Evaluation of Budesonide-Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex in Thermoreversible Gels for Ulcerative Colitis.

Abstract

New formulations for topical treatment of ulcerative colitis with budesonide inclusion complex (BUDHP-β-CD) and poloxamers (PL) were developed for future clinical use. This study evaluated the efficacy of such novel formulations in a rat model of colitis. The PL-BUDHP-β-CD systems were prepared by direct dispersion of the complex (BUD concentration 0.5mgmL-1) in solutions with PL407 or PL403. Male Wistar rats underwent TNBS-induced colitis and were treated for 5days by a rectal route, as follows: BUD 1: BUDHP-β-CD + PL407 (18%); BUD 2: BUDHP-β-CD + PL407 (20%); BUD 3: BUDHP-β-CD + PL407 (18%) + PL403 (2%); BUD 4: plain BUD; BUD 5: BUDHP-β-CD; C1: HP-β-CD + PL407 (18%); C2: HP-β-CD + PL407 (20%); C3: HP-β-CD + PL407 (18%) + PL403 (2%); C4: saline. A negative control group without colitis was also used. Colitis was assessed via myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and macroscopic and microscopic damage score in colon tissues. Protein levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10 and endogenous glucocorticoids were obtained using ELISA. BUDHP-β-CD poloxamer formulations had similar MPO activity when compared with the negative control group. All formulations presented lower MPO activity than BUDHP-β-CD and plain BUD (p < 0.001). BUD 2 produced lower microscopic score values than plain BUD and BUDHP-β-CD (p < 0.01). All formulations with BUDHP-β-CD poloxamers reduced TNF-α levels (p < 0.05). Novel budesonide inclusion complex formulations improved microscopic damage and reduced colonic MPO activity and TNF-α levels.