Purpose: To test long-term ocular toxicity and analgesic/anti-inflammatory efficacy of two novel ocular formulations of neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) antagonist Aprepitant. Methods: for toxicity studies, two Aprepitant formulations (X and Y) were tested on C57BL/6 N mice. Gold standards were 0.4% Oxybuprocaine, 0.1% Diclofenac, or saline. For efficacy studies, C57BL/6 N mice underwent corneal alkali burn, and then received Aprepitant formulation X, Dexamethasone or saline. Eye-drops were applied 3 times/day for 90 days (toxicity) and 14 days (efficacy). Stromal opacity, corneal epithelial damage, nociception and sensitivity were assessed in vivo. The eye-wiping test and corneal sensitivity were assessed to evaluate analgesic efficacy and nerve function. At the end of the experiments mice were euthanized, and corneas were dissected for immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR analyses. Results: In normal mice, formulation X was not toxic when topically administered for 90 days. Formulation Y was associated with increased leukocyte infiltration in the cornea (p < 0.001). X1 and X2 formulations significantly reduced corneal pain, as Diclofenac and Oxybuprocaine, but did not reduce corneal sensitivity. Formulation Y, instead, was not analgesic at any time point. In the alkali burn model, X1 and X2 formulation enhanced epithelial damage recovery, and reduced inflammation both at day 7 and 14. Moreover, formulation X showed a stronger analgesic effect when compared to the saline and Dexamethasone groups (p < 0.01). Finally, formulation X1 and X2 restored corneal sensitivity by promoting corneal nerve regeneration. Conclusions: Aprepitant X formulation is a promising candidate for the treatment of pain associated with inflammation of the ocular surface.

Topical formulations of Aprepitant are safe and effective in relieving pain and inflammation, and drive neural regeneration / Bonelli, F.; Demirsoy, I.; Lasagni Vitar, R. M.; Fonteyne, P.; Ferrari, G.. - In: THE OCULAR SURFACE. - ISSN 1542-0124. - 30:(2023), pp. 92-103. [10.1016/j.jtos.2023.09.004]

Topical formulations of Aprepitant are safe and effective in relieving pain and inflammation, and drive neural regeneration

Ferrari G.
Ultimo
2023-01-01

Abstract

Purpose: To test long-term ocular toxicity and analgesic/anti-inflammatory efficacy of two novel ocular formulations of neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) antagonist Aprepitant. Methods: for toxicity studies, two Aprepitant formulations (X and Y) were tested on C57BL/6 N mice. Gold standards were 0.4% Oxybuprocaine, 0.1% Diclofenac, or saline. For efficacy studies, C57BL/6 N mice underwent corneal alkali burn, and then received Aprepitant formulation X, Dexamethasone or saline. Eye-drops were applied 3 times/day for 90 days (toxicity) and 14 days (efficacy). Stromal opacity, corneal epithelial damage, nociception and sensitivity were assessed in vivo. The eye-wiping test and corneal sensitivity were assessed to evaluate analgesic efficacy and nerve function. At the end of the experiments mice were euthanized, and corneas were dissected for immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR analyses. Results: In normal mice, formulation X was not toxic when topically administered for 90 days. Formulation Y was associated with increased leukocyte infiltration in the cornea (p < 0.001). X1 and X2 formulations significantly reduced corneal pain, as Diclofenac and Oxybuprocaine, but did not reduce corneal sensitivity. Formulation Y, instead, was not analgesic at any time point. In the alkali burn model, X1 and X2 formulation enhanced epithelial damage recovery, and reduced inflammation both at day 7 and 14. Moreover, formulation X showed a stronger analgesic effect when compared to the saline and Dexamethasone groups (p < 0.01). Finally, formulation X1 and X2 restored corneal sensitivity by promoting corneal nerve regeneration. Conclusions: Aprepitant X formulation is a promising candidate for the treatment of pain associated with inflammation of the ocular surface.
2023
Aprepitant
Inflammation
Neural regeneration
NK1R
Pain
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
1 (12).pdf

solo gestori archivio

Tipologia: PDF editoriale (versione pubblicata dall'editore)
Licenza: Copyright dell'editore
Dimensione 8.96 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
8.96 MB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri   Richiedi una copia

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11768/161297
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? 1
  • Scopus 3
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 4
social impact