Characterization and in vitro Evaluation of a New Levonorgestrel Silver Liposomes

Matilda Radulescu,Dana Stoian,Crinela Utescu,Florin Borcan,Victor Dumitrascu,Ioana Zinuca Pavel,Dan Navolan

doi:10.37358/rc.20.4.8083

Abstract

Levonorgestrel is the most widely used synthetic hormone due in particular to strong progestin and anti-ovulatory effects, without estrogenic effects, being also used in hormone supportive therapy and found in preclinical studies for the prevention / occurrence of malignant processes. In order to be able to eliminate the adverse effects but to benefit at the same time from the beneficial biological effects, the posibility of obtaining effective and safe biocompatible formulations is studied. In the present research silver nanoparticles loaded with lenorgestrel were obtained and were subsequently included in a liposomal transporter system. Physico-chemical characterizations showed good stability of the liposomal systems obtained and dimensions compatible with the biological environment. In vitro data conducted on breast cells (MCF 10A and MCF7) revealed a dose-dependent influence in terms of cell viability with no significant changes at low concentration of samples (0.1 μM), while higher concentration was associated with a decrease of the viable breast adenocarcinoma cells especially in the case of silver nanoparticles.

Highlights

The use of synthetic hormones is necessary in different conditions, especially among women
The administration of combined oral contraceptives that contain a mixture from an estrogen derivative and a progesterone derivative is associated with the onset of venous thromboembolism due to increased serum estrogen levels in particular [1]
The elements present in the unloaded silver nanoparticles samples were C, O, N, Na and Ag expressed in weight percent (Wt%) or atomic percent (At.%) (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

The use of synthetic hormones is necessary in different conditions, especially among women. The administration of combined oral contraceptives that contain a mixture from an estrogen derivative and a progesterone derivative is associated with the onset of venous thromboembolism due to increased serum estrogen levels in particular [1]. Newer generations of combined oral contraceptives present a higher risk of developing venous thromboembolism compared to the first generation [2]. Contraceptives based solely on progesterone derivatives do not appear to present such risks [3]. Levonorgestrel is extensively used as an active substance in certain contraceptive therapies and hormone replacement therapy. It is well known that steroid hormones are compounds that have repercussions on the endocrine gland, exerting influence on endocrine function even at extremely low concentrations [4]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion