Mitigation of Tacrolimus-Associated Nephrotoxicity by PLGA Nanoparticulate Delivery Following Multiple Dosing to Mice while Maintaining its Immunosuppressive Activity

Aws Alshamsan,Wajhul Qamar,Hala Kfouri,Afsaneh Lavasanifar,Mohd Abul Kalam,Ziyad Binkhathlan,Mohammed Alghonaim

doi:10.1038/s41598-020-63767-1

Aws Alshamsan, Wajhul Qamar + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-63767-1

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Journal: Scientific Reports	Publication Date: Apr 21, 2020
Citations: 12	License type: open-access

Affiliation: King Saud University, University of Alberta

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the ability of PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) to reduce the tacrolimus (TAC)-associated nephrotoxicity following multiple dose administration. The mean diameter of prepared NPs was in the range of 227 to 263 nm with an 8.32% drug loading (w/w). Moreover, in vitro release profile of TAC-loaded NPs showed a sustained release of the drug with only less than 30% release within 12 days. Flow cytometry as well as fluorescence microscopy results confirmed the uptake of FITC-labelled PLGA NPs by dendritic cells. The ex vivo study showed that TAC-loaded NPs caused a significant suppression of the proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ cells, which was comparable to the control formulation (Prograf). In vivo immunosuppressive activity as well as the kidney function were assessed following drug administration to mice. The animals received TAC subcutaneously at a daily dose of 1 mg/kg for 30 days delivered as the control formulation (Prograf) or TAC-loaded NPs. The results revealed significantly lower drug-associated toxicity with an activity comparable to Prograf for TAC-loaded PLGA NPs. These findings show a potential for PLGA NPs in reducing the nephrotoxicity of TAC while preserving the immunosuppressive activity.

Highlights

The aim of this study was to assess the ability of Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) to reduce the tacrolimus (TAC)-associated nephrotoxicity following multiple dose administration
These findings show a potential for PLGA NPs in reducing the nephrotoxicity of TAC while preserving the immunosuppressive activity
Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a family of biodegradable copolymers that has been approved by the US FDA and European Medicine Agency (EMA) for biomedical applications[24,25]

Summary

Introduction

The aim of this study was to assess the ability of PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) to reduce the tacrolimus (TAC)-associated nephrotoxicity following multiple dose administration. The ex vivo study showed that TAC-loaded NPs caused a significant suppression of the proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ cells, which was comparable to the control formulation (Prograf). Tacrolimus is a potent immunosuppressive agent used clinically to reduce the risk of graft rejection in post-operative transplants patients[1,2,3]. It acts by suppressing interleukin-2 (IL-2) production in T-cells[4], and by inhibiting phosphatase activity of calcineurin through binding to the intracellular immunophilin FKBP-125. We have recently shown that TAC-loaded PLGA NPs were able to enhance the in vivo ocular bioavailability and nearly doubled the elimination half-life of the drug in aqueous humour compared to TAC aqueous suspension[38]

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