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Therapeutic potential of biodegradable microparticles containing Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) in murine model of asthma

Inflammation Research volume 62, pages 971–980 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective and design

Among the options for treatment of diseases affecting the respiratory system, especially asthma, drug delivering systems for intranasal application represent an important therapeutic approach at the site of inflammation. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of biodegradable microparticles formed by poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) containing encapsulated pomegranate extract on a murine model of asthma.

Material

The extract was acquired from the leaves of P. granatum and characterized qualitatively by HPLC. A w/o/w emulsion solvent extraction–evaporation method was chosen to prepare the microparticles containing pomegranate encapsulated extract (MP).

Treatment

OVA-sensitized BALB/c mice were used as asthma model and treated with dexamethasone and P. granatum extract in solution form or encapsulated into microparticles.

Results

MP were able to inhibit leukocytes’ recruitment to bronchoalveolar fluid, especially, eosinophils, decreasing cytokines (IL-1β and IL-5) and protein levels in the lungs.

Conclusions

This approach can be used as an alternative/supplementary therapy based on the biological effects of P. granatum for managing inflammatory processes, especially those with pulmonary complications.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico do Maranhão (FAPEMA) and Universidade Ceuma, São Luis, Maranhão. We would like to thank the technician Ana Cleia Pestana from the Universidade Ceuma for the assistance in the histological sections.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pró-Reitoria de Pós-Graduação, Pesquisa e Extensão, Universidade CEUMA (UNICEUMA), Rua Josué Montello, 1, São Luís, Maranhão, 65075-120, Brazil

    Jéssica F. F. de Oliveira, Marcos A. G. Grisotto & Roberto Nicolete

  2. Instituto Florence de Ensino, Rua Rio Branco, 216, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil

    Diego V. Garreto

  3. Department of Pathology, Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Biological and Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), São Luís, Maranhão, 65085-580, Brazil

    Mayara C. P. da Silva, Thiare S. Fortes & Flávia R. F. Nascimento

  4. Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14040-903, Brazil

    Rejane B. de Oliveira & Fernando B. Da Costa

  5. Laboratório de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz—Fiocruz Rondônia, Rua da Beira 7671, Porto Velho, Rondônia, 76812-245, Brazil

    Roberto Nicolete

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  1. Jéssica F. F. de Oliveira
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  2. Diego V. Garreto
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  3. Mayara C. P. da Silva
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  5. Rejane B. de Oliveira
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  8. Marcos A. G. Grisotto
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  9. Roberto Nicolete
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Correspondence to Roberto Nicolete.

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Responsible Editor: Ji Zhang.

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de Oliveira, J.F.F., Garreto, D.V., da Silva, M.C.P. et al. Therapeutic potential of biodegradable microparticles containing Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) in murine model of asthma. Inflamm. Res. 62, 971–980 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00011-013-0659-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00011-013-0659-3

Keywords

  • Punica granatum L.
  • Inflammation
  • Asthma
  • Microparticles
  • Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)