Freeze-dried liposomes as potential carriers for ocular administration of cytochrome c against selenite cataract formation.
OBJECTIVE
In this study, the preparation, stability and anti-cataract effect of cationic freeze-dried liposomes containing cytochrome c, along with nicotinamide and adenosine, are described.


METHODS
Cytochrome c-loaded cationic liposomes (CC-L) were prepared by the thin-layer evaporation technique and lyophilized to obtain freeze-dried cytochrome c liposomes (CC-F). The influence of the preparation components on the liposomal encapsulation efficiency and the stability were studied. The anti-cataract effect of the CC-F was demonstrated through attenuating lens opacity development with slit lamp examination in rats with selenite-induced cataract.


RESULTS
Our study indicates that: (1) the liposomal encapsulation efficiency increased with increasing phosphatidylcholine content and reduced in the presence of stearylamine. Moreover, optimal encapsulation efficiency was obtained at an appropriate ratio of phosphatidylcholine to cholesterol; (2) CC-F was stable for at least 12 months at 4 degrees C; (3) satisfactory improvements in lens opacity were shown in the cytochrome c-treated groups, especially for the CC-F-treated group with the decreased percentage of lens opacity at about 28% at the final examination.


CONCLUSIONS
CC-F were shown to be stable superior ophthalmic carriers and were able to markedly retard the onset of cataract development.
Zhang
Jing
J
School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China.
Guan
Peipei
P
Wang
Tianyi
T
Chang
Di
D
Jiang
Tongying
T
Wang
Siling
S
D000818:Animals; D002386:Cataract / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D045304:Cytochromes c / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D004355:Drug Stability; D005612:Freeze Drying; D008081:Liposomes / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D018038:Sodium Selenite
D004337:Drug Carriers; D008081:Liposomes; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D045304:Cytochromes c; D018038:Sodium Selenite