Biodistribution of antisense nanoparticles in mammary carcinoma rat model.

Efficient and specific delivery of antisenses (ASs) and protection of the sequences from degradation are critical factors for effective therapy. Sustained release nanoparticles (NP) offer increased resistance to nuclease degradation, increased amounts of AS uptake, and the possibility of control in dosing and sustained duration of AS administration. The biodegradable and biocompatible poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) copolymer (PLGA) was utilized to encapsulate AS directed against osteopontin (OPN), which is a promising therapeutic target in mammary carcinoma.

Liposomal simvastatin attenuates neointimal hyperplasia in rats.

Monocytes, macrophages, and inflammation play a key role in the process of neointimal proliferation and restenosis. The present study evaluated whether systemic and transient depletion of monocytes could be obtained by a single intravenous (IV) injection of simvastatin liposomes, for the inhibition of neointima formation. Balloon-injured carotid artery rats (n = 30) were randomly assigned to treatment groups of free simvastatin, simvastatin in liposomes (3 mg/kg), and saline (control).

Sustained delivery and efficacy of polymeric nanoparticles containing osteopontin and bone sialoprotein antisenses in rats with breast cancer bone metastasis.

Poor prognosis in mammary carcinoma is associated with a certain expression profile of a defined set of genes including osteopontin and bone sialoprotein. Efficient and specific delivery of antisenses (AS) and a protection of the sequences from degradation are the crucial conditions for AS therapeutic efficiency. We hypothesized that effective and safe AS delivery direceted against these genes could be achieved by polymeric nanoparticles (NP) fabricated from a biocompatible polymer.

Delivery of serotonin to the brain by monocytes following phagocytosis of liposomes.

Many drugs are not able to enter the brain due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and therefore cannot be used in the treatment of diseases of the brain. Since it is now known that the brain is under immunological surveillance, we hypothesized that phagocytic cells of the innate immune system, mainly neutrophils and monocytes, can be exploited as transporters of drugs to the brain. To target circulating mononuclear phagocytic cells, negatively-charged nano-sized liposomes were formulated encapsulating serotonin, a BBB impermeable neurological drug.