Topical nanodelivery system of lutein for the prevention of selenite-induced cataract

Publication date: Available online 9 October 2018Source: Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and MedicineAuthor(s): Ede Bodoki, Oliviu Vostinaru, Ovidiu Samoila, Elena Dinte, Andreea E. Bodoki, Sean Swetledge, Carlos E. Astete, Cristina M. SabliovAbstractCataracts are responsible for half of the world blindness, surgery being the only viable treatment. Lutein, a naturally occurring carotenoid in the eye, has the potential to prevent cataract progression. Its low stability and limited ocular bioavailability upon systemic administration prevented its medical use. To restore the eye's natural line of defense against photo-oxidative stress, a formulation was developed using zein and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in an optimized bioadhesive thermosensitive gel for the delivery of lutein via topical application. Cataracts were induced in Crl:WI rats via selenite injection at 13 days post-partum, followed by 7 days of treatment with free lutein or lutein-loaded NPs administered orally or topically. Cataract severity was significantly reduced in rats treated with topical applications of lutein-loaded NPs compared to the positive control, while no significant differences were observed in rats treated with other lutein formulations including oral and topically applied free lutein.Graphical AbstractThe use of NP-based pharmaceutical formulations designed to efficiently deliver unstable bioactives such as lutein to the eye could effectively reduce...
Source: Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine - Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research