Search

Purpose: This investigation was aimed to explore the targeting potential of folate conjugated double liposomes (fDLs) bearing combination of synergistic drugs (Prednisolone and Methotrexate) for effective management of the rheumatoid arthritis (RA)., Methods: To overcome the drawbacks of monotherapy, a combination of prednisolone (PRD) (an anti-inflammatory agent) and methotrexate (MTX) (a disease modifying anti-rheumatoid agent, DMARDs) was chosen for dual targeting approach. fDLs were prepared in two steps i.e. development of inner liposomes (ILs) using thin film casting method followed by encapsulation of ILs within folate conjugated outer liposomes (double liposomes; fDLs). Developed liposomes were characterized for various physicochemical parameters and in vivo performance., Results: fDLs were prepared using FA-PEG-4000-NH-DSPE conjugate. These double liposomes were having 429.3 ± 3.6 nm in size with 0.109 PDI, 8.01 ± 0.3 mV zeta potential (ζ) and 66.7 ± 3.9% and 45.3 ± 1.7% entrapments of PRD and MTX, respectively. After 24 h, the concentrations of PRD in blood were observed to be 8.66 ± 3.11 (ILs) and 15.13 ± 0.81% (DLs) while concentration of MTX were found to be 10.89 ± 0.69 and 2.34 ± 3.15% when given as ILs and fDLs, respectively. The concentration of both drugs in inflamed joint was observed to be higher than that in the non-inflamed joints., Conclusions: The folate conjugated double liposomes possess superior targeting efficiency than conjugated and unconjugated single liposomes.

The present study evaluates the antiarthritic effect of hydroethanolic extract of Pleurotus ostreatus cv. Florida, which was tested against adjuvant induced arthritis in rat models. Arthritis was induced by administration of complete Freund's adjuvant into the subplantar surface of left paw of rats. The extract was given orally at doses 200 mg/ kg and 400 mg/kg and piroxicam was administered intraperitonially (4 mg/kg). In vitro testing on parameters including antiproteinestrase, albumin denaturation and heat induce hemolysis was also carried out. There was significant decrease (p < 0.001) in proteinase activity and membrane stabilization in vivo studies on cv. Florida extract treated rats showed a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in paw volume, joint diameter, and spontaneous change in body weight recorded for 21 days. The treatment also resulted in an increase in rats' gripping activity compared with arthritic control rats. X-ray examinations showed a decrease in joint swelling. Histopathological examination of the extract treated group showed a significant decrease in joint space. There was also an increase in antibody levels. The antioxidant parameters showed a significant (p < 0.001) increase in superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymatic activities. Thus P. ostreatus cv. Florida extract demonstrates a potent antioxidant activity in a rat model. It is concluded that the P. ostreatus cv. Florida extract contains medicinally important constituents that show antiarthritic activity in rats.