Brain-targeted Delivery Systems Research Articles

Synthesis and biological evaluations of brain-targeted chemical delivery systems of [Nva2]-TRH.

Various chemical delivery systems for [Nva2]-TRH were synthesized and their CNS activity was investigated and compared with that of a similar chemical delivery system of [Leu2]-TRH, previously studied. Sequential metabolism of the chemical delivery system delivered to the brain, starting with the conversion of the dihydrotrigonellyl (DHT) to the trigonellyl (T+) moiety, will provide the lock-in to the brain of the T+-chemical delivery system, which will undergo hydrolysis of the cholesteryl ester, formation of the Pr-amide and cleavage of the spacer-T+ part, allowing ultimately the sustained release of the active [Nva2]-TRH. The CNS activity was assessed by measuring the extent of antagonizing barbiturate-induced sleeping time in mice. The fully packaged DHT-Pro-Pro-Gln-Nva-Pro-Gly-OCh produced robust antagonism, reducing sleeping time from 89 min to 48 min, similar to the Leu2-analogue (49 min). However, the partially substituted [Nva2]-TRH analogues showed little or no CNS activity. The results indicate that the fully packaged delivery system is necessary to produce the successful brain targeting of the precursor construct and effective release of the Gln-Nva-ProNH2.

Lactoferrin-modified nanoparticles could mediate efficient gene delivery to the brain in vivo

Lactoferrin (Lf)-modified nanoparticles (NPs) have been demonstrated to mediate efficient expression of exogenous genes in the brain via intravenous administration. The brain-targeting properties of Lf-modified NPs were investigated in this study. In vivo imaging results showed that the accumulation of Lf-modified NPs was higher in the brain but lower in the other organs than that of unmodified counterparts. The results of analytical transmission electron microscopy showed that some Lf-modified NPs crossed the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and reached the neural tissues, while some remained within the BBB. Similar results were observed in the distribution of exogenous gene products. All the results demonstrated the successful delivery of Lf-modified NPs into the brain. Lf-modified NPs could be exploited as potential brain-targeting delivery systems for exogenous genes, especially for those encoding secretive proteins.

Preparation and evaluation of anti-neuroexcitation peptide (ANEP) loaded N-trimethyl chitosan chloride nanoparticles for brain-targeting

Anti-neuroexcitation peptide (ANEP) is a promising candidate for the treatment of neuroexcitation-associated diseases. N-Trimethyl chitosan (TMC) with different degrees of quaternization was synthesized, characterized and evaluated as a brain-targeting delivery vehicle for ANEP. ANEP-loaded TMC nanoparticles were prepared by ionic crosslinking of TMC with tripolyphosphate (TPP). The optimized formulation of nanoparticles consisted of TMC with a degree of quaternization (DQ) of 36.1% and TPP solution with a concentration of 0.6 mg/mL. The mean encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of the optimum formulation was 80.63% and 185.4 μg/mL, respectively, while the mean particle size, zeta potential, and pH value were 255 nm, 32.0 mV and 6.61, respectively. ANEP was labeled with FITC for in vivo tissue distribution experiments. The results showed that the targetability of ANEP to brain was significantly increased by TMC nanoparticles. Absorptive-mediated transcytosis was believed to be the main pathway for the brain-targeting of FITC–ANEP–TMC/NPs. These findings demonstrate that TMC nanoparticles are potentially useful brain-targeting delivery systems for ANEP.

Glucose-targeted niosomes deliver vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) to the brain

The aim of this study was to evaluate glucose-bearing niosomes as a brain targeted delivery system for the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). To this end, VIP/ 125I-VIP-loaded glucose-bearing niosomes were intravenously injected to mice. Brain uptake was determined by measuring the radioactivity of 125I-labeled VIP using γ-counting, after intravenous administration of VIP in solution or encapsulated in glucose-bearing niosomes or in control niosomes. VIP integrity was assessed by reversed-phase HPLC analysis of brain extracts. Distribution of 125I-VIP derived radioactivity was examined from serial brain slices. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of intact VIP in brain after administration of VIP-loaded niosomes, but not after administration of VIP solution. Encapsulation within glucose-bearing niosomes mainly allowed a significantly higher VIP brain uptake compared to control niosomes (up to 86%, 5 min after treatment). Brain distribution of intact VIP after injection of glucose-bearing niosomes, indicated that radioactivity was preferentially located in the posterior and the anterior parts of the brain, whereas it was homogeneously distributed in the whole brain after the administration of control vesicles. In conclusion, this novel vesicular formulation of VIP delivers intact VIP to particular brain regions in mice. Glucose-bearing vesicles might be therefore a novel tool to deliver drugs across the blood–brain barrier (BBB).

Strategies to target kyotorphin analogues to the brain.

The design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of brain-targeted chemical delivery systems (CDS) for a kyotorphin analogue (Tyr-Lys) are described. The brain-targeted compound contains the active peptide in a packaged, disguised form, flanked between the lipophilic cholesteryl ester on the C-terminus and the 1, 4-dihydrotrigonellyl redox targetor, attached to the N-terminus through strategically selected L-amino acid(s) spacer. It was found that for successful brain targeting, the epsilon-amine of Lys needs to be also converted to a lipophilic function. Through sequential enzymatic bioactivation, the Tyr-Lys dipeptide is released in a sustained manner, producing significant and prolonged analgesic activity as demonstrated by the rat tail latency test. An alternate strategy was also employed. Lys was replaced by a redox amino acid pair, Nys+ left and right arrow Nys, the nicotinamide left and right arrow 1,4-dihydronicotinamide analogues of Lys (Nys+ is 2-amino-6-(3-carbamoyl-1-pyridiniumyl)hexanoic acid). The Nys form is lipophilic and facilitates delivery in addition to the C- and N-terminal lipophilic functions. Enzymatic oxidation to Nys+ provides the lock-in, followed by removal of the lipophilic groups, releasing Tyr-Nys+ from the brain-targeted analogue (BTRA). Nys+ was shown to be an effective substitution for Arg or Lys. The activities of the CDS and BTRA, respectively, were antagonized by naloxone, supporting the designed brain-targeted processes. The most potent compound is the two-proline spacer containing CDS (CDS-PP), followed by the BTRA.

Brain-specific gene expression by immortalized microglial cell-mediated gene transfer in the mammalian brain

The intra-arterial injection of immortalized microglia transfected with the lacZ gene, resulted in the expression of β-galactosidase in the rat brain at 48 h and the activity of β-galactosidase was detected for up to 3 weeks post-injection. More than 30-fold higher activity of β-galactosidase was detected in the brain than in the liver, lung or spleen at 48 h post-injection. This method allows us to easily deliver the gene of interest to the brain without influencing other organs. Our brain-targeting gene delivery system can facilitate gene therapy of several brain disorders, including brain tumor, metabolic disorders, and degenerative disorders, as well as investigation into the roles of particular genes in brain function and development.

Apoptosis and microglia

Microglia, macrophage-like cells in the central nervous system (CNS), are multi-functional cells; they play an important role in removal of dead cells or their remnants by phagocytosis in the CNS degeneration and are one of important cells in the CNS cytokine network to produce and respond to a variety of cytokines. Although little is known about microglia in the normal CNS, it is obvious that they are quickly activated in all acute pathological events including apoptosis, neurodegeneration and inflammation. Activation of microglia in apoptosis is a double-edged response; under severe apoptotic conditions microglia act as scavengers removing tissue debris and inducing apoptosis in damaged cells, whereas in more subtle injury they exert a surveillance function and might play a protective role. The transformation of resting microglia into full blown phagocytes is strictly regulated. To understand molecular basis of controlling mechanisms of microglia in apoptosis, the study will need in vivo models. For such purpose, we developed the brain-targeting gene delivery system using immortalized microglia, which can facilitate investigation into the roles of particular microglial genes in apoptosis and gene therapy of several brain disorders.

Computer-Assisted Design of New Drugs Based on Retrometabolic Concepts

Retrometabolic drug design approaches incorporate metabolic and toxicological considerations into the drug design process and represent a novel, systematic methodology for the design of safe compounds. Two major design concepts aimed to increase the therapeutic index (the activity/toxicity ratio) of drugs were developed. Chemical delivery systems (CDS) are primarily used to allow targeting of the active biological molecules to specific target sites or organs based on predictable enzymatic activation. Soft drug approaches are used to design new drugs by building in the molecule, in addition to the activity, the most desired way in which the molecule is to be deactivated and detoxified subsequent to exerting its biological effects. Special computer programs were developed that starting from a lead compound generate complete libraries of possible soft analogs and then help ranking these candidates based on isosteric-isoelectronic comparisons, predicted solubility/partition properties, and estimated metabolic rates. The novel field of large peptide-CDSs imposes special challenges, but a new, remarkably simple model was developed to estimate partition properties for a wide range of compounds, including quite large peptide derivatives. A suggested change of about five order of magnitudes in the distribution coefficient can explain the “lock in” mechanism of brain-targeting delivery systems.

Redox targeting of LY231617, an antioxidant with potential use in the treatment of brain damage

Several brain-targeting chemical delivery systems (CDS) based on a dihydropyridine ⇌ pyridinium salt-type targetor were synthesized and evaluated for LY231617 (1), a di-tert-butylated phenolic amine antioxidant with potential use in the treatment of brain injuries. The dihydropyridine moiety was chemically attached to the amine (by either amide or various substituted carbamate linkages) or to the phenolic hydroxyl (by carboxylic ester linkage) functionalities of LY231617. In vitro stability and in vivo tissue distribution studies (in the rat) were performed with the novel derivatives. The results indicated that a simple amide-type CDS demonstrated efficient delivery of LY231617-targetor conjugate to the CNS. This derivative which contains the intact pharmacophore might possess intrinsic pharmacological antioxidant activity. Favorable in vitro properties suggested that a substituted carbamate-type CDS might be a better delivery modality for LY231617.

Brain-targeted delivery of a leucine-enkephalin analogue by retrometabolic design.

A brain-targeted chemical delivery system (CDS) based on retrometabolic drug design was applied to a Leu-enkephalin analogue, Try-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-D-Leu (DADLE). The molecular architecture of the peptide CDS disguises its peptide nature from neuropeptide-degrading enzymes and provides lipophilic, bioreversible functions for the penetration through the blood-brain barrier. These functions were provided by a targetor, a 1,4-dihydrotrigonellyl group, on the N-terminus and a bulky, lipophilic ester group on the C-terminus. A spacer amino acid residue was also inserted between the targetor and the parent peptide to assure the release of DADLE by specific enzymes. Four CDSs were synthesized by segment-coupling method that proved to be superior to sequential elongation in obtaining this type of peptide conjugates. Intravenous injection of the compounds produced a significant and long-lasting response in rats monitored by the tail-flick latency measurements. CDSs having the bulkier cholesteryl group showed a better efficacy than those having the smaller 1-adamantaneethyl ester. The spacer was the most important factor to manipulate the rate of DADLE release and, thus, the pharmacological activity; proline as a spacer produced more potent analgesia than alanine. The antinociceptive effect of the CDSs was naloxone-reversible and methylnaloxonium-irreversible, confirming that central opiate receptors were solely responsible for mediating analgesia induced by the peptide CDS that delivered, retained, and then released the peptide in the brain.

Redox Derivatives of Tranylcypromine: Syntheses, Properties, and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor Activity of Some Chemical Delivery Systems

Several brain-targeting chemical delivery systems (CDS) based on a dihydropyridine ⟷ pyridinium salt type redox system were synthesized for the monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor tranylcypromine (TCP). The dihydronicotinate moiety was chemically attached to the amino group of TCP by either an amide or substituted carbamate linkages. Physicochemical studies of the new derivatives, including chromatographic Rm determinations, were performed. Only the substituted carbamate-type derivatives manifested an increased lipophilicity relative to the parent compound. In vitro oxidation stability studies were also performed on selected derivatives using a ferricyanide-mediated method. Results of this assay showed that the dihydropyridine-type derivatives oxidized to the respective quaternary salt forms with stabilities which empirically correlated with other effective CDSs. Preliminary in vivo studies performed in rats indicated that some of the new derivatives exerted significant biological activity.

Improved delivery through biological membranes. 50. Antihypertensive activity of redox derivatives of tryptophan

The essential amino acid, tryptophan, has been shown to lower blood pressure in rats when administered orally or intravenously. In order to potentially enhance this action, a brain-targeting chemical delivery system (CDS) approach was applied to this compound. The CDS is based on a dihydropyridine----pyridinium ion redox system, chemically analogous to the naturally occurring NADH----NAD+ system. The dihydropyridine moiety containing carrier is chemically attached to the amino group by an amide-type bonding while the carboxylic acid functionality is esterified to various alcohols. Physicochemical studies of the new derivatives were performed. The determined chromatographic Rm values indicate an increased lipophilicity for the CDSs compared to the parent compound. Oxidation stability studies performed on selected compounds using a ferricyanide-mediated method showed that the CDSs are oxidized to the respective quaternary salt forms. Activity studies performed in deoxycorticosterone acetate induced hypertensive rats, demonstrated that the delivery system for tryptophan reduced blood pressure more efficiently for a longer time than did the parent compound.

Application of a brain-targeting chemical delivery system to 9-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine.

Several chemical delivery systems (CDS) were synthesized for the cholinesterase inhibitor 9-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine (THA). The derivatives prepared were substituted with a 1,4-dihydropyridine in equilibrium pyridinium salt redox system at the amino functionality. These compounds were synthesized by acylation of the 9 amino group of THA with nicotinic anhydride under forced conditions, followed by a selective N-alkylation of the pyridine ring and regioselective reduction of the resulting quaternary salts. Lipophilicity parameters indicated increased lipophilic indices for various CDS's compared to the THA. Oxidation studies showed that dihydronicotinamides readily converted to the quaternary salt, both chemically and enzymatically. The transport forms of THA were also shown not to interact with acetylcholinesterase in vivo. In vivo distribution studies in the rat indicated that high and sustained levels of the pyridinium quaternary ion derivative were present in the central nervous system (CNS). In addition, THA was produced in the CNS from the quaternary salt precursor in low concentrations, indicating a slow but sustained release. The CDS for THA were found to be less acutely toxic than THA.

Improved delivery through biological membranes. 32. Synthesis and biological activity of brain-targeted delivery systems for various estradiol derivatives.

Brain-targeted delivery systems based on the dihydropyridine in equilibrium pyridinium salt redox interconversion were synthesized for estradiol, estradiol 3-benzoate, and ethynylestradiol. Initial biological evaluation indicated that while all four compounds synthesized exerted central estrogenic activity as measured by serum LH suppression, only the delivery systems based on the 17-substituted estradiol and ethynylestradiol demonstrated prolonged action (greater than 12 days). The 17-(1-methyl-1,4-dihydronicotinic acid ester) of ethynylestradiol behaved in a similar manner to the previously described estradiol analogue in various assays. Tissue distribution studies in rats showed that administration of the ethynylestradiol derivative resulted in high sustained levels of the corresponding pyridinium salt in the central nervous system (CNS) while blood levels of the oxidized metabolite rapidly fell. The sustained brain levels were associated with a prolonged release of ethynylestradiol. By 24 h, posttreatment, no ethynylestradiol was found by HPLC in the blood while levels of over 20 ng/g of tissue were detected in the CNS. This enhanced central delivery gave a dose- and time-dependent LH suppression, which indicated a three- to fivefold increased potency compared with the corresponding estradiol derivative.

Theoretical studies on the hydride transfer between 1-methyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide and its corresponding pyridinium salt

MNDO and AMI studies were performed to investigate the degenerate hydride transfer reaction between 1-methyl-l,4-dihydronicotinamide and the 1-methylnicotinamide cation, a model system for a novel brain-targeted delivery system and for the NAD + (ai) NADH interconversion. Four initial approach vectors were selected. These involved an endo orientation in which the carbamoyl groups are syn with respect to one another (cis H S- re ), an endo orientation with the carbamoyl groups anti (cis H S-si), an exo configuration with the carbamoyl groups syn (trans H S- re ) and an exo configuration with the carbamoyl groups anti (trans H S- re ). The cis H S- re approach generated the transition state with the lowest energy. The optimized structure indicated that a linear hydride transfer occurred. A more detailed study examined the cis H S- re approach from a 100A separation to the transition state. The data indicated the formation of an intermediate induced dipole-charge complex which altered the trajectory of the two species. Closer approach yielded the transition state. The energy of activation for this reaction was calculated to be 30.7 kcal mol using the MNDO approximation and 9.3 kcal mol usihg the AMI method. Finally, while the linear transition state was found to be the most stable conformation, bending of the C-H-C bond by ± 30° only modestly increased (3–4 kcal mol ) the energy of the system.