Metabolic parameters in Wistar rats treated with glucocorticosteroids and Vitamin E-charged poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles

Abstract

Glucocorticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment in many inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Their administration can be associated with various side effects, similar to those within the metabolic syndrome. The beneficial effects of vitamin E in metabolic syndrome were demonstrated by many studies. Nowadays, vitamin E can be administrated through a new and innovative system delivery, such as polylactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles (PLGA-NPs). The aim of this experimental study was to compare the metabolic and haematological parameters after Prednisone administration as a single drug or in combination with vitamin E delivered by PLGA-NPs. Wistar male rats (n=15, age 10-12 months), on standard diet were randomised in three groups, for 6 weeks as: group SC served as a control, group SP was treated with Prednisone (1 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage and group SN received Prednisone (1 mg/kg/day) and vitamin E-charged PLGA nanoparticles (1 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage. In the Prednison treated group versus control, higher levels (p<0.05) were demonstrated for visceral fat weight, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), cholesterolemia and triglyceridemia. The association of PLGA-NPs charged with vitamin E to Prednisone prevented (p<0.05) hypercholesterolemia and visceral fat development induced by the cortisol intake. In conclusion, polylactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles (PLGA-NPs) charged with Vitamin E may demonstrate promising results in decreasing side effects induced by glucocorticosteroids, by reducing the amount of visceral fat and cholesterolemia.