Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Poloxamer”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Enhanced oral bioavailability of ibuprofen in rats by poloxamer gel using poloxamer 188 and menthol.

To improve the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble ibuprofen with poloxamer and menthol, the effects of menthol and poloxamer 188 on the aqueous solubility of ibuprofen were investigated. The dissolution and pharmacokinetic study of ibuprofen delivered by the ibuprofen-loaded preparations composed of poloxamer 188 and menthol were then performed. In the absence of poloxamer, the solubility of ibuprofen increased until the ratio of menthol to ibuprofen increased from 0:10 to 4:6 followed by an abrupt decrease in solubility above the ratio of 4:6, indicating that four parts menthol formed eutectic mixture with six parts ibuprofen. In the presence of poloxamer, the solutions with the same ratio of menthol to ibuprofen showed an abrupt increase in the solubility of ibuprofen. The poloxamer gel with menthol/ibuprofen ratio of 1:9 and higher than 15% poloxamer 188 showed the maximum solubility of ibuprofen, 1.2 mg/mL. The simultaneous addition of menthol and poloxamer 188 significantly improved the dissolution rates of ibuprofen from aqueous solution due to the ibuprofen solubility-improving effect of menthol in the presence of poloxamer. Furthermore, the ibuprofen-loaded preparation with menthol and poloxamer 188 gave significantly higher initial plasma concentrations, Cmax, and AUC of ibuprofen than did the preparation without menthol and poloxamer 188, indicating that the simultaneous addition of menthol and poloxamer 188 could improve the oral bioavailability of ibuprofen in rats. In modern pain management it is always desirable for the ibuprofen-loaded preparation with poloxamer 188 and menthol to show a rapid onset of action with a minimal phase of lag time to feel the decreased pain. From an industry point of view, it is more desirable for a formulation to be fast acting, easy to use, and cost effective. Thus, the ibuprofen-loaded preparation with poloxamer 188 and menthol was a more effective oral dosage form for poorly water-soluble ibuprofen.

Administration, Oral↗

Causative factors behind poloxamer 188 (Pluronic F68, Flocor)-induced complement activation in human sera. A protective role against poloxamer-mediated complement activation by elevated serum lipoprotein levels.

Poloxamer 188 is a complex polydisperse mixture of non-ionic macromolecules. Adverse non-IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions occur in some individuals following intravenous injection of poloxamer 188-based pharmaceuticals, presumably via complement activation. Here we have delineated potential causal chemical and biological interactive factors behind poloxamer 188-induced complement activation in human serum specimens. We identified the molecular constituents inherent in poloxamer 188 preparations and studied their effect on generation of the two complement split products, SC5b-9 and Bb. Poloxamer 188 activated complement at sub-micellar concentrations and the results indicated the potential involvement of all three known complement activation pathways. The poloxamer-induced rise of SC5b-9 in human sera was abolished in the presence of a recombinant truncated soluble form of complement receptor type 1, thus confirming the role of C3/C5 convertases in the activation process. Poloxamer 188-mediated complement activation is an intrinsic property of these macromolecules and was independent of the degree of sample polydispersity, as opposed to other non-polymeric constituents. Poloxamer 188 preparations also contained unsaturated chains of diblock copolymers capable of generating SC5b-9 in human sera; this effect was terminated following the removal of double bonds by catalytic hydrogenation. By quasi-elastic light scattering, we established interaction between poloxamer and lipoproteins; interestingly, poloxamer-induced rise in SC5b-9 was significantly suppressed when serum HDL and LDL cholesterol levels were increased above normal to mimic two relevant clinical situations. This observation was consistent with previously reported data from patients with abnormal or elevated lipid profiles where no or poor complement activation by poloxamer 188 occurred. Our findings could provide the basis of novel approaches to the prevention of poloxamer-mediated complement activation.

Complement Activation↗

Enhanced rectal bioavailability of ibuprofen in rats by poloxamer 188 and menthol.

To improve the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble ibuprofen in the rectum with poloxamer and menthol, the effects of menthol and poloxamer 188 on the aqueous solubility of ibuprofen were investigated. The dissolution and pharmacokinetic study of ibuprofen delivered by the poloxamer gels composed of poloxamer 188 and menthol were then performed. In the absence of poloxamer, the solubility of ibuprofen increased until the ratio of menthol to ibuprofen increased from 0:10 to 4:6 followed by an abrupt decrease in solubility above the ratio of 4:6, indicating that four parts menthol formed eutectic mixture with six parts ibuprofen. In the presence of poloxamer, the solutions with the same ratio of menthol to ibuprofen showed abrupt increase in the solubility of ibuprofen. The poloxamer gel with menthol/ibuprofen ratio of 1:9 and higher than 15% poloxamer 188 showed the maximum solubility of ibuprofen, 1.2mg/ml. Menthol improved the dissolution rates of ibuprofen from poloxamer gels. Release mechanism showed that the release rate of ibuprofen from the poloxamer gels without menthol was independent of the time but the drug might be released from the poloxamer gels with menthol by Fickian diffusion. Furthermore, the poloxamer gel with menthol (poloxamer/menthol/ibuprofen (15%/0.25%/2.5%)) gave significantly higher initial plasma concentrations, C(max) and AUC of ibuprofen than did solid suppository, indicating that the drug from poloxamer gel could be more absorbed than that from solid one in rats. Thus, the poloxamer gel with poloxamer 188 and menthol was a more effective rectal dosage form for ibuprofen.

Administration, Rectal↗

Release of ciprofloxacin from chondroitin 6-sulfate-graft-poloxamer hydrogel in vitro for ophthalmic drug delivery.

The system was designed to use Poloxamer as a vehicle for ophthalmic drug delivery using in situ gel formation property. To enhance the wound healing and cell adhesion as well as transparency of Poloxamer hydrogel, chondroitin 6-sulfate (C6S) was introduced into Poloxamer. For this purpose, mono amine-terminated Poloxamer (MATP), which was end-capped with ethylene amine group only in one side of terminal hydroxyl groups of Poloxamer, was synthesized. Subsequently, C6S-graft-Poloxamer copolymer (C6S-g-Poloxamer) was prepared by reaction between the amine groups of MATP and carboxyl groups of C6S in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carboimide (EDC). The coupling of MATP with C6S was clarified by 1H-NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. The gelation temperature of graft copolymers was determined by measuring the temperature at which immobility of the meniscus in each solution was first noted. Release behavior of ciprofloxacin from C6S-g-Poloxamer hydrogel in vitro was investigated as a function of C6S content in the graft copolymer by a spectrophotometric assay at 287 nm using an UV spectrophotometer. Differences in the adhesion and morphology of human lens cell between Poloxamer- and C6S-g-Poloxamer-coated surfaces were also investigated. The gelation temperatures of C6S-g-Poloxamer copolymers were lowered with increasing of the concentration of the copolymer and decreasing of C6S content. The release of ciprofloxacin from the graft copolymer was sustained compared with Poloxamer itself and decreased with increasing the content of C6S in the copolymer due to the in situ gel formation of the copolymer and viscous properties of C6S. Human lens cells (B3) adhered to C6S-g-Poloxamer-coated surface were observed as transformed shapes after 2 days. The bioadhesive and thermally gelling of these graft copolymers will be expected to be an excellent drug carrier for the prolonged delivery to surface of the eye.

Cells, Cultured↗

Improved solubility and in vitro dissolution of Ibuprofen from poloxamer gel using eutectic mixture with menthol.

To improve the solubility and in vitro dissolution of poorly water-soluble ibuprofen with poloxamer and menthol, the effects of menthol and poloxamer 188 on the aqueous solubility of ibuprofen were investigated. The dissolution study of ibuprofen delivered by poloxamer gels composed of poloxamer 188 and menthol were performed. In the absence of poloxamer, the solubility of ibuprofen increased until the ratio of menthol to ibuprofen increased from 0:10 to 4:6, followed by an abrupt decrease in solubility above the ratio of 4:6, indicating that 4 parts of ibuprofen formed eutectic mixture with 6 parts of menthol. In the presence of poloxamer 188, the solutions with the same ratio of menthol to ibuprofen showed abrupt increase in the solubility of ibuprofen. Furthermore, the solution with ratio of 4:6 showed more than 2.5- and 6-fold increase in the solubility of ibuprofen compared with that without poloxamer and that without menthol, respectively. The poloxamer gel with menthol/ibuprofen ratio of 1:9 and higher than 15% poloxamer 188 showed the maximum solubility of ibuprofen, 1.2 mg/ml. Menthol improved the dissolution rates of ibuprofen from poloxamer gels. Dissolution mechanism showed that the dissolution rate of ibuprofen from the poloxamer gels without menthol was independent of the time, but the drug might be dissolved from the poloxamer gels with menthol by Fickian diffusion. Thus, the poloxamer gels developed using eutectic mixture with menthol, which gave the improved solubility and dissolution of drug, are potential candidates for ibuprofen-loaded transdermal and rectal delivery system.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

Effects of poloxamer 407 on the assembly, structure and dissolution of fibrin clots.

Poloxamer 407 has shown clinical promise in suppressing surgically related adhesion formation. The mechanisms by which this occurs are not well understood. Since poloxamer 188 has rather dramatic fibrin altering properties, the present study was performed to evaluate the effects of poloxamer 407 on fibrin assembly, structure and dissolution. Studies were performed in platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-poor plasma (PPP) and a purified protein system. Poloxamer 407 enhanced the rate of fibrin assembly, and increased final gel turbidity. As poloxamer 407 concentration rose from 0 to 20 mg/ml in the purified protein system, the final gel optical density (OD) increased from 0.30 to 0.95, and fiber size (mass/length ratio [mu]) increased from 2.4 to 13.4 x 10(13) daltons/cm. Precipitation was noted in the purified system at poloxamer 407 concentrations > or = 20 mg/ml. Over a poloxamer 407 range of 0-20 mg/ml, mu increased from 2.64 to 13.2 x 10(13) daltons/cm in PRP. In PPP, mu increased from 2.95 to 9.25 x 10(13) daltons/cm. In contrast to results with poloxamer 188, clot lysis with tPA (43 IU/ml) was prolonged in the presence of poloxamer 407. At 20 mg of poloxamer 407 per ml, clot lysis was less than 18% complete after 3000 s. For the control, lysis was 50% complete after 1350 s. Poloxamer 407 inhibition of fibrinolysis was due to inhibition of plasminogen activation or plasmin activity. The fibrin altering properties of poloxamer 407 may partially explain some of this agent's interesting clinical properties.

Blood Coagulation↗

Poloxamer 407-mediated changes in plasma cholesterol and triglycerides following intraperitoneal injection to rats.

Poloxamer (Pluronic) nonionic surfactant vehicles are a series of chemically-related block copolymers finding widespread use in parenteral formulations as solubilizing and wetting agents for traditional, low-molecular weight organic drug molecules, as well as stabilizing agents for proteins and polypeptide drugs. We report the effects of poloxamer 407 (Pluronic F-127) on plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in rats. Poloxamer 407 injected into rats by intraperitoneal injection (dose = 1.5 gm/kg) resulted in sustained (greater than 96 hour) hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. A larger dose of poloxamer 407 was required to elevate plasma triglyceride relative to total cholesterol. Ingestion of commercial rat chow had a negligible effect on plasma cholesterol and triglycerides levels in control (no poloxamer injection) animals, but consumption of food by animals that received an intraperitoneal injection of poloxamer 407 (30% w/w) resulted in significantly (p < .05) greater elevations in plasma cholesterol and triglycerides than in fasted animals administered poloxamer 407. The route of poloxamer 407 administration, namely intramuscular vs. intraperitoneal injection, was observed to be a more important factor for poloxamer-induced elevations in plasma cholesterol than poloxamer-mediated elevations in plasma triglycerides. Our results also provide suggestive evidence that the mechanism responsible for the elevation of plasma cholesterol following intraperitoneal injection of a poloxamer 407 solution (30% w/w) to rats may be due to stimulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-co-enzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity in the liver by the poloxamer vehicle.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

A comparative evaluation of Poloxamer 407 and oxidized regenerated cellulose (Interceed [TC7]) to reduce postoperative adhesion formation in the rat uterine horn model.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if Poloxamer 407 (poloxamer, Pluronic F-127; BASF Wyandotte Corp., Parsippany, NJ) is as effective as Interceed(TC7) (Ethicon, a Johnson and Johnson company, Sommerville, NJ) in preventing postoperative adhesion formation using the rat uterine horn model and to determine if the presence of blood or lactated Ringer's solution affects the effectiveness of Poloxamer 407. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: Sprague-Dawley white rats, weighing 225 to 250 g in a conventional laboratory setting. The left or right sidewall was randomly assigned to receive no treatment (control), Interceed(TC7), or poloxamer. INTERVENTIONS: Each uterine horn and ipsilateral sidewall was subjected to a standardized lesion of denudation. To evaluate the barrier agents in the presence of blood, a sidewall vessel was ligated and a thrombus allowed to form. To evaluate the effectiveness of lactated Ringer's solution, 10 mL was injected intraperitoneally after abdominal closure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Degree of adhesion formation was evaluated 14 days after surgery. RESULTS: The adhesion score for the poloxamer-treated animals was significantly lower than its control. Interceed(TC7) did not reduce adhesion formation as compared with its control. In animals that received both poloxamer and Interceed(TC7) on either side, the poloxamer-treated sides had a significantly lower adhesion score than Interceed(TC7)-treated sides. The presence of blood and lactated Ringer's reduced the adhesion-reducing properties of poloxamer. CONCLUSION: In this model, poloxamer is more effective than Interceed(TC7) in the prevention of postoperative adhesion formation. These findings also suggest that the presence of blood compromises the effectiveness of poloxamer to prevent postoperative adhesion formation, therefore requiring complete hemostasis before poloxamer's application. Lactated Ringer's instillation was ineffective in reducing adhesion formation on the control or poloxamer-treated sidewall.

Animals↗

Physicochemical characterization and in vivo evaluation of poloxamer-based solid suppository containing diclofenac sodium in rats.

To develop a poloxamer-based solid suppository with poloxamer mixtures, the melting point of various formulations composed of poloxamer 124 (P 124) and poloxamer 188 (P 188) were investigated. The dissolution and pharmacokinetic study of diclofenac sodium delivered by the poloxamer-based suppository were performed. Furthermore, the identification test in the rectum and morphology test of rectal tissues were carried out after its rectal administration in rats. The poloxamer mixtures composed of P 124 and P 188 were homogeneous phases. Very small amounts of P 188 affected the melting point of poloxamer mixtures. In particular, the poloxamer mixture [P 124/P 188 (97/3%)] with the melting point of about 32 degrees C was a solid form at room temperature and instantly melted at physiological temperature. Very small amounts of P 188 hardly affected the dissolution rates of diclofenac sodium from the suppository. Dissolution mechanism analysis showed the dissolution of diclofenac sodium was proportional to the time. The poloxamer-based suppository gave significantly higher initial plasma concentrations and faster T(max) of diclofenac sodium than did conventional PEG-based suppository, indicating that the drug from poloxamer-based suppository could be absorbed faster than that from PEG-based one in rats. It retained in the rectum for at least 4 h and could not irritate or damage the rectal tissues of rats. Thus, the poloxamer-based solid suppository with P 124 and P 188 was a mucoadhesive, safe and effective rectal dosage form for diclofenac sodium.

Adhesives↗

Physicochemical characterization of diclofenac sodium-loaded poloxamer gel as a rectal delivery system with fast absorption.

Rectal poloxamer gel systems composed of poloxamers and bioadhesive polymers were easy to administer to the anus and were mucoadhesive to the rectal tissues without leakage after the dose. However, a poloxamer gel containing diclofenac sodium could not be developed using bioadhesive polymers, since the drug was precipitated in this preparation. To develop a poloxamer gel using sodium chloride instead of bioadhesive polymers, the physicochemical properties such as gelation temperature, gel strength, and bioadhesive force of various formulations composed of diclofenac sodium, poloxamers, and sodium chloride were investigated. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic study of diclofenac sodium delivered by the poloxamer gel was performed. Diclofenac sodium significantly increased the gelation temperature and weakened the gel strength and bioadhesive force, while sodium chloride did the opposite. The poloxamer gels with less than 1.0% sodium chloride, in which the drug was not precipitated, were inserted into the rectum without difficulty and leakage, and were retained in the rectum of rats for at least 6 hr. Furthermore, poloxamer gel gave significantly higher initial plasma concentrations and faster Tmax of diclofenac sodium than did solid suppository, indicating that drug from poloxamer gel could be absorbed faster than that from the solid one in rats. Our results suggested that a rectal poloxamer gel system with sodium chloride and poloxamers was a more physically stable, convenient, and effective rectal dosage form for diclofenac sodium.

Adhesiveness↗

Effect of a composite membrane of chitosan and poloxamer gel on postoperative adhesive interactions.

Excessive postoperative adhesion formation is a major result of surgery. The adhesion reduction effects of a chitosan membrane and poloxamer gel barrier were measured in a rat peritoneal model. Forty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (control, poloxamer, chitosan, and poloxamer+chitosan sandwich). Two cm2 of cecal serosa and the adjacent abdominal wall were abraded. The denuded cecum was covered with either a chitosan membrane, a poloxamer gel, chitosan in a sandwich configuration with poloxamer on both sides, or neither (control group) and apposed to the abdominal wall. Fourteen days after surgery adhesions were graded using a whole-number scoring system of zero to five. Adhesion strength was determined using a whole-number system of one to four. Adhesion area was measured on a continuous scale of adhesion severity. Adhesion grades were highest in the control group (5.00 +/- 0.00) and were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the poloxamer group (3.50 +/- 1.35), the chitosan group (1.64 +/- 1.63), and the poloxamer+chitosan group (1.18 +/- 1.25). The two chitosan-containing groups also had significantly (P < 0.05) reduced adhesion grades in comparison with the poloxamer group. Adhesion area in both chitosan-containing groups was reduced in comparison with control and adhesion strength was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) in all groups compared with control. The poloxamer+chitosan group had significantly (P < 0.05) reduced adhesion strength versus poloxamer only. There was a significant (P < 0.05) linear correlation (r = 0.931, P < 0.001) between adhesion grade and adhesion strength. We conclude that chitosan and the combination of poloxamer+chitosan were shown to effectively reduce adhesion area, grade, and strength.

Adhesiveness↗

Preparation of semi-interpenetrating polymer networks composed of chitosan and poloxamer.

Through semi-interpenetration of polymer networks with poloxamer, mechanical properties of chitosan (CS) sponge were increased for wound dressing application. Synthesis of poloxamer macromer was confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectra. Possible interactions between CS and poloxamer in semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (SIPNs), and changes in crystalline structures of both polymers were evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Swelling behavior, thermal analysis, mechanical properties, and morphology of SIPNs were studied by thermal gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), compressive modulus measurement, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Preparation of poloxamer macromer, and intermolecular hydrogen bonding between CS and poloxamer were confirmed by NMR and FTIR, respectively. Melting temperature of poloxamer in SIPNs decreased due to prevention of crystallization by incorporation of CS. Formation of SIPNs with poloxamer and increasing poloxamer content in CS/poloxamer SIPNs increased mechanical strength of CS sponge compared with CS/poloxamer blend. Formation of SIPNs with poloxamer remarkably increased water content of CS due to hydrophilicity of CS and poloxamer. These results suggest CS/poloxamer sponges prepared by SIPNs method have good possibility for wound dressing application owing to rapid water adsorption, high mechanical strength, and interconnected cross-sectional morphology of SIPNs.

Adsorption↗

Purified poloxamer 188 for sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis.

OBJECTIVE: To review available literature on the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, toxicology, adverse effects, drug interactions, and dosage guidelines for purified poloxamer 188, a product in Phase III trials. DATA SOURCES: Reviewers searched the following databases for English-language studies: MEDLINE (1966-November 2003), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-November 2003), and the Cochrane Library Database (3rd quarter 2003). Key search terms included purified poloxamer 188, Flocor, CRL-5861, poloxamer 188, RheothRx, and pluronic F-68. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Data on efficacy, adverse effects, and pharmacokinetics were obtained from randomized, open-label, and blinded clinical trials. Toxicology data were obtained from unpublished studies with purified poloxamer 188 and from available data on poloxamer 188 (nonpurified form). DATA SYNTHESIS: Purified poloxamer 188 is a highly purified form of the nonionic block copolymer poloxamer 188. It lowers blood viscosity, decreases red blood cell (RBC) aggregation, and decreases friction between RBCs and vessel walls to increase microvascular blood flow and decrease cell injury. In clinical trials, purified poloxamer 188 demonstrated safety, but little efficacy for the treatment of sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis. Increased efficacy has been shown in patients on concurrent hydroxyurea therapy and those <15 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Purified poloxamer 188 represents a new approach to the management of the sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis. Children and patients on hydroxyurea may benefit most from purified poloxamer 188 therapy. Further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and to determine whether the drug decreases sickle cell disease severity and complications.

Adolescent↗

Poloxamer-188 as an adjunct to primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction.

Poloxamer-188 is a surfactant polymer with antithrombotic and hemorheologic properties that make it potentially useful as an adjunct to acute reperfusion strategies. Animal studies and early human studies have documented poloxamer-188 to be effective at improving myocardial salvage when used as an adjunct to intravenous thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction. The current trial was a prospective pilot study involving 150 patients who were randomized in a 2:1 fashion to a poloxamer-188 infusion for 48-hours versus placebo. The poloxamer-188 infusion was well tolerated subjectively. The only clinically significant laboratory abnormality noted was an elevation in the serum creatinine above 2.0 g/dl in 12% (n = 12) of the 98 poloxamer-188 treated patients versus 1 of the 52 (2%) of the placebo treated patients (p = 0.048). Clinical end points including reinfarction (1% vs 4%), cardiogenic shock (7% vs 6%), and death (9% vs 4%) were statistically similar in the poloxamer-188 and placebo groups, respectively (p = NS). Using quantitative nuclear techniques, final infarct size and myocardial salvage were statistically similar in the poloxamer-188 and placebo groups. Mean left ventricular ejection fractions 1 week post after infarction were 51% +/- 12% in the poloxamer-188 group and 52% +/- 13% in the placebo group (p = NS). Final infarct size, was not altered by the poloxamer- 188 infusion; however, it was significantly correlated with normal perfusion (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction grade 3 flow) in the infarct vessel after angioplasty. This study documented poloxamer-188 to be ineffective as an adjunct to primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction and resulted in azotemia in 12% of the patients.

Aged↗

Poloxamer 407 (P-407)-mediated reduction in the gene expression of ATP-binding-cassette transporter A1 may contribute to increased cholesterol in peripheral tissues of P-407-treated rats.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether poloxamer 407, a chemical known to increase plasma lipid levels in rodents following parenteral administration, decreased the gene expression of ATP-binding-cassette transporter A1. Using human macrophages cultured with poloxamer 407, there was a significant reduction in the gene expression of ATP-binding-cassette transporter A1; however, there was no effect on the gene expression of either fatty acid synthase or sterol regulatory element binding protein-1. Reduction of ATP-binding-cassette transporter A1 mRNA levels was also observed in both liver and intestine of poloxamer 407-treated rats. When macrophages were cultured with poloxamer 407, the percent of cholesterol effluxed decreased in a concentration-dependent fashion, both in the absence and presence of a synthetic liver X receptor agonist. Lastly, total and unesterified (free) cholesterol concentrations were determined in the liver and 9 peripheral tissues of poloxamer 407- and saline-injected (control) rats. In every tissue, the concentration of total cholesterol for poloxamer 407-treated rats was significantly greater than the corresponding value for controls. Our findings would seem to suggest that the poloxamer 407-mediated reduction in both ATP-binding-cassette transporter A1 gene expression and cellular cholesterol efflux may potentially be one factor that contributes to the accumulation of cholesterol and cholesteryl esters in the liver and 9 peripheral tissues of poloxamer 407-treated rats. Furthermore, the surprising specificity by poloxamer 407 for inhibition of ATP-binding-cassette transporter A1 gene expression over fatty acid synthase and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 may potentially be due to either disruption of a transcriptional cofactor required for ATP-binding-cassette transporter A1 gene expression, or enhanced turnover of ATP-binding-cassette transporter A1 mRNA.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1↗

Reduction in reperfusion-induced myocardial necrosis in dogs by RheothRx injection (poloxamer 188 N.F.), a hemorheological agent that alters neutrophil function.

BACKGROUND: Reperfusion after prolonged coronary artery occlusion may be followed by additional myocardial necrosis persisting for hours to days. Potential mechanisms include neutrophil-mediated injury and compromised flow within the microcirculation of the reperfused myocardium. Poloxamer 188 is a nonionic surfactant with beneficial hemorheological and neutrophil-inhibitory properties. The purpose of the present study was to determine if poloxamer 188 is capable of reducing the myocardial injury associated with sustained reperfusion and to examine the effect of treatment duration. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three groups of closed-chest dogs underwent 90 minutes of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion (angioplasty balloon) and 72 hours of reperfusion. Poloxamer 188, formulated as RheothRx Injection (Burroughs Wellcome Co), was given as a 75 mg/kg IV bolus 15 minutes before reperfusion followed by a 150 mg.kg-1.h-1 continuous IV infusion for 4 hours (n = 13) or 48 hours (n = 13); control dogs (n = 12) received saline for 48 hours. The 48-hour infusion of poloxamer 188 resulted in a 42% reduction in infarct size (as a percent of the area at risk) compared with the control group (25.0 +/- 4.2% versus 43.3 +/- 4.3%, P D .01), whereas the 4-hour group demonstrated a 25% reduction in infarct size compared with the control group (32.4 +/- 4.3%, P = .08). ANCOVA demonstrated that the 48-hour infusion of poloxamer 188 reduced myocardial infarct size independent of differences in collateral blood flow (P = .002 versus control). A trend toward infarct size reduction was observed in the 4-hour infusion group (P = .098 versus control by ANCOVA). Plasma creatine phosphokinase concentration was lower in both poloxamer 188-treated groups (P < .05 versus control). Global left ventricular ejection fraction at 72 hours of reperfusion was improved in the 48-hour infusion group compared with the control group (43 +/- 3.1% versus 33 +/- 2.0%, P < .05), whereas ejection fraction in the 4-hour group was 37 +/- 1.3% (P = NS versus control). Regional ventricular function was also significantly better in the 48-hour infusion group compared with the control group. In vitro studies demonstrated that at concentrations comparable to those achieved in vivo, poloxamer 188 inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis. This finding may represent a beneficial mechanism of action. CONCLUSIONS: A 48-hour infusion of poloxamer 188 reduced myocardial infarct size and improved left ventricular function in this dog model of 90 minutes of coronary artery occlusion and 72 hours of reperfusion. The finding that the 4-hour infusion of poloxamer 188 did not result in similar benefits suggests that additional reperfusion injury occurred between 4 and 48 hours.

Animals↗

Effects of poloxamer 188 on the assembly, structure and dissolution of fibrin clots.

Poloxamer 188, N.F. (RheothRx), a nonionic block copolymer composed of 2 hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chains connected by a hydrophobic polyoxypropylene chain, normalizes the viscosity of whole blood high in soluble fibrin(ogen) complexes. Normalization may be via a poloxamer 188-induced decrease in fibrin(ogen)-red cell interaction. Our study examined the influences of poloxamer 188 on fibrin assembly and structure. Studies were performed in both purified and plasma systems with a poloxamer 188 concentration range of 0.1-20 mg/ml and specific clotting conditions (fibrinogen 1 mg/ml, thrombin 1 NIH u/ml, pH 7.4 [Tris 0.05 M], ionic strength 0.15 and calcium 5 mM). Fibrin assembly was accelerated in the presence of poloxamer 188. As poloxamer 188 concentration was increased from 0 to 8 mg/ml in plasma: a) the lag phase prior to initial turbidity rise decreased from 25 to less than 5 s; b) the final gel optical density (OD) increased from 0.65 to 1.28 and c) fiber size (mass/length ratio [mu]) increased from 4.3 to 12.6 x 10(13) daltons/cm. Similar results were seen in the purified system with a poloxamer 188 concentration range of 0-8 mg/ml. OD increased from 0.26 to 0.51, and mu increased from 2.3 to 5.3 x 10(13) daltons/cm. Above 8 mg/ml, precipitation of fibrinogen was noted in this system. Since large fibrin fibers tend to be degraded more rapidly, possible poloxamer mediated enhancement of r-tPA-mediated clot lysis was investigated. With r-tPA (70 lu/ml) present at the time of clotting, clot lysis in the presence of ploxamer 188 (8 mg/ml) was 50% complete at 1,600 s compared to 2,540 s for the control. Thus, poloxamer 188-induced alterations in fibrin structure and fibrin-cell interactions may explain some of this agent's interesting hemorrheologic and antithrombotic properties.

Blood Coagulation↗

Enhanced anti-tumor activity and alleviated hepatotoxicity of clotrimazole-loaded suppository using poloxamer-propylene glycol gel.

To develop a novel clotrimazole-loaded poloxamer-based suppository with enhanced anti-tumor activity and alleviated hepatotoxicity, the melting point of various formulations composed of P 188 and propylene glycol were investigated. The dissolution and anti-tumor activity of clotrimazole delivered by the poloxamer-based suppository was performed. Furthermore, the hepatotoxicity of clotrimazole was carried out after its rectal administration compared to oral administration in mice. The poloxamer mixtures composed of P 188 and propylene glycol were homogeneous phases. P 188 greatly affected the melting point of poloxamer mixtures. In particular, the poloxamer mixture [P 188/propylene glycol (70%/30%)] with the melting point of about 32 degrees C was a solid form at room temperature and instantly melted at physiological temperature. The ratio of P 188/propylene glycol greatly affected the dissolution rates of clotrimazole from poloxamer-based suppository. Dissolution mechanism analysis showed the dissolution rate of clotrimazole from poloxamer-based suppositories was independent of the time. The clotrimazole-loaded suppository with P 188 and propylene glycol could not irritate or damage the rectal tissues of rats and gave the improved anti-tumor activity in a dose-dependent manner at mouse. Furthermore, its rectal administration decreased the hepatotoxicity compared to oral administration. Thus, the poloxamer-based solid suppository system with clotrimazole/P 188/propylene glycol was an effective rectal dosage form for the treatment of tumors with alleviated adverse effects.

Animals↗