Design of solid lipid nanoparticles for caffeine topical administration

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) are drug carriers possessing numerous features useful for topical application. A copious scientific literature outlined their ability as potential delivery systems for lipophilic drugs, while the entrapment of a hydrophilic drug inside the hydrophobic matrix of SLN is often difficult to obtain.To develop SLN intended for loading caffeine (SLN-CAF) and to evaluate the permeation profile of this substance through the skin once released from the lipid nanocarriers. Caffeine is an interesting compound showing anticancer and protective effects upon topical administration, although its penetration through the skin is compromised by its hydrophilicity.SLN-CAF were formulated by using a modification of the quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion technique (QESD) and characterized by PCS and DSC analyses. In vitro percutaneous absorption studies were effected using excised human skin membranes (i.e. Stratum Corneum Epidermis or SCE).SLN-CAF were in a nanometric range (182.6 ± 8.4 nm) and showed an interesting payload value (75% ± 1.1). DSC studies suggest the presence of a well-defined system and the successful drug incorporation. Furthermore, SLN-CAF generated a significantly faster permeation than a control formulation over 24 h of monitoring.SLN-CAF were characterized by valid dimensions and a good encapsulation efficiency, although the active to incorporate showed a hydrophilic character. This result confirms the suitability of the formulation strategy employed in the present work. Furthermore, the in vitro evidence outline the key role of lipid nanoparticles in enhancing caffeine permeation through the skin

Pentraxin-3 in late-preterm newborns with hypoxic respiratory failure.

The aim of this study was: echocardiographical assessment of cardiac alterations in late-preterm newborns with hypoxic respiratory failure (HRF), and, study serum pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) in relation to the severity of respiratory impairment and to some echocardiographic parameters (i.e. ejection fraction (EF), stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO). We enrolled in this study 40 newborn infants whose 22 (group I) with moderate HRF and 18 (group II) with severe HRF. In group I the mean values of EF, SV and CO were significantly higher than in the group II. Our results showed a significant increase of PTX-3 in group II patients at 24h of life when compared to group I. Taking patients all together (n=40), we found a significant (R=-73) reverse correlation between EF and serum values of PTX-3. PTX-3 in our patients with HRF is affected by the severity of the hypoxic insult and correlate with the cardio-vascular impairment

Chirurgia reiterativa morfofunzionale in paziente con malattia di von Recklinghausen. Case report

Neurofibromatosis 1 is an autosomal dominant disease with an estimated incidence 1:2500 to 1:3000 live newborns. The disease presents with multiple cutaneous and non cutaneous lesions. NF1 occurs with equal frequency in males and females and has been identified in all ethnic group. The morbidity and the mortality caused by NF1 are the result of complications that may involve any of the body systems. This disease has been linked with mutations of the NF1 gene which encodes tumor suppressor neurofibromin. At least half of patients with NF1 will have only cutaneous involvement that is not considered to be a major medical problem, even though it can be a source of psychologic burden as a result of cosmetic disfigurement. The cardinal features of the disorder are cafè-au-lait spots, axillary freckling, cutaneous neurofibromas and Lisch nodules, but there are a lot of wide variety of complications affecting almost every system of the body, including the eyes (optic glioma), the nervous system (intracranial tumors), the skeleton (short stature, scoliosis), the endocrine and cardiovascular system (hypertension). Manifestations of NF1 vary at different times in an individual’s life. Substantial variability exists among affected members of a single family. This variability confounds clinical management and the severity of the disease cannot be predicted. We present a case in young woman 24 years-old treated by reiterative plastic surgery

Design of solid lipid nanoparticles for caffeine topical administration

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) are drug carriers possessing numerous features useful for topical application. A copious scientific literature outlined their ability as potential delivery systems for lipophilic drugs, while the entrapment of a hydrophilic drug inside the hydrophobic matrix of SLN is often difficult to obtain.To develop SLN intended for loading caffeine (SLN-CAF) and to evaluate the permeation profile of this substance through the skin once released from the lipid nanocarriers. Caffeine is an interesting compound showing anticancer and protective effects upon topical administration, although its penetration through the skin is compromised by its hydrophilicity.SLN-CAF were formulated by using a modification of the quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion technique (QESD) and characterized by PCS and DSC analyses. In vitro percutaneous absorption studies were effected using excised human skin membranes (i.e. Stratum Corneum Epidermis or SCE).SLN-CAF were in a nanometric range (182.6 ± 8.4 nm) and showed an interesting payload value (75% ± 1.1). DSC studies suggest the presence of a well-defined system and the successful drug incorporation. Furthermore, SLN-CAF generated a significantly faster permeation than a control formulation over 24 h of monitoring.SLN-CAF were characterized by valid dimensions and a good encapsulation efficiency, although the active to incorporate showed a hydrophilic character. This result confirms the suitability of the formulation strategy employed in the present work. Furthermore, the in vitro evidence outline the key role of lipid nanoparticles in enhancing caffeine permeation through the skin