUSION: the drug-loaded CMCS hydrogels provide a great opportunity to increase the therapeutic efficacy of glaucoma filtration surgery.
