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Published on: November 17, 2018
Administration of prednisolone phosphate-liposomes reduces wound contraction in a rat partial-thickness wound model
Cornelia D Richters1, Nanne J Paauw, Ilvy Mayen
1Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre (VUMC), Amsterdam, the Netherlands. cd.richters@vumc.nl
Abstract:
Macrophages play an important role in the inflammatory phase of wound healing and their activity regulates fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Modulation of macrophage function may result in improvement of the wound healing process. Prednisolone phosphate (PLP) encapsulated into liposomes was administered to partial-thickness wounds in rats. A single dose of 75 microg/kg, applied directly after wounding, resulted in up to a 30% reduction of wound contraction at 28 days after wounding. This effect could not be achieved in the group that was administered free PLP or liposomes containing phosphate-buffered saline to the wound. The number of myofibroblasts was up to 50% lower in wounds treated with the liposomal PLP at 4 days after wounding. The number of macrophages present in the wounds was not statistically different between groups. Most probably, the production of cytokines and growth factors by macrophages is altered after phagocytosing the liposomes, resulting in reduced wound contraction.
Insights
Liposomal prednisolone phosphate (PLP) reduced wound contraction by 30% in rats. This liposome encapsulation improved wound healing by altering macrophage activity, not by changing macrophage numbers.
Area of Science:
- Wound Healing Research
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Immunomodulation
Background:
- Macrophages are crucial for wound healing, regulating fibroblast and keratinocyte activity.
- Modulating macrophage function offers a potential strategy for improving wound healing outcomes.
- Liposomal drug delivery systems can alter the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of liposome-encapsulated prednisolone phosphate (PLP) on wound healing in a rat model.
- To determine if liposomal PLP can reduce wound contraction and alter the cellular composition of healing wounds.
- To explore the mechanism by which liposomal PLP influences macrophage activity and subsequent wound healing.
Main Methods:
- Partial-thickness wounds were created in rats and treated with a single dose of liposomal PLP (75 microg/kg).
- Control groups received free PLP or liposomes containing phosphate-buffered saline.
- Wound contraction was measured at 28 days post-wounding, and the number of myofibroblasts and macrophages was assessed at 4 days post-wounding.
Main Results:
- Liposomal PLP significantly reduced wound contraction by up to 30% compared to controls.
- The number of myofibroblasts was reduced by up to 50% in wounds treated with liposomal PLP.
- No significant difference in the total number of macrophages was observed between groups, suggesting altered function rather than quantity.
Conclusions:
- Liposome-encapsulated PLP effectively reduces wound contraction in a rat model.
- The mechanism likely involves altered cytokine and growth factor production by macrophages after phagocytosing liposomes.
- This study highlights the potential of targeted liposomal drug delivery for modulating inflammatory responses in wound healing.
