In a new study, researchers found a way to enhance the efficacy and prolonging the duration of action of a drug commonly used to treat joint inflammation.
The innovation involves lipid nanoparticles containing a high concentration of naproxen, which is gradually released into the affected joint to sustain the desired effect for up to 10 days.
The research was conducted by a team from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP).
The team describes their tests of a methodology using the anti-inflammatory drug naproxen in rats with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) inflammation.
The TMJ connects the jawbone to the skull. Temporomandibular disorder is a problem affecting the muscles used in chewing, speaking and other mouth movements.
Results of experiments with animals showed that sustained delivery of the drug to the TMJ significantly reduced the migration of defense cells (leukocytes) to the joint for up to a week and induced low levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α, which are immune response regulators.
These results showed that the inflammation was minimized.
The team says the enhanced efficacy of the drug in the inflamed joint was due above all to two strategies: the gradual release of naproxen by the lipid nanocapsules into the affected region, and administration by injection [rather than orally].
These two factors prolonged the action of the anti-inflammatory drug without undesirable side effects, such as skin rash or stomach bleeding.
Moreover, these results were observed in a joint that is not always effectively treated with this drug.
According to the researchers, although the model used in the study was TMJ inflammation, a condition that affects some 10% of the world population, the innovation has potential applications in the treatment of inflammation in other joints.
One author of the study is Eneida de Paula, a professor at UNICAMP’s Institute of Biology.
The study is published in the journal Scientific Reports.
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