title: Phycocyanin liposomes for topical anti-inflammatory activity: in-vitro in-vivo studies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this work was to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of C-phycocyanin (C-PC) on skin inflammation after topical administration and the influence of liposomal delivery on its pharmacokinetic properties.
  
  
  METHODS
  Liposomes of different size and structure were prepared with different techniques using soy phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol. Vesicular dispersions were characterised by transmission electron microscopy, optical and fluorescence microscopy for vesicle formation and morphology, dynamic laser light scattering for size distribution, and Zetasizer for zeta-potential. C-PC skin penetration and permeation experiments were performed in vitro using vertical diffusion Franz cells and human skin treated with either free or liposomal drug dispersed in a Carbopol gel.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The protein was mainly localised in the stratum corneum, while no permeation of C-PC through the whole skin thickness was detected. Two percent C-PC-encapsulating liposomes showed the best drug accumulation in the stratum corneum and the whole skin, higher than that of the corresponding free 2% C-PC gel. Moreover, skin deposition of liposomal C-PC was dose dependent since skin accumulation values increased as the C-PC concentration in liposomes increased. The topical anti-inflammatory activity of samples was evaluated in vivo as inhibition of croton oil-induced or arachidonic acid-induced ear oedema in rats.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results showed that C-PC can be successfully used as an anti-inflammatory drug and that liposomal encapsulation is effective in improving its anti-inflammatory activity.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Universitá di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Manconia
authors.forename: Jehzabel
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pendás
authors.forename: Nurys
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ledón
authors.forename: Tomás
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Moreira
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sinico
authors.forename: Luciano
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Saso
authors.forename: Anna Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Fadda
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D003436:Croton Oil; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods; D004423:Ear; D004487:Edema / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008081:Liposomes; D008297:Male; D010798:Phycocyanin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051381:Rats; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism; D012869:Skin Absorption
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D008081:Liposomes; D010798:Phycocyanin; D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D003436:Croton Oil