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Nanoparticulate flurbiprofen reduces amyloid-β42 generation in an in vitro blood-brain barrier model
Sabrina Meister1, Iavor Zlatev2, Julia Stab3
1Institute of Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
Introduction:
The amyloid-β42 (Aβ42) peptide plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disorder affecting the elderly. Over the past years, several approaches and compounds developed for the treatment of AD have failed in clinical studies, likely in part due to their low penetration of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Since nanotechnology-based strategies offer new possibilities for the delivery of drugs to the brain, this technique is studied intensively for the treatment of AD and other neurological disorders.
Methods:
The Aβ42 lowering drug flurbiprofen was embedded in polylactide (PLA) nanoparticles by emulsification-diffusion technique and their potential as drug carriers in an in vitro BBB model was examined. First, the cytotoxic potential of the PLA-flurbiprofen nanoparticles on endothelial cells and the cellular binding and uptake by endothelial cells was studied. Furthermore, the biological activity of the nanoparticulate flurbiprofen on γ-secretase modulation as well as its in vitro release was examined. Furthermore, the protein corona of the nanoparticles was studied as well as their ability to transport flurbiprofen across an in vitro BBB model.
Results:
PLA-flurbiprofen nanoparticles were endocytosed by endothelial cells and neither affected the vitality nor barrier function of the endothelial cell monolayer. The exposure of the PLA-flurbiprofen nanoparticles to human plasma occurred in a rapid protein corona formation, resulting in their decoration with bioactive proteins, including apolipoprotein E. Furthermore, luminally administered PLA-flurbiprofen nanoparticles in contrast to free flurbiprofen were able to modulate γ-secretase activity by selectively decreasing Aβ42 levels in the abluminal compartment of the BBB model.
Conclusions:
In this study, we were able to show that flurbiprofen can be transported by PLA nanoparticles across an in vitro BBB model and most importantly, the transported flurbiprofen modulated γ-secretase activity by selectively decreasing Aβ42 levels. These results demonstrate that the modification of drugs via embedding in nanoparticles is a promising tool to facilitate drug delivery to the brain, which enables future development for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders like AD.
Insights
Polylactide nanoparticles successfully delivered the Alzheimer's drug flurbiprofen across a blood-brain barrier model. This nanotechnology approach reduced amyloid-beta 42 levels, offering a promising strategy for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis involves amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ42) peptide.
- Drug delivery to the brain is challenged by the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
- Nanotechnology offers potential solutions for treating neurological disorders like AD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate polylactide (PLA) nanoparticles carrying flurbiprofen as drug carriers across an in vitro BBB model.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of PLA-flurbiprofen nanoparticles for brain drug delivery.
Main Methods:
- Flurbiprofen was encapsulated in PLA nanoparticles using emulsification-diffusion.
- Cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and protein corona formation of nanoparticles were studied.
- γ-secretase modulation and Aβ42 reduction in an in vitro BBB model were investigated.
Main Results:
- PLA-flurbiprofen nanoparticles were safely endocytosed by endothelial cells without compromising barrier function.
- Nanoparticles rapidly formed a protein corona in plasma, including apolipoprotein E.
- Luminally administered nanoparticles reduced Aβ42 levels in the abluminal compartment by modulating γ-secretase.
Conclusions:
- Flurbiprofen-loaded PLA nanoparticles can cross an in vitro BBB model.
- The transported flurbiprofen effectively reduced Aβ42 levels, demonstrating therapeutic potential.
- Nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery is a promising strategy for neurodegenerative disease treatment.
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