Due to the low therapeutic index of different chemotherapeutic drugs used for cancer treatment, the development of new anticancer drugs remains an intense field of research. A recently developed mixture of selenitetriacylglycerides, selol, was shown to be active against different cancer cells in vitro. As this compound is highly hydrophobic, it was encapsulated, in a previous study, into poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic anhydride)-shelled nanocapsules in order to improve its dispersibility in aqueous media. Following this line of research, the present report aimed at enhancing the In Vitro activity of the selol nanocapsules against cancerous cells by decorating their surface with folic acid. It is known that several cancer cells overexpress folate receptors. Stable folic acid-decorated selol nanocapsules (SNP-FA) were obtained, which showed to be spherical, with a hydro-dynamic diameter of 364 nm, and zeta potential of -24 mV. In comparison to non-decorated selol nanocapsules, SNP-FA presented higher activity against 4T1, MCF-7 and HeLa cells. Moreover, the decoration of the nanocapsules did not alter their toxicity towards fibroblasts, NIH-3T3 cells. These results show that the decoration with folic acid increased the toxicity of selol nanocapsules to cancer cells. These nanocapsules, besides enabling to disperse selol in an aqueous medium, increased the toxicity of this drug In Vitro, and may be useful to treat cancer in vivo, potentially increasing the specificity of selol towards cancer cells.

Background: Delivery rates in cutaneous applications are limited by the skin barrier and also by the physical-chemical properties of the drug in the formulation. A lipophilic drug has more affinity, and can permeate the epidermis more easily than a hydrophilic drug. The potential use of nano-sized dispersions as distribution systems for hydrophilic drugs is being investigated. Objective: To analyze the literature with regard to the development of microemulsions (ME) for transdermal delivery of hydrophilic drugs, with a view to identifying strategies to increase the permeation of these drugs. Results: One hundred and eleven articles were potentially relevant to the combination of search criteria. After excluding duplicated articles, the abstracts of 83 articles were read. Of these, 73 did not meet the inclusion criteria. To complete the review process, the whole text of 10 articles was evaluated. Conclusion: The main factors that positively influenced the permeation of hydrophilic drugs were low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values of the surfactant; concentrations of about 40% of surfactants and 30% of aqueous phase for the water-in-oil (W/O) systems; the addition of permeation promoters to the systems; and the association of physical methods during the application of the ME. The results offered support for the development of new topical microemulsions for hydrophilic drug delivery.

Aim: This study was performed to assess the effect of the phonophoretic application of a nanoemulsion incorporating glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate (NANO-CG) associated with kinesiotherapy on the reduction of pain and stiffness in knee chondropathy. Materials & methods: NANO-CG was tested in vitro and in vivo prior to being applied in a randomized and controlled clinical trial. Results: Cell viability and hen’s egg test-chorionallantonic membrane tests indicated the NANO-CG is safe for topical application. Permeation tests showed NANO-CG enhances drug permeation through the skin. There was no statistical significance between treated groups in this preliminary study, however, pain reduction and complete recovery of articular cartilage were observed in some patients treated with NANO-CG. Conclusion: We demonstrate that NANO-CG may be a promising candidate for the therapy of knee chondropathy.

The aim of this work was to develop and test the in vitro biological activity of nanocapsules loaded with a doxorubicin (DOX) free base dissolved in a core of castor oil shelled by poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic anhydride) conjugated to n-octadecylamine residues.

Based upon a series of research studies, scientific organizations considered Glucosamine and Chondroitin "not appropriate" as osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee modifying drugs and uncertain as pain relievers. Research studies which served as foundation for the aforementioned conclusions focused on the oral use of the substances. On the other hand, studies recommend that topical administration in treating OA be considered first line therapy, since it is said to be advantageous for its efficacy in treating localized situations, as it allows greater local concentration and it results in smaller systemic effects. Studies found did not provide sufficient evidence for good development and application strategies and were not enough to prove the technique to be effective or non-effective. Several other aspects must be clarified. In order to enhance permeation and delivery of Glucosamine and Chondroitin to knee joint, combining the advantages of intravenous infusion therapy with the convenience of oral administration, the suggested course of action is to transform skin delivery technology, while clarifying other points discussed throughout this research study.