Purpose – To provide preliminary evidence of the possible use of Sertoli cells (SC) as drug carriers to treat lung infections. This idea is supported by the phagocytic and immune competence of SC, which distributed to the perialveolar area when injected intravenously in mice. Methods- A low soluble antibiotic metal complex encapsulated into spray-dried PLA microspheres (MS) was used as a model system to be loaded into SC. The MS were characterized in terms of morphology, drug content and release. SC and MS were incubated and phagocytosis was monitored over 24 hours. The uptake was measured by HPLC at determined time points and followed over 6 days. SC viability and morphology were assessed together with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage over time. A preliminary antibacterial activity was assessed in vitro. Results- SC successfully internalized drug loaded MS with an uptake around 20% at 5 hours that increased to 30% until day two. The uptake in SC remained constant up to 6 days and viability was maintained over time as well. No damages were observed by evaluating ROS and DNA on controls and treated SC at all time points. The treated SC were viable and capable of maintaining the amount of drug in the cell constant throughout the experiment. An in vitro activity against pseudomonas strain was observed for SC alone and it was increased in the presence of the drug. Conclusion- SC were able to bear a high load of MS over time without showing significant damages. Either loaded or alone, SC showed antibacterial activity. These preliminary results encourage further studies to understand the real potential of SC as drug delivery vehicles.
Sertoli cells as potential drug carriers to treat lung infections: a preliminary study
GIOVAGNOLI, Stefano;LUCA, Giovanni;MANCUSO, FRANCESCA;ARATO, IVA;CALVITTI, Mario;PIRODDI, MARTA;PIETRELLA, Donatella;SCHOUBBEN, Aurelie Marie Madeleine;BLASI, PAOLO;GALLI, Francesco;MORETTI, Massimo;BECCHETTI, Ennio;RICCI, Maurizio;CALAFIORE, Riccardo
2012
Abstract
Purpose – To provide preliminary evidence of the possible use of Sertoli cells (SC) as drug carriers to treat lung infections. This idea is supported by the phagocytic and immune competence of SC, which distributed to the perialveolar area when injected intravenously in mice. Methods- A low soluble antibiotic metal complex encapsulated into spray-dried PLA microspheres (MS) was used as a model system to be loaded into SC. The MS were characterized in terms of morphology, drug content and release. SC and MS were incubated and phagocytosis was monitored over 24 hours. The uptake was measured by HPLC at determined time points and followed over 6 days. SC viability and morphology were assessed together with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage over time. A preliminary antibacterial activity was assessed in vitro. Results- SC successfully internalized drug loaded MS with an uptake around 20% at 5 hours that increased to 30% until day two. The uptake in SC remained constant up to 6 days and viability was maintained over time as well. No damages were observed by evaluating ROS and DNA on controls and treated SC at all time points. The treated SC were viable and capable of maintaining the amount of drug in the cell constant throughout the experiment. An in vitro activity against pseudomonas strain was observed for SC alone and it was increased in the presence of the drug. Conclusion- SC were able to bear a high load of MS over time without showing significant damages. Either loaded or alone, SC showed antibacterial activity. These preliminary results encourage further studies to understand the real potential of SC as drug delivery vehicles.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
