Glucocorticoid nanoformulations relieve chronic pelvic pain syndrome and may alleviate depression in mice

Abstract

Background Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is a typical symptom of chronic prostatitis (CP) in males that may cause abnormal urination, sexual dysfunction, or depression and significantly affect the quality of life of the patient. Currently, there is no effective treatment for CPPS due to its recurrence and intractability. For synergistic CPPS therapy, we developed pH/reactive oxygen species (ROS) dual-responsive dexamethasone (Dex) nanoformulations using a ROS-responsive moiety and phytochemical modified α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) as the carrier. Results Dex release from the nanoformulations can be controlled in acidic and/or ROS-rich microenvironments. The fabricated Dex nanoformulations can also be efficiently internalized by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages, prostatic epithelial cells, and stromal cells. Moreover, the levels of proinflammatory factors (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-17 A) in these cells were significantly decreased by Dex nanoformulations treatment through the release of Dex, phytochemical and elimination of ROS. In vivo experiments demonstrated notable accumulation of the Dex nanoformulations in prostate tissue to alleviate the symptoms of CPPS through the downregulation of proinflammatory factors. Interestingly, depression in mice may be relieved due to alleviation of their pelvic pain. Conclusion We fabricated Dex nanoformulations for the effective management of CPPS and alleviation of depression in mice.

Cyclosporine A-Encapsulated pH/ROS Dual-Responsive Nanoformulations for the Targeted Treatment of Colitis in Mice

“…In addition, FA-CsA NPs decreased the MPO activity to reduce the accumulation and infiltration of neutrophil in colon tissues, because the pH/ROS dual-responsive material can scavenge ROS and has anti-inflammatory activity. 23,43…”

“…The released CsA and phytochemical cinnamaldehyde can decrease proinflammatory factors (i.e., TNF-α and IL-6) expression to alleviate the colitis of mice. In addition, FA-CsA NPs decreased the MPO activity to reduce the accumulation and infiltration of neutrophil in colon tissues, because the pH/ROS dual-responsive material can scavenge ROS and has anti-inflammatory activity. , …”