Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026

Preparation and Characterization of SDF-1α-Chitosan-Dextran Sulfate Nanoparticles
Published on: January 22, 2015
Enhancing the Therapeutic Profile of Dapagliflozin: Chitosan Nanoparticle Encapsulation for Intestinal Applications
Agni Klonari1,2, Antrea-Maria Athinodorou1,2, Eirini Papanikolaou1,2
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences University of Ioannina Ioannina Greece.
None:
Dapagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels. In addition to its antidiabetic action, it has demonstrated cardioprotective and renoprotective effects, along with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Encapsulation of dapagliflozin in nanocarriers represents an innovative strategy to improve existing therapies and develop targeted treatments. Such formulations can enhance solubility and stability, improve epithelial permeability and bioavailability, and reduce potential side effects. This study investigates the cellular and molecular effects of dapagliflozin encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles, focusing on colon (Caco-2) cells. The findings showed that free dapagliflozin significantly reduced cell viability, whereas the encapsulated form preserved high cell viability. In addition, the encapsulated drug effectively reduced reactive oxygen species levels, maintaining its antioxidant activity. Free dapagliflozin did not increase the expression of Nrf2, NFκB, or HO-1 signaling pathways. In contrast, encapsulation in chitosan nanoparticles resulted in increased expression of all three pathways, indicating potential regulatory involvement in these signaling mechanisms.
Related Concept Videos
Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Stability Enhancement and GI Retention
Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Permeability Enhancement
Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Solubility Enhancement
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
