Topical Lyogel Containing Corticosteroid Decreases IgE Expression and Enhances the Therapeutic Efficacy Against Atopic Eczema

Abstract

Hydrocortisone cream intended for atopic eczema often produces unwanted side effects after long-term use. These side effects are essentially due to repeated percutaneous administration of the medication for skin dermatitis, as atopic eczema is a relapsing disorder. Hence, there is a need to develop a new hydrocortisone formulation that will deliver the drug more effectively and require a reduced dosing frequency; therefore, the side effects could be minimized. In this study, a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) lyogel system based on 80% organic and 20% aqueous solvents containing 1% hydrocortisone was formulated. The hydrocortisone lyogel physicochemical characteristics, rheological properties, stability profile, and in vitro Franz cell drug release properties, as well as the in vivo therapeutic efficacies and dermal irritancy in Balb/c mice were investigated. The HPMC lyogel appeared clear and soft and was easy to rub on the skin. The lyogel also showed a higher drug release profile compared with commercial hydrocortisone cream. Similar to the cream, HPMC lyogels exhibited pseudoplastic behavior. From the mouse model, the hydrocortisone lyogel showed higher inflammatory suppressive effects than the cream. However, it did not reduce the transepidermal water loss as effectively as the control did. The dermal irritancy testing revealed that the hydrocortisone lyogel caused minimal irritation. In conclusion, HPMC lyogel is a promising vehicle to deliver hydrocortisone topically, as it showed a higher drug release in vitro as well as enhanced therapeutic efficacy in resolving eczematous inflammatory reaction compared with commercial cream.

Silk Fibroin as a Functional Biomaterial for Drug and Gene Delivery

“…Moreover, SF-loaded GOx demonstrated enhanced thermal and pH stability [92]. Topical application of SF lyogels (gel system in which the pores are filled with both organic and non-organic solvents) containing hydrocortisone in a mouse model of atopic eczema resulted in decreased expression of IgE and enhanced the efficacy of hydrocortisone compared to the commercially available hydrocortisone cream [93]. Moreover, SF lyogels have also been used for stabilising monoclonal antibodies.…”

Aloe gel: manipulation and characterization of physical-chemical quality adjustment

“…Topically applied formulations should preferably be viscous when inert and become more fluid when administered to the skin [27]. The rheological characteristic referring to the change in viscosity with the application time is thixotropy [26], and according to Mateus et al [22], an increase in the viscosity of the gel prolongs the release of the drug causing it to improve patient compliance with treatment as it will reduce the number of applications.…”