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Biomedical subjects

Han-Gon Choi

Publications and source records attributed to Han-Gon Choi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Alpha-tocopheryl succinate sensitizes human colon cancer cells to exisulind-induced apoptosis.

Sulindac sulfone (also known as exisulind) and its chemical derivatives are promising anticancer agents capable of inducing apoptosis in a variety of malignant cell types with minimal toxicity to normal cells. Here, we tested the ability of alpha-tocopheryl succinate (TOS), another promising anticancer agent, to sensitize colon cancer cells to exisulind-induced apoptosis. We found that sub-apoptotic doses of TOS greatly enhanced exisulind-induced growth suppression and apoptosis in the HCT116, LoVo and SNU-C4 human colon cancer cell lines. Our results revealed that this was accounted for primarily by an augmented cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and enhanced activation of caspase-8, -9 and -3. Pretreatment with z-VAD-FMK (a pan-caspase inhibitor), z-IETD-FMK (a caspase-8 inhibitor) or z-LEHD-FMK (a caspase-9 inhibitor) blocked TOS and exisulind cotreatment-induced PARP cleavage and apoptosis. Furthermore, TOS/exisulind cotreatment induced JNK phosphorylation, while pretreatment with SP600151 (a JNK inhibitor) partially blocked cotreatment-induced caspase-dependent PARP cleavage and apoptosis. Taken together, these findings indicate that TOS sensitizes human colon cancer cells to exisulind-induced apoptosis. Apoptotic synergy induced by exisulind plus TOS seems likely to be mediated through a mechanism involving activation of caspases and JNK.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Enhanced anti-tumor activity and alleviated hepatotoxicity of clotrimazole-loaded suppository using poloxamer-propylene glycol gel.

To develop a novel clotrimazole-loaded poloxamer-based suppository with enhanced anti-tumor activity and alleviated hepatotoxicity, the melting point of various formulations composed of P 188 and propylene glycol were investigated. The dissolution and anti-tumor activity of clotrimazole delivered by the poloxamer-based suppository was performed. Furthermore, the hepatotoxicity of clotrimazole was carried out after its rectal administration compared to oral administration in mice. The poloxamer mixtures composed of P 188 and propylene glycol were homogeneous phases. P 188 greatly affected the melting point of poloxamer mixtures. In particular, the poloxamer mixture [P 188/propylene glycol (70%/30%)] with the melting point of about 32 degrees C was a solid form at room temperature and instantly melted at physiological temperature. The ratio of P 188/propylene glycol greatly affected the dissolution rates of clotrimazole from poloxamer-based suppository. Dissolution mechanism analysis showed the dissolution rate of clotrimazole from poloxamer-based suppositories was independent of the time. The clotrimazole-loaded suppository with P 188 and propylene glycol could not irritate or damage the rectal tissues of rats and gave the improved anti-tumor activity in a dose-dependent manner at mouse. Furthermore, its rectal administration decreased the hepatotoxicity compared to oral administration. Thus, the poloxamer-based solid suppository system with clotrimazole/P 188/propylene glycol was an effective rectal dosage form for the treatment of tumors with alleviated adverse effects.

Animals↗

Retarded dissolution of ibuprofen in gelatin microcapsule by cross-linking with glutaradehyde.

Ibuprofen-loaded gelatin microcapsule, a solid form of microcapsules simultaneously containing ethanol and ibuprofen in water-soluble gelatin shell was previously reported to improve the dissolution of drug. In this study, to retard the initial high dissolution of ibuprofen from gelatin microcapsule, the ibuprofen-loaded cross-linked gelatin microcapsule was prepared by treating an ibuprofen-loaded gelatin microcapsule with glutaraldehyde and its dissolution was evaluated compared to ibuprofen powder and gelatin microcapsule. The ibuprofen-loaded cross-linked microcapsule treated with glutaraldehyde for 10 and 60 sec gave significantly higher dissolution rates than did ibuprofen powder. Furthermore, the dissolution rate of ibuprofen from the cross-linked microcapsule treated for 10 sec was similar to that from gelatin microcapsule. However, the dissolution rate of ibuprofen from the cross-linked microcapsule treated for 60 sec decreased significantly compared to gelatin microcapsule, suggesting that the treatment of gelatin microcapsule with glutaraldehyde for 60 sec could cross-link the gelatin microcapsule. Furthermore, the cross-linking of gelatin microcapsule markedly retarded the release rate of ibuprofen in pH 1.2 simulated gastric fluid compared to gelatin microcapsule. However, the cross-linking of gelatin microcapsule with glutaraldehyde hardly changed the size of gelatin microcapsules, ethanol and ibuprofen contents encapsulated in gelatin microcapsule. Thus, the ibuprofen-loaded cross-linked gelatin microcapsule could retard the initial high dissolution of poorly water-soluble ibuprofen.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

Trials of novel 13C-urea-containing capsule for more economic and sensitive diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in human subjects.

To develop a 13C-urea-containing capsule for more economic and sensitive diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection, the 13C-urea-containing capsules were prepared with various additives such as polyethylene glycol, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate and citric acid. Their dissolution test and 13C-urea Breath Test in human volunteers were then performed. Polyethylene glycol increased the initial dissolution rates of urea and difference delta 13C values from 13C-urea, while microcrystalline cellulose and sodium lauryl sulfate decreased them. Irrespective of addition of citric acid, the compositions with polyethylene glycol showed higher values from 13C-urea compared to a commercial 76 mg 13C-urea-containing capsule due to higher initial dissolution rate. The capsules with 38 mg 13C-urea and 1.9 mg polyethylene glycol, which showed higher Helicobacter pylori-positive value of about 8 per thousand at 10 min, improved the sensitivity of 13C-urea in human volunteers. Thus, the 13C-urea-containing capsule with polyethylene glycol would be a more economical and sensitive preparation for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Adult↗

Skin permeation of retinol in Tween 20-based deformable liposomes: in-vitro evaluation in human skin and keratinocyte models.

To develop a more effective transdermal delivery method for lipophilic functional cosmetic compounds such as retinol, we formulated various deformable liposomes and compared their transdermal delivery efficiency with those of neutral or negatively-charged conventional liposomes. We tested the deformability of liposomes containing edge activators such as bile salts, polyoxyethylene esters and polyoxyethylene ethers. As indicators of deformability, we used the passed volume and phospholipid ratios during extrusion, as well as the deformability index. We found that the type of edge activator significantly affected the extent of deformability, and that Tween 20 provided the highest level of deformability. Accordingly, we used Tween 20 to formulate deformable liposomes containing retinol in the membrane bilayers, and conducted a skin permeation study in Franz diffusion cells, using dermatomed human skin and three-dimensional human keratinocyte layers. As compared with the use of conventional neutral or negatively-charged liposomes, the use of Tween 20-based deformable liposomes significantly increased the skin permeation of retinol. These results suggested that deformable liposomes might be of potential use for the formulation of retinol and other lipophilic functional cosmetic compounds.

Administration, Topical↗

Poloxamer 188 and propylene glycol-based rectal suppository enhances anticancer effect of 5-fluorouracil in mice.

The tumoricidal and apoptosis-inducing activities of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) have been demonstrated in experimental and clinical investigations. Clinically, the 5-FU suppository form has been widely adopted for its advantages of less systemic toxicity, higher local tissue concentrations, and reduced first-pass effect. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of rectal administration of 5-FU suppository based on poloxamer 188 (P188) and propylene glycol (PG) and its anticancer effect on the murine experimental cancer models. The rectal suppository was made with 70% P188 and 30% PG, which was a solid phase at room temperature and instantly melted at physiological temperature. The treatment with the 5-FU suppository was more effective than the oral route in decreasing the volume of rectal cancer in mice. In addition, the survival rate of the mice with rectal cancer was higher in the group treated with the 5-FU suppository than in the group treated with 5-FU orally. Furthermore, in mice skin cancers induced by inoculation of murine CT-26 colon carcinoma cells, the anticancer effect of 5-FU was significantly enhanced by the rectal administration of the suppository than by oral treatment. Taken together, the results suggest that a poloxamer gel system with 5-FU/P188/PG is an effective rectal dosage form for the treatment of both rectal and non-rectal cancers.

Administration, Rectal↗

Potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of 1-furan-2-yl-3-pyridin-2-yl-propenone with gastric ulcer sparing effect.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most frequently prescribed drug for the treatment of inflammation and pain. However, conventional NSAIDs and selective COX-2 inhibitors have shown many side effects such as gastric mucosal damage and cardiovascular problems. Recently, the use of dual acting inhibitors of cyclooxygenases (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) has been highlighted for their minimized side effects compared to NSAIDs. The objective of the present study was to examine the efficacy and the gastric side effects of 1-furan-2-yl-3-pyridin-2-yl-propenone (FPP-3), a synthetic dual inhibitor of COX/5-LOX. Indomethacin (1-50 mg/kg, p.o.), a non-selective COX inhibitor, and FPP-3 (0.5-50 mg/kg, p.o.), a dual inhibitor, significantly suppressed the carrageen-induced paw edema with different pharmacological profiles. The concentrations of FPP-3 and indomethacin showing 50% inhibition of the maximum paw edema in rats were 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg, respectively. More importantly, there were no gastric ulcers formed in FPP-3-treated rats and mice, whereas indomethacin caused gastric mucosal bleeding in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, FPP-3 showed an analgesic effect in acetic acid-induced writhing response in mice in a dose-dependent manner. The results suggest that FPP-3 may have a benefit in combatting inflammation and pain by dual inhibition of COX and LOX.

Animals↗

Trials of clear aceclofenac-loaded soft capsules with accelerated oral absorption in human subjects.

To develop an effective oral drug delivery system with accelerated absorption in human subjects for a poorly water-soluble acelofenac, five aceclofenac-loaded soft capsule preparations containing various ratios of different solubilizers were prepared and their dissolution tests were carried out. Among five preparations tested, a preparation with ethanolamine was selected as a formula of aceclofenac soft capsule (Korea United Pharm. Co. Ltd., Clanza S, since it was clear in appearance and showed the fastest dissolution rate due to the solubility-enhancing effect of aceclofenac. To evaluate and compare the pharmacokinetics of acelofenac-loaded soft capsules with the conventional aceclofenac tablets (Dae-Woong Pharm. Co. Ltd., Airtal) in human subjects; 14 normal healthy male volunteers (age 20-25 years old) were divided into two groups and a randomized 2 x 2 cross-over study was performed. Following oral administration of one tablet or capsule, each containing 100mg of aceclofenac, blood samples were collected at the predetermined time intervals and the concentration of aceclofenac in plasma was determined by HPLC method using UV detector. The AUC, Cmax, MRT, t1/2 and Kel of aceclofenac delivered from soft capsule were not significantly different from those from aceclofenac-loaded conventional tablet. However, soft capsule gave significantly higher initial concentration and significantly faster Tmax of aceclofenac than did conventional tablet, suggesting that the soft capsule with ethanolamine showed the faster absorption of aceclofenac in human subjects. Thus, the clear aceclofenac-loaded soft capsule with ethanolamine was a more effective oral dosage form with fast absorption for poorly water-soluble aceclofenac.

Absorption↗

Physicochemical characterization and in vivo evaluation of poloxamer-based solid suppository containing diclofenac sodium in rats.

To develop a poloxamer-based solid suppository with poloxamer mixtures, the melting point of various formulations composed of poloxamer 124 (P 124) and poloxamer 188 (P 188) were investigated. The dissolution and pharmacokinetic study of diclofenac sodium delivered by the poloxamer-based suppository were performed. Furthermore, the identification test in the rectum and morphology test of rectal tissues were carried out after its rectal administration in rats. The poloxamer mixtures composed of P 124 and P 188 were homogeneous phases. Very small amounts of P 188 affected the melting point of poloxamer mixtures. In particular, the poloxamer mixture [P 124/P 188 (97/3%)] with the melting point of about 32 degrees C was a solid form at room temperature and instantly melted at physiological temperature. Very small amounts of P 188 hardly affected the dissolution rates of diclofenac sodium from the suppository. Dissolution mechanism analysis showed the dissolution of diclofenac sodium was proportional to the time. The poloxamer-based suppository gave significantly higher initial plasma concentrations and faster T(max) of diclofenac sodium than did conventional PEG-based suppository, indicating that the drug from poloxamer-based suppository could be absorbed faster than that from PEG-based one in rats. It retained in the rectum for at least 4 h and could not irritate or damage the rectal tissues of rats. Thus, the poloxamer-based solid suppository with P 124 and P 188 was a mucoadhesive, safe and effective rectal dosage form for diclofenac sodium.

Adhesives↗

Low molecular weight polyethylenimine for efficient transfection of human hematopoietic and umbilical cord blood-derived CD34+ cells.

With the emerging role of hematopoietic stem cells as potential gene and cell therapy vehicles, there is an increasing need for safe and effective nonviral gene delivery systems. Here, we report that gene transfer and transfection efficiency in human hematopoietic and cord blood CD34+ cells can be enhanced by the use of low molecular weight polyethylenimine (PEI). PEIs of various molecular weights (800-750,000) were tested, and our results showed that the uptake of plasmid DNA by hematopoietic TF-1 cells depended on the molecular weights and the N/P ratios. Treatment with PEI 2K (m.w. 2000) at an N/P ratio of 80/1 was most effective, increasing the uptake of plasmid DNA in TF-1 cells by 23-fold relative to Lipofectamine 2000. PEI 2K-enhanced transfection was similarly observed in hematopoietic K562, murine Sca-1+, and human cord blood CD34+ cells. Notably, in human CD34+ cells, a model gene transferred with PEI 2K showed 21,043- and 513-fold higher mRNA expression levels relative to the same construct transfected without PEI or with PEI 25 K, respectively. Moreover, PEI 2K-treated TF-1 and human CD34+ cells retained good viability. Collectively, these results indicate that PEI 2K at the optimal N/P ratio might be used to safely enhance gene delivery and transfection of hematopoietic and human CD34+ stem cells.

Antigens, CD34↗

Ketorolac amide prodrugs for transdermal delivery: stability and in vitro rat skin permeation studies.

Various amide prodrugs of ketorolac were synthesized and their rat skin permeation characteristics were determined. The solubility of the prodrugs in propylene glycol (PG) was determined at 37 degrees C while lipophilicity was obtained as 1-octanol/water partition coefficient (logP) and capacity factor (k') using HPLC. Stability of the prodrugs in rat skin homogenate, plasma and liver homogenate was investigated to observe the enzymatic degradation. Rat skin permeation characteristics of the prodrugs saturated in PG were investigated using the Keshary-Chien permeation system at 37 degrees C. The logP value of the prodrugs increased up to 4.28 with the addition of various alkyl chain to ketorolac which has a logP of 1.04. Good linear relationship between logP and capacity factor was observed (r(2)=0.89). Amide prodrugs were converted to ketorolac only in rat liver homogenate. However, the skin permeation rate of amide prodrugs did not significantly increase, probably due to their low aqueous solubility. Chemical modification of the ketorolac amide prodrug and/or the selection of proper vehicle to increase aqueous solubility would be necessary for an effective transdermal delivery of ketorolac.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

Enhanced oral bioavailability of ibuprofen in rats by poloxamer gel using poloxamer 188 and menthol.

To improve the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble ibuprofen with poloxamer and menthol, the effects of menthol and poloxamer 188 on the aqueous solubility of ibuprofen were investigated. The dissolution and pharmacokinetic study of ibuprofen delivered by the ibuprofen-loaded preparations composed of poloxamer 188 and menthol were then performed. In the absence of poloxamer, the solubility of ibuprofen increased until the ratio of menthol to ibuprofen increased from 0:10 to 4:6 followed by an abrupt decrease in solubility above the ratio of 4:6, indicating that four parts menthol formed eutectic mixture with six parts ibuprofen. In the presence of poloxamer, the solutions with the same ratio of menthol to ibuprofen showed an abrupt increase in the solubility of ibuprofen. The poloxamer gel with menthol/ibuprofen ratio of 1:9 and higher than 15% poloxamer 188 showed the maximum solubility of ibuprofen, 1.2 mg/mL. The simultaneous addition of menthol and poloxamer 188 significantly improved the dissolution rates of ibuprofen from aqueous solution due to the ibuprofen solubility-improving effect of menthol in the presence of poloxamer. Furthermore, the ibuprofen-loaded preparation with menthol and poloxamer 188 gave significantly higher initial plasma concentrations, Cmax, and AUC of ibuprofen than did the preparation without menthol and poloxamer 188, indicating that the simultaneous addition of menthol and poloxamer 188 could improve the oral bioavailability of ibuprofen in rats. In modern pain management it is always desirable for the ibuprofen-loaded preparation with poloxamer 188 and menthol to show a rapid onset of action with a minimal phase of lag time to feel the decreased pain. From an industry point of view, it is more desirable for a formulation to be fast acting, easy to use, and cost effective. Thus, the ibuprofen-loaded preparation with poloxamer 188 and menthol was a more effective oral dosage form for poorly water-soluble ibuprofen.

Administration, Oral↗

Physicochemical characterization of rutaecarpine-loaded microemulsion system.

To develop an o/w microemulsion system containing poorly water-soluble rutaecarpine, the solubility of rutaecarpine in water, ethanol, various oils, and surfactants were investigated. Among the surfactants and oils tested, Tween 20/PEG 400 and castor oil were chosen as the surfactant system and oil phase of the microemulsion, as rutaecarpine was most soluble in them, respectively. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed to obtain the concentration range of oil, surfactant, and cosurfactant for microemulsion formation, and the stability test of rutaecarpine delivered by microemulsion formation was then evaluated. Pseudoternary phase diagrams show that the areas of microemulsion appeared at those with 0-20% Smix (PEG 400/Tween80 = 60/40), 64-81% water, and 10-20% oil. The rutaecarpine (300 microg/g)-loaded microemulsion composed of 10.8% PEG 400, 7.2% Tween 80, 20% caster oil, and 72% water was physically and chemically stable for at least 6 months. Thus, the microemulsion system composed of castor oil, PEG 400, Tween 80, and water could be a stable dosage form for rutaecarpine.

Alkaloids↗

Enhanced mucosal and systemic immunogenicity of human papillomavirus-like particles encapsidating interleukin-2 gene adjuvant.

Here, we report the enhanced mucosal and systemic immunogenicity of human papillomavirus type (HPV) 16 L1 virus-like particles (VLP) encapsidating a cytokine genetic adjuvant. Plasmid DNA expressing interleukin-2 (pIL2) was encapsidated in VLP using the reassembly property of VLP from disassembled L1 capsomeres. pIL2 in reassembled VLP showed stability against DNase I, indicating encapsidation. After intramuscular immunization into mice, the highest vaginal and salivary HPV16 L1-specific IgA titers were observed in pIL2-encapsidated VLP, followed by VLP plus pIL2 in separate plasmid, and VLP alone. Similar to mucosal responses, serum IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a antibody titers were the highest in the group treated with pIL2-encapsidated VLP. Moreover, the adjuvanticity of pIL2 encapsidated in VLP was stronger in IgG2a antibody relative to IgG1 antibody. Our results indicate that the encapsidation of a genetic cytokine adjuvant pIL2 would be beneficial for more effective induction of mucosal and systemic immune responses to VLP vaccines.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Release behavior and photo-image of nifedipine tablet coated with high viscosity grade hydroxypropylmethylcellulose: effect of coating conditions.

An orally applicable nifedipine-loaded core tablets was coated using high viscosity grade HPMC (100,000 cps) in ethanol/water cosolvent. The release of coated tablet was evaluated using USP paddle method in 900 ml of simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) for 2 h followed by intestinal fluid (pH 6.8) for 10 h. The surface morphologies using scanning electron microscope and photo-images using digital camera of coated tablet during the release test were also visualized, respectively. The viscosity of hydro-alcoholic HPMC solution largely decreased as the amount of ethanol increased. There was no significant difference in viscosity among plasticizers used. The distinct and continuous coated layer was observed using scanning electron microscope. However, the surface morphologies were highly dependent on HPMC concentration and ratio of coating solvents. The higher ratio of ethanol/water gave a longer lag time prior to drug release. Lag time also increased as a function of the coating levels based on weight gains due to increased thickness of coated layer. Lag time is inversely correlated with HPMC concentration in ethanol/water (5:1) cosolvent. As the HPMC concentration slightly decreased from 3.8 to 3.2% in hydroalcoholic coating solution, a large increase of lag time was observed. As the swelling (mixing) time of high viscosity grade HPMC in ethanol/water cosolvent increased from 1 to 5 h, the release rate was decreased due to enough plasticization of polymer. Based on photo-imaging analysis, the coated tablet was initially swelled and gelled without erosion and disintegration over 5 h. The disintegration of the coated tablet was occurred approximately 7 h after dissolution, resulting in pulsed release of drug. The high viscosity grade HPMC can be applicable for polymeric coating after careful selection of solvent systems. The release behavior and lag time could be controlled by coating conditions such as HPMC concentration, ethanol/water ratio as a coating solvent, coating level and swelling (mixing) time of coating solution. The current time-controlled release tablet coated with high viscosity grade HPMC with a designated lag time followed by a rapid release may provide an alternative to site specific or colonic delivery of drugs. In addition, the release behavior can be matched with body's circadian rhythm pattern in chronotherapy.

Hypromellose Derivatives↗

Simultaneous determination of cefatrizine and clavulanic acid in dog plasma by HPLC.

A rapid and specific high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of cefatrizine and clavulanic acid in the plasma of beagle dog. The sample pretreatment procedure involved reaction of clavulanic acid with 1,2,4-triazole, which readily produced a derivative with its maximum UV absorption at 314 nm. This derivative was separated in a reverse-phase C-18 column without being interfered by other components present in plasma. Cefatrizine, however, was not derivatized and, therefore determined directly at 269 nm. Sulfanilamide was used as an internal standard. The retention times of sulfanilamide, the derivative, and cefatrizine were, 3.5, 4.9, and 6.0 min, respectively. The assay showed linearity from 2 to 100 microg/ml for cefatrizine and from 1 to 50 microg/ml for clavulanic acid. Precision expressed as R.S.D. ranged from 4.2 to 18.2% for cefatrizine and 5.5 to 15.8% for clavulanic acid. Accuracy ranged from 97.9 to 120% (lower limit of quantitation) for cefatrizine and from 97.7 to 119.2% for clavulanic acid. Extraction efficiencies for cefatrizine, clavulanic acid, and internal standard from dog plasma averaged 79.8+/-5.8%, 84.8+/-6.2%, and 89.0+/-3.8%, respectively. This method was employed successfully to follow the time course of the concentration of cefatrizine and clavulanic acid in beagle dogs following oral administration of cefatrizine and clavulanic acid.

Administration, Oral↗

Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin inhibits cell growth and cell cycle arrest via a prostaglandin E(2) independent pathway.

Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, a cyclic oligosaccharide known for its interaction with the plasma membrane induces several events in cells including cell growth and anti-tumor activity. In this study, we have investigated the possible role of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in cell growth arrest induced by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin in Raw264.7 macrophage cells. Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin inhibited cell growth and arrested the cell cycle, and this cell cycle arrest reduced the population of cells in the S phase, and concomitantly reduced cyclin A and D expressions. Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin in a dose- and time-dependent manner, also induced COX-2 expression, prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) synthesis, and COX-2 promoter activity. Pretreatment of cells with NS398, a COX-2 specific inhibitor completely blocked PGE(2) synthesis induced by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, however inhibition on cell proliferation and cell cycle arrest was not effected, suggesting non-association of COX-2 in the cell cycle arrest. These results suggest that methyl-beta-cyclodextrin induced cell growth inhibition and cell cycle arrest in Raw264.7 cells may be mediated by cyclin A and D1 expression.

Animals↗

Enhanced rectal bioavailability of ibuprofen in rats by poloxamer 188 and menthol.

To improve the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble ibuprofen in the rectum with poloxamer and menthol, the effects of menthol and poloxamer 188 on the aqueous solubility of ibuprofen were investigated. The dissolution and pharmacokinetic study of ibuprofen delivered by the poloxamer gels composed of poloxamer 188 and menthol were then performed. In the absence of poloxamer, the solubility of ibuprofen increased until the ratio of menthol to ibuprofen increased from 0:10 to 4:6 followed by an abrupt decrease in solubility above the ratio of 4:6, indicating that four parts menthol formed eutectic mixture with six parts ibuprofen. In the presence of poloxamer, the solutions with the same ratio of menthol to ibuprofen showed abrupt increase in the solubility of ibuprofen. The poloxamer gel with menthol/ibuprofen ratio of 1:9 and higher than 15% poloxamer 188 showed the maximum solubility of ibuprofen, 1.2mg/ml. Menthol improved the dissolution rates of ibuprofen from poloxamer gels. Release mechanism showed that the release rate of ibuprofen from the poloxamer gels without menthol was independent of the time but the drug might be released from the poloxamer gels with menthol by Fickian diffusion. Furthermore, the poloxamer gel with menthol (poloxamer/menthol/ibuprofen (15%/0.25%/2.5%)) gave significantly higher initial plasma concentrations, C(max) and AUC of ibuprofen than did solid suppository, indicating that the drug from poloxamer gel could be more absorbed than that from solid one in rats. Thus, the poloxamer gel with poloxamer 188 and menthol was a more effective rectal dosage form for ibuprofen.

Administration, Rectal↗