Evaluation Of Curcumin Loaded Mepeg-pcl Nanoparticle For Prevention Of Posterior Capsular Opacification

Abstract

Purpose: : Selective death of the LECs is an effective target for PCO prevention. Curcumin has established as a potent antiproliferative agent, but major constraint remains its poor solubility and bioavailability. This study was conducted to evaluate if nanoparticle mediated delivery of curcumin can enhance its antiproliferative and apoptotic activity and prevent posterior capsular opacification

Methods: : MePEG-PCL nanoparticles of curcumin has been formulated and characterized. Its in-vitro uptake, antiproliferative and apoptotic activity was compared with free curcumin in lens epithelial cells. Free curcumin or Curcumin nanoparticle was injected intracamerally following lensectomy in rabbit eye and PCO was evaluated by slit lamp biomicroscopy, histopathology and immunostaining of αSMA. Aqueous humor was tapped for evaluation of curcumin by HPLC. The toxicity of curcumin nanoparticle on the intraocular structures was evaluated by tonometry, specular microscopy, and electroretinography and histopathology

Results: : MePEG-PCL nanoparticles had smooth surface and the percentage yield and encapsulation was 96.68±1.02 and 90.1±1.29. Dynamic Light Scattering showed average size and zeta potential to be 84.61± 0.79, 39 ±3.12. Curcumin nanoparticles showed similar cellular uptake but enhanced apoptotic activity than free curcumin in-vitro.In-vivo curcumin nanoparticles were available in the aqueous humor for longer time. Histopathology of nanocurcumin treated lens capsule showed decreased proliferation and migration of LECs to the posterior capsule and weak expression of αSMA compared to the control. Mean IOPs of the treated eyes was not significantly different baseline lines values. There was no adverse change in corneal endothelial cells and ERGs did not change significantly following curcumin nanoparticle treatment

Conclusions: : MePEG-PCL curcumin nanoparticle reduces PCO without causing any toxicity to intraocular structures

Keywords: cataract • EMT (epithelial mesenchymal transition) • refractive surgery: complications