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The current pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 has caused extensive damage to society. The characterization of SARS-CoV-2 profiles has been addressed by researchers globally with the aim of resolving this disruptive crisis. This investigation process is indispensable to understand how SARS-CoV-2 behaves in human host cells. However, little is known about the systematic molecular mechanisms involved in the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on human host cells. Here, we present gene-to-gene regulatory networks in response to SARS-CoV-2 using a Bayesian network. We examined the dynamic changes in the SARS-CoV-2-purturbated networks established by our proposed framework for gene network analysis, thus revealing that interferon signaling gradually switched to the subsequent inflammatory cytokine signaling cascades. Furthermore, we succeeded in capturing a COVID-19 patient-specific network in which transduction of these signals was concurrently induced. This enabled us to explore the local regulatory systems influenced by SARS-CoV-2 in host cells more precisely at an individual level. Our panel of network analyses has provided new insights into SARS-CoV-2 research from the perspective of cellular systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The solvent effect on skin permeability is important for assessing the effectiveness and toxicological risk of new dermatological formulations in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics development. The solvent effect occurs by diverse mechanisms, which could be elucidated by efficient and reliable prediction models. However, such prediction models have been hampered by the small variety of permeants and mixture components archived in databases and by low predictive performance. Here, we propose a solution to both problems. Methods: We first compiled a novel large database of 412 samples from 261 structurally diverse permeants and 31 solvents reported in the literature. The data were carefully screened to ensure their collection under consistent experimental conditions. To construct a high-performance predictive model, we then applied support vector regression (SVR) and random forest (RF) with greedy stepwise descriptor selection to our database. The models were internally and externally validated. Results: The SVR achieved higher performance statistics than RF. The (externally validated) determination coefficient, root mean square error, and mean absolute error of SVR were 0.899, 0.351, and 0.268, respectively. Moreover, because all descriptors are fully computational, our method can predict as-yet unsynthesized compounds. Conclusion: Our high-performance prediction model offers an attractive alternative to permeability experiments for pharmaceutical and cosmetic candidate screening and optimizing skin-permeable topical formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG motifs (CpG DNA) can activate immunocompetent cells, which may possess antitumor activity. Previously, we found that when the cationic liposomes complexes formed with CpG DNA (CpG DNA lipoplex) were administered intranasally, they could prevent pulmonary metastasis in mice. However, the mechanisms underlying this process are unknown. In the present study, we show that natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in preventing pulmonary metastasis and peritoneal dissemination in a mouse model of metastatic disease. Further, in vitro, the NK cells obtained from mice treated with CpG DNA lipoplex showed higher cytotoxicity compared with untreated mice and in vivo, depletion of NK cells (achieved through injection of rabbit anti-asialo GM1 serum), abolished the inhibitory effect of CpG DNA lipoplex on pulmonary metastasis and peritoneal dissemination. In contrast, macrophage elimination did not disrupt the effects of the CpG DNA lipoplex. These results suggest that intranasal administration of CpG DNA lipoplex could prevent pulmonary metastasis and peritoneal dissemination by activating NK cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore the effect of NFκB activation in macrophages on osteoclastogenesis of bone marrow cells for potential application as a new type of therapy for preventing bone loss. Methods: Primary cultured macrophages and bone marrow cells were prepared from mice. As macrophage-targeted carriers, Mannosylated cationic liposomes (Man-liposomes) were prepared and were allowed to form complexes with NFκB decoy (a double-stranded oligonucleotide). Cellular uptake, inhibition of NFκB activation, and cytokine production were evaluated using macrophages. Osteoclastogenesis was investigated using bone marrow cells, which were cultured in the conditioned medium prepared from macrophages with or without Man-liposome/NFκB decoy complexes treatment. Results: Cellular accumulation of NFκB decoy was enhanced by Man-liposome. NFκB activation in macrophages and TNF-α production were suppressed in macrophages by Man-liposome/NFκB decoy complexes but not by the naked NFκB decoy, Gal-liposome/NFκB decoy complexes, or Man-liposome/random decoy complexes. Osteoclastogenesis of bone marrow cells was induced in the conditioned medium prepared from activated macrophages but not by activated macrophages treated with Man-liposome/NFκB decoy complexes. Conclusion: Osteoclastogenesis induced by activated macrophages could be suppressed by the treatment macrophages with Man-liposome/NFκB decoy complexes. Macrophage-targeted delivery of NFκB decoys using Man-liposomes may be promising in its use for the remediation of bone loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although surgical removal is the most aggressive strategy to treat removable tumors, it sometimes aggravates tumor growth in metastatic sites. Because surgical procedures generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), known promoters of tumor metastasis and growth, we examined whether the growth of micrometastasis is inhibited by superoxide dismutase (SOD) derivatives after surgical removal of tumors in mice. Murine melanoma B16-BL6 cells were inoculated into the footpad to establish spontaneous pulmonary metastasis. The removal of the footpad tumor significantly ( P < 0.05) increased the level of plasma lipoperoxides and the number of tumor cells in the lung. An intravenous injection of SOD or its pegylated-SOD derivative significantly ( P < 0.05) inhibited the peroxidation and metastatic tumor growth. It also extended the survival period of mice undergoing removal of the footpad tumor. These findings indicate that the removal of tumor produces ROS, which then aggravates the growth of tumor cells in micrometastases. SOD derivatives can effectively prevent this metastatic tumor growth by detoxifying ROS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine liver catalase derivatives possessing diverse tissue distribution properties were synthesized, and their effects on hepatic metastasis of colon carcinoma cells were examined in mice. An intraportal injection of 1 × 105 colon 26 cells resulted in the formation of more than 50 metastatic colonies on the surface of the liver at 14 days after injection. An intravenous injection of catalase (CAT; 35 000 units/kg of body weight) significantly ( P < 0.001) reduced the number of the colonies in the liver. Galactosylated (Gal-), mannosylated (Man-) and succinylated (Suc-) CAT were also tested in the same system. Of these derivatives, Gal-CAT showed the greatest inhibitory effect on hepatic metastasis, and the number of colonies was significantly ( P < 0.001) smaller than following treatment with catalase. High activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially MMP-9, were detected in the liver of mice bearing metastatic tumor tissues, which was significantly ( P < 0.05) reduced by Gal-CAT. These results, combined with our previous finding that Gal-CAT can be efficiently delivered to hepatocytes, indicate that the targeted delivery of catalase to the liver by galactosylation is a promising approach to suppress hepatic metastasis. Decreased MMP activity by catalase delivery seems to be involved in its anti-metastatic effect. Abbreviations: CAT – bovine liver catalase; ECM – extracellular matrix; Gal – galactosylated; HBSS – Hanks' balanced salt solution; H2O2– hydrogen peroxide; Man – mannosylated; MMP – matrix metalloproteinase; ROS – reactive oxygen species; Suc – succinylated; SOD – superoxide dismutase [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To determine the intrahepatic disposition characteristics of galactosylated liposome/plasmid DNA (pDNA) complexes in perfused rat liver. Methods. Galactosylated liposomes containing N-[1-(2,3dioleyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA), cholesterol (Chol), and cholesten-5-yloxy-N-{4-[(1-imino-2-D-thiogalactosylethyl)amino]butyl} formamide (Gal-C4-Chol) were prepared. The liposome/[[sup32]p]-labeled pDNA complexes were administered to perfused liver, and the venous outflow patterns were analyzed based on a two-compartment dispersion model. Results. The single-pass hepatic extraction of pDNA complexed with DOTMA/Chol/Gal-C4-Chol liposomes was greater than that with control DOTMA/Chol liposomes. A two-compartment dispersion model revealed that both the tissue binding and cellular internalization rate were higher for the DOTMA/Chol/Gal-C4-Chol liposome complexes compared with the control liposome complexes. The tissue binding was significantly reduced by the presence of 20 mM galactose. When their cellular localization in the perfused liver at 30 min postinjection was investigated, it was found that the parenchymal uptake of the DOTMA/Chol/Gal-C4-Chol liposome complexes was greater than that of the control liposome complexes. The parenchymal cell/ nonparenchymal cell uptake ratio was as high as unity. Conclusion. Galactosylation of the liposome/pDNA complexes increases the tissue binding and internalization rate via an asialoglycoprotein receptor-mediated process. Because of the large particle size of the complexes (∼150 nm), however, penetration across the fenestrated sinusoidal endothelium appears to be limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To develop a quantitative structure/activity relationship (QSAR) model for predicting drug-CYP 3A4 interactions. Method The inhibitory effect of 53 structurally diverse drugs on the metabolism of 7-benzyloxy-4-trifluoromethyl coumarin (BFC) by recombinant CYP 3A4 was evaluated using a rapid microtiter plate assay. For each drug, a total of 220 two-dimensional topological indices were calculated using Molconn-Z software. Using a genetic algorithm-based partial least squares (GA-PLS) method, the desired descriptors were automatically selected to maximize the predictability of the IC[sub50] values. Results. The IC[sub50] values of the drugs tested ranged from 9 nM to 2 mM. Based on the GA-PLS method, five principal components derived from 20 Molconn-Z descriptors were found to he effective for QSAR modeling. Interestingly, these descriptors suggested that the molecular size would he an important factor in determining drugCYP 3A4 interactions. In the leave-one-out prediction, the r[subpred] and the standard error of prediction (s) were 0.754 and 0.787, respectively. Even in an external validation, the predictions were in good agreement with experimental values (r[subpred] = 0.744, S = 0.769, n = 9). Conclusion. The proposed model, in which two-dimensional topological descriptors were used as molecular descriptors, was able to predict drug-CYP 3A4 interactions with reasonable accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To investigate the pharmacokinetics and preventive effects of liver-targeted catalase (CAT) derivatives on hepatic injury caused by reactive oxygen species. Methods. The hepatic uptake of [sup 111]In-CAT, galactosylated (Gal-), mannosylated (Man-) and succinylated (Suc-) CAT was investigated in isolated perfused rat livers in a single-pass constant infusion mode. Then, pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained by fitting equations derived from a one-organ pharmacokinetic model to the outflow profile. Their effects in preventing hydrogen peroxide-induced injury were determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release from the perfused liver. Results. The extraction of CAT derivatives by the liver was dosedependent, and increased by the chemical modifications described. After being bound to the cell surface, chemically modified CAT derivatives were internalized by the liver faster than CAT. Preperfusion of a CAT derivative significantly reduced LDH release by hydrogen peroxide at least for 30 min, and Man-CAT and Suc-CAT effectively inhibited this release. Conclusions. Internalized CAT derivatives are also effective in degrading hydrogen peroxide and targeted delivery of CAT to liver nonparenchymal cells by mannosylation or succinylation is a useful method for the prevention of hepatic injury caused by reactive oxygen species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To investigate the effects of the lipid composition of galactosylated liposomes on their targeted delivery to hepatocytes. Methods. Several types of liposomes with a particle size of about 90 nm were prepared using distearoyl-L-phosphatidylcholine (DSPC), cholesterol (Chol) and cholesten-5-yloxy-N-(4-((i-imino-2-Dthiogalactosylethyl)amino)butyl)forma mide (Gal-C4-Chol), and labeled with [³H]cholesterol hexadecyl ether. Their tissue disposition was investigated in mice following intravenous injection. The binding and internalization characteristics were also studied in HepG2 cells. Results. Compared with [³H]DSPC/Chol (60:40) liposomes, [³H]DSPC/Chol/Gal-C4-Chol (60:35:5) liposomes exhibit extensive hepatic uptake. Separation of the liver cells showed that galactosylated liposomes are preferentially taken up by hepatocytes, whereas those lacking Gal-C4-Chol distribute equally to hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells (NPC). Increasing the molar ratio of DSPC to 90% resulted in enhanced NPC uptake of both liposomes, suggesting their uptake via a mechanism other than asialoglycoprotein receptors. DSPC/ Chol/Gal-C4-Chol (60:35:5) and DSPC/Chol/Gal-C4-Chol (90:5:5) liposomes exhibited similar binding to the surface of HepG2 cells, but the former were taken up faster by the cells. Conclusions. The recognition of galactosylated liposomes by the asialoglycoprotein receptors is dependent on the lipid composition. Cholesterol-rich galactosylated liposomes, exhibiting less non-specific interaction and greater receptor-mediated uptake, are better for targeting drugs to hepatocytes in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the in vivo genetransfer for galactosylated liposomes containingcholesten-5-yloxy-N-(4-((1-imino-2-β-D-thiogalactosylethyl)amino)butyl)formamide(Gal-C4-Chol)in relation to lipid composition and charge ratio. Methods. Galactosylated cationic liposomes containingN-]1-(2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl]-n,n,n-trimethylammonium chloride(DOTMA),Gal-C4-Chol and cholesterol(Chol), and similar liposomes were prepared.Plasmid DNA complexed with a galactosylated liposome preparationwas injected intraportally into mice. The mice were sacrificed after 6hours. The tissues were subjected to luciferase assay. Results. A markedly higher gene expression in the liver followinginjection of plasmid DNA that has been complexed withDOTMA/Chol/Gal-C4-Chol(1:0.5:0.5) and DOTMA/Gal-C4-Chol(1:1)liposomes was observed. The effect was one order of magnitude higherthan naked DNA and DOTMA/Chol(1:1) liposomes. Pre-exposing withgalactosylated bovine serum albumin significantly reduced the hepaticgene expression. By comparison, the gene expression for galactosylatedcationic liposomes containing3β[N-(N′,N′-dimethylaminoethane)-carbamoyl]cholesterol,Gal-C4-Chol and dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine was 10 times lower.As far as the charge ratio of DOTMA/Chol/Gal-CA-Chol(1:0.5:0.5) liposomesto plasmid DNA(1.6-7.0) was concerned, complexes with charge ratiosof 2.3-3.1 produced maximal gene expression in the liver. Whereas,higher ratios resulted in enhanced expression in the lung. Conclusions. By optimizing lipid composition and charge ratio,galactosylated liposome/DNA complexes allow superior in vivo genetransfection in the liver via asialoglycoprotein receptor-mediatedendocytosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beta-oxidation is the most important pathway to provide energy for the liver. Our recent findings indicated that radiolabeled medium chain fatty acid analogs could be used as radiopharmaceuticals in the liver, allowing us to monitor alterations in energy metabolism on the cellular level. In the present study, pharmacokinetical analysis of a radioiodmated medium chain fatty acid analog, p-[123I] iodophenylenanthic acid ([123I]IPEA), was carried out in normal and hepatitis model rats to investigate the index for the measurement of beta-oxidation activity in hepatocytes. The rate constant for metabolism of [123I]IPEA in the liver showed a strong correlation with the ATP level, which was determined as an indicator of beta-oxidation activity in hepatocytes. The radioactivity profile in the liver after [123I]IPEA administration provided important information regarding hepatic viability, and the metabolic rate constant of [123I]IPEA calculated by a pharmacokinetic method was a useful criterion for hepatic diagnosis based on hepatic cellular energy metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To characterize organic cation (OC) transport in primary cultured rabbit alveolar epithelial cell monolayers, using [l4C]-guanidine as a model substrate. Methods. Type II alveolar epithelial cells from the rabbit lung were isolated by elastase digestion and cultured on permeable filters pre-coated with fibronectin and collagen. Uptake and transport studies of [14C]-guanidine were conducted in cell monolayers of 5 to 6 days in culture. Results. The cultured alveolar epithelial cell monolayers exhibited the characteristics of a tight barrier. [14C]-Guanidine uptake was temperature dependent, saturable, and inhibited by OC compounds such as amiloride, cimetidine, clonidine, procainamide, propranolol, tetraethyl-ammonium, and verapamil. Apical guanidine uptake (Km = 129 ± 41 μM, Vmax = 718 ± 72 pmol/mg protein/5 min) was kinetically different from basolateral uptake (Km = 580 ± 125 (μM, Vmax = 1,600 ± 160 pmol/mg protein/5 min). [14C]-Guanidine transport across the alveolar epithelial cell monolayer in the apical to basolateral direction revealed a permeability coefficient (Papp) of (7.3 ± 0.4) × 10-7 cm/sec, about seven times higher than that for the paracellular marker [14C]-mannitol. Conclusions. Our findings are consistent with the existence of carrier-mediated OC transport in cultured rabbit alveolar epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Plasmid DNA (pDNA) has become an important class of macromolecular agent suitable for non-viral gene therapy as well as DNA vaccination. Our recent study has suggested that pDNA is taken up by mouse peritoneal macrophages via a specific mechanism mediated by a receptor similar to the scavenger receptor (SR). This study was designed to further characterize the pDN A uptake by macrophages in order to elucidate the mechanism. Methods. The binding and uptake of pDNA labeled with 32P or a fluorescent marker were studied in vitro using cultured Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing the class A scavenger receptor (SRA) and peritoneal macrophages from SRA-knockout mice. Results. pDNA binding and uptake by CHO(SRA) cells were minimal and almost identical to that by wild-type CHO cells. Macrophages from the knockout mice showed pronounced pDNA binding and uptake as did the control macrophages. In both types of macrophage, pDNA binding was significantly inhibited by cold pDNA, polyinosinic acid and dextran sulfate but not by polycytidylic acid or Ac-LDL. These results provide direct evidence that SRA is not responsible for the significant binding and subsequent uptake of pDNA by mouse peritoneal macrophages. Further binding experiments revealed that, in addition to polyinosinic acid and dextran sulfate, heparin was a potent inhibitor among a variety of polyanionic compounds such as poly-nucleotides, anionic polysaccharides and modified proteins including Ox-LDL. Conclusions. The present study suggest that pDNA binding and uptake by mouse peritoneal macrophages are mediated by a specific mechanism to some defined polyanions not by scavenger receptors. The finding would be an important basis for further studies to elucidate the mechanism(s) of pDNA uptake by macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To determine the functional presence of a H+/peptide cotransport process in rabbit tracheal epithelial cell layers cultured at an air-interface and its contribution to transepithelial dipeptide transport. Methods. Rabbit tracheocytes were isolated, plated on Transwells, and cultured at an air-interface. After 5 or 6 days in culture, uptake and transepithelial transport of carnosine were examined. Results. Carnosine uptake by tracheocytes was pH-dependent and was saturable with a Michaelis-Menten constant of 170 μM. Moreover, carnosine uptake was inhibited 94% by Gly-L-Phe, 28% by (β-Ala-Gly, but not at all by Gly-D-Phe or by the amino acids β-Ala and L-His. Unexpectedly, transepithelial carnosine transport at pH 7.4 (i.e., in the absence of a transepithelial pH gradient) was similar in both the apical-to-basolateral ( ab) and basolateral-to-apical ( ba) directions. Lowering the apical fluid pH to 6.5 reduced abtransport 1.6 times without affecting ba transport, consistent with predominantly paracellular diffusion of carnosine under an electrochemical potential gradient. Conclusions. The kinetic behavior of carnosine uptake into cultured tracheal epithelial cell layers is characteristic of a H+-coupled dipeptide transport process known to exist in the small intestine and the kidney. Such a process does not appear to be rate-limiting in the transport of carnosine across the tracheal epithelial barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Pharmacokinetic properties of various lipid carriers (liposome and emulsions) after intratumoral injection were studied in perfusion experiments using tissue-isolated tumor preparations of Walker 256 carcinosarcoma. Methods. Four types of lipid carriers, large emulsion (254 nm), small emulsion (85 nm), neutral liposomes (120 nm) and cationic liposomes (125 nm) were prepared. We quantified their recovery from the tumor, leakage from the tumor surface and venous outflow after intratumoral injection into perfused tissue-isolated tumors, and analyzed venous appearance curves based on a pharmacokinetic model. Results. In contrast to the small emulsion and neutral liposomes, which immediately appeared in the venous outflow perfusate following intratumoral injection, the appearance of the cationic liposomes and the large emulsion was highly restricted, clearly demonstrating that intratumoral clearance of these formulations can be greatly retarded by the cationic charge and large particle size, respectively. The venous appearance rate-time profiles were fitted to equations derived from a two-compartment model by nonlinear regression analysis. When the calculated parameters were compared among these four formulations, the venous appearance rate did not exhibit such a large difference; however, the rate of transfer from the injected site to the compartment which involves clearance by venous outflow was all very different. Conclusions. The results of this study indicate that the determining factor which alters the pharmacokinetic properties of these lipid carriers after intratumoral injection is not the rate of transfer from the interstitial space to the vascular side but the rate of intratumoral transfer from the injection site to the well-vascularized region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. In order to evaluate the in vivo penetration of prodrugs which undergo metabolism in skin, we analyzed the in vivo penetration profiles of acyclovir prodrugs based on a two-layer skin diffusion model in consideration of metabolic process. Methods. Acyclovir prodrugs (e.g., valerate, isovalerate and pivarate) were used as model prodrugs and the amounts excreted in urine were measured after percutaneous application. In vivo penetration profiles were then estimated by employing a deconvolution method and the penetration of acyclovir prodrugs was analyzed using a diffusion model. Subsequently, diffusion, partitioning and metabolic parameters were compared under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Results. Although total penetration amounts at the end of the experiment were similar for the three prodrugs, the ratio of intact prodrug to total penetration amount differed significantly. Moreover, the excretion and absorption profiles were also very different for each prodrug. Enzymatic hydrolysis rate constants calculated under in vivo conditions were considerably larger than those obtained in the skin homogenate and in vitro penetration experiments. Conclusions. The present skin diffusion/bioconversion model combined with computer analysis enables us to comprehensively account for diffusion, partitioning and metabolism during in vivo percutaneous absorption. Nevertheless, different enzymatic hydrolysis rate constants obtained under both in vivo and in vitro conditions demonstrate the difficulty of obtaining accurate values for in vivo enzymatic activity from related in vitro experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to establish an experimental system for evaluation of the intratumoral behavior of drugs after intratumoral injection using perfused tissue-isolated tumor preparations of Walker 256 carcinoma (3.46-9.73g, n = 16). Methods. We quantified the recovery of Phenol Red (model drug) in the tumor, leakage from the tumor surface and the venous outflow after intratumoral injection using perfused tissue-isolated tumors, and analyzed venous appearance curves based on a pharmacokinetic model in which the tumor tissue was assumed to be divided into two compartments, i.e., well- and poorly-perfused regions. Results. In small tumors (Type 1, 5.42 ± 0.39 g), the drug appeared immediately in the venous outflow, and the amount remaining in the tumor tissue at 2 hr after injection was small. In contrast, the venous appearance rate reached a significantly lower peak a few minutes after injection, and a large amount of injected drug remained in some large tumors (Type 2, 8.17 ± 0.51 g). Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that there was a correlation between tumor weight and the rate constants of transfer from the poorly-perfused region to the well-perfused region, and between the rate constants of transfer from the well-perfused region to the venous outflow and dosing ratios into the well-perfused region. Conclusions. An experimental system and analytical method were established for the evaluation of the intratumoral behavior of drugs after intratumoral injection using a tissue-isolated tumor perfusion system. This experimental system will be useful in analyzing the antitumor drug disposition after intratumoral injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous absorption-enhancing effects of d-limonene and oleic acid were investigated using three model drugs with different lipophilicities in in vitro diffusion experiments with guinea pig skin. Pretreatment of the skin with d-limonene resulted in a large penetration enhancement for the lipophilic butylparaben (BP) and amphiphilic 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) but had little effect on the hydrophilic mannitol (MT). Oleic acid caused a large effect only on 6-MP penetration. The penetration profiles were analyzed with a two-layer skin diffusion model consisting of stratum corneum with polar and nonpolar routes and viable epidermis plus dermis. Through curve-fitting, six parameters corresponding to drug diffusivity and partitioning in these three regions of the skin were obtained, and the mechanisms of enhancers were assessed in comparison with those of l-geranylazacycloheptan-2-one (GACH) reported previously. Increased penetration was caused mainly by modification of the barrier property of the nonpolar route in the stratum corneum in all cases. In the nonpolar route, d-limonene increased mainly drug diffusivity, while GACH enhanced predominately drug partitioning. On the other hand, oleic acid moderately increased both parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro and in vivo skin penetration of three drugs with different lipophilicities and the enhancing effects of l-geranylazacycloheptan-2-one (GACH) were studied in rats. In vivo drug absorption profiles obtained by deconvolution of urinary excretion profiles were compared to the corresponding in vitro data obtained with a diffusion experiment. In vivo skin penetration of lipophilic butylparaben was considerably greater than that observed in vitro, while hydrophilic mannitol and acyclovir showed low penetration in both systems without GACH pretreatment. On the other hand, GACH enhanced mannitol and acyclovir penetration, especially in the in vivo system. Analysis of absorption profiles, using a two-layer skin model with polar and nonpolar routes in the stratum corneum, suggested that the diffusion length of a viable layer (viable epidermis and dermis) was shorter in vivo than in vitro and the effective area of the polar route in the stratum corneum was larger in vitro without GACH pretreatment. GACH increased the partitioning of acyclovir into the nonpolar route to the same extent in both systems. In addition, GACH increased the effective area of the polar route in vivo, probably because of enhanced water permeability; however, this effect was smaller in vitro since the stratum corneum was already hydrated even without GACH pretreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diffusion model for the skin penetration of drug in the finite-dose system was developed considering the skin to be composed of two layers, the outermost layer (stratum corneum) and the lower layer (viable epidermis and dermis). Based on this skin model, the Laplace transforms of the equations for the drug amounts in the receptor, the vehicle, and the skin were derived. The penetration profiles of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) through the intact and stripped guinea pig skin were obtained from in vitro diffusion experiments. The computer fitting of those profiles to the Laplace-transformed equations by a nonlinear least-squares program based on a fast inverse Laplace transform algorithm [MULTI-(FILT)] gave parameters such as diffusion coefficients of 6-MP and thicknesses of both layers. The mean transit time (MTT) for each diffusion process was defined based on statistical moment concept and calculated using the obtained parameters. Under the present condition, the process to move from the vehicle to the stratum corneum is demonstrated to have the longest mean time in overall processes of 6-MP penetration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]