Enhanced in vivo delivery of 5-fluorouracil by ethosomal gels in rabbit ear hypertrophic scar model

Int J Mol Sci. 2014 Dec 9;15(12):22786-800. doi: 10.3390/ijms151222786.

Abstract

Applying Ethosomal Gels (EGs) in transdermal drug delivery systems has evoked considerable interest because of their good water-solubility and biocompatibility. However, there has not been an explicit description of applying EGs as a vehicle for hypertrophic scars treatment. Here, a novel transdermal EGs loaded with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU EGs) was successfully prepared and characterized. The stability assay in vitro revealed that 5-FU EGs stored for a period of 30 days at 4 ± 1 °C had a better size stability than that at 25 ± 1 °C. Furthermore, using confocal laser scanning microscopy, EGs labeled with Rhodamine 6 G penetrated into the deep dermis of the hypertrophic scar within 24 h in the rabbit ear hypertrophic model suggested that the EGs were an optional delivery carrier through scar tissues. In addition, the value of the Scar Elevation Index (SEI) of 5-FU EGs group in the rabbit ear scar model was lower than that of 5-FU Phosphate Buffered Saline gel and Control groups. To conclude, these results suggest that EGs delivery system loaded 5-fluorouracil is a perfect candidate drug for hypertrophic scars therapy in future.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Animals
  • Antimetabolites / administration & dosage*
  • Cell Line
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
  • Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / drug therapy*
  • Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / genetics
  • Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / metabolism
  • Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / pathology
  • Collagen Type I / genetics
  • Collagen Type I / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Drug Stability
  • Female
  • Fluorouracil / administration & dosage*
  • Gels
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Liposomes
  • Rabbits

Substances

  • Antimetabolites
  • Collagen Type I
  • Gels
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Liposomes
  • Fluorouracil