Thermosensitive chitosan-gelatin-based hydrogel containing curcumin-loaded nanoparticles and latanoprost as a dual-drug delivery system for glaucoma treatment

Natural Products: Evidence for Neuroprotection to Be Exploited in Glaucoma

“…This formulation was found to be neuroprotective in R28 retinal cultures exposed to glutamate or cobalt chloride (hypoxia mimetic), and given topically twice daily for three weeks (starting two days prior induction of the insult), it significantly preserved RGC density in a rat model of OHT and following partial ON transection [ 261 ]. Pursuing the aim to overcome the pharmacokinetic limitations of curcuma, increase its penetration into aqueous humor, and guarantee a sustained and prolonged release, while reducing systemic toxicity, a more recent study developed a thermosensitive hydrogel containing latanoprost and curcumin-loaded nanoparticles for topical eyedrop formulation (application) [ 278 ]. Treatment with the hydrogel of human TM cells exposed to H 2 O 2 prevented the cellular damage induced by oxidative stress via decreasing inflammation-related gene expression (TNF-α, IL-1α), mitochondrial ROS production, and caspase-3 activity [ 278 ].…”

“…Pursuing the aim to overcome the pharmacokinetic limitations of curcuma, increase its penetration into aqueous humor, and guarantee a sustained and prolonged release, while reducing systemic toxicity, a more recent study developed a thermosensitive hydrogel containing latanoprost and curcumin-loaded nanoparticles for topical eyedrop formulation (application) [ 278 ]. Treatment with the hydrogel of human TM cells exposed to H 2 O 2 prevented the cellular damage induced by oxidative stress via decreasing inflammation-related gene expression (TNF-α, IL-1α), mitochondrial ROS production, and caspase-3 activity [ 278 ]. Accordingly, a previous study showed that the antiapoptotic effect of curcumin in TM cells exposed to oxidative stress was mediated by the inhibition of pro-inflammatory factors (i.e., IL-6, ELAM-1, IL-1alfa, and IL-8), reduction of carbonylated protein levels, and decrease of the senescence marker SA-β-gal activity [ 279 ].…”

Curcumin as a Therapeutic Option in Retinal Diseases

“…The hydrogel showed a continuous release profile for 7 days. Biocompatibility was studied in rabbits with no negative effects after the topical use of the hydrogel [98].…”

Noble Metals and Soft Bio-Inspired Nanoparticles in Retinal Diseases Treatment: A Perspective

“…The percentage release profile of free protein after five days was 60%, after which it enriched a plateau whereas the nanostructured exhibited a slow and substantial release with 80% of protein released after fifteen days. Cheng et al [135] developed a thermosensitive hydrogel containing latanoprost and curcumin-loaded NPs (CUR-NPs). Curcumin was selected because of its antioxidative and antiinflammatory properties that made it suitable also for treatment of eye pathologies such as chronic anterior uveitis and light-induced retinal degeneration [136].…”

“…In glaucoma disease, IOP is generated by loss of aqueous humor drainage through the uveoscleral or trabecular outflow pathway that can be damaged by oxidative stress at trabecular meshwork level [138]. In this condition, Latanoprost and CUR-NPs were demonstrated to decrease the oxidative stress in trabecular meshwork (TM) cells that resulted in decreased levels of apoptosis, inflammation-related gene expression, and mitochondrial damage [135]. In another work [139], neuroprotective and neuro regenerative agent Erythropoietin (EPO) was encapsulated in chitosan/hyaluronic acid (HA) nanoparticulate (size ≤300 nm).…”