Thermosensitive mucoadhesive gel formulation loaded with 5-Fu: cyclodextrin complex for HPV-induced cervical cancer

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infections are the major cause of cervical cancers. To achieve a better therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance in the treatment for HPV-induced cervical cancers, anticancer agent 5-fluorouracil has been formulated in a vaginal gel using the thermosensitive polymer Pluronic^® F127 together with alternative mucoadhesive polymers e.g., hyaluronic acid, Carbopol 934 and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. To increase its aqueous solubility and to achieve the complete release of 5-FU from the gel, the drug was incorporated as its inclusion complex with 1:1 molar ratio with either β-cyclodextrin or hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin. Following the characterization of drug:CD complexes, thermosensitive gel formulations containing different mucoadhesive polymers and the drug in free or complexed form were characterized in vitro by determining the gelation temperature and the rheological behavior of different formulations along with the in vitro release profiles of these formulations in pH 5.5 citrate buffer. It was observed that complexation with cyclodextrin accelerated the release of 5-FU with the exception of formulation containing Carbopol 934 as mucoadhesive polymer. As far as rheological properties are concerned, favorable thermosensitive in situ gelling properties were obtained with formulations containing HPMC as mucoadhesive polymer. Complete release of 5-FU from gels were obtained with both complexes of β-CD and HP-β-CD and cytotoxicity studies against HeLa human cervical carcinoma cells demonstrated that 1% 5-FU:CD complexes were equally effective as 1% free 5-FU indicating better therapeutic efficacy with lower dose.     

A study of the stability of pyrimidine series cytostatics,Ftorafur and 5-fluorouracil: The effect of oxidation on the stability of Ftorafur and 5-fluorouracil

The stability of 1% solutions of cytostatics Ftorafur and 5-fluorouracil was studied during oxidation with hydrogen peroxide in alkaline (0.1 N NaOH), acidic (0.1 N H₂SO₄), and weakly acidic (pH 5) solutions by thin-layer chromatography. The decrease in the cytostatic content was monitored spectrophotometrically in the uv region. The greatest decrease in the cytostatic content occurred in alkaline solutions, where the pyrimidine ring opened between N3 and C4 and between C6 and N1, with formation of urea.     

Ion-sieve properties of an inorganic gel loaded with some complex cations of cobalt(III) a radiochemical study

Distribution coefficients of a number of uni-, di-, tri- and quadrivalent metal ions have been determined on chromium ferrocyanide gel loaded with [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺ and [Co(en)₃]³⁺ ions at 25 °C, and the observed K_d values are compared with those obtained on the unloaded exchanger in H-form. The gel is found to develop ion-sieve properties after being loaded with the complex cations. The variation in K_d values with the pH of Rb⁺, Cs⁺, Ti⁺ and Ag⁺ solutions has also been studied to understand the mechanism of their uptake.     

Kinetic study for the inclusion complex of carboxylic acids with cyclodextrin by the ultrasonic relaxation method

Ultrasonic absorption coefficients in the frequency range of 0.8-95 MHz were measured in aqueous solutions containing both beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) (host) and butanoic acid (in its dissociated form and undissociated one) (guest). A single relaxational phenomenon was observed only when the solutes were coexisting, although no relaxation was found in the beta-CD solution or in the acid solutions. The absorption was also measured in a solution of pentanoic acid (dissociated form) with beta-CD, and single relaxation was detected. The ultrasonic relaxation observed in these solutions was due to a perturbation of a chemical equilibrium related to a reaction of an inclusion complex formed by the host and guest. The equilibrium constant was obtained from the dependence of the maximum absorption per wavelength on the guest concentration. The rate constant for the inclusion process of the guest into a cavity of beta-CD and that for the leaving process from the cavity were determined from the obtained relaxation frequency and the equilibrium constant. The standard volume change of the reaction was also computed from the maximum absorption per wavelength. These results were compared with those in solutions containing both beta-CD and different guest molecules. It was found that the hydrophobicity of guest molecules played an important role in the formation of the inclusion complex and also that the charge on the carboxylic group had a considerable effect on the kinetic characteristics of the complexation reaction.     

Chitosan nanoparticles of 5-fluorouracil for ophthalmic delivery: characterization, in-vitro and in-vivo study

The aim of this investigation was to develop 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CH-DNPs) for ophthalmic delivery. CH-DNPs were fabricated by ionotropic gelation mechanism using chitosan (CH) and a polyanion (TPP). The nanoparticles were smooth and spherical, confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). CH/TPP mass ratio and TPP significantly changed the particles size morphology and encapsulation efficiency. The nanoparticles size ranged from approximately 114 to 192 nm and had a positive zeta potential (30±4 mV). The encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity and recovery of DNPs were 8.12-34.32%, 3.14-15.24% and 24.22 to 67% respectively. Physical characterization was done by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). No interaction was observed in between drug and polymer and crystallinity of drug was not changed in drug loaded nanoparticles. In-vitro release study of DNPs showed diffusion controlled release. Bioavailability study of batch CS9 was studied in rabbit eye and compare to 5-FU solution. 5-FU level was significantly higher in aqueous humor of rabbit eye. Ocular tolerance was studied in the eye of New Zealand rabbits and tested formulation was non-irritant with no sign of inflammation.     

Spectral-luminescence and quantum-chemical study of the anionic forms of 5-fluorouracil

A spectral-luminescence study of neutral (pH 7) and alkaline (pH 11 and 14) aqueous solutions of the anticancer drugs 5-fluorouracil (FU) and tegafur has been performed. The fluorescence spectra of the N3- and N1-centered anions of 5-fluorouracil, its dianion, and the tegafur monoanion with emission maxima at wavelengths (λ_em) of 358, 372, 366, and 358 nm and photoluminescence quantum yields (φ) of 11.2 × 10^–4, 35.1 × 10^–4, 26.5 × 10^–4, and 8.6 × 10^–4, respectively, have been recorded for the first time. The fluorescence characteristics of the FU anionic forms have been related to the magnetic shielding constant as one of the criteria of aromaticity.     

A theoretical study on the pure and doped ZnO nanoclusters as effective nanobiosensors for 5-fluorouracil anticancer drug adsorption

The electronic sensitivity and effectiveness of the pristine, Fe,- Mg-, Al- and Ga-doped ZnO nanoclusters interacted with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) anticancer drug are theoretically investigated in the gas phase using the B3LYP/wB97XD density functional theory calculations with LANL2DZ basis set. It is concluded that 5-FU adsorption on the doped nanoclusters has relatively higher adsorption energy as compared with the pristine zinc oxide. A number of thermodynamic parameters, such as band gap energy (E_g), adsorption energy (E_ad), molecular electrostatic potential, global hardness (η) and density of electronic states, are attained and compared. Also, calculated geometrical parameters and electronic properties for the studied systems indicate that Mg- and Ga-doped Zn₁₂O₁₂ present higher sensitivity to 5-FU compared with the pristine nanocluster. Theoretical results reveal that adsorption of 5-FU on the doped nanoclusters is influenced by the electronic conductance of the nanocluster. Therefore, Mg- and Ga-doped ZnO can be considered as promising nanobiosensors for detection of 5-FU in medicine.     

A review of analytical methods for the determination of 5-fluorouracil in biological matrices

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a cytostatic agent that has been widely used in the treatment of various solid tumours for more than 20 years, and is still considered to be among the most active antineoplastic agents in advanced colorectal cancer and malignancies of the head and neck. A large number of non-chromatographic and chromatographic methods for the quantitation of 5-FU, related prodrugs and their metabolites in biological matrices have been developed in the last 30 years to support preclinical and clinical studies. However, 5-FU monitoring has not been widely used, at least not in the USA, and certainly not outside the clinical research setting, given the absence of simple, fast and inexpensive testing methods for 5-FU monitoring. Recent developments with testing based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and a nanoparticle antibody-based immunoassay may facilitate routine monitoring of 5-FU in daily clinical practice. In this review the advantages and disadvantages of the bioanalytical methods developed and used for 5-FU, its metabolites and related prodrugs are discussed.     

Fluorescent study of the keto-enol equilibrium of 5-fluorouracil tautomers in aqueous solutions

A spectral-luminescent study of the keto-enol tautomerism of 5-fluorouracil (FU) has been performed. A discrepancy between the absorption and fluorescence (FL) excitation spectra of aqueous FU solutions (pH 7) has been established. Photoexcitation at the long-wavelength band (340 nm) of the FU excitation spectrum made it possible to detect the fluorescence of its dienol tautomer (λ_max = 440 nm). The quenching of tryptophan fluorescence (K = 15 × 10³ l/mol) and blood fluorescence by 5-fluorouracil has been investigated.     

Temperature-controlled release of catechol dye in thermosensitive phenylboronate-containing copolymers: A quantitative study

The reversible complex formation between two phenylboronic acid bearing copolymers and the catechol dye Alizarin Red S (ARS) was studied by dialysis experiments coupled with UV-visible spectroscopy. The first copolymer based on N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) is thermosensitive, whereas the second one based on N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAM) is not. The investigation resulted in the quantitative determination of the host-guest binding constants at two different temperatures at pH 7.4 in phosphate buffer. Above the phase transition temperature Tp of the thermosensitive copolymer, the binding constant decreases by a factor of 6, twice more than in the case of the non-thermosensitive copolymer. This behaviour is related to the coil-to-globule transition of NIPAM-based copolymer, which above Tp expels the dye marker.     

Cisplatin cyclodextrin complexes as potential free radical chemoradiosensitizers for enhanced cisplatin treatment of cancers: a quantum mechanical study

It has been shown in this study that {CisPt@[n]CD} complexes formed from the anti-cancer drug cisplatin (CisPt) and cyclodextrins ([n]CD) can be a source of Pt based free radicals such as (H₃N)₂PtCl· and (H₃N)₂Pt·· species in water within a radiation environment which can produce hydrated electrons. Encapsulating CisPt within the [n]CD host takes advantage of the previously described drug delivery and reduced side effect advantages of CDs. Based on quantum mechanical modelling and literature results from other studies, it is predicted that {CisPt@[γ]CD} and the analogous 2-hydroxypropyl[β]cyclodextrin (HPBCD) complex {CisPt@HPBCD} may interact with serum albumin and engage in an enhanced permeation and retention mechanism in solid tumours, offering further synergistic advantages for radiation-{CisPt@[γ]CD} or -{CisPt@HPBCD} regimens over that of the conventional radiation-CisPt regimens in current use in anti-cancer chemoradiotherapies. Comparisons and possible advantages are made with the previously documented chemoradiosensitizing properties of the analogous cucurbit[7]uril based{CisPt@[7]CB} complex with the {CisPt@[γ]CD} and {CisPt@HPBCD} complexes suggest that all three complexes may have different and tailorable anti-tumour uses for a range of different chemotherapeutic environments or protocols.     

Radiation- and photo-induced activation of 5-fluorouracil prodrugs as a strategy for the selective treatment of solid tumors

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is used widely as an anticancer drug to treat solid cancers, such as colon, breast, rectal, and pancreatic cancers, although its clinical application is limited because 5-FU has gastrointestinal and hematological toxicity. Many groups are searching for prodrugs with functions that are tumor selective in their delivery and can be activated to improve the clinical utility of 5-FU as an important cancer chemotherapeutic agent. UV and ionizing radiation can cause chemical reactions in a localized area of the body, and these have been applied in the development of site-specific drug activation and sensitization. In this review, we describe recent progress in the development of novel 5-FU prodrugs that are activated site specifically by UV light and ionizing radiation in the tumor microenvironment. We also discuss the chemical mechanisms underlying this activation.     

MP2 study on the hydrogen-bonding interaction between 5-fluorouracil and DNA bases: A,C,G,T

The 5-fluorouracil is a pyrimidine analog effective in the treatment of cancer. In this work, we present the hydrogen-bonding base pairs involving 5-FU bound to the four bases in DNA: adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine. Full geometry optimizations have been performed for the studied complexes by MP2 method. The interaction energies were corrected for the basis-set superposition error, using the full Boys-Bernardi counterpoise correction scheme. Hydrogen-bonding patterns of these base pairs were characterized using NBO analysis and AIM analysis. According to the calculated binding energies and structural parameters, the stability of the base pairs decrease in the following order: 5-FU:A > 5-FU:G > 5-FU:T > 5-FU:C.     

Silica gel induced isomerisation of aldoximes to amides : A general method

Aldoximes have been isomerised to corresponding amides, using silica gel as catalyst. This method is found to be much better than other methods for simplicity and high conversions. Unlike acid-catalysed isomerisation, the nitrile is not an intermediate in this isomerisation.     

A microfluidic system to study the cytotoxic effect of drugs: the combined effect of celecoxib and 5-fluorouracil on normal and cancer cells

We have investigated the response of normal and cancer cells to exposure a combination of celecoxib (Celbx) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) using a lab-on-a-chip microfluidic device. Specifically, we have tested the cytotoxic effect of Celbx on normal mouse embryo cells (Balb/c 3T3) and human lung carcinoma cells (A549). The single drugs or their combinations were adjusted to five different concentrations using a concentration gradient generator (CGG) in a single step. The results suggest that Celbx can enhanced the anticancer activity of 5-FU by stronger inhibition of cancer cell growth. We also show that the A549 cancer cells are more sensitive to Celbx than the Balb/c 3T3 normal cells. The results obtained with the microfluidic system were compared to those obtained with a macroscale in vitro cell culture method. In our opinion, the microfluidic system represents a unique approach for an evaluation of cellular response to multidrug exposure that also is more simple than respective microwell plate assays.

New and old NMR experiments for the resonance assignment of complex oligosaccharides--application to a cyclodextrin derivative

The complete assignment of the (1)H and (13)C sugar resonances in mono-3,6-anhydro-heptakis(2,3-O-methyl)-hexakis(6-O-methyl)-β-cyclodextrin, an asymmetrically functionalized β-cyclodextrin, was carried out by means of 2D NMR experiments. The TOCSY and the homonuclear multiple relay COSY spectra provided most of the (1)H assignments. The multiplicity edited HSQC and a set of F(1) selective HSQC-TOCSY and multiple relay HSQC-COSY spectra gave access to most of the (13)C chemical shifts. The latter were fully and accurately determined by means of a pair of complementary, highly folded HSQC-TOCSY spectra. The TOCSY-ROESY and ROESY-TOCSY spectra yielded the sequential assignment of the sugar units. A high resolution F(1) selective F(1) decoupled version of the TOCSY-ROESY experiment was recorded.     

Solvent effect on the singlet excited-state lifetimes of nucleic acid bases: A computational study of 5-fluorouracil and uracil in acetonitrile and water

The first comprehensive quantum mechanical study of solvent effects on the behavior of the two lowest energy excited states of uracil derivatives is presented. The absorption and emission spectra of uracil and 5-fluorouracil in acetonitrile and aqueous solution have been computed at the time-dependent density-functional theory level, using the polarizable continuum model (PCM) to take into account bulk solvent effects. The computed spectra and the solvent shifts provided by our method are close to their experimental counterpart. The S0/S1 conical intersection, located in the presence of hydrogen-bonded solvent molecules by CASSCF (8/8) calculations, indicates that the mechanism of ground-state recovery, involving out-of-plane motion of the 5 substituent, does not depend on the nature of the solvent. Extensive explorations of the excited-state surfaces in the Franck-Condon (FC) region show that solvent can modulate the accessibility of an additional decay channel, involving a dark n/pi* excited state. This finding provides the first unifying explanation for the experimental trend of 5-fluorouracil excited-state lifetime in different solvents. The microscopic mechanisms underlying solvent effects on the excited-state behavior of nucleobases are discussed.