title: Semi-solid topical formulations containing nimesulide-loaded nanocapsules showed in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity in chronic arthritis and fibrovascular tissue models.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of topical gel containing nimesulide-loaded nanocapsules using experimental models in vivo, and to compare the anti-inflammatory activity of two nimesulide preparations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Male Wistar rats (200-250 g) treated with gel containing empty nanocapsules (GEN); gel containing nimesulide in the free form (GNFF) or gel containing nimesulide-loaded nanocapsules (GNN).
  
  
  METHODS
  Nanoprecipitation methods were used to prepare the colloidal suspension. In-vivo experimental models of paw edema, acute and chronic arthritis, and granuloma formation were used. The gels were applied topically in all models.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The nanocapsules had an average particle size of 344.6 nm ± 4.33 and a polydispersity index of 0.251 ± 0.002. The models of acute inflammation (paw edema and arthritis) showed that GNFF and GNN were able to inhibit the inflammatory process with similar efficacy. Moreover, nanoencapsulation significantly increased the anti-inflammatory activity of nimesulide in two chronic inflammation models (chronic arthritis and granuloma). The GNFF- and GNN-induced inhibition of inflammation in the chronic arthritis model were 27.75 and 81.5%, respectively. Similarly, GNFF and GNN reduced granuloma formation by 2.82 and 36.66%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nanoencapsulation increased the anti-inflammatory activity of topical nimesulide in chronic inflammation models.
authors.affiliation: Franciscan University Center, UNIFRA, Santa Maria, RS CEP 97010-032, Brazil. qflenz@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Quéli Fernandes
authors.initials: QF
authors.lastname: Lenz
authors.forename: Sílvia Schaffazick
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Guterres
authors.forename: Adriana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pohlmann
authors.forename: Marta Palma
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Alves
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001169:Arthritis, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D002351:Carrageenan; D004487:Edema / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D005782:Gels; D006099:Granuloma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D053769:Nanocapsules / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D005782:Gels; D053769:Nanocapsules; D013449:Sulfonamides; D002351:Carrageenan; C012655:nimesulide