Sustained intra-articular release of celecoxib in an equine repeated LPS synovitis model.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research article presents a study on the sustained release of celecoxib, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), specifically within the joint space using an in situ forming hydrogel, for treating synovial inflammation commonly found in arthritic disorders like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Research Objectives and Methodology
The core aim of the researchers was to develop an effective treatment for joint inflammation by administering celecoxib directly into the joint. The researchers incorporated celecoxib into a propyl-capped PCLA-PEG-PCLA triblock copolymer hydrogel and injected it directly into the joint space.
- The primary focus was to reduce undesirable systemic side effects associated with oral administration while maintaining effective concentrations of the drug in the joint space.
- The researchers used an equine model with repeated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced synovitis to evaluate the effect of two different concentrations of celecoxib (40 mg/g and 120 mg/g).
- The intra-articular release of the drug, systemic exposure to celecoxib and local changes at the joint level were measured over a period of time.
Research Findings
The findings from the study showed that a single injection of the high dose (HCLB)-gel or low dose (LCLB)-gel resulted in a regulated and sustained release of celecoxib within the joint, with minimal systemic exposure.
- The induced synovitis and lameness in the model were moderate and very mild respectively due to the low LPS concentration used.
- Both celecoxib formulations resulted in a mild, transient effect on the inflammatory and structural biomarkers in the synovial fluid, which returned to baseline within a week.
- The higher concentration celecoxib formulation significantly inhibited the peak white blood cell concentration 8 hours after LPS induction, indicating a reduction in the inflammation response.
- Elevated levels of the celecoxib drug were observed in the joint for up to 30 days, although no overall anti-inflammatory effects were observed, possibly due to the moderate synovitis induced in this model.
Implications and Conclusions
The researchers concluded that despite not observing an overall anti-inflammatory effect in the equine model, the sustained release of celecoxib from within the joint using in situ forming hydrogels could still have potential therapeutic benefits.
- This method may have advantages in terms of reducing systemic side effects and prolonging drug retention in the joint, which could potentially provide longer-term relief from inflammatory joint pain in human and animal patients.
- However, further evaluation and research are recommended before any conclusive benefits can be established.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Dept. Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands. Electronic address: S.M.Cokelaere@uu.nl.
- Dept. Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- InGell Labs BV, L.J. Zielstraweg 1, 9713 GX Groningen, The Netherlands.
- InGell Labs BV, L.J. Zielstraweg 1, 9713 GX Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Dept. Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Dept. Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Dept. Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Dept. Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / administration & dosage
- Biomarkers / analysis
- Celecoxib / administration & dosage
- Delayed-Action Preparations / administration & dosage
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Horses
- Humans
- Hydrogels / administration & dosage
- Injections, Intra-Articular
- Lipopolysaccharides / immunology
- Male
- Polyesters
- Polyethylene Glycols
- Synovial Fluid / chemistry
- Synovitis / drug therapy
- Synovitis / immunology
Citations
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